TygerBurger | De Grendel | E-edition | 29 April 2026

NeweraforBellvilleStadium

The City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee has approved amajor private sector upgrade forthe Bellville Athletics track and Velodrome, clearing the way for a public-privatepartnership to transformthe 11.47-hectare site into apremier sporting and economic hub.

The recommendation will now go to City Council for final approval. Underthe proposal, the City will lease the athletics track and velodrome to the successful bidder from a2009 tender on along-term basis, with the developer responsible for upgrading the facilities and their continued operation as event venues.

“Afteryearsofcarefulworkandnegotiation,theCity hasfinallyreachedadealthatwillupgradetheBellville athleticstrack...

The upgrade willcreatea world-class, multi-purpose indoor arenawithseating capacityof approximately 14000 to 18 000 spectators, alongsideamodern, competition-compliant athletics surfacewithimproved spectator facilities andaccessibility.

"After years of carefulwork andnegotiation, the City has finally reached adeal thatwill upgrade the Bellville athletics track and retainitasapublic facility, while also upgrading

theVelodrome into aworld-class concert andevents space," said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

50-YEARLEASEAGREEMENT

The lease runs for an initial 50 years with aconditional 10-year renewal option. Public access and continued public ownership remain fundamentaltothe transaction structure.

The developer will also purchase identified vacant plots for mixed-use development

surrounding the Velodrome and athleticstrack,including retail, commercial and residential opportunities.

JamesVos, Mayco member for economic growth, said the development would unlock the velodrome's full potential whilst generating significant economic benefits for Bellville CBD and the broaderN1economic corridor.

The development follows a complex legal journey Council originally awarded Tender 22Q/2008/09 to the successful bidder in 2009, but thefirst set of agreements were laterset aside in arbitration afterchallenges arising from the Covid-19 lockdown.

WHAT’S

WOENSDAG29APRIL

. Die gevierde skrywer Réna Rauch se nuutsteroman, Beauty,wordom10:30 in Welgemoedbekendgestel Belangstellendeskan by MarietaNel by 084 511 1931 hulplekbespreek.

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.Plentyofoff-road parking.Food available. Allwelcome,especially children

. Ahisha Samson from Brackenfellwilllaunch her debut poetrycollectionS’o deur dielewe/Along Life'sPath’atthe Durbanville Library. In herpoetry Ahisha sharesher personaljourneythrough life, socio-economic challenges,her faith and growth as awomanofcolour. Thebooklaunch starts at 10:00 for10:30 ending at 12:00. Contact Ahisha Samson on ahishasamson28@gmail.comwith enquiries

. Die Oostenberg Horticultural and Industrial Societyhou van09:00 tot13:00 'n Chrysanthemum-blommeskou in diesaalvan dieAnglikaanse kerk (StGeorge TheMartyr) in Sarepta. Ongeveer 200 Chrysanthemums (krisanteenasters) saluitgestal word.Die blomme salnáafloop vandie skou te koop wees (kontant of kaartbetalingswelkom). Daar sal ook stalletjiesweeswat verversingsverkoop.Kontak Charles Summers by 073807 2350 virmeerinligting . TheDurbanville CraftMarket will host itsmonthly market from 09:00to14:00 —this time focused on children.A scavenger hunt will startat10:00and participation will be free forchildren. Therewillbe 24 entries with 24 prizes,thus everyentrywillwin aprize. Thewinners will be announced at 12:00 Visitors canbrowsearoundthe market forthe best in handmade craftsorenjoy eats from the food stalls, whilelistening to alovelymusic performancebyJerry Fourie. Phone Anni Theron on 066059 7251 formore informationabout the market.

SUNDAY3MAY

. Edgemead’sLargest Indoor Secondhand Market willheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall, 83 EdgemeadDrive from 08:00to14:00.Therewillbeloads of bargains

SATERDAG9MEI

. Die NG kerk Bellville-Wes bied'ndans en kuier saam metChristoenCobus Snyman aanom18:00 tenbatevan hul uitreiknaMalawië.‘nVerskeidenheid soppeenbroodtjiessal saam met ‘n glasiesjerrie bedienword. Gastekan ookhuleeie piekniekmandtjieen drinkgoed saambring. KosteisR200ofbetaalR180 perpersoon met ‘n tafelbespreking vir agtmense Kinders (2-12)betaalR100(onder2 gratis). Kontak Maryke by 071643 2239 vir meerinligting.Kaartjies is beskikbaarbydie kerkkantoorofstuur ‘n e-posaan navraag@bellvillewes.ng.org.za.

. MdzanandaAnimal Clinic and Shelterwillhost itsannual gala dinner and auctionat18:30 at the TwoOceans Aquarium,celebrating three decades of servicetoKhayelitsha's animals and community. The fundraising event willfeature PippaHudson as host withauctioneerGuy McDonaldleading aliveauction of exclusive itemsand experiences.Entertainment willincludea performancebythe Isibane Se Afrika Choir during the pre-drinksreception. Guests willenjoya two-coursedinnerwith complimentary wineand dessert.Tickets areavailable at Quicketorcontact fund@mdzananda.co.za

WOENSDAG20MEI

. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub kombyeen by dieNGkerkParow Welgelegen (LaProvencestraat 47, Welgelegen) om 09:30vir 10:00. DiesprekersisAlthea Higham(Parallel demonstrasie) en MarcoMoors vanLowensvlei Blomplaas(Snyblomme). Dietema vandie blommekunskompetisie is Elegansie.Tee word vanaf 09:30 bedien. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864vir meerinligting

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe SummerGreens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, SummerGreens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Free entry.For more informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072 8301966.

FRIDAY12JUNE

. TheMitchells PlainUnitedResidents Association (Mura) willbehaving aGolf Dayaspartofthe area's 50thanniversarycelebrations. It willbeheldatthe RoyalCapeGolf Club on Friday12June.The eventwill caterfor 120players over six to eight waterholes. Mura is in need of prizes, waterholesponsors, contents for goodie-bags,and auctionitems forthe prize-giving dinners.Ifyou wouldliketotakepart, donateorfor moreinformation, contact NormanJantjesat 083628 4421

Trustcelebrates 25thanniversary withGalaevent

RICHARDROBERTS

Agaladinner and fundraising event arebeing planned forlater this year to mark25years of the Tygerberg Hospital Children's Trust.

Louise Theron, chief executive, says this milestone event marks aquartercenturyofdedicated service to enhancing paediatric andneonatalhealthcare at Tygerberg Hospital. The elegantevening will bringtogether supporters, healthcare professionals, donors,and community leaders to celebrate the trust’s impact while raisingvital funds for the future, Theronsays

Guests can expecta sophisticated threecourse dinner, live entertainment, and an excitingauction andraffle, all in support of adeeply meaningfulcause.

Theron says for25years, the trust has played apivotal role in enhancing healthcarefor young patients and their families. The gala event aims to build

FROMPAGE1

Recent negotiations have now resulted in new contracts with necessary technical amendments whilst fully complying with theCity's legal obligationsand supply chainmanagementregulations. The Bellville upgrade forms part of wider planstoimprove athleticsfacilities across Cape Town. Following a2021 athletics study, the City aims to upgrade six Regional Recreational Hubs and build anew facility in Westridge, Mitchells Plain. Planned upgradesinclude Vygieskraal StadiuminAthlone, Mandela Parkin Khayelitsha,and Jan Burger in Parow. Upgradesworthover R60 million have already been completed at Wesfleur Sports Ground and Blue Downs Stadium. Francine Higham, Maycomember for community services andhealth, confirmed that Jan Burgerwould receive an estimated R60 million track and spectator stand upgrade,followedbyaphased multi-purpose centre development costing approximately R80million.

Whilst the existing cycling track cannot be retained as part of the Velodrome redevelopment, the City plans to upgrade Vygieskraal Stadium as acentral cycling hub,with aR20 million upgrade planned for 2026/27.

on thislegacy by raising funds for lifesaving medical equipment. Theevent, in collaboration with the Ingamu Foundation, will also support the Children’sSoup Kitchen in Wesbank near Kuils River,she says.

"Thefeeding scheme for children in Wesbank is run by Ingamu and a percentage of the evening's proceeds will go towards this initiative. We will then purchase better equipment and add alittle extra each month to make feeding easier, especially in colder months,"says Lee-Ann Garcia, chief executive.

TheIngamu Foundation partnered with Synergy Café to host the gala event which takes place on Saturday 20 June at the Synergy Café and Catering at the Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg Campus, Francie van ZijlDrive, Parow.

. Ticketscosts R950 perperson; it includesa three-coursedinnerand areavailable at info@ synergycafeandcatering.co.za

City’slowerratespostchallenged

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBERG.CO.ZA

The City of Cape Town has removed its public claim that “lowerrates are coming to Cape Town” following acomplaint lodged by the Cape Independence AdvocacyGroup (CIAG) with the Advertising RegulatoryBoard (ARB), that the City had misledresidents, according to the advocacy group.

“Propertyrates arecalculated by applying a‘cents-in-the-rand’ factor to municipal valuations. According to the City’sown figures, valuations wereset to increase by an average of 17,1%, while the factor was to be reduced by 10,2%,” says CIAG co-founder Phil Craig

REDUCTION

However, according to CIAG, the City’s social media communicationemphasised the reductioninthe factor without explaining the impact of theconcurrent increased valuations.

“Combined with thestatement ‘Lower ratesare coming to Cape Town’, this created the dominant impression that ratesbills would decrease, when infact, in most cases, they wouldactually increase,” says Craig.

CIAG conducted afinancial analysis,(see https://drive.google. com/file/d/1A0VQ71EUxKcrF0cssr_ Dm66cEEXqZaU1/view?usp=sharing) of the proposed changes.

“This analysis indicated that for property values above R550 000, homeownerswould face aboveinflation increases in their rates payments —consistent with what many residents have experienced over the past decade. The CIAG wrote to the City, addressing correspondence to the Mayor and the Mayco member forfinance, providedits analysis, and requested

clarificationonhow the City hadarrived at itsclaims.

“The City respondedinitially but did not address the discrepancies raised,” he says.

“Thereupon afollow-upemail was sent setting out these discrepancies in detail, yet no further response was received.

CIAG subsequently lodged acomplaint withthe ARB, who then upgradeditand formally launched an investigation.In response, the Citydeleted its claimthat ‘lower ratesare coming to Cape Town’, but did notissueany clarification or correction regardingthe specific post.

“Deleting apostdoesnot correct the public record. Residents were told that lower rates are coming. If thatclaim cannotbesubstantiated, the City should apologise and issue aretraction. It is not acceptable for asphere of government to mislead ratepayers andtothen brush it under the carpet when challenged.”

CIAGhas requested that the ARB require theCitytopublish aretractioninthe same mannerand on the same platform as the original claim, date20April 2026.

CITYREMOVESPOSTTO ‘AVOIDMISCONCEPTION’

In response to amedia inquiry, the City toldthe newspaperthatthe post being removedfrom socialmedia does not relate toan advert or theARB’sfunction, but rather anormal content post on the X platform

“While the post prominently stated in both the caption andgraphic that the City is proposing a10,2% reductioninthe rate-in-rand formula, part of the caption erroneously referredto‘lower rates are coming’.This shouldhave read ‘lower rates formula’, andthe post was therefore removedtoavoid anymisperception,” says aCityspokesperson noting thatthe post

City’s app allows publicto reportmorequickly

TheCity last week rolled out anew functionality within the City’s App. It will allow the public to report bylaw and criminal acts in just afew steps. The functionality was developed by the Emergency Policing IncidentControl (EPIC) team, within the City’s safety and security directorate.

This meansthat the public can nowlog certaincategories of bylaw and policing incidents directly on the app, with more categories to be phased in over time, the City says. The development means a reduction of call volumes forthe Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC). It also offers more universal access and discretion, the City says.

JP Smith, Mayco member forsafety andsecurity,attended ademonstration andlaunch of the functionality atthe Joint Public Safety Operations Centrein Goodwood on Monday 20 April.

“It follows the development of a functionality in 2024, linkingthe deaf community and people who are hardof hearing directly to the PECCvia the City’s app. Now, the general public canstart logging incidents too. Thisisbut the latest way in which the City hopestostrengthen partnerships with communities and ensure access to services,” Smith says.

For now, reports can be made in 17 sub categories, including metal theft, public drinking, abandoned or broken-down vehicles, problem buildings and poaching.

BENEFITS

Among the benefits of thesafetyand security reporting feature, are:

. All reports are automatically geolocatedand routed to the relevant City departments, to ensureefficient response andfollow-up;

JP Smith at the launch of the newsafetyand security functionality of the City’sapp

. The ability to submit accurate details, including photographs, enables faster and moreeffective incident reporting;

. Reports can be submitted discreetly, allowing users to log incidents without drawing attentiontothemselves in public spaces;

. Registered users receive safety and security alerts, helping to improve awareness of reported incidents in surrounding areas.These alerts are based on incidents logged with the City;

. Reporting via the app reduces pressure on thePECC.

Should an incident type however not be available for in-app reporting, the user will be redirected to the PECC numberon 021 480 7700, the City says.

The City’smobile app is available for download in the Apple App Store and GooglePlayStore.

Among the existing functions for users arethe ability to logservicerequests, commentingonpublic issues that affect them, logging in to e-Services to access andpay their municipal bills, and accessing information on planned service outagesand road closures.

Motoristswarned ofwetroads

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

With the winter monthsfast approaching, Cape motorists have been cautioned to be extra careful when driving on wet road surfaces, or through flooded roads as experienced across variousparts of Cape Townrecently.

Several areas acrossCape Town experiencedlocalised flooding, according to theCity of Cape Town’s disaster risk management, with areas such as Dunoon being one of the areas hardest hit due to theinclementweather.

In Edgemead residents also had to roll up their sleeves to helpmotorists navigateflooded roads. The Edgemead Neighbourhood Watch reported that their patrollers had to help clear trees that had blown over, partially blocking roads, as well as redirecttraffic in flooded roads.

Crews from theCity of Cape Town were alsocalledout to unblock stormwater drainsinEdgemead Drive. Meanwhile, thepower supplier, Eskom, also reported that some areas acrossthe Cape had experiencedelectricity outages that same two days due to thebad weather.

June is just over amonth away when more heavy rain and wet roads are expected.

“Many motorists underestimate conditions and their abilities. We find that speeding, drunk-driving and other driving offences remain challenges, even when prevailing conditionsdemand extreme care,” says Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for theCity’s traffic services.

“And, while driverfitness and capabilities is amajor determining factor, so tooisthe conditionoftheir vehicle, Jacobs says. In manyinstances, basic vehiclemaintenanceisoverlooked. This includesmakingsure thatwindow wipers are working properly, as well as lights and indicators,which are critical to ensure visibility, but alsoalert other road users to your intentions. Also the condition of vehiclebrakes andtyresmust be checked.

SAFETYTIPS

“So, ouradvice to themotoring public, Jacobs says, would be to ensure that: . Theyare alert and sober behind the wheel at alltimes;

. That all occupants are strapped in, and that thedriver obeys the speed limits at all times and reducesspeed where necessary; ThetreeonEdgemead

Kanker-oorwinnaarsdaggehou

RICHARDROBERTS

Mensewat aan kanker gely het, of dalk steeds'nstryd teen dié siekte voer,hul gesin,familie en vriende word uitgenooi om deel te neem aan vanjaar se Kankeroorwinnaarsdag, oftewel Pacso Survivor's Day

Diedag word gereël deur dr. Elre Gerber van die Panorama Centre for Surgical Oncology (Pacso) by die Mediclinic Panorama-hospitaal in Kaapstad se noordelike voorstede en word vanjaar vir die tweedekeer aangebied.

Gerbersêdie dag is vir alle kankerpasiënte, maar ook diegene wat die pad saam metdie pasiënt stap.

"Met die PacsoSurvivors Day vier ons elkekankerpasiënt se lewe. Wat spesiaal bydra tot die dag is dat ons ons pasiënte se naasbestaandes ook nooi. 'n Familielid, 'n vriend, 'n versorger. So vier ons ook graag die stil helde wat die moeilike pad saam met onspasiënte stap. "Ons vier lewenskragtigheid, aanpasbaarheid, veerkragtigheid, deernis en oorwinnings op meer as een gebied. Ons deelpraktiese raad oor die aanpassing wat onspasiënte nodig het, psigies en fisiek, wanneer hulle ná behandeling weer voortgaan in die gewone loop van die lewe. Dis 'n dag waar pasiënte mekaar se storiesaanhoor, mekaar inspireer en waar

praktiese raad gedeel word," sê Gerber

Die dag hou besondere sprekers in, onder andere die welbekende onkoloog dr. Lizanne Langenhoven, Eilat Aviram, 'n gerekende sielkundige en skrywer, en drie kanker-oorlewendes –Lori- Ann Biebuyck, Nicola Hooper en Vera Nagtegaal. "Onsgaan ook in sessies opdeel waar ons die wat deelneem die geleentheidgee om hul stories te deel. Verlede jaar het dit baie vir soveel van ons pasiënte en hul families beteken. Tydens hierdie sessies bemoedig die wat in dieselfde diep waters swem, mekaar en dit dra soveel krag. "Onssluit dan die dag af met 'n vraag-enantwoord sessie waar die deelnemersvir die dag vrae aan 'n paneel kundiges kan stel,"sêGerber.

. Kaartjieskos R200 perpersoon by iTickets.

Citytransportsystemcriticised

Cape Town's transport system is trapped in aweb of fragmentationthat's draining economic productivity and preventing any meaningful progresstoward solving the city's mounting congestion crisis, according to logistics expertProf Stephan Krygsman from Stellenbosch University. Krygsman, who was apanelistatarecent Cape Chamber Urban Mobility Strategic Dialogue Network event, delivered astark assessment: if current approaches continue, “we will have the same discussion in five, 10 and 15 years”– as CapeTown hurtles toward an estimated10million residents by 2050.

Unlikesuccessful cities worldwidethat typically operate with two or three public transportmodes, CapeTown is burdened with five competing modes: cars, Golden Arrow buses, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT/ MyCiTi), rail, and minibus taxis "This fragmentation prevents any single mode -especially rail -from reaching the critical mass needed for efficiencyand lower unit costs," Krygsman explained. With an estimate of aroundfour millionpassenger trips daily, the competing modes cannibalise each other's market share rather than working towardan integrated system. Rail and BRT, which have inherent economies of scale that make them cheaper as ridership grows, are "probably operating far below optimum

Perhaps moredamaging than modal competitionis whatKrygsman describes as institutionalfragmentation creating "a recipe for complete failure.

Three tiersofgovernment each controldifferenttransport elements: Nationalgovernment runs rail while collecting most taxes,provincialgovernment subsidisesbuses, and municipal government plans BRT but relieson national funding. Meanwhile, taxis operate largely independently, and SANRAL controls national roads.

Within the City of CapeTown itself,three separate departments -Mobility, UrbanPlanning andDesign, and Development Management -all handle transport-related responsibilities without effective coordination, Krygsmanclaimed.

ECONOMICPRODUCTIVITYDRAIN

The transport dysfunction extends far beyond commuter inconvenience, Krygsman argues,striking at the heart of Cape Town's economic competitiveness Workers spend significant

Logistics expert Prof StephanKrygsman from StellenboschUniversity.

portionsofdisposable income on transport, while long commutes and uncomfortable travel options reduceproductivity through worker fatigueand contribute to high employeeturnover.

Evenlogisticscompanies -the backboneoffreight movementare relocating to city peripheries partly "becausethey want to be closetothe workforce,"further entrenching spatial separation between residentialand employment areas Krygsman alsocriticisesCape Town's continued separationof landuses.

"We observe with ongoing urban sprawl andtraditional planning approaches that residentialareas,employment areas,industry, manufacturing etc. areall planned separately."

Unlike international cities that fund public transport through congestioncharges anddeveloper contributions, Cape Town lacks essential revenuemechanisms.

"There is no otheralternative

to generate revenue for public transport other than implementing congestion taxes, developer contributions and privatising rail, stations, busses etc.," Krygsman stated.

He suggests developers should conduct "housing impact studies" and make "significant contribution to public transportnot onlyroads and parking."

THEINDEPENDENCESOLUTION

Krygsman's proposed remedy centersoncreating an "Urban and Transport Development Authority" -stronger than a department with revenue-raising powers -that would coordinate planning, design, construction, regulation, and funding across all transport modes."

Contrarytocommon complaints about Cape Townbeing hemmed in by mountain and ocean, Krygsman views these as assets that "limit sprawl which is good" and provide recreational amenities and pollution control that make cities attractive.

CITYRESPONDS

Approached for comment on some of Krygsman’s analysis, Maycomember for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas defended theCity’s current transport approach. Quintas acknowledged that “fractured governance arrangements are historic” but outlined the City’s vision for “an integrated interoperable public transport system where all modes of public transport…are

integrated in terms of scheduling, and with one mode of payment.”

He said the City is pursuing devolution of passenger rail services and working with the minibus taxi industry “towards a streamlined mobility ecosystem.”

Regarding institutional fragmentation, Quintas stated: “The City does not work in silos. All planning happens across City directorates.” He noted that departments collaborate on spatial development frameworks and all provide input on development applications.

On spatial planning, Quintas noted that underutilised sites like Wingfield and Ysterplaat “belongs to the national government, and the City has long advocated for national government to release thesesites.”

TheCityremains “committed to TOD [Transit-Oriented Development], thisisone of our main goals,” he added.On congestion charges, Quintas stated: "A congestion charge would not be considered, let alone implemented, unless public transport is the most reliable and effective travel option. That point has not yet been reached and remains along-term goal. Furthermore, thereiscurrently no provision in national legislation that would enable any municipality to implement a congestion charge."

Quintas rejected Krygsman proposal for an independent transport authority, stating: "The City is not considering it.”

MargitenFrankbySuidoosterfees

F

rank Opperman en Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck is te sien in dieverhoogstuk Eerste vir Alles hierdie naweek by die Suidoosterfees. Die gedugteakteurs span kragte saam om dieoorspronklike “powercouple”tevertolk in ’n klassieke gevalvan “he said, she said”. Eeue nadat hulle uit die paradysgesmytis, besin Adam en Evaoor die huwelik.Kyk hier,dit wasnie maklikomdie proto-paartjieteweesnie,hoor? Allesmoes vir die eerstekeeruitgepluisword: liefde, kinders en huishou. Nou dat die laatlammetjiedie huis gaan verlaat,het Adam en Evaweerbinnekort net mekaar virgeselskap.Sien hullekansvir nog‘n honderd jaar saam en salhul sondeshulle ontsien? Ná baie goed en kwaad het Adam en Evavir oulaas ‘n appeltjie met mekaar te skil.

Eva(Meyer-Rödenbeck), ’n gefrustreerde kunstenaar,kry uiteindelik ’n beurt om haar kant vandie storie te vertel, die liefde enleedvan die eerstemoeder en huisvrou. Adam (Opperman) glo ook nie hy’t dit maklikgehad nie,die handboek vir

TONEELSTUK

HANDEL OOR DIE LIEF EN LEED VANSAAM OUDWORD

menswees is eersnásytyd geskryf. Hierdie romantiesekomedie gaan oor ou bene saam maak, veralaseen dieander ’n ribbebeen skuld.

Wessel Pretorius is verantwoordelik virdie teks en regie.Die stuk is 'n gesamentlike produksievan dieSuidoosterfees en dieVrystaat-kunstefees met ondersteuningvan dieHet Jan MaraisNationale Fonds. Dievertoningsbydie Suidoosterfees is in die Little Theatreopdie Universiteit vanKaapstad se Hiddingh-kampusopVrydag1Mei om 20:00, asook Saterdag 2enSondag3Mei om 12:30 Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar by Webtickets . Diestuksal ookop4 en 9Junie en van13tot 19 Augustus by DieBoer-teaterrestaurant op die plankewees. Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021 9791911.

EntrepreneursdoFreedomPaddle

AnAI-powered platform focused on uplifting South Africa’s informal economy is extending itsimpact beyond business by sponsoring four entrepreneurs competing in asymbolic ocean race this Freedom Day.

Helplink will support the paddlers as they take on the Prescient Freedom Paddle around Robben Island on 27 April. The event coincides with Freedom Day,adding deeper meaning to the already demanding 27 km challenge.

Taking place in Table Bay, the race is one of the country’s most recognisedocean-endurance events. Thisyear it carries added symbolic weight as participants paddle around the island where late former President Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, aplace closely tiedtothemes of perseverance, discipline and resilience.

GRITBEYONDTHESHORELINE

Helplink’s involvement in the race is intentional, drawing astrong parallel between the demands of entrepreneurship

ENDURANCE, DISCIPLINE SYMBOLISED

and the challenges of endurance sport. Both require determination, adaptability and the ability to push forward despite uncertainty. “Grit andgrowthgo hand in hand, whether you’re navigating the ocean or building abusiness,”

said Adelaide McKelvey, Project Director of Helplink.

“Thisrace brings that reality closer to everydaySouth Africans, where thechallenge may look different, but the mindsetrequiredisexactly the same.”

ENTREPRENEURSTAKING ONTHEWAVES

The Helplink-sponsored team includesPhola Myende, Sibusiso Pheneas Zulu, Sandile Menjenjalo and Andile Mezula.

Each of the paddlerscomes from achallenging background and represents the resilience often required to build and sustain asmall business in South Africa.

Zulu said the platformhas playedasignificant role in his personal and professional growth.

“Helplink has played such avital role in my journey.Its support has been incredible. TheAI training, structured mentorship and ongoing guidance have given me thetools and confidence to keep pushing forward every day.

“Whether I’mtraining for this paddle or growing my business Helplink has helped me adapt, stayresilient and believe that Ican turnchallenges into real opportunities.”

TURNINGRESILIENCEINTO REALOPPORTUNITY

Beyond the race, Helplink uses real-world experiences

such as endurance sport to demonstrate the mindset needed for entrepreneurial success. Theplatform combines AIenabled skills development with mentorship programmes, equipping micro-entrepreneurs with the tools to transition into more formal and sustainable markets.

By linking performance environments with enterprise development Helplink aims to show that resilience is not just a concept, but apractical skill that can be applied across different aspects of life.

ACALLFORSUPPORT

Helplink is also calling on corporate partners, investors and funders to get involved in strengthening SouthAfrica’s micro-enterprise sector. By supporting such initiatives the organisation said it can help unlock economic opportunity and empower individuals to build sustainable livelihoods. . Formoreinfoortoget involved, visit Helplink at https://helplinkai. co.za/micro/ or contact theteam directly at adelaide@help-link.co.za

Campaign launched to support homelessthis winter

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

With the icy cold and rainy winter months lying ahead a special campaign has started to get underway to help protect those most vulnerable and in need. The Keep Cape Town Warm campaign —apartnership between Good Hope FM, Community Chest andthe City —calls on all residents to donate blankets, non-perishable foods andcash to help make the life of people on the streetsabit easier

Thecampaign, which has been running formorethan a decade now, was launched on Wednesday 22 April thisyearat the Parow North Primary school in Theal Street, Parow, where a live broadcast by Good HopeFM's breakfast team were conducted.

Chane Vredeveld, school spokesperson, said that this year marks the school’s 60th anniversaryand that theblanket drive is one of several activities plannedtomark the occasion, with aschool concert scheduled for the end of the third term She confirmed that they had

partnered with GoodHope FM last week as part of the Keep Cape Town Warm campaign

“Learners gathered andsang during the broadcast, and there was astrong sense of involvement acrossthe school as pupils andstaff supportedthe initiative,”Vredeveldsaid.

Thebroadcast included interviews withseveral learners, aswell as principal Zaskia Kuün, who spoke about the school’s involvement in the campaign.

René Nel,one ofthe first families to live in ParowNorth, also sharedher connection to the school, reflecting on her time as both alearner and laterasa teacher

“The blanket drive forms part of the school’s outreachefforts to supportthose in needduring the winter months,”saidVredeveld.

In 2025alone, morethan5 000 non-perishableitems, 1 400 blankets and 47 big bags of second-hand clothing were donated as part of the Keep Cape Town Warm campaign, benefiting 41non-profit organisationsacross the city, GoodHopeFMsaid.

From now up until Saturday 20 June schools,universities, companies, community groups, and individuals are urgedtorally together,challenge each other and extend ahealing handto someone in desperate need Donationsofblankets and non-perishable foods can be droppedoff during the live school broadcasts of the RogerGoode BreakfastShow, or alternatively at theSABC Studios in Sea Point Other schoolsstill to be visited include Sea Point Primary (29 April), PinelandsNorthPrimary (6 May), Sunlands Primary (13 May), York Road Primary (20 May) andMilnertonPrimary (27 May).

GRATEFUL

Masi Mdingane, business managerofGood Hope FM, says the support they get for thecampaign is always overwhelming.

“Every winter, ourlisteners show us thatCape Town is truly made of compassion, generosity and massive do-good spirit.

“This year, in proud

partnership with Community Chestand now the City of Cape Town,weare asking everyone to stepuponce again.

“If each of us gives just alittle, together we can change the winterfor thousands of people whocould well have been our brother, sister, child, parent or friend, who would otherwise face

LEWENSKIEKIE

Waddehel? Nee, regtig, watgaanaan?

Ek vang myself gedurig dat ek wonder of die wêreld stapelgek geraak het. Soosinabsoluut... hierdie is 'n gesinspublikasie en daarom moet ek versigtig wees hoe ek my uitdruk. Maar ek kandeesdae nie meer onderskei wat komedie of wat realiteitisnie. Veralnou dat dit open season vir politiekeryis, met die plaaslike verkiesing op die horison Komekgee 'n paar voorbeelde. Die burgemeesterskandidaatvir Johannesburg, Helen Zille, gaan snorkel in 'n slaggat in 'n straat. Volgens die inwoners is die gat jarereeds daar.Nou my vraagis, word ons nie op laerskool reeds geleer stilstaande water is gevaarlik nie?

Maardis die opvolgstorie watmy laat kopkrap. Die Johannesburgse munisipaliteit reageer op 'n "dringende basis" om die gat te fix. In Suid-Afrika is drie jaar dalk spoedig, veral as jy inag neem dat sommige regeringsprojekte nooit klaar gemaak word nie. Of as dit voltooi word is dit miljarde oor begroting. 'n Sprekende voorbeeld hiervan isdie herbouingvan die parlement, wat'npaar jaargelede tot op die grond afgebrand het. Die parlementisdie hoogste wetgewende liggaam in meeste demokratiese lande. In ander woorde, wette word daargemaak, wat dandeur die samelewing gehoorsaam moetword. Dus, as jy nou soos ek reken jy is 'n normale mens, sal jy ditnie waagom geld wat vir hierdie liggaam se herbouing gebruikmoet wordteverduister nie. Hou my bier, sê die mense wat daarmee vertrou word om die hart van ons demokrasie te herbou. Daar word berig datdie projek, wat reedsvier jaar sloer, se begroting reeds van die aanvanklike R2,1 miljardtot R4,6 miljard gegroei het. Nou wat is vandie uitgawes wat tothierdie styging lei?

EKWIL’NPAARALIENSNOOI OM’NPAARSUID-AFRIKANERS OOKTEKOMHAAL

Na bewering is daar R86 849 vir grondboontjiebotter betaal en R80 000 elk op vissmeer en vlapoeier. Gelukkigwas die gedroogdebone glo slegs R30 000 werd. Ek het soveel vrae. Meng jy die grondboontjiebotter, vissmeer en vlapoeier saam om 'n tipesement te vorm waarmee jy dan die bakstene aan mekaar vassit? Op 'n ernstige noot, waddehel?! Maaknie saakhoe jy dit aan my verduideliknie, daarisgeen manier dat ek sal glo enige van hierdie produkte is noodsaaklikom enige gebou, wat nog te sê die parlement, te herbou nie. Al woord wat by my opkomisdie vermetelheid. "The audacity," sal die Engelsman verklaar,omdie plek te besteel waar die wette gemaak word. Is dit normaal? Gebeur dit in ander landeook? Beslis,veral in Donald Trump se Amerika. Trump plaas 'n kunsmatige intelligensie-prentjie, wat homasJesus uitbeeld op X. Dit te midde van 'n oorlog wat hy beginhet,gespog het dit salgou verby wees en nouweet hy nie hoe om homself daaruit te wurm nie. Hy spoghy hetdie Straatvan Hormoes oopgemaak, maar dit was oop voordat die oorlogbegin het. Intussen lees sy oorlogsminister glo 'n vers uit die Bybel, maar dit is eintlik 'n opgemaakte vers uit'nfliek.Endie hoofvan die FBI is so dronk dat hy sy wagwoord vir sy rekenaar vergeet en daarom dink hy is uitsydiens ontslaan. Asof dit niegenoeg is nie, ondersoek die Amerikaanse regering die dood of verdwyning van 11 wetenskaplikes wat aanhoogsgeheime projekte,waaronder projekteoor buiteruimtelike wesens,werk. Ek wil die aliens nooi om 'n paar SuidAfrikaners ook te kom haal. Vir padkos is daar grondboontjiebotter,vissmeer -BRENDENRUITER

DIEOGGENDSTONDHETGOUDINDIEMOND: ’n Goue sonsopkoms verf die oggendlug in ’n rykpalet vanwarmkleureoor dieTygerberg,soosgesien vanaf Bloubergstrand.Dielig breek stadig deur die horison en skep ’n rustige,ampermagiese toneel watdie begin van’nnuwedag aankondig. FOTO:CHRISTA ROSSOUW

Soaring pricesput houses outofreach

Cape Town residents acrossall income brackets arestrugglingwith housing affordabilityasmunicipal ratesand taxes continue to rise, according to Leon vanZyl, chair of the Western Cape PropertyDevelopment Forum (WCPDF)

In the forum’slatest newsletter addressing the housingcrisis, vanZyl warned that affordabilitychallenges, onceconfined to lowerincome groups, arenow affecting the middleclass as propertyprices soarthroughout the region.

“In response, some commentators are calling forpricecontrolsand land-value taxation to cross-subsidisehousing. Others arguethat short-term rentals arereducing availablehousing stock. Stillothers blame risingoperational costs, particularlyhighermunicipal rates and taxes, and point to an increasingly bloatedpublic administration as the root cause,”hewrites.

But housing affordabilityisnot unique to Cape Town; priceescalations in surroundingtowns such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and even as farafieldasGeorge and Mossel Bayconfirmthat affordability is abroader regional challenge, drivenby both demand and supplychallenges

STRONGDEMANDMEETSSUPPLY CONSTRAINTS

TheWestern Cape’s appeal as an internationally recognised destination is drivinghealthy market demand. VanZyl cited the region’snatural beauty, superior governancecompared to otherparts of South Africa, and its attractiveness

to internationalcompanies seeking an Africanpresence, such as Amazon

“And,measuredonaninternational scale, theCapeisaffordable when compared to otherinternational addresses.Plus, withthe message of good governanceand abetterlife, comesthe message of potentialemployment opportunities, leadingto mass semigration across alllevelsofincome.”

However, supply-sidechallenges areexacerbatingthe crisis.Despitethe Western Cape’s reputation forgood governance, vanZyl criticisedexcessive redtapeand associatedcosts

“Manywould agreethat theWestern Cape is exceptionallygood at crossing every‘t’ anddotting every‘i’ when it comes to statutoryapprovals fornew development.Thiscreates the perception that thegoverningculture is oneof: ‘It’seasier to saynothantosay yes’,” he observed.

“With publicsectorsalaries andjob security often exceedingthose in the private sector,bureaucrats arefrequently criticised forlackofurgencyindelivery, prioritising cleanauditsoverimplementation. However, sinceclean audits seem to be thepoliticaldifferentiatorcelebrated by politicalleadership, canone blame thebureaucratsfor the politicalculture ofclean auditabove delivery?Red tape isarealchallenge in the Cape,and the cost of timeisdirectly reflected in the cost of housing,” he wrote.

Land availabilityremains another significantcostdriver,historically addressedthrough greenfieldexpansion Whilst municipalities now advocatefor densification due to operational cost

concerns,politicalresistancefromexistingresidents posesobstacles

“Municipalities nowargue fordensification, sinceoutward expansion brings additional municipal operational cost implications. Changes in technology and resultantcostreductions, specifically in privateelectricity generation andwater treatment, challenges this argument to some extent,but one must also remember that theseadvances cause municipalities to lose theirmonopolyon

utility provision,”henotes.

Theobvious solution to land availabilityistostart with releasing state-owned land, followed by acritical review of why densification does not naturally occur on privately-owned land

“Althoughthe City of Cape Town has made progress in releasing surplus land ensuring that it is ultimately used for affordable housing remainsdifficult.

One of the biggest obstaclesispolitical resistance from existing voters who

prefer to preserve thestatusquo.Despite itsliberal reputation, theCape is farmore conservative than most wouldcareto admit,” he writes.

CONSTRUCTIONCOSTS ADDPRESSURE

Building material costsfurther compound theproblem, as fewmaterialsare produced locallyinthe Western Cape

“Materialsdelivered at scalein Gauteng arebrokenintosmaller quantities forCape projects, with transport costsand markupsadded along theway,” vanZyl explained.

Combined with higher labour costs, stricter site controls,and rising fuel expenses, construction costsinthe Western Cape significantly exceed those in other provinces.

Rather than seekingsimplesolutions, vanZyl called foramultifaceted approach encompassing land availability, statutoryrights reform, services provision,financestrategies, andbuilding cost management

“Housing activistsoften search forthe silver bullettoaddress housing affordability,but none exist,” he concluded, dismissing suggestions that addressing short-term rentalsorimplementing land-value capturewouldprovide magicalsolutions.

Theforum chair’s letter highlights the complex interplay of factors contributing to theWestern Cape’s housing crisis, suggesting that sustainablesolutions willrequirecoordinatedaction across multiplefrontsrather than piecemeal interventions.

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Thetender box andforms are available in the reception areaatthe aboveaddress.

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