TygerBurger | Durbanville | E-edition | 8 July 2026

Airportplansdebated

Brink, fourth-generation owner of Groot Phesantekraal Wine Estate in Durbanville Wine Valley and SA Farmer

Airportjoins forceswithUS

CapeWinelandsAirportand Stellenbosch University (US) forged a strategic partnership forsmart and sustainabledevelopment.

They have entered into acooperation agreementaimedatadvancing innovation under theshared themesof“smart”and “green” development.

Cape Winelands Airport, formerly Fisantekraal Airfield, is aprivately ledairport development about 13km outside Durbanville. Currently serving as ageneral aviation facility and a popular base for flight training, plans are underway to expand and to develop astate-of-the-art,green,smart and innovative aviation precinct that will serve as amodern gateway for the region.

JOINTCOMMITMENT

The partnership reflects ajoint commitment to foster sustainable growth anddrive academic advancement, according to ajointmedia release by Cape Winelands Airport and US.

The agreementoutlines abroad range of collaborative focus areas,including agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport andlogistics, space and aviation research,and theintegration of airport operations with urban development.

Through this partnership, both parties will actively seek opportunities to align academic research, industry expertise, and infrastructure development to address real-world challengesand unlock new opportunities, accordingtothe media release.

SIGNIFICANTECONOMICHUB

Importantly, the collaboration aligns with theplanned expansion of Cape Winelands Airport estimated to cost in the region of R8 billion. It is anticipated that theairport expansion will transform the airport into asignificanteconomic hub over thecoming years.

Thescaleand long-term nature of the project present aunique platform for practical learning, appliedresearch, innovation, and industry collaboration acrossmultiple disciplines

PARTNERSHIP-DRIVENDEVELOPMENT

Engineeringcollaborationisexpected to play acentralrole in the partnership, with both partiesidentifying opportunities for technical cooperation, infrastructure innovation, operational efficiency, and future-focused engineering solutions linkedtoairport expansion and aviation infrastructure development.

“Thisinitiative speaks directly to the kindofpartnership-driven development we believe in, where infrastructure, innovation and skills cometogether to createrealimpact. TheCape Winelands Airport project offers an opportunity to build adynamic ecosystem that can unlockeconomicgrowth, support emerging industries, andposition theregion as ahub of innovation and opportunity,”said ProfDeresh Ramjugernath,rectorand vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University.

IMPORTANTMILESTONE

Deon Cloete, managing director for Cape Winelands Airport, said “this cooperation marksanimportant milestone for theairport. The airport expansion presents aunique long-term opportunity to connect academiaand industry in a way that creates meaningful economic

Cape WinelandsAirport expansiongetsacademic boostfromStellenbosch University.

and educational impact. By working closely with Stellenbosch University, we are creating aplatform to explorefuturefocused solutions that benefitthe aviation sector, students, and the broader regional economy.”

ENGINEERINGMANAGEMENTPROGRAMME

Theinitial areas of potential collaboration include building student capacity through applied research opportunities linked to the airport’s development and operational environment This may include research projects for master’s studentswithin Stellenbosch University’s engineering management programme focused on areas of strategic interest to Cape Winelands Airport.

Thepartnership will further explore opportunities to establish facilities and spaces that support testing, innovation, prototyping, and future productionrelated activities linked to aviation, infrastructure, logistics, and smart technologies.

“The airport expansion also presents opportunities to contribute towards the development of future aviation talent pipelines within SouthAfrica. Through collaboration with Stellenbosch University and broader industry stakeholders, Cape Winelands Airport is interested to explore opportunities linked to aviation skills development, pilot training pathways, airport operations, engineering disciplines, and future-focused transport and logistics capabilities. Theintention is to create a long-term skills ecosystem that supports both economic growth and human capital development in the Western Cape,” said Cloete.

“From aresearch and innovation perspective, this collaboration creates valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement across fields ranging from engineering to agriculture. By strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, we can foster knowledge exchange and contribute to innovative solutions that benefit both the region and societymore broadly,” said Prof Sibusiso Moyo, deputy vicechancellor: research, innovation and internationalisation at Stellenbosch University.

REGIONALECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

Beyond itsaviation role, the airport expansion is expected to become amajor driver of regional economic development and jobcreation within the WesternCape, according to the media release.

“The development of amodern airport ecosystem of thisscale creates substantial opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the broader aviation sector. It provides a real-world environment in which students, researchers, and industry specialists can engage directly with complex challenges related to aviation operations, infrastructure planning, engineering, logistics, sustainability, environmental management, transport systems, smart technologies, and regional development” concluded Cloete.

. Visitcapewinelands.aero andwww.su.ac.za formoreinformation.

Rose pruning demo at Durbanville Rose Garden

Arosecareand winterpruning workshop willbe presentedbythe CityofCape Town's recreationand parksdepartmentinthe DurbanvilleRose Garden on Saturday11Julyfrom10:00 to 13:00 Themorning willincludepresentations on rose care,pest and disease management,aswellasa practical pruning demonstration. Tea, coffee and refreshmentswillbeprovided. This is an open invitationtoall garden enthusiasts and no confirming of attendanceisrequired. yp xpo

Booksforacause

Andries Olivier Durbanville QuadriplegicCentre in Durbanville is opening its doors on Saturday11 July from 09:00 to 14:00 for its monthly fundraising book sale.

It is the perfect excuse to grab some great books while supportinga home for the centre's disabled residents.Everycent raised goes directly towardsupporting the residents and funding daily care at the centre.

The centre’s bookshop has built up a stellar reputation as agoto spot for an interesting, budget-friendly selectionof books. Whether you are intopopular English fiction, timeless classics, children's books, Afrikaans books, or engaging non-fiction, theyhave something to satisfyall tastes —withprices starting from just R5.

If you are ahistory buff, youwill want to checkout their rare books about South Africa.This includes an impressive collection of military history covering the

RARE BOOKSAND BARGAINS UP FORGRABS

two World Wars, the Korean War, and theBush War.The ultimateprize of this month's sale is amagnificent, rare work on SouthAfrican artist Norman Catherine by HazelFriedman —a must have forart collectors.

This month’s specialsinclude cartoon collections like TheHugeBook of Hell by The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.You canalsosnag amassive bargain with their "Laugh @R2" titles, featuringhilarious cartoon collections from Giles, Madam & Eve, andZapiro.

Avarietyofgreen plants will alsobe available topurchase. The bookstore is also open for walk-in salesevery Tuesday andThursday from 10:00 to 15:00 . Formoreinformation about thesaleorhow to donate, contactAllen on 078393 5924 or Terenceon082 2245454onWhatsApp.

Learn artofFrenchcuisine

The Noshbudha Cooking Club is hosting a Bastille Day cooking class at Villa Pascal GuestHouse in Durbanville onSaturday 11 July

Participants will learntoprepare and cook an authenticFrench bistromeal.

On the menu to prepare is chicken chasseur with potato gratindauphinois. So bringyour beret, apron, friendsand drinks!

This master class series is organised and developed by culinaryenthusiast Eugène Antoine Lebreton and aims to equiphome

cooks anddomestic workers with skills

Food lovers will learn to cook everyday French classics, Mediterranean, Moroccan, Creole and Italian bistro favourites.

The class runs from 10:00 to 13:00 and costs R700 perperson, whichincludes ademonstration,arecipe, alesson, ingredientsand lunch.

Spaces arelimitedtoseven guestsand pre-booking is essential.

. ContactEugeneon082 5694147or villapascalguesthouse@gmail.comor chefeugene1960@gmail.comwithenquiries.

FINDINGBALANCE

He spoke about the importance of finding abalance between development and preserving Durbanville'sunique character, history andagriculturalheritage.

Other speakers were Deon Cloete, executive managingdirector of Cape Winelands Aero andexecutive director of RSA Aero Limited, andJeremy Wiley of Western Cape Property Development Forum and director of De Goede Hoop Development Company.

SECONDRUNWAY

“Yearsago, Cape Town International Airport reportedly receivedanoffer from an international airlinetobuild asecond runway at no cost, but the offer was declined. Ioftenwonder what the reason for thatdecisionwas

“One of themain arguments in support of this airport application was that it would serve as an alternative airport if aircraft were unable to land at Cape Town International.However, if diversions are caused by adverse weather —ashappened justa month ago, andwhich accounts for more than80% of suchincidents, then adistance of only 25 kilometres is simply not far enough away to provide an alternative.

“CapeTown already struggles to accommodateits growingpopulation, yetitcontinues to become increasingly popular. Now we are planning to bring even morepeople here.

“A 3,5km runwayisbeing built —long enough to accommodateanAirbus A380 only 35 kilometres drive from Cape Town International Airport,” he said.

CLOSERTOSALDANHA

“Would it nothave made more sense to build an airport of this scale closer to Saldanhaand,indoingso, relieve the pressure on Cape Town? That region has struggled economically for the pastfifty years

“Such adevelopment could ease the

afully operational airport for smaller aircraft, with aheadquarters from which companies such as ExecuJet could operate,”hesaid.

HOURGLASSRUNNINGOUT

“I have always known that the hourglass was slowly running out for thisway of life. How quickly the sand runs out depends on how responsibly development is managed. Will Durbanville shape its own future, or will others decide that future on our behalf?

“The airport is coming, and Iwould like to congratulate Deon Cloete and his team on the process they followed to meet all the requirementsnecessary to obtain approval. “However, Ialso want to appeal to him and his team to remain true to the commitments they have made.

“It is easy to make promises in order to secure approvals, only to later say, 'We're sorry, but circumstances have changed'.

“I believe that with the arrival of the airport, the hole in the hourglass has become much larger, and the time we once thought we had has become very limited,” he said.

PRODUCTIVEAGRICULTURALREGION

“Durbanville is not simply aplace on amap. It is acommunity where family farms have been passed down from generation to generation. Well-known families such as the Louws, the Loubsers,

AttievanWykvier50jaar

Die Laerskool SkoolAttie van Wyklangs Adderleyweg buite Durbanville het onlangs sy 50stebestaansjaar met onder meer 'n gospelkonsert en erediens gevier.

Die skool is in 1976 deur ds Attie van Wyk van die destydse VGK Morningstar vir die kinders van plaaswerkers begin nadat die gebrek aan skole onder sy aandag gekom het. Plase was ver van mekaar geleë en vervoer gebrekkig.

Sy en haar eggenote het deur ds. Van Wyk betrokke geraak, het die 97-jarige Hester Jacobs, tweede skoolhoof, oor dieskool se geskiedenisbydie gedenkdiens gesê. Fondsinsamelings is gehou met die verkope van Kersboompies deur dieRound

SKOOLISIN1976VIR DIEKINDERSVAN PLAASWERKERSGEOPEN

Table Durbanville.

OMRINGENDEPLASE

Die vorige inwonersvan Riverlands het Hendrik Groepies gekry om die bouery aan te pak en verskeie plase, onder meer Klein Phisantekraal, Diemersdal, LochLynne, Vrymansfontein, RondebossiebergenSpes Bona het die projek ondersteun, het Jacobs gesê.

Die skool is op 22 Mei 1976 amptelik deur Gene Louw, destydseadministrateur van WesKaapland, geopen.

"Ons het gesukkel —baie kere, maar onsisvandagveraltrots

op die lewenslesse wat onskon nalaat," het Jacobs gesê.

"Mywens is ook dat hulle wat 'n gedeelte van, of hul hele opvoeding, by onsgekry het, daarop sal voortbou. Onshet saam hard gewerk en onskinders presteer. Aan God al die eer,"het sy gesê

Dieskool het in 2025 vir die heel eerste keer 'n geboude personeelkamergekry. "Onshoop en bid om ook in die toekoms ons eie sportveld en saal te kry. Ons hoop dat dit nieook eers oor 50 jaar salgebeur nie,"het Wynanda Botes-Fikster, waarnemende skoolhoof, gesê

Die oud-skoolhoofde is (van links) AlbertBaatjies,Hans Lukas,ds.Clive Jacobs (afgetredeleraar aan die VGKCloetesville en seun vanHesterJacobs,watook skoolhoof was),Attie MayenHesterJacobs.

"Ons bring vandag spesiaal hulde aan die vorige hoofde van ons skool; uhet die pad voor ons oopgetrap. Dankie vir die visie waarmee ugelei het, vir die moed

Lotteringkom kuierbyDieBoer

MarcLottering bring sy nuutstekomedie, Ankle Marc, op Dinsdag14enWoensdag 15 Julie om 20:30 na die verhoog vanDie Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville

Lottering is geliefdaseen vanSuid-Afrika se voorstekomedianteenwelbekend vir sy skerpskerts-vertonings, sowelasmusiekblyspele.

Komluister na al die jongsteverwikkelinge in hierdie charismatiesekomediant se lewe.Hyvertel onder meer hoe dit gebeur het dathy vanjaar al hinkepink moes ingaan met 'n af enkelen 'n "moonboot".

Die vertoning is 70 minutelank met geen onderbreking en is nie geskikvir kinders nie. . Kaartjies kosR220. Bespreekbywww dieboer.comofby021 9791911.

LOSDIE KINDERSBYDIE HUIS

Comedyclimbsnew heights

NikRabinowitz'slateststand-up show MountainJew is at Die Boer TheatreRestaurantinDurbanville on Tuesday21Julyat20:30 Bornina convertedbarnon theslopes of Constantiaberg, comedian andmountain-farmboy-jewNik Rabinowitz grew up climbingtrees and commentating on hisown rugbygamesinthree official languages, andattending a Waldorfschool —wherehelearned to crochet hisfeelingsand divine theprecise spiritualfrequencyof organicfair-trade mohair(using onlya pentatonic flute anda watercolour of agnome). Half nature-child,half nice Jewish boy, half failed mathematician —this is hisstable-to-stand-up story: MountainJew! . Tickets areR250.Bookat www.dieboer.com or on 021979 1911.

Nik Rabinowitz

Galleryannouncesartistwinners

The winners of the JuniorPortrait Award 2026 of Rust-en-Vrede Gallery andClay Museum were announced on 13 June during an awards eventatthe gallery in Durbanville.

The artwork titled Maked MePretty in coloured pencilonbrown paper by 18-yearoldWeliswa Mdluli from Uplands College in Mpumalanga stole the limelight and was announced as the winner.

Second is Allegra du Randt (18) from Thomas More College in KwaZulu-Natal with her work If He Could in acrylic and pencil crayon on paper

The third-place winner is Kenah Seba (17) from ReddamHouse Durbanville with her painting titled Assessing the Damages in oil on brown paper.

The winner of the Artwire Merit Award is Luché van Jaarsveld (16) from Afrikaans Hoër MeisieskoolinGauteng. Herwork KaleidoscopeofBecoming was done in mixed mediaonpaper

Allthe works can be viewed at the gallery until Saturday 11 July.

EXTENSIONOFPORTRAITAWARD

The Junior Portrait Award was launched in 2023 by the Rust-en-VredeGallery as an extensionofthe PortraitAward, specifically forhigh school learners between the ages of 16 and 18.

The Portrait Awardisanational competitionopen to South African artists aged 18 andolder.

“Overthe years, the Rust-en-Vrede team received numerous enquiries from younger artists interested in participating In response, the Junior Portrait was created to provide aplatformspecifically for high schoollearners between the ages of 16 and 18,” said Kelisha Persotham, project manager of the Junior Portrait Award.

CONTEST

AN EXTENSION OF PORTRAIT AWARDS

“Whatbegan as alocal initiative for schoolsin thearea hassincegrown into anational competition. Now in itssecond year, the Junior Portrait continuesto grow and aims to reach even more entries while connectingwith awider community of young artistic talent acrossSouth Africa,” she said.

MORETHANDOUBLETHEENTRIES

“This year, 232 entries came in from across South Africa —more thandouble thenumber receivedin2024. By offering online submissionsand removing the entry fee, Ihopedtocreate awelcoming andinclusive space for these local young artists from all diverse backgrounds

“This year's finalist selection reflectsthe remarkable range of talent, techniqueand perspective among South Africa's young artists.Eachportrait offers aglimpseinto howits young creatorsees the world, and whatthey chosetocapture abouttheir subject,”Persothamsaid.

WORKISVALUABLE

“I want to reinforce the idea thatyoung artists'workisvaluable anddeserve to be recognised, appreciated, supported anddeveloped. Oneofthe key benefits ofentering is theopportunity to have theirworkexhibited in aprofessional gallery setting, where it can be seenby otherartists and members of the arts community,” she said.

Forthe 2026 Junior Portrait, the top three winners will receive art vouchers redeemable at their local PNA.

“Artsuppliescan be abarrier for many artists, and thus this prize hopes to empower the studentsbyallowing them to purchasetheir preferredart materials or explore newmedia outside theircomfort zone. Ihope this encourages them to keep creatingand helps furthernurture their artistic voiceand growth,”Persotham said.

JUDGINGPANEL

“We would like to thank our judging panel consistingofcontemporary artist and educator J.C. Bolke, Carine NepgenLouwfrom the Nepgen School of Art and Artwire's Yolandé Snyders for theirtime and expertise during the adjudication process,” she said.

. To acquire awork, contactthe galleryon 068457 8589 or gallery@rust-en-vrede.com

Thewinning portrait,titled Maked Me Pretty, wasthat of WeliswaMdluli from Uplands Collegein Mpumalanga.

THINKING OUTLOUD

Sport is asource of hope,pride,unity

Sport is often described as agame, butfor millions of people it is much more than that. It is asource of hope, pride, identity and unity.

In South Africa, where ourhistory is markedbydivision and inequality,sport has proven its abilitytobringpeople together in ways that politics and social programmes cannot.

It reminds us that despite our differences, we share common dreamsand emotions.

Just afew weeks ago, the nation celebrated when Bafana Bafana made South African football history by reaching the Fifa World Cup knockout stages for the firsttimebydefeating SouthKorea1-0 in theirfinal groupgame.

Theirdisappointing defeat toCanada in thelast32ofthe competition,whichsaw them bowing outofthe tournament, serves as aperfectexample.

As thefinal whistle blew, millions of SouthAfricans experienced the same feeling of heartbreak.Inthatmoment,we were not divided by language, religion or social status. We were simply South Africans supporting our team.

This is the unique power of sport. It creates moments where differences disappear, even if only for awhile. It allows strangers to celebratetogether, comfortone another and believe in something bigger than themselves.

Sport has the abilitytounite communities around acommon purpose

South Africa has witnessedthis power before. The1995 RugbyWorld Cup remainsone of the greatest examples of

SPORTGIVEUSREASONSTO BELIEVEINONEANOTHER

sport promoting national unity. When the Springboks lifted theWebb EllisCup, it was more than asporting victory.It became asymbol of reconciliation.

Former President Nelson Mandela understood that sportcould healwounds andbuild bridges wherewords alone could not.

Sportalso inspires the next generation. Young athletes learnvaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and respect.

Many children growing up in disadvantaged communitiessee successful sportsmen and women as proof thathard work anddetermination canovercome difficult circumstances.

For some, the sportsfieldbecomes a place of opportunityand hope rather than despair

However, the power of sport should not only be celebrated during victories. Defeat also teaches important lessons. Losing remindsusthat successrequires resilience, patience and continuous improvement. Bafana Bafana's recent loss may haveended the dream of lifting atrophy, but it also showed howdeeply South Africans care about theirnational team.The pain of defeat is evidence ofthe passion and unity that football continues to inspire.

As anation, we should continue investing in school sport,community facilities andathlete development. Sporting success doesnot happen by chance. It requires proper planning, funding and support from government, businesses and communities. It requires us to recognise sport as an investment in social cohesion rather than merely entertainment.

The true value of sport cannot be measured by trophies alone.Its greatest achievementlies in itsability to unite people.

Sportgive us reasons to believe in one anotherand in the nation we are building. -KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Kommentaar // Comments

Kommentaar Comments

Rietvleihas more to offer

Recent discussion around thetemporaryclosure of wateractivities at Rietvlei mayhavecreated the impression that the reserveitselfwas closed. This was not the case.The area where wateractivities take placerepresents only asmallportion of Rietvlei, and it wasonlythis section that wastemporarilyclosed The663-hectareNatureReserve remained open to the public throughout andcontinues to offer awide rangeofattractions forvisitors. Rietvlei is afavourite destination forbirdwatchers, with its well-maintained birdhideprovidingexcellent viewingopportunities.

Thereserve also offers picnic areas, line fishing (with the required permit), andeducational activities forchildren during school holidays,centred aroundthe wooden education centrebuiltand maintained by the FriendsofRietvlei.

We also host regulartalks by conservation experts on topics of environmentalinterest.Itisworth remembering that,thanks to the efforts of dedicated residents in 1984,Rietvlei wasprotected from being developed intoaresidential marina.

Today, it is atreasured natural area that supports pelicans, flamingos andaround165 other birdspecies.

In this regard,the City's Bayside Canalproject,which aimstoimprovestormwatermanagement before waterenters Rietvlei, is awelcome initiativethatwillhelp safeguard the health of this importantecosystem.

We encourageresidents to enjoyall that Rietvlei hastooffer —includingwater sports when conditions allow—while continuingtosupport the conservation of this unique natural asset forfuture generations.

of Rietvlei

NELIS VISAGIE, Friends

Call centre rises to the occasion in Maystorms

Following the devastation that followedthe storm around 11 May, it washeartwarmingtosee residents coming outtohelpthose who were most affected by the wind and torrential rain Weather eventssuchasthisone requirethe City to be fullyoperational in handlingservicecalls and emergencycalls.Weoften rely on our residents to be our eyes on the groundalertingustoemergencies.

As the Maycomember forcorporateservices, Iam extremelyproud of howour call centreagents riseto the occasion.

In Mayalone theCity's Customer Relations Department recorded atotal of 271940 customer interactions between 1and 28 May2026.Thisexceptional numberdemonstrates the high demand formunicipal services andthe importance of multiplecustomer engagementchannels.The interactions included 116 758 telephone calls, 36 990 emails, 109 125WhatsApp engagements,and 9067 SMS interactionsacrossthe City'sAccountsand General,Water,and Electricity servicequeues. Thesenumbers do not includecalls made to the 107safetyand securitynumber

If youare in need of aserviceorincaseofan emergency, youcan contact the City via logginga C3

request:

Theprimarygoalofservicerequests is to ensure effectiveservicedeliverythroughoutCape Town. If you wouldliketosubmit aservicerequest,report afault in your area or loganissue, youcan do so via ourcustomer call centreat0860 103089 or online at www capetown.gov.za/servicerequests. Youcan also useour WhatsApp number060 018 1505

While we understand the distress of being, forinstance,without powerorwater,I wouldliketoremind peoplenot to lognumerous servicerequests on the same issue.Itcauses bottlenecksinthe system

As we buildaCitythatisabeaconofhope,it'salso areality that in extreme emergencysituationsthereis ahierarchyofresponses, rather like the triage system that operates in healthcarefacilities. Theaggravation of nothavingpowerina safe domestic setting has to be weighed against the risksofliveelectric wires having been blownintoroads.

Iwouldliketothank those residents who helped out their neighbours, donated food andblankets to those displaced by storm damage.Together we can indeed buildabetterfuture.

THERESA UYS, Durbanville

Advocatingfor motorcycle safety,licensing

With the petrol prices rising, most likely we will see moremotorcycles aroundasanalternativecommute option. Ican remember in the 80swhenmynow husband used to travel with his50cctovisit me,almostgot pulledoverevery daytohavehis motorcycle licencechecked.

He gotsousedtoitthathemade sure he had it with him, becauseinthose days therewas no licencecard like these days.Itseems that the only time thatweget pulledoveriswhenwetravel long distanceswith the bikes or to abikeevent

Thesecheckswillalsoclear up the general question everyone hasabout, especially the motorcycledelivery riders goingaroundand that “theysurelydonot have alicence”, becauseoftheir ridingskills Iamall forthese checkspurelyfor the fact that anyone who does nothavealicence, no matter what vehicle, should notride andshouldnot be on the road. Ialsofeel stronglyaboutthe fact that everyone who gets intoavehicletodrivealsoshouldhaveat leastthird-partyinsuranceaswell.

MOTORCYCLE COMMUTER, Philadelphia

‘KIDSINRAIN’: Carima vanden Berg,aregular Vergelegen visitor with her grandchildren,won thePeople’sChoiceaward and took second placein theCameraClass category in thefourth Essenceof Vergelegen photography contest.Outstanding black-and-white photographs capturing themanyfacetsofhistoric Vergelegen Wine Estate were unveiled at afunction forthe 25 finalists on Sunday 1July.

Hierdie is ‘n abnormalewinter

Hierdie sonnigewinter maak my bekommerd. Ek het nognooit so 'n lekker winter in Kaapstad beleefnie.Waar onsgewoonlikreg deur Junie en Julie reën en koue kry, het onsvanjaar meer sonskyn, blou lugentemperature watskaars onder 15 grade daal. Op die oog af lykdit wonderlik. Wiekla oor sonskyn? Maar togisekbekommerd.Klimaatkundiges waarsku dat die somerwat kom, een vandie warmsteooit gaan wees. As dit die winter is, watwag vir onsinFebruarie? Ek is bekommerddat onsweer te doen gaan krymet droogte,brandgevaar en waterbeperkings. Dit is lekker om noubuitetekan wees en nie elke dagnat te word nie,maar onsmoet onsoëoophou Hierdie tipe winter is nie normaal nie.Enasdie natuur iets vir onsprobeer sê,moetons maar begin luister 'N KAPENAAR WATDIE WOLKE MIS, E-pos

DemocracyinCape Town?Don’t make me laugh

Iamaratepayer andresident of Brackenfell, andIam furious. Without so much as aknock on ourdoors, without asingle conversation with the peoplewho live,work andpay ratesinthis area,the CityofCape Town hasgoneahead anderected informal trading bays at Jannie Engelbrecht Park,a park that ourcommunityhas maintained, used andlovedfor years. And when residents did raisetheir voices, we were told the projectwas approvedbackin2024. Nobody knew. Nobody wasasked. Nobody wastold. TheCity claims notices were delivered by hand andpublished in newspapers.

Ichallengethem to produce asingle signaturefrom aresident in this area confirmingreceipt

Anoticestuffed in aKraaifontein newspaper,a paper that is notevendistributed in Brackenfell, apparentlyqualifies as public participation in Cape Town today.

This is notdemocracy.This is the Citydoingexactly as it pleasesand dressing it up in bureaucratic languageafterward

We aretoldtotrust aprocess that excluded us. We aretoldtoaccept adecisionmade withoutus. And when we askquestions, we aremet with vague assurances.

TheDAlikes to present Cape Town as abeaconof good governance.But what kind of governance ignores its ownresidents, approves projects without proper public participation, andthen builds in the dead of night before the communitycan respond? If this is what passes fordemocracy in Cape Town, then we have lost something farmoreimportant than apark

Youthexploreandnetworkatexpo

More than 1000 high school learnersattended the Cityof Cape Town's career expo in the Durbanville Town Hall last Tuesday.

Learners, unemployed youth and community members from schools in Durbanville, Fisantekraal, Kraaifontein and Bellville were invited to attend

EMPOWERINGMATRICULANTS

The career expos are aimed at empowering matriculants, unemployed youth and members of the community with access to information regarding education, skills development and employment opportunities.

It was organised by the City's human resources management department under the auspices of the City's Corporate Services Directorate.

"The career expo brings together various higher learning institutions, government departments, training providersand industry representatives to provide attendees with valuable information, guidance and access to opportunities that could very possibly shape their future careers," said Theresa Uys, the City's Mayco member for corporate services.

"Our aim is to ensure that theyouth attendingconnectwiththe exhibitors and City staff, who are subject experts within the various fields. The networking and connecting is inevitable when one brings together all the key role playersand career information under one rooflike this, makingiteasy for themtoexplore career pathways," she said

LEARNINGANDEMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES

"These career expos form part ofthe City's commitment to creating learning andemployment opportunities thatenable young people to improve their livelihoods

andlift themselves outofpoverty. The expo will bring together higher learning institutions, government departments, training providers andindustry representativestoprovide participants withvaluable information, guidance and access to opportunitiesthatcan shape their futurecareers.

"We areexcitedtooffer information and assistance to all ouryoung people," said Uys

Various City departmentsparticipated andshowcased career opportunities available within local government City staff engageddirectly with attendees aboutrecruitment processes, available development opportunities, andthe City's scarce andcritical skills occupations.

Through the City's Jobs Connectinitiative, job seekersalso hadanopportunityto register on theemployment database, increasing their visibility for future employment and skills development opportunities.

DIVERSEGROUPOFEXTERNALSTAKEHOLDERS

The event was supported by adiverse group of external stakeholders, including educational institutions, government departments, andindustry representatives.

"The feedback from the youth hasbeen overwhelmingly positive. Manyattendees indicated that theexpo broadened their understanding of theopportunities available tothem after leaving school, which will assist them in making

informed decisions abouttheir future studies and careers," said Uys.

The City's careerexpo aims to empower Cape Town's youth andcreatepathways towards education andskills development by bringinginformation, opportunities and support services directly to communities.

GRADUATEINTERNSHIPS

"The City offers amyriad of different opportunitiesasanemployer of choice with over 30 000 employees.These include graduateinternships, apprenticeships and learnerships. Through ourlearnerships, apprenticeships andgraduate internships, we aim to offer you the kind of training and work experiencethathelps you to succeed in the job market and find lasting employment," she said.

Schoolsare invited to send Grades 11 and 12 learners to attend these events to find outmore aboutopportunities, possible financial aid, andspeak to representatives from both the City andthe public sector whoare on hand to answer questions.

The City has successfully hosted three other careerexpos -inGugulethu, Delft

and Brackenfell -over the past financial year.

Building on the success of theseevents, the City plans to host four additional career expos over the next year and will communicate the host communities and details once confirmed.

. Phone021 400 3434 (choose option1)or send an emailtohrservicedesk@capetown.gov za formoreinformation

TheresaUys (right),theCityofCapeTown’sMayco member forcorporateservices,talked to learners abouttheir career plans.