TygerBurger Durbanville E-Edition 10 September 2025

RARE BLOOD MOON STUNS OVER CANOLA FIELDS

Captured by Kyle Goetsch near Philadelphia,this striking composite photograph captures Sunday’s rare lunar eclipse and blood moon,an event that featured over 1 hour and 22 minutes of totality,making it one of the longest eclipses in recent memory Over a period of approximately two hours,Kyle photographed the moon at each phase of the eclipse,later blending all the images into a single frame that beautifully traces the moon’s complete journey through Earth’s shadow.The scene is made even more special by the inclusion of one of Kyle’s favourite windmills,set against the last glowing patches of yellow canola in the foreground,creating a perfect marriage of celestial wonder and pastoral beauty Explore more of Kyle Goetsch’s photography at www kylegoetsch com PHOTO: KYLE GOETSCH PHOTOGRAPHY

FCD CENTRE OVERCOMES MOVES TO EMPOWER LEARNERS

SkillsCentre celebratesa newhome

ESMÉERASMUS

ESME ERASMUS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Despite having to move their skills centre in Durbanville twice since December last year, FCD Skills Centre has been going from strength to strength.

Over the past year, 440 beneficiaries participated in training, with 85% of graduates becoming economically active, says Jane Gelderman, chief executive officer

"These achievements were made possible through the generous support of funding partners, placement partners, job shadow partners, and our dedicated staff and volunteers, who together impacted more than 2 200 lives through the beneficiaries and their families Despite South Africa’s youth unemployment rate standing at 62,4%, the centre continues to achieve strong results," she says

NEWBUILDING

August specifically was a month of milestones for FCD Skills Centre, marked by its move into a new building The centre is now situated on the top floor of the building previously known as Queen's Corner

THE DURBANVILLE SKILLS CENTRE ACHIEVES 85% GRADUATE SUCCESS RATE OVER THE PAST YEAR

The centre had to move in December last year for extensive upgrading of the Durbanville Town Centre, where Shoprite is situated

The move to the new training centre provides increased capacity and infrastructure to impact more lives, Gelderman says

The centre can now host up to 50 students at any given time through three spacious training rooms - instead of only two previously, offering a positive and welcoming space not only for students but also for staff and volunteers, she says

HUBOFOPPORTUNITYANDHOPE

The first programmes kicked off at the new centre on 14 August, including training programmes in job readiness, frail care and office basics

G y are applicable to qualifying donations received

The annual general meeting of FCD Skills Centre, held at Durbanville-Bergsig Church on 21 August, brought together staff, partners, volunteers and guests to celebrate the organisation’s achievements over the past financial year

The evening featured inspiring stories from three graduates, highlighting the life-changing impact of FCD’s training programmes Volunteers with 10 years of service were honoured and FCD trainer Adri Neethling received the Chairperson’s Award for Excellence for her outstanding dedication in the past year

Danielle Jones, chair of FCD Skills Centre, reminded guests that, while the year under review brought challenges, pruning is never an easy process but often leads to greater growth

“We are already witnessing the fruitfulness of our Master Gardener at work,” she said, giving the glory to

or

RCNWSUPPORTSVICTIMAID

2050 vision for Cape Town discussed

Final Countdown to benefit children’s home

Join Durbanville Children's Home for The Final Countdown fundraising concert at The Barnyard Theatre at Tyger Valley shopping centre on Thursday 2 October

It promises to be an unforgettable evening of music in support of the children’s home

All funds raised will help make a difference in the lives of the 144 children in their care

Experience a vibrant, highenergy showdown between the greatest hits of the 20th and 21st centuries all in aid of a wonderful cause

The doors will open at 18:00

and the show will start at 19:30

Enter the lucky draw at the show and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes

There are different tickets

options Book a table, including a buffet meal and two bottles of table wine (one white and one red) at R5 000 per table for eight people

Individual tickets, excluding the buffet and table wine, are R200 per person

. All tickets are sold and booked directly through Durbanville Children’s Home Payment details will be provided upon booking.

. Contact the home at marketing@dchome org.za or 083 399 0372 (WhatsApp).

Dameskringbyeen

Die Bergsig-tak van Dameskring het onlangs ’n besonderse geleentheid aangebied waar die bekende ontwerper Ilse Roux as spreker opgetree het "Haar boodskap en inspirasie het die vroue diep geraak, en dit was vir almal wat teenwoordig was ’n dag om lank te onthou," sê Ilze Lammers, distrikskoördineerder: Wes-Kaap, uitvoerende bestuurslid en mede-organiseerder van die geleentheid Die gehoor is bederf met ’n

onvergeetlike optrede deur die koor Nootloos, wat bestaan uit leerders van die Hoërskool Durbanville onder leiding van Maria Viviers "Die atmosfeer was regtig iets besonders – vol samehorigheid, vreugde en dankbaarheid," sê Lammers Nog ’n hoogtepunt was dat Lammers vereer is met die borg van ’n Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (WAT)-woord

" ’n besondere erkenning en eerbetoon", sê sy

BOODSKAP RAAK TEENWOORDIGES DIEP

Wat die dag nóg meer betekenisvol gemaak het, was die geleentheid om uit te reik, sê Lammers "Ons het geld ingesamel vir die Alta du Toit-nasorgsentrum én vir die Dameskring-beursfonds Met groot dankbaarheid kan ons sê dat R10 000 elk aan hierdie twee wonderlike projekte oorhandig kon word "

By die Dameskringgeleentheid was (agter van links) Dorette Germishuys,Maryna Potgieter,Janeke van der Merwe,Ilze Lammers (distrikskoördineerder: Wes-Kaap,uitvoerende bestuurslid en medeorganiseerder),Sunette Smith,Magdaleen Joubert en Benita Stassen Voor is Mariëtte Kleinhans (medeorganiseerder),Ansie von Molendorff (voorsitter van Dameskring Bergsigtak),Hannatjie Lammers, Ilse Roux (spreker),Lida Avenant en Mariaan Cilliers

ld Clean-up Day

ds d onery, r or and ons nteer

. Contact MRCT at mosselbankconservationteam@gmail. com or 083 992 9411 to coordinate your donation or discuss any specific arrangements. Visit www mosselbankriverconservationteam. com for more information.

The conservation of renosterveld in the Durbanville area was highlighted at a talk presented by Durbanville Heritage Society on Saturday 30 August

A large group of members and friends of the society were fortunate to listen to Bruce Esau, horticulturist and conservationist at Avondale Gardens. He shared his work on the conservation of renosterveld in the Durbanville area.

"In his enthusiastic and inspirational manner, Esau enlightened the audience on the valuable heritage of endemic renosterveld and fynbos in Durbanville and the work and vision of the Friends of Durbanville Parks groups.

“The slides he showed proved the richness of the flora of the region and why the ‘no mowing’ signs that are put up this time of the year are so important," says Dr Georina Westraadt committee member of the society After the talk and some refreshments, the group went on a walk, guided by Esau, to the public open space adjacent to Bowlers Avenue

"He pointed out the unique and wonderful harmony in the rich floral kingdom of this area and how each plant plays a valuable role in the ecosystem," Westraadt says.

SwimmermakeswavesinGermany

Alocal swimmer recently returned home with an incredible medal haul after he took part in the World Transplant Games in Germany

Jeandré Geldenhuys (39) from Durbanville, a member of the Barracudas Aquarama, represented South Africa at the World Transplant Games in Dresden in Germany He won three gold medals and two silver medals

Jeandré, the South African record holder in 400m freestyle, also broke the 400m freestyle record at the World Transplant Games

"Jeandré’s achievements highlight not only his talent and dedication in the pool, but also the resilience and determination that define transplant athletes worldwide He is an inspiration to fellow swimmers and the community at large," says his coach, Coenie van Graan

"The Barracudas Aquarama, based at Durbanville Preparatory School, congratulates Jeandré on this remarkable success and is honoured to celebrate his journey," he says

KIDNEYFAILURE

Jeandré was first diagnosed with kidney failure (glomerulonephritis) in 2013, and received a transplant three years later in 2016

"To this day, we still don’t know what caused my kidneys to fail, because the doctors were hesitant to do a biopsy They weren’t sure

which kidney was the stronger one and feared that testing could damage it," he explains

"I consider myself very fortunate that I never had to go onto the transplant waiting list From the start my wife wanted to be my donor That said, the process was far from simple There are many hurdles to overcome, especially when your living donor isn’t a blood relative

"Recovery is different for everyone In my case, I faced an early setback when my white blood cells started dying, and I had to return to hospital After extensive testing, the doctors discovered that the antibiotics I was on were too strong Once that was sorted out, my recovery became much smoother - and I’ve been moving forward ever since," he says

POTENTIAL

He first got into swimming back in 1994 when his primary school offered swimming lessons

"My swimming teacher noticed something in me right away After only my second lesson, she told my parents that I had potential and suggested I join the local swim club That was the start of my journey, and now, 31 years later, I’ve been swimming competitively for 24 of those years," he says

When he was diagnosed with kidney failure, he stepped away from the pool for six years

"During that time, my doctors

JEANDRÉ DOMINATES WITH FIVE-MEDAL HAUL AND FREESTYLE RECORD

told me about the Transplant Games and encouraged me to consider competing once I received my transplant Given my background, swimming was the natural choice for me to return to," he says Jeandré and Coenie first met years ago as young competitive swimmers "We swam against each other at different clubsJeandré at Worcester Health & Racquet Club, and I was

with Bellville Aquarama Over the years, we became close swimming friends At every gala where we crossed paths, we would chat, share experiences, and keep track of each other’s goals," Van Graan says "In September 2022 Jeandré reached out He was looking for a club and asked if I would be interested in coaching him as a transplant athlete That was the real beginning of our journey

together," he says

HARDWORK

"Breaking both the South African and World Transplant records wasn’t just about me - it was proof that the hard work, the tough days and the doubts were worth it And it wasn’t done alone Even though swimming is called an individual sport, it takes a team to get you there For me, it also means honouring my donor, because without that gift of life, none of this would even be possible

"It honestly hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but I’m proud of what I achieved Still, the Games are about far more than medals and records They’re about showing the world - and especially South Africa - that life after a transplant is full of possibilities," he says

"The Transplant Games may not be on the same level of visibility as the Olympics, but this is where transplant athletes prove that we shouldn’t be put in glass boxes

“We’ve been given a second chance at life, and we can use it to inspire and make a massive impact

"What matters most to me is using this platform to raise awareness for organ donation and to highlight the stories of other South African transplant athletes Each of us carry the message that transplantation works - that it gives real people real second chances," he says

If you’re pregnant or could be pregnant, don’t drink. For help, contact the City of Cape Town’s 24/7 toll-free alcohol and drug helpline on 0800 4357 4 8 (0800 HELP 4 U).

TekkieChallenge‘ngrootsukses

Die jaarlikse Tekkie Challenge het Saterdag in pragtige lenteweer in Kuilsrivier plaasgevind

’n Rekordgetal van sowat 3 000 deelnemers het die 5 km-pretloop, die 10 km "Battle of the Sexes" of die 16 kmuitdaging vir langasems aangedurf

Ds André van Wyk, besturende direkteur van die Jan Krielinstituut, sê die Tekkie Challenge het vanjaar beslis uit sy ou nate gebars met sowat 1 000 deelnemers meer as verlede jaar

"Die ondersteuning vanuit Kuilsrivier, Jan Krielskool se familie en vriende, die groter hardloopgemeenskap, sakeondernemings wat hul werknemers in groot maat ingeskryf het en natuurlik Food Lover’s Market as hoofborg, is regtig

’n Rekordgetal deelnemers het die 5 km-pretloop, die 10 km “Battle of the Sexes” of die 16 km-uitdaging vir langasems aangedurf

’n riem onder die hart Hiervoor is ons nederig dankbaar "

Van Wyk sê die byeenkoms se inkomste is geoormerk vir sport en sportontwikkeling by die Jan Krielskool, wat meestal duur, spesialistoerusting vir gestremdes insluit

Carina Roux het foto's geneem . Besoek www.tygerburger.co.za vir meer foto's.

Kommentaar // Comments

THINKING OUT LOUD Health is wealth

I was fine one day The next, I was struggling to breathe, fighting for every inhalation and placed on oxygen in the ICU

Two weeks ago, I experienced what I now call a life quake If you've never heard the term, it's a powerful disruption that shakes your life, shifts your direction, and demands transformation It doesn't arrive politely, and it rarely feels convenient, but it comes with purpose Your life is calling for change

For me, that quake lasted seven days

In those ICU hours, time slowed Even a glimpse of an airplane outside my hospital window, its roar and motion from the seventh floor, gave me hope That small sight became a beacon, I waited for it, letting it remind me that I would get out In that space, I wasn't just Namhla Monakali I was "a slip-and-fall risk", a clinical classification meant to protect fragile patients At first, the label felt cold and impersonal, but it forced me to confront my vulnerability and reflect on how easily life can shift Every breath felt monumental Every heartbeat reminded me how fragile life truly is It forced me to face how I had been living, long hours at work, skipped meals, skipped workouts, stress carried like a badge of honour, rest ignored I had been

LIFEQUAKESAREPAINFUL,BUT THEYARECLARIFYING.THEY STRIPAWAYDISTRACTIONS, FORCINGUSTOCONFRONT WHATWE’VEIGNORED. .. BRIEWE|LETTERS

investing in everything but my most precious asset, my health That's when it hit me, health is wealth

No promotion, no car, no social accolade can replace the value of being alive and well Health is the foundation of everything else Yet, we often wait for a crisis to force us to notice I don't want to wait anymore

Since that life quake, I've committed to caring for myself differently, physically, mentally, and emotionally I've learned to listen to my body, to prioritise well-being and to make conscious choices each day that protect and nurture my health

Last week was Kidney Awareness Week, and I couldn't help but think of Asanda Hlamandana, a young skilled, passionate and dedicated teacher with a Master's degree (yes, she would want me to mention that she has Masters), whose passion for teaching has always inspired her learners I've watched her create an inclusive learner-focused learning environment, celebrate their journeys, and helping them reach not only their academic goals

Life quakes are painful, but they are clarifying They strip away distractions, forcing us to confront what we've ignored They challenge us to grow, to change, and to emerge stronger My ICU stay was not just a brush with mortality, it was a chance to redefine priorities, appreciate the little things, and embrace life fully Health is freedom For me? It's freedom to breathe without struggle, to move without pain, to pursue dreams, to nurture relationships, and to experience joy

So, take this as my reminder to you, and to myself, cherish your health Protect it Honour it Don't wait for a life quake to shake you awake Make time for rest Eat mindfully Move your body

If you're in the middle of a life quake, whether through illness, loss, transition, relocation, grief, new opportunities, or the unpredictable road of entrepreneurship, I see you I pray you move through the shock and embrace the beauty trying to break through I hope, and I live, to reap the rewards of allowing growth to visit, shake me, and usher me into one of the most beautiful seasons of my life -NAMHLA MONAKALI

Turns out the grass is not greener in

My wife and I recently moved from Parow to Oakdale in Bellville Our primary motivation was the safety, security and relative tranquility in the area

Imagine our shock when we discovered that prostitutes are plying their trade in broad daylight literally next to our complex on the corner of Sydney and Kingsmead Streets

Needless to say, we were shocked to the core! We felt horribly betrayed since nobody ever alerted us to this scourge

Recycling efforts under threat

The waste diversion initiative by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology ( CPUT goes green , TygerBurger 27 August) is indeed a noble environmental sustainable project If only Grant Twigg Mayco member for urban waste management, quietly rightly praised the zero-waste project Yet, the question remains: is it going to remain sustainable?

Take for instance the projects promoted by the City over the years! When wheelie bins were introduced, residents received pamphlets as to what could, or could not, be dumped in them It even provided special bins in certain areas for recyclable materials

There was a time when recycling was the in-thing when many businesses venues allowed drop-off points for certain items - including fluorescent tubes, batteries, etc

No longer! And in the interim, as society finds the pleasures of life more attractive, we now even dump highly toxic items of all sorts in the convenient wheelie bin Even asbestos

Which may only be dumped at a site at Bellville South It is so much more convenient to just dump (all

This, despite the fact that two primary schools surround us and small innocent children are exposed to this dehumanising practice I understand that numerous complaints were already lodged with the relevant authorities but to no avail Police simply drive past the prostitutes as if its the right thing to do When confronted, they just return without a care the next day All this happen in broad daylight as if they know

Oakdale

they have protection! From early morning to late at night we are forced to watch this spectacle This cannot be correct and tolerated Something must be done and fast We regret everyday the decision to move into this neighbourhood We feel trapped and terribly betrayed! How can this be allowed in this day and age? I would like to appeal to the authorities to intervene with urgency We do not deserve this Frustrated Citizen, BELLVILLE

Los probleem op

sorts of items/cuttings) in the cover of darkness at some convenient spot No wonder the City has waste trucks on the roads seven days a week!

While the drom-krappers are the curse of numerous residents it is unbelievable the number of sugar/maize bags they fill on many days of recyclable items For which they are paid by recycling depots Yes some litter the pavements and streets, but there is a way the culprits can be stopped Without force

Which brings me to the outcry from residents surrounding the Goodwood dump site Over a decade ago, the City eventually found a suitable site amidst much fanfare; until after further investigation, it was rejected due to water level issues

As usual, the issue was swept under the foundations of City's sacred headquarters! I mean, the wagon moves on

The very same scenario applies to what gets dumped into waste water outlets in numerous buildings Or down manholes Or anywhere else! Oh well, ratepayers can pay JBeelders,VASCO PRAGTIGEGESIGVANDIELENTE: Lenteblommetjies

Potholes becoming craters

There is a significant increase in potholes in the Goodwood area Many potholes are resembling craters, that will do damage to vehicles, and will evidently cause incidents

The quick "fixing" with gravel is definitely not suitable, as can be observed The question is, when will the road surfaces be a top priority? TessaLuck,GOODWOOD

Ek is dankbaar om die onlangse briewe te sien wat die situasie in Oakdale uitlig Soos baie inwoners, sake-eienaars, skole en kerke, is ek diep bekommerd oor wat in ons gemeenskap gebeur; dit is werklik skokkend

My vraag is: is daar enigiemand met die nodige gesag of kundigheid wat ons kan help om hierdie kwessie op 'n betekenisvolle langtermynmanier op te los?

Op die oomblik is ons enigste uitweg om voorvalle aan te meld soos dit plaasvind Hoewel dit 'n tydelike oplossing mag bied - byvoorbeeld, wetstoepassers verskyn, en die sigbare probleem soos prostitusie verdwyn - is dit slegs 'n kortstondige oplossing Die oomblik dat die wetstoepassers vertrek, keer die situasie terug na presies waar dit was Wat is die langtermynplan? Watter regte het besorgde burgers van Oakdale? Moet ons aanhou om dieselfde probleme dag ná dag aan te meld, net om te sien dat dit môre weer opduik?

Sekerlik is diegene in gesagsposisies bewus van wat gebeur Ons sien dit in die koerante; ons hoor dit op gemeenskapsvergaderings Tog word geen permanente oplossing geïmplementeer nie Boston slaag daarin om sy gemeenskapstandaarde te behou Waarom is Oakdale dan nie in staat om dieselfde te doen nie? Waarom het Oakdale die middelpunt geword vir prostitusie en die verwante kwessies wat daarop volg?

Dit is tyd om verby korttermyn-oplossings te beweeg en die wortel van hierdie probleem vir eens en vir altyd aan te pak Sandra,E-POS

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