TygerBurger | Durbanville | E-edition | 22 July 2026

DONDERDAG23JULIE

. Alle Wes-Kaapse GEPF-pensioenarisseenstaatsdienspersoneel word uitgenooi om dievergadering vandie Associationfor Monitoringand Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP), 'n waghond oordie Regeringspensioenfonds, by te woon.Dit is dieeerste keer datAMAGP in dieWes-Kaapvergader en dien ookasdie stigtingsvergadering vandie Wes-Kaapse struktuurvan AMAGP.Dit begin om 11:00 by dieNG kerk Stellenberg. Onder diesprekers is Zirk Gous, voorsittervan AMAGP,enStrini Govendor,koördineerder: massa-mobilisasie vanAMAGP.Kontak AlbinBowler by albinbowler@gmail.comombywoning te bevestig.

FRIDAY24JULY

. TheFriendsofDurbanville Library will present their usual month-end book sale in the libraryhallon Friday24and Saturday25July. Thebook sale will be open on Fridayfrom09:00to16:00 and on Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Therewillbeloads of booksto choose from at astonishingly good prices.

SATURDAY25JULY

. TheEgyptianSocietyofSouthAfricawillbehaving their DaySchool on Saturday25July, at the Hellenic Community Hall,MountainRoad, Woodstock from 09:45–16:00.This year's theme is "Explorers of the Ancient World",and features three speakers. Prof Sebastian vanAswillopen with alecture titled:"Hanno the Carthaginian (c.500 BCE)".Hewillbefollowed by Professor PhilipBosmanwith"Pytheas of Massalia (c.310 BCE)".After athree-courselunch, Joseph Koetsier will present:"Eudoxus of Cyzicus (c.120 BCE). The price of R375 perperson includes threelectures, tea breakwithGreek biscuitsand athree-courseGreekstylelunch. Bookingsare open until16July. Contact JosKoetsieron084 7743972and sherab.koetsier@ gmail.com

. Bargainhunters areencouraged to supportthe Home of Hope Charity ShopinTable View,located at 215BlaauwbergRoad. Theshop offers avariety of affordablegoods including clothing,books, toys and householditems, with everypurchasecontributing towardsthe care and supportofchildren and young adultsaffected by prenatal alcoholexposure. . Cape Town's world-renownedCollege of Magic opens itsdoorstothe next generationofyoung performers giving families arareopportunity to explore the College'shistoric VictorianhomeinClaremont, meet itsinstructors, experiencea live lesson and discoverhow learning magic develops skills thatextend farbeyond the stage. TheOpen Day, taking placefrom 09:00 to 11:00,isaimed at children aged 10 to 13 and their families. TheCollege of Magic is locatedat215 Imam HaronRoad, Claremont.Parking is availableon site. To reservea place, email info@collegeofmagic. comorWhatsApp062 5191177.

SUNDAY26JULY

. Edgemead’s Largest IndoorSecondhand Market takesplace at the Edgemead Community Hall,83 Edgemead Drive, from 09:00 to 14:00.Bargains galore

MONDAY27JULY

. Families and carers of people living withschizophrenia areinvited to attend an online supportmeeting hosted by Family Supportfor Schizophrenia at 19:00.AnitaMcKenzie, supportgroup leadercoordinatorofthe South AfricanDepression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), and TracyFeinstein, the organisation's call centre manager, will discuss the supportservices availablethrough Sadagand howfamilies and caregivers canaccess assistancefor themselvesand their lovedones. To attend visit link https://familysupport. org.za/meetings or email mail@familysupport.org.za

FRIDAY31JULY

. TheCenturyCityWinter Night Markettransforms CenturyCityintoaglowing winter escape filledwith live music, gourmet comfortfood, artisanstallsand a very cosy atmosphere. Themarketruns from 16:00 to 21:00 at IntakaIsland

SATURDAY1AUGUST

. Visit the Cape Town Gemand Mineral Club’s open dayfrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede Hoop Street, Bothasig.Entryisfree. Come and learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls chat to our members and find your special item. Plenty of off-roadparking. Food available. Allwelcome, especially children.

WOENSDAG19AUGUSTUS

. TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub se volgende byeenkomsvind om 09:30 vir 10:00 by dieNGkerk Parow-Welgelegen plaas. Diesprekers is Arné Stander vanBabylonstoren ("Probleme op jouplante–plantinsekte.Nuutsteuitdagings, voordele en nadele, en hoe ons ditinons tuine kanbestuur") en De-Mara Bezuidenhout ("Elemente/beginselsvan ontwerp") Dietema vandie blommekunskompetisie is "Dans, dans, dans!" Teewordvanaf09:30 voorsien. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864.

ResidentsprunerosesatGardens

Residents of Durbanville and surrounds had the opportunity last week to join the City of Cape Town's horticultural team for volunteer winter pruning at the Durbanville Rose Garden untilFriday.

The public invitation followsthe City's winter rose pruning workshopon Saturday 11 July, whereresidents and gardening enthusiasts learned practical techniques for pruning and maintaining healthy roses at one of the City's most iconic publicgardens.

Established in 1979, the3,5 ha Durbanville Rose Garden contains approximately 4500 rose bushes.

HEALTHYGROWTH

Winter pruning helps prepare the roses for healthy growth and flowering during the rose season, which typically runs from October to May,according to amedia release.

Held during the winter dormancy period, the workshop highlighted the importance of seasonalpruning in supporting healthy growth and flowering duringthe rose season.

Through practical demonstrations and interactive sessions, participants learned pruning techniques, soil preparation, fertilisation, seasonal maintenance and responsible pest management thatcan be appliedinhome gardens.

INDUSTRYEXPERTS SHARE THEIRKNOWLEDGE

RANGEOFTOPICS

The programme featuredpresentations by the City's horticulturalspecialists andindustry experts on arange of topics,includingroseselection, pruning techniques for different growthtypes, preparing andimprovingsoil, seasonal rose care, garden careproducts and responsible pest management.

Ahands-on pruning sessiongave participants the opportunity to practise the techniques under expert guidance

“The garden is avalued community asset anda popular destination for visitors, while also servingasanimportant public greenspace maintainedbythe City's

recreation and parks department,” said Francine Higham, Maycomember for community services andhealth.

“The Durbanville Rose Garden is a much-loved communityspace, and this is apractical opportunity for residentsto learn from our horticultural team while helpinguscare for it.

“Along with the winterrose pruning workshop, the invitationtothe public to join in on thepruning during the week forms part of therecreation and parks department's ongoingcommitment to promotingenvironmental awareness, sharing horticulturalknowledge and encouraging communitiestoappreciate and care for Cape Town's public green spaces,” Higham said.

. ContactUnati Matiwane,facilityofficer, at Unati.Matiwane@capetown.gov.zafor more information.

Citywelcomes23newlibrarians

The City of Cape Town’s library and information services welcomed 23 newemerging libraryleaders as part of thecelebrations for South African Librarians Day.

Now in its fifth year, theprogramme hasempowered 80 city librarians, helping them build the leadership skills and practical tools needed to strengthen public library services, according to amedia release.

The group of librarians completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (Sill) training programme.

TRAININGSESSIONS

Up to now, the programmehas empowered80librarians, equipping them to develop their leadership potentialand advance their professional journeys, according to the media release.

Training sessions took place during May and June and concluded with the official graduation ceremony to coincide with South African Librarians Dayon10July

“I want to applaud our librarians for their commitment to continuous learningand professional development, in turn deepening theirimpact on the communities they serve,” saidFrancine Higham, the City’s Mayco member for community services and health.

“At atime of rapidly changing digital landscapes,their commitment to learning new skills is highly commendable. By expanding their own expertise, they ensure that our library users have access to the highest standard of guidance and information literacy. Thank youfor the vitalrole you play,” Higham said.

rary

This included team interactions, practical experienceinidentifying problems,understanding user needs, generating innovative ideas, adapting their communication approach,planning, implementing, adapting, andreportingon library activities andeffective networking skills,according to themedia release.

SUCCESSSTORY

“A standout success story is thatofSipho Fakofromthe Wynberg Library, who embraced the challenge of professional growthbyvolunteering to presenta lightning talk at the National Library and InformationAssociation of South Africa (Liasa) Conference in Octoberthis year. This reflects the confidence and leadership potentialthat theSill programme seeks to cultivate,” Higham said.

“Another graduateisRandal Rousseau,

ageneral librarian at Valhalla Park Library, who is exploringinnovative ways of usingtechnology,especially artificial intelligence, to enhance library services, improve operational efficiency and expand learning opportunitiesfor patrons. His project has helpedmakelibrary services more innovative, responsive and relevant to community needs,”she said.

LIFELONGLEARNING

“Thetheme for thegraduation, Future-FitLibrarians, recognises theircommitment to lifelong learning, innovation and leadership. With Sill, the City can furtherequip ourlibrarians to lead, adapt and respond to the needs of theircommunities,”Higham said.

The graduatinglibrarians (library in

brackets) are: Amy Rudolph (Claremont), Arlene Keown (Huguenot), Bantu Senti(Nazeema Isaacs), Boniswa Notiki (Bothasig), Elmarie Waltman (Brackenfell), Mario Le Fleur (Westfleur), Maymuna Roomaney (Retreat), Mbali Buzugbe (Somerset West), Nadine Henry (Heideveld), Nathiera Crombie (Colin Eglin), Nicholas FStallenberg(Somerset West), Nosipho Maxalisa (Westridge), Nqabisa Mnyama (Gugulethu), Nuhaa Portland(Rondebosch), Patricia April (Bonteheuwel), Phumza Mbinidi (Gordon’s Bay), Randall Rosseau (Valhalla Park), Sipho Fako (Wynberg), Thandiwe Kekela (Central), Yonela Masiko(Masakhane), Yumna Levy (Rylands),Yuri Thompson (Bishop Lavis) and Vanashree Reddy (Durbanville).

Womanpublishesbooksaboutherlife

Her experiences and work challenges have inspired aDurbanville woman to writethreebooks about herjourney

Born in Gauteng, raised inthe Free State, having lived in the United Kingdom fortwo yearsand then in Durbanville for the past ten years, 57-year-old Caren Reid has experiencewithall kinds of people and culturesthrough travel and work. Qualified in administrationand public relations, Reid had aspirations from school days that never panned out asshe expected them to “I was not looking for acareer or hobby in writing. The idea cameabout by people in ministry,who planted the seeds. The idea developed as God spoketo me. I aspiredtospecificallyhelp people with things Ihave gone through and they are struggling with. Iwanted to bring them to God’s Word and help them to resolvetheir issues out of God’s Word,” she explains. As achild she grew up in aChristian

BOOKSAIM TO INSPIREPEOPLE TO GROW THEMSELVES

home —goingtoSunday school and church. “I kept on hearing aboutthe Word of God, but Ikept in my own way communicatingwithGod in avery distant manner

“It all changedwhen she was, oneday about10years ago, invited to attend a ministry course

“I really met the Holy Spirit and developed arelationship with God in a phenomenal way,” she continues

ENCOURAGEDTOWRITEABOOK

Reidwas encouragedbypeople she hasbeen ministeringto, to write a book about her experiences, knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

“I put the idea aside —thinking what would Iwrite on andwhere do Istart, but the words from ministry kept ringingin my mind.Irealised Ican honour God with whatisinmyhand.”

She visiteda lot of different churches in search of the truth,she says.

“In 2018 Ibecame amember of the CrosswayBaptist ChurchinDurbanville andcontinued to grow in Christ.”

After twoyears of much prayer and theburden of her own situationand that of others, hertwo books have nowbeen published.

RELATIONSHIPS

IAmMy Beloved’s andMyBeloved Is Mine,which was published in June, is aboutrelationships and meeting the right person to spend the rest of your life with.

“It is about my experienceasa single woman upuntil today andhow to navigate andnegotiate the thingsofthe world. It is aboutdating sitesand howthingsdonot work out. God wants to lead andguide us to meet the rightpersonatthe righttime

“It is aboutdeveloping yourself and gettingatpeace with yourself —being a whole person and focusing on God. Then

theright person will come intoyour life,” shesays

WORKINGLIFE

Shortly after, herbook Whatever You Do was published earlier this month.

“It is aboutworking life, about how you grow in God’s Wordand how you can use negative experiences to be abetter person and deal with situations in abetter way, and deal with people in the right manner and grow personally.

“A lot of people go through bad experiences at work andwill relatetomy experiences.Itisa journey to deal with things differently.

“First, surrender to God and then, secondly, live the WordofGod out in yourlife in the workplace. By submitting to God, you will not be abad or negative person, no matterwhatthe circumstances. Youwill continuetoact appropriately underall circumstances. Keep the peace within yourself andwithin the atmosphere in theroom thatyou are working in,”she says.

These two bookswerepublished in theformat of e-books,print-on-demand and audiobooks by Reach Publishers in Durban

THIRDBOOK

Her third book, TheLeavesofthe Tree Arefor theHealingofthe Nations,will be publishedinabouttwo months.

“It is abouthealing andtaking God’s Wordfor what it is, saying your prayers out of God’s Word andreceiving the healingthathespeaks of in his Word,”she says.

“I hopemybookswill change lives. Theultimate goal of my books is to drawpeople closer to God and his Word. Iencourage every person to find their God-giventalents andcallings in terms of what God births in them through praying

through all things and reading the Bible.

“I hope my books will inspire people to grow themselves in Christ and live out theirlives within each one’stalents, gifting and abilities,” she says. . Thebooks canbepurchased at https:// booksbycarenjoycereid.my.canva.site/#home.

KennelspaintedonMandelaDay

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Every year, Mariechen du Toit drives more than 400km from Calvinia to Cape Town, paintbrush in hand, to take part in something she believesin withall her heart.

As the founder of Hantam Pet Paws, an animal outreachorganisationoperatingin impoverishedrural areas andtownships such as Blikkiesdorp in the Northern Cape, she knows exactly what apainted

kennelmeans to adog thathas nowhere warm tosleep.

“Animalshave always been my passion, to take care of them,rescue those in need andprovide forever homes,”she says.

“Our organisation assists all animals in need in surrounding communities.Wealso collaborateclosely with organisations such as theAngel Project in Vredendaland Langebaan Fluffy Homestoplaceanimals in new homes. Distanceisnot afactor when it comestorehoming. My friend Karin Ungerer andIhave driven as far as Sedgefield andWilderness to take adog to itsnew home.”

On Saturday 18 July, CapeGate Shopping Centre openedits centre court to families, volunteers and animal lovers such as Mariechen for the return of the annual Dogbox Project,aMandela Daytradition that turns painted kennels into warm, dry homesfor dogs that need them

ASPECIALLEGACY

The project began in 2012 as asingle MandelaDay gesture andhas grown into an annual event because the need has never gone away. Local shelters are often short of blankets and food, but kennels remainthe biggest costand the hardest item formany shelters to afford on their own.

“The response was overwhelming, andwhat began as asingle event blossomedintoayear-round mission, withDogBox hosting kennel-decorating events thatbring teams, communities, andorganisations together to make a difference in thelives of shelter animals Since ourfounding, we’ve partnered with companies like OldMutual, Wonga, Achievement Awards Group, ProMeal, Hyprop andTyger Valley Centre,” saysa spokesperson of the organisation. “And while our Mandela Dayevent remains

our flagship event each year, our ongoing initiativeshave resulted in nearly 2000 kennelsdonated to date.”

This year CapeGate andits partner businessessponsored the kennels, “Every MandelaDay, ourcentre fills with people whosimply wanttohelp, and that is what makes The Dogbox Project so special. Whether you bringateamorcome on yourown, an hour of your time can give a

dog somewhere safe and dry to sleep.” Kennels painted on the day will go to six shelters: Grace Animal Sanctuary, Fisantekraal Animal Welfare, Help aPaw, FarmPaws, Dead Animals Walking and Hantam Animal Rescue.

For Mariechen, the long drive from Calvinia is always worth it.Because somewhere in atownship or rural village, adog is waiting for akennel to call home.

Localschools, fireupthe braai

High schools in Kraaifontein, Brackenfell and Durbanville could win R20000 for the ultimateHeritage-inspired boerie roll.

CapeGateShopping Centre is calling on local high schoolstobring the flavour, gees and theirbest boerie game to the CG School’s Boerie Braai Challenge Competition.Entries are now open, with fourschoolstobeselected for alive finale at CapeGateonSaturday 5 September.

This is no ordinary braai —itisafull school-pride showdown, where teams will need to serve aHeritage-inspired boerie roll with big flavour, aclever story, a stand thatdraws acrowd and enough gees to fill the mall.

The stakes are juicy. The overall winningschool getsR20 000 cash from CapeGateShopping Centre to support school initiatives andneeds. Fourcategory prizes are alsoupfor grabs, with aR2 500 CapeGateGift Card awarded to each school thatwins Best Gees, Best Looking Stand, Best Tasteand Top Sales.

HOWTOENTER

To enter,schoolsneed to send their recipe,teamdetails, stand concept and plansfor rallying supportersto marketing@capegatecentre.co.zaby Friday, 7August at 23:59.

Entriesmust alsoinclude the ingredients and inspiration behind the boerie roll, theproposedselling price and what the school would usethe prize money for if it

wins. Selected schools will be notified on Wednesday 12 August.

“Heritage Month is aspecial time to celebrate the flavours, stories and spirit that bring our communities together, and thischallenge gives schools afun way to do exactly that,” says Zoë Enslin, marketing manager of CapeGate Shopping Centre.

“We are looking for ideas with heart, flavour and school pride. Whether it is a secret sauce, afamily-inspired topping or astand that gets the crowd cheering, we want to see what our local schools can bring to the braai.”

Only four schools will make it through to the live event, where they will cook, sell and present their boerie rolls to the publicand judges. Cheer squads are encouraged to come along and back their schools, although they may not assist with preparing or selling boerie rolls on the day.

So, if your school’sboerie roll has the flavour, the story and the school spirit to stand out, thisisyour moment. Gather the cooks, the sellers, the decoratorsand the loudestsupporters, then show CapeGate why your school deserves to be crowned the CG School’sBoerie Braai Challenge Champion.

. Schoolsinterestedinentering theCG School's Boerie Braai Challenge should submit their entrytomarketing@capegatecentre.co.za before theclosing date of Friday 7August at 23:59. Ts &Csapply.

Gewildestaproeteskrynuweligte

TARRYN-LEIGHSOLOMONS

TARRYN.EDITORIAL@GMAIL.COM

Inwoners van Wyk 70 kan uitsien na veiliger parke en beter staproetes namate die Stad Kaapstad nuwe beligting aanbring en gewilde openbare ruimtes in Bellville en Durbanville opknap.

Volgens die wykraadslid Ronel Viljoen sal verskeie openbare ruimtes gedurende die huidige boekjaar nuwe beligting kry om dit veiliger te maak vir inwoners wat saans daar stap of ontspan. "Die versoeke kom van inwoners of huiseienaarsverenigings.

STAD KAAPSTAD REAGEER OP VERSOEKE VANGEMEENSKAP

“Die goedgekeurde projekte vir Wyk70sluit beligting by Goeweneurpark, die Phesantekraal-wandelpad, Bankstraat enBatyapark in,"sê sy Viljoen sê diestaproetes in Kenridge word ookherstel omdat dit toenemend deur inwoners gebruik word. "Meer mensemaak van die parke gebruik. Wild Flower Stepping Stones werkook in die gebied om dierenosterveldtuine te verfraai, daaromwil onsseker

maak die ruimtes bly toeganklik."

Diegemeenskapsgroep samel terselfdertyd geld in om die parke verder te verbeter.

"Wild FlowerStepping Stones verkoop roetemerkers wat die wandelpaaie aandui. Die opbrengs word gebruik om die parke te verfraai."

Nog verbeterings word in Majik Forestaangebring.

"'n Anderroetewat opgeknap word, is in Majik Forest en die doelisomdit meer gebruikersvriendelik te maak

vir inwoners en ouers met babas in stootwaentjies. Die roete is verbeter en aangepas om makliker toegang deur Vink se Tuin te bied."

Viljoen sê inwoners word aangemoedig om die openbare ruimtestebenut én te help om dit in stand te hou.

"Onsisbevoorreg om hierdie parke te hê, asook om inwoners te hê wat aktief betrokke is by die instandhouding daarvan."

Die opknapwerk vorm deel van die Stad se voortgesette pogings om openbare ruimtes veiliger en meer toegankliktemaak, en om inwoners aan te moedig om die gebied se parke, wandelpaaie en groen ruimtes te geniet,” sê Viljoen

Opknapwerkaan diestaproetesinKenridgeparkistans aan diegang. FOTO:TARRYN-LEIGHSOLOMONS

Vermaak // Entertainment

Endler-konsertreeksse tweede seisoen open

Die Endler-konsertreekskeerterugvir sy tweede seisoen vanJulie totDesember met’nverskeidenheid vankamermusiek, koorkonserte, orkesuitvoerings, jazz, musiekkompetisies en besoekende kunstenaars. Die opvoeringsvind plaas in die Endleren Fismersaal vandie Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se konservatorium

Die seisoen open op Vrydag 24 Julieom19:00met “Journeyofthe Soul”, met Féroll-Jon Davids op klarinet, Rosamund Roth op tjello en NinaSchumann op klavier.Die konsert wentel rondom musikale storievertelling —versterk deur geheimsinnige elemente vanfantasie —vir klarinet,tjello en klavier

Die gehoor word genooi om diepinhul verbeelding te delf,terwyldie ensemble’nverskeidenheid gemoedstemmings,natuurtonele, karaktersen’n spektrum vanemosiesoordra.

Met’nuiteenlopendereeks style watdie tema vanfantasie ondersteun, neem hierdie uitvoering luisteraars op ’n sielsreis: vandromerige introspeksie totritmieselewenskrag,melancholiese lirieke tot dramatiesetekstuurkontrasteen harmonieëwat aanons gedeelde menslikheid herinner.

Op Vrydag 31 Julie bied die Universiteit Stellenboschsekamerkoor Voices Without Borders aan —’n galakonsert onder leidingvan Lunathi Ncamani en Martin Berger. Die program vier die vermoë van koormusiek om kulture, tale en generasies met mekaar te verbind en beweeg vandie rykoevre vanSuid-Afrikaansekoormusiek totinspirerende internasionalewerke.

AUGUSTUS

HoogtepunteinAugustus sluit Piano² in, die

jaarlikse klavieruitruiltussendie US en dieUniversiteit vanKaapstad, op Woensdag12Augustus om 19:00indie Fismersaal. Ná meerastweedekades se samewerking tussendie twee universiteitese klavierafdelings vier vanjaarseprogram duette Op Vrydag 14 Augustus keer dieUS-koor,onder leiding vanAndrévan der Merwe,terug na die Endler-verhoog met ’n program vanuitsonderlike koormusiek. Die gehoor kanuitsien na werkesoos “SicutAnima Mea”,“Laat diewindmyneem”, “Ndikuthandile”en“Oxamu”,wat diekoor se veelsydigheid, tegniesebriljantheidendiepteten toon stel.

Op Vrydag 21 Augustus verken diepianisJoséDias diewerkevan Frédéric Chopin in “The Chopin Project II:CompleteChamber Music”.Suzanne Martens op viool en PeterMartens op tjello is saam met Diasop dieverhoog.

SEPTEMBER

HoogtepunteinSeptember sluitdie US-simfonieorkesseoptrede op Vrydag 4September, onder leidingvan Rik Ghesquièremet diesoliste LucPonetenMario Nell op orrelin; en dieEndler Prestige-konsert To Moer andGone: TalesfromHere, Thereand Everywhere op Vrydag 18 September,met dieNorthSouth Duo,Josie McClureopsaksofoon en Kaat Vanhaverbekeoptrekklavier

Kykook uit virdie US NasionaleEnsemblekompetisie en dieStellenbosch-jeugorkes se galakonsert op Saterdag 19 September

VanDinsdag 22 September vind diegesogte Hubert vander Spuy NasionaleMusiekkompetisie plaas.

. Kaartjies is by Webtickets beskikbaar

Die Endler-konsertreekssetweede seisoenopen op Vrydag 24 Julieom19:00 met“Journeyofthe Soul”, met Féroll-Jon Davids op klarinet.

BillKnightsings DylanandCohen

The legendary folk singer-songwriterBill Knight willcelebratethe wordsand music of Bob Dylan and LeonardCohen, twoofthe finestmusicalpoets of our time,atanafternoon tea concertatVilla Pascal on Sunday 26 July Knight,poet,storyteller,weaveroftalltales and shorttruths, as well as recordingengineer, layers his authentic contemporaryCape folk music with poetic lyricsofdepth and intensity

He is widelyregarded as one of South Africa's national treasures,particularlyinCape Town.

Inspired by both Dylanand Cohen, Bill hasdeveloped hisown lyrical musicofsocial commentaryin thetradition of thetroubadours. He willalsoperform examplesofhis ownoriginal work

Tickets cost R200per person. Thedoors open at 15:00 and theevent starts promptlyat16:00 Coffee,tea andcakewillbesold. VillaPascaldoes not sell alcohol, andguestsare welcome to bring theirown.

. Book with Eugene on 082569 4147 or villapascalguesthouse@gmail.com.

BillKnight

Trio kommaak musiek by Boer

Frieda vanden Heever,Grethe vander Merwe en Almarie du Preezistesien en hoor in Under Cover by Die Boer-teaterrestaurantinDurbanvilleopDonderdag30Julie om 20:30. Hierdiedrievroue deel 'n liefde virgoeie musiek —oud en nuut —enomsáám te sing. Al driespeel klavier en sing en hullehoor gereelddat hul stemme eenvoudignet saam werk

Of jy hou vandie ou bekende liedjies wathierdie trio herverbeel het,ófomminder bekendes te ontdek,jy’sgedek met musiek vanJoni Mitchell, LeonardCohen, Simon and GarfunkelenFleetwood Mac totDepeche Mode,The Cranberries, Chris Isaak, TheCivil Wars en Billie Eilish.

. Kaartjieskos R250. Bespreek by www.dieboer. comofby021 9791911.

DAGBOEK/DIARY

. Wilhelm vander Walt is te sienindie bekroonde produksie Seun vanMaandag 20 totVrydag24Julie om 19:30 in dieKaapstadToneelhuis(Loopstraat) DitisDana Snyman se storie oorgrootword tydens die doodsnikkevan 'n politieke stelsel. Kaartjies vanaf R200 by Quicket.

. Richard Pryor's ClassicRock Show withGin Wizard, Mark Haze and PetroisatDurbanville Golf Club on Friday24Julya 20:00. TicketsFromR200atQuicket DalinOliver: Stuck In DubairunsatThe Baxter from nowuntilSaturday1August.TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.

. Cape Town Opera's TheCunning LittleVixen is at Joseph Stone Auditorium this week untilSunday 26

July.A family-friendlyadaptation. Dailyat11:00 and also at 14:00 Saturdayand Sunday.TicketscostR80 at Webtickets.

. Parklands CollegeinSandownpresents Disney's HighSchoolMusical 2! from Thursday23toSaturday 25 July at 18:30. Saturdayalsoat14:00.Ticketsfrom R150atQuicket

. ANight with the StarsLloyiso is at the Grand Arena GrandWest on Friday24Julyat19:00.Ticketsfrom R400atWebtickets.

.Salome This Is Me is at Artscape OperaHouse on Saturday25Julyat19:00.TicketsfromR285 at Webtickets.

. TheJohns play at Milnerton Aquatic Club on Saturday25July. Doors open 18:00,showat19:00.Call021 5577090, email mac@milnertonaquaticclub.co.za or seeFacebookfor more details.

Rooibosseedsblastintospace

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

South Africa’s world-famous Rooibos is about to embark on itsmost extraordinary journeyyet —to space.

In afirst for thecountry, Rooibosseeds will be launched to the InternationalSpace Station (ISS) later thisyear,wherethey will be exposed to the harsh conditions of space before returning to Earth in a pioneering scientific experiment that could shape future agriculture both on Earth and beyond.

The groundbreaking RooibosinSpace programme was officially launched on Thursday at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town, bringing together leaders from government, education, agriculture, academia and South Africa’s growing space sector.

The initiative, conceived by the South African Rooibos Council(SARC), is being delivered in partnership with MaxIQ Space and supported by theSouthAfrican National Space Agency (SANSA)

It marks the first time South African Rooibosseeds will travel to the International Space Station aspart of an international space research programme

The experiment combines space science with agricultural innovation while inspiring the next generationofscientists throughhands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

FROMTHECEDERBERGTOORBIT

In October, Rooibos seeds will be launched to the ISS, wherethey will spend several weeks exposed to microgravityand space radiation

Once they return to Earth, scientists and learners will plant the space-travelled

MISSION TESTSPLANT’S RESILLIENCE FOR SOWINGON SPACESTATIONS

seeds alongside identical seeds that remainedonEarth

Researchers will comparegermination rates,growth,resilienceand crop yield to determine howexposure to space conditions affectsthe indigenous South Africanplant.

The project places Rooibos alongside agrowing list of plants being studied in space as scientists searchfor sustainable ways togrow crops during future longdurationmissions beyond Earth.

LEARNERSBECOMESPACESCIENTISTS

The scientific investigationwill be led by learners from seven schools in the Cederberg, thebirthplaceofRooibos.

Working alongside local Rooibos farms, learners will collectdata, monitor plant development and analysethe resultsas part of astructuredscientific study.

Aparallel experiment at Parklands Collegewillprovide additional comparativedata.

Beyond theresearchitself, participating schoolswill take part in an extended STEM education programme designed to connect classroom learning withrealworld scientific investigation.

Learnersfrom acrossSouth Africa will also havethe opportunity to designthe officialRooibos in Spacemission patch during July and August.

GROWINGSCIENCEBEYONDEARTH

According to Dawie de Villiers, director of theSouth African Rooibos Council,

theprojectdemonstrates how one of the country’s mosticonic indigenous plants can contribute to international scientific research.

“Rooibos haslong been part of South Africa’s agriculturalheritage. This project places it within abroaderscientific context, where plant biology, space research and education intersect.Italso reflectsthe importance of investing in scientific literacy andskills development forthe next generation of researchers and innovators.”

Judi Sandrock of MaxIQ Space said exposinglearners to genuine scientific research is oneofthe programme’s

greatest strengths. Theproject also highlights SouthAfrica’s expanding role in space science and innovation.

SANSA’sScience Engagement Unit head, Thandile Vuntu, said initiatives such as Rooibos in Space help develop the scientific skills needed for futurecareers while strengthening collaboration between government, industry, educationand research institutions.

Organisers said the publicwill be able to follow the mission through regular updates as the countdown begins for the Octoberlaunch, when SouthAfrica’s signature Rooibos will make historyby taking its place among the stars.

As almal nie kan werk nie, gaan ons verloregenerasie kry

Onlangs ry ek kantoor toe en toe ek by 'n verskeerslig stilhou, stap 'n jongmanoor diepad. Ek haat dit wanneer mense nie vinnig 'n pad kruis nie, maardie ou stap flinkenfier.

Ek is die voorste motor by die verkeerslig en hy kom knapvoormy verbygestap. In sy hand dra hy 'n deursigtige plastieksak. Netvoordie verkeerslig groen word, kryek'nvinnige blik op wat in die sak is:'n kraakvars blou oorpak en nuwe veiligheidstewels. "Die kêrelhet werk gekry!" dink ek by myself, bly viriemand wat ek van geen kant af ken nie.

Die ligte raak groen en ek ry weg en doen wat ek altyd doenommy brein besig te hou —ekvul die"blanks" van die jongman se lewe in. Ek vertel vir myself hy het drie jaar gelede matriek geslaagen is die eerste een uit sy uitgebreidefamilie watdit vermag.Daar was niegeld omte studeer nie, want hy kom uit'nenkelouerhuishouding met sy ma watalles in haar vermoë doen om die natevan hul lewens aanmekaar te hou. Die wolwe waspal by diedeur en die aasvoëls het bo diedak gesirkel

Hy hetalalles denkbaar probeer,maak ek myself wys, om saam metmiljoene anderombeperkte werksgeleenthedemee te ding. En sy beurt het gekom.

Ek was jare laas werkloos,dank die Vader, maar ek onthou hoe dit voel om nie te werk nie as jy reeds joueie salaris verdienhet. Dit voel asof almalneersien op jou. Wanneer jy werkloosis, werk mense se simpatie ookopjou senuwees.

DISNIE‘NSKANDEOMARM TEWEESNIE,NET‘N BIETJIEONGERIEFLIK

Watookal hierdie jongman se pad tot hier behels het, ek is bly hy kon darem geholpe raak en die gebed van my hartis dat hy die werk sal waardeer, en groei en baie sukses smaak.

Een van die ou ooms in ons kerk het op 'n keer gesê dis nie 'n skande omarm te wees nie, net 'n bietjie ongerieflik. En as ek sien hoe mense wat minder as ek het, sukkel, breekmyhart vir hulle. Om die waarheid te sê, die meeste werkende mense in die land sukkel om kop bo water te hou in hierdie ekonomie, waar alles duurder is en waar dit lykof daar geen uitkoms op diehorison is nie Hoeveeltemeer sukkel diegene watnie werk het nie, en ook nie binnekort iets gaan kry nie?

Ek het al baie die uitdrukking "verlore generasie"gehoor,maar ek vrees regtig dat daarindie toekoms volwassenes gaan wees wat nooit weet hoedit voelom formeel in diens te wees nie. Of nie die dissipline het om met geld te werk nie, want hul voorgangers het nooit geld gehad nie en daarom weet hulle wat dit is om iets te besit nie.

Hier op ons voorstoep is jongmense wat misdaad as die enigste uitweg sien, omdat diegene wat die meeste geld inhul gemeenskappe het, misdadigers is.Hoe gaan onsdaardie vlaagvan misdaadstop?

Die slim mense sê dis sosio-ekonomiese probleme wat tienersnamisdaad dryf, maar daardieomstandighede wordgevoed deur chroniese werk- en hopeloosheid. Ek wens ek het stilgehou omdaai jongmantevra waar hy werk gekry het en hom vertelhoe ek daaroor voel, maar ek is nogtans bly dat hy 'n oorpaken'npaar stewelskon kry.

En mag hy dit met vrug en trots dra, want die Here weet, daar is miljoene ander wat bid en hoop en skree omdieselfde geleentheid te kry —in'nland watsukkel om vir sy kinders vrugtevolle geleenthede te skep.

-BRENDENRUITER

67 MINUTESOFGIVING: Thousands of volunteersrolleduptheir sleevesatCape Town StadiumonFriday 17 Julyashunger relief organisation,Ladles of Love, launched its annual Hands-On Heroes campaign in honour of Mandela Day.Theevent sawparticipants spend67minutes assembling nutrition boxes,making educational toys,colouring booksand seed boxesthat willbenefit children at earlychildhood development (ECD)centresand communityfarmersacrossSouthAfrica. Thecampaignaims to mobiliseSouth Africans to support the nutritionand education of 20000 young children attending preschoolsinunder-resourcedcommunities. Forthose whowereunabletoattend,Ladles of Love is also offering“Create Your Own”volunteer kits,which canbeordered fordeliveryanywhere in SouthAfricauntil Friday31 July,allowing peopletoparticipatefromhome or the workplace.Visit https://ladlesoflove.org.za/mandela-day formoreinformation.

Litterisanurgentproblem in Morningstar

Iamwriting this letter as afinalpleatobringurgent attention to an ongoingand deeplydistressingissue affectingresidents in theMorningstararea, particularly along LordsWalk. Iwishtoexpress my profounddisappointmentin the Durbanville municipal administration. Despite numerous formal complaints lodged over an extended period,there has been little to no effectiveaction taken to address thepersistentdumpingofrubbish in this area.Whatisnot designated as adumping sitehas, regrettably, become onedue to continuousneglect and lack of enforcement

Thereisavacantplotinthe vicinity which has further exacerbatedthe situation

Theproperty ownerhas failed to maintain the land, allowing it to become overgrownand unsightly. Althoughthe municipality hasreportedlyissued formal notices andrepeatedlypromised to ensure the plot is cleanedand maintained, thesecommitments have notbeenfulfilled. Theresultisanenvironmentthat encourages illegaldumpingand generalneglect Additionally, thereare individualswho regularly burn copper and other materialsdirectlyalong the pathwayusedbyresidents. This behaviour is notonly hazardousbut also deeplydisrespectful to those living

nearby.Onmultipleoccasions, residents have had washing hanging outdoors, only forittoabsorbthe strong,unpleasant smell of smokefromthesefires— renderingthe simpleact of doing laundryfutile.

We have contacted the localpolicestation numerous times regardingthese incidents. Unfortunately, responses have been consistentlydelayed, often arriving long after the activityhas ceased. This lack of timely intervention further contributes to the persistenceof the problem.

Thesituation hasdeteriorated to an alarming level. Thesame pathwayisnow being used as an open bathroom, creating an environment that is both unhygienic anddegrading. This is notonlyapublic health concern butalsoagross violation of basic standards of decency andrespect forthe community.

In an effort to resolvethese issues, Ihavepersonally raised concernswith RonelleVoster, who worksalongsidewardcouncillorTheresa Uys. Iwas advised to contact lawenforcement forassistance.Regrettably, despitefollowing thisguidance,wehaveyet to receive anyresponse or meaningful support

Residents in this area areattheir wits’end. We feel ignored, neglected, andlefttoendureconditions that arewhollyunacceptable.

This letter represents ourlasteffort to bring public attentiontoamatterthaturgentlyrequires intervention. We implorethe relevant authorities to take immediateand decisiveactiontorestorecleanliness, safety,and dignitytoour community.

ANTI-DUMPING,Durbanville

TheresaUys,ward112 councillor,responds: Ican ensure the complainant that his service requests areattended to Illegaldumping has cost the CityofCape Town in the past financial year R153million. It is amatterofgreat concern. TheCity's lawenforcementdepartmenthas done clean-upsinDurbanville at leastonceaweek manyweeksmorethan once. They arefocusing on hot spots,whichwillalsoinclude Lord's Walk from nowon. My communityliaison officerand Idoweekly visitsto the hotspots.I oftenappeal to the residentstoadhere to responsiblewaste disposal. Iwant to also appeal to the residentsofDurbanville to report anydetails of vehiclesorindividualsguilty of illegaldumping as this canassist the law enforcementand urbanwaste departmentstoattend to the complaint.Feedback regarding the interventions areoften posted on the Ward 112Channel on Facebook.

Wake up call:winter is midwayand stillthereisverylittlerain

As residents of Cape Town, we have everyreasonto be concernedaboutthe amount of rainfall we have received so farthiswinter. Aboutamonth and ahalf of the winter season hasalready passed, yetmany areashaveexperienced very little rain.This should be a wake-up call forall of us

Allresidents, regardless of backgroundordenomination, arethereforeurged to setaside time to pray that Godwillbless our citywith abundantrainfall during the remainder of thewinterseason. Rain is a gift thatsustains life,replenishes our dams, supports

agriculture, andsecures our future.

Letuspraythatbythe endofwinter ourdamswill be 100% full, providingsufficient waterfor ourhomes, businesses, farmers, andnatural environment. We have witnessed before howquicklywater shortages candevelop,and we should notbecome complacent

If the rest of winter bringslittlerain,Cape Town couldfaceanother droughtin2027, accompanied by severe waterrestrictionsand increasing pressure on food security. Such conditions wouldaffect every householdand placeadditional strain on oureconomy

andvulnerablecommunities. Whileresponsiblewater useand carefulplanning remainessential, prayer is also apowerfulresponsein times of uncertainty.

Religious andsocial organisations, families, schools, andcommunitygroupsare encouragedtounitein asking God forHis mercyand blessing uponour city. Mayweall join in andtrust in God's provision forthe blessing of abundant rain, before the start of the warmerseasons.

R. BARTES,Cape

Town

Data centres sparkdebateoverCape Town’s future

Iwas shocked to hear that datacentres areplanned forCape Town. What is wrongwith our societies that we do notwakeuptowhatisdonetousasahuman race?

TheUSA citizensrecentlywokeuptowhat the data centres aredoing to their cities/towns. Thesecentres our now, like adisease,all over the USA. Towns in the countryare overwhelmedbythe sheer sizeofthese monsters (14rugby fields big, or even bigger). Each of them useastaggeringamount of water

andelectricity. Theresidents of theseplacesthought that allowing these monstrosities, willbringprosperitytotheir cities/towns, butwas devastated when theyheard that therewillbenowork forthem (these thingsrun on minimum staff), the environment gets destroyed, theypay morefor waterand electricityand thereisa deafeningnoise24/7. Iheard it when Iwas listeningtoashort documentary on the topic.And, on topofall this, we have to makesurewhatthe real function of thesecentres are.

So,citizens of Cape Town (and South Africa), it is timethatweget off of ourcomfortablecouches and exercisethe ourbrains. Thereare peoplewho need housing andweare wasting ourtax money on something that willnot only be destroying ourenvironment, but also cost us ourhard-earned money. And rememberCape Town hasa watersupplyproblem. Maybe that is the reason whyCityofficials announced planning desalination of seawater forthe city. MARIETJIE KLYNSMITH, Edgemead

Gogo,80,reflectsonfreedom

DESIREÉRORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Mary Heqeane carries within her the story of two countries;one before Nelson Mandela's releasein 1990, and one after.

At 81, the Khayelitsha resident betrays no trace of bitterness, nor any suggestion of her years. Her fingers move deftly across the beadwork, aquiet smile resting on her face. Mary is one of 67 grandmothers who gathered for an endearing Mandela Day celebration at theIkamva Labantu LegacyCentre in Woodstock on Friday.

The annual 67 Gogos event brings together eldersfrom township communities around Cape Town with members ofthe public in interactive beading circles. While hands are busy beading bracelets, aspace is held for an intergenerational dialogue about apartheid, Nelson Mandela's release, democracy and the hopes forour new South Africa.

Mary's story starts in Somerset West, where she was born. Her father later bought ahouse in Crawford, and she was schooled in Mowbray. At 18,she started working as adomestic worker fornone other than apartheid architect DF Malan.

“It is so funny, he didn't like black people but all his staff were black. He never really spoke to us, mostly stayed in the lounge and dining room. He was not nasty to me,but to some others,”

ANNUAL MANDELA DAYEVENT FORELDERSCREATES SPACEFOR INTERGENERATIONALDIALOGUE

says Mary. “The paywas not wonderful but Icould afford everything Ineeded at thetime.” Sheworked there for aboutsix years before moving on to afamily in Pinelands. It wasduring thistimethatshe was arrested by apartheid policefor not having aworkingpermit. “I wastakento Roeland Street jail and locked up overnight. It was horrible, Iwas cold and there wasnohot water towashmyface thenext day. My employer came tobailmeout the followingday,” shesays, adding thatthistype of thing wasthe order of the day. Later,she started working fora couple and stayed with them for 44years.

“I waspartofthe family,” she says ofthe gay couple with whomshe moved aroundCape Town's suburbs, fromCamps Bay to Rondebosch. “There life wasgood.Ididn'thave much to complain about. Inever felt asoppressed as so many others andwas carried on the hands by myemployers.It was beautiful working forthem.They were the bestpeople inthe world.

Both in their eighties, they passedawaya couple of years ago. Of that dayMarysays,“I couldn'tstop crying, Ijust could not.”

The soleoppressionshe felt in thoseyears wasnot being able to movearound freely without

apassbook,arestriction, sheacknowledges, that paled in comparison to the heavy oppressionendured by so many others

FREEDOMANDCHOICE

Sheremembers Mandela's releaseas“heartbreaking, but so wonderful”

“He was at the Town Hall and we all rushed to getthere.We criedlike babiesonthe train.To seesomeone,who was part of a family and in jail for 27 years, sacrificehis life for ourfreedom was so wonderful.”

Her firstvotewas no quieter. “Oh, it was chaos in Khayelitsha. Youhave neverseensuch long lines in your life.Ittook me half aday to get to the frontto castmyvote.” After thefirst elections, freedom hadataste —togoanywhere,towork wherever they wanted andto walk into any shop.

Butthe memoriesturn bittersweet as Mary looksback on some two decadesoflife in Cape Town and the dreams that never came.

“We arenow captivesagain, captive in theconditionswelive in,” shesays It is very sad, she reflects, to thinkthat someonewas in jail for 27 years for afreedom that didn't last for half that time: “We were dreamingdreams that were not to be.The way we live now is almostworsethanduring Apartheid. Theyput no money into buildinganythingtobetter our lives,” she says. “They did nothing for us, it all wentinto theirpockets. Therewereso many struggle heroesinjail and in exile,but when they came out they didn't thinkofus. To them it wasall aboutmoney. It saddens me.”

Of thehardships thatsurely marked herlife, shedoesnot speak.When asked, she offers only this: “I do hopethatthings can be peaceful in South Africa. Ibelieve in God, andwhenever I askHim for something He gives it to me.Whenever Ineeded anything, there wasalways someonethere to give.”

It is this quietfaiththathas carried Mary through alifetime. Now dependent only on her old age grantand themodest income from herbeadwork, she remainshopeful, notinthe grand

promises that once echoed across thenation, but in the small, steady kindnesses that still find theirway to her door.

“Mychildren are educated and look after me,” she says, and there is pride in her voice. “Mygranddaughter works at Nedbank, and my daughter is a caregiver. They brought me food and groceries the other day.”

Mary knows she is among thefortunate. Many of the grandmothers who sit beside her at theelderly clubs are not.

“You can see they suffer,”she says. “When the food is served, you can see it is the first decent plate they have had all day. They tell her how theirown children and grandchildren threaten them and take theirmoney. Theelderly centre is theironly safe haven.”

CARRYINGOURCOUNTRY

Meaning “The Future of the People,”Ikamva Labantu is a non-profit organisation that has been working inside Cape Town's townships for over 60 years.The organisation's elderly programmes form the core of its work. Through vibrant senior clubs, it provides spaces for companionship, health monitoring and psychosocial support. Elders are empowered to maintain theirindependence throughtraditional beadwork and by crafting cause-marketing bracelets in collaboration with theRelate Trust.For frail and isolatedelders, adoor-to-door homecare programme brings support directly to their homes, with community-based workers conducting daily outreach.

According to the organisation, approximately 38% of South African children are being raised by grandparents. Across townshipcommunities, older personsare stretching their R2 400 Sassa grant to provide food, stability to grandchildren.

“Our elders helped carry South Africa through one of the mostsignificant periods in our history,” says Ishrene Davids, director of Ikamva Labantu.

“Many arestill carrying our country today. They are raising grandchildren, holding families together and strengthening their communities, often while facing poverty, ill healthand isolation themselves.”

The tragedy of theirlives, says

Spokazi Skepe, acoordinator of the elderly programme, is the abuse suffered by so many grandmothers.

“They are abused physically and financially by the very children and grandchildren they raised. They are neglected, and in some cases sexually abused. It is asuffering they darenot speak of, shrouded in silence and taboo,” she says.

Today, Ikamva Labantu's work focuses on two flagship programmes: strengthening early childhood development and supporting the health, dignity and independence of older persons.

At the event, Lulama Sigasana, elderly persons' programme manager at Ikamva Labantu, said the gathering was about honouring aman whose life was amasterclass in resilience, courage and love for his country and all its people.

“When one reflectsonthe lives of great men in history, you note that they wereordinary people who chose to stay and in staying achieved extraordinary things,” she said.

Sigasana said it was easy to turnaway from poverty, inequalityand the country's painful past, but that Mandela's message remained central to theirwork: “A societythat does not value itsolder people denies itsroots and endangers itsfuture. Let us strive to enhance their capacity to support themselves for as long as possible and when they cannot do so anymore, to care for them.”

CThotelapartmentsselloutinhours

Altogether 60 apartments

at The Rockefeller hotel development in Cape Town's Foreshoreprecinct sold for R152million in asingle day, with59unitssnapped up within six hours of Monday's launch.

The rapid sell-out marksthe final release from the developer of the mixed-use hotel and residential project, which has been operationalsince 2021.

Fifty of the units werereserved within 15 minutes of sales opening through an online platform, according to Rainmaker Marketing, the agency handling the launch.

The sale comes amid growing investor interest in established hospitality assets with existing occupancy rates and rental yields, rather than off-plan developments that rely on projected returns.

R152m

Sixty apartments sold in asingleday

Dani Machet, director of Yieldex, the company behind The Rockefeller, said investors are seekingcertainty in an uncertain market.

“Rather than buying into projections, theyare choosing assets withanexistingoperating history, established occupancy, demonstratedyields and professionalmanagement already in place,” Machetsaid.

Theunits sold are part of an operationalhotelmanagedby Newmark, allowing buyers to participate in rental income while retainingpersonal use rights. Prices werenot disclosed.

StefanBotha, director of

Rainmaker Marketing, attributed thestrong demandpartly to ongoing development in the Foreshore area, whichhas seen increasedpublic andprivate investmentinrecent years.

“TheRockefellerisalready benefiting from that momentum, whichgave investors confidence that theywerebuying into both a provenasset and aprecinctwith avery strong future,”Botha said.

DIGITALSALESPLATFORM

The launch followedasix-week marketing campaign thatused digitalchannels andanonline marketplace calledMarktto facilitate sales.

Bothasaid the platform allowed investors to researchunits and makepurchasedecisions online, while givingthe salesteamrealtime data on buyerinterest.

“Bythe timelaunch arrived, buyers had already researched theproduct, shortlisted their preferredunits andwereready to transact,” he said.

The Rockefeller, developed by theteam behind TheOne Stellenbosch and Vanderbilt developments, includes a rooftop pool, spa, fitness centre,restaurantsand 24-hour concierge. The developerdid not provide current occupancy rates or rental yield figures.

One penthouseunitremains available.The developer is maintainingawaiting list for potential future stock.

Downsizing in retirement: Howtoprotect your hard-earned capital

Formanyretirees,moving to asmaller home is oneoflife's biggest decisions.

While downsizing canreducemaintenance, improve securityand providea moremanageablelifestyle, it also comes with significant financial implications. Careful planning canhelp pensioners preserve as muchoftheir capital as possible, says Laurencevan Blerck, amaster practitioner at Ginena's Real Estate Retirement developmentsare becoming increasingly popular in Cape Town's northern suburbsand elsewhere.However,choosing the right retirement property involves much morethan simplyfinding asmallerhome.Monthly levies,pet policies, conduct rules, parking arrangements, accessibilityand proximityto familyand medicalfacilities alldeserve careful consideration.For manyretirees, this maybetheir final property purchase before afuturemove to assisted living or frail care

UNDERSTANDINGTHEHIDDENCOSTS

What is often overlooked is thesubstantial cost of sellingone property and purchasing another. Estate agencycommission, compliance certificaterepairs, potential capitalgains tax (CGT)and transfer costscan significantlyreducethe funds available fora newhome

Consider atypical example. Aretired couple purchased theirfamilyhome in 1995for R500 000and recentlysold it forR3,2 million. Before receivingthe proceeds of the sale,theyincurred severalcosts.The estate agencycommissionamountedtoR64 000,based on acommission of 2%. Manysellers paycommission ratesof5%ormore, makingitessential to discuss fees before appointinganagent.Inaddition, the sellers were quoted R28 000 forrepairs needed to obtain the electrical, water andbeetlecertificatesrequiredbythe sale agreement.

CAPITALGAINSTAXRELIEF

One area of relief forhomeowners is therecent increase in theprimary residenceexclusion forcapitalgains tax. The2026Sarsbudget increasedthis exclusionfromR2million to R3 million. Formanyretirees who have owned theirhomes fordecades, this change couldeliminate or significantlyreduce CGTliabilitywhen sellingtheir primary residence.

This particularly benefits pensionerswho depend solely on thenet sale proceeds to purchasetheir retirement home. Ensurethataclauseisinsertedin theagreementofsalestating that the transfersofyour current and newhome aresimultaneous.

PRACTICALSTEPSTOMINIMISECOSTS

So,whatpractical stepscan retirees take to minimisecosts?

Firstly, commission ratesare negotia-

ble. Thereisnoprescribed commission percentageset by law or theproperty industry'sregulatorybody.Sellers are entitled to compareagencies, negotiate fees and assess thevalue offered before making adecision.While commission shouldnot be theonlyconsideration when selectinganestateagent,evena modest reductioncan resultinmeaningful savings.

Secondly, compliancecertificate costscan be significant,especiallyinthe case of older properties. Sellers should obtainquotations from reputableservice providersand askwhether discountsare available, particularly forpensioners. In this case,therewas asaving of R2 000.

MANAGINGCASHFLOW

Cash flowcan also be achallenge during theselling process, says Van Blerck.Fortunately, it is often possible forconveyancingattorneys to arrange

specialists understand buyer demand andmarket trends,helping position your property correctlyfromday one to achieve thestrongest possible

forapproved compliancecertificatecosts to be paid from theproceeds of thesale upon registration of transfer.This can assist sellers who maynot have immediateaccess to cash whilewaiting forthe propertytransfertobecompleted. Thesellers have to payrates in advance to thecityofCape Town, in this case R5 000, to ensurethat thereare no unpaidrates at thedateoftransfer. After dateoftransfer, sellers must check to ensurethat anyoverpayment of ratesis refunded.

TOTALSAVINGSTHROUGHCAREFUL PLANNING

By carefully negotiating commission, seekingdiscountsoncompliance-related work anddiscussing conveyancing fees upfront,the sellers were abletoreduce their overalltransaction costsbyapproximately R78000,saysVan Blerck. Forretirees, everyrandmatters.

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