TygerBurger | Brackenfell | E-edition | 8 July 2026

Woensdag, 8Julie 2026 |Tel: 021 9106500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Websit

PAARTJIE GLODIE GEHEIM VIR‘NLANGPAD SAAM IS OM NOOI

75jaarvanhu

75jaarvanhuw

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Dit is al baie gesê, maar dit wíl gesê word as ‘n paartjie wat al meer as sewe dekades bymekaar is, vir jou sê daar is een groot geheim tot ‘n suksesvolle huwelik, en dit is: “Jy gaan nooit kwaadvir mekaar slaap nie. Praat ‘n ding uit en maak vrede met mekaar.Teen die oggendhet jy al daarvanvergeet.”

‘n Weekvoor hul75ste huweliksherdenking op 7Julie praatKallie (98) en Sarievan Wyk (94) met TygerBurger oor die huwelik vanuit hul sonnige voorkamer in Vredekloofhoogte, Kaapstad Die twee is deftig aangetrek, en jy kan Sarie deur ‘n ring trek. Daaris‘n gemaklikheid tussen die twee.

“Ons het ‘n lang lewe saam agter die rug, maar dié lewe was goed vir ons. Onsis gelukkig,” sê Kallie.

Kallie is in Calvinia in die Noord-Kaap gebore en het daar grootgeword. Sarieis in Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga gebore en het in Piet Retief grootgeword —altwee plaaskinders.

Hulle het mekaar later as jongmense in Pretoria ontmoet, waar hulle albei vir die onderwysdepartementaan dieselfde projek gewerk het, toe die vonk tussen hulle opgevlam het.

‘n Mooi romanse het gevolg en in 1951 het sy die jawoord gegee.

“Ons het besluit om te kyk ofons die lewe saam kan doen,” sê Kallie.

Hy verwysmet liefde na haar as “my skat”, en sy kyk met deernisnahom.

Hultroudag was op ‘n sonnige winterdag buite Pretoria, op die dag vandie Durban July, onthou Kallie, en hy kannog selfs dienaam van sy wenperd onthou.

“Die onthaal is op die plaas gehouenal

STAAN SAAM DEUR DIE GOEIE EN DIE SLEGTEDAE

die bure hetgekom. Dit was nie ‘n stywe affêre nie,” sê Sarie. “My ma het my rok gemaak en dit hetmaar vier pond gekos.”

Uit die huwelik is ‘n seunen‘ndogter gebore, en vandag bring vyf kleinkinders en ‘n dosyn agterkleinkinders tonneliefde in hul lewens in.“Dis altyd so lekker om hulle tesien,” sê Sarie.

Kallie het later onderwyser en toe skoolhoof in Pretoria geword, en ná jare van aftrede het hulle in 2002 Kaap toe getrek.

HARDMAARLEKKER

Die huwelik, sê die Van Wyks, word met die jare gesout.

“Om deur dik en dun te staan, beteken julle staan saam deur die goeie en die slegte tye. Onshet onsverskille gehad en klippe saam opgeëet, maar ook lekker kos. Die Vader sorg vir jou. Ek glo die lewe wat Hyjou gee, komvan Bo af,” sê Kallie.

Soosinenige anderhuwelik, sê Sarie, wasdaar ook maar “baie dingetjies”.

Maar dit als word met geloof oorkom, voeg Kallie by.

Daniswedersydse respek en uithouvermoë ook ‘n belangrike bestanddeel van ‘n sterk huwelik,stem die twee saam.

Sarie lag breedterwyl sy vir Kallie sê om sy oretoe te druk, en fluister toe die storie oordie aandwat hy laat by die huis opgedaag het

Airportjoins forceswithUS

CapeWinelandsAirportand Stellenbosch University (US) forged a strategic partnership forsmart and sustainabledevelopment.

They have entered into acooperation agreementaimedatadvancing innovation under theshared themesof“smart”and “green” development.

Cape Winelands Airport, formerly Fisantekraal Airfield, is aprivately ledairport development about 13km outside Durbanville. Currently serving as ageneral aviation facility and a popular base for flight training, plans are underway to expand and to develop astate-of-the-art,green,smart and innovative aviation precinct that will serve as amodern gateway for the region.

JOINTCOMMITMENT

The partnership reflects ajoint commitment to foster sustainable growth anddrive academic advancement, according to ajointmedia release by Cape Winelands Airport and US.

The agreementoutlines abroad range of collaborative focus areas,including agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport andlogistics, space and aviation research,and theintegration of airport operations with urban development.

Through this partnership, both parties will actively seek opportunities to align academic research, industry expertise, and infrastructure development to address real-world challengesand unlock new opportunities, accordingtothe media release.

SIGNIFICANTECONOMICHUB

Importantly, the collaboration aligns with theplanned expansion of Cape Winelands Airport estimated to cost in the region of R8 billion. It is anticipated that theairport expansion will transform the airport into asignificanteconomic hub over thecoming years.

Thescaleand long-term nature of the project present aunique platform for practical learning, appliedresearch, innovation, and industry collaboration acrossmultiple disciplines

PARTNERSHIP-DRIVENDEVELOPMENT

Engineeringcollaborationisexpected to play acentralrole in the partnership, with both partiesidentifying opportunities for technical cooperation, infrastructure innovation, operational efficiency, and future-focused engineering solutions linkedtoairport expansion and aviation infrastructure development.

“Thisinitiative speaks directly to the kindofpartnership-driven development we believe in, where infrastructure, innovation and skills cometogether to createrealimpact. TheCape Winelands Airport project offers an opportunity to build adynamic ecosystem that can unlockeconomicgrowth, support emerging industries, andposition theregion as ahub of innovation and opportunity,”said ProfDeresh Ramjugernath,rectorand vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University.

IMPORTANTMILESTONE

Deon Cloete, managing director for Cape Winelands Airport, said “this cooperation marksanimportant milestone for theairport. The airport expansion presents aunique long-term opportunity to connect academiaand industry in a way that creates meaningful economic

R8bn

Cape WinelandsAirport expansiongetsacademic boostfromStellenbosch University.

and educational impact. By working closely with Stellenbosch University, we are creating aplatform to explorefuturefocused solutions that benefitthe aviation sector, students, and the broader regional economy.”

ENGINEERINGMANAGEMENTPROGRAMME

Theinitial areas of potential collaboration include building student capacity through applied research opportunities linked to the airport’s development and operational environment This may include research projects for master’s studentswithin Stellenbosch University’s engineering management programme focused on areas of strategic interest to Cape Winelands Airport.

Thepartnership will further explore opportunities to establish facilities and spaces that support testing, innovation, prototyping, and future productionrelated activities linked to aviation, infrastructure, logistics, and smart technologies.

“The airport expansion also presents opportunities to contribute towards the development of future aviation talent pipelines within SouthAfrica. Through collaboration with Stellenbosch University and broader industry stakeholders, Cape Winelands Airport is interested to explore opportunities linked to aviation skills development, pilot training pathways, airport operations, engineering disciplines, and future-focused transport and logistics capabilities. Theintention is to create a long-term skills ecosystem that supports both economic growth and human capital development in the Western Cape,” said Cloete.

“From aresearch and innovation perspective, this collaboration creates valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement across fields ranging from engineering to agriculture. By strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, we can foster knowledge exchange and contribute to innovative solutions that benefit both the region and societymore broadly,” said Prof Sibusiso Moyo, deputy vicechancellor: research, innovation and internationalisation at Stellenbosch University.

REGIONALECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

Beyond itsaviation role, the airport expansion is expected to become amajor driver of regional economic development and jobcreation within the WesternCape, according to the media release.

“The development of amodern airport ecosystem of thisscale creates substantial opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the broader aviation sector. It provides a real-world environment in which students, researchers, and industry specialists can engage directly with complex challenges related to aviation operations, infrastructure planning, engineering, logistics, sustainability, environmental management, transport systems, smart technologies, and regional development” concluded Cloete.

. Visitcapewinelands.aero andwww.su.ac.za formoreinformation.

Rose pruning demo at Durbanville Rose Garden

Arosecareand winterpruning workshop willbe presentedbythe CityofCape Town's recreationand parksdepartmentinthe DurbanvilleRose Garden on Saturday11Julyfrom10:00 to 13:00 Themorning willincludepresentations on rose care,pest and disease management,aswellasa practical pruning demonstration. Tea, coffee and refreshmentswillbeprovided. This is an open invitationtoall garden enthusiasts and no confirming of attendanceisrequired. yp xpo

Book sale fora causeonin Durbanville this weekend

Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre in Durbanville is opening its doors on Saturday 11 July from 09:00 to 14:00 for its monthly fundraising book sale.

It is the perfect excuse to grab some great books while supportinga home for the centre's disabled residents.Everycent raised goes directly toward supportingthe residents and funding daily care atthe centre.

The centre’s bookshop has built up a stellar reputation as agotospot for an interesting, budget-friendly selectionof books. Whether youare into popular English fiction, timeless classics, children's books, Afrikaans books, or engaging non-fiction, they have something to satisfy all tastes —withprices starting from just R5.

If you are ahistory buff, you will want

Op hul troudagop‘nsonnigedag in Pretoria in 1951

to check out their rare booksaboutSouth Africa.This includes an impressive collectionofmilitary history coveringthe twoWorld Wars, the Korean War, and the Bush War.

The ultimate prize of this month'ssale is amagnificent, rare work on South African artist Norman Catherine by HazelFriedman —a must have forart collectors.

This month’s specials include cartoon collections like TheHugeBook of Hell by The Simpsonscreator Matt Groening. You can also snagamassive bargain withtheir "Laugh @R2" titles, featuring hilarious cartoon collections from Giles, Madam &Eve, andZapiro.

. Formoreinformation about thesaleorhow to donate, contactAllen on 078393 5924 or Terenceon082 2245454onWhatsApp.

VANBLADSY1

Nadathydie dag die tennistoernooi gewen het, het hy saam metvriende by ‘n plaaslikehotel —waarvan hy nog die naam onthou —syoorwinning gaan vier.

“Tyd vir aandete het gekomengegaan Ek wasdaremmaar vies toe hy laataand by die huis aankom,” sê sy.

“Dit wasseker die enigste keer in al die jare wat ek gedinkhet nouskopekjou uit.”

Kallie glimlag skuldig.

”Ek dink niedaar is ‘n huwelik sonder uitdagings nie, en onshet ook onsdeel gehad,”sêhy.

TENNIS,KAMPEERENDIEWILDTUIN

Maaroor die goeie herinneringekan hulle nieuitgesels raak nie.

Kallie sê dit was juis goeie vriendskappe en volopsamesyn watdie huwelik lekker gemaak het.

“Ons het sulkegoeie vriende gehad onshele lewe lank. Onshet saam tennis gespeel,saamgekamp —vir 46 jaar lank.

Ons wasbaie liefvir die Wildtuin en het soms drie keer per jaar die karavaan gehaak en daar gaan kuier. Onshet die beste vanSuid-Afrika gesien en met min geldklaargekom.”

Kallie was‘nkranige tennisspeler en naweke issaam metkinders en vriende by die tennisbanedeurgebring

“Ek het eintlik netbal geslaan,maar die kindershet altyd saamgekom —my jongste van babadae af,” onthouSarie

Gesondheidsuitdagings was daar gelukkig nie te veel nie, en dit help.

“Ons is geseënd.”

En sou hulle mekaar weer kies?

“Ja-nee, ek het die regte man gekies,”sê Sarie sonder huiwering. “Hy ken al my nukke engrille.” Kallie glimlag.

Dan staandie twee saam vir ‘n foto. Met haarman se arm beskermend om haar skouers haak Sarie liefdevol by hom in.

As hulleglimlag, glinster 75 jaar se liefde in die twee se oë.

R366minvested ininfrastructure

The City of CapeTown hasproposed adraft capital budget of more than R366 millionfor community services infrastructure in the2026/27 financial year, targeting upgrades and expansions across libraries, clinics, sports facilities,parks andcemeteries.

The four departments within the Community Services andHealth directorate—Recreationand Parks,City Health, Library andInformation Services, and Community Artsand Culture Development —have been allocated a combined draft capital budget of R366 381 000.

DRAFTCAPITALBUDGETALLOCATED

Key projectsinthe proposed allocation include major upgradestocemeteries, swimming pools,stadium infrastructure and librariesacross themetro.

The topfive capitalprojects are:

. Cemetery Upgrades –R63.5 million

. Swimming Pool Upgrades –R20 million

. Vygieskraal Stadium Cycling Track –R20 million

. Rebuild of Suider-Strand Library –R19.5 million

. Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment –R9 million

FOCUSONKEY COMMUNITYPROJECTS

Additional planned projects include upgradestothe Delft Clinic and Hartleyvale Stadium, planning for the Parkwood Community Hall, expansion of theLwandle Library, restoration of theBrown’s Farm Library,and further upgradesatthe Tafelsig Clinic.

Construction of synthetic pitches in Blue Downsand Westridgeisalso expected to begin, with completion planned for the 2027/28 financial year.

UPGRADES

The City says expanding burial capacity remains akey priority as Cape Town continues to grow, with ongoing work to expandexisting cemeteries and develop new facilities in areas including Strand, Kuils River, Mitchells Plain and parts of theSouthern Suburbs.

Aphased refurbishment of the Khayelitsha cemetery boundary fencing is alsoplanned due to vandalism.

At the same time,investment in swimming pool infrastructure continues as part of an ongoingrevitalisation programme, with upgrades across areas including Khayelitsha, Bellville, Strand, Athlone, Gugulethu, Blue Downs, Atlantis, Mnandi andSea Point.

Recent completed upgrades include facilities in Goodwood, Bellville South, Newlands, Lentegeur, Delft, Langa and

“Thesespacesstrengthen communitiesandimprovequality oflife”-FrancineHigham

Manenberg.

ONGOINGMAINTENANCEPRIORITIES

Beyond major capital projects, the directorate manages more than 3000 parks,102 libraries and hundreds of community facilities across the city.

To support this, an additional R150 million top-up budget has been allocated for repairs and maintenance, bringing the total maintenance budget to more than R950 million.

Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham, saidthe investment reflectsthe City’s commitment to improving public infrastructurethat residentsrely on daily.

“This budget reflectsthe City’s continued commitment to investing in public infrastructure that residentsrely on every day. From libraries and community halls to parks,sports facilities, clinics and cemeteries, thesespaces strengthen communities and improve quality of life for all our residents,”said Higham.

“This investment is about protecting, upgrading and expanding thosepublic facilities so that they remain safe and accessible to communities across Cape Town. We call on residentstohelp protect these public assets by reporting vandalism, theft or suspicious activity so that everyone can continue to benefit from them.”

CapeAirportplansraiseconcerns

“Anairport thatserves the world means very little if it no longer serves the people who call this placehome,” saidAndré Brink, fourth-generation owner of Groot Phesantekraal Wine Estate in Durbanville Wine Valley and SA Farmer of the Year last year.

Brink questioned whether an airport of the scale of Cape Winelands Airport is being built in the right location.

Brink, who was named South Africa’s Farmer of the Year 2024 by Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA), was one of the speakers at ameeting about Cape Winelands Airport last Thursday of the Tygerberg Chapter of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Stadio Higher Education.

FINDINGBALANCE

He spoke about the importance of findingabalance between development and preserving Durbanville’s unique character, history and agricultural heritage. Other speakers were Deon Cloete, executivemanaging director of CapeWinelands Aero and executive directorof RSA Aero Limited, and Jeremy Wiley of Western Cape Property Development Forum and director of De Goede Hoop Development Company.

SECONDRUNWAY

“Years ago, CapeTown International Airport reportedly

rport were unable tolandatCape TownInternational. However, if diversions are caused by adverseweather —ashappened just amonth ago, andwhich accounts formorethan 80% of such incidents,then adistance of only 25 kilometresissimply not farenough awaytoprovide an alternative.

“Cape Town already struggles to accommodate its growing population, yet it continuesto becomeincreasingly popular. Nowweare planning to bring even morepeople here.

“A 3,5km runwayisbeing built —longenough to accommodate an Airbus A380 —only 35 kilometres drive from Cape Town International Airport,” he said.

CLOSERTOSALDANHA

“Would it not have made more sense to build anairport of this

ppo by politicians whosepriorities are not always aligned with the best interests of thepeople who actually live here,and Ibelieve this is one example of that,”he said.

“Therehas been an airfield heresince the SecondWorld War, and we havelived alongside it for manyyears. Development is inevitable, and we must adapt to it. However, Iquestionwhether an airport of this scale is being built in the right location.

HOURGLASSRUNNINGOUT

“I havealways known thatthe hourglass was slowly running out for this wayoflife.How quickly thesandrunsout depends on how responsibly development is managed. Will Durbanville shape its own future,orwill others decide that future on ourbehalf?

“Theairport is coming, and

Iwould like to congratulate Deon Cloete and his team on the processthey followed to meet all therequirementsnecessary to obtain approval.

“However, Ialso want to appeal to himand his team to remain truetothe commitments they havemade.

“It is easy to make promises in order to secure approvals, only to latersay, ‘We’re sorry, but circumstances have changed’

“I believe that with the arrival of theairport,the hole in the hourglass has become much larger, and the time we once thought we had has become very limited,” he said.

“Durbanville is not simply a place on amap. It is acommunity wherefamily farms have been passeddown from generation

to generation. Well-known families such as the Louws, the Loubsers, and the Blanckenbergs are now in theirfifthand sixth generations.

“We have never needed to boast of our wines, our landscapes, or our way of life. Those who have discovered Durbanville have recognised itsvalue for themselves.

“The runway is being built, but the most important question is not:Where will the aircraft be flying to? Themost important question is: Where is Durbanville heading to?

“The future of Durbanville will not be determined by an airport —itwill be determined by its people who are willing to stand up for what matters. The answer lies in our hands,” he said.

Vermaak // Entertainment

Lottering kuier by DieBoer

Marc Lottering bring sy nuutstekomedie, AnkleMarc, op Dinsdag14enWoensdag 15 Julieom20:30 na die verhoog vanDie Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville

Lottering is geliefdaseen vanSuid-Afrika se voorstekomedianteenwelbekend vir sy skerpskerts-vertonings, sowelasmusiekblyspele.

Komluister na al die jongsteverwikkelinge in hierdie charismatiesekomediant se lewe.Hyvertel onder meer hoe dit gebeur het dathy vanjaar al hinkepink moes ingaan met 'n af enkelen 'n "moonboot".

Die vertoning is 70 minutelank met geen onderbreking en is nie geskikvir kinders nie. . Kaartjies kosR220. Bespreekbywww dieboer.comofby021 9791911.

LOSDIE KINDERSBYDIE HUIS

Washington chestr fo

Concernsgrowovertradingbays

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Residents of Northpine in Kraaifontein are demanding answers after the City of Cape Town approved and began erecting informal trading bays directly in front of their residential area without, they say, any meaningful community consultation and with no response from either their ward councillor or the Mayor's office.

The community of approximately 2200 households describes Northpine as awellmaintained, family-oriented neighbourhood, one of the few where children can still safely ride bicycles and play in the streets.

"We are proud of our neighbourhood and work closely with our CID to maintain the safety and cleanliness of the area," acommunity spokesperson told the newspaper.

Residents say the proposed trading site threatens to change all of that.

"We are extremely concerned about the negativeimpact this development will have on our neighbourhood," said the spokesperson.

Their concerns are specific.

"The proposed site has no ablution facilities, is situated on one of the busiest taxiroutes in thearea, and will further worsenthe traffic congestion that residents already experience when entering and exiting

Northpine."

In addition, many residents feeldisappointed that no proper public participation process was followed before theseplanswere approved.

"We have submitted our concerns and requests for engagement to our ward councillor,aswell astothe Mayor's office,"residentssay. "Unfortunately, we have not yet received anyresponse."

CITYSAYSPROCESSWASFOLLOWED

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the public participation process was conducted in line withthe City's Informal Trading By-law.

He sayspublicnoticeswere published in the Cape Argus on 18 March 2024 and in TygerBurger on 20 March2024, withhand-delivered notices to residents and businesses on 4 April 2024

In aprevious report by TygerBurger in last week's editiononsimilarinformal trading bays being erected next to aplaypark in Brackenfell, the City, when asked for proof of hand-delivery of notices to residents, could notprovide such. The City stated that it was not required of residentstosign for the "hand-delivered" notices. It later transpired that pamphlets were dropped in post-boxes at some homes where post-boxes arestillup. TygerBurger has requested the same proof for residentsin Northpine andis

currently awaiting aresponse.

"The City's Have Your Say online platform was open throughout the participation period, andtwo public opendays were held—atthe Kraaifontein Civic on 5April 2024, andat EikendalLibrary on 20 April 2024, the latterspecifically scheduledonaSaturdayto accommodateworkingresidents," he says.

On the questionofablution facilities, Tyhalibongo said the City wascommitted to providing them where feasible,with mobile facilities usedasaninterim measure while permanent solutionsare planned.

"When aneed is identified, theCity conductsassessments and, where possible, implements appropriatesolutions to support tradingactivities. Mobile ablutionfacilities are commonly used while permanent infrastructure is being planned and developed," he said.

Regardingtraffic,hesaid relevant City departments, including urban mobility, had been consulted during theplanning processand raised no objections. "The implementation of tradingplans doesnot automatically result in significant traffic impacts as thesesitesare generally intended

to serve existing pedestrian and commuter activity within an area ratherthan generate additional vehicle traffic," he said, adding that theCitywould monitor the site and address any concerns throughappropriate municipal processes.

"The intention is to provide managed economic opportunities while maintaining the safe and efficient use of surrounding infrastructureand public spaces."

On the community's unanswered requestsfor engagement, Tyhalibongo said further engagements were being coordinated and that details wouldbecommunicated to residents in due course.

"The City acknowledges theconcerns raised by

residentsregarding traffic and the potential impact on the surrounding area. When identifying trading locations, arange of spatial, operational and safetyconsiderations are assessed, including accessibility, pedestrian movement, existing activity patterns, and the suitability of the publicspace for informal trading. Theintention is to provide managed economic opportunities while maintaining the safe and efficient use of surrounding infrastructure and public spaces,"said Tyhalibongo.

Residents remain unconvinced. Having received no direct response, they have turned to the media to amplify theirconcerns, and are still waiting for the City to come to the table.

Sport is asource of hope,pride,unity

Sport is often described as agame, butfor millions of people it is much more than that. It is asource of hope, pride, identity and unity.

In South Africa, where ourhistory is markedbydivision and inequality,sport has proven its abilitytobringpeople together in ways that politics and social programmes cannot.

It reminds us that despite our differences, we share common dreamsand emotions.

Just afew weeks ago, the nation celebrated when Bafana Bafana made South African football history by reaching the Fifa World Cup knockout stages for the firsttimebydefeating SouthKorea1-0 in theirfinal groupgame.

Theirdisappointing defeat toCanada in thelast32ofthe competition,whichsaw them bowing outofthe tournament, serves as aperfectexample.

As thefinal whistle blew, millions of SouthAfricans experienced the same feeling of heartbreak.Inthatmoment,we were not divided by language, religion or social status. We were simply South Africans supporting our team.

This is the unique power of sport. It creates moments where differences disappear, even if only for awhile. It allows strangers to celebratetogether, comfortone another and believe in something bigger than themselves.

Sport has the abilitytounite communities around acommon purpose

South Africa has witnessedthis power before. The1995 RugbyWorld Cup remainsone of the greatest examples of

SPORTGIVEUSREASONSTO BELIEVEINONEANOTHER

sport promoting national unity. When the Springboks lifted theWebb EllisCup, it was more than asporting victory.It became asymbol of reconciliation.

Former President Nelson Mandela understood that sportcould healwounds andbuild bridges wherewords alone could not.

Sportalso inspires the next generation. Young athletes learnvaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and respect.

Many children growing up in disadvantaged communitiessee successful sportsmen and women as proof thathard work anddetermination canovercome difficult circumstances.

For some, the sportsfieldbecomes a place of opportunityand hope rather than despair

However, the power of sport should not only be celebrated during victories. Defeat also teaches important lessons. Losing remindsusthat successrequires resilience, patience and continuous improvement. Bafana Bafana's recent loss may haveended the dream of lifting atrophy, but it also showed howdeeply South Africans care about theirnational team.The pain of defeat is evidence ofthe passion and unity that football continues to inspire.

As anation, we should continue investing in school sport,community facilities andathlete development.

Sporting success doesnot happen by chance. It requires proper planning, funding and support from government, businesses and communities. It requires us to recognise sport as an investment in social cohesion rather than merely entertainment.

The true value of sport cannot be measured by trophies alone.Its greatest achievementlies in itsability to unite people.

Sportgive us reasons to believe in one anotherand in the nation we are building. -KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Rietvleihas more to offer

Recent discussion around thetemporaryclosure of wateractivities at Rietvlei mayhavecreated the impression that the reserveitselfwas closed. This was not the case.The area where wateractivities take placerepresents only asmallportion of Rietvlei, and it wasonlythis section that wastemporarilyclosed The663-hectareNatureReserve remained open to the public throughout andcontinues to offer awide rangeofattractions forvisitors. Rietvlei is afavourite destination forbirdwatchers, with its well-maintained birdhideprovidingexcellent viewingopportunities.

Thereserve also offers picnic areas, line fishing (with the required permit), andeducational activities forchildren during school holidays,centred aroundthe wooden education centrebuiltand maintained by the FriendsofRietvlei.

We also host regulartalks by conservation experts on topics of environmentalinterest.Itisworth remembering that,thanks to the efforts of dedicated residents in 1984,Rietvlei wasprotected from being developed intoaresidential marina.

Today, it is atreasured natural area that supports pelicans, flamingos andaround165 other birdspecies.

In this regard,the City's Bayside Canalproject,which aimstoimprovestormwatermanagement before waterenters Rietvlei, is awelcome initiativethatwillhelp safeguard the health of this importantecosystem.

We encourageresidents to enjoyall that Rietvlei hastooffer —includingwater sports when conditions allow—while continuingtosupport the conservation of this unique natural asset forfuture generations.

NELIS

VISAGIE, Friends of Rietvlei

Call centre rises to the occasion in Maystorms

Following the devastation that followedthe storm around 11 May, it washeartwarmingtosee residents coming outtohelpthose who were most affected by the wind and torrential rain

Weather eventssuchasthisone requirethe City to be fullyoperational in handlingservicecalls and emergencycalls.Weoften rely on our residents to be our eyes on the groundalertingustoemergencies.

As the Maycomember forcorporateservices, Iam extremelyproud of howour call centreagents riseto the occasion.

In Mayalone theCity's Customer Relations Department recorded atotal of 271940 customer interactions between 1and 28 May2026.Thisexceptional numberdemonstrates the high demand formunicipal services andthe importance of multiplecustomer engagementchannels.The interactions included 116 758 telephone calls, 36 990 emails, 109 125WhatsApp engagements,and 9067 SMS interactionsacrossthe City'sAccountsand General,Water,and Electricity servicequeues. Thesenumbers do not includecalls made to the 107safetyand securitynumber

If youare in need of aserviceorincaseofan emergency, youcan contact the City via logginga C3

request:

Theprimarygoalofservicerequests is to ensure effectiveservicedeliverythroughoutCape Town. If you wouldliketosubmit aservicerequest,report afault in your area or loganissue, youcan do so via ourcustomer call centreat0860 103089 or online at www capetown.gov.za/servicerequests. Youcan also useour WhatsApp number060 018 1505

While we understand the distress of being, forinstance,without powerorwater,I wouldliketoremind peoplenot to lognumerous servicerequests on the same issue.Itcauses bottlenecksinthe system

As we buildaCitythatisabeaconofhope,it'salso areality that in extreme emergencysituationsthereis ahierarchyofresponses, rather like the triage system that operates in healthcarefacilities. Theaggravation of nothavingpowerina safe domestic setting has to be weighed against the risksofliveelectric wires having been blownintoroads.

Iwouldliketothank those residents who helped out their neighbours, donated food andblankets to those displaced by storm damage.Together we can indeed buildabetterfuture.

THERESA UYS, Durbanville

Advocatingfor motorcycle safety,licensing

With the petrol prices rising, most likely we will see moremotorcycles aroundasanalternativecommute option. Ican remember in the 80swhenmynow husband used to travel with his50cctovisit me,almostgot pulledoverevery daytohavehis motorcycle licencechecked.

He gotsousedtoitthathemade sure he had it with him, becauseinthose days therewas no licencecard like these days.Itseems that the only time thatweget pulledoveriswhenwetravel long distanceswith the bikes or to abikeevent

Thesecheckswillalsoclear up the general question everyone hasabout, especially the motorcycledelivery riders goingaroundand that “theysurelydonot have alicence”, becauseoftheir ridingskills Iamall forthese checkspurelyfor the fact that anyone who does nothavealicence, no matter what vehicle, should notride andshouldnot be on the road. Ialsofeel stronglyaboutthe fact that everyone who gets intoavehicletodrivealsoshouldhaveat leastthird-partyinsuranceaswell.

MOTORCYCLE COMMUTER, Philadelphia

‘KIDSINRAIN’: Carima vanden Berg,aregular Vergelegen visitor with her grandchildren,won thePeople’sChoiceaward and took second placein theCameraClass category in thefourth Essenceof Vergelegen photography contest.Outstanding black-and-white photographs capturing themanyfacetsofhistoric Vergelegen Wine Estate were unveiled at afunction forthe 25 finalists on Sunday 1July.

Hierdie is ‘n abnormalewinter

Hierdie sonnigewinter maak my bekommerd. Ek het nognooit so 'n lekker winter in Kaapstad beleefnie.Waar onsgewoonlikreg deur Junie en Julie reën en koue kry, het onsvanjaar meer sonskyn, blou lugentemperature watskaars onder 15 grade daal. Op die oog af lykdit wonderlik. Wiekla oor sonskyn? Maar togisekbekommerd.Klimaatkundiges waarsku dat die somerwat kom, een vandie warmsteooit gaan wees. As dit die winter is, watwag vir onsinFebruarie? Ek is bekommerddat onsweer te doen gaan krymet droogte,brandgevaar en waterbeperkings. Dit is lekker om noubuitetekan wees en nie elke dagnat te word nie,maar onsmoet onsoëoophou Hierdie tipe winter is nie normaal nie.Enasdie natuur iets vir onsprobeer sê,moetons maar begin luister 'N KAPENAAR WATDIE WOLKE MIS, E-pos

DemocracyinCape Town?Don’t make me laugh

Iamaratepayer andresident of Brackenfell, andIam furious. Without so much as aknock on ourdoors, without asingle conversation with the peoplewho live,work andpay ratesinthis area,the CityofCape Town hasgoneahead anderected informal trading bays at Jannie Engelbrecht Park,a park that ourcommunityhas maintained, used andlovedfor years. And when residents did raisetheir voices, we were told the projectwas approvedbackin2024. Nobody knew. Nobody wasasked. Nobody wastold. TheCity claims notices were delivered by hand andpublished in newspapers.

Ichallengethem to produce asingle signaturefrom aresident in this area confirmingreceipt

Anoticestuffed in aKraaifontein newspaper,a paper that is notevendistributed in Brackenfell, apparentlyqualifies as public participation in Cape Town today.

This is notdemocracy.This is the Citydoingexactly as it pleasesand dressing it up in bureaucratic languageafterward

We aretoldtotrust aprocess that excluded us. We aretoldtoaccept adecisionmade withoutus. And when we askquestions, we aremet with vague assurances.

TheDAlikes to present Cape Town as abeaconof good governance.But what kind of governance ignores its ownresidents, approves projects without proper public participation, andthen builds in the dead of night before the communitycan respond?

If this is what passes fordemocracy in Cape Town, then we have lost something farmoreimportant than apark