Die Diemersdal-wynlandgoed in Durbanville,een van Suid-Afrika se mees historiese en bekroonde wynplase,is aangewys as Wynmakery van die Jaar in die Platter-gids vir SuidAfrikaanse Wyne 2026 Dit het gevolg nadat die landgoed ’n ongekende ses vyfster-toekennings vir beide rooi- en witwyne ontvang het Hier met die Wynprodusent van die Jaartoekenning is (van links) Thys Louw en sy pa,Tienie Louw,van Diemersdal,Juandré Bruwer,wynmaker,en Philip van Zyl,redakteur van die Platter-gids.
Die Diemersdal-wynlandgoed in Durbanville, een van Suid-Afrika se mees historiese en bekroonde wynplase, is as Wynmakery van die Jaar in die Platter-gids vir Suid-Afrikaanse Wyne 2026 aangewys
Dit was nadat die landgoed ’n ongekende ses vyfstertoekennings vir beide rooi- en witwyne ontvang het Vir ’n landgoed wat in 1698
gestig is en waarop die Louwfamilie sedert 1885 boer, is hierdie eer ’n mylpaal wat gevorm is deur eeue van kontinuïteit, droëlandboerdery en Durbanville se kenmerkende koelklimaat-terroir
“Ons het die voorreg gehad om oor die afgelope paar dekades talle pryse, eerbewyse en topgraderings vir ons wyne
te ontvang,” sê Thys Louw, die sesde-generasie eienaar en wynmaker, “maar ’n PlatterWynprodusent van die Jaar moet as een van die heel hoogste erkennings vir die gehalte van ons wyne en die Diemersdal-span se onwrikbare toewyding aan uitnemendheid beskou word ” Die Platter-toekennings volg ná die beoordeling van meer
as 8000 wyne, wat deur meer as 900 produsente ingeskryf is en waarvan 316 wyne vyfstergraderings (95 punte en hoër) ontvang het Vanjaar se Platter-erkenning vier Diemersdal se bestendigheid en uitnemendheid oor style en variëteite heen
NABLADSY4
BEWARE BLACK FRIDAY CREDIT TRAPS AND SCAMS PAGE 2 ‘EMMA’ A THERAPEUTIC ‘TOOLBOX’ TO HELP ADOPTED CHILDREN PAGE 3 EYESPACE LABORATORY, A FIRST OF ITS KIND IN SA PAGE 8
The traumatic life a woman from Durbanville had shaped by adoption, adversity and resilience
led her to write a children's book based on her own life story and develop a therapeutic “toolbox” to help adopted children or traumatised children.
Local author and mental health life coach Sanette Carrick (53) launched her children’s book series and therapeutic toolboxes for adopted children at an event in Durbanville earlier this month
Sanette has been adopted twice first she was taken away from her biological mother as a newborn baby in hospital and later as an eight-year-old, after she was sexually, physically and emotionally abused for years by her first adoptive parents in Oudtshoorn, where they lived
She has spent more time locked in a dark room outside than she spent in the house, she remembers “I felt so rejected and bullied, I did not want to allow anyone in my space ”
The turning point in her life came when she did a therapeutic course named The Human Touch in her twenties “I went back to Oudtshoorn to my first adoptive parents to forgive them and to find peace ”
Her debut book, Emma the name given to her by her first adoptive parents draws from her own early experiences as an adopted child and survivor of childhood trauma It left a broken soul to handle identity and adjust to new conflicting environments on her own causing her to be misunderstood, bullied, rejected and lonely
The launch marks not only the realisation of a lifelong dream, but the beginning of a global mission to support children to navigate the emotional
hallenges that start with adoption, Carrick says
“Actually any parent and child will benefit from both books Emma is about my first adoption, before my name change and new identity during my second adoption ”
With Emma she decided to word all the emotions she had as a child, alongside being adopted the bullying, fear and rejection, but just much lighter and readable From the book Emma emerged the first in a nine-part series of therapeutic toolboxes under the KindRoots brand, which includes among others games and a journal
The Adoption Journey Toolbox includes the book SAM & Me, which follows Max, a young boy discovering he was adopted With SAM by his side, Max explores questions, fears, and feelings ultimately learning that he was chosen, wanted and deeply loved
The toolbox includes both books, SAM and his adoption certificate, affirmations, a Brave Journal, and other sensoryfriendly tools to help children process their emotions and build resilience
“This launch is more than a book; it’s a healing space for children who feel different, misunderstood or alone SAM is here to remind them they are never truly alone
“The story gently guides children and parents into conversations about adoption, emotions, and belonging It introduces
the soft toy monkey SAM, a comfort companion who becomes a symbol of safety and emotional connection almost like an imaginary friend who guides the boy with his feelings and to control his emotions until he accepts that his family really wants him and that he is loved ”
The next toolbox will be about bullying and will be released next year
But for Carrick, writing the book Emma and SAM & Me, was also a healing journey
“Emma has to do with my first adoption I am still considering if I want to base a follow-up book on my second adoption It is on my to-do list I chose to be a victor, not a victim,” says Carrick
After two abusive marriages, she finally got divorced in 2007 Her daughters are now respectively 23 and 30 years old Carrick, who now works as a motivational speaker and mental health life coach, focuses on mental health in a corporate environment, as well as individual personal life, and on her book series
“God has a purpose for me with this all and I hope to learn from this It made me very positive and also forgiving,” she says
Each SAM toy is locally handmade and available exclusively through the KindRoots toolboxes, ensuring every child receives a unique, comforting companion
Future toolboxes will address themes such as bullying, trauma, abuse, anxiety, grief, disability, anger and more; each designed to foster emotional literacy and connection
KindRoots and SAMspace are both registered trademarks, with SAMspaceset to expand into a mobile app offering
therapeutic games and emotional tracking for children aged 3 to 13 years Carrick is currently negotiating with adoption agencies to add her toolbox to their adoption packages, and hope to be able to distribute not only nationally, but also globally . Visit www.kindroots.me for more information and to order or contact Carrick on 061 441 2520
VANBLADSY1
Die landgoed se ses vyfster-wyne is:
. Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2024
. Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage 2023
. Diemersdal Private Collection 2023
. Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2024
. Diemersdal The Globe Sauvignon Blanc 2024
. Diemersdal Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2025
SELDSAMEPRESTASIE
Hierdie prestasie is ’n seldsaamheid in die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf en weerspieël tegniese uitnemendheid, ’n diep, instinktiewe verbintenis met die grond en generasies van wynboerdery “Diemersdal se sukses kan nie losgemaak word van sy ligging nie,” sê Louw “Voordat ons Diemersdal is, is ons Durbanville – ’n streek wat nog altyd bepaal het wie ons as wynplaas is ” Die Durbanville-streek is ’n maritieme wynstreek buite Kaapstad, bekend vir lang rypwordseisoene, briese van die Atlantiese Oseaan se kant af en grond afkomstig van oeroue graniet en skalie Hierdie kombinasie lewer wyne met natuurlike varsheid, suiwerheid en kompleksiteit – kenmerke wat Diemersdal se styl duidelik definieer Een van die landgoed se kernonderskeidings is sy verbintenis tot droëlandwingerde In ’n tyd waarin die meeste Kaapse wingerde sterk op besproeiing steun, weier Diemersdal om te besproei en laat die wingerde gedurende hul seisoenale groeisiklus uitsluitlik op reënval staatmaak Hierdie benadering lei tot bessies van intensiteit en karakter – vrugte wat die landskap met kompromislose helderheid uitdruk “Die wingerd moet sy plek op aarde aanvoel,” sê Louw “Droëlandboerdery beperk jou opsies, sekerlik, maar dit slyp jou begrip van balans Die wingerd wys vir jou presies wat die seisoen gee, en ons probeer inmenging tot die minimum
beperk, sodat die terroir optimaal na vore kan kom ”
Hierdie filosofie weerspieël in die landgoed se pryswenner-wynreeks, veral sy kenmerkende sauvignon blancs – van die presisiegedrewe The Globe Sauvignon Blanc, verouder in glashouers, tot die ryk, tekstuurryke The Journal en die vernuwende Winter Ferment, een van die oorspronklikste moderne uitdrukkings van hierdie variëteit in die Kaap
DIEPMENSLIKETERROIR
“Terroir word dikwels net in terme van grond en klimaat beskryf, maar Diemersdal se prestasie weerspieël ook ’n diep menslike terroir,” sê Louw “Sedert 1885 het ses geslagte van die Louwfamilie hierdie grond bewerk – elkeen het kennis, instink en vakmanskap oorgedra
Daardie kontinuïteit is skaars in die Suid-Afrikaanse wynwêreld en vorm ’n ononderbroke ketting van insig wat die landgoed se ontwikkeling onderlê ”
Die landgoed se rooiwyne verpersoonlik die verfyning wat uit meer as vyf dekades se vertroudheid met dié variëteit spruit By Diemersdal is Pinotage nooit as ’n nuuskierigheid behandel nie; dit word met respek, erns en ’n soeke na finesse benader Die resultaat is wyne met diepte sonder swaarheid, struktuur sonder strengheid en ’n duidelike koelklimaatprofiel
“Ek het by my pa en oupa geleer dat jy nooit as wynboer ‘arriveer’ nie,” sê Louw “Elke seisoen leer jou iets en elke generasie moet sy klein stukkie begrip bydra Wat jy erf, is slegs die beginpunt ” Wat Diemersdal se Platter-prestasie
vir 2026 onderskei, is die omvang van sy uitnemendheid – ’n gelyktydige meesterskap van gestruktureerde rooiwyne, klassieke sauvignon blancs en grensverskuiwende witwynmaak Die Private Collection Reserve 2023, ’n Bordeaux-geïnspireerde mengsel, toon die landgoed se vermoë om wyne van proporsie en elegansie te maak, gedryf deur vrugtesuiwerheid en gedissiplineerde tannienhantering Om as Wynmakery van die Jaar aangewys te word, is meer as net ’n toekenning “Die eer erken die landgoed se eeue oue verbintenis tot sy grond, en die kontinuïteit van ’n familie wie se identiteit verweef is met die plaas se grond, seisoene en kelder,” sê Louw
Two men were arrested last Friday night in Fisantekraal for the possession of drugs.
Police officers of Durbanville police and the Tygerberg District Crime Combating Unit searched a premises in Kameeldoring Street at 20:00 after they received information about drugs being kept at the premises
Upon searching the premises, they found 697 Mandrax tablets and eight small packets containing crystal meth (tik) The police arrested two suspects aged 25 and 32 for the possession of drugs
They were expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Monday
A
“We are serious about the sale of narcotics and drugs that are infesting our community and are taking a firm stand against it We cannot allow our children to be drug addicts and later turn to gangsterism to support their habits,” said Col Gonum Munsamy, station commander of
.
DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA
The glamour of feline perfection
took centre stage at the Cape Town Christmas Cat Show over the weekend
It was all fluff and circumstance because nothing says "championship material" like the confidence that comes from knowing you're basically a tiny god wrapped in fur, whether you win a ribbon or just rule your living room sofa
Hundreds of Capetonian kitty lovers flocked to what is hailed as the largest cat show in the country, hosted by the African Independent Cat Association (AICA) at Bergsig Dutch Reformed Church in Durbanville
From majestic Maine Coons with their flowing manes to sleek Siamese with piercing blue eyes, the church hall buzzed with anticipation as judges carefully examined each of the 125 competitors' coat, posture, and that indefinable quality that separates a house cat from a champion
Proud owners hovered nearby with grooming tools and treats as the felines competed for trophies they'll inevitably knock off tables later
Show manager Dr Johan Lamprecht was purring with pride, declaring the event a massive success, especially after their international judge Kazumi Ichikawa-Frost from Japan where cats basically run the country was absolutely blown away by the feline talent on display
The three overall winners were Minnie Mouse of Java for SACATS; Paddington of Asgard for Oriental, Siamese and related breeds group; and Great Fate Alex of Aristocub for AICA
But the real winners were the 400 cat lovers give or take who basked in the
glory of the little fur balls doing what they best do, stealing hearts
After all, each of these cats are already convinced that they’re a star And honestly who are we to argue?
Fines to the value of R38 400 were issued in a joint roadblock by Durbanville police and the City of Cape Town's metro police on Klipheuwel Road outside Durbanville
The operation on Wednesdsy 12 November was led by Col Gonum Munsamy, station commander of Durbanville police, and Capt Berenice
Cloete, head of visible policing Munsamy urged residents of Durbanville to be responsible on the road this festive season
“Going forward we will see more operations of this nature to ensure a safer festive season for our residents in Durbanville,” she says
Durbanville Lions Club hosted a community diabetes screening day at the De Ville Centre in Durbanville on Friday 14 November in support of World Diabetes Month, which is being celebrated both internationally and in South Africa.
The club invited Peter Daniel from Gordon’s Bay, the Lions District chair for diabetes and a retired pharmacist, to assist with this important project
“Some participants were understandably nervous about the finger prick, as many of us have a natural fear of needles However, the procedure was quick and the blood glucose test was completed in moments," said Daniel
“We screened about 60 people, and five of them presented with abnormally high glucose levels These community members were referred to their doctors or local clinics for further testing and appropriate medical care,” he said
“The significance of community screening cannot be overstated Diabetes, much like hypertension and several other chronic conditions, is often referred to as a silent killer Many people experience no warning signs until serious complications arise Early detection is therefore essential,” he said
“Current global and national statistics highlight the urgency It is estimated that nearly half of all people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed and unaware of their potentially lifeth t i diti I 2023 th
complications, while over 1,6 million people lost their lives due to diabetesrelated complications These numbers are a stark reminder of the importance of regular health checks,” Daniel said Danielle Cronje, president of the Durbanville Lions Club, expressed her appreciation to everyone involved
“Thank you to our member Judy Young for coordinating the event, to Peter for conducting the testing, and to the De Ville Centre for graciously hosting us Working together to raise awareness of diabetes is an important part of the vision of Lions International, and we encourage everyone to know their glucose number ”
DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA
The Daniel and Friends Fund brought magic, music, and real impact together at their annual gala, a night that celebrated purpose and resilience
The event, recently hosted at the picturesque Eensgezind venue outside Durbanville, united a devoted network of supporters alongside the families whose lives the organisation has touched Operating nationwide, this remarkable non-profit has built its reputation on bridging critical gaps in emotional support for families navigating the complex journey of raising children with special needs, a path that can often feel isolating and overwhelming for parents
Though raising funds was essential, the event evolved beyond its monetary aims to become a powerful tribute to courage and strength
The evening's entertainment began with magician Peter G, whose comedic magic show set a lighthearted tone
The highlight arrived when beloved South African entertainer Emo Adams commanded the stage, delivering a performance that had the entire audience tapping their feet Guiding the evening's proceedings was celebrity doctor
Darren Green, who served as master of ceremonies
For families with special needs children, events like Friday's gala is a reminder that their struggles are seen Founding member and director Lianie le Roux addressed the audience saying that no parents ever expect that their child would be born with a rare disease or other special need while pregnant
"You think this would never happen to you, and are not at all prepared if it does," she said Le Roux stressed that every cent of the money raised go toward the children, be it special equipment or family outings Annual activities hosted by Daniel and Friends Fund throughout the year include a visit to Bugz playpark, a nappy walk and Christmas party with the highlight being the Different is Cool fashion show where the children get the opportunity to take to the catwalk
Co-founder and director Kate Laurie added that the most important thing to remember about Daniel and Friends is that the founding of the organisation was a very personal journey for her and Le Roux, as they both lost their children Daniel and Marielé to rare illnesses in one week, having met each other in the hospital ward
The fund was started in January 2014 in remembrance of Daniel and Marielé
"Something good had to come from all the sadness," Laurie reflected
"As we got talking we pondered on what we missed as parents to special needs children It was a supportive close knit community of parents going through the same thing Someone you can phone late at night when you are emotionally distraught "
A meaningful encounter during a medical emergency marked the beginning of Michelle Phillips' journey to becoming co-director of the organisation, when she first met Le Roux while Daniel was her patient during an ICU ambulance transport to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
"To work with every single person in this organisation
fills my cup every single day," Phillips reflected In a deeply moving address, parents Tamara Yates-Butler and Molly Dube-Kachukiwa shared their transformative journey with the fund, speaking from the unique perspective of mothers navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs Yates-Butler, mother to one child with cerebral palsy and another with autism, alongside Dube-Kachukiwa, who has a child with Down syndrome and another with autism, offered heartfelt testimony about the organisation s impact on their families "I don't know where I would have been without them and what we would have done," Yates-Butler reflected Dube-Kachukiwa echoed this sentiment, adding: "This organisation has given us a voice, a space for our children to shine "
Astate-of-the-art laboratory has been officially opened in Durbanville, which marks the beginning of a new era in vision correction.
The EyeSpace flagship laboratory a first of its kind in Southern Africa supports the production of custom-made medical devices designed to address serious visual impairment where standard spectacles or soft contact lenses may not be suitable
Conditions such as keratoconus, irregular corneas following surgery, severe dry eye and high refractive errors can significantly affect daily function, says Charl Laäs, manufacturing director at EyeSpace
"For many patients, conventional vision correction options provide limited benefit, leaving them with reduced visual acuity and quality of life," he says
The opening of the laboratory on 22 October was attended by Theresa Uys, Ward 112 councillor and Mayco member, as well as Sandy Govender, vice president of the South African Optometric Association, members of Lions Club International, and leading eye care professionals with special interest in complex contact lens fitting The laboratory operates under a certified quality management system and utilises state-ofthe-art equipment, including the Schneider CNC Lathe, Contamac biocompatible materials and the Lambda-X Nimo Evo metrology system, to produce lenses with consistent precision, material integrity and optical performance Each device undergoes controlled design verification, and release processes to support clinical safety and efficacy, Laäs says
The facility enables the manufacture of three specialised lens types, each intended for specific clinical indications This includes EyeSpace Scleral, a large lens that rests gently on the white of the eye and holds a thin layer of fluid over the cornea
"It is suitable for people with severely distorted corneas, such as those with advanced keratoconus or after corneal transplants They provide clear, stable
sight and protect the eye surface, often when surgery is the only other option," Laas says
EyeSpace Bespoke Corneal is made-tomeasure rigid lenses shaped to match each person’s unique corneal map "They correct blurred or distorted vision caused by irregular eye shapes giving sharp, comfortable sight where standard lenses fail "
Forge Ortho-K is special overnight lenses that gently reshape the front of the eye
while you sleep "Children and young adults with progressing short-sightedness wake up able to see clearly all day without glasses or contacts, and the treatment helps slow further worsening of their vision," Laäs says "At the heart of this facility is the Schneider CNC Lathe, the gold standard in ophthalmic manufacturing This is where precision meets artistry, enabling us to craft contact lenses with unmatched accuracy every single time But precision means nothing without performance That’s why we use Contamac polymers the most advanced biocompatible materials in the world They don’t just let oxygen flow freely to the eye; they set the global benchmark for safety, comfort, and durability," he says
PATIENTSWITHLIMITEDALTERNATIVES
With distribution through more than 2 000 partnered clinics, including major hospitals and academic institutions worldwide, the laboratory strengthens access to specialised vision correction for patients with limited alternatives
Lachlan Hoy, managing director of EyeSpace, said: "For more than 12 years, we have had the privilege of partnering with the optometrists of South Africa to deliver specialty contact lenses corneal, scleral, and ortho-K that help patients see and live better I’m thrilled to announce the next step in that journey: the opening of our new manufacturing laboratory in Durbanville
This investment represents more than just growth it’s a statement of our belief in the future of South African optometry By building local capability and innovation, we’re ensuring that practitioners have access to world-class products, made in South Africa, for South Africans "
Jermaine Carelse, City Fire & Rescue spokesman,will cycle from East London to Cape Town in March for Eyabantwana Children’s Trust
The public voice of the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue services will once again join the Grandad's Army Memorial Ride from East London to Cape Town from 1 to 5 March 2026, pedalling in support of children’s health care in the Eastern Cape It will be the sixth time Jermaine Carelse will do this ride. The challenging five-day cycle aims to raise funds for Eyabantwana For the Children Trust, an organisation that supports the Eastern Cape Paediatric Surgical Service, providing vital medical care to children in the region
SUPPORTINGYOUNGLIVES
The Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride combines endurance cycling with meaningful community support, as riders
The City of Cape Town is inviting all residents or businesses that handle trees and plant material to the upcoming information sessions on the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB)
Sessions will be held in Claremont, Pinelands, Durbanville, Kraaifontein and Somerset West These sessions are aimed at educating the public on how to identify infested trees and manage and transport beetle infested biomass to prevent the spread of the pest as far as possible
The PSHB beetle poses a serious threat to Cape Town's urban forest and biodiversity
To date, PSHB has been confirmed in over 6 000 trees in the City among which Boxelders, London Planes, English Oaks, Beef Wood, Weeping Willow, Cape Chestnut, Black Locust, Paperbark and Maples
The following areas are affected:
Somerset West, Strand, Penhill, Newlands, Constantia, Rondebosch, Observatory, Mowbray, Rosebank, Claremont, Kenilworth, Wynberg, Diep River, Pinelands, Durbanville, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein, Bellville and Parow North
DISPOSALOFINFESTEDMATERIAL
"Improper handling, movement and disposal of PSHB infested material continues to aid the spread of PSHB across the city," said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and the environment
"The use of pesticides and fungicides have not proven effective at eradicating PSHB from infected trees Therefore, an infested tree and plant material must be
chipped, incinerated or solarised We need the support and collaboration of residents and businesses working with plant material to prevent the spread of the pest
"There are many formal and informal businesses involved with gardening and landscaping space These are gardeners, nurseries, horticulturists, tree fellers, woodcutters, and many more We are also encouraging residents to attend, especially if you have trees on your private property "
PROTOCOLSANDSYMPTOMS
The City will focus on the protocols applicable to infested trees and biomass, among them:
. How to identify infested trees and what symptoms to look out for;
. What to do next, what not to do;
.How to handle infested biomass;
. How to safely dispose of infested biomass;
. How to transport green waste;
. How to handle equipment and machinery in a manner that will not spread the pest to other areas Residents should look out for the
following symptoms of infested trees:
. Branch die-back – cracks on the branch, discoloured leaves, dry and leafless branches, branch break-off revealing webs of galleries filled with black fungus;
. Gumming – blobs of goo coming out of the bark, oozing of liquid and gum from the beetle holes;
. Entry and exit holes – very small holes on the bark of the tree, the size of a sesame seed (2mm); shotgun-like scars developing around the holes;
. Staining – brown or dark stains on the bark of the tree
Information sessions will be held as follows:
. In Durbanville on Tuesday 25 November from 16:00 to 18:00 at Durbanville Library, corner of Oxford Street and Koeberg Road, Durbanville
. In Bellville on Wednesday 26 November from 09:30 to 12:00 at Bellville Library, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville
. In Constantia on Tuesday 9 December from 09:30 to 12:00 at the Alphen Centre, Main Road, Constantia . In Gordon’s Bay on Thursday 11 December from 16:00 to 18:00 at Gordon’s Bay Library, 6 Watt St, Gordons Bay . In Kraaifontein on Monday 15 December from 16:00 to 18:00 at Kraaifontein Library, Brighton Road, Kraaifontein
. Report PSHB beetle sightings online at www capetown.gov.za/InvasiveSpecies, contact the City of Cape Town's Invasive Species Unit on 021 444 2357 from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:00, or send an email to invasive.species@capetown.gov.za
We all want to belong From the moment we take our first steps into school, society teaches us that our worth is tied to achievement, to being someone, doing something, building something We grow in years, in experience, in titles Somewhere along the way that hunger for belonging becomes tangled with the need to feel enough through what we do or produce
I have come to realise that I'm married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth
For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up and wonders who one is outside of one's job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years
..
SOMEWHEREALONGTHEWAY THATHUNGERFORBELONGING BECOMESTANGLEDWITHTHE
I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families
Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life
That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are
My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later Except "later" always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one's body reminds one it has limits even when one's will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks "Who are you now?"
I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am Because when the noise fades and the accolades mean less what will matter most is whether I still recognise myself Whether I can belong to me, not to my work, not to anyone else, but to the quiet truth of who I am becoming -NAMHLAMONAKALI
Subraad 14 het 'n baie bedrywige 2025 beleef
Wanneer ek deur die dagboek blaai, staan die volgende hoogtepunte uit:
. 'n Ontmoeting met die uitvoerende burgemeester en sy volle burgemeesterkomitee om aangeleenthede rondom dienslewering in die subraad te bespreek;
. Verskeie vergaderings met en besoeke deur burgemeesterkomiteelede aan die subraad om sake rakende paaie en water en sanitasie te bespreek;
. 'n Dag lange besoek deur Francine Higham burgemeesterkomiteelid, om die onderskeie sportfasiliteite binne die grense van Subraad 14 te besigtig;
. Interaksie met Carl Pophaim, burgemeesterkomit lid l th d t lik d t
is verwelkom en ontplooi;
. Openbare vergaderings het in al sewe wyke plaasgevind waartydens die konsepbegroting en IOP vir die 2025-'26-boekjaar bespreek is;
. Subraad 14 het ook ses openbare vergaderings gehou, waar Tertuis Simmers, provinsiale minister van infrastruktuur, die beoogde Welmoed-behuisingsprojek met inwoners bespreek het;
. Verskeie wykskomiteevergaderings het ook in die onderskeie wyke plaasgevind;
. Die Bet-El-skool ontvang die Civic Pride-toekenning van die burgemeester;
. Nosivatho Mkhize, die nuwe subraadbestuurder van S b d 14 i lk
I walk my dog along the beach most nights and am increasingly worried about the ongoing bird flu affecting seabirds on our coastline
The virus has led to several bird deaths recently and I fear the risk of encountering an infected bird during my walks This is not only heartbreaking for our wildlife but also poses a potential danger to pets and their owners I urge fellow dog walkers and pet owners to stay vigilant, avoid contact with any sick or dead birds, and report sightings to local authorities Protecting our pets and preserving our coastal ecosystem must be a community priority WORRIED, Melkbosstrand
Ek wou nou al ` n geruime tyd hierdie vraag voor die deur van die DA, die Wes-Kaapse regering en die nasionale regering lê
Die Kaap is baie bekend vir sy viswaters en ek het familie wat aan die Weskus bly
Elke keer as ek vir hulle gaan kuier, vra ek hulle of daar nie vars vis te koop is by n hawe daar naby nie of 'n varsviswinkel op een van die dorpe nie Hul antwoord is: “Nee Nie eens die plaaslike winkels het vars vis nie; alles is die boksies bevore vis van natuurlik die groot vismaatskappye ” Hoe is dit moontlik? Die Weskus was vissersdorpe en gemeenskappe het hul bestaan daaruit gemaak Het die Wes-Kaapse regering of die nasionale regering die vissersgemeenskappe se regte verkoop aan groot korporatiewe maatskappye? Het die regerings dalk n
‘Ulwaluko’: A journey to
When the summer season draws to a close, many communities across South Africa will welcome back young men who have undergone Ulwaluko the traditional Xhosa initiation rite This sacred custom, also practised in various forms by other African communities, marks a boy’s transition to manhood With initiates returning to schools and workplaces in the new year, fostering informed understanding and tolerance within our diverse neighbourhoods is paramount Ulwaluko is a profound cultural and spiritual journey where boys are secluded in the mountains or designated initiation schools Under the guidance of elders, they are taught the core responsibilities, values,
finansiële belang in die maatskappye?
Doen n bietjie navorsing oor wat in Somalië se oseane gebeur het en hoe die waters leeg gevang is en dit op die ou einde gelei het tot moderne seerowers Dit is n skande dat Suid-Afrika se mense en veral kusdorpe se mense nou ten duurste moet betaal vir gevriesde vis wat op hul agterstoep uitgewis word deur groot maatskappye en hul staatsborge wat bakhand staan vir hul aandele Ek het gaan Google "Why are there no more West Coast fisherman's villages?" Julle sal geskok wees oor waarop julle afkom Weer eens: die regerings tree nie op in die gemeenskap se belang nie, net soos met baie ander belange en ons en die hengelgemeenskap ly daar onder MAAK WK SE VISSERSGEMEENSKAPPE SAAK? E-pos
Dit is baie frustrerend om te sien hoe die Soneike-Kuilsrivier-kanaal langs die Netcare-hospitaal besig is om in 'n plakkersdorpie te ontaard
Wat kommerwekkend is van die Stad Kaapstad, is dat my talle klagtes van 2018 tot op hede om die plakkers te verwyder, nie aandag geniet nie Hierdie plakkerprobleem hou 'n brand-, gesondheids- en veiligheidsgevaar in vir die inwoners wat in die nabyheid bly Kuilsrivier, eens 'n mooi dorpie, word stadig maar seker 'n plakkersdorpie JJ CLOETE, Soneike
and secrets of manhood within their culture These lessons emphasise respect, discipline, and the weight of future roles as husbands fathers and community leaders The process is a deeply respected cornerstone of identity for millions The culmination of this journey is the homecoming, a vibrant and celebratory event
These celebrations are not private affairs; they are community-wide, often spilling into streets with singing, dancing, and the distinctive red clay on the faces of amakrwala (new men) This is where the wider community’s role becomes crucial Neighbours from all racial and cultural backgrounds may witness or be invited to these open celebrations Understanding the context transforms these events
from mere noise to a meaningful welcome The visible signs, the new clothes, the subdued demeanour of the initiates the jubilant families are not just spectacle but symbols of a significant personal and cultural achievement
By seeking to understand Ulwaluko, diverse communities do more than just tolerate; they actively participate in a supportive social fabric This awareness fosters empathy, dispels curiosity born of ignorance, and allows everyone to share in the joy of a family and a culture As these young men return, empowered and transformed, a welcoming and informed community is the final, essential step in honouring their journey FEZEKILE COTANI, Soneike, Kuils River
Tcock mantis shrimps ub-shaped forelimbs nd even shatter glass.
s Aquarium today.
The City of Cape Town's safety and security directorate announced this year's Neighbourhood Watch Awards winners during a ceremony in the council chamber in the civic centre on Saturday morning
The annual awards celebrate excellence, perseverance, and commitment by neighbourhood watches, which work in communities and closely with the City's enforcement agencies
This year the awards drew more than 200 nominations for individuals and neighbourhood watches across the metropole in a number of categories
Deen Solomon of the KIC Neighbourhood Watch in Bonteheuwel received the nod for Crime Fighter of the Year
He has shown exceptional bravery and quick thinking in numerous operations that have led to successful arrests and the prevention of major crimes, according to a media release issued by the City
Deen's nomination noted that "his situational awareness and decisive action often in highrisk situations have kept residents safe and strengthened community confidence"
Other winners in the individual categories were: . Mobiliser of the Year: Mvano Magula, Qhubekani Neighbourhood Watch, Mfuleni; . Inspiration of the Year: Sandra de Wet Van den Berg, De La Haye Neighbourhood Watch, Bellville; . Courage in Action: Yaseerah Nelson, Klip Neighbourhood Watch, Lotus River
GROUPCATEGORY
In the group category, the Situational Crime Prevention Award went to Khuseleka Neighbourhood Watch in Khayelitsha, and the Courage in Action Award to the Boundaries Neighbourhood Watch in Retreat
"It is heartwarming to see how communities appreciate the work
done by these volunteers who dedicate their time and skill to keeping their areas safe While they're all tops, a panel selected the winners who went above and beyond what was required of them Congratulations to everyone for a year in which they heeded the call to action and made a difference in their communities," said JP Smith,
Mayco member for security and safety
This year, two new categories have been added The Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year for assistance rendered in preventing and mitigating disasters went to Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch for
demonstrating exceptional compassion, resilience, and commitment, and for actions that meaningfully supported the City's Disaster Management efforts Watch members have undergone firefighting training to serve as the community's first line of defence, and during the most recent outbreak, their swift action limited the destruction to
just two shacks, a remarkable outcome credited entirely to the team's rapid response, courage, and coordination
Beyond firefighting, Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch plays a vital role in supporting City officials and emergency services during disaster situations helping with crowd control, clearing access routes for fire and rescue teams, and assisting affected families on the ground Their proactive stance has earned them the trust of both residents and authorities, proving that empowered communities are key partners in disaster management
TECHNOLOGYAWARD
The Best Utilisation of Technology Award went to Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch for their innovative and effective use of technology to enhance safety
They were noted to have "set the benchmark for digital excellence in community safety through its outstanding use of the Trusted Partner App"
The Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch has transformed technology into a force multiplier, enhancing patrol coordination, reporting accuracy, and accountability across every shift, according to the media release
Their consistent, disciplined use of the app has resulted in 177 logged incidents and 1 021 on/off-related bookings, clearly demonstrating that the watch is not only active but strategic in leveraging digital tools to improve community safety outcomes
The app enables seamless coordination between patrollers and partners, allowing the team to monitor trends, report suspicious activity instantly, and support the police and City's law enforcement department with verified, time-stamped information
South African-born and US-based performer Ashton Nyte is coming to Die Boer theatre in Durbanville on Tuesday 2 December at 20:30.
Nyte a composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, author, and performer is a storyteller in every sense His work drifts between the cinematic and the soul-baring. Known to many as the frontman of the alt-rock project The Awakening, Nyte’s solo work offers something more intimate: a raw, poetic unravelling of hope, memory, and quiet rebellion.
Described as “Johannesburg’s Bowie”, Nyte’s sound blends elements of dark folk, post-punk and art rock with an honesty that disarms.
His live performances are immersive and theatrical, rich with texture and emotional weight equal parts lullaby and lament With a catalogue spanning over 350
original songs, eight solo albums, and collaborations with members of The Cure, Peter Murphy, and The Mission, Nyte continues to shape a world uniquely his own His songs have echoed through TV screens, lecture halls, film scores, and festival stages but it's in the quiet connection between artist and audience that his magic truly lives
His debut Afrikaans album, Moederland, was voted one of the top 10 Afrikaans albums of 2014 by Netwerk24 and spawned four number-one radio hits in South Africa, including "Kan Ons Weer Begin", "Geheime en Momente", "Die Laaste Dans" and "Lukas", a beautiful duet with Karin Hougaard.
His latest album and book Autumn’s Children, was named one of American Songwriter’s Top Albums of 2023. . Tickets are R250. Book at www. dieboer com or on 021 979 1911.
South Africanborn and US-based performer
Ashton Nyte is coming to Die Boer theatre in Durbanville on Tuesday 2 December at 20:30
Spier wine farm's annual festive-season outdoor spectacle, A Summer Dream, returns from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December for a magical family-friendly
experience
This enchanting performance follows a band of whimsical characters as they discover the power of imagination in a
surreal, dreamlike world – an evening designed to delight audiences aged one to 100 Now in its fourth year and again directed by Brett Bailey, A Summer Dream moves to the amphitheatre venue for the first time
Set to an original score by Cape Town composer Jak Tomas, it features a troupe of masked dancers, actors and musicians alongside moths, sheep, alligators, unicorns and the occasional human being.
"It's like being inside a music video about a dream," says Bailey, "or a dream about a music video under the stars with an incredible soundtrack "
The hour-long production perfectly pairs performance with acclaimed wines and seasonal farm-to-table fare
The evening begins on the Werf at 18:00 with al fresco dining options ranging from farm picnics to braaied burgers before audiences take a short walk to the amphitheatre for the 19:30 performance . Tickets from R70 to R500 at Webtickets
heartfelt worship, and uplifting messages of hope Rooted in Pentecostal tradition and led by founder Dealin C. Pierang, the Tribal Union Choir unites local gospel and R&B artists, pastors, and evangelists in a shared mission to inspire through music. Join this celebration of unity, joy, and the true spirit of the festive season.
Advance tickets cost R100, or pay R150 at the door . Contact Pierang on 076 537 3651.
Wilhelm van der Walt is te sien in Seun, die veelbekroonde eenmanvertoning gegrond op Dana Snyman se gelyknamige boek, wat eersdaag by Die Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville op die planke is Vir baie mense was die 1980’s gewoon 'n dekade soos al die ander die van braaivleis, rugby, sonskyn en Chevrolet Vir hulle was die lewe goed. Vir baie ander was dit 'n bitter moeilike en gevaarlike tydperk. ‘n Tyd van ontreddering. En ‘n tyd wat vrae gewek het Snyman deel in Seun die deel van sy storie waaroor hy nog nooit gepraat het nie: sy ervarings in die jare tagtig.
Dit is die tyd van PW Botha se vinger van die Voëlvry-toer, AWB-saamtrekke, onderhandelings en die laaste dae van diensplig. Hy word oneervol uit die weermag ontslaan, maar eers maak hy 'n draai in Saal 24. Werkloos en doelloos eindig hy in 'n gewese bediendekamer in Pretoria.
Dié rou, selfonthullende memoir vra: hoe word 'n seun 'n man? 'n Seun wat nie 'n meisie se aandag kan trek nie? 'n Seun wat nie goed genoeg is vir die weermag nie?
. Alfred Adriaan's Positive Strokes runs at Artscape from 25 to 30 November Tickets R200 to R220 Book at Webtickets or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695
. One Man, Two Guvnors runs at the Homecoming Centre from Thursday 27 to 29 November at 19:30 A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that blends British farce with live music, physical gags, and outrageous characters. Tickets from R150 at Webtickets
. Jay kom tree op Vrydag 28 November om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell op Kaartjies kos R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www brackenfell.net of by iTickets
. Riaad Moosa - What's the Point? runs at The Baxter Theatre from now until 29 November Tickets R200 at Webtickets
. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Theatre on the Bay now until 29 November Tickets from R275 at Webtickets
. Colleen The Musical runs at The Baxter from 29 November until 7 February Marc Lottering s new musical comedy Tickets from R200 at Webtickets
. Not a Silent Night Christmas Concert is op Sondag 30 November om 18:00 by Die Vriende van God-kerk, Essenhoutstraat 1, Vredekloof Verskeie skole- en dansgroepe sal optree en die gehoor kan saam sing. Toegang is gratis.
. Rocco de Villiers kom tree op Sondag 30 November om 14:00 by Heroes Brackenfell op Die deure open 12:00 Kaartjies kos R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www
Dit is ‘n aangrypende relaas oor grootword tydens die doodsnikke van 'n politieke stelsel, oor manlikheid en oor eer, en oor die liefde wat uiteindelik alles oorkom.
Nico Scheepers het die regie behartig. Die vertonings is Vrydag 5 en Saterdag 6 Desember om 20:30, asook op Sondag 7 Desember om 14:00 Kaartjies kos R220 . Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of 021 979 1911.
brackenfell.net of by iTickets
. Prime Circle and Jesse Clegg are at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert on Sunday 30 November at 17:15 Gates open at 16:00 Tickets R255 to R360 at Webtickets
. Gin Wizard's Rock Extravaganza featuring Mark Haze and Lucy Tops is on Sunday 30 November at 15:00 at Daisy Jones on Summerhill Wine Farm. Tickets from R200 at Quicket
. Nik Rabinowitz – Geriatric Millennial runs at The Baxter Concert Hall from 2 to 20 December Tickets from R225 at Webtickets
. Schalk Bezuidenhout’s Krismis Bonanza runs at The Baxter Studio from 2 to 20 December Tickets cost R300 at Webtickets
. Tydloos: Back to school in the 90s is van Woensdag 3 tot Saterdag 6 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www brackenfell.net of by iTickets
. Summer Symphonies at The City Hall: Louis' Legacy is on Thursday 4 December at 19:30 Tickets from R190 to R450 at Webtickets
. Karen Zoid en Francois van Coke tree op by Kirstenbosch op Sondag 7 Desember om 17:15 Die hekke maak 16:00 oop Kaartjies kos R360 of R255 (kinders) by Webtickets
. Danie Reënwolf: Songs en Stories is op Woensdag 10 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www.brackenfell.net of by iTickets
. Cats the musical runs at Artscape Opera House from 10 December to 11 January
MAURICIAPETERSEN
Hannes Oosthuizen, die nuwe hoof van die Hoërskool DF Malan, praat openhartig oor sy visie vir die skool, sy agtergrond in die onderwys en wat hom na hierdie besonderse pos gelei het Wanneer hy gevra word waarom hy gekies het om by die Hoërskool DF Malan te kom werk, antwoord Oosthuizen eerlik: “Dit was maar ’n bestiering Geleenthede soos hierdie laat ’n mens baie dink oor die verskil wat jy as onderwyser kan maak Daar was ook ’n oproep of twee wat met 'n mens se hart gepraat het ”
Die onderwys het hom gekies, vertel hy, eerder as dat hy self die keuse gemaak het, sê hy eenvoudig wanneer hy gevra word waarom hy besluit het om ’n onderwyser te word Oosthuizen bring indrukwekkende kwalifikasies na sy nuwe pos Hy het aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) gestudeer, waar hy sy BCom (Regte) en BCom Hons (Ekonomie) voltooi het Daarna het hy sy PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) aan Unisa voltooi en laastens ’n MBA deur die UV se sakeskool
As onderwyser het hy gespesialiseer in ekonomie, besigheidstudies, asook Afrikaans Huistaal, met ekonomie wat steeds sy gunsteling bly Met 17 jaar onderwysondervinding bring Oosthuizen ’n rykdom van
ervaring na sy nuwe rol Hy het in 2009 by die Hoërskool
Witteberg begin en het in 2020 hoof geword by sy alma mater Van 2012 was hy amptelik in ’n departementele posvlak 1-pos en is in 2019 as adjunkhoof aangestel
Hy was ook vir verskeie jare die dissiplinêre hoof by Witteberg en die hoof van krieket Tans dien hy in die provinsiale uitvoerende raad van die Suid-Afrikaanse
Onderwysunie en was vir die afgelope 10 jaar die voorsitter van Thabo Mofutsanyanehoërskolekrieket
LEWENSLESSEENLEIERSKAP
Oosthuizen se benadering tot leiersopleiding is pragmaties
“Nee, ek het self in die rooisee geswem en deur middel van foute geleer My studies het my ook op baie voorberei,” vertel hy wanneer hy gevra word oor bestuurskursusse
Sy onderwysfilosofie is eenvoudig, maar diepgaande:
“Doen alles met ’n eerlike en opregte hart ”
Wanneer dit kom by inspirasie, erken Oosthuizen dat hy elke dag by sy kollegas leer “Daar is verskeie en ek leer steeds elke dag by al die kollegas saam met wie ek werk Coenie Venter, ons vorige skoolhoof en tans hoof van die Hoërskool Durbanville, het my blootstelling aan baie gebied en my deurgaans in my groei ondersteun ” Sy persoonlike ondersteuningstelsel is ook
van kardinale belang “Ek dink elke moontlike ervaring in die onderwys en lewe berei 'n mens voor vir dit wat môre kan bring My ouers se ondersteuning en opvoeding was ook goud werd My vrou, Gerda, hou ook elke dag my hart vas en inspireer my!” Sy benadering tot erkenning spreek van nederigheid “Die glimlagte van kinders en die kopknik ná ’n goeie kolfbeurt was die toekennings waarvoor ek gewerk het Die res dra min gewig,” sê hy wanneer hy gevra word oor spesiale toekennings of prestasies
Oosthuizen se visie vir die Hoërskool DF Malan is ambisieus, maar bereikbaar: Om sy stempel as ’n besondere onderwysinstelling net verder af te druk en te wys dat die buitengewone bereik kan word; om alle aspekte van die skool te versterk waar moontlik
Hy identifiseer wel sekere uitdagings: “Dit is soms te maklik om te vergelyk en te moeilik om te droom,” sê hy wanneer hy gevra word oor die grootste hindernisse wat oorkom moet word
Wat hy die meeste verwag van sy nuwe pos, som dit alles op: “Om die hart van dié DF-kind te beleef!”
Buite die onderwys sou Oosthuizen “baie graag ’n skrywer of professionele krieketspeler wou wees”, en hy sou graag geskiedenis en politieke wetenskap bestudeer as hy weer die kans sou kry
HANNES OOSTHUIZEN BRING BAIE JARE SE ERVARING EN KENNIS NA SY NUWE ROL BY SKOOL
