DE GRENDEL
3 Matthee Street, Parow East (ample parking) Next to M-kor Bakery
• We cut foam to size and shape • Widest range of foam densities • Custom made mattresses for • Bakkies • Caravans • Rooftop tent • Cots • Dogs • Covers made on site • Foam Chips @R50/kg • Medical products • Eggbox mattress • Bed Wedges • Pillows • Gym mats and Physio equipment
Tel: 021 911 0331
email: admin@foamwarehouse.co.za NM10053289-AL080426
Woensdag, 8 April 2026 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za | Website: www.tygerburger.co.za
CALL FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS AND CAUTION
Sea rescue responds to seal rabies KAILIN DANIELS
C
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
ape fur seal populations along Cape Town’s coastline are under increased scrutiny as authorities respond to a growing number of rabies cases, prompting urgent calls for public awareness and caution. While encounters with seals have historically been peaceful, recent behavioural changes in some colonies have raised alarm. According to Gregg Oelofse from the City’s Coastal Management department more than 90 confirmed rabies cases have been recorded in local waters over the past two years, the true number likely far higher. “We know with certainty that the disease is now endemic in the Cape Fur Seal population,” he said, describing a pattern of a “slow burn with flares”. A recent flare-up has been observed in the Hout Bay area.
WILD VISITORS IN MONTE VISTA GARDENS Carel Stander captured a Spotted Eagle Owl in his Monte Vista garden, showcasing the wild visitors that frequent the neighbourhood. Read more on page 3.
MAYOR UNVEILS “CITY OF HOPE” BUDGET PAGE 2
RAPID RESPONSE TO PROTECT PUBLIC AND WILDLIFE Authorities have prioritised swift, humane intervention when suspected rabid seals are reported. Following a recent incident involving kayakers in Hout Bay, officials tracked and euthanised the affected animal, with a second rabid seal later identified at Duiker Island. The response forms part of a broader
MONTE VISTA AGM FOCUSES ON SAFETY AND GROWTH PAGE 4
ENDEMIC OUTBREAK HAS ‘SLOW BURN WITH FLARES’ rabies management plan, including routine surveillance of seal colonies, clear identification protocols for symptomatic animals, and strict guidelines for euthanasia and testing. High-risk groups, including veterinarians, wildlife workers and first responders, are vaccinated in advance, while beach safety teams are instructed to raise warnings or close access if aggressive seal behaviour is reported. TO PAGE 4
Authorities advise vigilance as seal behaviour along Cape Town’s coastline raises concern. PHOTO: DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON.
ARMY DEPLOYED TO HOTSPOTS PAGE 9