TygerBurger | Brackenfell | E-edition | 29 July 2026

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empowering professional planners and expecting municipal Chief Financial Officers to become strategic asset managers rather than simply compliance officers. We should reward municipalities that grow theireconomies, expand their tax baseand deliver infrastructure, instead of treating all municipalities alike irrespective of performance.”

He says it is also time to rethink local democracy itself.

“For example, Council meetings could be held in the evenings, enabling experienced professionals and entrepreneurs who contribute daily to the economy through theirown businesses, and as well as retired executives, to serve their communities most effectively. Municipal government should attract the country’s best talent, not simply its most available talent.”

LOCALELECTION

Theforthcoming local government election, he argues, must thereforebe about far more than political parties and personalities. They should be about reimagining the veryinstitution on which SouthAfrica’s future prosperity depends

“If SouthAfrica wants sustained economic growth, the answer will not be found only in Pretoria. It will be found in municipalities that approve developments, maintain infrastructure, manage assets professionally and enable local economies to thrive. The real reform agenda is therefore not simply fixing municipalities. It is recognising that municipalities are the engine room of the SouthAfrican economy. Fixlocal government, and economic growth will follow.”

“For three decades, SouthAfrica has tried to grow the economy from the top down. Perhaps the next decade should be about growing it from the bottom up. History suggests that nations seldom become prosperous because national governments become larger. They become prosperous because their cities and municipalities become stronger.The future of SouthAfrica will therefore not be decided first in the Union Buildings. It will be decided in municipal council chambers across the country,”hesays. “And yes, it will be decided at the November local government ballot boxes across the country.”

Night in Paris fundraiser

"A Night in Paris" themed gala evening in support of Magdalenahuis Counseling Centreisbeing presented on Friday14August at Eensgezind on Klipheuwel Road outside Durbanville. Ticketsinclude athreecoursemeal. Ticketsare R650 per person or R6 000 foratablefor 10 people. Theevent willstart at 18:30 Thedress code is Parisian chic. . Book by 31 July at info@magdalena.org.za

Cthe wh process sanitation, pipes system re at non-dri complete Str protracted To ho but the the concept ow component.

Ratepay opposition, about the te de extended is fo parking, taxpayer

Devastation in BottelaryRoad.

Bottelary, R300 fatalities

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

One person was killed andseveral otherswere seriously injured in aheadon collision in Bottelary Road in the vicinity of Bellevue Wine Estate on Friday morning.

Accordingtoinformation received by TygerBurger thecollision involved abakkie carrying agroupofsecurity workers andaVWPolo sedan.

Titanium Securitas medical personnel were among the first to respond to the crash, where they found multiple patients with seriousinjuries. Emergency workers stabilised theinjured at the scene before transporting them to hospital. Despite theirefforts thedriver of the Polo was declared dead on thescene Bottelary Road haslongbeen flagged as oneofthe mostdangerous stretches of road in the area, with ahistory of fatal crashesand repeated calls from residents

for safetyinterventions.

In another fatal accident on Saturday two people died in acollision on the N1, just after the R300 bridge at about 09:00, the cause of the collision being unknown at thisstage.

According to the Chief Director of Traffic Management for the WesternCape, Maxine Bezuidenhout,“we confirm an incident on the N1,just after the R300 bridge, thismorning at approximately 09:00, whereavehicle was involved in a collision. Tragically, two fatalities have been confirmed.”

Bezuidenhout said emergency services and response teams attended to the incident.The N1, direction Cape Town, was closed and significant delays were experienced. Road users were encouraged use the R300 as an alternative routeand to exercise caution when travelling in and around the area, Bezuidenhout said. The roadway has since been reopened.

KiteFestivalreturnstocolourthesky

Cape Town’s skies willonce again burst intocolour thisspring as the Cape Town International Kite Festival returns for its 32nd year, bringing together thousands of visitors to celebrate hope, resilience and mental health awareness.

The festival, hosted by Cape Mental Health, takes place on 24 and25October at Youngsfield Military BaseinOttery

Sincelaunching in 1994, it has grown into Africa’s oldest kite festival and one of South Africa’s leading mental health awareness events.

This year’s theme, #ColourTheSky, encourages communities to unite in supporting those living with mental health conditions while highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding and seeking help.

“We areexcited to host the 32nd Cape TownInternational Kite Festivalthis spring —atime of growth, renewal and colour,” said Prof Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health.

“The kite festival provides us with an awesome opportunitytobrighten the sky withmessages of hope, stories ofresilience and to celebrate the courage and bravery of those who live with amentalhealth condition.”

Daniels added that the event also provides an opportunity to welcome international, national and localkite fliers while raising much-needed funds and awareness forCape Mental Health.

ASKYFILLEDWITHHOPE

Forone weekend, giantkites flown by localand international enthusiasts will transform the skyline into acolourful displaydesigned to inspire hope and encourageconversations around mental wellbeing

MENTALHEALTH AWARENESS

EVENT IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’SOLDEST KITE FESTIVALS

AccordingtoDaniels, the #ColourTheSky theme reflectsboth the visual spectacle of thefestivaland its deeper message.

“#ColourTheSky perfectly captures the visual spectacleand emotional energy of the event. Bright colours naturally triggerfeelings of joy, optimism, hope and

FROMPAGE1

“It was the first such incident recorded in Brackenfell in the last three months, according to our crime statistics,”hetold TygerBurger,adding that many similar incidents go unreported to police.

SECONDINCIDENT

In another incident on Saturday 25 July astolen Sixty60-branded motorcycle was recovered in Kraaifontein after aproactive patrolbythe Titanium Securitas Crime Prevention Unit. At approximately 03:45, officers

were following-up oninformation in the Kraaifontein area when they spotted aman pushing a motorcycle alongVan der Bijl Street. When officers stopped to offerassistancethe suspect fled onfoot.

SUSPECTSCAUGHT

Afoot pursuitfollowed, andthe suspectwas apprehended and escorted back to the motorcycle KraaifonteinPolice Station wasnotified and avehicleidentificationcheck confirmed the motorcycle was fitted with a tracking device.

Both suspectand motorcycle were handed over to police for further investigation. The latter’s trackingunit was later recovered at aresidenceinFourth Avenue, Belmont Park.

RETAILERRESPONDS

TygerBurger approached CheckersSixty60 for commenton thegrowing threat facingtheir riders, asking what statistics thecompany hadonhijackings and robberiestargeting delivery drivers in theCape Town area, whether theyhad noted an increaseinsuchcases, what the

positivity despite difficult and challenging times. Colour overrides darkness and gives hope in the face of adversity,” she said. She explained that, much like kites soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health challenges demonstrate resilience every day.

MORETHANJUSTKITES

While spectacular kite displays remain the festival’s biggest attraction, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, interactive activities, food vendors and family-friendly fun throughout the weekend.

Everyticket purchased and donation made helps Cape Mental Health continue providing essential free mental health services to vulnerable communities across the Western Cape.

Theorganisation hopes thisyear’s festival will continue itslong-standing mission of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness while encouraging people to seek support when they need it.

TheCape Town International Kite Festival takes place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October at Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery.

. Earlybirdtickets arenow available through Quicket. Heart FM returns as thefestival’s official radiopartner, helping spread the #ColourTheSkymessage acrossthe Western Cape

company’sconcerns were and what precautions were being takentoprotect riders.

In astatement the Shoprite Group saidthe safety, health and well-being of itsemployees, customers and delivery partners, including independent contractors such as Pingo drivers, remained atop company priority.

STATSNOTDISCLOSED

“For security reasons we do not disclose incident statistics or provide commentary on specific crime-related trends.”

Thecompany strongly condemned all crime, especially acts that jeopardised the safetyof thosewho carry its services out, people with whom it works. It said it continued to work closely with law enforcement and encouraged anyone with information relating to criminal incidentstoreport it via the hotline on 0800 118 879.

Beyond standard on-boarding training covering health, wellbeing, safetyprotocols and accident procedures, drivers also receive training in defensive and anti-hijacking techniques

Jamneck’srapistandkillerjailed

The Western Cape High Courtlast Wednesdaysentencedthe accused, a49-year-old man from Kraaifontein, to life imprisonmentfor the rape of Daniel Jamneck and life imprisonment for his murder on 15 June 2023.

He was further sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the rape of aBrackenfell woman in 2005, and eight years imprisonment for the sexualassaultof Daniel.

Action Society welcomed the sentencing of the child predator responsible for the rape and murder of eight-year-old Daniel, saying justicehas finally been servedfor alittle boy whose life was brutally stolen.

The organisation, however, says its work is far from over and will continue to pursue accountabilityfor the systemic failures thatallowed adangerous repeat sexual offender to remain free despite his violentcriminal history

The court also ordered that the accused be enteredonthe National Register for Sex Offenders, permanently prohibited him from working withchildren, prohibited him from possessing afirearm, andruled that both Maria Jamneck and the rape survivor be entitled to make representations to the Parole Board should he everbecome eligible for parole.

“Today’s proceedings weremarked by a powerful moment of solidarity as Daniel’s mother, Maria Jamneck, andthe other rape survivor held hands in court asthey awaited sentence,” says Juanita du Preez, Action Society’s head of operations.

“Two women whose lives had been forever changed by the sameoffender stood together in support of one another as justicewas finally delivered.”

Earlier in the week, thecourt heard

Maria’s victim impact statement, in which she describedDaniel as “our absolute light”, acompassionate little boy who loved nature,dreamedofbecominga veterinarian, and adored his younger sister.

She also spoke of thedevastating trauma that continues to affect her family every daysince Daniel’s murder.

“Today’ssentencebrings justicefor Daniel and recognises the immense suffering enduredbyMaria, andeveryone whoselives have been shattered by this monster,” says Du Preez,

“Justice hasfinally been served. But we will continueour fight to expose the failures within the criminal justice system thatallowed this accused to remain free andcontinue his crime spree, ultimately ending in Daniel’s death.”

“South Africans deserve ajusticesystem thatidentifies dangerous repeat offenders, acts decisively and protects innocent lives before anotherfamily hastoendure this kind of unimaginable loss.”

JUSTICESERVEDBUTQUESTIONSREMAIN

Action Societyaccepted amandateto supportDaniel’s family after it emerged thatthe accused hadpreviously been convicted of rape, later absconded from a court-ordered rehabilitation programme, andsubsequently faced another attempted rape chargethatwas withdrawn before Daniel wasraped andmurdered.

“The organisation will continue pursuing

accountability for theinstitutional failures that allowedthese warning signs to go unaddressed. While today’s sentence closes onechapter in Daniel’scase, Action Society says thebroader fight for systemic accountabilityisonlybeginning,”says Du Preez.

On 15 June2023, during asleepover at his friend’s,Danielwas found dead in the bedofhis friend’s father, the accused, during theearly hours. The accused was takenintocustody soon after. The original murder charge was broadened to include rape and sexualassault once post-mortem results were concluded. Despite protesting hisinnocencethroughout the proceedings, theaccused facedoverwhelming evidence, including testimonyfrom his own son.

ANOTHERRAPE

It latercame to light that the convicted man had in 2007 entered into aplea agreementwith the NPAregarding the 2005 crime where the Brackenfell woman, then 22, wasdruggedand sexually assaulted.

A38-year-old mother of three told TygerBurger Daniel’s tragicdeath could havebeen prevented, hadher case not fallenthrough the cracksofthe justice system 18 years ago.

During an interview with the newspaper

in 2023, the woman recounted being at a gathering where the accused had bought her adrink She recalled little of the evening beyond flashbacks of dizziness and leaning against awall outside before he offered to drive her home. After another friend was dropped off, she remembered nothing until waking the next morning on acouch in his aunt’shouse, her clothes dishevelled and no memory of the night before. Disoriented, she spent the day trying to piece events together beforeaconcerned friend persuaded her to go to the police. While she was at the police station, the accused arrived to hand himself over and confessed.

He was arrested and released on bail the following Monday. Thecase dragged on for more than two years. In 2007, while pregnant with her first son, she was summoned by the prosecutor. The accused’s lawyer warned her the case would come down to “he says, she says” and that she would be ripped apartin court.

Intimidated, she agreed to withdraw the charges on condition the offence went on his record and he completed adiversion programme for sexual offenders. If he failed to complete the programme, the charges would be reinstated. However, this never happened without her knowledge. It later emerged at the bailhearing for Daniel’smurder that the accused had absconded from the programme after only four sessions.

Thecase has stirred profound grief far beyond the courtroom walls whereagroup called Justice for Daniel Jamneck formed who followed the proceedings, with one simple purpose, to ensure that his story is never forgotten.

Sergiowenmetboerboele

Syliefde virsyeerste boerboel het daartoe gelei dat 'n tienerseun van Durbanvillenou met die gesogte titel van Internasionale Hanteerdervan die Jaar 2026 vereer is Sergio Kannemeyer (14) het tydens die 2026 SABBS Internasionale Boerboelskou met verskeieuitstekende prestasies beïndrukenisvir sy uitsonderlike vaardigheid en toewyding met diégesogte titel bekroon.

Sergio, seun van Shaun en Samantha Kannemeyer,is’ngr. 9-leerder aan Curro Durbanville.

VERSKEIEHONDE

Sy liefde vir boerboele het begin by die gesin se eerste boerboel, Missy, vertel sy ma. "Ons was nog altyd ’n hondeliefhebbende familie en het deur die jare verskeie honde gehad. ’n Familievriend het ons in middel 2023 na ’n hondeskougenooi, en van daardie eerste skou af wasSergio heeltemal gefassineer deur die wêreld van hondeskoue," sê sy.

Sergio het kort daarna metMissy begin oefenendieselfde jaar nog aanskoue begin deelgeneem.

WENREEDSBYEERSTESKOU

"By hul heel eerste skou in November 2023 het hy en Missy reedsverskeie toekennings gewen, danksy Missy se uitstekende gehalte en pragtige voorkoms "Van daar af het Sergio se passie virdie sport net al hoe groter geword, en hy het aanhou oefen en ervaring opbou," vertel sy.

Volgens haar het die teler by wie hulle Missy gekoop het ’n ervare hanteerder by die kennel gehad, wat vir Sergio die

SYLIEFDEVIRDIEHONDERASHET BEGINTOEDIEGESINHULEERSTE BOERBOEL,MISSY,GEKRYHET,NOU SMAAKHYINTERNASIONALE SUKSES

basiese beginsels van hondeskoue geleer het.

"Hyhet vir homgewys hoeom’nhond korrek te stack,hoe om die hond in die skouring aan te bied en hoeomdie beste uit die hond se bewegingenvoorkoms te haal. Daarna hetSergio die meestevan sy vaardighede op sy eie verder ontwikkel “Hyhet ure lank na opleidingsvideo’s op YouTube gekyk, daagliks geoefenen voortdurenddaarnagestreef om homself te verbeter,” sê sy.

ONDERSTEUN

"Asgesin het ons homook ondersteun met alles wat ons by skoue geleer het, en deur die loop van 2023 hethydie voorreg gehad om talle ervare en vriendelike hanteerdersteontmoet, wathul kennisen raadmet hom gedeelhet.

"Hul leiding, saam metsyeie toewyding en daaglikse oefening, het ’n groot rol gespeel in die hanteerder wat hy vandag is," sêsy.

PRESTASIES

Die prestasies wat hy noubydie 2026 SABBSInternasionale Boerboelskou op 25 en 26 Junie in Parys in die Vrystaat behaal het, was metGrim Reaper, Missy se eerste welpie

"OmdatGrim Reaper, 'n reun van een jaar en vier maande oud, ’n enkelwelpie was, maak dit sy prestasies nogmeer besonders," sê sy ma. "Enkelwelpies

groei sonder werpsmaatsopenmis dus die vroeë sosiale interaksie wat hondjies normaalwegmet hul broers en susters ontwikkel. Daarom verg dit baie ekstra tyd, aandag en doelbewuste sosialisering om hulselfvertroue te bou en hulle aan nuwemense, hondeenomgewings bloot te stel.

Ten spyte vanhierdie unieke uitdaging het Grim Reaper uitstekend ontwikkel en bewys hy vandag dat hy oor uitsonderlike gehalteentemperament beskik," verduidelik sy. Sergio het by die skou op 25 Junie ook mettweejong honde gewen. Beide die reun,Genius GuardTokyo, en teef,GeniusGuardGabb, het die Sub Junior Champion-toekenning ontvang. Dievolgende dag het Grim Reaper die toekenning vir Junior Champion, asook ReservedGrandChampion Male, gewen.

Sergio Kannemeyerisbydie SABBSInternasionale Boerboelskouasdie InternasionaleHanteerder van dieJaar aangewys.Byhom is Liticia Hunt Kruger, voorsittervan dieSouthAfrican Boerboel Breeders Society. FOTO:LIEZL

Studyexplores questionof ‘why womenstay’

Anew study from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has found the question “why doesn’t she just leave?” misunderstands the lived reality of women trappedin abusive relationships.Researchers say leaving is often not aneasy choice but acalculation between competing dangers.

The research, published inthe Social Sciences journal, was conducted by UWC’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society. It draws on the experiences of 262 mothers, grandmothers, adolescents and practitioners from four communities: Cape Town, Saldanha Bay, Fisantekraal and a university student cohort.Participants from diversebackgrounds described similar experiences, pointingtopatterns that cutacross race, class and geography

The team, led by Prof Nicolette Roman and co-authored by Dr Chante Johannes and Shenaaz Wareley, developed a framework they callthe “distorted process of care” —away of understanding how relationships that should offer love, protectionand support can instead become instruments of control, danger and entrapment.

The first of five interconnected themes identified by the researchers is what they describe as “distorted care”. In many of the relationships studied, the pattern began with genuine affection before gradually shifting towardsabuse Emotional attachment, the researchers found, often blinded women to early warning signs. Jealousy andcontrolling behaviour were misread as proofof devotion rather than danger signals.As gender roles, intergenerationalviolence, andsubstance abuse took hold, the caring foundation of arelationship was eroded. “Care under constraint”isthe second theme. For many women, staying was not asignofpassivity but astrategyfor survival.Asignificant number depended on their partner for basicnecessities food, shelter, school fees. For mothers especially,the calculus was agonising: leaving could mean losing the family’s only income. The wellbeing of children was consistently prioritised over a woman’s own safety.

The third theme, “silence of care”, spoke to the isolation that abuse breeds. Fear of judgement, deep shame, and repeated disappointments from the institutions meant to help left many withdrawn and silent. Over time, many stopped seeking help altogether. Somewomen, however, dideventually reach apoint theresearchers call “reclaiming care”. In these cases, women chose their own safety, drewstrength from faith or community,

ABUSIVERELATIONSHIPS ACALCULATION OF COMPETING DANGERS

and worked to prevent their children from inheriting the cycleofviolence.

ASYSTEMTHATFAILS

The fifth and final theme, “structural failure”, places responsibility on the families, communities andinstitutions aroundwomen in crisis. Police, social services andgovernment departments,the study found, oftenretraumatised women rather than protecting them. Crime, gangsterism and poverty in marginalised communitiesfurther narrowed theoptions forseeking help. Families were often too financially stretched to offerrefuge.

The danger of leaving was notabstract for many. Women who tried to separate from their partners reported being followed, assaulted or fearing for their lives.The researchers argue, the decision tostay was often rational based on immediaterisk.

Gender rolesreinforcedthe cycle. Women bore thebulk of childcare and householdresponsibilitieswhile abusive partners remained absent from family life. Childrengrowing up in violenthomes were found to be at greater risk of the cycle continuing. Substanceabuse, the study noted, intensified both the frequency andseverity of violence andfear.

The researchers are unambiguous about whattheir findings mean for howgenderbased violence is addressed in South Africa,where GBVremainsa national crisis affecting womenacrossevery community and class. They arguethat current approaches,whichtend to focus on individual women andcrisis responses, arestructurally limited.

“For policy, the implications of this framework are uncomfortable but necessary,”the authors state.

“GBV cannot be addressedthrough individualised, crisis-response models alone. Interventions thatfocussolely on theindividual, such as counselling, sheltersand legal protection, without addressing thematerialand institutional conditions that makeremaining in abusive situationsappear rational, are likely to remain insufficient.”

The researchers are callingfor a fundamental shift in howgender-based violence is understood andtackled in South Africa. Rather thanplacing the burden on individual survivors to leave, the focus must shift to creating the conditionsthatmakesafety areal possibility for everyone.

Ticketsonsaleforgreatconcert

The milestones of the 25th anniversary of the non-profit organisation

HearUs andthe 40th anniversaryofthe firstcochlear implantation performed in South Africa are being celebrated with aconcert by the HeydeburgSymphony Orchestra in September in Stellenbosch.

Tickets for this celebratory concert by HearUs, in association withthe Heydeburg Symphony Orchestra andDare4Life, are available on Quicket from Saturday 1August.

All funds raised will be in aid of HearUs, which was established by Daneel and Santievan der Walt and Fanie de Villiers as an initiative aligned withthe TygerbergHospital–Stellenbosch University Cochlear Implant Unit, and Dare4Life.

HearUs provides financial support to individuals with significant hearing loss from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to obtain and maintain cochlear implants and realise their full potentialinthe world of hearing. Dare4Life is aholistic well-being movement supporting individuals facing illness and major life transitions.

FIRSTCOCHLEARIMPLANTATION

The first cochlear implantation performedinSouth Africa was carried out on 4November 1986 at Tygerberg Hospital by Dr Derrick Wagenfeld (ear, nose and throat surgeon), Lida

Müller (audiologist) andtheir StellenboschUniversity team.

On 29September 2023, Tygerberg Hospital celebrated its1000th cochlearimplant recipient,and to date more than 1020 patients have received cochlearimplantsthrough this programme. September is also officially recognised as the International Month for Deaf People in commemoration of the first world congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, held inSeptember 1951.

InternationalWeek of the Deaf,

will add to thismemorable programme.

OUTSTANDINGLINE-UP

TheHeydeburg Symphony Orchestra, conducted thisyear by Leonard Heydenrych and Stuart Martin, will headline this special performance alongside an outstanding line-up of celebrated soloists, including Piet de Beer (violin), José Dias (piano), Lauren Dasappa (soprano), Mario Nell (organ), Thandolwethu Longo (tenor), Iman Bulbulia (piano), Etienne van der Walt (tenor) and Leonard Heydenrych (flute).

Theprogramme features beloved masterpieces from the classical repertoire, together with specially arranged crossover works by Richard Campbell.

LIFE-CHANGINGIMPACT

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 1AUGUST

whichiscelebratedfrom 20 to 26 September, aims to promote social inclusion, advocatefor the rights of the deaf community, and celebrateSouth African Sign Language.

STRENGTHENMUSICALLITERACY

The Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra,revived for the inaugural HearUsConcert in

2023, is an orchestral training programme under the guidance of Reghardt Kühn and Stuart Martin

It offers secondary school learners the opportunity to participate in large-scale orchestral performance, strengthening theirmusical literacywhile providing invaluable vocational experience.

The orchestra will once again present the curtain-raiser performance for this celebratory event.Special guest performances by KateAllwood (piano), a cochlear implant recipient,

This year Mia le Roux, Miss SouthAfrica 2024, will be welcomed to the stage. Mia received acochlear implant at the age of one and embodies the life-changing impact of hearing restoration, says aspokesperson for HearUs. Theconcert will be presented on Saturday 5September in the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch. To ensure accessibility, a temporary induction loop system will be available for the evening in Rows FtoQ . Guests who usehearing aidsor cochlear implantsare encouraged to look forthe internationalhearing assistancesymbol whenselecting their seats.

THINKING OUTLOUD

Keep public transport

affordable

Severalweeksfromnow,I willnolongersee anyof the familiar facesofthe strangers I’vebecome used to traveling with on the bus.

Idon’t knowasingleone of their names but their quirksare so familiar to me now, theyfeel like friends —albeitfriends Iknowonlybysight

Introverts like me arenot good at making friends, unlikemymom, God rest her soul, who made adozen newfriends on everybus within minutes of boarding. I, however, prefer to observefromafar. So,I will miss seeing which snappy, colourfully patternedsuitone particular fellow commuter always dons.

Iwillmiss noticing howthe man with the bleach blondeafri bears an odd resemblancetothe shepherd in Shaun the Sheep

Iwillmiss the deeplypersonal and one-sided chatterbetween oneyoung woman —who doesn’t seem to realisethat not everyone in the bus is wearing headphones —and her friend.

As of 1September,I’llbetaking adifferentbus when our officesmove and earlythisweek,the biggest pang hit when the samoosa man boarded.I atemy warm, freshly-fried-at-the-taxi-rank samoosassadly, knowing therewouldn’t be anyonmynew commute becausethere’snoeating allowedonMyCiTibuses.

‘DON’TBESHYTOBUY. TOMORROWYOU’LLCRY BECAUSEYOUDIDN’TBUYFROM THERIGHTGUY.’ ..

When MyCiTi rolled out morethana dozenyears ago, with strictlyenforcedrules, one of my colleague’s first questions was: "What about the people that sell thingsonthe bus?"

Regularpublic transport commutersknowthere are some staples that come with everycommute. Igrew up on trains whereanentire carriage wasdedicated to praiseand worship.Further down the tracks there wouldusually be another carriage wherea group played klawerjas everyday

Taxis have their ownform of entertainment.Last week when my carwas broken, Itooka taxi to some of my stories and wassurprised whenone elderlydriver, whom allthe passengers greeted by name,rocked a CD of old-school 90s club classics —a playlist Irecognisedsinceithad been in rotationsincethe last time regularlytook ataxitowork in 1998

Thetravelling-by-bus-quirksonthe other hand came with the informal vendors, who walkedfrombus to bus with abox of snacks, and clever rhyme "Don’t be shytobuy.Tomorrow you’ll crybecause youdidn’t buy from the right guy."

When MyCiTilaunched about adozenorsoyears ago, it gleamed anditflew,but it lacked the colourful character of traditional commutes

When the municipality startedtrumpeting itsdesire to take overthe rail system, Iclutched my cheapbeaded necklace in alarm. In my decadesofjournalism, Ihavenoticed one consistent trend:the Cape Town Municipality likestogentrify

Public transport is howmillions of the city’sworkers gettotheir jobs—but not by choice. Most wouldlove to work closertowheretheylive, but commuting long distances has become such anorm forthose whohad beencondemned to the outskirts of the citythat most don’t bataneye at sitting forfour hours on abus in trafficdailyorgetting up at 04:00 to catcha train at 05:00 to reach work by 09:00.

When the Citypromised easiercommutes with fancy buses and dedicatedlanes,mostpeoplerejoiced, but onlyafraction of regularcommuters couldafford it in theend. Thelast time Itook aMyCiTibus, about eightyears ago, it wasconsiderablymoreexpensive than Golden Arrow.I don’t knowhow it comparesnow but I’ll find out soon.

Yes, MyCiTicovers routes previouslyservedonlysporadically by taxis —ornot at all. Yes, it is convenient, quickand safe —but it also charges accordingly I’m not saying we don’t want or need safe and efficient public transport,but what we definitely don’t need is having those vital services out of ourreach due to their cost

If the Cityissuccessful in its bidtotakeoverthe metrotrains, will the cheapestmode oftransport be made unaffordable forthose who need it most?I sincerelyhope not -LAUREN O’CONNOR-MAY

LEWENSKIEKIE

OOIUITSIG: Besoeker va iebeek asteel verwonder haar aan die uitsig vanuit bewegende trein tusse uizenbergenSimonstad aapstad se mees ikoniese treinroete watplaaslike en internasionalebesoekers tenminsteeen keer in‘n leeftydmoet ervaar,volgens die leserwat hierdie foto ingestuur het

FOTO:MARIUSSNYDERS

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Motorongelukkenet waar jy kyk

Hierdie afgelope paar weke hetdie Kaap weer bloed op ons paaiegesien,enniemandlyk omgekrap nie.

'n Pa het verbrandtoe 'n taxi vanagter af in sy stilstaande motor vasgeryhet.'nVrouisdeur'nGolden Arrow-bus indie middestad doodgerytoe sy die straat wouoorsteek

Opdie R45 buiteFranschhoek het'nbakkie en 'n vragmotor regvan voor gebots, met tweemense dood en 30 beseerdes.

En Bottelaryweg, 'n padwat lankal as 'n dodelike padgebrandmerk is, hetnog 'n lewe geëis.

Ditisnie ongelukke nie; dit is mislukkings —mislukkingsvan verkeershandhawing, en ook basiese menslikeoordeel.

Hoeveel meergesinne moet rouvoor onsaanvaar dat daar 'n krisisheers?

Taxibestuurders ry oor rooi ligtesonder gevolge.

Voetgangers sterf weekliks

Spoedbeperkings is voorstelle,nie reëlsnie.Tog is daar netstilte vandie owerhede —geen padveiligheidsveldtogte, geen sigbareafdwing vanpadreëlsnie geen dringendheid nie

Die pa vanBlackheath hettweekinders agtergelaat Die vrou in die middestad wasiemandsema, iemand se dogter. Hulle wasoppad huis toe, ná werk, na die alledaagseplekkewaarheen onsalmal gaan sonder om te wonderofons salterugkeer Watons nodighet,isdaadwerklike aanspreeklikheid, bestuurders watweet dat roekeloosheid gevolgehet,en'nStadwat waarde heg aan elkelewe watopsypaaie verloor word

Hoeveel name moet nógopkruisies langsons paaie verskyn?

BESORGDE INWONER, Kraaifontein

Durbanville boer nou vinnigagteruit metsinkhok

by taxi-staanplek watpla

Jare gelede,toe onsnog jonkenmooi was, wasdinge baie andersinons dorp

Vandagisons netmooi, maar helaas,ons dorp is nie altydmeersomooi nie

Deur diejarehet Durbanville heelwatvan sy karakteringeboet weensdie ongebreidelde ontwikkelingen verdigting daarmee saam.

En toe, in die laat jaresewentig en vroeë tagtig ontstaan diebus-entaxistaanplek in die hartjie van diedorp met alles(lees: rommel en lawaai)wat daarmee gepaardgaan.Endie busseentaxi's raak by diedag meer

Helaas is die rangeerwerf onlangsomhein en lykdit nou nes'n skaapkamp in die Karoo.

En raai wat? Netverlede week komeen of ander karakterenbou vir hom'nsinkhok teen die heining waar hy nou heerlik gratis vryenverniet kanwoon

Sommer 'n prima ligging, soueksê, so lekker naby

diewinkels,die kerk,skole en als.

Onmiddellikroep dit herinneringsopaan die armoedigetentplaas watindie inperkingstyd rondom 2021 op die veld voor die Anglikaanse kerk ontstaan het. En hoemoeilik dit wasomdit te (laat) verwyder Niks minder nieas'nhofbevelwas daarvoor nodig. Nouwonder ek net, gaan onsbinnekort ook 'n blikkiesdorp in die hartjie vandie dorp hê as nóg mensesinkhokkies teen die taxistaanplek se heining komoprig?

Volgensmyinformanthet wetstoepassers welmet 'n vloot voertuie opgeruk om die mensehokkie en al te probeer verwyder.Maar helaas,teen Maandagwas dit steeds daar

As onsasinwoners niewaak oordie karaktervan ons dorp nie, gaan niemandanders dit doen nie Ons hetregtig nie'nDunoon in onsdorp nodig nie! ANTI-BLIK, Goedemoed

Thememories of DayZero stillhaunt us

Queuing at collectionpoints, bucket baths, gardens turned to dust,and the collectiveanxietyofacitystaring intothe abyssofanemptytap.Wevowed neverto letithappen again

And yet, hereweare,watching the PacificOcean warm, with climatescientists warning of apotential Super El Niñobuilding forlatethis year

Yes, the experts arequick to point outthatElNiño’s grip on the WesternCape’s winter rainfallisweaker than its hold on the summerrainfall regions of the country. Ourdams sit at acomfortable79%. But comfort is adangerous companion. The same scientists who urge cautionalsoacknowledge uncertainty, anduncertainty, when it comestowater security, is notaluxury Cape Town canafford. DayZerowas notcausedbyasingle drywinter.It wasthe culmination of years of complacency, ignored warningsand sluggish infrastructureinvestment

We congratulatedourselves on dodging the bullet in 2018,pattedeachother on the back forcutting consumption, andthen quietlyslipped back intoold habits.

Swimming poolswererefilled. Lawns were replanted. Carwashes resumed. Thebrief, beautiful discipline of acityunder siegewas forgottenasquickly as it was born.

An El Niñoneed notdeliver aknockoutblowtoour watersupply. It need only deliver awarmer,drier summerthanexpected, combined with higher evaporation ratesand the inevitablesurge in demandthatcomes with heat

We need to rememberwhatwelearned the hard way. Everydropsaved todayisa drop availabletomorrow. Theshowertimer,the bucketinthe sink, the grey wateronthe garden, andtheseare notrelics of acrisis past.Theyare the habits of acitythatknows what it stands to lose

CONCERNED RESIDENT,Durbanville

Ratespathdownremainsonpause

For homeowners hoping July might bring some relief, the wait goes on.

The South African Reserve Bank held rates steady, keeping the repo rate at 7% and prime —the rate thatsets most home loan repayments —at 10,50%.

According to Craig Mott, national sales manager for the Rawson Property Group, acut was always along shot with global conditions in turmoil.

“Fornow, ahold is about the best we could realistically hope for,” he says, “and Ithink we need to prepare ourselves forthat to remain the case through to year-end.”

While ahold was certainlynot what themarket hoped for, Mott says it’s not altogether abad thing.

“Whathurts the market isn’t a particular rate, it’s uncertainty,” he explains. “When people don’t know what’s coming, they wait.

Asteady hand fromthe Reserve Bank, even at aslightly higher level, giveseveryone room to make decisions again.”

HIGHERINFLATION

According to Leonard Kondowe, national finance manager forthe group, the cause of the recent pressure is largely beyond the country’s borders. “Inflation has picked up since thestartofthe year, largely on fuel and global aiting that may be months away is

Vermaak // Entertainment

Intiem en alternatief, dis‘Volken Fancy”

Die alternatiewe Afrikaansegroep, Volk, onder leiding vanFrank Freeman, sanger en kitaarspeler,bied Volken Fancy aan by Die Boer-teaterrestaurant op Vrydag 31 Julie om 20:30 Komgeniet 'n intieme aand saam met die groep,wat die land aan die gons het methul uniekeklank en uitkyk oor Afrikaansekultuur en musiek. Ná die vrystelling vanhul debuutalbum, Na Twaalf,inOktober 2025, het Volk landswydbyfeestesoos

Mieliepop,Droomland,The Picnic Club en meer opgetree

Dievolgendestopwordinstylgemaak metmusiek spesifiekverwerk vir teatersennie feeste of klubsnie."Trek jou safaripakaan en bring jou bokkie Disintiem. Dis fancy Volken fancy," nooi hulle

. Kaartjies kosR200. Geen kinderso.14weens taalgebruik Bespreekbywww.dieboer.com of by 021 9791911.

Volk bestaan uit Dillon Myburgh (tromme), FrankFreeman (sanger en kitaar)enMikaBurger (baskitaar)

‘Niggies’elfkeerbenoem

Die Afrikaanse televisiekanaal kykNET het diebenoemingsin16 kategorieë virdie 2026 Silwerskermtoekenningsvir Film en Televisie bekendgemaak.

Dit sluit’nnuwekategorie virbeste aanbieder in ’n dokumentêreprogram in Die TV-wenners, asook diebeste speelfilm en beste filmakteurs, word op Saterdag 22 Augustus by dieglansryke afsluiting vandie Silwerskermfees in dieKaapstadse InternasionaleKonferensiesentrum (Kiks) aangekondig.

“Vanjaarsebenoemingsis’nvertoonvenstervir diebriljante werk in hierdie klein, wêreldklasbedryf kykNET geemet beskeidenheidengroot respek erkenning aan dieverbeeldingryke wêreldewat opgetowerisdeur dromers,harde werkersen skeppers,wat nienet iets het om te sê nie, maarook weet hoe om ’n storie te vertel. Hierdiestories is kultuurspesifiekennooit generies nie. Dit voeg werkliksoveel betekenistot kykers se lewens by,” sê Waldimar Pelser,direkteur virPremium-kanaleby Multichoice

NIGGIESLEI

SILWERSKERMFEES MAAK LATER WENNERS BEKEND

ShimmyIsaacs is benoem vir besteaktrise in ’n telenovela of sepievir haar rolasErika Pienaar in Skemergrond,sowel as vir beste byspelerin‘nkomedieasLynette in Magda Louw

Niggies,'nontstellende dramareeks gegrond op die ontvoering en moordvan ings—vir besteaanbieder in ’n leefstylbieder in Hannes benoem rolas este aarrol welas Lynette benoem ’n doku-

vanHeerden het ook drie benoemings.

mentêreprogram vir Schuster en Brakpan Chronicles, asook virbesteaanbieder in ’n vermaaklikheidsprogram (Wieword’n miljoenêr). Die toekenningsgeleentheid word Sondag23Augustus om 19:00 op kykNET uitgesaai.Die name vandie aanbieders en spesialekunstenaars watgaanoptree, sal laterbekend gemaak word .Besoek www.tygerburger.co.za

Brenden vanRhyn at Die Boer

Brendanvan Rhyn bringshis show Nowfor something completely different to Die Boer restaurant theatreonSaturday1August at 20:30and Sunday2 August at 14:00.

Everyone’s favourite flightattendant, Cathy Specific,isnostrangertoDie Boer,but this time round it’s the“man-behind-the-mask”who’llbe sprinkling his magic anddelightingaudiences. This is acheekybut charming cabaret, presented by VanRhynand pianist, GarthTavares. Step into80minutes of heart, humour,and harmonywithafew unexpecteddetours along theway.This up-close-and-personal musical journeyoffers ahand-picked selectionofgems, lovingly chosen fortheir sass,sophistication, wit andwarmth. It’s uncluttered, uncomplicated andcarefully curated to hit allthe right notes. Expect laughs, afew surprises, anda wholelot of soul…withthe occasional dramaticpause –for effect,ofcourse. . TicketscostR300. Book at www.dieboer.com or on 021 9791911

PetronelenLidivier vrouwees

Petronel BaardenLidideWaalbring 'n uniekeen hartroerende produksienadie Die Boer-teaterse verhoog met Vrou, Vrouer,Vrouste op Saterdag 1 Augustis om 14:00 Maak regvir ’n kragtige en kunstigekombinasie vanwoordkuns, musiek en lewenservaring. Die produksiebalanseer humor met emosieenneem die gehoor op ’n reis vollag,trane,hoop en selfontdekking. Volgens De Waal is dit "’n snaakse sad hopelose, hoopvollewoord-, kuns- en musiekreis na jou vredevolleself".Die twee vroue bied nie net vermaaknie,maarook diep menslikeinsig. Komdeel in 'n viering vanvrouwees, kreatiwiteit en menslikheid.

. Kaartjieskos R200 ('nglasieVan Loveren Mimosa is ingesluit).Bespreekby www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911

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Ladslightupstadium

After weeks of intense football at Strandfontein SportsGround during the group stages of the Bayviewu-16 Youth CupTournament, hundreds of soccer lovers gathered at AthloneStadium on Saturday 25 July for the finals of the competition.

La Masia EliteFootball Club (FC)from Johannesburg wonthe Platinum Final category after defeating United FC 2-0, while D6 Mitchells Plain defeated Rising Starsby5-4 on penalties in the Gold Final. Ulana Academy thumped Seaside Academy 4-0 in the Silver Final, with Sunningdale City taking Bronze Final after overcoming Malibu United 2-0.

RESULTS

BRONZE

Runners up: Malibu United FC 0

Winners: SunningdaleFC2

SILVER

Runners up: Seaside spurs 0

Winners: Ulana Academy4

GOLD

Runners up: Rising Stars 0(Pen 4)

Winners: D6 mitchells plain 0(pen 5)

D6 Mitchells Plain wononpenalties

WAGIETCUP

Runners up: BayviewFC0

Winners: Imtieyaaz Wagiet invitationalteam1

PLATIMUN

Runners up: Untied FC 0

Winners :LAMasia EliteFC2

ACTIONPACKED FINALS