TygerBurger De Grendel E-Edition 15 Oktober 2025

Woensdag, 15

Gedenkdiensgehou

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Tientalle motorfietsryers het op Maandag 13 Oktober by die Bikers Chuch Cape Town in die Brackenfell-nywerheidsgebied byeengekom om hul laaste eer te betoon aan Aidan Joshua Ruge, van Bothasig Aidan (19), 'n voormalige leerder van die Hoërskool Edgemead, is op Sondag 5 Oktober oorlede nadat n sportsnutsvoertuig met sy motorfiets op die hoeke van Boomstraat en Vryburgerrylaan gebots het Hy is op die toneel dood verklaar Sy passasier is met ernstige beserings na die hospitaal vervoer 'n Gedenkdiens is vir hom gehou Voordat die diens begin het, het 'n groep motorfietsryers eers omstreeks 13:00 by die N1 Stad-winkelsenstrum bymekaargekom om in konvooi na die kerk gery Aidan se gedenkdiens het om 14:00 begin Die diens is deur past George Lehman waargeneem Kerse is deur sy ma, Anje, suster Caitlin en broer Kyle, aangesteek voordat die diens begin het Lehman het genoem dat die opkoms

CAPE CLINICS EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS PAGE 2

wonderlik was en dat dit spreek tot hoe waardevol Aidan se lewe was Hy het ook genoem dat Aidan in 'n stadium in sy lewe die Here aangeneem het en ook by die Soldiers for Jesus-motorfietsklub aangesluit het "Teen die ouderdom van 19-jaar het hy soveel in sy lewe bereik Aidan het altyd 'n positiewe hart gehad," het Lehman aan roubeklaers gesê As geestelike leier, het hy gesê, was dit vir hom 'n voorreg om Maandag die diens te kon lei

NABLADSY4

AFRICAN PENGUIN TESTS POSITIVE FOR HPAI PAGE 7

Four decades later, on the

Capeclinics expand mentalhealth screenings

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA

Over the past year, a mental health screening tool has been successfully implemented at 13 community clinics in Cape Town, with plans underway to expand it to all City clinics

As result of this, there has been a 145% increase in the number of patients seen for suicide attempts in the past year, as mental health services expanded from three City Health sub-districts to all eight

During the previous year 68 such patients were seen compared to this year's 167, while in total 30 230 mental health screenings were done, whereas last year 8 616 were done, indicating a 251% increase

"City Health is placing mental health firmly at the heart of its strategic priorities, ensuring that preventative care, early detection, and community support are central to its services," said City of Cape Town Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham

Aligned with the 2025 World Mental Health Day theme, "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies", City Health emphasised its commitment to building resilient communities by addressing mental well-being before crises occur

Higham encourages residents to look after their mental health, seek support when needed, and engage in conversations that break discrimination and stigma

"City Health psychologists are leading innovative awareness initiatives at community level, making mental health information accessible, culturally sensitive, and easy to understand in all three official languages Preventing mental health challenges before they escalate is just as important as treating physical illnesses," she added

STRONGERSUPPORTNEEDED

In South Africa, up to nine out of ten patients with mental health disorders do not receive treatment or have access to mental healthcare programmes Primary healthcare (PHC) practitioners are working to fill this gap, but they are not getting the support they need

This according to researchers from the department of family and emergency medicine at Stellenbosch University

They explored the perceptions and experiences of PHC practitioners in managing common mental health disorders at clinics and district hospitals' out-patient departments in the Garden Route District in the Western Cape the province with the highest rate of mental health conditions in South Africa

They focused on nurse practitioners, lay and registered counsellors, medical doctors sessional and permanent medical officers (MOs), community service MOs, medical intern doctors and registrars in family medicine and social workers

Their findings were published recently in the African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine

The researchers say that even though PHC practitioners play an important role in identifying, diagnosing and managing patients with common mental health disorders, they often lack the required resources and available support structures remain underutilised

“Part of the problem is that less than 3% of the national health budget goes to

mental health services and only 7,9% of the mental healthcare budget is allocated to primary healthcare,” says Prof Louis Jenkins from the department

The researchers add that because specialist practitioners were scarce, PHC practitioners had heavy workloads, which made referrals difficult They point out that there are just 0,31 public service psychiatrists for every 100 000 people far below the recommended 1,03 psychiatrists and 10,36 nurses needed per 100 000 people to provide adequate mental health services

“This workload shift to PHC is not supported by sufficient resources, particularly in the public health sector and especially in rural areas, resulting in overworked and insufficiently trained staff to manage both the high burden of disease and patients requiring specialist care Just under half of participants (46,9%) said the workload was too heavy to allow effective mental health screening ” They also highlight the importance of strengthening undergraduate programmes to better prepare practitioners to identify and manage mental health disorders effectively

“Staff require additional training in mental health disorders, and managers need to emphasise and monitor the use of guidelines provided to assist in managing mental health disorders There is a need to increase the number of mental health nursing practitioners, especially to support PHC clinics

“It is crucial that we see primary health care as a priority, measure and improve quality, and make specialist support accessible and available If primary mental health care is part of the model of PHC, then it needs to be supported by appropriate infrastructure, medication, workforce and information ”

GOODMENTALHEALTHISAJOURNEY

Good mental health and emotional wellbeing can be easy to take for granted, but keeping this balance through life’s ups and downs can be a struggle for anyone World Mental Health Day, commemorated on Friday 10 October, reminds us that mental health is a constant work in progress, not something that can ever be finally achieved This according to Megan Gonsalves, Netcare Akeso 24-hour Crisis Line Manager

“It is helpful to think of it as a journey, not a destination; mental health requires us to invest in self-care on an ongoing basis not only in times of crisis Our mental well-being should be nurtured as part of our ordinary routine to set ourselves up for coping successfully in the ever-changing situations life throws our way

“To maintain our mental health and well-being, we need to keep building our coping skills, maintain healthy habits, and nurture the social connections and activities that bring us fulfilment in different spheres of life,” she says

Vraegevraoor padveiligheid

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Ná aanleiding van die tragiese motorfietsongeluk onlangs in Bothasig wat die lewe van 'n 19-jarige man kortgeknip het, het vrae oor padveiligheid in dié gebied weer opgeduik

Aidan Ruger, 'n oud-leerder van die Hoërskool Edgemead, is op Sondag 5 Oktober oorlede nadat die bestuurder van 'n sportnutsvoertuig teen sy motorfiets gebots het Hy is op die toneel dood verklaar en sy passasier is met ernstige beserings na die hospitaal vervoer ("Jong man van Bothasig sterf", 8/10)

Die bestuurder van die sportsnutsvoertuig het na bewering van die toneel af gevlug Die oorsaak van die ongeluk word nog ondersoek

TygerBurger het by die Bothasiggemeenskapspolisiëringforum (GPF) gesels oor padveiligheid hier

Mario Borchards, GPF-voorsitter, sê daar word maandeliks hoë-digtheidsoperasies in die gebied uitgevoer waarby verskeie rolspelers betrokke is "Spoed is n voortdurende kwessie op Bothasig se paaise vir 'n aantal jare nou al Soos die feestyd nader, gaan ons die aantal operasies vermeerder," sê hy Borchards voeg by dat die Stad Kaapstad Metro-polisie se verkeersdienste ook aangemoedig word om meer operasies saans in Vryburger-laan, De Grendelrylaan en Plattekloofweg uit te voer;

NUWE WETSTOEPASSERS

HARTLIK IN DIE GEMEENSKAP VERWELKOM

plekke waar spoed n bekommernis is

"Inwoners word daaraan herinner om die padreëls te gehoorsaam veral om by stoptekens stil te hou om sodoende algehele veiligeid te verseker Met die bekendstelling van die Stad se vyf buurtveiligheidsbeamptes, is ons hoopvol dat die sigbaarheid van wetstoepassers en die nakoming van die padreëls verder sal verbeter," sê Borchards

Miquette Temlett, wykraadslid, het die nuwe veiligheidsbeamptes by die Laerskool Edgemead gisteraand (Dinsdag 14 Oktober) bekendgestel

In 'n skrywe vroeër op haar sosialemediablad het Temlett genoem dat die beamptes 'n reuse hupstoot is vir veiligheid en wetstoepassing in die wyk, en ook om die buurt misdaadvry te probeer hou

Metro-polisie fokus op verkeerswetstoepassing, die nakoming van munisipale verordeninge en misdaadvoorkoming deur middel van sigbare patrollies en sterk gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid, noem sy verder

'n Gedenkdiens is Maandag vir Aidan gehou

Vermeende sekspes-onnie gee homself aan polisie oor

’n Man na wie die Wes-Kaapse polisie vir byna twee weke gesoek het in verband met 'n seksuele oortredingsaak is op Woensdag 8 Oktober in hegtenis geneem nadat hy glo homself aan die owerhede oorhandig het Sers Wesley Twigg, provinsiale polisiewoordvoerder, sê die verdagte, Adam Edwards, het Donderdag 9 Oktober in die Kaapstadse-landdroshof verskyn waar borgtog teengestaan is Sy saak word deur die polisie se eenheid teen gesinsgeweld, kinderbeskerming en seksuele oortreding (FCS) ondersoek Dit volg nadat 'n saak teen hom in Augustus by die Bothasig-polistasie aanhangig gemaak is Edwards, 'n voormalige onderwyser by Riverside College, 'n privaatskool in Burgundy Estate, was sedert Vrydag 25 September soek en 'n lasbrief vir sy inhegtenisname is deur die hof uitgereik In 'n verklaring wat deur Riverside College uitgereik is en op hul sosiale media-platforms gedeel is, word daar aangedui dat Edwards nie meer in diens van die skool is nie Daar word ook genoem dat die skool 'n interne ondersoek gedoen het en dat hulle kan bevestig dat

Adam Edwards

die voorval nie 'n kontak-misdaad is nie, maar eerder dat die aantuigings verband hou met die beweerde besit van intieme persoonlike beelde Die skool sê hulle werk nou saam met die polisie

Two non-profit organisations,Clothes to Good and Max & Me,recently hosted a recycling initiative in the form of a clothes collection drive at Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres in Welgelegen,Noag se Arkie and Pikkie Park,where the learners collected 56 bags of clothes,toys and books weighing a total of 323,91kg to be donated to charity.At Noag se Arkie children donated 22 bags (147,5kg).These items will support microbusinesses run by women caring for children with disabilities,women who often cannot access traditional employment because of their caregiving responsibilities,says Natalie Chisikana,facilitator,and manager at Max & Me At Pikkie Park learners collected 34 bags (176,41kg) The children not only learned about recycling and climate change but also discovered the joy of giving back to their community,says Chisikana.Seen here are from left Celeste Crumpton (Pikkie Park),Natalie Chisikana and Abdurahmaan Panday from Clothes to Good Cape Town

Ebenlaunchesnewbook

JOFOURIE

JO FOURIE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Goodwood came alive with pride and excitement as local rugby legend Eben Etzebeth returned to his childhood roots for the official launch of his new autobiography, Unlocked, at N1 City Mall

According to Lisa van Heerden, marketing manager at N1 City Mall, the idea for the collaboration was sparked when Jonathan Ball Publishers, the publishers of Unlocked, approached the mall’s team to host the event

“This venue held deep sentimental value for Eben having grown up in Goodwood, N1 City Mall was part of his childhood and teenage years He often mentioned that the mall was his playground growing up, so it felt only fitting for him to celebrate such a major milestone right here at home,” says Van Heerden

“We initially received over 700 RSVPs, but on the day, more than 1 000 supporters

RUGBY STAR RETURNS TO CHILDHOOD ROOTS AT N1 CITY

attended The energy was incredible Eben made sure not a single fan was turned away He personally signed every copy, took selfies, and greeted supporters with the same warmth and humility he’s known for,” says van Heerden

For N1 City Mall and the Goodwood community, the event meant far more than a celebrity appearance

“Hosting Eben’s book launch was an incredible honour for N1 City Mall It was more than just a celebrity appearance it was a homecoming The overwhelming excitement and applause as he entered said it all: Goodwood is proud of its homegrown hero For us, it was a beautiful celebration of community pride and connection,” Van Heerden adds

While no future celebrity appearances are confirmed, the mall continues to celebrate in grand style

“We are currently celebrating our 35th birthday in true N1 City style including a major car giveaway and our Birthday Bash happening on Tuesday 30 October We invite the community to join in the fun and festivities!” she says

Beyond major events, N1 City Mall remains dedicated to fostering strong local connections “Community comes first it’s at the heart of who we are

N1 City Mall continues to support and host initiatives that uplift and unite the community, from food and clothing donation drives to providing a platform for local organisations to connect with the public Our doors are always open to opportunities that bring people together and make a positive difference ”

The Unlocked book launch was more than a celebration of a rugby star it was a reminder that no matter how far one goes, home will always hold the loudest applause

WCcelebratesculturalexcellence

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The red carpet was rolled out at the Artscape Theatre on Tuesday 7 October, as the provincial department of cultural affairs and sport honoured the province's top talent in arts, culture and heritage Under the theme "Journey from Darkness into Light: Thrive", the evening was a celebration of creativity and contribution, recognising artists, linguists, librarians, and heritage custodians for their lasting impact across the Western Cape (WC). Winners were crowned across a range of categories, including Excellence in Performing Arts Award, a project that promotes South African Sign Language or the marginalised indigenous languages of the Western Cape, The Best Friends of the Public Library and Ministerial Commendations.

AWARDS

Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, while Dr Isaac Balie was one among those who received a Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong contribution in his field.

Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female

THROUGH CULTURE WE ALL MOVE TOGETHER

ensemble Women Unite, was also recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts.

Jabaar Mohamed, provincial director of DeafSA Western Cape, won the Project that Promotes South African Sign Language or the Marginalised Indigenous Languages of the Western Cape category for his TV show called Accessibility with Jabaar Speaking to People's Post, Mohamed said the award is more than just a "trophy".

"It's a recognition of years of advocacy, passion, and belief in my media platform Accessibility with Jabaar TV talk show on Cape Town TV It represents the roots of inclusivity for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disability communities because that's where true community begins."

Mohamed said it's a powerful reminder that accessibility matters, and that voices expressed through South African Sign Language (SASL) are "finally being seen and valued".

"I dedicate this award to everyone who continues

to break barriers and create equal opportunities for all. I'm especially proud that this recognition comes from the Western Cape, my home, all the way from Elsies River."

He said this fuels him to do more

"Being deaf is not an obstacle It's part of who I am and what drives me to do more This award doesn't mean I'm done; it's just the beginning. There's still so much I'm planning."

The Best Friends of the Public Library award went to the Friends of the Central Library Mike Klink, chair of the Friends of Central Library, said: "It takes a lot of work to build relationships in the library ecosystem.

This win is not just about my leadership but about my team and everyone contributing We encourage people to come to the Central Library to see what the friends of the library are doing."

Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport said art is the mirror and heartbeat of society "It captures our shared struggles and triumphs, reminding us that creativity is both our refuge and renewal. The theme speaks to the spirit of our province, a spirit that refuses to be defeated by hardship and instead transforms it into hope, beauty, and understanding.”

Festive magic begins in CT

Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On on Sunday 30 November

This free, family-friendly celebration takes place this year under the theme "United in Hope".

More than just a seasonal celebration, the Festive Lights Switch-On has grown into one of Cape Town's most beloved traditions and a symbol of Cape Town's resilience, creativity, and community spirit

LINE-UP

This year's campaign and main event will feature not only a line-up of entertainers and the much-anticipated light switch moment, but also two community-driven initiatives:

. The FLSO "Move and Melody" Competition: a cross-discipline dance and vocal showcase that will see emerging local talent compete for a chance to perform live on the Festive Lights stage To enter, groups consisting of between two to 10 amateur dancers, must upload a one-minute video of their performance reflecting the theme, United in Hope, to one of the following platforms: TikTok META (Facebook or Instagram) WhatsApp (send to 076 179 7047). Each submission must include the hashtag #FLSODance2025 and tag @CTFestiveLights. The closing date for submissions is midnight on 9 November From the pool of entries, the top 10 finalists will be invited to compete in a live dance-off at the V&A Waterfront amphitheatre on Saturday 15 November The top three

acts, as chosen by the judging panel, will receive cash prizes and will perform live on the main stage at the Festive Lights Switch-On event

. Wear the Hope - Share the Light: a new creative project that invited Capetonians of all ages to design and create a festive top for the mayor Marnus Botha from Somerset West was named the winner For the judges, fashion designer Victor K, and costume designer and art director Widaad Albertus Botha's winning concept stood out for its heartfelt symbolism and ability to weave together iconic elements of the city’s heritage, landmarks, and natural beauty into one story of hope – that also clearly articulates the festive season.

The Festive Lights Switch-On offers

something rare and vital in this digital-driven world – the chance to connect face to face, to dance, to laugh, with one another and to celebrate Cape Town's unique culture

The concert programme builds up to the switch-on moment of the festive lights, a lighting display of lasers, lights and pyrotechnics

Followed by a highlight of a colourful video mapping display on the façade of the City Hall, a once-in-a-lifetime experience

. The Festive Lights Switch-On event will take place on the Grand Parade on Sunday 30 November from 16:00 Visit www capetown.gov.za/ general/festive-lights-switch-on for more details.

DAGBOEK / DIARY

. Die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees duur nog tot Sondag 19 Oktober Toneel, musiek, dans films en meer Besoek www woordfees.co.za vir meer inligting.

. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Theatre on the Bay now until 29 November Tickets from R275 at Webtickets

. Juan Boucher is op Vrydag 24 Oktober om 19:00 by Heroes Live op Diemersfontein-wynplaas buite Wellington. Deure maak 17:00 oop Kaartjies kos R350 by www.heroesbrackenfell.net

. Joshua na die Reën is op Woensdag 15 Oktober om 20:30 by Die Boer-teaterrestaurant Kaartjies kos R270 by www dieboer com of by 021 979 1911.

. Roan Ash is op Woensdag 15 Oktober om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R260 tot R300 by www.heroesbrackenfell.net

. Vusi Mahlasela -"The Voice" brings his powerful blend of music and activism to the University of Cape Town in a celebration of heritage and hope on Thursday 16 October at 19:00 Tickets from R100 to R300 at Webtickets

. Joshua na die Reën is op Donderdag 16 Oktober om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R260 tot R300 by www heroesbrackenfell.net

. Coppelia is at Artscape on Friday 17

October at 19:00 and Saturday 18 October at 14:00 and 19:00 Tickets cost R200 to R550 at Webtickets

. Centre Stage - Dancing into our future is at Artscape Opera House on Sunday 19

October at 19:00 A fundraising celebration of the Cape Town City Ballet s 91 years of ballet, by dance training organisations Tickets R180 to R300 at Webtickets

. Cape Town Opera presents David Kram-

er s Orpheus McAdoo at Artscape from 21 October to 2 November Tickets from R200 to R550 at Webtickets

. Dancers Love Dogs is at Artscape Opera House on Wednesday 22 October at 19:30

Dancers will take part in this fundraising event along with performing dogs and Master of Ceremonies-Alan Committie Tickets cost R400 at Webtickets

. Die Fledermaus

AfricanPenguintestspositiveforHPAI

KAILINDANIELS

KA LIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) confirmed that the first African Penguin has tested positive for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), marking a serious new development in the ongoing outbreak among Western Cape seabirds

In August almost 1 000 seabirds have now been confirmed with HPAI, and the spread remains deeply concerning TygerBurger previously reported that since early July, a new outbreak of HPAI has been confirmed in wild seabirds across the province the first wild-bird detections since April 2024

Infected birds often display neurological signs, such as tremors, head twitches, and seizures

While HPAI occasionally infects mammals and humans, experts emphasise that the risk to the public remains very low when basic safety precautions are followed

TESTINGANDCONTAINMENT

Sanccob confirmed that its teams are working “diligently and cautiously” to ensure that all seabirds entering rehabilitation facilities are tested and cleared before admission

“Our highest priority is keeping our seabird hospitals infection-free and ensuring every case is accurately recorded,” said Sanccob spokesperson Dr Katta Ludynia in a statement

“This is a fast-moving situation, and we are working closely with the State Veterinary Services and conservation authorities to respond effectively ”

The organisation continues to support wild responders, monitor the impact on wild populations, and provide training and

Kommentaar // Comments

VOTE CAPE TOWN TO THE TOP: The Mother City once again captured the spotlight with its nomination one of the world’s top destinations,this time at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards 2025,where it is shortlisted in the International Destinations – Best City category.This year’s awards,themed“Art of Discovery”,celebrate places that inspire exploration and connection.Cape Town is in distinguished company,nominated alongside cities including Cairns (Queensland),Lisbon (Portugal),Perth (Western Australia),Riyadh (Saudi Arabia),San Francisco (USA),Tbilisi (Georgia),and Tokyo (Japan) The awards are entirely audience-led,with travellers voting for their favourite experiences over a two-month period Now it’s over to Capetonians: visit https://awards travelandleisureasia com/iba-2025/international-destinations/best-city to cast your vote

Jo Fourie groet TygerBurger met dankbare hart

1 April 2022 ek onthou die datum soos gister Dit was die dag toe ek by die TygerBurger ingestap het as die nuutste lid van die span

My hande het gebewe van opgewondenheid

Om vir Media24 te werk was nog altyd my droom vandat ek ‘n pen kon vashou en my eerste storietjie op papier neergeskryf het Ek het pas klaar studeer en om sommer dadelik ‘n permanente pos by ‘n koerant te kry waarmee ek grootgeword het, was vir my ‘n seën sonder gelyke Dit was immers die koerant wat elke Woensdag in my ouerhuis afgelewer is; die koerant wat my liefde vir gemeenskapsnuus en menseverhale gevoed het Nou, meer as drie jaar later, is dit tyd om totsiens te sê En ek sê dit met ‘n hart vol dankbaarheid, herinneringe en groei Ek onthou my eerste storie soos gister Ek het daar gesit met my notaboek en my selfoon, nie seker waar om te begin of met wie om te praat nie Ek was die jong joernalis wat almal miskyk tot ek begin praat En dan, skielik, weerklink my stem oor myle heen

By die TygerBurger het ek soveel geleer oor mense, oor geduld, oor die krag van woorde en oor myself Ek het ongelooflike mense ontmoet, stories vertel wat my diep geraak het, en 'n wêreld van insig en wysheid betree wat geen handboek my kon leer nie

EKWASDIEJONG JOERNALISWAT

ALMALMISKYK—TOT EKBEGINPRAAT.

ENDAN,SKIELIK, WEERKLINKMYSTEM OORMYLEHEEN.

My lewe het ook hier gegroei Ek het begin as ‘n ongetroude jong vrou met groot drome Intussen het ek verloof geraak, getrou, en nou wag verwag ons ons eerste baba ‘n nuwe hoofstuk vol belofte en liefde

My kollegas het saam met my die groot oomblikke beplan: van hoe my man my sou vra om te trou, tot die dag toe ons die eerste keer van die baba vertel het En nou, soos elke storie, kom hierdie een tot ‘n mooi einde Ek keer terug na my boeke om my doktorsgraad klaar te maak en uiteindelik ‘n dosent te word by die universiteit waar ek die eerste keer geïnspireer is om te doen wat ek doenDankie, TygerBurger, dat julle die begin van my storie was die plek waar die jong meisie met ‘n pen haar stem gevind het -JOFOURIE

The light that’s you

You don’t need crowns or silver rings, To prove the glow your soul can bring, For even quiet hearts can shine, And turn the dark to something divine You’ve carried pain, yet softly smiled, Held broken dreams but still stayed kind, The world may never truly see How rare your heart was meant to be In moments small, you change the air, A gentle word, a loving stare, You lift the lost, you calm the fear, You re warmth itself when hope feels near So never doubt the light you give, The love that teaches hearts to live For in this world of many hue, There’ll never be another you ShariqBasardien(16),EASTRIDGE

Urineer elders

Ek vind die gedrag van sommige van die taxi-bestuurders wat studente na hul kollege in Panorama vervoer totaal onaanvaarbaar Hulle gebruik die oop stuk grond tussen Plattekloofweg en die Plattekloof-winkelsentrum as toilet ten aanskoue van die mense - insluitende oorsese besoekers - wat die koffiewinkel by die sentrum besoek om 'n koppie koffie daar en die panoramiese uitsig oor die Kaapse Skiereiland te geniet Hierdie gedrag in 'n openbare ruimte behoort nie geduld te word nie en die Stad Kaapstad sal derhalwe dringend aan hierdie saak aandag moet gee My voorstel sal wees, indien daar geen ander alternatief is nie om draagbare toilette daar te laat oprig en hierdie mense te beboet indien hulle nie daarvan gebruik maak nie

GerritHorn,E-POS

Hou asseblief honde op leiband

Insake "Hou aggresiewe honde op leibande" - dankie vir jou skrywe in TygerBurger gedateer 8 Oktober

Sandra Basson

Ek was ook in Boland Park die spesifieke dag toe jou hond aangeval is Die arme onskuldige Jack Russel het nie verdien om so wreed aangeval te word nie

Daar is menige honde liefhebbers wat nie die erns besef van watter ras gepas is by hul persoonlikheid en omstandighede nie Diesulkes dink ook hulle is hondekenners

Daar is n groot verskil tussen hondeliefhebbers en

hondekenners Die eienaar moet volle verantwoordelikheid aanvaar Die spesifieke eienaar moes wel bewus daarvan gewees het van sy hond se aggressie Waarom anders het hy sy ma gevra of sy dink hy kan die hond van sy leiband afhaal?

My pleidooi dus aan alle eienaars van honde wat nie sosiaal aangepas is nie om hulle op leiband te hou Hondeparke is vir nie-aggresiewe honde Versoek aan die staffie se eienaar: gaan stap asseblief met jou hond elders en hou hom op sy leiband MarijkeMarais,BRACKENFELL

Butler property tree felling sparks debate over City spending

On Thursday 9 October the chain saws fell silent on the Butler property on Bolandweg, leaving a scene of devastation reminiscent of the Deville Wood area during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 For me it reminds us of the 1918 poem from WW I: And Then the Guns Fell Silent “And then the guns fell silent, Smoke and death were in the air, The sounds of echoed silence ” For three weeks we have been listening to the chain saws cutting down majestic trees in our neighbourhood some 50- to 80-year-old giants, all in the name of development but we know it’s about an improvement of the City of Cape Town’s finances, the same City “that works for

you”

At the same time The Argus front page of Tuesday 6 October displays the details of the court application by CTCRA (City of Cape Town Collective Ratepayers Association) challenging the City's budget of 2025/26 Without going into detail about this court action it remains a travesty that rate payers, people who pay the City official’s wages and the political echelons salaries, must turn to the courts to force this cabal to listen to our concerns Reference the City’s defence of these various levies, to wit; water, electricity and now cleaning, I cannot find any evidence that there is a concerted effort from the City’s side to reduce their expenditure

From the Free Market Foundation (Cape Town’s budget: A departure from the rule of law | Free Market Foundation): By linking service fees to property values rather than actual usage, the City shifts from a cost-recovery model toward wealth redistribution Somewhere is a research piece from 2015 about the City’s unsustainable wage bill warning about an unfolding disaster Now in 2025 this where we are with a City wage bill climbing at an unsustainable rate and I quote: "Staff-related costs continue to increase, now set for R20,758 billion Although salary increases are reflected as 5 1% 'cost to company', the actual increase is 7 5% The budget appears

to hide behind centrally negotiated SALGA salary increases " This from the Western Cape Property Development Forum’s letter dated 2 May 2025 addressed to the mayor and his team Did they listen? Not on your Nellie Currently the public sector wage bill stands at an eye-watering R750 billion on top of national debt costs of R1,1 billion per day As a concerned citizen I would have thought that our young vibrant mayor would take note of this financial cliff we are approaching But Sunday we will have our small Malawian gardener, who works two jobs to feed his family in Malawi, on duty here at our house Cleaning and planting new shoots to offset the carbon footprint lost

on the Butler property on top of cleaning the street Yes, cleaning the street, as do all the neighbours using garden services, which begs the question: Those of us, including the “gated developments”, that fund this function with after-tax money can we submit an invoice to the City for “services rendered”? Or can we apply to have these levies discounted on our municipal account? In the 30 plus years we have been living at this address the City has never had to clean our street, why are we now required to fund a mythical activity? Will we end up funding a mythical unicorn run by the City? Let’s unite and stop this FrancoisJMarais,DURBANVILLE

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Support group for bereaved parents

The support group The Compassionate Friends will meet on Tuesday 4 November at 18:00 at a venue in Durbanville for the second time

The group was started by three mothers who have lost children - Mel Lowe from Durbanville, who lost all four of her young children in a car accident, along with Maria Bottcher and Linda Whitmore who both lost daughters

The support group had its founder meeting on Tuesday 7 October and will meet on the first Tuesday of the month going forward.

They invite bereaved parents in the area to the support group meeting. "If you are a parent, newly bereaved and looking for support or if you have worked through your grief and are able to give support to others, we would love you to join us,"

invites Bottcher "One of the saddest deaths is that of a child. One expects to bury one’s parents, then a spouse, but not a child. Parents who have lost one or more children, find it very difficult to deal with it "This is not a pleasant topic and so people avoid it, thinking that the bereaved parents must do so too In fact they are advised to put it behind them and get on with their lives. This is very dangerous advice indeed as repressed grief is very destructive and can lead to physical, as well as emotional illnesses. The answer is to work through one’s grief thoroughly, however long it takes by talking and crying it out, thus releasing the pain,” she says. . Phone Mel Lowe on 082 552 5909 or Maria Bottcher on 072 754 0351 for more information about the venue