TygerBurger | De Grendel | E-edition | 01 April 2026

Epic

vertel, was dit ’n maklike besluit. Wium is self ’n kankeroorwinnaar en dit lê ons na aan die hart. Dit was net ’n plesier en ’n eer om dit te kon doen,” sê Jones. McLachlan het ook sy rede vir deelname aan die tog verduidelik. "Virmyiskanker persoonlik. Ek het jare gelede ’n baiegoeie vriend ná ’n bitter kankerstryd verloor, daarna

ge ge bye spr is Lorraine Rose,wat ‘n blommedemonstrasiemet dietema “Verrassing”sal doen,enAnjaFreysen, watmoderne tendenseenwenkeoor tuinontwerp saldeel.‘nBlommekunskompetisie met dietema “Halfmoon kisses”wordaangebied. Teewordvanaf 09:30 bedien. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 vir meer inligting

SATERDAG18APRIL

. Die Vriendevan Brackenvier20jaarvan diensby dieBracken-natuurreservaat met'ngroot byeenkoms by diereservaat.Daarsal 'n verskeidenheidvan stalletjies en aktiwiteite soos 'n pretstap,'nbegeleide stap,'npraatjie en rotsverf vir kinders wees. Dieverrigtingebegin om 07:00eneindig om 12:00.Kontak André by 071089 9503 vir meerinligting

SATURDAY2MAY

. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub’snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls, chat to members and find your special item. Plenty of off-roadparking. Food available. Allwelcome, especially children.

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.Freeentry. FormoreinformationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp(072830 1966).

swaarkry

"Ekkan geensinssêekweet hoe Chánterie voelofhoe die behandeling haar affekteer nie, maar ek het begrip vir haar stryd. Die manier hoe sy hierdie diagnose hanteer, haar positiewe ingesteldheid en glimlag, al voel sy dalk nielekkernie,bewonder ek en is ’n reuseinspirasie.

"Dit was ook die rede vir die besluit om vir haar te ry, om verdere bewusmaking vir haar veldtog te help kweek, om haar te probeer inspireer om nooitoptehou bakleinie,omhaar las spreekwoordelik saam methaar te help dra, en uiteindelik om enigiemandwat dalk swaarkry ’n bietjie ekstra hoop te probeer gee.

"As onsdit kon bereik, was die Epic volmaak," sê McLachlan. Chánterie se pa,Divan, het destyds saam met McLachlan en Jones fietsgery. Toe haar ouershoor dat die tweestuks die Cape Epic vir hul dogter gaan aanpak, het dit vir hulle as gesin iets besonders beteken, sê Chánterie se ma, Clarissa.

"Die Epic is eenvan die mees uitdagende en ikoniese fietsrenne ter wêreld —’n wedrenwat uiterste krag, uithouvermoë en deursettingsvermoëverg. Die feit dat Wium en Nowlan dit allesingespan het om Chánterie te ondersteun, is ’n indrukwekkende bewys van omgee en opoffering," sê sy. "Onsissótrots en dankbaar dat hulle dié resiessuksesvolensonder enige beserings kon voltooi," voeg sy by. "Hierdie gebaar is ook 'n weerspieëling

vanRensburg

van die ongelooflike ondersteuning van die hele gemeenskap wat saamstaan, aanmoedig en Chánterie se stryddeel. Sy staan nie alleen nie, sy word omring deur mense wat regtig omgee," sê Clarissa. Die Cape Epic is van 15 Maart tot 22 Maart gehou, en het in Stellenbosch geëindig.

McLachlan sê die tog was vir hom baie spesiaal. "Die ondersteuning langs die pad van almal, van ons vrouens en kinders, was ongelooflik. Dit was ’n groot ervaring, en dit was moeilik, veral vir my, maar ek was steeds gelukkig, want daar is baie mense, net soos Chánterie, wat baie erger dinge in die lewe moet deurmaak as was ons gedoen het," sê hy.

VirMcLachlan was dit ook ’n voorreg om die Cape Epic vir die twee veldtogte aan te pak. Om dieCape Epic suksesvol te kon voltooi en uiteindelik bewusmaking vir By Faith Foundation en Chánterie te kon skep, is ongelooflik bevredigend en iets wat hom vir altyd sal bybly, sê McLachlan.

Clarissa sê in die nabye toekoms sal Divan ook graag self aan die Cape Epic wil deelneem en sodoende die bewusmaking van sarkoomkanker, waarmee McLachlan en Jones begin het, verder laat voortleef.

Taxi driverdatabase launched in province

DESIRÉERORKE

The Western Capemobility department on Wednesday launched alandmark initiative to register minibus taxi drivers across the province, creatingthe first verified, province-wide database ofactive taxi drivers in abid to transform the industry’s safety and professionalism

The registration drive received an immediate positive response, with 510 drivers registered within thefirstfew hours of the launch at the successful pilot in Cape Town.

Western Capeminister of mobility Isaac Silekuvisited the Mitchells Plain main rank on Wednesday morning to oversee theregistration process and engage directly with drivers and operators, expressing appreciation for the industry’s support.

“Minibus taxis carry approximately 80% of our commuters every dayand are both the lifeblood of our economyand avalued stakeholderinour province,” Sileku said. “Improving this industry is not justa policy goal; it is essential foradignified and integrated public transport system.”

The minister addressed specific concerns regarding data privacy and outstanding traffic fines, providing clearassurance that theregistration is not apunitive measure.

The initiativecarries the message “Enoughisenough,” reflecting a commitment to value every life equally and increase accountabilityinpublic transport.

Mitchells Plain was chosentolaunch theregistration drive with strong support from local taxi leaders to ensure all drivers can participateand benefit. The department plans to roll out the programme across the province.

STRUCTUREDTRAINING

The verifieddatabaseaims to enable structured training andsupport systems previously notpossible due to informal operations within theunregulatedsector According to information on the Arrive Alive website,onaverage 36 lives are lost daily on our roads, of whichthree are in taxi-related incidents, while accordingtoa studydonebythe Automobile Association of SouthAfricaanannualtotal of 70 000 minibustaxi crashes, whichindicates that taxisin SA account for double the rate of crashes than all other passenger vehicles. In Cape Town,data from atraffic crash report compiled by the City of Cape Town shows 38 949 accidents involving minibus taxis between 2021 and2024.

Searescuefeelsthe fuelpricepinch

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Asgeopolitical tensionsinthe Middle Eastdrive up fuel costs, the National Sea RescueInstitute (NSRI) warns that while emergency rescues will alwayscontinue, thesystems thatsupport those missions arecoming under increasing pressure.

Fuel is at theheart of everyNSRI operation —from rescue vessels and response vehiclestotraining exercises and community outreach

Annual boat running costs already exceedR5.5million,and further increases are expected to stretchbudgets even tighter

RESCUEMISSIONSREMAINNON-NEGOTIABLE

Despite thesechallenges, the NSRI has madeitclear: emergencyresponse will never be compromised. CEO MikeVonk emphasisesthatlifesaving missions remain the organisation’s top priority.

“We will never stop responding to emergencies,”hesays.“But if fuel costs rise this sharply, thepressure moves into thesystems that keep ourcrews ready and our preventionwork active.”

To manage this, the NSRI is implementingstricter fuel controls, prioritisingcritical operations, and refiningtrainingprogrammes to ensure maximumefficiency without sacrificing quality.

TRAININGANDPREVENTIONUNDERPRESSURE

Beyond rescues, fuel plays avital role in training volunteer crewswho operate in some of themostchallenging maritime

conditions. Reduced training opportunities could impact readiness over time, even as demand for services remains constant. Equally concerning is the strain on the NSRI’swater safetyand survival swimming programmes, which are aimed at preventing drownings —particularly in vulnerable communities —which rely on transport and operational logistics.

NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram said: “There will always be fuel for rescues. That is non-negotiable. But people may not realise how much fuel increases will affect anon-profit like ours.”

ACALLFORSUPPORT

TheNSRI is calling on the public to help sustain its lifesaving work. While operational adjustments are being made to absorb some of the pressure, community support is essential to maintain rescue capacity and preventative programmes. . To supportvisithttps://bit.ly/ NSRI-Support-Us

Boerboelexceedsbreed’s lifeexpectancy

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

AGoodwood family’s Boerboelhas exceeded the breed’s lifeexpectancy by nearly two years. Their dog, Chico, is aged 13 years and seven months.The life expectancy for the breed is between nine and12years,according to the American KennelClub.

Boerboels are intimidatingbut discerning guardians of home and family who learned their trade while protecting remote South African homesteads from ferocious predators. They aredominant andconfident, also bright andeager to learn, adescription of the breed on the website reads.

Chico, amale Boerboel, belongs to a family in Glenwood, Goodwood. Owner Natalie Brink says Chico hisage makes himvery special to the family, especially for such abig breed.

MEMBEROFTHEFAMILY

“He is not just apet, but atrue member of our family and has been by our side through so many years,” shesays Chicohas grown up alongside her son Liam, who is now 11.

“Their bond is truly special —they have been sidebyside for most of Liam’s life,creatingmemories we will cherish forever,” shesays.

She says Chico has the most amazing personality, thatheisplayful,has afunny nature and always knows how to lift their spirits.Even at hisage, Chico still has a spark in him, she says.

“He enjoys his short walks andgets

excited the momenthesees his leash. His absolute favouritethingsinthe world are his tennis balls —hecarriesthem around proudly andnever lets them outofhis sight. At one stage,hecould even fit four tennis balls in his mouth at once.”

Brink adds:“He enjoys being closeto us, watching over ourhome,and simply being part of everything we do. At the same time, he hasalways been protective, showing the truenature of aBoerboel loyal, brave, anddeeply devoted to his family.”

EXPRESSIVEEYES

One of themostspecial things about Chico is howexpressive he is.

“Youcan see his emotions in his eyes, anditoften feels like he understands every word we say. He hasbroughtso muchlaughter, comfort,and unconditional love into our lives.”

Brink says when they used to braai, Chico knew exactly what it meant.

“He would come anddrop his tennis balls right by the fireplace, as if to say he was ready for hisshare of the braai meat. It became such afunny andspecial routine.”

She adds: “We also have the most unforgettable memoriesofholidays with him.Wheneverwewent outonthe canoe, Chico could not handle notseeing us. He would even swim acrossthe river just to keep an eye on where we were going.”

Asked if the family has anyplans for the big 14th birthday, she said: “For his 14th birthday, we will be celebrating himwith his own special cake andlotsofred

FAMILY PLANSPARTY FOR14TH BIRTHDAY

meat —his absolutefavourite. We will alsosing‘Happy Birthday’ to him, and he will still try to sing alonginhis own way, just like he always has.

“As he is gettingolder, we are cherishing every single moment with him. Each day feelslike agift, says Brink.

“Chico is more thanjust adog —heisa reminderofthe purest kind of love there is —the kind that asks fornothing but gives everything. For anyone who has ever lovedadog, you will understand —they do not just become part of your life, they become part of your heart forever.”

Brinksays Chico hasnot had any puppies.

De Grendel Lionssingledout internationally

TheDeGrendel Lions Club said last week it was surprised to learnithad won the prestigious Lions Club Excellence Award.

On being honoured for itswork in 2024’25 by Lions Club International the club’s spokesperson, Jacques Mostert,said “The award acknowledges the dedication and legacy of service within individual clubs. It recognises clubs for outstanding service, membership growth, and operational leadership.”

Theaward was handed over by Lions District 410W district governor Bevil Lakay at arecent Lions Zone 9meeting. He said he was very proud of the club and knew the impact itsactivities and projects. De Grendel president, Glenda Hon, thanked Lakay for conveying the award.

“She also thanked the previous district governor, Jose Braga Borges, for nominating the club,”Mostertsaid. “Glenda indicated she was humbled, for the award is atestament to all the hard work by club members and the great community De Grendel serves.”

AthleteeyesCapetoNamibiarun

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

First he took on the extraordinary and grueling challenge to run from Cape Town to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) where he then took part in the 2025 Comrades Marathon, nowDenver van der Bergh has his eyes set on anew challenge —torun from Cape Town to Namibia. The former drug addict, now turned ultra-marathon athlete, will be taking on his new challenge in 2027 if all goes according to plan.

TygerBurger reported last year how Denver (49) ran 1680km to KZN and took part in the

Comradestoraise funds for the Ramot Treatment Centre forSubstance Abuse in Parow

The challenge formed part of his SerenityRun wherehe managed to raise R51410 which washanded overtothe centre in October 2025

Hisrun to Namibia next year will culminate in Denver taking part in the UltraNamib Desert —one ofthe mostphysically demanding endurance races globally, he says.“If you trace myprevious run from Cape Town toDurban, and combineitwith this upcoming routetoNamibia, it formsasymbolic image across themap of SouthAfrica —a smile. This is intentional. South Africa faces profound challenges, manyofwhich mirror issues seen globally —addiction, violence, inequality, and social disconnection. Through this journey, Iaim tobring visibility tothese realities while offering something equally important— hope. This is about more than running.Itisabout entering communities,speakingtoyoung people, collaborating with organisations, andchallenging the stigma that surrounds addiction,”hesays.

ADDICTIONSTRUGGLE

Denver struggled with alcohol

and drugaddiction for 25 years, and was treatedfor his addiction at theRamot Treatment Centre for Substance Abuse.

“Today,Iamfive years sober. I returnedtoeducation, earned my degree, repaired relationships, and discoveredsomething that would reshape my life completely —endurance running,” he says.

He adds:“Runningbecame more than asport. It became a form of healing, discipline, and purpose. It gave me away to transform pain into something meaningful.”

Denver is alsothe founder of thenon-profit organisation (NPO) Serenity StridesFoundation: “Through the foundation, Iwork directly within disadvantaged communities—offering mentorship, tutoring, and motivational talks at schools wherelearners often face overwhelming social challenges. Theaim is simple, to provide hope, guidance, andasense of possibility where it is often lacking. We also create wellnessbasedinitiatives thatconnect young people withmovement, nature,and mental well-being.”

PREPFORRUN

In preparation for hisrun in 2027 —about 2000km —heis undertakingseveral“Smile a

Mile”training runs. Thenext one takes place on Saturday 18 July at the Rondebosch Common in Rondebosch, Cape Town from 06:00 to 11:00.

“I am not aprofessional athlete. Iamsomeone who was given a

second chance —and chose to use it. Today, Irun not only for myself, but for every individual who feels forgotten, stuck,or without away forward.” . To follow his journeyvisit www serenitystridesfoundation.org.

Vermaak // Entertainment

Cape Town employment at all-time high

AREA NORTH

Jobseekers urgedto update

TheCity encourages jobseekers to update their information on the City’sdatabase. This will ensure that they remain eligible for work opportunities

Here’show

Updating is easy: Simply visit a subcounciloffice,SmartCape facility inaCity library or the Expanded Public WorksProgramme (EPWP) walk-in centreat50Wale Street –all available on weekdays, 08:00–15:30. Alternatively,email EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za.

Youwill need aclear copy of your ID,proof of address (oranaffidavit signedbyacommissioner of oaths or wardcouncillor),your household and contact details, and an updated CV,including any previous EPWP work.

*For moreinformation,call the EPWP helpdeskat021 400 9406.

City acts early to prevent waterloss

And Wesfleur wins! In abig winfor the Atlantiscommunity,Mayor GeordinHill-Lewisofficially opened the extensively upgraded Wesfleur athleticsstadium in February. TheR31 millionupgrade included the replacement of the tartan running track, revampingofthe steeplechase arena, tripleand long-jump sections, hammer throw cageand javelin area,aswellasnew floodlights. Seating areas, walkways, ablution blocksand thespectator fencewererepaired, and anew perimeter fencewas installed.Also in Area North, aR13,7millioninvestment at the Fisantekraal sports ground deliveredafull-sizesyntheticsoccer pitch, providing year-round, high-qualitysportingfacilities.

Valuationroll check-and-object window open

The City’s2025 generalvaluation roll is ready andwilltakeeffecton1 July2026. Should you wish to dispute your property valuation,please do so beforethe end of April.

The 2025 generalvaluation roll (GV2025) of Cape Town’s approximately 930 000 registered propertiesisavailablefor inspection and, if need be, objectionbeforeitwill be implementedon1 July 2026.

Residents will findGV2025 on theCity’s website, www.capetown.gov.za(enter “General valuationroll2025” in thesearch box), as wellasat20venues acrosstown (enter “Propertyvaluationobjection venues list”for aschedule).In-person GV2025 inspectionand objectionwillbeopen until theend of March, asindicated on thevenue schedule. Thewindowfor online inspection andobjectionrunsuntil 30 April.

No thumb-suckvalues

TheCity’s valuation methods areaccurate, fair andinlinewith international best practice. Adedicated team of professional valuersusedstatistical models to value registeredproperties in town. Theroll wassubjected to data verification, statistical accuracy checksand extensive auditreviews

BurgemeesterGeordin Hill-Lewis het in Februariedie opgeknapte Wesfleur-atletiekstadion in Atlantis amptelik geopen. Die omvattendeprojek hetR31 miljoengekos. MyCiTi se gedrukte busroostersbyhaltesword noumet QR-kodes vervang.Die kodes bied passasiers makliketoegangtot die jongste rooster vir ’n spesifieke halte op grond van waar die bus trek. Skandeer bloot die kode vir bustyeen-rigtings

Die jongste algemene waardasielys van Kaapstad sesowat 930 000 geregistreerde eiendommeisnou beskikbaar vir inspeksie en enige moontlike besware voordat dit op 1Julie2026 in werkingtree. Inwoners kan dit op die Stad se webtuiste kry: Gaanna www.capetown.gov.zaensoek onder “General valuation

If youdecidetodispute

To dispute yourvaluation, complete the objection form available on theCity’s e-Servicesplatform or provided against yourpropertyonGV2025, and submit it before30 April –eithervia e-Services or theemail addressstatedonthe form.Alternatively,submitanin-person objection beforethe end of Marchat any of theidentified venues.

Keep in mind:

•Toobjectvia e-Services, you must be registered on the platform.Allow for ashortactivationperiod. Fora videoone-Servicesregistration, go to https://youtu.be/7fR2IXOp2zo

•Yourobjection must be motivated and supported with market-related informationasatthe valuationdate of 1July 2025. Foryourconvenience, theCitysupplies verified sales information on itswebsite.

Friendlier rates formula

Your propertyvalue is used to determine

roll 2025”.Boonop isdie waardasielysby20lokale deur die hele stad te kry (soekonder“Propertyvaluation objectionvenues”)

Die Stad moedig werksoekers aan om hulle besonderhede op die databasis op enige van die volgende manierebytewerk:Besoek’n subraadskantoor,’nSmartCape-biblioteekfasiliteit, of dieEPWP-instapsentrumbyWaalstraat 50,Kaapstad (áldrieisweeksdae van08:00tot 15:30oop),ofstuur ’n e-pos na EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za. VerskeieStadswembaddens is gesluitvir beplande herstelwerk, instandhouding en opknappings. Finale tydlyne sal bekend gemaak wordnamate die werk vorder

yourmonthly property rates. To assist the Mother City’sproperty owners, theCity is proposing a10,2% lower propertyrates formula under GV2025. An indicative residential rate-in-the-rand of 0,006428 (downfrom0,007159) hasbeen set as an interimestimate –comparing very well with othermetros. This will depend on draftbudget finalisation and confirmationofnationalfunding streams.The final rate-in-the-rand will be determined in May 2026 when Council approves the budget,tariffs and rates afterpublic participation.

Along with otherproposed measures, thelower rate-in-the-rand will ensurethat 60% of Cape Town’sresidential properties will experience either aratesdecrease, or no changeinrates, even though their propertyvalue haslikely risen.

To get an ideaofwhat youmight be payinginratesunder the new valuation roll, use the City’shandy indicative interim rates calculator.Accessitby clickingonthe GV2025 trending box on the City’shomepage.

USodolophu uGeordin Hill-Lewis ngokusemthethweni uyewavula ibala leembalekieliphuculwengeR31mlaseWesfleureAtlantis kweyoMdumba. Iishedyuli eziprintiweyo kwizitopu zebhasi zeMyCiTi’ zithathelwe indawo zikhowudizeQR, ezithumela abakhweli ngokweeshedyuli zabo ezintsha ezingezitophu zabo ngokusekelwe kwiindawo ezigqibele kuyo iibhasi. Ngokulula njeuskena ikhowudi ukuzeuboneamaxesha ebhasi nendawo eya ngakuyo Uhlolo oluqhelekileyo luka2025 (GV2025) lweepropati ezibhalisiweyo zaseKapaezimalunganama930 000 luyafumaneka ukuze lujongwe yaye, ukuba kuyimfuneko,lunokuhlalutywa ngaphambi kokuba lusetyenziswe ngowoku1kweyeKhala 2026. Abahlali bangayifumanaiGV2025 kwiwebhusayithi yeSixeko, ethi, www.capetown.gov.za (ngenaku“Generalvaluation roll

Several City swimming pools areclosedfor planned repairs, maintenance and upgrades. These include the Langa pool in Area North. Final timelineswill be communicated as work progresses.

Part of apoolplan

TheCity is now midway through its five-year programme to ensurethe sustainability of its 37 swimming pools. Over the past three financial years, the programme has seen R113,5 million invested in pool upgradesand maintenance across the metro.

Stop,scan, set off

MyCiTi’sprintedschedules at bus stops arebeing replaced with QR codes, linking passengers to the latest schedule for their particular stop based on the bus’slast known location. Simply scan the code forbus timesand direction of travel Passengers may also continue to use the MyCiTiwebsite,app or the helpline at 0800 65 64 63 to accessbus schedules.

2025” kwibhokisi yokusetsha/yokuphanda), kwanakwiindawo ezingama20 kuyo yonkeidolophu (ngena ku“Property valuation objectionvenues”).

ISixekosikhuthaza abobakhangela umsebenzi ukubabahlaziye iinkcukacha zabo ngayo nayiphi na kwezindlela zilandelayo: Ndwendwela iofisi yebhunganaokanye izikoleSmartCape kwilayibrari kawonkewonke (phakathi evekini, 08:00–15:30) okanyekwiziko le-EPWPekungenwayokulo e50 Wale Street, eKapa(phakathi evekini, 08:00–15:30), okanye uthumele i-imeyili ku EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za. Amaqula okuqubha aliqela eSixekoavaliwe kuba eza kulungiswa, alondolozwe aze aphuculwe. Aqukaiqula lakwaLanga elikuMmandla ongaseNtla. Amaxesha okugqiba aza kuchazwanjengokouqhubekalomsebenzi

Budget boost for pre-winter stormwater

fix-up

TheCity has allocated an additional R39 million to ramp up maintenance and repairs of stormwater infrastructureinflood-prone areas. Thework will takeplace over the next few months to preparefor high rainfall events in winter

With the added budget, the City can deploy moreteams and increase its stormwater system cleaning cycles. Theareas for focused intervention wereidentified using data from last year,public reports of flooding, and site visits and investigations by City teams. Stormwater systems in and around informal areasare included.

Help us fend offflooding

Sadly, many cases of winter flooding are the result of blockages due to the illegal dumping of waste into the stormwater system. Here’swhat you can do to help:

•Report blocked drainsand illegal dumpingonthe City app,tothe customercall centre on 0860 103 089,to contact.us@capetown.gov.za, or by loggingaservice request on www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests.

•Help keep the stormwaterinlets in your street free from debris and waste. Do not sweep waste into drains.

•Regularly trim trees overhanging drains.

Subscribe to CityNews

If you wouldlike CityNews deliver straight to your inbox, sign up at www.capetown.gov.za/subscribe CityNewsOnline is delivered everytwo weeks and includesrec highlights, servicedelivery notices reminders andalerts.

CityNews is distributed as an insert number of community papers.

It is also available at City walk-i centres, at City libraries, on PressR and at some MyCiTistations.

If you want it emailed to you, send your email address to citynews@capetown.gov.za.

GV2025 showsCape Town worksand is future-fit

Everythree years, the City undertakes afull valuation of allproperties to reflect theirmarket value. Thelatest general valuation(GV2025) confirmswhat manyofyou have already experienced firsthand:Property valuesin CapeTowncontinue to grow steadily. Forhomeowners, this is good news. It means that your property is increasing in value, contributing to your family’slong-term financial security andpersonalwealth. In fact, Cape Town remains the oneSouth African metro where property assets consistently growinvalue.

At the sametime, weoffer thelowest rate-in-the-rand propertyrates formula of any city in the country.Simply put, it generallycosts lesstoown property here than anywhere elseinSouth Africa,eventhough propertyvaluesare higher. This is partofwhatmakes Cape Town not only agreat place to live, but alsoa smartplace to invest.

Followingthis valuation, we are proposing a10,2% reduction in the residential rate-in-the-rand. This will soften the impactofhighervaluations

AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE MAYOR

andkeep ratesasaffordable as possible. As aresult, around60% of residential properties will either see adecrease in their rates, or no increase at all, despite their propertyvalues rising We arealsoexpandingreliefmeasures to support morehouseholds.The ‘rates-free’ benefit will nowapply to the first R500 000 of your property’s value

(upfromR450 000).Inaddition, this benefit is being extendedto properties valued up to R8 million (upfromR7million), meaning more middle-classfamilieswill qualify for relief.

This forms part of our commitment to runacitythat worksand is geared for the future, with reliable services, continuedinfrastructureinvestment, andproperty valuesthat grow over time.It’sacombination that sets Cape Town apart

Iencourage every property owner to takea few minutes to review their updatedvaluation on the City’swebsite or at designated venues across town. If youbelievethat yourvaluation does notreflect the correctmarket value as at 1July 2025, you maylodge an objection until the end of April.

Cape Town’s strength lies in its people, and in our sharedcommitment to building acity of hope forall who livehere. Thank you forbeing part of that journey

Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor

Rebate recipients to reapply

After the implementation of GV2025, both pensioners and indigent residents will need to reapply for ratesrebatesand otherbenefits. Do so by visiting your nearest municipal customer careoffice. Alternatively, pensioners may visit https://bit.ly/47ecgFH or email rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za, and indigent residents canreapply viahttps://bit.ly/4bCqzVI or email indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za.

Cape Town’s hardatwork

Jobs in Cape Town have grown by 113 000 year on year,with employmentinthe Mother City now at an all-time high of 1,895 million people. According to Stats SA’s fourth-quarter labour force survey for 2025, Cape Town has the country’s lowest unemployment rate, at 19,8%. This is the firsttime since2009 that unemployment has fallenbelow 20%.

TheCity’sstrategy to focus on high-growth sectors suchas manufacturing, tourism,hospitality, construction, technology and financial services is clearly paying off.

demand protection moneyfor your projects.

Let’swork smartwith ourwater supply

Dam levels are20% lower compared tothis time lastyear, so being watersavvy is crucial to manage oursupply until winter.The City countsonevery Capetoniantohelpbringwaterusage downagain to the target of 975 million litres per day.

Every dropcounts

•Find and fix waterleaks on your property.Dripping taps, leaking

KORTLIKS

Die Stad het ’n bykomende R39miljoen toegekenvir instandhouding en herstelwerk aan stormwaterinfrastruktuur in gebiede watgeneigistot oorstroming.Die werk sal oordie volgende paar maande plaasvind. WerksgeleenthedeinKaapstad het die afgelope jaar met 113 000 toegeneem

Met 1,895 miljoen mense wat werk, is indiensneming in die Moederstad nouhoër as ooit vantevore. Damvlakkeis20% laer as dié tyd verlede jaar.Dit is noodsaaklik dat onsnou verstandig met onswater werk om ons voorraad tot en metdie winter te bestuur

Die Stad maak staat op elkeKapenaar om waterverbruikweertot die teiken van 975 miljoen liter per dag te verlaag

toilets andfaultyplumbingcan cause huge water losses over time.

•Water your garden at night to preventevaporation, and avoid toppingupswimming pools unnecessarily

•Switch to treatedeffluent for industrial irrigation or construction purposes. TheCity suppliestreated effluenttolarge water users such as industry,sports clubs, golf clubs,

Pensioenarisseeninwoners wat deernisbystand ontvang, moet ná dieinwerkingstelling vandie nuwe waardasielys weer om belastingkortings en ander voordele aansoek doen. Helpdie Stad om afpersers vastetrek watopbeskermingsgeld vir Stadsprojekte aandring.Skakel021 4807700. Die jongste waardasielys bevestig dat eiendomswaardesinKaapstadaanhou toeneem.Vir huiseienaars is dít goeie nuus: ’n Stygende eiendomswaarde help verseker immers jou gesin se langtermynfinansiële sekuriteit.Terselfdertyd bied die Stad ookdie laagste koers in die rand vir eiendomsbelastingvan enige metroin Suid- Afrika.

large new developments and schools.

•Report burstpipes by dialling 086 010 3089 (select option 2), sending an SMS to 31373, aWhatsApp to 060 018 1505, or an email to water@capetown.gov.za. Provide an exactlocation and take down areference number.

*For morewater-savingtips, go to www.capetown.gov.za/savewater

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

ISixekosiye sabekelabucala iR39yezigidi ukongeza ekulondolozweni nokulungiswa kwezisekozophuhliso zamanzi esichotho kwiindawoezithandwazizikhukula. Lo msebenzi uzakwenziwa kwezi nyangazimbalwa zizayo Imisebenzi eKapa inyukange113 000 minyakale, ngokueSixekwenikuqeshwaabantu ngomthamo ophakame kakhulu wezigidi ezi1.895. Umthamo wamadama ukumlinganiselo wama20% xa uthelekiswanelixesha kunyaka ophelileyo,ngokokubaluleke kakhulu ukonga amanziukuze silawule oovimbabethu de kube sebusika. ISixekosithembe bonkeabahlali baseKapaukuba baza kuphinda bakwehlise ukusetyenziswa kwamanzi ukuya kutsho kusukelo lweelitha ezingama975 ezigidi ngosuku. Emva kokuphunyezwakweGV2025, abobadla umhlalaphantsi kunye nabahlali abangathathi ntweni kuza kufunekabafakeizicelo

zokubuyiselwa imali ehlawulelwa iinkonzo kwakunye nezinye iinzuzo

Sincediseekubambeni izaphulimthetho ezifuna ngenkani imaliyokhuselekokwiiprojekthi ozenzayo.Fowunela 24/7: Ku021480 7700 Uhlolo oluqhelekileyo lwakutshanje (GV2025) luqinisekisa ukubaamaxabiso epropati eKapa ayaqhubeka ethe ngcembeukunyuka. Kwabo banezindlu,ziindaba ezimnandi ezi. Loonto ithetha ukubaipropatiyakho –esolokoiyeyonaaseti yakho ibalulekileyo –liyakhula ixabiso layo,nto leyo enegalelokukhuselekolwezoqoqosho lwentsapho yakho kangangethuba elide.Kwangaxeshanye, siyazidlangokunikezela ngowona “milinganiselo kwirandi” uphantsi –ubalo olusetyenziselwa ukubala amaxabiso epropati –kunaso nasiphi na isixekosaseMzantsi Afrika.

Mamrehub’s whereservices arehappening

TheCity in partnership with Province has launched anew Expanded Public WorksProgramme (EPWP) and community development worker (CDW) hub in Mamre. Located at the corner of Adam and Liedeman streets, the hub makes government services moreaccessible to residents of the area,eliminating the need to travel to Atlantis.

All under one roof

Residents can visit the Mamrehub on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 (except public holidays). Here, they will be abletoregister on the jobseekers (EPWP)database and obtain assistance from CDWs, including guidance on social welfareand family support services, referrals to relevant departments, and the reportingof serviceissues. Residents willalso haveaccesstocustomer relations and SmartCape desks.

About CDWs and EPWP CDWs help bridge the gap between communities and government, acting as government’s‘eyes and ears’.They identify local challenges early on, facilitatereferrals to the correct departments, and ensurethat residents’ voicesare heardinplanning and decisionmakingprocesses.

TheEPWP,inturn, is anational government initiative that provides short-term work and skills development opportunities to unemployedresidents, while improving local infrastructureand servicedelivery.Participants gain valuable experience and training that can help them transition into longer-term employment or entrepreneurship

New Atlantistrading plan in the works

TheCity is revising the Atlantis informal trading plan, which dates back to 2015. Residents were invited to attend an information session in February and had until 10 March to comment on the proposed new plan. Watch City channels for further updates.

Conferencecentremakes green history

Asought-after global certification forthe CenturyCityConference Centre hasgiven Cape Town’s rise as aworld favourite forevents andconferencesanother boost.

The Century City Conference Centrehas become thefirst in the southern hemisphere to receivethe globallyrecognisedGreen Key certificate in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the tourismindustry

GreenKey certification is administered by the Foundation for Environmental Educationand overseenlocally by the Wildlifeand Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). It is recognised by, amongothers, the United Nations(UN) TourismOrganization,the UN Environment Programmeand Unesco

Growinginto thego-to World-class,future-fit facilitiesare one of the main reasonswhy Cape Town is among the top tencitiesglobally for averageattendance perevent, as reported by the International Congressand

Thekey to even greater success: Proudlypictured

Convention Association (ICCA)in its GlobeWatch2024 report. TheCity aims to makeCape Town the world’sgo-to destination for events and conferences. This is why the City funds and workswith the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, administered by Wesgro. In 2024/25 alone, the bureauconfirmed36new conference bids with aprojected economic impact of R745 million and over 27 000 delegates expected through to 2028. Businesstourism remains akey pillar of the City’s economic growth strategy

(chief executive of CenturyCityConference Centreand Hotels), BernardAbrahams(operations manager of Century City Conference Centre) and Kelly Alcock (WESSA’s head of educationand sustainability).

Newsewersfor CenturyCity

Sewer pipeline renewal along keyroads inCentury City hasbeen successfully completed,ensuring the long-term reliability of the network. Thework was prioritised, as the 25-year-old pipesexperienced frequent collapses and corrosion.

Pipescured

Six open-trench emergency repairs were carriedout first to address immediate issues, followedbycured-in-place

pipe (CIPP) lining.CIPPinvolves inserting aspecially designed liner into the existing pipe,which is thencured (hardened) in place to form anew,durable innerpipe. This ‘pipe within apipe’ method restores the sewer to anear-new condition, extendingits useful life

Theproject forms part of the Mayor’s priority programme,which has earmarked R589,5 million for citywide pipe maintenanceand replacements in the 2025/26 financial year

Dig-and-CIPP combo: Forthe rehabilitationofsewer pipesinCenturyCity, completed late lastyear, the City used acombination of open-trench repairs and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP)lining.

Roadworksround-up

Plattekloof Road in Plattekloof (southbound betweenBaronetcy Boulevardand Uys Krige Drive)as well as VryburgerAvenue in Bothasig (southboundbetween De Grendel Avenueand Bosmansdam Road) were resurfaced. Thework, which included repairsonchannels and kerbs,took place at night to minimise peak trafficdisruption. Road resurfacing and repairs in Milnerton, Melkbosstrand,

Die Stad het saam met die Provinsie ’n nuwe dienssentrum in Mamregeopen waar inwonersop die EPWP-databasis kanregistreer en bystand van gemeenskapsontwikkelingswerkers kanontvang.

Die Century City-konferensiesentrum is die eerste in die suidelikehalfrond wat die internasionaal gesogte Green Key-sertifikaat vir omgewingsverantwoordelikheidenvolhoubaarheid in die toerismebedryf ontvang het.

Die vernuwing van rioolpype langs ’n aantal belangrikeroetes in Century Cityisvoltooi,wat die langtermynbetroubaarheid van die netwerk verseker Diewerk is geprioritiseer aangesien die 25 jaar oue pype al erggeroes was en gereeld in duie gestort het.

Die Stad het die sleutels vir 26 huise in fase 5 van die Greenville-behuisingsprojek in Fisantekraal oorhandig. Altesaam 495 begunstigdes en hulle gesinne sal uiteindelik in dié fase woon.

and Atlantis were completed in January

To improve pedestrian and road safety,the City has also implemented traffic-calming measures in several neighbourhoodsin Milnerton, Melkbosstrand, Parklands, Table View and Atlantis.Measures include speedhumps, raisedintersections and new footways, withafocus on areasclose to schools, play parksand community amenities.

Dieinformelehandelsplanvir Atlantis, watin 2015 in werking getree het,wordtanshersien. Ná ’n inligtingsessie in Februarie koninwoners tot 10 Maart kommentaar lewer opdie voorgestelde nuwe plan Bladvernuwing inPlattekloofweg (Plattekloof) en Vryburgerlaan (Bothasig)isvoltooi. Kanale en randstene is terselfdertyd herstel. Padwerk in Milnerton,Melkbosstrand,Mamre en Atlantis is ook in Januarieafgehandel. Vir beter voetganger-enpadveiligheid het die Stad boonop verkeersmatigingsmaatreëls in Milnerton, Melkbosstrand, Parklands,Table ViewenAtlantis geïnstalleer.Spoedhobbels, verhewe kruisingsen nuwe voetgangerroetes is veral in gebiedenaby skole, speelparke en gemeenskapsgeriewe aangebring

MoreGreenvillers move in

TheCityhanded overthe keys to 26 homesinphase5 of the Greenville Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing project in Fisantekraal. This phasewill ultimately house 495 beneficiariesand their families.

Good,better, Benex TheGreenville project makesuse of the innovative BenexBlock technology– an affordable, lightweight building solution that allows forfaster and more efficient construction. TheCity is alsoexploring the use of this technologyinother

suitable housing projects in the future. Last year,phase4ofthe R153 million Greenville developmentwas completed. It deliveredmorethan 1000 housing opportunities to qualifyingfamilies, many of whom areamong the metro’s mostvulnerable

Building together

Thedevelopment is apartnership between the City and developer Garden Cities, who employs both skilledand unskilled labour from the localcommunities.

Keepingitfair: Beneficiaries of City housing areselected in accordance with the Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register. This ensures that housing opportunities areallocated in afair and transparent manner to those who qualifybylaw.The City’spoliticaloffice-bearers have no accesstothe Housing Needs Register, nor any influence overwho receives housing

ISixeko, ngokubambisana nePhondosiye sasungulaiNkqubo eNatyisiweyo engeMisebenziyoLuntu (EPWP) kwakunye nehabhu yabasebenzi bophuhliso boluntu (CDW) eMamre IZikoleeNkomfalaseCentury Cityliye laba lelokuqala kumazantsi eikhweyitha ukufumana isatifikethi esihlonelwayo ehlabathini seGreen Keykwiimbophelelekozokusingqongileyo nemisebenzi eqhubekayokwezokhenketho Ukuhlaziywa kwemibhobho ethutha ilindle kwiindlela ezinkulu eCentury City kuye kwagqitywangokuphumelelayo, ntoleyo eqinisekisa ukuthembakalakangangexeshaelidekolu thungelwano.Loo msebenzi uye wabekwa kwindawoyokuqala ngenxa yokubalemibhobho ibisele ineminyaka engama25 ibimana iwohloka, kwaye sele ibolile. ISixekosiye sanikezela ngezindlu ezintsha ezingama26 kwibakala 5leprojekthi yokuhlaliswa kwabantuiGreenville BreakingNew Ground (BNG) eFisantekraal. Ekugqibeleni elibakala liza kuhlalisa abaxhamliabangama495 kunyeneentsapho zabo

ISixekosihlaziya isicwangciso sokurhwebasaseAtlantis, esaqala ngowama2015. Abahlali bamenyelwa kwiseshoni yenkcazelo ngeyoMdumbabazabanikwaukuya kutsho ngowe10 kweyeKwindla ukubabaphefumlekwisicwangciso esitsha esiphakanyiswayo

INdlela iPlattekloof ePlattekloof kwakunye neVryburgerAvenue eBothasig ziye zalungiswa. Lo msebenzi ubuqukaukulungiswa kwemisele nongqameko lwendlela. Ukulungiswa kwendlela eMilnerton, eMelkbosstrand, eMamrenaseAtlantis kwagqitywa ngeyeMqungu. Ngelokuphucula ukhuselekolwabahambi ngeenyawo nolwendlela, iSixekosiye saqalisa iindlela zokuthothisa umthamo weemotoeMilnerton, eMelkbosstrand, eParklands, eTable ViewnaseAtlantis. Ezi ndlela ziquka amaqhuma okulawula isantya, iimpambanondlela ezivulekileyo neendawo ezintsha zabahamba ngenyawo,kujoliswe kakhulu kwiindawo ezikufutshane ezikolweni,kwiipakizokudlala kwkunye neendawo zoluntu.

Citywastes no time with water fixes

Faced with below-average rainfall and increased water demand during summer, theCity hasbeen doingall it can to reducewater losses from burst pipes andleaks.

The City proactively detects and fixesleaks, replaces waterpipes and manages pressuretominimise water lossesand ensureCapetonians’ water security

Yetpipebursts and water leaksdonot always stick to the City’s schedule. In the second half of 2025, the City respondedto anaverage of 346 pipe bursts permonth. Althoughthe targetedrepairtime is two business days,teams immediately isolate the water supply once aburst is reported, to minimise losses. Most bursts during this periodwereresolvedin less than half the expected turnaroundtime.

In certain instances,repairsdotake longer. This can occur when burstshappen inhigh-risk areas, wherework depends on the availability of Law Enforcement, or whencomplextechnical repairs arerequired.

KORTLIKS

Bothasig-inwoners het onlangs die wondervan operabeleef by ’n gratis gemeenskapskonsert wat die Stad in vennootskap met die stem-ensemble vandie Kaapstad Operakoor aangebied het. Die inisiatief maak deel uit van die ensemble se program OperainYour Neighbourhood, wat wêreldklassanguitvoerings na bekende gemeenskapslokale bring om toeganklikekulturele ervarings vir alle Kapenaars te bied.

Die Stad werk hardomwaterverliese te beperk sodat Kapenaars ’n waterseker toekoms kanhê. Vir dié doel wordlekkasies proaktief opgespoor en herstel, waterpype vervang, en waterdruk bestuur Nietemin hou gebarstepype en lekkasies niealtyd by die Stad se werksrooster nie: Werkspanne moesin dietweede helfte van 2025 gemiddeld 346 gebarste pype per maand herstel.

Accounts and general enquiries

Tel. 0860 103 089 (option1)

Fax. 0860 103 090

Email accounts@capetown.gov.za contact.us@capetown.gov.za

Alcohol and drug helpline (24/7)

Tel. 0800HELP 4U(0800 435748)

Anti-corruption and fraud hotline

Tel(anonymous, toll-free) 0800 323 130

Cable theft

All-hours tel 0800 222771

Public transport (toll-free)

Information centre. 0800 656 463 Dial-a-Ride. 0800 600895

WESSA,die natuurlewe- en omgewingsvereniging van Suid-Afrika, het in Februarie met die Stad saamgewerk om die land se eerste strandinligtingstekensinbraille by Eerstesteen in Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat bekend te stel. Dít is ’n belangrikestap om meer inklusiewe strand- en kuservarings te skep ’n Nuwe, gerekenariseerde leerlinglisensietoets wordtans by ál 18 rybewystoetssentrumsvan die Stad in werking gestel. Die stelsel vervang die papiertoets en gebruikdigitale skerms om leerders sekennis te bepaal.

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

Abahlali baseBothasigkutshanje baye banandiphaiopera edlalwa ngqo emangalisayo kwikonsathi yoluntuyasimahla ebisingathwe siSixekosidibeneneQela leOperaeliCula Amazwi laseKapa. Eliphulo liyinxalenye yenkqubo yeli qela,yokuZisa iOpera ebantwini, ezisa ukudlalwa komculookumgangatho wehlabathi kwiindawo zabantu abaqhelekileyo ukuze kube yintoeqhelekileyo ukubanamava okufikelela kuwo kubo bonke abantu baseKapa. Ngokuzimisela iSixekosifumanisa size silungise imibhobho evuzayo,sitshintshaimibhobho yamanzi size silawuleuxinzelelo kunye nokuphela kwamanzinokuqinisekisa ukuba abahlali baseKapabafumana amanzingokukhuselekileyo.Kodwa ukugqabhuka kwemibhobho nokuvuza kwamanzi kudlulela kwizicwangciso ezenziwe siSixeko. Kwisiqingatha sesibini sika2025, iSixekosiye sasabela ubuncinane ekugqabhukeni kwemibhobho engama346 ngenyanga.

CapeTownstill the ‘top drop’ Despite thesechallenges,the City continues to record the lowest levelsofwaterloss among South Africa’smajor metros, according to the national Department of Water and Sanitation’s2023 No Drop report.

What’s worse –leakorburst? Pipe bursts and waterleaks differin impact. Bursts causea suddenand uncontrolled lossofwater,often resulting in flooding and pressure drops that requireimmediate intervention. Leaksare often slow and lessvisible, but capable of wasting significant volumes of waterovertimethrough dripping pipes,damppatches or faulty plumbing if leftunattended.

Tapthrough your learner’s test

Anew,computerisedlearner’s licence testing systemisbeing implemented at all 18 of the City’s driving licence testing centres. Replacing the manual, booklet-based test, the system usesdigital screenstoassess learners’ knowledge.

Benefits include faster,more accurate results, alowerrisk of corruption, and amodern, user-friendly experience. Tests are available in all official South African languages, including support for hearing-impaired applicants.

To help you preparefor your learner’s test, download the free three-part studyguide(rules of the road, road traffic signs, and vehicle controls) from www.natis.gov.za

*For more information, enter “Apply foralearner’s licence” in the search boxonwww.capetown.gov.za.

KweyoMdumba, iWildlifeand Environment Society of South Africa(WESSA) ibambisene neSixeko iye yatyhilausayino lokuqala lweBraille eEerstesteen kumzi wogcinolwezemvelo eBlaauwberg.Oku kubonisa inyathelo eliya phambili kuyila unxweme lolwandle oluqukabonkeabantu kunye namava onxweme. Inkqubo entsha yekhompyutha yokuvavanyelwailayisensi yokufundaukuqhuba iyafakwa kuwo oli18amaziko okuvavanyelwailayisensi yokuqhuba eSixeko. Ithatha indawo yovavanyo olusekelwe kwincwadana, le nkquboisebenzisa izikrini zedijithali ukuze ihlole ulwazilwabafundi.

CITY OF CAPE TOWN AND AREA NORTH CONTACT DETAILS

Droughtand water www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater Report and track faults

www capetown.gov.za/servicerequests

e-Services www.capetown.gov.za/eServices Contactthe City www capetown.gov.za/contacts Budget www.capetown.gov.za/budget Tariffs www.capetown.gov.za/tariffs

Policiesand by-laws www.capetown.gov.za/policies Council matters www.capetown.gov.za/council

AREA NORTHCONTACT DETAILS

Tel. 021 444 6174

Cape Town CivicCentre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town

Subcouncil 1

Tel. 021 444 6037

CnrGrosvenorand Hermes avenues, Saxonsea,Atlantis

Subcouncil 2

Tel. 021 444 1130

Municipal offices,Brighton Road, Kraaifontein

Subcouncil 3

Tel. 021 444 4862

Municipal offices, Royal Ascot, Bridle Way, Milnerton

Subcouncil 7

Tel. 021 400 2344

Municipal offices, OxfordStreet, Durbanville

Subcouncil16

Tel. 021 487 2079 11th floor,44WaleStreet, Cape Town

Conformitymistaken forrighteousness

Iwrote astory on aGender-based violence (GBV) case before about Thandokazi (not her real name) who reachedout,had herpartner arrested and left an abusive partner only to meet someone who mirrored the same controlling behaviour. The actors changed, but the story felt identical Hello partner!Life has away of repeating itself. That is thelens through which I often view the world, the idea of "same script,different cast".

Icome from aplace wherestories are lived before they are told. Wherelaughter, heartbreak,survival, and loss sharethe same stage. Where life does notmove in straight linesbut in loops. The scenes change.The faces change. But the patterns return.

This is what unsettles me.

Iworry about how harm becomes normalised, how silence protects injustice, and how culturecan quietly teach people to endurewhat they should be empowered to challenge.

Iworry about the cycles in our communities and the ways human behaviour repeats across homes, streets, institutions,and generations.

This is why Ipick up my pen to observe, to reflect,and to understand. When violence becomesroutine GBVisascript our country knows too well.

Across SouthAfrica, stories ofwomen attacked in theirhomes, survivors seeking justice, and grieving families dominate headlines with painful regularity.

SONSOPKOMS: ’n Mistigeoggend net voor sonsopkoms oor

bedeken’nrustige,byna droomagtigeatmosfeer

IWORRYABOUTTHECYCLESIN OURCOMMUNITIES,THEWAYS HUMANBEHAVIOURREPEATS...

Communities gather,outrage rises, promises are made and then the pattern returns.

The perpetrators are different. The grief is familiar.

These cycles are not random. They grow from patriarchy, inequality,economic strain,and aculture thatstill struggles to confront abuse directly

Violenceislearned. Silence is learned Power imbalances are learned. In my community, conversations with friends and family echo the same national story.

Someone alwaysknows someone. A neighbour. Acousin. Acolleague. Recognising the pattern is uncomfortable, but necessary. We cannot interrupt what we refuse to name Through my writing, Itry to hold up a mirror not to sensationalisepain, butto make repetition visible.

Still, one truth matters: what works for one person may not work foranother Survival strategies are personal. Healing is personal. Our experiences can guide and inspire, but they should not become universal instructions.

Lessons are meant to lightthe path, not dictate the journey.

Thandokazi's storydid notend whereit began.

At first, she felt trapped in afamiliar loop.But with support and guidance, she learned to recognise early warning signs. She named controlling behaviour. Sheset boundaries. She chose differently

The actors changed. Her awareness changed the script.

Not every story offersneatclosure. Howeverrecognition creates possibility. Reflection creates distance. Choice creates change.

Life may hand us familiar plots, butthe endings are not fixed. Each new face, each new moment, is an invitation to respond differently to interrupt harm, to question norms, to break cycles.

Even whenthe actors change, we still hold the power to rewrite thenarrative -NAMHLAMONAKALI

Brandstofnet gemors by verkeersligte watlank neem

Onsmaak onsalmal regvir die skok der skokkebegin Aprilwanneer brandstofprysedie hoogte inskiet weensAmerikaseoorlog teen Iran,enIransegevolglike wraakaanvalleopanderMidde-Oosterselande.

Maar hier iswat my eintlik pla: rooi verkeersligte regdeurons woongebiede in die Tygerberg, wat'n ewigheid neem om oor te slaan en dit terwyl daar geen anderverkeer by die kruisingisnie.Enintussen word ons gedwing om onsduur brandstof te mors met motors watluier en luier en luier

Wanneer dielig uiteindelik, dikwels ná diederde wagsiklus, groen word,laat dit jou wrintiewaar net twee motorsdeur en slaan weer oor na oranjeenrooi. Ek wonderofiemandalooit 'n sommetjie gemaak hetomvas te stel presies hoeveel liters uit elke tenk petrolofdiesel so verloregaan?Enwat die randwaarde daarvanis?

Kanverkeersligte niebuitespitstye almal in toe-

gee-modus oorgaan sodat 'n mens kanstop, en ry as dit veilig is nie?

Verder kanverkeersligte so gestel word dat dit darem so tien motors deurlaat wanneer dit groen word,ennie nettweenie

Die gedagteomvan April af jou motor se tenk vol te maak, netomtalle duur liters brandstof by rooi verkeersligte op te brand, maak seer

Dis nou die tyddat plaaslike owerhede hul kant moet bring en verbruikers en belastingbetalers deur 'n moeiliketyd bystaan

Of word alle inwoners met eiendom op hul naam as rykbeskou?Feit is, dis dalk 'n bate,maar dis nie kontantwaarmee die motor se tenk volgemaak kan word nie.

Komaan, munisipaliteit,helpons nou! Maak jul lastigeverkeersligte gebruikersvriendelik.

ANTI-ROBOT, Durbanville

Fuel and chocolateprices ‘crack’Easter joy

Irecentlyset outonwhatIthought wouldbea simple mission: buy afew Easter eggsfor my three-year-old’s hunt.I returnedhome empty-handed… andwondering ifI should have filledupmycar with fuel instead. With the latest fuel priceincreasesalready putting pressureonhousehold budgets, it feelslikeeverything isbecoming more expensive— andEastereggsare right downthat alley. What used to be an affordable seasonaltreat nowfeelslikeitbelongs in thesame category as luxury goods.

At these prices, Ihalfexpected the chocolateeggs to come with aloyalty programme,a securitytag,or even asmallinstallmentplan. I’mnot lookingfor gourmet, gold-wrapped creations —justafew basic eggs to hide in the garden andcreatesome excitementfor a toddler who stillbelievesthe Easter Bunnypersonally delivers them.

Asparents, we trytoholdontothese smalltraditions. They don’t cost much in effort,but theymean

everythingtoour children.A simple egg hunt,a bit of laughter,and ahandfulofsweets areoften enough to create lasting memories. Yet, with the rising cost of living —fromfuel to groceries —it’sbecoming harder to justify even thesemodest extras.

It’snot just about chocolate. It’sabout the growing sensethateverydayjoysare slowly slipping out of reach forordinaryfamilies.Parents arealready stretching their budgets to coveressentials, and seasonal items like Easter eggsnow feel like an added burden rather than asmalltreat

At this rate,I mayhavetoget creativethis Easter Boiled eggs, paintedpotatoes, or perhapsa “findthe oneegg” hunt might be on the cards— assuming that oneegg doesn’t requireabankloan. Surely there’sa wayfor retailers to meet families halfway? Becauserightnow,eventhe Easter Bunny might be reconsideringhis deliveryroute APARENT DOING EGG-ONOMICS, Email

Skoolhoof hoef nie altydop

foto’s te wees

Al die foto's in die TygerBurger oor leerders watpresteer is altydsaam met die skoolhoof

Die hardwerkende onderwyserwat die leerder afrig of onderrig, is nooit op die foto's nie.Die verantwoordelikesuksesvolle persoon agterons leerdersword nie vereer nie.Skoolhoofde is gewoonlikbybaie min afrigting betrokke

Nou wonder ek baie hoekom hulle op alle foto's vanskoolprestasies moetwees. Die verskynsel is veral gewildonder laerskoolhoofde

Plaas foto's vanpresterende leerders saam met die regtemenseofonderwysers betrokke by hulle.Die onderwysers is die mensewat die lofverdien en watop die ou einde die skoleaan die gang hou. LESER,E-pos

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SA TEAM CONQUERS HONG KONG WITH PERFORMANCES

KungFu teamrakes inmedals

The South African Chin Woo Kung Fu team, led by Shifu Muhammad Junaid (MJ Li) Chafeker, managed to rake in atotalof13medals at this year's 21stHong Kong International Wushu Championship.

The eventwas held in the Far Eastfrom 21 to 23 March. The team, #BlitzFus, won atotal of nine gold medals, and four silver medals.

"They came, they saw, they conquered," the team management said in astatement on Wednesday.

MJ Li, aLegend of Kung Fu World Champion and World ActionMartial Arts HallofFame inductee, said the team did South Africa proud finishing in the top 5out of 22 countries who hadcompeted MJ himselfmanaged to win three gold medals competing in the Professional Adult Division. He also claimedthe highest scores by any foreignathlete at the championship

TEAMSEXCEL

The rest of the team were Luqmaan Slarmie and Saifullah Chafeker. Saifullah alsowon three gold medals andtwo silver medals, while Luqmaanwon three gold and two silver medals as well. MJ said both athletes did exceptionallywell under

immensepressure.

MJ, theircoach,was alsoofficially appointed as InternationalWushu Kung Fu ambassador in HongKongfor Global Promotion of Kung Fu.Teammanager SalmaNatalie Dora won the award for Best Foreign Team Manager.

"The team did their final preparation for the championship while observing Fast in the Holy Month of Ramadan,and then travelled understrenuous circumstances as aresult of the turmoil in the Middle East, so massive salute to the South Africanteam," the statement reads The event was held at the Ma On Shan SportsCentre in HongKong.

MJ is set to hostthe 4th Africa International Youth Kung Fu Championship in Cape Town on Saturday 25 April andSunday 26 April at the Fairbairn College multipurpose hall in Goodwood.The event will feature seven Africanteams with the South African ChinWoo Kung Fu teambeing the defending champions.

In Februarie het krieketliefhebbersdeeglik kennisgeneem van die jong krieketster Kayla Reyneke (20) vanKuilsrivier toe sy in haar heel eerste internasionale T20-wedstryd vir die senior ProteavrouekrieketspanteenPakistan 'n ses van die laaste bal van die wedstryd geslaan het om die stryd in Suid-Afrika se guns te beklink. ("Droomdebuut vir Kayla", 18 Februarie)

En daar doen“Kuila se Kayla” dit toe weer

Sondag hetReyneke haar debuut vir die Proteas in eendagkrieket oor50boulbeurte in Christchurchteen Nieu-Seeland gemaak

Metdie aanbreekvan die laaste boulbeurt, met Reyneke en Tumi Sekhukhone vir die Proteas op die kolfblad, hetdaar nog14lopies vir die oorwinninggekort. Protea-aanhangers het naelsgekounadat die eerste tweeballe slegs enkellopiesopgelewer het. Reyneke slaan die derde bal toe vir 'n ses, maar bal vier en vyf lewer geen lopies op nie.

Metnog ses lopieskort van die laaste bal geeReyneke toeweer 'n stewige wiks met die wilgerlat om die bal luglangs oor die grens te stuur. Suid-Afrika (2698) wen die wedstryd mettwee paaltjies met die Kiwi's wat almal vroeër uit is op 268 lopies. Ayabonga Khaka, wat kan spog methaar beste boulsyfer (6/56) nog in internasionale eendagkrieket in haar 10 boulbeurte,endie kolwers Annerie Dercksen(72) en Suné Luus (53) het ook vir die Proteasuitgeblink.

SPELERVANDIEWEDSTRYD

Reynekehet in haar kolfbeurt42(nie uitnie)van 32 balle aangeteken, wat drie viere en twee sesse insluit. Soos in haar T20-debuutwedstryd, is sy weer as Speler van die Wedstryd aangewys.

Volgens die Internasionale Krieketraad (ICC) is Reyneke die eerste vrouekrieketspeler wat in twee

‘n Eerste vir vrouekrieket

KaylaReynekepraat op‘n nuuskonferensie ná die wedstryd FOTO:SYDNEYSESHIBEDI/GALLO

verskillende krieketformate op haar internasionale debuut as Speler van die Wedstryd aangewys is. Nog net vier manlike spelers kon ditregkry —Elias Sunny (toets/ T20),Mustafizur Rahman (toets/eendag), Ben Foakes(toets/eendag) en Lungi Ngidi (toets/T20).

In 'n onderhoud ná die wedstryd het Reyneke laat blyk sy wil net haar deel doen om wedstryde vir haar land te wen. "Ja, ek het nogal gestres", het sy gesê, "maar ek was al voorheen in hierdie situasie."

Wanneer daar nog ses lopies kortvan die laaste bal, is daar mos net een opsie en dis om 'n ses te slaan. "Daar was geen ander paadjie om te neem nie. In druk situasies moet jy net kalm en in die oomblikbly," het Reyneke gesê. . Die tweede wedstryd vandie Protea-vroue se eendagkrieketreeksteenNieu-Seeland is vandag (1 April) en dielaaste wedstryd is Saterdag 4April.

Kavanagh claims first win

Tayla Kavanagh deliveredastunning performance on Sunday 29 March, earning her first victory in aSpar Grand Prix raceatthe opening leg of thisyear's 10km women's road running series in the Mother City.

Kavanagh,representing Hollywood AthleticsClub, held on to the back of defendingseries champion Glenrose Xaba (Boxer AthleticsClub) for most of the race before launchingafurious kick to snatch thewin

The24-year-old athlete completed the contestin31:33, chopping eight seconds off her personal best (31:41) set in Cape Town in Octoberlastyear.

Shewas just 21 seconds outside the national 10km record (31:12) held by Xaba.

Xaba was five seconds off the pace, crossingthe finish line in 31:38, while her Boxer teammateKyla Jacobs took a big stepforward in her comeback to elite competition by taking third place in a career best 32:16.

Kavanagh was all smiles after handing Xaba arare defeat andtaking the early lead in theSpar series.

"We had agood battle out there. The race went well andI'm happy to walk away with apersonalbest today," Kavanagh said afterwards.

"I've putina lot of work in training, so I'mreally proud of myself and the team, and I'm very blessed andgrateful to walk away with the win."

Xaba admitted she hadhoped Kavanagh

would help push the pace.

"I thought Tayla would come on board and we could help each other, but she didn't take the lead, so Itried my best to pushthe pace," Xaba said.

"Ifshe pushed the pace with me, Ithink we were going to run even better times, but I'm very happy with the result and it shows the standard in SouthAfrica is improving."

AFIRSTOFMANY

Caster Semenya also competed in Sunday's 10km race finishing acredible 12th place in 35:44.

"I came to Cape Towntogive my team support and decided to race as well. Iam abig fan of the Spar Grand Prixseries. Firstly, it's awomen's only series which us women love and secondly the series has contributed so much to the promotion and development of women's road running in all age groups. My charges, Glenrose Xaba, Karabo More and Karabo Mailula all must give credit to the Spar Grand Prixseries for theirsuccess."