TygerBurger | Brackenfell | E-edition | 27 May 2026
Find Us Online
www.tygerburger.co.za
facebook.com/Tygerburger
x.com/Tygerburger(@Tygerburger)
www.instagram.com/tygerburger
067495 2886 (Newstips only)
THURSDAY28MAY
. Theimportanceand challenges of agriculturein SouthAfrica—specificallyinthe WesternCape— will be discussed at the annual meeting of Durbanville Business. JannieStrydom,chief executiveofficerof AgriWestern Cape,and Aubrey Terblanche,managing directorofGideonMilling,willleadthe discussion. The meeting willstart at 18:00 at Stone Shed in Adderley Road,Durbanville.EntranceisR100 formembersand associatemembers, and R220 fornon-members, including dinner and drinks. Confirm attendanceat info@durbanvillesakekamer.co.za
. TheR5booksaleatthe Durbanville Children's Homewilltakeplace from Thursday 28 Mayto Saturday 30 May. Thesalewillbepresented at the reception area on Thursday and Fridayfrom09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday 30 Mayfrom09:00 to 13:00. CDs,DVDsand books,including children'sbooks and coffee-table books, willbeonsale. Bring your own bags or boxes. Card facilitieswillbeavailable
VRYDAG29MEI
. Die NG kerk Sonstraalhou basaar op vanaf12:00 by diekerk op diehoekvan Hebron- en Tulipstraatin AmandaGlen, Durbanville.Bring joufamilie en vriende en komgenietjou Vrydagaandete in diegeselligheid vandie kuiertent.Trakteerjouself op produkte en heerlikeetesby'nverskeidenheidstalletjies —van 'n witolifanttafel, boeke, naaldwerk,kinderaktiwitee, lekkergoed,plaasprodukte en gebaktot koffie, braaivleis,jaffels, roosterkoek, hamburgers,potjiekos en pannekoek.Kontak Belinda by kommunikasie@ sonstraal.org.zaof021 9761236 metnavrae.
SATURDAY30MAY
. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmade crafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.For moreinformation aboutthe market day, contact CJ Jacksonon072 830 1966 (WhatsApp)
. Die Alta du Toit-sentrumbied'ngala-eteom18:30 by Lincolnstraat 80,Boston, Bellville,aan.Gastekan uitsien na 'n driegang-ete,lewendigevermaak en 'n veiling, asook 'n geheime geskenk. Die bekende seremoniemeesterAnrich Herbst salversekerdat alles vlot en gesellig verloop. Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar teen R850 perpersoon. Bespreekper e-posnadonation@ altadutoit.org.za.
. TheDurbanville CatholicChurch is holding aFood Fair,aspartofits fundraisingactivitiesat7 TheCrescent,Durbanville.Taking placefrom11:00 to 16:00, thisannual community event is acelebration of food and life.Choose from avarietyofdelicious food and drinkstalls, including Portuguese, Korean, American, SouthAfrican,Indian and French- Italian-Mediterraneanoptions.Foodvouchersare on sale.CallIrene on 082783 9869
SUNDAY31MAY
. Discoverthe hidden secretsand relics of an abandonedWW2 Military BaseinLlandudno,during aspecial "TOP SECRET" Heritage Tunneland Bunker Tour forTourism Month. Thetrail starts at the bigGun nApostlesBattery Llandudno at 10:30, and willend in thesamespot. Explorersneedtobewalking fit,as there aresteps and obstaclestohurdleand laddersto climb. Childrenneedtobeaccompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 20.Ticketsare R295 per person. Email Matta at mattweisse@mweb.co.za to book or formoreinformation.
. Edgemead’sLargest Indoor Secondhand Market willbeheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall, 83 EdgemeadDrive from 08:00to14:00.Bargains galore
TUESDAY2JUNE
. FCDSkills Centre'spopular pop-up sale fundraiser is back —combining bargainshopping with abigger purpose—2to5 June at the Durbanville Town Hall. Thesalewillbeopen on 2June from 11:00 to 18:00 on 3and 4Junefrom08:30 to 17:30, and on 5June rom08:30to13:30.The four-day sale raises funds forFCD's sponsored skillsprogrammesthat equip unemployedindividuals, especiallyyouth,toenter the ob marketorstart amicroenterprise.
. TheParkinson'sDisease Support GroupBloubergstrands meetsat10:00for 10:30 in thehallofthe Bloubergstrand Dutch Reformed Church, 3Batavia Street.For moreinformation call Doreen Viljoenon 082410 0783 or Martin vanNiekerk on 083443 8443.
SATURDAY6JUNE
. Bellville Senior Sentrum by Chrismar Villas nooi ‘n ieder en ‘n elk uit na hul plaaswerffunksievan 16:00- 18:00 te Jessiestraat 25, Chrismar.Smullekker eetgoed watbesoekers kanverwagsluit in kerrie en rys, lewerkoekies, pampoenkoekies, roosterkoeke, gebakte poeding met vla, sop, patats en tuisgebakte brood,asook vetkoek, jaffels, en melkkos.Kaartjies kanvooraf by diekassier gekoop word tussen 08:00– 12:00 Maandagtot Vrydag.Skakel021 910 1250 met navrae
Cityneedsspace forimpounded vehicles
The City of CapeTown is ready for the roll-out of the new traffic regulations which are expected to come into effect soon, according to JP Smith, the City’s Mayco member forsafety and security.
Smith was responding to an enquiry from TygerBurger after the safetyand security portfolio committee approved theamendedtraffic by-law at aspecial meetingonWednesday 13 May.
SAFETYANDSECURITY
“The by-law amendmentshave been approved by the safety andsecurity portfolio committee andthe mayoral committee.The next step is for the amendments to go before afull sitting of Councilfor approval. Once that is achieved, it would need to be gazetted. Theamendedby-law will be enacted once it has been gazetted—hopefully within thenextfew months,”Smith said to TygerBurger.
DANGEROUSBEHAVIOUR
The amendmentsaim to help reduce dangerous behaviour among road users, regulate vehicle safetyand traffic use, and provide for increased vehicle impoundment and nuisance control in public transport operations.
Centraltothe amendments are provisionsfor impounding vehicles and imposingrelatedpenalties. These include vehicles used in illegal street racing; cases wherethe driver is under theinfluence of alcohol or drugs or does not possess a valid driver’s licence; situations where a vehicleisdrivenrecklessly on apublic road in amanner thatposes an immediate or imminent dangertopassengers, other road users or pedestrians; and vehicles fittedwith false number plates.
CAUSINGEXCESSIVENOISE
Following theconclusionofthe public participation process, oneadditional provision was included allowing for the impoundment of vehicles operated in contravention of Section 46 of the existing by-law by causingexcessive noise.
Responding to reports that the City’s
FROMPAGE1
The association arguesthat theabsence of structured, ward-level public engagement is adirect affronttothe principles of participatory governance that underpin South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
“Residentsdirectly affected by this proposeddevelopment were not meaningfully consulted prior to the initiation of this tender,”the association statesinits submission.
Makingmatters worse, the residents say, is thatthe tender documentation itself leavesthe mostcritical details of the development entirely undefined.
In their submissionthe association statesthatthe final number of units, thedensity and height of buildings, the traffic impact, andthe infrastructure requirements have all been left open for individual bidders to propose, meaning theCity has, in effect, asked the public to raise concernsabout adevelopment whoseshapeand scale remain unknown, theassociation holds, adding that this approach is fundamentally unjust.
The association argues that by deferring keyparameters to the bidder stage, it is impossible for affected residentsto properly evaluate what is being proposed, letalonemount ameaningful response.
Residentssubsequently became aware that bidders in respect of thisdevelopment havereportedly already been announced
NEWTRAFFIC REGULATIONS EXPECTED TO COME INTO EFFECT SOON
impound lots are already full, Smith confirmed that the Safetyand Security Directorate is working to secureadditional pound space.
“In the interim, we have two impound facilities in Maitland and Ndabeni,and our efforts also include identifying ways to better maximise thesespaces,” he said.
ROADWORTHYTESTS ONLYATCITYTESTINGCENTRES
Oneofthe amendments to the existing by-law stipulates that avehicle declared unroadworthy may not be tested by a private testing centre and then returned to the road. These vehicles may only be tested at atraffic department testing centre to obtain aroadworthy certificate, Smithsaid previously. He added: “It is unfortunately the case that thereare places issuing roadworthy certificates for vehicles that are not roadworthy. Vehicles are even taken outside the metro’s boundaries to obtain thesecertificates illegally.”
IMPOUNDRELEASEFEE
On fears of abacklog at testing centres of the City’s traffic department Smith said thereisnobacklog at City testing centres.
“We currently have two centres, in Bellville and Durbanville, that are available to the public, alongside many private service providers. Two more centres will be operational by the end of thismonth in Goodwood and KuilsRiver.” He confirmed the impoundment release fee for all classes of vehicles in the 2025-’26 financial year is R2 500, excluding storage fees and any fines related to the offence for which the vehicle was impounded.
“In instances where public transport vehicles do not have valid operating permits, the impoundment release fee is R7 000.”
following the tender process undertaken in terms of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (MATR).
In aletter to the Chairand members of Subcouncil 2, the association writes, “Residentsare deeply concerned that the development has simultaneously been publicly marketed as suitable for private sector development, while the City also maintains that the statutory planning and land use process is still outstanding. This creates astrong perception that the outcome may already be predetermined before the formal Land Use Management Process public participation process has commenced.”Inthe yet to be answered letter they requested “clarity, transparency and meaningful public participation.”
ROADS,PIPESANDPEACEOFMIND
Beyond the procedural objections, the association raises hard practical concerns. Ruwari’sroad network, residentssay, is already under strain, and no publicly accessible traffic impact assessment has been produced.
Thesame applies to the capacity of water, sewerage and electricity infrastructure, as well as the potential effect on public amenities and community safety.
Comment was sought from the City but it did not arrive in time.
ASecurityteam makes arrest
Aman has been arrested and stolen property recovered following avehicle break-in in De Ville Close in Ferndale in theearly hours of 20 May, after aswift response by Titanium Securitas armed response officers.
Theoperation was set in motion shortly after 04:00 whenthe Titanium Securitas Control Centre received apanic signal from aproperty in De VilleClose. Upon arrival, officers were informed by the client thatfoursuspects had broken intoa neighbour's vehicle.
Officers reviewed available CCTV footage, confirmingthe suspects' description and the direction in which they hadfled. Followingthe route, officers
discovered that the suspectshad forced theirway through apark gate. Asearch of the parkled to the recovery of stolen property that had been concealed in nearby bushes.
While aportion of the team secured the recovered items, remaining officers extended the search intosurrounding streets.
Theeffort paid off when one suspect matching the description captured on CCTV was located and detained. The suspect was positively identified and subsequently handed over to Brackenfell police for further processing. No further suspectswere located at the time of the operation.
Burnt cables found during apatrol.
Winesearnvintnersecondplace
The winemaker at Groot Phesantekraal in the Durbanville Wine Valley has been awardedthe runner-up titleinaprestigious wine competition for next-generation winemakers.
Richard Schroeder (33) hasearned the 2026runner-up title for twoofhis highly regardedAnna de Koning Chenin Blanc wines —ofthe 2024 and 2025 vintages. The annual award, sponsored by iTOO and convened by Winemag.co.za, celebrates winemaking excellence amongst contestants under 35 years.
GROWINGLISTOFACHIEVEMENTS
Schroeder’s latest in agrowinglist of achievementsisinrecognition of theoutstanding winemaking evident in the 2024 and 2025 vintages of Groot Phesantekraal’s chenin blanc, earning 94 and 93 points respectively.
The Anna de Koning Reserve label honours the farm’s 18th-centuryowner, who was thedaughter of aslave and wentontobecome one of the Cape’s most prominentsociety belles and property owners.
“InSouth Africa, we tend to associate chenin with resilience and adaptability and the capacity to flourish under warmer conditions. And that’s true.It’salsoa perception that’s amplified by stories of chenin appearing in places like Israel’s Negev Desert or Mendoza in Argentina But in truth, chenin’s birthplace, the Loire in France, offers arange of cool subregions —pockets that yieldbeautifully fresh and crisp wines,” he says
PRIMARYWHITEWINEFOCUS
“Even though Durbanvilleissoreadily associated withsauvignon blanc, planting chenin here actually makes alot of sense too. It hasbecome our primary white wine
focus. In our experience, the wines develop generous aromatics, concentration and freshness at comparatively low alcohol levels.We strive foranetherealquality witha satisfying mouth-filling densityat the same time,”Schroedersays
FERMENTEDPARTLYONSKINS
The Anna de Koningwines were fermented partly on the skins andmatured in acombination of concrete, terracotta amphorae andoak
“The grapes for thetwo winning wines come from thefarm’s Block 7vineyard harvested in multiple passes to capturea spectrum of flavourprofiles andnatural complexity.
“Groot Phesantekraal’s chenin vineyards arerootedindecomposed Malmesbury shale soils richinclay, offering excellent water retention anddrainage while encouraging deep root penetration
“Combined with Durbanville’s cool, slow-ripening conditions, the location allows the winemaking team to achieve an ‘almostweightless intensity’,” according to Schroeder.
TROPHIES
He has previously won trophies at theInvestec TrophyWine Show, earned recognition at the Michelangelo International Wine& Spirits Awards and been nominated twicefor the Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Yeartitle Bornand raisedona cattle farm between Durbanville and Paarl, Schroeder shares long-standing ties with Groot Phesantekraal’s Brinkfamily, having gone to school withbrothers Rennieand
Jeandré Brink.
He previously worked under Coenie Snyman,formerly of Rust en Vrede, and Kevin Grant of Ataraxia.
He joined the estate in 2020 and, since theunveilingofits new state-of-the-art cellar in 2023, hasenjoyedthe creative freedom to explore with concrete eggs and amphorae,aswellasFrench oak, while simultaneously making small-batch and larger-edition wines.
“Richardhas brought enormous energy, curiosity andconfidence to our winemaking programme,” says André Brink, owner of Groot Phesantekraal.
“This award recognises not only his talent,but also Groot Phesantekraal’s commitment to exploring what Durbanville Chenin Blanc can truly become.”
For Schroeder, thejourney is only beginning
“Thereisstill so much to uncover with chenin blanc,” he says. “That’s what makes it so exciting.Every vintage reveals anotherlayer.”
TwoofGroot Phesantekraal’s Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc wines earn winemakerrunner-up title.
RichardSchroeder
Refentse Juan Boucher
ChefMatthew Dreyden
Robbie Wessels
Belinda Davids
‘Court’s willaff
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
The City has confirmed it will not appeal the Western Cape High Court’s ruling on tariffstructures, opening the wayfor arevised budget process to begin.
In astatement issued on Friday morning, theCity said it will now publishamendments to its tabled 2026-’27 Budget for public comment in the wakeofthe judgment.
The City maintains that the ruling’s primary effect is to curtail the ability of municipalities, including Cape Town, to cross-subsidise services in amanner that shields lower- and middle-income households from the full cost of those services. The proposed amendments, it says, reflect the City’s commitment to preserving that protection within the boundaries set by the court
The City was also at painsto emphasise that all revenue raised in 2025-’26 has been directed toward its intended purpose for infrastructureinvestment and service delivery. Equally significant, thecourt’s ruling does not question the legitimacy of these funding requirements; the City must still be resourced to function. What changes under the proposed 2026-’27 framework is not the obligation to fund those costs,but the manner in which ratepayers will contribute to meeting them.
Mayor Geordin-Hill Lewissays akey impact of this court ruling is what the City has warnedall along: thatwater and sanitation fixed charges will go up for many families in lower- and middlevalue residential properties, and go down for higher-value properties.
“We have done our utmostto mitigate this effect. To protect lower- and middle-income households from the impact of this court ruling, we proposea further raising of the rates-free rebate to the first R620 000 of property value, up from R450 000, for residential properties under R8 million. All indigent benefits will also applyuptoR620000 residential propertyvalue.”
This according to the mayor will reduce property rates for eproperty dequately
Sapoawelcomes City’s decision not to appeal tariff ruling
DESIRÉERORKE
The South African Property Owners' Association (Sapoa) has welcomed the City of Cape Town's decision not to appeal the Western Cape High Court's ruling of 30 April, while confirming it will nowmove to recover the legal costs it incurred in bringing thelandmark case.
In anotice to members issued on 22 May, Sapoa chief executive Neil Gopal said the organisation was pleased the City had chosen to abide by the court's decision ratherthan pursue further legal action.
"We are glad to see that the City hasdecided to abide by theCourt's decision, and that it has decided not to waste further taxpayer's funds in pursuing fruitless appeals," Gopal said.
The case was brought by Sapoa to challenge the City's tariff structures linked to property values.Withthe City accepting theruling, Sapoa confirmed it would scrutinise the new draft budgetthe City has undertaken to publish for public comment on 27 May.
"We will carefully study the new draft budget and will submit comment where necessary," Gopal said.
on one of itslong-held positions –that city-wide cleaning costs should be funded through property rates rather than as a separatetariff.
TheCity's proposed amendments appear to reflect precisely that approach.
"As Sapoa has stated all along during itsengagement with the City, city-wide cleaning ought to be funded from property rates, and Sapoa is satisfied that the City now seems to be in agreement," Gopal said.
Theassociation also took the opportunity to urge other municipalities across the country to avoid introducing tariffs linked to property values in light of the court's findings.
Sapoa revealed it is currently engaged in exactly such adispute with Mangaung Municipality, and expressed hope that the outcome in Cape Town would serve as acautionary signal.
"Sapoa is currently engaging the Mangaung Municipality on precisely this issue, and we sincerely hope that Mangaung will pay heed to thesecalls," Gopal said.
Sapoaalso used the notice to claima measure of vindication
Withthe legal battle concluded, Sapoa confirmed it is now proceeding to recover its litigation costs from the City of Cape Town.
SapoachiefexecutiveNeil Gopal.
CityJuniorCouncil electsnewleaders
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
The city’s Junior Council has officially ushered in anew generation of youthleadership,with the election ofits Junior Executive Mayor,Deputy Mayor, Speaker and Chief Whip on Saturday 16 May.
The JuniorCity Council (JCC) is aprestigious, non-political City initiative designed to shape the next generation of ethical leaders through hands-on exposure to local government.
It gives Grade10and 11 learners the chance to engage withcivic issues, leadcommunityprojects, and share ideas that strengthen their communities.
Through the programme, members build integrity, accountability,and astrong commitment to public service.
In March this year the city welcomed 50 newly selected junior councillors chosen from arecordbreaking 929 applications for the unique leadership programme.
NEWLYELECTED
Pierce Beaulieu has been elected as Junior Excutive Mayor
The grade 11 learner from the American International Schoolof Cape Town, saidheisexcited and honoured to start this new chapter. Highlighting acommitment to collaboration and change, Beaulieu shared hisvision for improving opportunities foryoung people in the city during his term.
“My top priority is to bring impactful change in various ways. And to work withother junior councillors.I believe in an integrated approach to work on
The2026 Junior CityCouncilcohort together with the newlyelected executiveleadership following the official electionproceedings.This cohort represents adiverse collectiveof youngleaders from across Cape Town,united by asharedcommitmenttoleadership,active citizenship,and creating meaningful changewithin their communities.
projects thatwill bring thechange thatour city is lookingfor.”
He believes attentionshouldbe focused onissues such as genderbased violence, pollution and development projects.
When askedhow he plansto make youth voices more influential in local decision-making, he said he plans to engage directly with communitiesand visit schools to conduct surveys andamplify youngpeople’s voices.
POSITIVECONTRIBUTION
Taking the helm as Junior Deputy MayorisSamantha September, aGrade 11 learner from ParowHighSchool. Theteen saidshe cannotwait to take on the role,contributeto her community andmake ameaningful impact during her term
“I amexcited, but Iamaware it is ahuge responsibly because I will be advisingthe juniormayor.”
Askedabout key challenges facing young people today, September highlightedalack of
Mediavennoot maak belegginginjeug
SISKAMARTIN
Om vanjaar as mediavennoot by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV)seMatrikulant van die Jaar-kompetisie betrokke te wees, is vir Novus Media veel meer as ’n borgskap –dit is ’n belegging in die mense wat Suid-Afrika se verhaal volgende gaan vertel. Esmé Smit,uitvoerende hoof, sê die maatskappy glo sterk gemeenskappe word gebou deur mense wat hul stories vertel en hul stemme gebruik.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP STRENGTHENED AS JUNIOR COUNCILELECTS TOPOFFICIALS
awarenessand information among youth “Thereisa scarcity of knowledge among youth. So many of the youthare uninformed about thingsaround them.Even this JCC programme notmanyofthem know that it is about.”
Septembersaid they hope to address this gap in awareness and improve youth access to information during their term. SeaPointHigh School learner Lunam Gusha has been elected Junior Speaker, while Lilah Barnes of Fairmont High School in Durbanville will serve as Junior ChiefWhip. For the past five years, Ward65councillor Donovan Nelson hasspearheaded theprogramme,helping shape its curriculum and expand its reach.
“As mediamaatskappy weet ons die volgende geslag is nie net ons lesers en kykersnie, hulle is ook ons toekomstige joernaliste, redakteurs, verkoopspersone, digitale skeppers en leiers.”
Die kompetisie ondersteun hul kernwaardes –gemeenskap, vertroue en relevansie –perfek. Dit vier die beste van plaaslike talent. Ouers, onderwyser en leerders vertrou die kompetisie is eerlik en deursigtig, en dit is relevant deur werklik ’n verskil in jong mense se lewens te maak.
VERWAGTINGVIRDEELNEMERS
Hoewel Novus Media vanjaar die eerste keer by hierdie kompetisie betrokke is, hoop hulle reeds elke finalisverlaat die eindronde met drie dinge: Selfvertroue; ’n netwerk van deelnemers, borge, beoordelaars, mentors en toekomstige vriende; en verruimde visie danksy die blootstelling.
Dit was presies Liam-Lloyd Doman, ’n finalis in 2025, se ervaring van die eindronde.
“Die kompetisie het my selfvertroue verbeter. Dit het my geleer om my vermoëns te vertrou en trots te wees op my prestasies, harde werk en persoonlikheid. Dit het my ook gehelp om beter onder druk te werk, terwyl ek lewensvaardighede soos kommunikasie, leierskap en selfdissipline ontwikkel het.
“Ek het waardevolle vriendskappe en sterk verbintenisse gevorm, wat my baie gehelp het in my eerste jaar van universiteit, omdat ek reeds mense geken het.
Dit het dit makliker gemaak om aan te pas,nuwe mense te ontmoet en meer gemaklik en selfversekerd in die nuwe omgewing te voel,” sê Doman. Sy raad aan toekomstige deelnemers sluit hierby aan:
“Geniet elke oomblik ten volle, want daardie twee dae vlieg verby! Wees jouself, geniet die uitdaging en adrenalien, en waardeer die mense wat jy langs die pad ontmoet. Die kompetisie gaan nie net oor die titel nie, maar oor die
Liam-Lloyd Doman,finalis 2025 en ’n mediesestudent in sy eerste jaar, saam met Jeannine vanZyl,Novus Media se hoof vanpremiumpublikasies en inhoud.Doman sê die kompetisie het hom uit sy gemaksone gehaal en gedwing om meer selfvertroue te hê.“Dit het my laat besefdat ek in situasieskan aanpas waar ek voorheen souhuiwer of terugstaan.”
FOTO:LIENTJIE MENTZ
herinneringe en vriendskappe wat jy vir altyd saam met jou sal dra.”
Novus Media, een van Suid-Afrika se grootste en mees dinamiese mediagroepe, se wortels lê diep in gemeenskapsmedia en plaaslike joernalistiek wat mense se lewens raak.Volgens Smit publiseer die maatskappy van die oudste Afrikaanse koerante in die land. “Rooi Rose, een van die mees geliefde Afrikaanse vrouetydskrifte in die land, is deel van ons familie. Ons het NovaNews gebou: ’n gratis, tweetalige, digitale nuusplatform, wat reeds in die top-10 van aanlynuitgewers in Suid-Afrika is.”
Boonop is Die Papier, die jongste weeklikse Afrikaanse koerant, in hul stal en bou die maatskappy ook nou aan die grootste skolesportplatform in Suid-Afrika. “Suid-Afrika het een van die hoogste jeugwerkloosheidskoerse in die wêreld. Te veel talentvolle jong mense verlaat die skolestelsel sonder dat iemand ooit vir hulle gesê het: ‘Jy is uitstaande. Jy het ’n bydrae om te lewer.Jymaak saak’,” sê Smit . Skandeerdie QR-kodeomdie inskrywingsvorm af te laai.Stuur ditteen31Julie na Linda Greyling by greylinl@ufs.ac.za.
Freemasterclasses atArtscapeTheatre
Artscape's series of free Saturday masterclasses, which opened last weekendaspart of the theatre's 55th anniversarycelebrations, continues with apacked programmerunning through to November.The sessions take placeinthe iSibaya Room on the firstfloor from 10:00 to 12:00, and areopen to artists, students,artsprofessionalsand general audiences. Seating is limitedand booki is ntial.
MARIONGRYPNAELKEGRAS-HOLM
MASTERCLASSESCONTINUE AS 55TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME EXPANDS
costumedesigner DavidPamplin. The4 July session,facilitated by Africa Melane, pl whatitm to buildas tainable
Marion Holmbring haar nuweeenvrouvertoning, Gryp elkegrasHolm,naDie Boer-teaterrestaurant op Saterdag 13 Junie om 20:30enSondag 14 Junie om 14:00.“Desperaatheid laat jou na grashalms gryp In Suid-Afrikaisons emosioneel desperaat om net asseblieftog bietjie positieftevoelenhoop te kry vir iets,”sêHolm.Komgrypsaam aan elkegrasHolm en loop uit met‘npositiewe uitkyk,‘nhoopvollehart en‘n groot gegiggel.Kaartjies kosR220.Bespreek by www.dieboer.comofby021 9791911.
. ElandrétreeopbyKapstadt BrauhausDurbanville op Vrydag 29 Mei om 20:00.Die deuremaak 18:00 oop. Kaartjies kosR220byQuicket
. TheRockyHorror Show is at Theatreonthe Bayin CampsBay currentlyuntil 31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16.Tickets startfromR200.BookatWebtickets or on 021 4383300
. Cape Town Operapresents Georges Bizet's Carmen, astory of passion, freedom and jealousy at Artscape until31May.Tickets from R180 at Webtickets. . Please,don't call me moffieruns at Artscape from 2to6 June.Nounder 16s. Tickets R150atWebtickets . Killer Queen –ALamtaDanceProduction runs from 4to20June at Theatreonthe Bay. Ticketsfrom R200 at Webtickets.
. ¡Pulso!-Classical Guitar &FlamencoDance PerformanceisatAllianceFrancaise, Loop Street on Friday 5June at 18:30.Tickets from R180 at Quicket. . Spoegwolf tree op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosvan R290 tot R350.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Cape Town Concert Series:Charl duPlessis –Mozart,Mambo &Merlot is on Saturday6 June at 15:00atThe Baxter.Tickets from R100 to R300at Webtickets.
. Rocco de Villiers:Klawer is by DieBoer-teaterrestaurant,Durbanville op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 en Sondag7Junie om 14:00.Kaartjies kosR280. Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021 9791911.
R260. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. TheBig Blues Showdownwith Albert Frost, Rich Pryor, Matt,Alecand more is at the Durbanville Golf Club on Friday 12 June at 19:45. Tickets R220 at Quicket.
. DonVino Saxy Vibes 8isatthe Grand Arena, GrandWestonSaturday13June at 19:00.Tickets R190 to R350 at Webtickets.
. CentreStage –Dancingintothe future is on Tuesday16June at 19:00atArtscape. TicketsfromR180 to R300 at Webtickets.
. Zaan Sonnekus tree op Vrydag 19 Junieom20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos vanR180 tot R220.Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net
. Eloff tree op Saterdag 20 Junie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos vanR140tot R180 Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net
. Bobbyvan Jaarsveld tree op Vrydag 26 Junie om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjieskos van R180 totR220. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net.
. Leah tree op Saterdag 27 Junie om 20:30by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R180 totR220. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net
. Prime Circleisatthe BarnyardTheatreTyger Valley on Wednesday 1Julyat19:30. TicketscostR280 at www.barnyardtheatre.co.za
. KickstArtTheatre bringsPuss in Boots,written and directedby Steven Stead, to the Baxter Theatrefrom 26 June to 18 July.Tickets from R250atWebtickets.
Navi Redd
Navi Redd komtreeopSaterdag30Mei om 20:30 en Sondag31Mei om 14:00 by Die Boer-teaterrestaurantinDurbanville op Toedie serenade-groepieDuo Decim destydsop diekampus vandie RAUvrouestudenteseharte vermurwehet,het hullegeen idee gehad watvoorlênie 'n Paar jaar later, in 2004, is Navi Redd geboreen het een vandie land se gewildsteacappela-groepe geword Ná 21 jaar tref dievyfmanskapsteeds gehorese oreenhartemet allesbehalwe instrumente. Hulle
sing, maak verskeie perkussie-instrumentena, en skep byklanke en ritmes slegsmet die gebruikvan asem, stembande,lippe en tonge. Die groep se natuurlike talent om suiweren dinamieseharmonieë te skep word in elke vertoning met humor vervleg. Hul repertoiresluit 'n wyeverskeidenheidin–van Pink FloydenRobbie Williams totdie Bee Gees, MichaelJackson, die Rolling Stones en meer . Kaartjieskos R220.Bespreekby www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.
Die manne vanNaviRedd
Newpumpstationsavesmillions
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
With aprice tag of R32,5 million the recentlyconstructed treated effluentpump stationatScottsdene Wastewater Treatment Works’ (WWTW) is set to bolster water saving effortsbysix million litres aday,according to the City of Cape Town.
In astatement to the media last week, the City says the plant supplies anumber of users with treated effluent mainly for agricultural and irrigation use, which reduces the amount of drinking water used in irrigation and industry.
According to the City, the pumpstation, whencommissioned, will be able to supply six million litres of treated effluent per day to the Scottsdene treatedeffluent network, significantlyincreasing the availability of treated effluent within the area. Further development workis planned to extend the Scottsdene treated effluent network by 14km.
ALTERNATIVEWATERSOURCE
Industries, sports facilities, parks, developmentsand schools in Bellville Industria, Bellville South, Stikland, Glenhaven, Kuils River, Scottsdene, Northpine, Wallacedene, Brackenfell and Protea Heights are encouraged to engage with the City to use treated effluent as an alternativewater source. The plant has previously benefited from capacity upgrades in 2010and 2020 to service a growing population driven by increased housing developments in thearea “Treated effluent is wastewater thathas undergonea rigorous treatment process at wastewater treatment works to remove contaminants, making it safe fordischarge into the environment. Aportion of this water is further filtered and supplied
to customersfor non-drinking uses.It is extracted and screened at the inletof the pumpstationreservoir andfiltered downstreamofthe pumps. The upgraded system also includes asupply capacity forinternal reuse at the WWTW as part of thetreatment process,”a spokesperson explains.
“Providing industry with treated effluent fornon-potable purposessuch as irrigation andconstruction is vital in our call to save water. Every litre of treatedeffluentused is alitre of drinking water saved, helping to preserve our scarcewater resources. It also makes financial sense forusers, as treatedeffluent is amore affordable alternativetopotable water. By switching totreated effluent where appropriate, businesses andfacilitiescan reduce their water costswhile contributing to amore sustainable and resilient water futurefor thecity,”says Mayco memberfor water andsanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
The Scottsdene WWTW was constructed in December 1976 to serviceScottsdene, Northpine, BernadinoHeights, Wallacedene and Bloekombos It has adesignedaverage dry weather flowtreatment capacity of 12,5million litres per day.
After itsinitialconstructionin1976, which sawthe installation of its first wastewater treatment module,the WWTW underwent further capacity upgrades over time resultinginthe current plant, which
has fourtreatment modules. Additional upgrades up to 2008 sawthe construction of mechanical screens, washer compactors and moretomeet the growing demand in thearea.
During 2010 thetreatment capacity of the WWTW was expanded with the construction of treatment Module Dand the provision of amechanical dewatering facility to enable mechanical dewatering and offsite disposal of wastewater sludge produced at the plant.
Clint Kleinhans (senior superintendent at ScottsdeneWWTW) and JacquesBasson (WWTWplant manager) at the final discharge point where treatedeffluent leaves theplant forreuse.
Confessions of achildhood fartgun
When Iwas nine, my mother accidentally turned me into afartgun. Iamnot exaggerating.
Ididn’t understand the mechanics of it at thetime but years later,wonderinghow muchpotential damage had been doneto my internal organs, Ilooked it up and was unpleasantly surprised.
But before we get to that, let meexplain WhenIwas little, my eczema was very bad and nothing that the talented doctors at RedCross Hospital didatthe timewas abletoget it under control.
My mother, who was very traditionalist, God rest her soul, tried everyhome remedyand old wives’ tale suggested This meant that most nights, beforebed my mother would give me atrustydose of Scotts Emulsion along with whatever homeremedy we were trying at the time. When Iwas nine, someonerecommended blomswael,orflowers of sulphur as it is calledinEnglish. Now, just an aside, flowers of sulphur is indeedagood remedyfor itching when used topically, but whoever advised my mother forgot to tellher that footnote.
So for at least aweek,every night, my mom gave me atable spoon of Scotts Emulsion and aglass of blomswael swirled in warm milk to drink. It didn’t quite dissolvesoitwas clumpyand grainy.It also tasted foul andsmelled like rotten eggs.
MYMOTHERHADACCIDENTALLY HELPEDMECREATETOXICFARTS
But what was far worse waswhatitdid to my insides.
The next day Iwould sit in classand try my hardest to subdue my gurgling tummy. Eventually Iwould fail and out would slip an SBD (silent but deadly) fart.
Normally the term SBDis tongue-incheek but with me, at the time, it was literal. My classmates would gag and groan as the rotten egg smell hung in the small classroom, clinging to the walls
If you were one of my classmates, I apologise. And I’m also sorrythatthis apology came decades late, but Iwas too embarrassed to admitthat it was meatthe time.
When one of the learners nearest me vomited after Ifarted, Iwenthome at the end of the week and stoically refused to keepdrinking the foul junk –which had had zero impact on my inflamed skin. Ilearned, many years later, that while not dangerous to my innards —thankfully blomswael causes agut reaction that releaseshydrogen sulphide. Besides smelling rotten, it is toxic inlargedoses. Put another way, my mother had accidentally helped me create toxicfarts thatcould have been weaponised
No learners were harmed in the misguided attempts to heal myitchy skin, but years later, when my daughter was bornand Icarried on the Scotts Emulsion tradition, Igave it ataste for old times’ sake. The next day my skin was inflamed Iread the label and discovered that the tonic was madefrom cod liver oil—and had triggered my fish allergy. It hadbeen the villaininmychildhood health dramas allalong.
So what is the point of this you mayask? Well, Idon’t have one. The most Igot out of that experience is asmall nugget of wisdom and avery funny story —and by writing this, along overdue apology —but Ihave no strong political or economic point to make today.
At the very least, Ihope thisstinky story brightened yourday.
-LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY
Kommentaar // Comments
FUEL FORSPCA: MuhammedAsgar Dalvie and Muhammad Sanglaytackledthe 42,2 km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday24May dressedinanSPCArescue vehicle suit,all in an efforttokeep real rescue vehicles on the road.Dalvie Sanglaylaunched the“Put some Petrol in Our Tank”campaign to raiseR42 000 forthe Cape of Good HopeSPCA,the amount needed to fuelone SPCAInspectorate vehiclefor afullyear.Thecampaign has alreadyraised more thanR23 000 from supporters across Cape Town and beyond,but supporters canstillsupport the fundraiser.For more information on theSPCAemail spokespersonBelindaAbraham at comms@spca-ct.co.za
Stad se inwonersmoetgordel styf knoop
Die DA beskou homselfasdie partywat die Wes-Kaap diebestebestuur
Infrastruktuur in vergelyking met ander provinsies is vangoeie gehalte.Netjiesepaaie,meestemense het toegangtot skoon drinkwater, minimalekragonderbrekingsen skoon dorpe
Beleggersbakleiomhier te kanbelê, maarkom onskyk dieper.Hoë munisipalerekeninge forseer baie menseomhul huiseteverkoop en alternatiewe akkommodasie te soek waar hulslegs verantwoordelik isvir krag en watergebruik.
Dieres vandie munisipalerekeningisdan die huiseienaar se verantwoordelikheid. Om elkeaand te kanbad, het 'n luukse geword.Baie mense badslegs drieuit sewe dae.Die oorblywende vierdae word daar uit'nskotteltjie gewasomskoon te kom. Geisers word dan net aangesit vir ongeveer 'n uur en almalmoet vinnig badofstort voor die waterkoud word Elektriesestowe is verkoop om plek te maakvir gasstofies.Kos word niemeer daagliksvoorberei nie. Inwoners vind hullekan gasspaar deurvir twee tot
Graagwil ek reageer op Elsa le Grange vanWelgelegen se brief “Houopdie sentetel”(TygerBurger 20 Mei). Nie almal is so bevooreg soos jy om niesente te tel nie.Ons asmiddelklasgemeenskap word letterlik gemelk om nie eens te kanspaar vir enigiets anders nie.
Ek verwys ook na persoonlike belasting en nouook deesdae meterfbelasting. Almal praat so gemaklik oordie woordspaar,maar hoekan ‘n mens met al die kostes watopgaan?
drie dae kosopeen slag te maak.Etesin'nrestaurant is gestaak
Mensehou die groot supermarkte se pamflette dop vir spesialeaanbiedingeomdie nodigetekoop.Met Shopritewat voorsieningmaak vir die laeinkomstegroep,kry ‘n mens gereeld'ntrollie metafgemerkte pryseopvrugtevan goeie gehalte, koppies sop, brood en vele ander items watmense koop om geld te spaar Voertuie staan en stof opgaar of word verkoop.Met die verhogings in brandstof hetuitstappies onbekostigbaar geword.Om'nUber of taxibuitespitstyd te gebruik, is heelwatgoedkoper.Risikovir smash and grab carjacking en hijacking hetteen 'n ongelooflike spoed toegeneem. Om te stap,het 'n risikogeword. Leegleërs en kriminelewag om elkehoek en draai om jou te beroof.Bankkaarteenselfone word in klereversteek, juweliersware en beursies word by die huis gelos. Uitlanders koop oral eiendom en omskepdit in bordeleensmokkelhuiseofsogenaamde studenteverblyf waar misdaad floreer.Skape word aangekoop watin die strateloop en geslag word in woonbuurte waar
lewende hawe onwettig is. Plakkerskampe word toegelaat om oral opgerig te word.Tenteenhokke is oral sigbaar in die dorpe, parkies, langssnelweëenonder bruê,wat ‘n probleem word vir omliggende inwonersweens diefstalen inbrake. Die DA-bestuur vanStadKaapstad gloaan kruissubsidie waar die middelklasenmeer gegoede belastingbetalersvir die minderbevoorregtesmoet sorg deur hoëmunisipaletariewe te hef. Maar,asjy deur die plakkerskampe beweeg, sien jy onwettige krag en waterverbindings, duur karreenTV-skottels in oorvloed. Stad Kaapstad is besig om die belastingbetalers metsyhoë tarieweteverarm en hul lewensstandaardteverlaag om voorsiening te maak vir hul projekte, agendas en hoësalarisse vir diegene watdie besluitenamensinwonersmaak.Belastingbetalers se hulpkreteenversoekevir laer tariewe word ignoreer en inwonerswordgedwing om al hoemeer skuldtemaak om te oorleef. Dit is die ware realiteit om 'n inwoner vanStadKaapstad te wees.
LIZELLE STRYDOM, Chrismar
Onshet ongelukkig'ngemeenskap van“sponsors” geword en die gelukkige wenneromdit te wees, is onsasmiddelklas. Ons het nie 'n probleem om vir dienste(watwerk)tebetaal nie, maar hoekom moet netsekeremense meer betaal vir dieselfde diens wat gebruik word?
Dit gaan nieoor waar jy blyofhoe groot jou huis is nie; dit behoort te gaan oor hoeveelgebruik word
Ek weet vanmense watomtrent niksvir dienste betaal nie,oor waar hulle bly, maar gebruik selfsmeer waterasons omdat daar meer menseindie huis woon
Dink jy dit is regverdig?
Ek voel baie jammervir die mensewat afgetree is en wathul eiendom al jaregelede gekoop het toedit nog nie 'n gesogtebuurtwas nie,maar nousobaie virdienste moetbetaal dat dit amper onmoontlik vir hulle is om methul pensioen uit te kom.
SENTETELLER,E-pos
Hoop skolefokus netsoernstig op akademie as op sportprestasies
Ek hetnou al 'n paar keer lesersbriewe opgemerk waarin die skrywers klaoor die toestandvan rugbyby sekere skole— soos oor DF,enTygerberg. Vanwanneer af troefsport akademie?
Ek stuur my kinders skool toeomteleer,nie om bal te skop,slaan of gooi nie. Dit is belaglikdat kinders "gekoop"word, of duur sportafrigters aangestel word
sodat die eerstespan Saterdag kanwen. Om nie eens te praat vandie spesiale diëteendrukwat op die kinders geplaas word om op die veld te presteer nie, terwyl sommigeseakademieseprestasies daaronder ly.Ekhoop die skolemet die duur afrigters het ooknet die beste toerustinginhul wiskunde- en wetenskapklasse
Ja, buitemuurse aktiwiteiteisbelangrik vir emosionele, fisiekeengeestelikegroei en deelnamemoet aangemoedig word.Maar koester die metnatuurlike sporttalent en houdie fokusopakademieseprestasie Nie almal kaneendagSpringbokkeofProteas word nie.Wat daarvanasjou span Saterdag verloorhet! ESTHER,Durbanville
Runandwalkforeducationsupport
Asrunners, walkers and everyday South Africans set personal goals,anew localplatform is asking them to go the distance for learners and schools too.
ACape Town-born education crowdfunding platform is calling on South Africans to turn their next run, walk or personal fitness challengeintosupport for learners and schools facing real education needs.
Launched to create amore transparent and accessible way for communities to raise funds for education-related causes, GetGo Fund is now introducing #GetGoTheDistance, asportdriven public initiativethat invites people to use their own movement goals to rally donationsand awareness for education.
With race season energising Cape Town’s running community, the campaign taps into aspirit already familiar to many South Africans. Through #GetGoTheDistance, participants can choose an education campaign listed on the GetGo
SOUTH AFRICANSENCOURAGED TO TURN EXERCISEINTOLEARNER SUPPORT
Fund platform, pledge arun, walk or personal challenge to it, sharethe link with their communities, andencourage friends,family andsupporters to contributewhatthey can
The campaign is not limited to marathon runners. A5km,a weekly run club session,along walk,a gym challenge or any personal movement goal can form partofthe call.
CONCERNS
At the heartofthe initiative is agrowing concernthatmany learners,families and schools continue to face funding gaps that directly affect educational opportunity.
That concernisalready being reflected in the kinds of campaignsgainingtractionon GetGo Fund. In Cape Town, onecampaign is helping Masiphumelele High School retaina dedicated educator
Badisaaims to restoregiftofplay
Non-profitorganisation Badisa haslaunched its “Give One Hour” campaign ahead of Child Protection Week, which runs from 29 May to 5June 2026, calling on businesses across South Africa to help restore the gift of play to vulnerable children.
The campaign invites play parks, children’s museums, adventure parks, family entertainment venues and child-friendly businesses to partner with Badisa in one of two ways: donate one free hour of play or access to childrenconnected to Badisa programmes or donate one hour of profit
“For many children play is not something that happens naturally,” said Shannon Usher, Social Services ManageratBadisa. “Poverty, violence, neglect, trauma and unsafe environments often rob children of moments that are critical to healthy development. Yet play is far more than entertainment. It is how childrenprocess emotions, buildconfidence, develop social skills, solve problems and learn to trust the world around them.”
whosework supports learners inside andbeyond the classroom. Anotherisraising support for alearner at Capella House to continue her primary schooling in an environmentwhere she is flourishing. Together, these examples show the rangeof needsthe platform is designed to service,from strengthening school capacity to helping individual learners remain on theireducational path
“Being part of GetGoFund at this stage is incredibly meaningfulbecause we are building something that speaks directly to needand possibility,” says Donna Shefer, CEO of GetGo Fund.
“Thereare so many South Africans who want to help, but they areoften unsure where to begin or whether their contribution will truly be felt. #GetGoTheDistancegives people aheartfelt starting point.”
GIFTOFGIVING
The initiative also demonstrates abiggerchange in how communities can engage with giving. Instead of waiting for large institutions or once-off interventions, it creates space for everyday SouthAfricans to become part of education support in astructured, visible way and with one pledge, one share and one donation at atime. How does it work? Choose acampaign. Pledge your movement. Share your link. Raise support.
Theinitiative offers a meaningful way to make upcoming race goals count for more.For thosewho are not runners, it is an invitation to get off thecouch, do something good for themselves, and turnthat effort into ashow of support for someoneelse’s future.
Because while one person may be chasing apersonal best, another may simply need the chance to stay in the race.
. Find acampaign to support and take part in #GetGoTheDistance at www.getgofund.org
PROTECTIONTHROUGHJOY
Child ProtectionWeek is observed annually across South Africa to raise awareness aboutthe rights ofchildren and the collective responsibilitytoprotect them from abuse,neglect, exploitationand violence It serves asa reminder that child protectionisnot only aboutresponding when harm hasalready occurred, but also aboutcreatingenvironments inwhich children are able to thrive and developfully.
Through the “Give One Hour” campaign Badisa wants to translate awareness into practical action, encouraging organisations to use thespaces they already have, ones built forfun, creativity, adventure anddiscovery, tohelp restore positive childhoodexperiences forchildren who may not otherwise have accesstothem.
“Sometimes protectionlooks likesafetyand sometimes like joy,” said Adrie Jurgen, DirectorofMarketing, Communicationsand Fundraising at Badisa. “When children play, they connect, grow,imagine and heal.”
. To getinvolvedcontact Zoe Borchards on 021 9577130orat kuumba@badisa.org.za
Achild climbing ajungle gym, visiting amuseum for the first time or laughing freely with friends may seem like a small moment, but for achild experiencing vulnerability or trauma that moment canbecomepartofhealing, belonging and hope.
Learn to cook French and Italian
As part of the master class cooking series of TheNoshbudha Cooking Club in Durbanville, an Italian bistromeal class willbepresented on Saturday6 June and on Saturday13June aFrench bistromealclass willbepresented Both classeswilltakeplace at Villa Pascal Guest HouseinVan der Westhuizen Avenue,Durbanville
In this masterclass series,food lovers canlearn to cook everyday French classics, as well as Mediterranean, Moroccan, Creoleand Italian bistro favourites. Theseriesisorganised by
culinaryenthusiastEugèneAntoine Lebreton andaims to equiphome cooksand domesticworkers with skills.The classes also provide an excellentnetworkingopportunity.
Theclasses arepresented from 10:00 to 13:00 andcostR600 per person,including ademonstration,a recipe, ingredients andlunch.
Spacesare limitedtoseven guests andpre-booking is essential.
. Contact Eugene on 082 5694147orbyemail to villapascalguesthouse@gmail.com
Donna Shefer,CEOofGetGo Fund
AIbotsmakeinroadsinrealestate
The image of the estate agent is deeply ingrained in the South African psyche: asharply dressed professional withathick portfolio,a tank full of optimism, and aterritory carved outbysuburb and instinct. That agent is going extinct.
In their placerises anew breed —the bionic agent. Armed with predictive analytics, AI-powered lead generation, and an intimate understanding ofhow machines nowmediate the buyer-seller relationship, these agents aren’t just surviving the tech revolution. They’re leading it.
“Too many agents still thinktechnology is going to replace them,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of LewGeffen Sotheby’s International Realty. “They’re looking in the wrong direction. Technology isn’t here to replace professionals —it’shere to make you superhuman. The agent who embraces the tools will outperform the agent who fears them, every single time.”
THESNIPERRIFLE,NOTTHESHOTGUN
For decades, thestandard agent playbook was“farming” —blanketing a neighbourhood with flyers, hoping atiny
percentage might stick. It was avolume game:more calls, more showings,more luck.
Thatmodel is now economically untenable. With the primelendingrate stabilisingathigher levels, transaction efficiency isn’t aluxury —it’ssurvival. Every hour wasted on alow-probability leadis moneylost.
Enter predictive analytics. Tools like Lightstone’s “propensity to sell” modelling nowallow agents to analysevastdatasets —bondcancellation patterns, average holding periods by suburb, demographic shifts, even maintenanceand renovation trends —toidentify sellers before they’ve madea single decision.
“We’re movingfrom farming to sniping,”
Geffen explains.
“One tool that’sstreamlining our processsignificantly is LOOM’s global virtualagent, whichisalways-on-duty AI-powered software thatsimulates humanconversation via text or voiceto assist clients and agents access up-to-theminute informationonproperties on the market, to facilitatetransactions and to set up digital meetingsfor agents and their sellers and buyers. It’s arealestate tool currently in use by 400 000 companies aroundthe world, which makes Lew Geffen Sotheby’s InternationalRealty confident that it hasa stable and dynamic back end.
“Whatthis tech meansfor agents isgetting alist in theirareas of 150 addresses that are calculated to be statistically more likely to go on the marketinthe short to mediumterm. You’re notwasting timeoncold calls. You’re having warm conversations withpeople whoare already thinking aboutmoving. That’s not magic. That’s mathematics.”
THE24/7AGENTNEVERSLEEPS
Geffen says while South African agents sleep, the market doesn’t. And increasingly,the first point of contact between apotentialclient andabrand isn’t ahuman —it’sa machine.
Internationally, Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates are alsodeploying AI-
as they speak human.”
TRADITIONAL SALESPEOPLE ARE GOINGEXTINCT AS BIONIC AGENTS CHANGE THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY
poweredconversational agents that greet prospective clients 24 hoursaday. By simply scanningaQRcode in an agency window, apasserby caninstantly begin discussing their property project with an intelligentchatbot.
“Thesetools handle the first-level questions, qualify leads, andgather initial information before ahuman agent ever getsinvolved,” says Geffen. “That’snot a threat to the agent. That’s agift
“It means when you finally speak to that client,you’re notstarting from zero. You’restarting from informed. You can walk into that conversation knowing exactly what they want, what they can afford, andhow serious they are.”
The technology handles the routine; theagent delivers the relationship. The machine qualifies; the human closes.
THEGEOSHIFT: WHYGOOGLEJUSTCHANGEDTHEGAME
Perhaps the mostprofound shift happeningright now is invisible to most agentsbut will fundamentally reshape how properties are found.
It’s calledGenerative Engine Optimisation —GEO.
Here’s how it works: When abuyer asks GoogleGemini or ChatGPT aquestion –
“Find me athree-bedroom house in Cape Town’s southern suburbs with solar and seaviews under R8 million” —the AI doesn’t just return links. It synthesises an answer frommultiple sources and presents it directly to the user. Thebuyer may neverclicka single website.
“Property portals are absolutely still relevant,” Geffensays.“But they’reno longer the only game in town. If your contentisn’t structured in away that AI can read, summarise, andtrust,you’re invisible in thenew search economy. Your listings need to speakmachine as fluently
This means agencies must rethink their entire digital strategy. Listings need clean data, structured formatting, and authoritative backlinks. Blog content must answer specific questions clearly. The algorithm doesn’t just want keywords —it wants answers.
“The agents who understand GEO will be the ones showing up in AI-generated search results,”Geffen says. “The ones who don’t will wonder why theirphone stopped ringing.”
THEHUMANELEMENT
For all the talk of algorithms and AI, Geffen is adamant about one thing: the technology enables the human; it doesn’t replace him or her.
“I don’t ever see realtors disappearing from the picture, because if covid taught us nothing else, we learnt that humans are sociable animals and we need human interaction —especially if that human happens to be ahighly trained property professional.
“Real estate is still apeople business. It’s still about trust, about reading aroom, about knowing when to push and when to pause. Amachine can’t do that. But a machine can tell you which rooms to walk into.”
Geffen says show houses and the marketing visibility of directional boards are also here to stay.
“Buyers need to fall in love with a home they’rebuying and the only way that happens is if they spend time in the space. These walk-throughs are their opportunity to discover the good and the bad for themselves, which will ultimately influence the clauses in the Offer to Purchase.”
Thebionic agent, then, isn’tacyborg, says Geffen. It’ssimply an agent who has learned to let data do the digging so he or she can do the dealing.
And in amarket where every advantage counts, that might just be the difference between agents surviving and thriving while ensuring sellers are happy with transaction prices and buyers have new homes they love, says Geffen.
Misrepresentation in property salesisalegal minefield
TheSouth African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) has warned that accurate accounts of properties forsale by owners, estate agents or auctioneers in South Africa are essential to avoid costly litigation and the cancellation of asale.
While the nature of auctions are based on the common law principle of voetstoots, meaning aproperty is sold “asis”, what is advertised and promoted about aproperty matters as these need to represent the true facts Misrepresentations during the sales processcan expose careless or dishonest auctioneerstoserious legal liability.
SAIA chair, Joff van Reenen, says South Africancommon law recognises the concept of voetstoots.While widely relied uponincontracts of sale, voetstoots does notexcuse dishonesty or concealment.
This is evidenced in recent court cases thatheld “where aseller, agent or
auctioneerknowingly makes afalse representation or fails to disclose material facts, the protection of voetstoots falls away. Abuyer is therefore entitled to rely on factual statements made about a propertyespecially where those statements induce thedecisiontopurchase or to bid.”
Sellers needtoremember that misrepresentations at any stage can carry legal consequences long after the hammer has fallen.
For auctioneers in particular casual claims or seller-supplied information that is given without checking the facts can become the basis of litigation.
Thelegal consequences can be severe. A purchaser who has been induced to buy apropertythrough misrepresentation may seek rescission of the sale even after transfer has taken place. In such cases the transaction is unwound with the property returned and the purchase price repaid.
MR PAVING
Alle plaveisel vanaf R250 per m2.Alles ing Tel.072 132 5573 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED (Form JJJ added by GNR. 62 OF 25 January2019) Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68(1) of the Deeds of Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of acertified copy of Certificate of Registered Title Number ST29584/2006
herebyrequired to
same in writing with
AANDAG ALMAL kontant vir enige huis-houdelikegoed klere, skoene, beddegoed, gordyne, speelgoed, oudhede, juweliersware -goud, breekgoed, potte, elektroniese ware. MEUBELS yskaste, beddens, Sitkamerstelle, tv's. (en baie meer) Johan074 4744275
Ek koop kombuisware, linne, ornamente, speelgoed,juweliersware, ou tydse goed. Anita0829638877
L&HMaintenance Vir alle verfwerk, kleinbou projekte,daklekke, lê van houtvloere, loodgieters-werk, opsit van droëmuur konstruksies & knottypineplafonne.Opsit van JOJO tenkeen
EK KOOP BOEKE en langspeelplate. 0826708987
DEAL ON ALL
CLEANING
MOVING? Cashpaidfor allyour unwanted good quality ladies,mens, kids clothing. Shoes, linen, bric 'n brac etc. Christelle 084 408 1437
AANDAG ALMAL Werner soekdringend al julle 2de handsemeubels. Betaal kontant. ALLE AREAS 083565 1685 078 150 1702
Registrar of DeedsatFloor4 Information Desk, 2Riebeek Street, Foreshore,Cape Town within two (2) weeksafter the date of the publicationofthis notice. DatedatCAPE TOWN on this 29THMAY 2026 APPLICANT:VZK INC ADDRESS: POBOX 4019, TYGER VALLEY, 7536 Email address: desire@vzk.co.za Contact Number:
