TygerBurger | Brackenfell | E-edition | 22 July 2026

CALL TO ALIGN ‘CAPITAL BUDGETWITHREALITY’

Petitioncalls fordevelopment freeze

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

ApetitiontoCape Town executive Mayor GeordinHill-Lewis is calling fora moratorium on newlanduse rights in Brackenfell Boulevard, Vredekloof and De Bron catchment area until acumulative trafficimpact assessment is conducted.

The petition follows the Municipal PlanningTribunal’s approval of the Glengarry MixedUse Development at 41 CharlesDrive, granting amassive development basket of 2073 residential units and 26 000m²ofcommercial space.

“Following our ongoingconcerns and theTygerberg Business Chamber’s formal follow-up correspondencetourban mobiliy MaycomemberRoberto Quintas in June, thesituation has escalated dramatically,” says Leon Brynard of the Vredekloof City Improvement District.

“Compounding this, we have become aware of theR585 million CapeGate Office Precinct launching in 2027, which will introduceanadditional 11 000m² of commercial space and658 permanent parkingbays to ourimmediate roads withouta public participation window,” he says.

“When we layer these two massive projectsontop of the imminent opening of thenew Bracken Heights High School in 2027, our local road networkfaces

total paralysis. The City is continuing to approve intensive rightsinisolation, completely ignoring the cumulative impact on Brackenfell Boulevard and the N1 bridge.”

“The formal 21-day appeal window for the Charles Drive development closed on 9July, but was restricted only to those who formally objected originally, hence the petition to create pressure on the mayor who acts as the ultimate appeal authority,”says Brynard.

NEGATIVEEFFECTONBUSINESS

Thepetition calls for the physical dualling of Brackenfell Boulevardfrom De Bron Road, over the N1 bridge, to Frans Conradie Drive to be included in the City’s immediatecapital budget before further development is approved. According to the petition, individual developer traffic impact assessments do not reflect the wider network impact. It states that the City should not rely on back-ended developer charges to address regional infrastructure needs.

DONDERDAG23JULIE

. Alle Wes-Kaapse GEPF-pensioenarisse en staatsdienspersoneelworduitgenooi om die vergadering vandie Association forMonitoring and Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP), 'n waghond oordie Regeringspensioenfonds, by te woon.Dit is dieeerste keer datAMAGP in die Wes-Kaapvergader en dien ook as diestigtingsvergadering vandie Wes-Kaapse struktuur vanAMAGP.Dit beginom11:00 by dieNG kerk Stellenberg. Onder diesprekersisZirkGous,voorsittervan AMAGP,enStrini Govendor, koördineerder: massa-mobilisasievan AMAGP. Kontak AlbinBowler by albinbowler@gmail.comombywoning te bevestig.

FRIDAY24JULY

. TheFriendsofDurbanville Librarywillpresent theirusual month-end book sale in thelibrary hallon Friday 24 andSaturday25July. Thebooksalewillbe open on Friday from 09:00to16:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Therewillbeloads of booksto choose from at astonishingly good prices

SATURDAY25JULY

. TheEgyptianSociety of South Africa willbehaving their DaySchoolonSaturday25July, at the Hellenic CommunityHall, MountainRoad, Woodstock from 09:45–16:00.This year's theme is "Explorersofthe Ancient World",and features three speakers. Prof Sebastianvan As willopen with alecture titled: "Hanno theCarthaginian (c.500 BCE)". He will be followed by ProfessorPhilipBosman with "Pytheas of Massalia (c.310 BCE)". Afterathree-courselunch, Joseph Koetsierwillpresent:"EudoxusofCyzicus(c.120BCE). The priceofR375per person includes three lectures,tea breakwithGreek biscuits and athree-courseGreekstylelunch. Bookingsare open until 16 July. Contact JosKoetsieron084 7743972and sherab.koetsier@ gmail.com

. Bargainhuntersare encouragedtosupport the Home ofHopeCharityShop in TableView, located at 215Blaauwberg Road.The shop offersa varietyof affordablegoods including clothing, books,toysand householditems,withevery purchase contributing towardsthe care and support of children and young adults affectedbyprenatalalcoholexposure.

. Cape Town's world-renowned CollegeofMagic opens itsdoorstothe next generation of youngperformers giving families arareopportunitytoexplore theCollege's historicVictorian homeinClaremont, meet itsinstructors, experiencealivelessonand discoverhow learning magicdevelopsskills thatextend farbeyond the stage. TheOpenDay,taking placefrom 09:00 to 11:00,isaimed at children aged 10 to 13 and theirfamilies.The CollegeofMagic is locatedat215 Imam HaronRoad, Claremont.Parking is availableon site. To reserveaplace,email info@collegeofmagic. comorWhatsApp062 519 1177

SUNDAY26JULY

. Edgemead’sLargest Indoor Secondhand Market takesplace at the Edgemead CommunityHall, 83 EdgemeadDrive,from09:00 to 14:00. Bargains galore

MONDAY27JULY

. Families and carers of people living with schizophrenia areinvited to attend an onlinesupportmeeting hosted by FamilySupportfor Schizophrenia at 19:00.AnitaMcKenzie,support groupleader coordinatorofthe South AfricanDepressionand AnxietyGroup (Sadag), and TracyFeinstein, the organisation's call centremanager, willdiscuss the support services available through Sadagand howfamilies andcaregiverscan access assistancefor themselvesand their lovedones.Toattend visit link https://familysupport. org.za/meetings or emailmail@familysupport.org.za

FRIDAY31JULY

. TheCenturyCityWinterNight Market transforms Century Cityintoaglowing winter escape filledwith live music, gourmet comfortfood, artisanstalls and a very cosy atmosphere.The marketrunsfrom16:00 to 21:00 at Intaka Island

SATURDAY1AUGUST

. Visit the Cape Town Gemand Mineral Club’s open dayfrom10:00 to 14:00at14a GoedeHoop Street, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Come and learnmoreabout thehobby of crystals,gems, and mineralspecimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls chat to ourmembers and find your special item.Plenty of off-roadparking.Foodavailable.All welcome, especially children.

WOENSDAG19AUGUSTUS

. TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklubsevolgende byeenkoms vindom09:30 vir 10:00 by dieNGkerk Parow-Welgelegen plaas. DiesprekersisArnéStander vanBabylonstoren ("Probleme op jouplante–plantinsekte.Nuutsteuitdagings, voordeleennadele, en hoe ons ditinons tuine kanbestuur") en De-Mara Bezuidenhout ("Elemente/beginselsvan ontwerp") Die tema vandie blommekunskompetisie is "Dans, dans, dans!" Teewordvanaf09:30 voorsien. Kontak Beatrix Lambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864

CapeTowngets goodmarksin ratingsreport

CapeTown has been ranked the only metro in South Africa classified as “highly financially sustainable” by the latest MunicipalFinancial Sustainability Index, with an overall score of 71 —afull 35 points above theaverage of 36 for the country'sremaining metros.

The Ratings Afrikareport released on 9 July statesthat“Cape Town remains the only metropolitan municipality classified as highly financially sustainable”, adding that “Cape Town’s strong financial position” is providingthe “capacity to invest in infrastructure” unlike other cities.

Ratings Afrikafurther warned that “without decisive intervention, municipalitieswill remain trapped in acycle of operating losses, worsening liquidity shortages anddeclining service delivery”

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Friday welcomedthis recognition, sayingthe report “affirms the progress made in ourvow thatCape Townwill be South Africa’s beacon of hope,avoiding thetragic collapse of infrastructure and services we sadly seeinother cities”.

“Good governance enables us to invest an SA-recordR40 billion in basic infrastructure overthe next three years,while still offering the lowest property ratesofSA’s cities. Around 130 000 construction-related jobs will flow from infrastructure investment in thecurrent term of office alone, with 75% of infrastructure spending directly benefitting lower-income households,”said theMayor.

MAJORUPGRADES

TheMSFIreport further notes that “Cape Townstands out with a[revenue] collection rateof98%”, amid an average 85,3% metro collection rate.

Overthe three-year budget framework, the City's most significant infrastructure investment is in water and sanitation, where R16,7 billion —representing 40% of total spending —has been allocated to major wastewater works upgrades, a R2 billion pipe replacement programme that quadruples the previous rateof replacement,and expanded water supply sources.

Theelectrical grid will receive R6 billion in upgrades and maintenance as the City prepares for adecentralised energy future with reduced reliance on Eskom, while roads and stormwater infrastructure will benefit from R3,7 billion earmarked for maintenance, pothole repairs and upgrades, alongside afurther R653 million directed at congestion relief.

Public transport receives amajor boost through R3,2 billion allocated to the MyCiTi Cape Flats expansion, while R3,3 billion has been set aside for informal settlement upgrading and state-subsidised housing.

Sportsfacilities will see R203 million in upgrades, and the Strandfontein Pavilion redevelopment has been allocated R300 million.

toneelstuk Die Kersfees Kramp.Sion Hanekom is genomineer vir bestebyspeler as‘n akteur.Nitania Erlank is genomineer vir beste byspeler as‘n

FROMPAGE1

The petition citesa road-user survey of 4 280 local respondents. It states that 78,1% regard the current bridge congestion as serious anddisruptive, while 67,3% say thegridlockhas hada“very negative” effect on their daily businessproductivity. It further claims that 94% of respondents support an immediate freeze on further approvals until theBrackenfell Boulevard bridge is widened to four lanes.The petition calls for residents and road users to signand submit their details beforethe appeal report is finalised.

SURVEYREVEALSSTAGGERINGFACTS

It statesthat94% of respondents support ahalt on furtherdevelopment on either side of the N1 until the bridge is widened to four lanes, with two lanes in each direction Thepetition claims thatacondition of theCharles Drive approval allows later

development phases to proceed based on updated, isolated developer studies rather than actual infrastructure delivery, and thus calls on the mayor to halt clearances beyond Phase 1ofthe Charles Drive development until construction of the Brackenfell Boulevard upgrade begins. It also calls for the publication of a progress report on the budget allocation and design completion for the Boulevard expansion, as well as abinding commitment between the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government and Sanral to widen the N1 bridge to two lanes in each direction.

Brynard says they need to get thousands of signatures directly onto the Mayor's desk before the appeal report is finalised.

“The buck stops with the mayor. It is time the City aligns itscapital budget with our reality.”

. To learn more about thepetition contact the Vredekloof CID at manager@vredekloof.co.za

Sentence pendingin Jamnecktrail

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

After athree-year trial, sentencing proceedings will start in the WesternCape High Courttomorrow in thematter of the devastating rape andmurder of eight-year-old Daniel Jamneck in Kraaifontein on 15 June 2023.

“As sentencing proceedings start, argumentsinmitigation andaggravation andthe possible submission of probation officers report will be heard,” NPA spokespersonEric Ntabazalila told TygerBurger on Friday.

On 22 May, acourt convicted the 49-yearold man, aprevious sexual offender,ofthe murder and rape of eight-year-old Daniël Jamneck, drawing to aclose aharrowing three-year legal ordeal.

Despite protesting hisinnocence throughout the proceedings,the offender faced overwhelmingevidence, including testimony from his own son.

The court heard that Daniël had been spending the night at afriend’s residence in Peerless Park North, Cape Town, on 15 June 2023. He was discovered deadinthe bed of his friend’s father, during the early hours.

Theculpritwas taken into custody soon after. The original murdercharge was

HARROWINGTHREE-YEAR TRAIL NEARLY CLOSED

broadened to include rape andsexual assault once post-mortem results were concluded. It latercame to light that he hadin2007 entered into aplea agreement withthe NPA regardingacrime in 2005, where a22-year old Brackenfellwoman wasdrugged and sexually assaulted.That case wasexamined anew during the trial.

ANOTHERRAPE

During an emotional interview with TygerBurger,in2023, thewoman told of herharrowingexperienceonthe night out withfriends that fateful day.

In 2007,the casewas resolved with a confession. He avoidedprison time after agreeing tocomplete asexualoffender rehabilitation programme.

“I was22and rememberbeing so scared. Prosecutors convinced me to enter into an agreement where Iwould withdraw the case, butthatthe offencewould go onto his record, andhewould undergo adiversion programme to rehabilitate asexualoffender,”she said. “I accepted this on thecondition that he successfully complete the programme; andifnot that the chargesagainst him wouldbe reinstated.”

This,however, never occurred according tothe woman,and without her knowledge he absconded fromthe programme after only four sessions.

“I wasutterly shocked to learn this.It wasthe NPA’s responsibility to make sure he completedthe programme andifnot, to reinstatechargesagainst him at the time. Daniel’sdeath could have been avoided, should have been avoided. How many otherchildren could he have harmed since then?” shetold TygerBurger.

The trial also heard deeply moving testimonyfrom the man’s son, who had been asleep on adouble bunk in the very room where the tragedy unfolded.

He becamethe first child in aSouth Africancourtroom to be supported by a therapy dogwhile giving evidence

Delivering its verdict, the court found the man guiltyofmurder andmultiple counts of rape, including those linked to the 2005 case

The case has stirred profound grieffar beyond the courtroom walls. Justice for Daniël Jamneck, agroup formed to follow the proceedings, exists for one simple purpose, to ensure thathis story is never forgotten.

Securityofficers catch‘robber’

Amalesuspect wastaken intocustody in Kraaifontein last week after allegedlyrobbing people at gunpoint near apedestrian footbridgeinHout Street —anareaknown forpedestrian robberies. Thearrest followedaswift responsefromthe Titanium Securitas armed responseteamon Tuesday, who pursued and cornered the suspect before handing him overtopolice.

According to Titanium spokesperson KobusKotze the incident wasreported at 11:40 when aresident alerted the team to the suspect's activities inthe area Officers immediatelyresponded,prompting the suspecttoflee on foot upon spotting their vehicles. “Our officers immediatelyresponded to the location. Upon noticingthe Titanium Securitas vehicles, the suspect fledonfoot.Officers pursued

Kry sake gouinorde, maan SASSA-streeksbestuurder

TARRYN-LEIGHSOLOMONS

TARRYN.EDITORIAL@GMAIL.COM

MetAugustus se uitbetaling van maatskaplike toelaes om die draai, doen Sassa ‘n beroep op begunstigdes in die Wes-Kaap om hul sake betyds in orde te kry om onnodige vertragings te voorkom. Volgens die agentskapmoet sowat 54 000 begunstigdes in die Wes-Kaap nog hul Sassa goue kaart metdie Postbank swart kaart vervang. Die kaartvervangingsproses word deur Postbank hanteer. Sassa se nuwestreeks- uitvoerende bestuurdervir die Wes-Kaap, Lungelwa SigasanaMakaula, sê die agentskap se grootste prioriteit is om te verseker dat begunstigdeshul toelaes betyds ontvang. “Ons prioriteit is om toetesien dat alle kliëntewat vir hersiening en lewensbevestiging geïdentifiseer is, hierdie prosesse binnedie voorgeskrewe tyd voltooi om enige vertragings met hul toelaes te voorkom,” sê Makaula.

Sy moedig begunstigdeswat steeds die gouekaart gebruik aan om so gou moontlik na die swart kaart of ‘n bankrekening van hulkeuse oor te skakel.

GROOTAANVRAAG

Volgens Sassa bly kantore in die Kaapsemetropool besonder besig namate meer mense hulp mettoelaagverwante

aangeleenthede benodig.

“Toegewyde personeel staan gereed om kliënte te help en hulle na die regte dienspunt te verwys, afhangende van die aard van hul navraag of probleem,” sê Makaula.

Sy erken ook dat onderbrekings in die departement van binnelandse sake se rekenaarstelsels die verwerking van sommige aansoeke vertraag het.

“Dit het gelei tot vertragings in die verwerking van aansoeke om toelaes Die probleme word aan die hoofkantoor gerapporteer, wat met die departement saamwerk om dit op te los,” sê sy.

MOENIESASSA-BOODSKAPPEIGNOREERNIE Sassa vra begunstigdes om nie kennisgewings oor hersienings of elektroniese lewensbevestiging te ignoreer nie, aangesien dit tot vertraagde of opgeskorte betalings kan lei.

Die agentskap doen ook ‘n beroep op mense om Sassa in kennistestel wanneer hul finansiële omstandighede, kontakbesonderhede of huwelikstatus verander.

“Begunstigdes moet waaksaam wees en nie hul persoonlike besonderhede aan mense gee wat voorgee hulle is Sassaamptenare nie. Sassa bied nie begrafnis- of lewensdekking aan nie,” sê sy.

Police to hold prayer walk against crime

Durbanvillepoliceishosting acrime prevention prayer driveonSaturday25July— starting at the policestation at 06:30 —toprotect the"gates" of Durbanville.

At 06:45theywillmeetatthe Checkers at Clara Anna Fontein, at 07:25 at thecorner of Jipde

him andsuccessfully corneredhim in Dorp Street, whereanimitationfirearm wasfound in his possession,”Kotzesaid.

Kraaifonteinpolicewas contacted and,upon arrival,took the suspect intocustody forfurther investigation relating to the possession of an imitationfirearm and attempted robbery.The victims subsequentlyopened an attempted robbery case against thesuspect.

Amember of the communitywho doesnot want to be named, welcomed the arrest. “This footbridgehas been ahotspot forrobberiesfor toolong. Residents have been living in fear,and it is encouraging to see quickactionfromthe securitycompany andpolice. We urge the communitytokeep reporting suspicious activity so that we canreclaim our streets.” -DESIRÉERORKE

Jagerand TygervalleyRoad, at 07:55atCapeGate Shopping Centre,and at 08:35 at theDurbanville Shooting Club

Anybody is welcome to join. . Contact Durbanville police at 021970 3800 or Durbanville.vispolsup@saps.gov.za

Localschools,fireupthebraai

High schools in Kraaifontein, Brackenfell and Durbanville could win R20 000 for the ultimate Heritage-inspired boerie roll.

CapeGate Shopping Centre is calling on local high schools to bring the flavour, gees and their best boerie game to the CG School’sBoerie Braai Challenge Competition. Entries arenow open, with four schools to be selected foralive finale at CapeGateonSaturday5 September.

This is no ordinary braai —itisafull school-pride showdown, where teams will need to servea Heritage-inspired boerie roll with big flavour, aclever story,a stand that draws acrowd and enough gees to fill the mall.

The stakes are juicy.The overall winning school gets R20 000 cash from CapeGate Shopping Centretosupport school initiatives and needs.Four category

LOCALSCHOOLSCALLED TO BRINGTHE GEES

prizesare alsoupfor grabs,with aR2 500 CapeGate Gift Card awardedtoeach schoolthatwins Best Gees, Best Looking Stand, BestTaste and Top Sales.

HOWTOENTER

To enter, schoolsneed to send their recipe, teamdetails,stand concept andplans for rallying supporters to marketing@capegatecentre.co.zaby Friday, 7August at 23:59. Entries must also include the ingredients and inspiration behindthe boerie roll, the proposed selling price andwhatthe school woulduse the prize money for if it wins. Selected schools will be notifiedon Wednesday12August.

“Heritage Month is aspecial time to celebratethe flavours, stories and spirit that bring ourcommunities together, and this challengegives schools afun way to do exactly that,” says Zoë Enslin, marketing managerofCapeGate Shopping Centre.“We arelooking for ideas with heart, flavourand school pride. Whether it is asecret sauce, afamily-inspired topping or astand thatgets the crowd cheering, we wanttosee what ourlocal schools can bringtothe braai.”

Onlyfour schoolswill make it through to thelive event, where they will cook, sell andpresent their boerie rolls to the public andjudges. Cheer squads are encouragedtocome alongand back their schools,although they may not assist with preparing or selling boerie rolls on the day.

So,ifyourschool’s boerie roll has the flavour, the story andthe school spirit to

stand out, thisisyour moment. Gather the cooks, the sellers, the decorators and the loudestsupporters, then show CapeGate why your school deserves to be crowned the CG School’sBoerie Braai Challenge Champion.

. Schoolsinterestedinentering theCG School's Boerie Braai Challenge should submit their entrytomarketing@capegatecentre.co.za before theclosing date of Friday 7August at 23:59. Ts &Csapply

Shopping centre hosts kennelpainting session

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Every year, Mariechen du Toit drives more than 400km from Calvinia to Cape Town, paintbrush in hand, to take part in something she believes in withall her heart

As the founder of Hantam Pet Paws, an animal outreach organisation operatingin impoverished rural areas andtownships

such as Blikkiesdorp in the Northern Cape, she knows exactly what apainted kennel means to adog thathas nowhere warm tosleep.

“Animalshave always been my passion, to take care of them,rescue those in need andprovide forever homes,”she says.

“Our organisation assists all animals in need in surrounding communities.Wealso collaborateclosely with organisations such as theAngel Project in Vredendaland Langebaan Fluffy Homes to place animals in new homes. Distanceisnot afactor when it comestorehoming. My friend Karin Ungerer and Ihave driven as far as Sedgefield and Wilderness to take adog to itsnew home.”

On Saturday 18 July, CapeGate Shopping Centre openedits centre court to families, volunteers and animal lovers such as Mariechen for thereturn of the annual Dogbox Project,aMandela Daytradition that turns painted kennels into warm, dry homesfor dogs thatneed them

ASPECIALLEGACY

The project began in 2012 as asingle MandelaDay gesture andhas grown into an annual event because the need has never gone away. Local shelters are often short of blankets andfood, but kennels remainthe biggest costand the hardest item formanyshelters to afford on their own

“Theresponse was overwhelming, and what began as asingle event blossomed into ayear-round mission, withDogBox hosting kennel-decorating events thatbring teams, communities, andorganisations together to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. Since ourfounding,we’ve partnered with companies like OldMutual, Wonga,

AchievementAwards Group, ProMeal, Hyprop and TygerValleyCentre,”says a spokespersonofthe organisation. “And while our Mandela Dayevent remains our flagship event each year, our ongoing initiatives haveresulted in nearly 2000 kennels donatedtodate.”

This year CapeGate andits partner businessessponsoredthe kennels,“Every Mandela Day,our centre fills with people whosimply want to help, and that is what makes The Dogbox Project so special.

Whether you bring ateam or come on your own, an hour of your time can give a dog somewhere safe and dry to sleep.” Kennels painted on the day will go to six shelters: Grace Animal Sanctuary, Fisantekraal Animal Welfare, Help aPaw, FarmPaws, Dead Animals Walking and Hantam Animal Rescue.

For Mariechen, the long drive from Calvinia is always worth it.Because somewhere in atownship or rural village, adog is waiting for akennel to call home.

MaryBehrensraak’nvolle100

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

"Om100 jaar oud te word, is 'n wonderwerk.Ekkan self nie glodat ek nou al 100 jaar op hierdie aarde is nie.”

So sê Mary Behrens, wat verlede week haar 100ste verjaardag met 'n swierige partytjie by Boeresjiek in Brackenfell gevier het —omring deur familie en vriende.

"Al moet ek stadiger beweeg en kanek nie meer so goed sien en hoor nie, pladit my nieregtig nie.

“Om 100 te word, voel vir my soos net nog 'n verjaarsdag. Dit is tog net nog'n syfer en nog 'n partytjie.”

Sy sê sy geniet steeds haarlewe omdat sy by haar dogter kan bly en gereeld haar kleinkinders en agterkleinkinderssien “Mybrein is helder en ek kannog baie dingevir myself doen,” sê sy.

Behrens brei steeds graag en het verlede jaar 100 pare sokkies vir'npre-primêre skoolinFisantekraal gebrei

“Dit het my laat voel dat ek nog iets vir my medemens kan doen.”

'DIEDIERBAARSTEMA'

Behrens, gebore Liddle, is op 13 Julie 1926inNylstroom gebore.

Haar ouers het later Pretoria toe getrek nadat haar pa werk by 'n padkonstruksiemaatskappy gekry het.

“Haar Liddle-voorouers kom oorspronklik van Ierland, en mypase Behrens-voorouers was van Duitsland,” vertel haar dogter,Ellen.

"My ma was een van nege kindersen hulle het maar swaargekry."

Behrens het op 18-jarige ouderdom haar toekomstige eggenoot, Johannes Behrens, ontmoet.

Die egpaar het later getrouendrie

HAAR VERJAARSDAG IS MET ‘N PARTYTJIE BY BOERESJIEK

INBRACKENFELL GEVIER, WAAR FAMILIE EN VRIENDE

VROLIK SAAM METHAAR GEKUIER HET

kinders gehad —Ellen, wat in 1946 gebore is,Dawid, 'n jaar later, en Miemie,vyf jaar daarna.

Behrens was 'n huisvrouenhet haar kinders self grootgemaak.

“Ek, mybroer en kleinsus het die rustigste lewens gehad. Daar was geen bakleieryofskreeuery in onshuis nie,”sê Ellen.

"Mymaenpahet pluimbal gespeel en gevolglik het ons drie kinders ook van kleins af saam methulle pluimbal gespeel en het dit 'n gesinsport geword," sê sy

Ellen beskryf haar ma as “die beste en dierbaarstemaindie hele wêreld”

POPULÊREVRIENDIN

“Sy is ookbaie saggeaard. Sy was 'n populêre vriendin vir buurvroue in ons omgewing

“Hulle het graag methaar komgeselsoor hulpersoonlike probleme en advies gevra oor hoe om ditoptelos," vertel sy

"Asof die huiswerk,wasgoed, kosmaak en huisskoonmaak niegenoeg wasnie, het sy nog boonop tyd gemaak om al ons klere, asook skoolklere, self te maak

"Toe ek 12 jaar oudwas, hetmyma haar eerste heupvervangingsoperasie ondergaan.

“Daarna moes sy weer twee keer dieselfdeheupoperasies ondergaan."

Nadat haar kinders die huis verlaat het,

het Behrensby'nskool en koshuis vir gestremde kinders begin werk

Sy moesbydie koshuis inwoon, en konslegs tydens skoolvakansies huis toe gegaan het

"Vandag is my ma 100 jaar oud en ek is 80; ek salnooit my ma gaan aflaai by 'n ouetehuisofenigeinrigtingwaar ander mensenahaar moetomsien nie,"sêEllen.

"Ek hetmyhele lewe net liefde en ondersteuningvan my ma ontvang.

“Ek weet dat sy ook baie moes opoffer net om vir my klavierlesse te kon betaal."

Gogo,80,reflectsonfreedom

DESIREÉRORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Mary Heqeane carries within her the story of two countries;one before Nelson Mandela's releasein 1990, and one after.

At 81, the Khayelitsha resident betrays no trace of bitterness, nor any suggestion of her years. Her fingers move deftly across the beadwork, aquiet smile resting on her face. Mary is one of 67 grandmothers who gathered for an endearing Mandela Day celebration at theIkamva Labantu LegacyCentre in Woodstock on Friday.

The annual 67 Gogos event brings together eldersfrom township communities around Cape Town with members ofthe public in interactive beading circles.

While hands are busy beading bracelets, aspace is held for an intergenerationaldialogue about apartheid, Nelson Mandela's release, democracyand the hopes for our new South Africa.

Mary's story starts in Somerset West, whereshe was born. Her father later bought ahouse in Crawford, and she was schooled in Mowbray.

At 18, she started working asa domestic worker for none other than apartheid architect DF Malan.

“It is so funny, he didn't like black people but all hisstaff were black. He never really spoketo us, mostly stayed in the lounge

ANNUALMANDELADAY

and dining room. He was not nasty to me, but to some others,” saysMary.

“The paywas not wonderfulbut Icould afford everything Ineeded at thetime.” Sheworked there for aboutsix years before moving on to afamily in Pinelands. It wasduring thistimethatshe was arrested by apartheid policefor not having aworkingpermit. “I wastakento Roeland Street jail and locked up overnight. It was horrible, Iwas cold and there wasnohot water towashmyface thenext day. My employer came tobailmeout the followingday,” shesays, adding thatthistype of thing wasthe order of the day.

Later,she started working fora couple and stayed with them for 44years.

“I waspartofthe family,” she says ofthe gay couple with whomshe moved aroundCape Town's suburbs, fromCamps Bay to Rondebosch. “There life wasgood.Ididn'thave much to complain about. Inever felt asoppressed as so many others andwas carried on the hands by myemployers.It was beautiful working forthem.They were the bestpeople inthe world.

Both in their eighties, they passedawaya couple of years ago. Of that dayMarysays,“I couldn'tstop crying, Ijust could not.”

Thesole oppressionshe felt in thoseyearswas notbeing able to move aroundfreely without apassbook,arestriction, sheacknowledges, that paled in comparison to theheavy oppressionendured by so many others

FREEDOMANDCHOICE

Sheremembers Mandela's releaseas“heartbreaking, but so wonderful”

“He was at the Town Hall and we all rushedtoget there. We criedlike babiesonthe train.To seesomeone, whowas part of a family and in jail for 27 years, sacrificehis life for ourfreedom was so wonderful.”

Her firstvotewas no quieter. “Oh, it was chaos in Khayelitsha. Youhave neverseensuchlong lines in your life. It took me half aday to get to thefront to castmyvote.” After the first elections, freedom had ataste —togoanywhere, to work wherever theywanted andto walk into any shop.

Butthe memories turn bittersweet as Mary looksback on some two decadesoflife in Cape Town and the dreams that never came “We arenow captivesagain, captive in the conditions we live in,” shesays It is very sad, she reflects, to

thinkthat someone was in jail for 27 years for afreedom that didn'tlast for half that time: “We were dreaming dreams that were nottobe. The way we live now is almost worse than during Apartheid. They put no money into building anything to better our lives,” she says. “They did nothing for us, it all went into theirpockets. There were so many struggle heroes in jail and in exile,but when they came out they didn't think of us. To them it was all about money. It saddens me.”

Of thehardships that surely marked her life, she does not speak

When asked, she offers only this: “I do hope that things can be peaceful in SouthAfrica. Ibelieve in God, and whenever Iask Him for something He gives it to me. Whenever Ineeded anything, therewas always someone there to give.”

It is thisquiet faith that has carriedMary through alifetime. Now dependent only on her oldage grant and the modest income from her beadwork, she remains hopeful, not in the grand promises that once echoed across thenation, but in the small, steady kindnesses that still find theirway to her door.

“Mychildren are educated and look after me,” she says, and there is pride in her voice.

“Mygranddaughter works at Nedbank, and my daughter is a caregiver. They brought me food and groceries the other day.”

Mary knows she is among the fortunate.

Many of the grandmothers who sit beside her at the elderly clubs arenot

“You can see they suffer,”she says. “When the food is served, you can see it is the first decent plate they have had all day. They tell her how theirown children and grandchildren threaten them and take theirmoney. Theelderly centre is their only safe haven.”

CARRYINGOURCOUNTRY

Meaning “The Future of the People,”Ikamva Labantu is a non-profit organisation that has been working inside Cape Town's townships for over 60 years.The organisation's elderly programmes form the core of its work. Through vibrant senior clubs, it provides spaces

for companionship, health monitoring and psychosocial support.Elders are empowered to maintain theirindependence through traditional beadwork and by crafting cause-marketing bracelets in collaboration with the RelateTrust

For frail and isolated elders, adoor-to-door homecare programme brings support directly to their homes, with community-based workers conducting daily outreach.

According to the organisation, approximately 38% of South African children are being raised by grandparents.

Across township communities, older persons are stretching their R2 400 Sassa grant to provide food, stability to grandchildren.

“Our elders helped carry SouthAfrica through one of the most significant periods in our history,” says Ishrene Davids, director of Ikamva Labantu. “Many are still carrying our country today. They are raising grandchildren, holding families together and strengthening their communities, often while facing poverty, ill healthand isolation themselves.”

Thetragedy of theirlives, says Spokazi Skepe, acoordinator of the elderly programme, is the abuse suffered by so many grandmothers.

At the event, Lulama Sigasana, elderly persons' programme manager at Ikamva Labantu, said the gathering was about honouring aman whose life was amasterclass in resilience, courage and love for his country and all its people.

“When one reflectsonthe lives of great men in history, you note that they wereordinary people who chose to stay and in staying achieved extraordinary things,” she said.

Publicparticipationquestioned

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Residents in Northpine are questioning the validity of the publicparticipation process conducted by the City of Cape Town over the erection of informal trading bays in their quaint neighbourhood.

This prompted community outrage among residents, who say no meaningful consultation or engagement took place.

“Not asingle person knew about it —not even one. Even the City Improvement District, with which the City usually engages officially, was not informed. It is ablatant box-ticking exercise and its not fair,” says acommunity spokesperson.

According to the City, the distribution of “pamphlets” was undertaken as “a courtesy communication”only and nota statutory requirement of public participation to inform residents of the City's plans to erect the trading bays at the entrance of the residential area in frontof their homes.

This is according to City spokespersonLuthando Tyhalibongo in response to a question posed by TygerBurger with regard to proof that “handdelivered notices” weregiven to residents.

And because it was not a statutory requirement, “no signatures or other proof of receipt were obtained from recipients”,hesaid.

The so-called “hand-delivered”

CITY ACCUSEDOFBOX-TICKING ON TRADINGBAYS

notices, the City latercalled “pamphlets”that were “distributed to residents andput into post boxes where residents were notpresent”.

“Asthis wasa courtesy communicationand nota statutoryrequirementofthe public participation process, no signatures or other proof of receipt wereobtained from recipients.”

WHICHISIT?

To add to the confusion Tyhalibongo,in an article published in lastweek's edition, “Concerns grow over trading bays in Northpine”, explicitly stated thatthe public participationprocess was conducted in line withthe City’s informal tradingby-law, andin thisregard notices were “handdelivered” to residents and businesses on 4April 2024.”

“The City's informal trading by-law does notrequire the distribution of pamphlets. Instead, itprescribes aformal public participation process, which wasfully implemented. This included the publication of notices in local newspapers, publicationonthe City's 'Have Your Say' platform,and the display of notices at municipal offices,”hesaid.

He added, “In addition, two public opendayswere held

whereinterested andaffected partieswere able to view the proposedtradingplan and provide comments. Theby-law requiresonly one public meeting; however,asecond sessionwas arranged to provide afurther opportunity for participation and to accommodateresidents who may not have been available to attend thefirst session”.

However, unless residents purchased the Cape Argus on 18 March2024 or received the TygerBurger on 20 March2024, they would nothave seen the advertisements notifying them of thepublic meetingsorbe directed to the “Have Your Say”

platform.

“How would we have known about the project? We do not buynewspapers every day, and thereare many elderly people in thecommunity,” says the spokesperson.

Tyhalibongo says written submissions were also invited and accepted throughout theprescribed 30-day public participation period, ensuring that stakeholders had multiple opportunities to participate in theprocess and provide input Again,this opportunity was only available to thosewho knew about it.

DISAPPOINTEDIN LOCALGOVERNMENT

“We feel disappointed that no proper public participation

process was followed before these plans were approved,” residents told TygerBurger.

“Northpine is home to approximately 2200 households and is well-maintained. It is one of the few areas where children can still safely ride theirbicycles and play in the streets. We are proud of our neighbourhood and work closely with our CID to maintain the safetyand cleanliness of the area.”

Residentsare concerned about the negative impact this development may have.

“The proposed sitehas no ablution facilities, is situated on one of the busiest taxi routes in the area, and will further worsen the traffic congestion that we already experience when entering and exiting Northpine.”

When residentsfinally became aware of the project only after contractors showed up to start work, could they submit theirconcerns and requests for engagement to the ward councillor, as well as to the Mayor’soffice, but have yet to receive aresponse.

Responding to an earlier media inquiry the City said they would provide ablution facilities where feasible, using mobile units as an interim measure, adding that traffic impacts would be monitored and further community engagements were being coordinated.

“Nobody from the City has reached out to us as yet,” the spokesperson says.

Vermaak // Entertainment

Endler-konsertreeksse tweede seisoen open

Die Endler-konsertreekskeerterugvir sy tweede seisoen vanJulie totDesember met’nverskeidenheid vankamermusiek, koorkonserte, orkesuitvoerings, jazz, musiekkompetisies en besoekende kunstenaars. Die opvoeringsvind plaas in die Endleren Fismersaal vandie Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se konservatorium

Die seisoen open op Vrydag 24 Julieom19:00met “Journeyofthe Soul”, met Féroll-Jon Davids op klarinet, Rosamund Roth op tjello en NinaSchumann op klavier.Die konsert wentel rondom musikale storievertelling —versterk deur geheimsinnige elemente vanfantasie —vir klarinet,tjello en klavier

Die gehoor word genooi om diepinhul verbeelding te delf,terwyldie ensemble’nverskeidenheid gemoedstemmings,natuurtonele, karaktersen’n spektrum vanemosiesoordra.

Met’nuiteenlopendereeks style watdie tema vanfantasie ondersteun, neem hierdie uitvoering luisteraars op ’n sielsreis: vandromerige introspeksie totritmieselewenskrag,melancholiese lirieke tot dramatiesetekstuurkontrasteen harmonieëwat aanons gedeelde menslikheid herinner.

Op Vrydag 31 Julie bied die Universiteit Stellenboschsekamerkoor Voices Without Borders aan —’n galakonsert onder leidingvan Lunathi Ncamani en Martin Berger. Die program vier die vermoë van koormusiek om kulture, tale en generasies met mekaar te verbind en beweeg vandie rykoevre vanSuid-Afrikaansekoormusiek totinspirerende internasionalewerke.

AUGUSTUS

HoogtepunteinAugustus sluit Piano² in, die

jaarlikse klavieruitruiltussendie US en dieUniversiteit vanKaapstad, op Woensdag12Augustus om 19:00indie Fismersaal. Ná meerastweedekades se samewerking tussendie twee universiteitese klavierafdelings vier vanjaarseprogram duette Op Vrydag 14 Augustus keer dieUS-koor,onder leiding vanAndrévan der Merwe,terug na die Endler-verhoog met ’n program vanuitsonderlike koormusiek. Die gehoor kanuitsien na werkesoos “SicutAnima Mea”,“Laat diewindmyneem”, “Ndikuthandile”en“Oxamu”,wat diekoor se veelsydigheid, tegniesebriljantheidendiepteten toon stel.

Op Vrydag 21 Augustus verken diepianisJoséDias diewerkevan Frédéric Chopin in “The Chopin Project II:CompleteChamber Music”.Suzanne Martens op viool en PeterMartens op tjello is saam met Diasop dieverhoog.

SEPTEMBER

HoogtepunteinSeptember sluitdie US-simfonieorkesseoptrede op Vrydag 4September, onder leidingvan Rik Ghesquièremet diesoliste LucPonetenMario Nell op orrelin; en dieEndler Prestige-konsert To Moer andGone: TalesfromHere, Thereand Everywhere op Vrydag 18 September,met dieNorthSouth Duo,Josie McClureopsaksofoon en Kaat Vanhaverbekeoptrekklavier

Kykook uit virdie US NasionaleEnsemblekompetisie en dieStellenbosch-jeugorkes se galakonsert op Saterdag 19 September

VanDinsdag 22 September vind diegesogte Hubert vander Spuy NasionaleMusiekkompetisie plaas.

. Kaartjies is by Webtickets beskikbaar

Die Endler-konsertreekssetweede seisoenopen op Vrydag 24 Julieom19:00 met“Journeyofthe Soul”, met Féroll-Jon Davids op klarinet.

BillKnightsings DylanandCohen

The legendary folk singer-songwriterBill Knight willcelebratethe wordsand music of Bob Dylan and LeonardCohen, twoofthe finestmusicalpoets of our time,atanafternoon tea concertatVilla Pascal on Sunday 26 July Knight,poet,storyteller,weaveroftalltales and shorttruths, as well as recordingengineer, layers his authentic contemporaryCape folk music with poetic lyricsofdepth and intensity

He is widelyregarded as one of South Africa's national treasures,particularlyinCape Town.

Inspired by both Dylanand Cohen, Bill hasdeveloped hisown lyrical musicofsocial commentaryin thetradition of thetroubadours. He willalsoperform examplesofhis ownoriginal work

Tickets cost R200per person. Thedoors open at 15:00 and theevent starts promptlyat16:00 Coffee,tea andcakewillbesold. VillaPascaldoes not sell alcohol, andguestsare welcome to bring theirown.

. Book with Eugene on 082569 4147 or villapascalguesthouse@gmail.com.

BillKnight

Trio kommaak musiek by Boer

Frieda vanden Heever,Grethe vander Merwe en Almarie du Preezistesien en hoor in Under Cover by Die Boer-teaterrestaurantinDurbanvilleopDonderdag30Julie om 20:30. Hierdiedrievroue deel 'n liefde virgoeie musiek —oud en nuut —enomsáám te sing. Al driespeel klavier en sing en hullehoor gereelddat hul stemme eenvoudignet saam werk

Of jy hou vandie ou bekende liedjies wathierdie trio herverbeel het,ófomminder bekendes te ontdek,jy’sgedek met musiek vanJoni Mitchell, LeonardCohen, Simon and GarfunkelenFleetwood Mac totDepeche Mode,The Cranberries, Chris Isaak, TheCivil Wars en Billie Eilish.

. Kaartjieskos R250. Bespreek by www.dieboer. comofby021 9791911.

DAGBOEK/DIARY

. Wilhelm vander Walt is te sienindie bekroonde produksie Seun vanMaandag 20 totVrydag24Julie om 19:30 in dieKaapstadToneelhuis(Loopstraat) DitisDana Snyman se storie oorgrootword tydens die doodsnikkevan 'n politieke stelsel. Kaartjies vanaf R200 by Quicket.

. Richard Pryor's ClassicRock Show withGin Wizard, Mark Haze and PetroisatDurbanville Golf Club on Friday24Julya 20:00. TicketsFromR200atQuicket DalinOliver: Stuck In DubairunsatThe Baxter from nowuntilSaturday1August.TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.

. Cape Town Opera's TheCunning LittleVixen is at Joseph Stone Auditorium this week untilSunday 26

July.A family-friendlyadaptation. Dailyat11:00 and also at 14:00 Saturdayand Sunday.TicketscostR80 at Webtickets.

. Parklands CollegeinSandownpresents Disney's HighSchoolMusical 2! from Thursday23toSaturday 25 July at 18:30. Saturdayalsoat14:00.Ticketsfrom R150atQuicket

. ANight with the StarsLloyiso is at the Grand Arena GrandWest on Friday24Julyat19:00.Ticketsfrom R400atWebtickets.

.Salome This Is Me is at Artscape OperaHouse on Saturday25Julyat19:00.TicketsfromR285 at Webtickets.

. TheJohns play at Milnerton Aquatic Club on Saturday25July. Doors open 18:00,showat19:00.Call021 5577090, email mac@milnertonaquaticclub.co.za or seeFacebookfor more details.

Womanpublishesbooksaboutherlife

Her experiences and work challenges have inspired aDurbanville woman to writethreebooks about herjourney

Born in Gauteng, raised inthe Free State, having lived in the United Kingdom fortwo yearsand then in Durbanville for the past ten years, 57-year-old Caren Reid has experiencewithall kinds of people and culturesthrough travel and work. Qualified in administrationand public relations, Reid had aspirations from school days that never panned out asshe expected them to “I was not looking for acareer or hobby in writing. The idea cameabout by people in ministry,who planted the seeds. The idea developed as God spoketo me. I aspiredtospecificallyhelp people with things Ihave gone through and they are struggling with. Iwanted to bring them to God’s Word and help them to resolvetheir issues out of God’s Word,” she explains. As achild she grew up in aChristian

BOOKSAIM TO INSPIREPEOPLE TO GROW THEMSELVES

home —goingtoSunday school and church. “I kept on hearing aboutthe Word of God, but Ikept in my own way communicatingwithGod in avery distant manner

“It all changedwhen she was, oneday about10years ago, invited to attend a ministry course

“I really met the Holy Spirit and developed arelationship with God in a phenomenal way,” she continues

ENCOURAGEDTOWRITEABOOK

Reidwas encouragedbypeople she hasbeen ministeringto, to write a book about her experiences, knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

“I put the idea aside —thinking what would Iwrite on andwhere do Istart, but the words from ministry kept ringingin my mind.Irealised Ican honour God with whatisinmyhand.”

She visiteda lot of different churches in search of the truth,she says.

“In 2018 Ibecame amember of the CrosswayBaptist ChurchinDurbanville andcontinued to grow in Christ.”

After twoyears of much prayer and theburden of her own situationand that of others, hertwo books have nowbeen published.

RELATIONSHIPS

IAmMy Beloved’s andMyBeloved Is Mine,which was published in June, is aboutrelationships and meeting the right person to spend the rest of your life with.

“It is about my experienceasa single woman upuntil today andhow to navigate andnegotiate the thingsofthe world. It is aboutdating sitesand howthingsdonot work out. God wants to lead andguide us to meet the rightpersonatthe righttime

“It is aboutdeveloping yourself and gettingatpeace with yourself —being a whole person and focusing on God. Then

theright person will come intoyour life,” shesays

WORKINGLIFE

Shortly after, herbook Whatever You Do was published earlier this month.

“It is aboutworking life, about how you grow in God’s Wordand how you can use negative experiences to be abetter person and deal with situations in abetter way, and deal with people in the right manner and grow personally.

“A lot of people go through bad experiences at work andwill relatetomy experiences.Itisa journey to deal with things differently.

“First, surrender to God and then, secondly, live the WordofGod out in yourlife in the workplace. By submitting to God, you will not be abad or negative person, no matterwhatthe circumstances. Youwill continuetoact appropriately underall circumstances. Keep the peace within yourself andwithin the atmosphere in theroom thatyou are working in,”she says.

These two bookswerepublished in theformat of e-books,print-on-demand and audiobooks by Reach Publishers in Durban

THIRDBOOK

Her third book, TheLeavesofthe Tree Arefor theHealingofthe Nations,will be publishedinabouttwo months.

“It is abouthealing andtaking God’s Wordfor what it is, saying your prayers out of God’s Word andreceiving the healingthathespeaks of in his Word,”she says.

“I hopemybookswill change lives. Theultimate goal of my books is to drawpeople closer to God and his Word. Iencourage every person to find their God-giventalents andcallings in terms of what God births in them through praying

through all things and reading the Bible.

“I hope my books will inspire people to grow themselves in Christ and live out theirlives within each one’stalents, gifting and abilities,” she says. . Thebooks canbepurchased at https:// booksbycarenjoycereid.my.canva.site/#home.

As almal nie kan werk nie, gaan ons verloregenerasie kry

Onlangs ry ek kantoor toe en toe ek by 'n verskeerslig stilhou, stap 'n jongmanoor diepad. Ek haat dit wanneer mense nie vinnig 'n pad kruis nie, maardie ou stap flinkenfier.

Ek is die voorste motor by die verkeerslig en hy kom knapvoormy verbygestap. In sy hand dra hy 'n deursigtige plastieksak. Netvoordie verkeerslig groen word, kryek'nvinnige blik op wat in die sak is:'n kraakvars blou oorpak en nuwe veiligheidstewels. "Die kêrelhet werk gekry!" dink ek by myself, bly viriemand wat ek van geen kant af ken nie.

Die ligte raak groen en ek ry weg en doen wat ek altyd doenommy brein besig te hou —ekvul die"blanks" van die jongman se lewe in. Ek vertel vir myself hy het drie jaar gelede matriek geslaagen is die eerste een uit sy uitgebreidefamilie watdit vermag.Daar was niegeld omte studeer nie, want hy kom uit'nenkelouerhuishouding met sy ma watalles in haar vermoë doen om die natevan hul lewens aanmekaar te hou. Die wolwe waspal by diedeur en die aasvoëls het bo diedak gesirkel

Hy hetalalles denkbaar probeer,maak ek myself wys, om saam metmiljoene anderombeperkte werksgeleenthedemee te ding. En sy beurt het gekom.

Ek was jare laas werkloos,dank die Vader, maar ek onthou hoe dit voel om nie te werk nie as jy reeds joueie salaris verdienhet. Dit voel asof almalneersien op jou. Wanneer jy werkloosis, werk mense se simpatie ookopjou senuwees.

DISNIE‘NSKANDEOMARM TEWEESNIE,NET‘N BIETJIEONGERIEFLIK

Watookal hierdie jongman se pad tot hier behels het, ek is bly hy kon darem geholpe raak en die gebed van my hartis dat hy die werk sal waardeer, en groei en baie sukses smaak.

Een van die ou ooms in ons kerk het op 'n keer gesê dis nie 'n skande omarm te wees nie, net 'n bietjie ongerieflik. En as ek sien hoe mense wat minder as ek het, sukkel, breekmyhart vir hulle. Om die waarheid te sê, die meeste werkende mense in die land sukkel om kop bo water te hou in hierdie ekonomie, waar alles duurder is en waar dit lykof daar geen uitkoms op diehorison is nie Hoeveeltemeer sukkel diegene watnie werk het nie, en ook nie binnekort iets gaan kry nie?

Ek het al baie die uitdrukking "verlore generasie"gehoor,maar ek vrees regtig dat daarindie toekoms volwassenes gaan wees wat nooit weet hoedit voelom formeel in diens te wees nie. Of nie die dissipline het om met geld te werk nie, want hul voorgangers het nooit geld gehad nie en daarom weet hulle wat dit is om iets te besit nie. Hier op ons voorstoep is jongmense wat misdaad as die enigste uitweg sien, omdat diegene wat die meeste geld inhul gemeenskappe het, misdadigers is.Hoe gaan onsdaardie vlaagvan misdaadstop?

Die slim mense sê dis sosio-ekonomiese probleme wat tienersnamisdaad dryf, maar daardieomstandighede wordgevoed deur chroniese werk- en hopeloosheid. Ek wens ek het stilgehou omdaai jongmantevra waar hy werk gekry het en hom vertelhoe ek daaroor voel, maar ek is nogtans bly dat hy 'n oorpaken'npaar stewelskon kry.

En mag hy dit met vrug en trots dra, want die Here weet, daar is miljoene ander wat bid en hoop en skree omdieselfde geleentheid te kry —in'nland watsukkel om vir sy kinders vrugtevolle geleenthede te skep. -BRENDENRUITER

67 MINUTESOFGIVING: Thousands of volunteersrolleduptheir sleevesatCape Town StadiumonFriday 17 Julyashunger relief organisation,Ladles of Love, launched its annual Hands-On Heroes campaign in honour of Mandela Day.Theevent sawparticipants spend67minutes assembling nutrition boxes,making educational toys,colouring booksand seed boxesthat willbenefit children at earlychildhood development (ECD)centresand communityfarmersacrossSouthAfrica. Thecampaignaims to mobiliseSouth Africans to support the nutritionand education of 20000 young children attending preschoolsinunder-resourcedcommunities. Forthose whowereunabletoattend,Ladles of Love is also offering“Create Your Own”volunteer kits,which canbeordered fordeliveryanywhere in SouthAfricauntil Friday31 July,allowing peopletoparticipatefromhome or the workplace.Visit https://ladlesoflove.org.za/mandela-day formoreinformation.

Litterisanurgentproblem in Morningstar

Iamwriting this letter as afinalpleatobringurgent attention to an ongoingand deeplydistressingissue affectingresidents in theMorningstararea, particularly along LordsWalk. Iwishtoexpress my profounddisappointmentin the Durbanville municipal administration. Despite numerous formal complaints lodged over an extended period,there has been little to no effectiveaction taken to address thepersistentdumpingofrubbish in this area.Whatisnot designated as adumping sitehas, regrettably, become onedue to continuousneglect and lack of enforcement

Thereisavacantplotinthe vicinity which has further exacerbatedthe situation

Theproperty ownerhas failed to maintain the land, allowing it to become overgrownand unsightly. Althoughthe municipality hasreportedlyissued formal notices andrepeatedlypromised to ensure the plot is cleanedand maintained, thesecommitments have notbeenfulfilled. Theresultisanenvironmentthat encourages illegaldumpingand generalneglect Additionally, thereare individualswho regularly burn copper and other materialsdirectlyalong the pathwayusedbyresidents. This behaviour is notonly hazardousbut also deeplydisrespectful to those living

nearby.Onmultipleoccasions, residents have had washing hanging outdoors, only forittoabsorbthe strong,unpleasant smell of smokefromthesefires— renderingthe simpleact of doing laundryfutile.

We have contacted the localpolicestation numerous times regardingthese incidents. Unfortunately, responses have been consistentlydelayed, often arriving long after the activityhas ceased. This lack of timely intervention further contributes to the persistenceof the problem.

Thesituation hasdeteriorated to an alarming level. Thesame pathwayisnow being used as an open bathroom, creating an environment that is both unhygienic anddegrading. This is notonlyapublic health concern butalsoagross violation of basic standards of decency andrespect forthe community.

In an effort to resolvethese issues, Ihavepersonally raised concernswith RonelleVoster, who worksalongsidewardcouncillorTheresa Uys. Iwas advised to contact lawenforcement forassistance.Regrettably, despitefollowing thisguidance,wehaveyet to receive anyresponse or meaningful support

Residents in this area areattheir wits’end. We feel ignored, neglected, andlefttoendureconditions that arewhollyunacceptable.

This letter represents ourlasteffort to bring public attentiontoamatterthaturgentlyrequires intervention. We implorethe relevant authorities to take immediateand decisiveactiontorestorecleanliness, safety,and dignitytoour community.

ANTI-DUMPING,Durbanville

TheresaUys,ward112 councillor,responds: Ican ensure the complainant that his service requests areattended to Illegaldumping has cost the CityofCape Town in the past financial year R153million. It is amatterofgreat concern. TheCity's lawenforcementdepartmenthas done clean-upsinDurbanville at leastonceaweek manyweeksmorethan once. They arefocusing on hot spots,whichwillalsoinclude Lord's Walk from nowon. My communityliaison officerand Idoweekly visitsto the hotspots.I oftenappeal to the residentstoadhere to responsiblewaste disposal. Iwant to also appeal to the residentsofDurbanville to report anydetails of vehiclesorindividualsguilty of illegaldumping as this canassist the law enforcementand urbanwaste departmentstoattend to the complaint.Feedback regarding the interventions areoften posted on the Ward 112Channel on Facebook.

Wake up call:winter is midwayand stillthereisverylittlerain

As residents of Cape Town, we have everyreasonto be concernedaboutthe amount of rainfall we have received so farthiswinter. Aboutamonth and ahalf of the winter season hasalready passed, yetmany areashaveexperienced very little rain.This should be a wake-up call forall of us Allresidents, regardless of backgroundordenomination, arethereforeurged to setaside time to pray that Godwillbless our citywith abundantrainfall during the remainder of thewinterseason. Rain is a gift thatsustains life,replenishes our dams, supports

agriculture, andsecures our future.

Letuspraythatbythe endofwinter ourdamswill be 100% full, providingsufficient waterfor ourhomes, businesses, farmers, andnatural environment. We have witnessed before howquicklywater shortages candevelop,and we should notbecome complacent

If the rest of winter bringslittlerain,Cape Town couldfaceanother droughtin2027, accompanied by severe waterrestrictionsand increasing pressure on food security. Such conditions wouldaffect every householdand placeadditional strain on oureconomy

andvulnerablecommunities. Whileresponsiblewater useand carefulplanning remainessential, prayer is also apowerfulresponsein times of uncertainty.

Religious andsocial organisations, families, schools, andcommunitygroupsare encouragedtounitein asking God forHis mercyand blessing uponour city. Mayweall join in andtrust in God's provision forthe blessing of abundant rain, before the start of the warmerseasons.

R. BARTES,Cape

Town

Data centres sparkdebateoverCape Town’s future

Iwas shocked to hear that datacentres areplanned forCape Town. What is wrongwith our societies that we do notwakeuptowhatisdonetousasahuman race?

TheUSA citizensrecentlywokeuptowhat the data centres aredoing to their cities/towns. Thesecentres our now, like adisease,all over the USA. Towns in the countryare overwhelmedbythe sheer sizeofthese monsters (14rugby fields big, or even bigger). Each of them useastaggeringamount of water

andelectricity. Theresidents of theseplacesthought that allowing these monstrosities, willbringprosperitytotheir cities/towns, butwas devastated when theyheard that therewillbenowork forthem (these thingsrun on minimum staff), the environment gets destroyed, theypay morefor waterand electricityand thereisa deafeningnoise24/7. Iheard it when Iwas listeningtoashort documentary on the topic.And, on topofall this, we have to makesurewhatthe real function of thesecentres are.

So,citizens of Cape Town (and South Africa), it is timethatweget off of ourcomfortablecouches and exercisethe ourbrains. Thereare peoplewho need housing andweare wasting ourtax money on something that willnot only be destroying ourenvironment, but also cost us ourhard-earned money. And rememberCape Town hasa watersupplyproblem. Maybe that is the reason whyCityofficials announced planning desalination of seawater forthe city. MARIETJIE KLYNSMITH, Edgemead

Rooibosseedsblastintospace

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

South Africa’s world-famous Rooibos is about to embark on itsmost extraordinary journeyyet —to space.

In afirst for thecountry, Rooibosseeds will be launched to the InternationalSpace Station (ISS) later thisyear,wherethey will be exposed to the harsh conditions of space before returning to Earth in a pioneering scientific experiment that could shape future agriculture both on Earth and beyond.

The groundbreaking RooibosinSpace programme was officially launched on Thursday at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town, bringing together leaders from government, education, agriculture, academia and South Africa’s growing space sector.

The initiative, conceived by the South African Rooibos Council(SARC), is being delivered in partnership with MaxIQ Space and supported by theSouthAfrican National Space Agency (SANSA)

It marks the first time South African Rooibosseeds will travel to the International Space Station aspart of an international space research programme

The experiment combines space science with agricultural innovation while inspiring the next generationofscientists throughhands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

MISSION TESTSPLANT’S RESILLIENCE FOR SOWINGON SPACESTATIONS

FROMTHECEDERBERGTOORBIT

In October, Rooibos seeds will be launched to theISS, where they will spend several weeks exposed to microgravity and spaceradiation.

Once they return to Earth, scientists andlearners will plantthe space-travelled seedsalongside identical seeds that remainedonEarth

Researchers will comparegermination rates,growth, resilienceand crop yield to determine howexposure to space conditions affectsthe indigenous South Africanplant.

The project places Rooibos alongside agrowing list of plants being studied in space as scientists searchfor sustainable ways togrow crops during future longdurationmissions beyond Earth.

LEARNERSBECOMESPACESCIENTISTS

The scientific investigationwill be led by learners from seven schools in the Cederberg, thebirthplaceofRooibos.

Working alongside local Rooibos farms, learners will collectdata, monitor plant development and analysethe resultsas part of astructured scientific study.

Learners from schools in the Cederbergregion andParklandsCollege arepictured with representatives from theSouth African RooibosCouncil (SARC),MaxIQSpace,the South AfricanNationalSpace Agency(SANSA), theWestern Cape Education Department atthe launch of the RooibosinSpace initiative

Aparallelexperiment at Parklands College will provide additional comparative data. Beyond the research itself, participatingschools will take part in an extended STEM education programme designed to connect classroom learning with real-world scientific investigation. Learners from across South Africa will alsohave the opportunity to designthe official Rooibos in Space

South Africa’sfamous redtea is leaving Earth behind as seeds preparefor ahistoric triptothe International SpaceStation.

mission patch during July and August.

GROWINGSCIENCEBEYONDEARTH

According to Dawie de Villiers, director of the SouthAfrican Rooibos Council, the project demonstrates how one of the country’smost iconic indigenous plants can contribute to international scientific research. “Rooibos has long been part of SouthAfrica’s agricultural heritage. This project places it within abroader scientific context, where plant biology, space research and education intersect. It also reflectsthe importance of investing in scientific literacy and skills development for the next generation of researchersand innovators.”

Judi Sandrock of MaxIQ Space said exposing learners to genuine scientific research is one of the programme’s greatest strengths.

“The value of thisproject lies in giving learners exposure to real research processes linked to space science. It provides astructured opportunity to develop scientific thinking, data analysis skills and an understanding of how experimentation works in practice.”

Theproject also highlights SouthAfrica’s expanding role in space science and innovation.

Skolenuus // SchoolsNews

CThotelapartmentsselloutinhours

Altogether 60 apartments at The Rockefeller hotel development in Cape Town's Foreshoreprecinct sold for R152million in asingle day, with59unitssnapped up within six hours of Monday's launch.

The rapid sell-out marksthe final release from the developer of the mixed-use hotel and residential project, which has been operationalsince 2021.

Fifty of the units werereserved within 15 minutes of sales opening through an online platform, according to Rainmaker Marketing, the agency handling the launch.

The sale comes amid growing investor interest in established hospitality assets with existing occupancy rates and rental yields, rather than off-plan developments that rely on projected returns.

R152m

Sixty apartments sold in asingleday

Dani Machet, director of Yieldex, the company behind The Rockefeller, said investors are seekingcertainty in an uncertain market.

“Rather than buying into projections, theyare choosing assets withanexistingoperating history, established occupancy, demonstratedyields and professionalmanagement already in place,” Machetsaid.

Theunits sold are part of an operationalhotelmanagedby Newmark, allowing buyers to participate in rental income while retainingpersonal use rights. Prices werenot disclosed.

StefanBotha, director of

Atwo-bedroom apartment at TheRockefeller with views over Cape Town’s harbour and TableBay.The fully furnished units sold foran undisclosedprice.

Rainmaker Marketing, attributed thestrong demandpartly to ongoing development in the Foreshore area, whichhas seen increasedpublic andprivate investmentinrecent years.

“TheRockefellerisalready benefiting from that momentum, whichgave investors confidence that theywerebuying into both a provenasset and aprecinctwith avery strong future,”Botha said.

DIGITALSALESPLATFORM

The launch followedasix-week marketing campaign thatused digitalchannels andanonline marketplace calledMarktto facilitate sales.

Bothasaid the platform allowed investors to researchunits and makepurchasedecisions online, while givingthe salesteamrealtime data on buyerinterest.

“Bythe timelaunch arrived, buyers had already researched theproduct, shortlisted their preferredunits andwereready to transact,” he said.

The Rockefeller, developed by theteam behind TheOne Stellenbosch and Vanderbilt developments, includes a rooftop pool, spa, fitness centre,restaurantsand 24-hour concierge. The developerdid not provide current occupancy rates or rental yield figures.

One penthouseunitremains available.The developer is maintainingawaiting list for potential future stock.

Downsizing in retirement: Howtoprotect your

Formanyretirees,moving to asmaller home is oneoflife's biggest decisions.

While downsizing canreducemaintenance, improve securityand providea moremanageablelifestyle, it also comes with significant financial implications. Careful planning canhelp pensioners preserve as muchoftheir capital as possible, says Laurencevan Blerck, amaster practitioner at Ginena's Real Estate Retirement developmentsare becoming increasingly popular in Cape Town's northern suburbsand elsewhere.However,choosing the right retirement property involves much morethan simplyfinding asmallerhome.Monthly levies,pet policies, conduct rules, parking arrangements, accessibilityand proximityto familyand medicalfacilities alldeserve careful consideration.For manyretirees, this maybetheir final property purchase before afuturemove to assisted living or frail care

UNDERSTANDINGTHEHIDDENCOSTS

What is often overlooked is thesubstantial cost of sellingone property and purchasing another. Estate agencycommission, compliance certificaterepairs, potential capitalgains tax (CGT)and transfer costscan significantlyreducethe funds available fora newhome

Consider atypical example. Aretired couple purchased theirfamilyhome in 1995for R500 000and recentlysold it forR3,2 million. Before receivingthe proceeds of the sale,theyincurred severalcosts.The estate agencycommissionamountedtoR64 000,based on acommission of 2%. Manysellers paycommission ratesof5%ormore, makingitessential to discuss fees before appointinganagent.Inaddition, the sellers were quoted R28 000 forrepairs needed to obtain the electrical, water andbeetlecertificatesrequiredbythe sale agreement.

CAPITALGAINSTAXRELIEF

One area of relief forhomeowners is therecent increase in theprimary residenceexclusion forcapitalgains tax. The2026Sarsbudget increasedthis exclusionfromR2million to R3 million. Formanyretirees who have owned theirhomes fordecades, this change couldeliminate or significantlyreduce CGTliabilitywhen sellingtheir primary residence.

This particularly benefits pensionerswho depend solely on thenet sale proceeds to purchasetheir retirement home. Ensurethataclauseisinsertedin theagreementofsalestating that the transfersofyour current and newhome aresimultaneous.

PRACTICALSTEPSTOMINIMISECOSTS

So,whatpractical stepscan retirees take to minimisecosts?

Firstly, commission ratesare negotia-

ble. Thereisnoprescribed commission percentageset by law or theproperty industry'sregulatorybody.Sellers are entitled to compareagencies, negotiate fees and assess thevalue offered before making adecision.While commission shouldnot be theonlyconsideration when selectinganestateagent,evena modest reductioncan resultinmeaningful savings.

Secondly, compliancecertificate costscan be significant,especiallyinthe case of older properties. Sellers should obtainquotations from reputableservice providersand askwhether discountsare available, particularly forpensioners. In this case,therewas asaving of R2 000.

MANAGINGCASHFLOW

Cash flowcan also be achallenge during theselling process, says Van Blerck.Fortunately, it is often possible forconveyancingattorneys to arrange

forapproved compliancecertificatecosts to be paid from theproceeds of thesale upon registration of transfer.This can assist sellers who maynot have immediateaccess to cash whilewaiting forthe propertytransfertobecompleted. Thesellers have to payrates in advance to thecityofCape Town, in this case R5 000, to ensurethat thereare no unpaidrates at thedateoftransfer. After dateoftransfer, sellers must check to ensurethat anyoverpayment of ratesis refunded.

TOTALSAVINGSTHROUGHCAREFUL PLANNING

By carefully negotiating commission, seekingdiscountsoncompliance-related work anddiscussing conveyancing fees upfront,the sellers were abletoreduce their overalltransaction costsbyapproximately R78000,saysVan Blerck. Forretirees, everyrandmatters.

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