TygerBurger | De Grendel | E-edition | 17 June 2026
"Hy was legendaries, baie mense kan stories oor hom deel," sê Truter, wat deesdae skooltoere na en van Kaapstad oorsee reël.
Dennis Burger, 'n jare lange vriend van Burger, sê die skrywer se dood is tragies en dat hy gemis sal word.
Hy woon al 38 jaar in Welgelegen, en Burger vir nog langer in die naburige Plattekloof 1.
"Onshet naweke alles saam gedoen," sê hy.
Volgens hom het die gesin die naweek met vakansie gegaan. Hy is Saterdag van sy vriend se dood ingelig.
Burger laat sy vrou, Anna, en twee kinders agter.
"Hy was 'n baie nederige onderwyser, krieket-afrigter en skeidsregter. Hy was 'n baie stil mens en almal het van hom gehou," sê Burger.
"Almal Die volgende plaas. die die krieket-organiseerder by die Hoërskool Tygerberg.
Burger het ook gereeld skolesportstories in TygerBurger gepubliseer.
Cecilia Hume, redakteur,het haar medelye met die skrywer se gesin betuig.
backs rtougher olice
WesternCape Police Commissioner LieutGen ThembisilePatekile.With him is AnrouxMarais, WesternCape Minister forpoliceoversight and communitysafety.
6000 METROOFFICERS READYFOR EXPANDEDROLE
TheCitycurrently has more than 6000 metro police members.
TheCityofCape Town’s push for expanded policing powers and the "devolution" of national policing duties accelerated in August 2022.
In 2025, as reported by TygerBurger, the City of Cape Townescalated its push to have certain national policing powers devolved to itsmetro police, tabling a formal resolution at acouncil meeting through the intergovernmental dispute framework after receiving no meaningful response from the national police commissioner to aprevious letter from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
SYSTEMFAILINGRESIDENTS
Thepowers being sought include investigative authority over gang-related violence, firearm offences, extortion, and drug trafficking, as well as access to crime intelligence data and control over forensic ballistics testing laboratories.
Chair of the City's safetyand security portfolio committee, Mzwakhe Nqavashe, told TygerBurger the current system was failing residents. He pointed to chronic laboratory backlogs causing criminal cases to be struck from the court roll, and the absence of real-time crime intelligence leaving metro police reactive rather than preventative. Despite the City removing nearly 2000 illegal firearms from the streetsinrecent years, conviction rates remained disproportionately low, according to him.
Correction
Thearticle published last week, “Wolraadcomes home”, hada lack of proper attribution in the originalversion of this articlefromthe TableTalk newspaper Theonline storyhas sincebeen updated to include appropriate attribution anda link to theoriginal report TygerBurger apologises forthe error
VANAFBLADSY1
"Toe ek in 2005 as 'n groentjie by TygerBurger begin het, was Oom Sarel reeds 'n gevestigde naam by die koerant. Oor presies hoe lank hy as korrespondent sportbydraes gelewer het, is ek onseker, maar ons kon oor die jare weekliks staatmaak op 'n sportverslag waarin die afgelope week se skool- en klubrugby, asook krieketnuus, saamgevat is "Jy kon verseker wees van 'n paar oproepe in weke dat sy bydraes moes sneuwel omdat die sportnuus te veel en die ruimtetemin was,” sê Hume.
ShockatCollege head-boydeath
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The Parklands communityisin
mourning following the tragic death of 17-year-old Connor Niske, arespected head boy and outstanding learner at Parklands College, who died last Sunday after sustaining a fatal head wound believed to be froma firearm.
Police have opened an inquestinto the circumstances surrounding his death Table View police confirmedofficers attended alocal medical facility at approximately 00:51 on Sunday, where the teenager had already succumbed to his injuries. An inquest docket hassince been registered and the matter wasunder investigation.
AYOUNGLEADERREMEMBERED
Parklands College paid tribute to Connor, describing him as anexceptional youngman who made alasting impacton both Parklands College and Christopher
Members of the TableViewCommunityPoliceForum (CPF),thepolice,privatesecuritycompanies and communitypartners joinedforcesfor aSector Crime PreventionOperation in FlamingoVleionThursday11 June.Theoperation focused on preventing residential burglaries and house break-ins through increased visibilityand proactivepatrolsinthe area.Participants included policeofficers,StarOfficers,ADT Security, Avid Security,ASAR representatives,ComplexPatrolrepresentatives and CPF members.Organisers said thecontinued partnership between lawenforcement,privatesecurityand communitystructures remains essential in the fightagainst crime and in creating saferneighbourhoods forresidents.
Connor Niske
Lionsroarfor hungerrelief
The De Grendel Lions Club observed and supported World HungerDay recentlybyhosting their winter project.
The scope of the project was to have a winterdrive and collect non-perishable foods, bed linenand blankets, and soft toys and children’s clothing, explains Jacques Mostert,spokesperson.
Thevenuesfor this project were Cedar Spar Bothasig andEdgemead Centre in Edgemead.
"The community was asked to assist with donations, and did they deliver! Members from De Grendel Lionswere doing duties at both venues andwere amazed with thegenerosity shown by our community members
"Varioustypesofdonations were received at Edgemead Centre, but at Cedar Spar the focus was mainly on food collection," Mostert explains.
He said the customers were very supportive.
"Ourmembers doing duty at the Spar had to extend the original time-frame of theproject, as thecommunity members kept on filling trolley after trolley.
He said in the end the customers had blessed De Grendel LionsClub with six trolleys of non-perishable food.
"The combineddonations from both
DONATIONS POUR IN AS RESIDENTSRESPOND TO DE GRENDEL LIONS’ CALL TO SUPPORTVULNERABLE FAMILIES
locations were tallied and shared amongst recipientswhich included families living in Bothasig, alocal non-governmental organisation assisting seniors, asafe house for children supported by De Grendel Lions Club, and other families also enduring hardship during this time." World Hunger Day was marked on 28 May.
Lion president, Glenda Hon, thanked the local community of Bothasig and Edgemead as well as Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch for their humongous generosity, and the direct impact that it will have on lives of people unknown to them. "She mentioned that the success of thisproject really reflectswhat Ubuntu really means," said Mostert Asecond winter project drive is planned for 26 June. The focus will be on nonperishable foods, blankets and children’s clothing, said Mostert
Vera Swanson,Lions Club member,was amazed by the amount of food donated by members from the local community.
Vermaak // Entertainment
Competitionparticipantsnamed
Atotalof47young musicians have been selected to take part in the 2026 Hubert vander Spuy National Music Competition. Nowinits 37th year andwidely regarded as the most prestigious eventofits kind in Southern Africa, the competitionwillbe held from 22 to 26 September at the Endler andFismer halls at StellenboschUniversity.Cash prizesexceeding R100000 areonoffer
TheWestern Cape leadswith 26 participants, followedbyGauteng (16), KwaZulu-Natal(four) and Namibia(one)
Northern suburbs participants include Learvick Wepner (7,cello)fromKraaifontein; CathyGravell (13, flute), Jehoshua vanZyl (12, cello),Quintin Gravell(12,cello)and Azariah vanZyl (11,violin) from TableView; Josiah Loubser(9, violin) from Parklands;
Southern suburbsparticipants areCharlotte Alexander (13,piano)fromOranjezicht;Zoë Pitman (12, violin) from Newlands;Maya Bhoola(11, cello) from Penlyn Estate;and HibahLong (10,cello)and Sadie
Owen (12, cello) from Rondebosch. Winelands participants areJohandreConradie (12, cello) from Stellenboschand Junming Lin(10, piano) from Somerset West.All ages areasof22 September 2026
Thecompetition is organisedbythe Tygerberg branchofthe South AfricanSocietyofMusic Teachers (SASMT)and is open to childrenaged13 andyounger. Firstheldin1989, it wasinspired by Prof Hubert vander Spuy,former chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerbergbranch) andawidelyhonoured figureinSouth Africanmusic. He remainsactive as an adjudicator andexternal examiner Severalformer winners have gone on to study
music at tertiary leveland become critically,even internationally,acclaimed performers andteachers.
Thecompetition continues itscollaboration with StellenboschUniversity.ProfMario Nell, themusic department's representative, said:"Opportunities such as theseplayanindispensableroleinnurturing thenextgeneration of South Africanmusicians."
HildaBoonzaaier,chairperson of theSASMT (Tygerbergbranch),praised thestandardofentries. "It wasahugeprivilege to listen to theexcellent work entered by learners andteachers. We acknowledge theprecious role of everyone givingsupport to our young musicians. Keep up thegood work! We are excitedtoexperienceyour progress andhearyour performances in September."
Thefinal willbelivestreamed on YouTube.Tickets to attend in person canbebought at Webtickets.
With itscolourfulcharacters,lively staging,dancers,fullorchestraand large cast,this production promises laughter,spectacleand musical brillianceinequal measure
ThePirates of Penzancesails intoArtscape thisJuly
Pirates, policemen, romanceand comic chaos come to Artscape this winter as G&S presents avibrantnew production of Gilbert andSullivan's much-loved comic opera, ThePirates of Penzance,fromSaturday4Julyto Sunday12July.
Performed in English,filled with humour,and shorterthan many traditional operas,itoffers an accessible and entertaining introductiontoopera foryounger audiencemembers and first-time opera-goers —whilestill delivering thewit,wordplay andmusicalsparkle that Gilbert andSullivan audiences knowand love
Directed by Darryl JSpijkers, with musical directionbyAlastairCockburn, this newstagingbringsrenewed theatrical energy to one of themost enduring worksincomic opera, while remaining firmlyrooted in itsVictorian-erasetting andcharm.
ENTERTAINING
Theproductionfeaturesacastof morethan 60 performers anddancers, with live accompaniment provided by the newlyformed Cape Town
Sinfonietta,a 26-pieceorchestra.At atime when largeliveorchestrasare increasingly rare in musicaltheatre andcomic operaproductions, audiences willhavethe opportunityto experienceSullivan'ssparkling score performed in full.
First performed in 1879,the opera remainsone of Gilbert andSullivan's most popular works. Filled with razor-sharp humour,fast-pacedstorytelling,swashbuckling adventureand memorablemelodies, theproduction includes favouritessuch as IAmthe Very Model of aModernMajor-General, alongside romantic duets andcomic ensembles.
With itscolourfulcharacters, lively staging, dancers, fullorchestra and largecast, this productionpromises laughter,spectacle andmusical brilliance in equal measure. It will run foreight performances, including threeafternoon matinees, between Saturday 4Julyand Sunday12July. . Ticketsrange from R225 to R350.Book at Webtickets or the ArtscapeBox Office on 021421 7695
PHOTO: TIFFANY SCHULTZ PHOTOGRAPHY
FallenAngelsclosedoorsforintakes
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Fallen Angels Pet Rescue in Melkbosstrand has announced it will temporarily close its doors to all new dog and cat intakes for the next six months, citing severe financial strain and overwhelming capacity challenges.
The organisation saidthe decision was unavoidable as it struggled to continue caring for the animals that were already in its care
INTAKEFREEZEANNOUNCED FORSIXMONTHS
In apublic statement Fallen Angels confirmed no additional animals will be taken in during this period. “Turning away animals in need goes against everything we stand for, but we are simply notcoping financially and can no longer take on additional dogs and cats without compromising the careofthose already in our rescue. Every kennel is fulland everyrandis stretched.”
The organisation described the situation as critical, with all available space and resources fully stretched. “Every kennel is full. Every rand is stretched. Every day is astruggle to provide food,veterinary care, and shelter for the animals already depending on us.”
VETBILLSSOARAFTERSICKLITTERS
Fallen Angels said recent rescues of severely-ill litters had placed significant pressure onits
finances, with veterinary costs nowreaching approximately R120 000.
The organisationurged the public toassist through donations to helpcontinue the care of animals already underits protection.
The rescue hasappealedfor financialsupport, including contributionsvia itsBackaBuddy campaign, as it worked to sustain essential services foranimals currently in its care.
Despite the intake suspension the organisation saidits commitmenttoexistinganimals
previously described the situation as devastating, saying the organisation had “poured our hearts, our blood, sweat and tears intomaking thisasafe haven.”
CITYCONFIRMS APPLICATIONPROCESS
TheCityofCape Town previously told TygerBurger that land-useenforcement and land-use application processes are separateand applications are assessed on theirown merits. Basson confirmed to TygerBurger on Monday the City had overturned the ruling and granted FallenAngels permission to stay on the farm, “but unfortunately it came too late and relocation plans and new permit applications had already been paid so the move is still in the near future.
“We are also holding asecond hand furniture charity auction thisFriday in Hopefield to help with our vet bills.”
EVERYKENNEL WAS FULL AND EVERYRAND STRETCHED AMID ONGOING CHALLENGES
remained unchangedand urgent assistance was still required.
PREVIOUSRELOCATION PRESSURESSTILLFELT
The announcementcame againstthe backdrop of ongoing challengesfacedbythe organisation in recent years.
In 2024 TygerBurger reported that Fallen Angels was facing an uncertainfuture following aCity of Cape Townzoning decision affecting itsMelkbosstrand facility.
At thetime the organisation had invested years of work and significant funds intocompliance processes, only to be informed its Special Consent Use Permit application had been denied due to theproperty’s location within aregulated zone near theKoeberg Nuclear Power Station
Co-founder Gayl Basson
HOWYOUCANHELP FALLENANGELSPETRESCUE
. Donate to Fallen Angels Pet Rescue.
. Volunteer to assist with demolition and rebuilding efforts.
. Adopt or foster to help ease the transition for senior and other vulnerable animals.
. Share the organisation’s story to raise awareness and support
. Contribute your skills –any assistance or ideas are welcomed.
. To donatevisithttps://www. backabuddy.co.za/camp ./fallenangels-vet-bills
Fallen Angels PetRescue in Melkbosstrand has announced asix-month suspensionofall newdog andcat intakes due to severe financialstrain and fullcapacityatthe facility.
Mensehet gesterf vir stemreg, dus moet jeugkruisie trek
"As jongmens kies ek doelbewus om niete stem nie dit is my demokratiesereg."
Dié jong man se woorde tydens 'n gesprek oor hoe belangrik dit is om te stem, slaan diep.
Met Suid-Afrikasegeskiedenis,hoe durf hy?
Metdie stand van sake in ons land,hoe durf hy?
Hoeveelmense het niehul lewens verloornet vir die regomte stem nie?
Gister hetons Jeugdag gevier, die dag waarop duisende jongmense in 1976 opgeruk het, en baie hul lewens verloor het, teen 'n onregverdige onderwysstelsel. Die opstand wat gewelddadig geraak het –die bekende foto van Hector Pietersonisinmygeheue gegrif –was hul manier om te veg om gehoorteword.
In 'n erawaar slegs 'n selektiewe handjievol mense die reg gehadhet omte stem, was hierdie hul "stem" vir 'n beter toekoms, een waar hulleselfoor hul lot konbesluit.
Nou, hoe dan kan hierdie jong manweier om sy kruisie by die stembus te trek?
Met 'n tekort aan skole, hoëkoste van onderwys, dienslewering wat agteruitgaan (dalknie so erg in die Kaap sooselders in die landnie), korrupsie en 'n hoë werkloosheidssyfer, hoe kanhynie sy sê wilsêter wille van verbetering nie?
"Want ek stem nie ooreen met enige van die partye se ideale nie ..."
Die realiteit is egter dat verskeie jongmense, dalk selfs die groter meerderheid, dieselfde voel
Ek het daardie selfde woorde en variasies wat op dieselfdeneerkom, al uit ander jongmense se monde gehoor: "Hulle praat nie my taal nie wegbly is ook'nstem, 'n standpunt."
Hoeveelpolitieke partye praatregtigmet die jeug?
Vra jy die een hoekom, is hul antwoord: "vir 'n beter toekoms". Die ander lê klem op ons land se swaar geskiedenis. Maar uit 'n jongeling se oëisnie een van hierdie geldige antwoorde nie.
Nie een van hulle is tydensapartheid gebore nie. Nie een van hulle hetdaardeur geleef nie. Diegeskiedenis iswel vir baie van hulle belangrik, maar ditwordnie meer gesien as 'n geldige rede om 'n dag op te gee om by die stembus tou te staannie Hul besluite word geneem volgens wat hulle vandag hoor en sien.
Nou, wat dan van 'n beter toekoms?
Die meeste sien deur dieslimpraatjies en leëbeloftes van die politici. Hulle sien die dadeendie stand van sake inons land wat getuig van 31 jaar se leëbeloftes vir 'n beter toekoms.
Op sosiale media, die een plek om vandag die jeug te bereik, word diejongelinge ooknie geflous deur diéwat wel daar partypolitiek speel se slim veldtogte nie. Hulle weet goed die politici spring skielik kort voor 'n verkiesing aan diewerk –luister maar net na ma en pa se gesanik daaroor.
Hulle soek dadebywoorde; hulle wildie veranderingeers met hul eieoësien
Diekomendenaweek is registrasienaweekvir die opkomende plaaslike verkiesing.Enterwyl ek die jeug wil aanmoedig om te stem, is ek bevrees daardie woorde gaan op dowe ore val.Soos dieeen gesê het: "wegbly is ook 'n stem".
My versoek aandie jeug: gaan registreer ten minste. Net ingeval jy teen November wel van plan verander en togjou kruisie wiltrek. -CECILIA HUME
Kommentaar // Comments
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PLUMBERS
Competitionboostsconfidence
SISKAMARTIN
“Today’s matriclearners need adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and a strong values foundation to succeed
The worldischanging rapidly, and it requires more than academic knowledge —itcalls forleadership, adaptability and the ability to make meaningful decisions.”
This is according to Thinus de Vries of Forvis Mazars, along-standing sponsor and the official auditors of the Matriculant of the Year competition presented by the University of the Free Stateand Novus Media.
He believes the competition helps develop these skills by challenging young people to articulate their achievements, reflect on their values and understand their role within their communities.
“It creates self-awareness, builds confidence and exposes participants to a higher standard of thinking and conduct, which remains valuable long after matric,” he says.
Two of last year’s finalists, Marné Koen and Amoné Verwey, agree participating in the final round gave their self-esteem and confidence asignificantboost. Verwey saysshe learned to think onher feet during the interviews.
“The interviews helped me express my thoughts clearly and confidently. They
MATRICULANT OF THE YEAR WINNERSGIVETIPSTONEXT ROUND OF CONTENDERS
pushed me out of my comfortzoneand mademerealise that Ihave far more potentialthan Ithought,”says Koen. DeVries says, “Ourinvolvement aligns directly with Forvis Mazars’ corevalues of excellence, integrity andpeople-centred development. We believe in the powerof educationand leadership as drivers of sustainable growth, andthis initiative recognises youngpeople who notonly excel academically or in sport, but who also demonstrate character and community involvement. Our long-term commitment reflectsa genuine investment in developing future leaders.”
He adds that initiativeslike this are important becausetheyhelp young people recognise their potential and moveconfidently into the next phase of their lives
“In achallengingenvironment, positive recognition, mentorship androle models arepowerful drivers of hope, motivation andleadership. Platforms liketheseshow young people that hard work, valuesand involvement are genuinely recognised and rewarded.”
The firm hopesits sponsorship provides
finalists with notonly recognition, but alsoconfidenceand broader exposure at a pivotal stage in their lives.
“Theexperienceand supportthey receive herecan help them make informed decisions abouttheir studies and careers, and approach the future with greater beliefintheir own abilities. Ultimately, we hopeitplants aseed of ambition, responsibility and alifelong pursuitof excellence.”
Koen, whomatriculated from Hoërskool DieBrandwag, andVerwey, aformer learner of Hoërskool Jim Fouché in Bloemfontein,agreethatthey formed valuable friendships during the final round
“Thesefriendships have enriched my life in ameaningfulway and made it easier, as Inow have astrong support network of people who motivate me, offer honest advice and encourage me to keep growing,” says Koen.
Verweyrecalls howthe finalists laughed together andsupported one another throughoutthe competition.
“I was able to start this new chapter of my life with peace of mind, knowing I had friends Icould rely on and turntofor advice.”
The two accounting students say this year’s finalists should simply be themselvesand enjoy the process.
“Don’t try to be who youthink others expect you to be. Believe in your own abilities. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; rather seethem as valuable opportunities to learn andgrow,” advises Koen.
“This year’s participants should be themselves, enjoy the process and learn more about whothey are. Iwould encourage them to remain true to their valueswhenanswering the interview questions,”adds Verwey.
Howtoenter
Matric learners from across South Africa who excel in leadership, academics, culture and sport,and who intend studying at the University of the Free State in 2027, are invited to enter the competition.
Scholarships, prize money and gifts worth approximately R500 000 areup for grabs for the top 25 participants, thanks to sponsors the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Forvis Mazars, Absa and Pick n Pay Preller Walk.
Learners may enter themselves or be nominated by their schools. Atotal of 25 semi-finalists will be selected, after which 14 finalists will take part in the final round in Bloemfontein from 5to 7October.
. Scan theQRcode, downloadthe entry form,completeitand submititby31Julyto Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za
