TygerBurger | Durbanville | E-edition | 01 April 2026
Diegemeentevan die NG kerk Durbanville hetverledeweek asdeel vandie kerk se 200stebestaansvieringevanjaar‘n Passiespele in die tuin vandie kerk aangebied.Hierindie kruisigingstoneel is Jesus (Andrew de Jager) aan die kruis,met die twee misdadigers (Craig WilcockslinksenDivan Marais) weerskantevan hom.Voorkniel volgelingevan Jesus, Johannes die Doper (Johan Slabber) en Maria Magdalena (Kara Coetzee).Die RomeinsesoldateregsisJohan Sönghe en Daniel Slabber. Sien berig op bladsy.Besoek https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18AX9gTofh/ om‘n
Gasstationapproved
D’Urbanvale residents are ready for another fight —anappeal against the City’s Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) approvalfor a24/7 filling station and store on vacant erven in the area. The application for the filling station on the corner of Mosselbank River Avenue and Falcon Street— opposite Reddam House Preparatory School —was broughtbyEngen Petroleum, who bought the erven in 2022 for R10,35m from the previous owner, Rosa Parks.
An application by Parks to build ashopping centreon
the land, zonedfor general business purposes, in May 2023, wasunsuccessful after many objections by residents. Another applicationfor ashoppingcentre years ago wasalsounsuccessful.
This approval by thetribunal came despitemorethan 200 objections.Thersia Smit,a resident andlawyer, prepared a presentationfor thetribunal.
According to Smit the applicationwas approvedbythe MPTatits sitting last Tuesday before the meeting even started andshe had the opportunity
to makeher presentation. The application was signed upfront by Susan Matthysen, district head of planningfor Durbanville and Kraaifontein,she said. Smit said in heroriginal objection theapplication processlacked adequatepublic participation and failedtonotify all materially affected parties, including nearby residentsand schools
“Not only was the process flawed, butnoEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted, despite the site’s proximity to the Uitkamp
Wetlandnature reserve and residential areas,” she said.
“Only21owners were notified, despite the development’s potential impact on abroader community, including aschool and nature reserve.
“TheCityofCape Town municipal planning by-law (2015) requiresnotice to be served on any person whose rightsorlegitimate expectations are materially and adversely affected. This includes parents of schoolchildren, residentsnear the Uitkamp Wetland naturereserve and vulnerable individuals,” Smit said in her objection letter. TOPAGE2
WHAT’S ON/WAT’S WAAR
DONDERDAG2APRIL
. Die VLVBrackenfellVaringsnooimensehartlik uitomtekom saamkuierindie saal by Othello-aftreeoord. Dit beginom09:00 vir 09:30.
SATURDAY4APRIL
. Head to theGoodwood BargainsMarkettaking placefrom09:00 to 13:20atthe Goodwood Sports Club anddiscoverawide rangeofbargainsincluding fashion, home décor,books,and vinyls —perfect fortreasurehuntersand savvy shoppers alike. Entry is free with free parking availableatthe corner of Milton and AliceStreets.A donationbin forunwanted garments will be available at the foyertosupport disadvantaged communitymembers and organisations. Email thegoodwoodmarket@gmail.comfor moreinformation.
. TheDurbanville CraftMarketwillpresent a treasure huntatits monthlycharity event from 09:00 to 14:00, weatherpermitting.Variousprizestotalling thevalue of about R2 000can be wonbyvisitors. The market is presented at 5LouwStreet(corner of Louw and Hafele street)inDurbanville. Visitorscan enjoya fun-filledday browsing through stalls with handmadecraftsand art, whilelistening to alivemusic performance by JerryFourie. Entryisfree. Contact Durbanville CraftMarket on 066059 7251 or durbanvillecraftmarket@gmail.comwithenquiries
WOENSDAG8APRIL
. Jaco Barnard-Naudésedebuutbundel om my kasteleinSpanjetesloop word by diebyeenkoms vandie Durbanville-poësiekringdeur Coenraad Walters bespreek.Die byeenkomsbegin om 10:00in die Durbanville-biblioteeksaal.Besoekers is welkom teen R50per persoon. Ligte verversingssal geniet word.Kontak Lesley vander Vyverby083 4604571of teachervdv@gmail.commet navreofverskonings.
SATURDAY11APRIL
. GracePresbyterianChurch will be hosting a CommunityMarket from 08:30to14:00 at the church on thecorner of Camoens and BurrowStreet,Monte Vista. Bring your familyand friends forawonderful morning out andenjoy outsidevendors, plenty of food and drinks,a teagarden, alunch braaitobeenjoyed from 12:00 to 14:00. Formoreinformation contact Jeannie on 083305 0424
. TheLoveofChristMarket will take placefrom 09:00 to 17:00 at CrosswayChurch, 51 Goedemoed Road,Goedemoed,Durbanville. Themarket willhave crafts,gifts and refreshments, aprayerroom, support forMES andfoodhampers to helpthe needy,alsothe promotion of Kids Kingdom. Card payment only, no cash accepted. Contact Roxanne on 060498 6421 for moreinformationorifyou wouldliketosponsor hampersortombolawithfaith-based itemsordonations.
. TheEasterMarketatthe AndriesOlivier Durbanville QuadriplegicCentre takesplace from 09:00 to 14:00at18HafeleStreet, Durbanville. Discover treasureslikebooks,arts& crafts, plants, home-baked goodies,and so muchmore.
WOENSDAG15APRIL
. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub komom 09:30 vir 10:00 by die NG kerk ParowWelgelegen, Provencestraat 47,Welgelegen, byeen.Die sprekers is Lorraine Rose,wat ‘n blommedemonstrasiemet dietema “Verrassing”sal doen,enAnjaFreysen, watmoderne tendenseenwenkeoor tuinontwerp saldeel.‘nBlommekunskompetisie met dietema “Halfmoon kisses”wordaangebied. Teewordvanaf 09:30 bedien. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 vir meer inligting
SATERDAG18APRIL
. Die Vriendevan Brackenvier20jaarvan diensby dieBracken-natuurreservaat met'ngroot byeenkoms by diereservaat.Daarsal 'n verskeidenheidvan stalletjies en aktiwiteite soos 'n pretstap,'nbegeleide stap,'npraatjie en rotsverf vir kinders wees. Dieverrigtingebegin om 07:00eneindig om 12:00.Kontak André by 071089 9503 vir meerinligting
SATURDAY2MAY
. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub’snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls, chat to members and find your special item. Plenty of off-roadparking. Food available. Allwelcome, especially children.
SATURDAY30MAY
. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmade crafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.Freeentry. FormoreinformationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp(072830 1966).
Thefilling station is planned on the vacant ervenonthe corner of Mosselbank River Avenue and Falcon Street —atthe entrancetoD’Úrbanvale from Vissershok Road,right oppositeReddam House.Photo:Google
FROMPAGE1
It further failedtocomply with the municipal planningby-law (2015),the Cape Town Spatial Development Framework (2018) andthe National Environmental ManagementAct (Nema), she said.
APPEAL
“The proposedsite lies adjacent to theUitkamp Wetland naturereserve, a formally protected area with critically endangered vegetation types and significantbiodiversity. The development poses ahigh risk of groundwater and surface watercontamination, particularly from underground fuel storage tanks,” she said.
“I am appealing their decision (to approve the development) and if ground is broken on thesite before the appeal is decided, Iwill interdictthembyurgent application to the High Court,” Smit said.
UNFAIRPROCESS
based and therewere no rational link between evidence and outcome.
“The decision is unreasonable because it concludes ‘noharm’ despite proximity to sensitive land uses; it ignores known hazardous characteristics of fuel stations and it disregards established scientific literature on emissions and groundwater risk,” Smit said.
Thedecision violates environmental rights, children’srightsand administrative justice. TheMPT failed to apply spatial sustainability, public interest balancing and risk-sensitive planning,” she said.
SUBJUDICE
Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, said to TygerBurger on enquiry that as aresult of the appeal against the decision, the matter is sub judice until the appeal is heard and afinal decision has been made by the appeal authority.
“The process was unfair because objections were not meaningfully engaged, reasons were conclusory andtemplate-
“The City cannot comment untilthese processes have been concluded,”he said.
Maps
Airportappointsleadarchitects
Cape Winelands Airport announced on Friday that Boogertman +Partnershas been appointed as lead architects overseeing the architectural vision and design integrationof the CapeWinelands Airport development.
Boogertman +Partners, one ofAfrica’s largest architectural practices, will collaborate with amd.sigma,astrategic airport development companybased in Berlin. Together, they combine international expertise withdeep local knowledge, insight and proven capability, says DeidreDavids, spokesperson forCape WinelandsAirport.
“Cape WinelandsAirport development will establish an airportcity precinct designed to supporteconomic growth, attract new investment and enhance regionalconnectivity—bringingtogether aviation,commerce and community,” she says.
Long-term plans for the airport will includethe construction of anew boutique terminal, runway infrastructure, upgraded airside systems, enhanced cargo andlogistics operations, as well as a modernised general aviation precinct
TRACKRECORDOFAWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTURE
The development represents an expected initial investment of approximately R8b to R10b in Cape Town, which will deliverthe terminal buildings, runway and a450ha estate.The airport is expected to sustain approximately 35 000 direct and indirect jobs and could sustain just over 100 000 direct and indirect jobs during its initial 20 yearsofoperation, Davids says.
According to Nicholas Ferguson, managingdirector of RSA Aero,owner andoperator of Cape Winelands Airport, “Boogertman +Partners’ track recordof
EXPECTEDINVESTMENT OF APPROXIMATELY
award-winning, contextually responsive architecture and their abilitytoconnect infrastructure withhuman experience makes them the idealpartner in a landmarkprojectofthe scale of theCape Winelands Airport”.
AndréWright, directoratBoogertman +Partners,said, “Weare delighted to have the opportunity to design Cape Winelands Airport, which will establish anew gateway to the Cape Winelands region—adding avital world-classfacility that will set new standards for design innovationinthe country andonthe continent. Our mission, as always, is to deliver world-class, human-centred design solutions that are contextually grounded, socially impactful and environmentally responsible.”
POWERFULVISUALIDENTITY
Wessel van Dyk, directoratBoogertman +PartnersinStellenboschand Cape Winelands Airport creative lead, said, “The Cape Winelands Airport will impart apowerful visual identity profoundly rooted in its place.Our vision for the new airport will offerits users an experience unlike any other. We also plantotarget thehighestenvironmentalstandards and ratings.”
Adam Symalla, managingdirector of amd.sigma, adds,“We areproud tocontribute our extensive expertise inairport andterminalplanning and development to the Cape Winelands Airport project. Cape Winelands Airport represents
atruly unique opportunity —anextgeneration regional gateway that combines world-class infrastructure with the distinct identity andlandscape of the Western Cape. By blending state-of-the-art passengerprocesses, intuitive terminal design, as well as acarefully curated commercial offering, the project sets a new benchmark for regional airports whereefficiencymeets sense of place, and functionalityenhances the overall journey.”
Thearchitectural vision for the airport complexblends harmoniously with the naturaltopographyand agricultural tapestry of thewinelands and Swartland region.The airport terminal is envisioned as astriking, undulating,sculptural glassand steelform thatappears to rise organically from theground –an abstracted interpretation of the terrain that blurs the boundarybetween landscape and built structure. The design of Cape Winelands Airport is guided by an ethos of environmental stewardship, aiming to be one of thegreenestairports in the world, Symalla says.
“It will targetleading environmental
ratings and certifications. Thelayout of the development is designed to support phased expansion. Its urban design constitutes aflexible framework that can evolve with local conditions, stakeholder input and future mobility trends, he says.
Theappointment of Boogertman + Partners marks another milestone for Cape Winelands Airport following the announcements of key strategic partnerships with Growthpoint Properties and WBHO Construction at the end of 2025, Ferguson says.
“Our vision is for Cape Winelands Airport to be adestination in its own right;agateway that reflectsthe character, beauty and heritage of the region. Capturing that strong sense of place is central to how the airport’s design will be approached,” Ferguson concludes. Cape Winelands Airport adds to Boogertman +Partners’ growing portfolio of aviation infrastructure projects, which includes the design of the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha. Pastprojectsinthe field include expansions to the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
An artist’s impression of Cape Winelands Airport by Boogertman + Partners.
Womandistilslifeintopoetry
Ayoung female poet has drawnon the traumatic experiencesofher childhoodtopublish herdebut poetry collection So deur dielewe /Along Life’s Path
The 26-year-old Ahisha Samson from Brackenfell will launch her poetry collectiononSaturday 2May at the Durbanvillelibrary.
In her recently published poetry collection, Ahisha shares herpersonal journey through life, socio-economic challenges, her faith and growth as a woman of colour.
“My personal journey is one marked by both deep challenges and resilience. From avery young age Iwas exposed to trauma. As atwo-year-oldIwas in the samehouse when my mother wasshot through the head. Iremember seeing herlying on the floor coveredinblood, thinking that she has died.ByGod’sgrace she survivedand I’m truly grateful for her presence inmy life,” she says.
INSTABILITYANDSURVIVAL
“During my primary school yearsI also spenttime in achildren’s home, which furthershaped my understanding of instability and survival.
“I grew up in adisadvantaged environment, movedfrequently and attended five different schools —in Macassar andKraaifontein, matriculating at BernadinoHeights High School.
“In 2024 Iexperienced another profound loss when my father passed away in a caraccident. This deeply impactedme. These lived experiences form the heartof my poetry where Iexplore pain, healing andthe realitiesmanypeople silently carry, but also resilience, healing andself discovery,”she reflects. “Despite these circumstances Ihave remained grounded in my faith and hope.Ihave always believed that my situation does notdefine my future.For me life is aboutchoice and Icontinuously choosegrowth, purposeand striving for better.”
Witha degreeinbusinessmanagement, Ahisha is alsothe only graduate in her immediatefamily amongher five siblings —“somethingIcarry withbothpride and responsibility,” she says.
FOCUSFULLYONWRITING
“In November last year Imade the decisiontoresignfrom my jobdue to personaland professional reasons and to focusfully on my writing and stepping into my purpose. Ihave also served as an ambassadorfor anon-profit organisation called Write2BU,whichfocuses on helping children with writing.
“Theorganisation was established by my Grade 1teacher, Adele Botha, with whom Isharea very closerelationship and who has been amotherfigure in my life,” she says.
“Since publishing my book, people have reached outfor guidance—whether it be feedback on their writing or advice on thepublishing process, which has been incredibly meaningful.”
“Thepurpose of my poetry collection is to inspire and uplift,and to encourage people to appreciate their own stories and to let their voices be heardwithselfconfidence,” she says.
BOOKLAUNCH
The book launch starts at 10:00 for 10:30 until 12:00.
. ContactAhisha Samson on ahishasamson28@gmail.comwithenquiries
Ahisha Samson proudly holds her poetrycollection Along Life’sPath,whichwas recentlypublished.
Agter(vanlinks) is ’n verteenwoordigervan die Maties-hokkieklubsaam met Caitlin de Wet(spanbestuurder), KirstyArendse,KylieVos,JordanHay,LaraPienaar,MilaWiegand,Kim Bergstedt,Charlotte Tew,’n verteenwoordiger vantoernooiborgTurftech,enMorné Nieman(afrigter).Middel: Mihlaan Esau,Isabella Keyser,Jeanri vanStaden,KiaraMorilly,KayceeSwart,Saskia Mastenbroek en Zané Fouché.Heel voor lê die doelwagter,Chené Alberts. FOTO:YOLANDIVOS
Geniesblink uitinhokkie
Die Laerskool Gene Louw het 'n dubbele slag geslaan toe beide sy eerste seuns-enmeisieshokkiespannebinnedae gesogte hokkietitels opgeraap het.
Nadat die eerste meisieshokkiespanop Saterdag 14 Maart by die Maties Future 8-hokkietoernooi vir o.13-spelers in Stellenboschmet die louere weggestap het, het die eerstespanseuns nie op hulle laat wag nie en Dinsdag 17 Maart as die kampioen van die Hoërskool Durbanville
GEESDRIF EN HARDE WERK LEI TOTSUKSES
se Elite4-toernooi uit die stryd getree. “Ons is trots op hierdie twee groepe spelerssegeesdrif en harde werk, en dankbaarteenoor die afrigters vir hul tyd en toewyding,” sê die skool se sportbestuurder, Surita Roberts. “Onssien uit daarnaomhierdie seisoen saam te groei en te leer.”
Die seunshokkiespan is (agter vanlinks)Imtiaaz Parker (afrigter),MatteoRosser,LuhanNieman,Cameron Broedelet,Tristan Manuel,OscarStanton,EthanAlbrecht,Eben Malan,Ethan Labuschagne en Adri Walters (spanbestuurder).Voor is Morgan Pietersen,SethStanton,Alex Dunn,RephaelDominick,Altus Prinsloo en ReeceWeeks. FOTO:TAMARYN DUNN
Hierdie atletevan die Laerskool Gene Louw in Durbanville dravandeesweek swaar aan ’n rekordversameling hardewarenaafloop van’npuik vertoning by die NasionaleLaerskole-atletiekkampioenskap op 20 en 21 Maart by die DHL-stadion in Groenpunt,Kaapstad.Tussen (van links) Ruben le Roux,CarlaBarnardenMilea Jacobshet hullealtesamesewemedaljes huis toegebring –die meestewat hulskool nog ooit by dieSA’s verowerhet.Milea het in die meisies o.11-afdeling‘n silwermedaljes in hoogspring,70mhekkiesenaflos,asook ’n bronsmedalje in verspring verower.Ruben het ’n silwermedalje in hoogspring en ’n bronsmedalje in 70 m hekkies (seuns o.11) gewen,en Carla’ngoue medalje in hoogspring (meisies o.13).“Hierdiedrie staatmakers kanwerkliktrots wees op hulself,”sê Marinda Strydom,die skool se atletiekhoof en hekkiesafrigter.“Ons is verheugendankbaar.Dit wysjou,harde werk word beloon.” FOTO:INGEVAN NIEKERK
TWEEKAMP-ATLETESLAANSILWER
Die tweekamp-atletevan die Laerskool Durbanville het op Saterdag 21 Maartaan die SA Tweekampkampioenskap deelgeneem en‘n silwermedalje in dielaerskool-afdeling verower.Die atleteis (agter vanlinks) Guy Joyce(brons vir algeheel derde plek),Paul Maposa,ClaraEhlers,Livia Vancoillie,Markú Loubser,Adrian Kühn en Cobus Wentzel.Middel: Johanni vander Merwe,MatthewBland,JeanJoyce,Wilhelm Smalberger,Nielen Horn,Nina VancoillieenLiani Jacobs.Voor: Anna Ehlers,MichaelMaposa,FritzSmalberger, Kari Gericke,Conrad KrielenLilibethKriel.
Hierdie 11 atletevan die Laerskool Durbanville het aan die SA Atletiekkampioenskap in Groenpunt in Kaapstad deelgeneem.Hulle is (agter vanlinks) Tiaan Jansevan Rensburg(goud in hoogspring vir seuns o.13),Kari van den Heever (silwer in 4x100 m-aflos vir meisies o.12),AnikaBrand,Greyling vanden Heever,SilkeAucamp (goud in die 800m-itemvir meisies o.13)enJosua Muller (brons in spiesgooi vir seuns o.13).Voor is Zoëvan Zyl, JJ Bester,Martus Schoeman,Christoff Groenewald-Mostert en Hanja Heesakkers.
Artandmusiccombine toinspirehopeatexhibit
The Voice of Hope artexhibition
with music will be presented from Saturday 11 April to Friday 17 April at the Ark Venue on Anna Beulah Farm outside Durbanville.
This art exhibition is being presented by Christell van der Merwe, alocal musician andcreative with apassion for the role that arts and music play in everydaylife
"The beauty that it brings to the soul that is much needed in times of difficulty It should be treasured and appreciated, because without it,life can become dull, colourlessand easier to losehope," Van derMerwe says.
YEARNINGFORSOMETHINGREAL
"The art exhibition with music was birthed out of ayearning for something real and authentic. In this age ofArtificial Intelligence (AI), it is rare to find somethingcompletely human-made. It is becoming increasingly difficult to discern between what is completely authentic and what is mixed with an AI component. Iamnot dismissing anything with the influence of AI,yet Ibelievethere should be transparency from the creator’s side as to theuse of AI in the processofcreation," shesays.
"We are looking for the heart and the story behind each art piece —the artist's own, personal story of hope,ofovercoming difficulty with lessons learned and beinga stronger person thereafter.
"In the times we are living in, people are in need of hope, and we believe the combination of art and music is away to
communicate that in an effective way,"she explains.
'GARDENOFHOPE'
Visitors to theexhibition will enterintoa "garden of hope"asthey walk through the displayed art.
Various artists will host workshops which onecan attendupon reservation at acost decided by the host artist. There will also be localmusicians performing andan originaltheatre production teaser, not to be missed.
Visiting the exhibitionisfree of charge Theart will be for sale.
INCLUDEYOUNGERGENERATION
"Part of our heart is to include and empowerthe younger generationwith artistictalentand to connectthem witholder, experienced artists whoare exhibiting,for mentorship. We have selected afew youngpeople to exhibit, so come and support them.
“Webelievethat everypersonattending will be inspired by the art andwehope it will ignite aflame of creativity in the heartsofthose who wish to create something buthaven'ttaken the time or had the courage to pickupthatpaint brushormusical instrument," she says.
The opening night is on 11 April and the exhibition can be visited from 12 to 17 April between 09:00 and17:00.
. Contact Christellvan der Merweat christellvandermerwe@gmail.comorvisit A VoiceofHope on Facebook forthe programme andtimes
LOCALARTISTS SHINE AT VOICEOFHOPEEXHIBITION
Heritage Societyvisits Waterfront fortour
Members and friends of DurbanvilleHeritage Societyattended aguided walking tour of the V&A Waterfront on Saturday14March. Thetour wasled by Cameron Peters of Cape Town HeritageTours. Cape Town wasonceone of the busiest harbour stopsinthe worldand remains known as the global capital of shipwrecks. Thecity’sstory is deeply connected to the sea, and much of that historyisstill visible today, says Georina Westraat of the society "On this fascinating guided walk that spanned four centuries of rich maritime history, the group explored the historic docklands of the V&A Waterfront,old breakwaters, warehouses and navalsites, as well as harbour structures, to discoverthe area’s role as the historic 'Tavern of the Seas',she says.Theyvisited the former silos,which is nowthe Zeitz MOCAA,and couldlisten to information on the transformation of the structureintoaworld-renowned gallery.
Easter egg hunt at Durbanville market
TheDurbanville Craft Market willhaveatreasure hunt on Saturday4April,at5Louw Street (corner of Louw and Hafelestreet)inDurbanville —near the DurbanvilleFireStation, from 09:00 to 14:00, weather permitting Prizes totalling the valueofabout R2 000 canbe won. Entryisfree.
Therewillbehandmade crafts, art food stalls, pancakes, diabetic friendlyand gluten free products, garden furniture, childrencrafters and alive performancebyJerryFourie
It willbethe final dayofthe Bietjie vanAls fundraiser forFisantekraal Animal Welfare. Raffle tickets of R10willbesoldfor aspicebox worth R350 Stallfees, in aid of welfare, areR100, R10for childrenand free forregistered charities. Pets arevery welcome
.Call 066059 7251 or email durbanvillecraftmarket@gmail.com fordetails.
Christellvan derMerwe
Cape Town employment at all-time high
Jobseekers urged to update
TheCity encourages jobseekers to update their information on the City’s database.This will ensure that they remain eligible for work opportunities
Here’show
Updating is easy: Simply visita subcouncil office, SmartCape facility in aCity library or the Expanded Public WorksProgramme(EPWP) walk-in centreat50Wale Street –all available on weekdays, 08:00–15:30. Alternatively,email EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za.
Youwill need aclear copy of your ID,proof of address(or an affidavit signed by acommissioner of oaths or ward councillor), your household and contact details, and an updated CV,including any previous EPWP work.
*For more information,callthe EPWP helpdeskat021 400 9406.
And Wesfleurwins! In abig winfor the Atlantis community,Mayor GeordinHill-Lewisofficially opened the extensively upgraded Wesfleur athleticsstadium in February. TheR31 millionupgrade included the replacement of the tartan running track,revampingofthe steeplechase arena,triple andlong-jump sections, hammer throw cageand javelin area,aswellasnew floodlights. Seating areas, walkways,ablution blocksand thespectator fencewererepaired, and anew perimeter fencewas installed.Also in Area North, aR13,7millioninvestment at the Fisantekraal sportsground deliveredafull-sizesyntheticsoccer pitch, providing year-round, high-qualitysportingfacilities.
The 2025 generalvaluation roll (GV2025) of Cape Town’s approximately 930 000 registered properties isavailable forinspectionand, ifneed be, objectionbeforeitwill be implemented on1 July2026.
Residents will find GV2025 on the City’s website, www.capetown.gov.za(enter “General valuationroll2025” in the search box), as wellasat20venues across town (enter “Property valuationobjectionvenues list”for aschedule).In-person GV2025 inspectionand objection will be open until the end of March, asindicated on the venue schedule. Thewindowfor online inspection andobjection runs until 30 April.
No thumb-suck values
If youdecidetodispute
To disputeyourvaluation, complete the objectionform available on theCity’s e-Servicesplatform or providedagainst your propertyonGV2025, and submit it before 30 April–either via e-Services or theemail addressstatedonthe form.Alternatively, submitanin-person objectionbeforethe end of March at any of theidentified venues.
Keep in mind:
•Toobjectvia e-Services, you must be registered on theplatform.Allow fora short activationperiod. Fora video on e-Servicesregistration, go to https://youtu.be/7fR2IXOp2zo
Several City swimming pools areclosedfor planned repairs, maintenance and upgrades. These include the Langa pool in Area North. Final timelineswill be communicated as work progresses.
Part of apoolplan
TheCity is now midway through its five-year programme to ensurethe sustainability of its 37 swimming pools. Over the past three financial years, the programme has seen R113,5 million invested in pool upgradesand maintenance across the metro.
Valuation roll check-and-object window open
The City’s 2025 generalvaluation roll is ready andwilltakeeffecton1 July 2026. Should you wish todispute your property valuation, please do so before theend of April. yourmonthlyproperty rates.Toassistthe Mother City’sproperty owners, theCity is proposing a10,2% lower propertyrates formula under GV2025. An indicative residential rate-in-the-randof0,006428 (downfrom0,007159) hasbeen set as an interimestimate –comparing very well withother metros.This will depend on draftbudget finalisation and confirmation of national funding streams.The finalrate-in-the-randwill be determined in May2026 when Council approves the budget, tariffsand rates after public participation Along withother proposed measures, thelower rate-in-the-randwill ensurethat 60% of Cape Town’s residential properties will experience either aratesdecrease, or no change in rates,eventhough their propertyvaluehas likely risen
TheCity’svaluationmethods areaccurate, fair andinlinewith international best practice. Adedicatedteamofprofessional valuers used statistical models to value registeredproperties in town. Theroll wassubjected todataverification, statistical accuracy checksand extensive auditreviews
BurgemeesterGeordin Hill-Lewis het in Februariedie opgeknapteWesfleur-atletiekstadion in Atlantis amptelik geopen.Die omvattende projek het R31 miljoen gekos. MyCiTi se gedrukte busroosters by haltesword nou met QR-kodes vervang. Die kodes biedpassasiers makliketoegang tot die jongste roostervir ’n spesifieke halte op grondvan waar diebus trek. Skandeer bloot diekode virbustye en -rigtings.
Die jongste algemene waardasielys van Kaapstad se sowat930 000 geregistreerde eiendomme isnou beskikbaar vir inspeksie en enige moontlike besware voordat dit op 1Julie2026 in werkingtree. Inwoners kandit op dieStadsewebtuistekry: Gaan na www.capetown.gov.za en soek onder “General valuation
•Yourobjectionmust be motivated and supported with market-related informationasatthe valuationdate of 1July 2025. Foryourconvenience, the City supplies verified sales informationonits website.
Friendlier rates formula
Your propertyvalue is used to determine
roll 2025”.Boonop isdie waardasielysby20lokale deur die hele stad te kry (soek onder “Property valuation objectionvenues”)
Die Stad moedig werksoekers aan om hulle besonderhede op die databasis op enige van die volgende manierebytewerk:Besoek’n subraadskantoor,’nSmartCape-biblioteekfasiliteit, of dieEPWP-instapsentrumbyWaalstraat 50,Kaapstad (ál drie is weeksdae van08:00tot 15:30oop),ofstuur ’n e-pos na EPWP.Help@capetown.gov.za. Verskeie Stadswembaddens is gesluit vir beplande herstelwerk, instandhoudingenopknappings.Finale tydlynesal bekend gemaak wordnamate die werk vorder
To getanideaofwhat youmight be paying in rates under the newvaluation roll, use the City’shandy indicative interim ratescalculator. Accessitby clickingonthe GV2025 trending box on theCity’s homepage.
MyCiTi’sprintedschedules at bus stops arebeing replaced with QR codes, linking passengers to the latest schedule for their particular stop based on the bus’slast known location. Simply scan the code forbus timesand direction of travel Passengers may also continue to use the MyCiTiwebsite,app or the helpline at 0800 65 64 63 to accessbus schedules.
TheCity has allocated an additional R39 million to ramp up maintenance andrepairs of stormwater infrastructureinflood-prone areas. Thework will takeplace over thenextfew months to prepare forhigh rainfall eventsinwinter.
With the added budget, the City can deploy moreteams and increase its stormwater system cleaning cycles. Theareasfor focused intervention wereidentified using data from last year,public reportsofflooding, and site visits and investigationsbyCity teams. Stormwater systems in and around informal areasare included
Help us fend offflooding
Sadly, many cases of winter flooding arethe result of blockages due to the illegal dumping of waste into the stormwater system.Here’swhat youcan do to help:
•Report blocked drains and illegal dumping on the City app, to the customer call centreon0860 103 089,to contact.us@capetown.gov.za, or by logging aservice request on www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests.
•Help keep the stormwaterinlets in yourstreet free from debris and waste. Do not sweepwaste into drains.
•Regularly trim trees overhanging drains.
GV2025 showsCape Town worksand is future-fit
Everythreeyears, the City undertakesafullvaluation of allproperties to reflect their marketvalue.The latest general valuation (GV2025) confirms what many of you have already experienced firsthand: Propertyvalues in Cape Town continue to grow steadily Forhomeowners,thisisgood news.Itmeans that yourproperty isincreasing invalue,contributing to your family’slong-term financial security and personal wealth. In fact, Cape Town remains theone South African metrowhere property assets consistentlygrowinvalue
At thesame time, we offer the lowest rate-in-the-rand property ratesformula of any city in thecountry.Simplyput, itgenerally costs less to own property here than anywhereelse in South Africa, even though propertyvaluesare higher.Thisispart of what makesCape Town not onlyagreat placetolive, but alsoasmart placetoinvest.
Following this valuation, we are proposing a10,2% reduction in the residential rate-in-the-rand. This will soften theimpactofhighervaluations
AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
andkeep ratesasaffordableaspossible. As aresult, around60% of residential propertieswill either see adecrease in theirrates, or no increase at all, despite theirpropertyvaluesrising.
We arealsoexpandingreliefmeasures tosupport more households.The ‘rates-free’ benefit will nowapplytothe first R500 000ofyour property’svalue
(upfromR450 000).Inaddition, this benefit is being extended to properties valued up to R8 million (upfromR7million),meaning more middle-class familieswill qualify for relief.
This formspartofour commitment to runacitythat works and is geared forthe future,with reliable services, continuedinfrastructureinvestment, andpropertyvaluesthat grow over time. It’s acombination that sets Cape Town apart.
Iencourage everyproperty owner to takea few minutestoreview their updatedvaluation on theCity’swebsite or at designated venues acrosstown. If you believe that yourvaluation does not reflect thecorrect market value as at 1July 2025,you maylodge an objection until theend of April.
Cape Town’s strength liesinits people, and in oursharedcommitment to buildinga city of hope forall who live here. Thankyou forbeing partof that journey
Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor
Rebate recipients to reapply
After the implementation of GV2025, both pensioners and indigent residents will need to reapply for ratesrebatesand otherbenefits. Do so by visiting your nearest municipal customer careoffice. Alternatively, pensioners may visit https://bit.ly/47ecgFH or email rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za, and indigent residents canreapply viahttps://bit.ly/4bCqzVI or email indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za.
Cape Town’s hardatwork
Jobs in Cape Town have grown by 113 000 year on year,with employment in the Mother City now at an all-time high of 1,895 million people. According to Stats SA’s fourth-quarter labour force survey for 2025, Cape Town has the country’s lowest unemployment rate, at 19,8%. This is the firsttime since2009 that unemployment has fallenbelow 20%.
TheCity’sstrategy to focus on high-growth sectors suchas manufacturing, tourism,hospitality, construction, technology and financial services is clearly paying off.
Let’swork smartwith ourwater supply
Damlevelsare 20% lower compared tothis time lastyear, so being watersavvy is crucialtomanage our supply untilwinter. TheCity counts on every Capetonian to helpbring water usage down againtothe target of 975 million litresper day
Every drop counts
•Find and fixwater leaksonyour property.Dripping taps, leaking
KORTLIKS
Die Stad het ’n bykomende R39 miljoen toegekenvir instandhouding en herstelwerk aan stormwaterinfrastruktuur in gebiede wat geneig is totoorstroming. Die werk sal oordie volgendepaar maandeplaasvind. WerksgeleenthedeinKaapstadhet die afgelope jaar met 113000 toegeneem
Met 1,895 miljoen mensewat werk, is indiensneming in die Moederstad nou hoër as ooit vantevore. Damvlakkeis20% laer as diétyd verledejaar.Dit is noodsaaklik dat ons nou verstandig met onswater werk om ons voorraad tot en metdie winter te bestuur
Die Stad maak staat op elkeKapenaar om waterverbruikweertot die teiken van 975 miljoen liter per dag te verlaag.
toilets and faultyplumbingcan cause huge water losses overtime.
•Water your garden at night to preventevaporation, and avoid toppingupswimming pools unnecessarily
•Switch to treatedeffluent for industrial irrigation or construction purposes. TheCity suppliestreated effluenttolarge water userssuch as industry, sportsclubs,golf clubs,
Pensioenarisse en inwoners wat deernisbystandontvang,moet ná dieinwerkingstelling vandie nuwe waardasielys weer om belastingkortings en ander voordeleaansoek doen. Helpdie Stad om afpersers vastetrek watopbeskermingsgeld vir Stadsprojekte aandring.Skakel021 4807700. Die jongste waardasielys bevestig dat eiendomswaardes in Kaapstad aanhou toeneem. Vir huiseienaars is dítgoeie nuus: ’n Stygende eiendomswaarde help verseker immers jou gesin se langtermynfinansiële sekuriteit.Terselfdertyd bied die Stad ook dielaagstekoers in dierandvir eiendomsbelasting vanenige metroin Suid- Afrika
large newdevelopments and schools.
•Report burst pipes by dialling 086 010 3089 (select option 2), sending an SMSto31373, aWhatsApp to 060 018 1505, or an email to water@capetown.gov.za. Provide an exactlocation and take down areference number.
*For more water-savingtips, go to www.capetown.gov.za/savewater
TheCity in partnership with Province has launched anew ExpandedPublic WorksProgramme (EPWP) and communitydevelopmentworker (CDW) hub in Mamre. Located at thecorner of Adam and Liedeman streets, the hub makes government services moreaccessible to residents of thearea,eliminatingthe needto travel toAtlantis.
All under one roof
Residents can visit the Mamrehub on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 (except publicholidays). Here, theywill be able to registeron the jobseekers (EPWP) database and obtain assistance from CDWs, including guidance on social welfare and familysupport services,referrals to relevant departments, andthe reporting of service issues. Residents will also have accesstocustomer relations and SmartCape desks.
About CDWs and EPWP
CDWs help bridge the gap between communities and government, acting as government’s ‘eyes and ears’.They identify local challenges early on, facilitate referrals to the correct departments, and ensurethat residents’ voicesare heardinplanningand decisionmaking processes.
TheEPWP,inturn, is anational government initiative that provides short-term work and skills development opportunities tounemployed residents, while improvinglocalinfrastructureand servicedelivery.Participants gain valuable experience and training that can help them transition intolonger-term employment orentrepreneurship
New Atlantis trading plan in the works
TheCity is revising the Atlantis informal trading plan, which dates back to 2015.Residents were invited to attendaninformation session in Februaryand had until 10 Marchtocomment on the proposed new plan. Watch City channels for further updates
Conferencecentremakes green history
Asought-after global certificationfor the CenturyCityConferenceCentrehas given Cape Town’s rise as aworld favouritefor events andconferencesanother boost.
The Century City Conference Centrehas become thefirstin the southern hemisphere to receive the globally recognisedGreen Key certificate in environmental responsibility andsustainable operations in the tourismindustry
GreenKey certification is administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education and overseenlocally by the Wildlife andEnvironment Society of South Africa (WESSA). It is recognised by, among others, the United Nations(UN) TourismOrganization, the UN Environment Programmeand Unesco
Growing into the go-to World-class, future-fit facilities areone of the mainreasonswhy Cape Town is among the top ten cities globally for averageattendance perevent, as reported by the International Congressand
Thekey to even greater success: Proudlypictured
Convention Association (ICCA)in its GlobeWatch2024 report. TheCity aims to makeCape Town the world’sgo-to destination for events and conferences. This is why the City funds and workswith the Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau, administered by Wesgro. In 2024/25 alone, the bureauconfirmed36new conference bids with aprojected economic impact of R745 million and over 27 000 delegates expected through to 2028. Businesstourism remains akey pillar of the City’s economic growth strategy
executive of Century City Conference Centreand Hotels), BernardAbrahams(operations manager of Century City Conference Centre) and Kelly Alcock (WESSA’s head of educationand sustainability).
Newsewers for CenturyCity
Sewerpipeline renewal along keyroads in Century City hasbeensuccessfully completed, ensuring the long-term reliability of the network. Thework wasprioritised, as the 25-year-old pipesexperiencedfrequent collapses and corrosion.
Pipescured
Six open-trench emergency repairs were carriedout first to address immediate issues,followedbycured-in-place
pipe (CIPP) lining. CIPPinvolves inserting aspecially designed liner into the existing pipe,which is thencured (hardened) in place to form anew,durable innerpipe. This ‘pipe within apipe’ method restores the sewer to anear-new condition, extending its useful life.
Theproject forms part of the Mayor’s priority programme,which has earmarked R589,5 million for citywide pipe maintenanceand replacements in the 2025/26 financial year
Dig-and-CIPP combo: Forthe rehabilitationofsewer pipesinCentury City, completed late last year,the City used acombination of open-trench repairs and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP)lining.
Roadworksround-up
Plattekloof Road in Plattekloof (southboundbetween Baronetcy Boulevardand Uys Krige Drive)as well as VryburgerAvenue in Bothasig (southboundbetween De Grendel Avenueand Bosmansdam Road) were resurfaced.The work,which included repairs onchannels and kerbs,took place at night to minimise peak trafficdisruption. Road resurfacing andrepairs in Milnerton, Melkbosstrand,
Mamre and Atlantis were completed in January
To improve pedestrian and road safety,the City has also implemented traffic-calming measures in several neighbourhoodsin Milnerton, Melkbosstrand, Parklands, Table View and Atlantis.Measures include speedhumps, raisedintersections and new footways, withafocus on areasclose to schools, play parksand community amenities.
MoreGreenvillers move in
TheCityhanded overthe keys to 26 homesinphase5 of the Greenville Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing project in Fisantekraal. This phasewill ultimately house 495 beneficiariesand their families.
Good,better, Benex TheGreenville project makesuse of the innovative BenexBlock technology– an affordable, lightweight building solution that allows forfaster and more efficient construction. TheCity is alsoexploring the use of this technologyinother
suitable housing projects in the future.
Last year,phase4ofthe R153 million Greenville developmentwas completed. It deliveredmorethan 1000 housing opportunities to qualifyingfamilies, many of whom areamongthe metro’s mostvulnerable
Building together
Thedevelopment is apartnership between the City and developer Garden Cities, who employsboth skilledand unskilled labour from the localcommunities.
Keepingitfair: Beneficiaries of City housing areselected in accordance with the Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register. This ensures that housing opportunities areallocated in afair and transparent manner to those who qualifybylaw.The City’spolitical office-bearers have no accesstothe Housing Needs Register, nor any influence overwho receives housing
KORTLIKS KHAWUNDIBALISELE
Die Stad het saam met die Provinsie nnuwedienssentrum in Mamregeopen waar inwonersop die EPWP-databasis kanregistreer en bystandvan gemeenskapsontwikkelingswerkers kanontvang.
DieCentury City-konferensiesentrum is die eerste in diesuidelikehalfrond wat die internasionaal gesogte Green Key-sertifikaat vir omgewingsverantwoordelikheid en volhoubaarheidindie toerismebedryfontvang het.
Die vernuwing van rioolpype langs ’n aantal belangrikeroetes in CenturyCity is voltooi, wat die langtermynbetroubaarheid van die netwerkverseker. Die werk is geprioritiseeraangesien die 25 jaar oue pype al erggeroes wasengereeld in duie gestort het.
Die Stad het die sleutelsvir 26 huise in fase 5 van die Greenville-behuisingsprojek in Fisantekraal oorhandig. Altesaam 495 begunstigdes en hulle gesinne sal uiteindelik in dié fase woon.
Die informelehandelsplanvir Atlantis, watin 2015 in werking getree het,wordtanshersien. Ná ’n inligtingsessie in Februarie koninwoners tot 10 Maart kommentaar leweropdie voorgestelde nuwe plan
Bladvernuwing inPlattekloofweg (Plattekloof) en Vryburgerlaan (Bothasig)isvoltooi. Kanale en randstene is terselfdertyd herstel. Padwerk in Milnerton,Melkbosstrand,Mamre en Atlantisisook in Januarie afgehandel. Vir beter voetganger-enpadveiligheid het die Stad boonop verkeersmatigingsmaatreëls in Milnerton, Melkbosstrand, Parklands,Table ViewenAtlantis geïnstalleer.Spoedhobbels, verhewe kruisings en nuwe voetgangerroetes is veral in gebiedenaby skole, speelparke en gemeenskapsgeriewe aangebring
with the Green Keyare (from left) Ald James Vos(Mayco member for Economic Growth), Tevya Visser (senior sustainabilitymanager at the Wildlifeand Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)), Cindy Cloete (WESSA chief executive), GaryKoetser (chief
Good to be home: Maria Claasen with the keys to her brand-new home in phase5ofthe Greenville development in Fisantekraal
City wastes no timewithwater fixes
Faced with below-average rainfall and increasedwater demand during summer, theCity hasbeen doingall it can to reducewater lossesfromburstpipes andleaks.
The Cityproactively detects and fixesleaks, replaces waterpipes and manages pressuretominimise waterlossesand ensureCapetonians’ water security
Yetpipebursts and water leaksdonot always stick to the City’sschedule.Inthe secondhalf of 2025, the City respondedto anaverage of 346 pipe bursts permonth. Although the targetedrepair timeistwo businessdays, teams immediately isolate the watersupply once aburst is reported, to minimiselosses. Most burstsduring this period wereresolvedinlessthan half the expected turnaroundtime.
In certain instances, repairs do take longer. This canoccur when bursts happen inhigh-risk areas, whereworkdepends onthe availability of LawEnforcement, or whencomplextechnical repairs arerequired.
KORTLIKS
Bothasig-inwoners het onlangs die wonder van operabeleef by ’n gratis gemeenskapskonsert wat die Stad in vennootskap metdie stem-ensemble van dieKaapstad Operakooraangebied het. Die inisiatief maak deel uitvan die ensembleseprogram OperainYour Neighbourhood, watwêreldklassanguitvoerings na bekende gemeenskapslokale bringomtoeganklikekulturele ervarings vir alle Kapenaars te bied.
Die Stad werk hardomwaterverliese te beperk sodatKapenaars ’n waterseker toekomskan hê. Vir dié doel wordlekkasies proaktief opgespoor en herstel, waterpype vervang, en waterdruk bestuur Nietemin hou gebarstepype en lekkasiesnie altyd by dieStad se werksroosternie: Werkspanne moes in die tweedehelfte van 2025 gemiddeld 346 gebarste pype per maand herstel.
WESSA, die natuurlewe- en omgewingsvereniging van Suid-Afrika, het in Februarie met die Stad saamgewerk om dielandseeerste strandinligtingstekensinbraille by Eerstesteen in Blaauwberg-natuurreservaat bekend te stel. Dít is ’n belangrikestap om meer inklusiewe strand- en kuservarings te skep ’n Nuwe, gerekenariseerde leerlinglisensietoets word tansby ál 18 rybewystoetssentrums vandie Stad in werkinggestel. Die stelsel vervang die papiertoetsengebruik digitale skerms om leerders se kennistebepaal
Cape Town still the ‘top drop’ Despite thesechallenges, the City continues to record the lowest levelsofwaterloss among South Africa’smajor metros, according to the national Department of Water and Sanitation’s2023 No Drop report.
What’s worse –leakorburst? Pipe bursts and waterleaks differin impact. Bursts causea suddenand uncontrolled lossofwater,often resulting in flooding and pressure drops that requireimmediate intervention. Leaksare often slow and lessvisible, but capable of wasting significant volumes of waterovertime through dripping pipes,damppatches or faulty plumbing if leftunattended.
Tapthrough your learner’s test
Anew,computerisedlearner’s licence testing systemisbeing implemented at all 18 of the City’s driving licence testing centres. Replacing the manual, booklet-based test, the system usesdigital screenstoassess learners’ knowledge.
Benefits include faster,more accurate results, alowerrisk of corruption, and amodern, user-friendly experience. Tests are available in all official South African languages, including support for hearing-impaired applicants.
To help you preparefor your learner’s test, download the free three-part studyguide(rules of the road, road traffic signs, and vehicle controls) from www.natis.gov.za
*For more information, enter “Apply foralearner’s licence” in the search boxonwww.capetown.gov.za.
Drought and water www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater Report and track faults www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests e-Services www.capetown.gov.za/eServices Contact the City www.capetown.gov.za/contacts Budget www.capetown.gov.za/budget Tariffs www.capetown.gov.za/tariffs Policies and by-laws www.capetown.gov.za/policies Council matters www.capetown.gov.za/council
AREA NORTHCONTACT DETAILS
Tel. 021 444 6174
Cape Town Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town
Municipal offices, Royal Ascot, Bridle Way, Milnerton
Subcouncil 7
Tel. 021 400 2344
Municipal offices, OxfordStreet, Durbanville
Subcouncil 16
Tel. 021 487 2079 11th floor,44WaleStreet, Cape Town
Putaplug in it: City maintenance teams stopping aleakcaused by afaulty valve in Onze Molen, Durbanville, late last year
Conformitymistaken forrighteousness
Iwrote astory on aGender-based violence (GBV) case before about Thandokazi (not her real name) who reachedout,had herpartner arrested and left an abusive partner only to meet someone who mirrored the same controlling behaviour. The actors changed, but the story felt identical Hello partner!Life has away of repeating itself. That is thelens through which I often view the world, the idea of "same script,different cast".
Icome from aplace wherestories are lived before they are told. Wherelaughter, heartbreak,survival, and loss sharethe same stage. Where life does notmove in straight linesbut in loops. The scenes change.The faces change. But the patterns return.
This is what unsettles me.
Iworry about how harm becomes normalised, how silence protects injustice, and how culturecan quietly teach people to endurewhat they should be empowered to challenge.
Iworry about the cycles in our communities and the ways human behaviour repeats across homes, streets, institutions,and generations.
This is why Ipick up my pen to observe, to reflect,and to understand. When violence becomesroutine GBVisascript our country knows too well.
Across SouthAfrica, stories ofwomen attacked in theirhomes, survivors seeking justice, and grieving families dominate headlines with painful regularity.
Kommentaar // Comments
SONSOPKOMS: ’n Mistigeoggend net voor sonsopkoms oor Tafelbaai,met
Communities gather,outrage rises, promises are made and then the pattern returns.
The perpetrators are different. The grief is familiar.
These cycles are not random. They grow from patriarchy, inequality,economic strain,and aculture thatstill struggles to confront abuse directly
Violenceislearned. Silence is learned Power imbalances are learned. In my community, conversations with friends and family echo the same national story.
Someone alwaysknows someone. A neighbour. Acousin. Acolleague.
Recognising the pattern is uncomfortable, but necessary. We cannot interrupt what we refuse to name
Through my writing, Itry to hold up a mirror not to sensationalisepain, butto make repetition visible.
Still, one truth matters: what works for one person may not work foranother Survival strategies are personal.
Healing is personal. Our experiences can guide and inspire, but they should not become universal instructions.
Lessons are meant to lightthe path, not dictate the journey.
Thandokazi's storydid notend whereit began.
At first, she felt trapped in afamiliar loop.But with support and guidance, she learned to recognise early warning signs. She named controlling behaviour. Sheset boundaries. She chose differently
The actors changed. Her awareness changed the script.
Not every story offersneatclosure. Howeverrecognition creates possibility. Reflection creates distance. Choice creates change.
Life may hand us familiar plots, butthe endings are not fixed. Each new face, each new moment, is an invitation to respond differently to interrupt harm, to question norms, to break cycles.
Even whenthe actors change, we still hold the power to rewrite thenarrative -NAMHLAMONAKALI
Brandstofnet gemors by verkeersligte watlank neem
Onsmaak onsalmal regvir die skok der skokkebegin Aprilwanneer brandstofprysedie hoogte inskiet weensAmerikaseoorlog teen Iran,enIransegevolglike wraakaanvalleopanderMidde-Oosterselande.
Maar hier iswat my eintlik pla: rooi verkeersligte regdeurons woongebiede in die Tygerberg, wat'n ewigheid neem om oor te slaan en dit terwyl daar geen anderverkeer by die kruisingisnie.Enintussen word ons gedwing om onsduur brandstof te mors met motors watluier en luier en luier
Wanneer dielig uiteindelik, dikwels ná diederde wagsiklus, groen word,laat dit jou wrintiewaar net twee motorsdeur en slaan weer oor na oranjeenrooi. Ek wonderofiemandalooit 'n sommetjie gemaak hetomvas te stel presies hoeveel liters uit elke tenk petrolofdiesel so verloregaan?Enwat die randwaarde daarvanis?
Kanverkeersligte niebuitespitstye almal in toe-
gee-modus oorgaan sodat 'n mens kanstop, en ry as dit veilig is nie?
Verder kanverkeersligte so gestel word dat dit darem so tien motors deurlaat wanneer dit groen word,ennie nettweenie
Die gedagteomvan April af jou motor se tenk vol te maak, netomtalle duur liters brandstof by rooi verkeersligte op te brand, maak seer
Dis nou die tyddat plaaslike owerhede hul kant moet bring en verbruikers en belastingbetalers deur 'n moeiliketyd bystaan
Of word alle inwoners met eiendom op hul naam as rykbeskou?Feit is, dis dalk 'n bate,maar dis nie kontantwaarmee die motor se tenk volgemaak kan word nie.
Komaan, munisipaliteit,helpons nou! Maak jul lastigeverkeersligte gebruikersvriendelik.
ANTI-ROBOT, Durbanville
Fuel and chocolateprices ‘crack’Easter joy
Irecentlyset outonwhatIthought wouldbea simple mission: buy afew Easter eggsfor my three-year-old’s hunt.I returnedhome empty-handed… andwondering ifI should have filledupmycar with fuel instead. With the latest fuel priceincreasesalready putting pressureonhousehold budgets, it feelslikeeverything isbecoming more expensive— andEastereggsare right downthat alley. What used to be an affordable seasonaltreat nowfeelslikeitbelongs in thesame category as luxury goods.
At these prices, Ihalfexpected the chocolateeggs to come with aloyalty programme,a securitytag,or even asmallinstallmentplan. I’mnot lookingfor gourmet, gold-wrapped creations —justafew basic eggs to hide in the garden andcreatesome excitementfor a toddler who stillbelievesthe Easter Bunnypersonally delivers them.
Asparents, we trytoholdontothese smalltraditions. They don’t cost much in effort,but theymean
everythingtoour children.A simple egg hunt,a bit of laughter,and ahandfulofsweets areoften enough to create lasting memories. Yet, with the rising cost of living —fromfuel to groceries —it’sbecoming harder to justify even thesemodest extras.
It’snot just about chocolate. It’sabout the growing sensethateverydayjoysare slowly slipping out of reach forordinaryfamilies.Parents arealready stretching their budgets to coveressentials, and seasonal items like Easter eggsnow feel like an added burden rather than asmalltreat
At this rate,I mayhavetoget creativethis Easter Boiled eggs, paintedpotatoes, or perhapsa “findthe oneegg” hunt might be on the cards— assuming that oneegg doesn’t requireabankloan. Surely there’sa wayfor retailers to meet families halfway? Becauserightnow,eventhe Easter Bunny might be reconsideringhis deliveryroute APARENT DOING EGG-ONOMICS, Email
Skoolhoof hoef nie altydop
foto’s te wees
Al die foto's in die TygerBurger oor leerders watpresteer is altydsaam met die skoolhoof
Die hardwerkende onderwyserwat die leerder afrig of onderrig, is nooit op die foto's nie.Die verantwoordelikesuksesvolle persoon agterons leerdersword nie vereer nie.Skoolhoofde is gewoonlikbybaie min afrigting betrokke Nou wonder ek baie hoekom hulle op alle foto's vanskoolprestasies moetwees. Die verskynsel is veral gewildonder laerskoolhoofde
Plaas foto's vanpresterende leerders saam met die regtemenseofonderwysers betrokke by hulle.Die onderwysers is die mensewat die lofverdien en watop die ou einde die skoleaan die gang hou. LESER,E-pos
Neem waarskuwing oor waterernstig op
As 'n inwoner vanKaapstad watdie 2018-waterkrisis oorleefhet,isekbaie bekommerdoor die jongste berigte dat onsdamvlakke weer onder die 50%-merk gedaal het
Owerhede verseker onsdat daar nie 'n "Dag Zero"-scenario verwag word nie,maar onsasKapenaars kannie bekostig om selfvoldaan te raak nie
Onshet almal gesien hoevinnig ‘n watersituasie kan verswak, en die lessevan 2018 moetons altydonthou. Onskan nie weer dieselfde fout maak nie
Verlede keer het onsas‘nstadeersbegin reageer toedie krisis reeds op onsdrumpelwas.Hierdie keer moetons proaktiefoptree terwyl onsnog tydhet.Die feit is dat damvlakke 20% laer is as verlede jaar.Dis ‘n duidelikewaarskuwing dat elkedruppel tel. Ek doen ‘n beroep op my mede-Kapenaarsomnou reeds waterbesparende gewoontesaan te leer MARINDAKOEN, Brackenfell
Briewe watnie langer as 250woorde is nie,sal voorkeur
Tafelbergindie agtergrond,gesien vanaf Bloubergstrand.Die digte mis hetdie baai heeltemal
geskep ...l net voordat die sonlater deurgebreek en dietoneel in warm,helder ligenkleur verander het. FOTO:CHRISTA ROSSOUW
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BARRACUDACLUBMEMBER RAKESINWINS
Swimmer getsmedal medley
Alocal swimmer has won five gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the 41st SA Masters Long Course Championships 2026.
Jeandré Geldenhuys, a memberofBarracuda Aquarama Swimming Club, delivered an outstandingperformance at the championhipsrecently held in George —showcasing talent, determination and consistency across multiple events, says Coenie van Graan, head coach.
Competing against some of the country’s top masters swimmers, Geldenhuys secured an impressive medal haul.
“Individually, he claimed gold in the 50m breaststroke and 200m individual medley, demonstrating both sprint power and all-round versatility.
“He also added asilver medal in the 200mbackstroke, along with bronze medals in the 200m freestyle and 50m butterfly
“Geldenhuys’ success extended into the relay events, wherehe played akey role in his team’s dominance.
“He contributed to gold medal finishes in the 4x50m freestyle, 4x50m freestyle mixed, and 4x50m individual medley relays, while also helping secure asilver medal in the 4x50m individual medley mixed relay,” Van Graan boasts.
JeandréGeldenhuys shows off his medals
GELDENHUYSPITTED AGAINSTMASTERS AT CHAMPIONSHIP INGEORGE
Kung Fu team rakesinmedals in FarEast
TheSouth AfricanChinWoo Kung Fu team,led by Shifu MuhammadJunaid (MJ Li) Chafeker,managed to rake in a totalof13medalsatthisyear’s21stHong Kong InternationalWushu Championship Theevent washeldinthe FarEast from 21 to 23 March.The team,#BlitzFus wona totalofninegoldmedals, andfour silver medals. “Theycame,theysaw,they conquered,”the team management said in astatement on Wednesday.
MJ Li, aLegend of Kung Fu World Champion and WorldActionMartial Arts Hall of Fame inductee,saidthe team did South Africa proud finishing in thetop 5 out of 22 countries who hadcompeted. MJ himself managedtowin threegold medalscompeting in theProfessional AdultDivision.Healsoclaimed the highestscoresbyany foreignathleteat thechampionship Therestofthe team were Luqmaan Slarmie and SaifullahChafeker. Saifullah
also wonthree gold medals andtwo silver medals, whileLuqmaanwon three gold andtwo silver medalsaswell. MJ said both athletes did exceptionally well underimmense pressure.
MJ,their coach, wasalsoofficially appointedasInternational Wushu Kung Fu ambassador in Hong Kong forGlobal Promotion of Kung Fu.Teammanager Salma NatalieDorawon theaward for Best ForeignTeamManager.
“The team did their final preparation forthe championship whileobserving Fast in the HolyMonth of Ramadan, and then travelledunder strenuous circumstancesasaresultofthe turmoil in the MiddleEast,”the statement reads Theevent washeldatthe Ma On Shan Sports Centre in Hong Kong.
MJ is settohostthe 4thAfrica International YouthKung Fu Championship in Cape Town on Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April at theFairbairn College multipurpose hall in Goodwood.
TheSouthAfrican Chin WooKung Fu team areMuhammad Junaid (MJ Li) Chafeker, Salma Natalie Dora,Luqmaan Slarmie and SaifullahChafeker
