TygerBurger | Elsies | Eersterivier | Ravensmead | E-Edition | 4 March 2026

VRYDAG6MAART

. Sakeluisêmekaaringoeie gees diestryd aan om dietitel as potmeester by dieTygerbergsakekamerseimmergewilde potjiekoskompetiesie Diekompetisie,'njaarliksehoogtepunt watnou in sy tiende jaar is, word by dieHoërskoolStellenberg aangebied.'nHelegroep bekendes salvanjaar se beoordeling behartig,insluitend Marinda Engelbrecht,Margit MeyerRôdenbeck, StianBam, Andriette NormanenPeer Papsak vanBokradio,met PedroKrugerasdie seremoniemeester.Die potte begin om 13:00 prut.Kontak Marinabyadmin@ tygerbergbc.co.zavir 'n inskrywingsvormenmeer inligting. Slegs'nbeperkte getalpotte kaningeskryf word

VRYDAG6MAART

. ´n Biddagvir Vroue met Lizette vanRensburg vind op Vrydag 6Maart by Trans-50 Panorama Palms-aftreeoordplaas.Die oord is geleëby66Uys Krige-rylaaninPanorama.Die geleentheid is gratis en begin om 10:00.Belangstellendes hoefnet hul naam, vanentelefoonnommer aanontvangsdeur te gee. Skakel 021930 6035

FRIDAY6MARCH

. TheEdgemead’s Family Night Markettakes place this Friday 6March at theEdgemead Community Hall.The event starts at 16:30 until21:00.Craft and secondhand market items will be on sale,aswell as food trucksavailable where youcan purchase something to eatwhile enjoying live music. The community hallislocated at 83 Edgemead Drive, Edgemead

. TheDurbanville CraftMarketwillpresent a charitymarket, TheGypsy Night Market, from 17:00 to 21:00,weather and wind permitting, at 5Louw Street (cornerofLouw and Hafele Street,behind the police station). Thebest-dressed “gypsy”visitor canwin aR300 shopping voucher to redeem at the market.Entranceisfreeand pets areabsolutely welcome. Contact Durbanville CraftMarketon066 0597251orbyemail to durbanvillecraftmarket@ gmail.comwithenquiries.

SATERDAG7MAART

. DieAGS Kuilsrivier-tehuisvir bejaardes (Care Village) bied van10:00 tot15:00 'n herfsmark aan op sy perseel by Kerkstraat17. Daar salmusiek en 'n verskeidenheid vanstalletjies wees om by te snuffel. Verdryfdie honger met 'n wyekeusewat insluit boereworsrolle,hamburgers en skyfies, kerrievetkoekeenvelemeer

WOENSDAG11MAART

. DieCapeWelsh Choir tree op Woensdag11Maart by dieTrans-50 Panorama PalmsAftreeoordinUys Krige-rylaan, Panorama,op. Diegeleentheid begin om 19:00 en kosR60 perpersoon.Bespreek by 021930 6035

WOENSDAG11MAART

. PetraMüllersedigbundel Die aandagvan jouoë –gedigte vir die liefde word by diebyeenkomsvan dieDurbanville-Poësiekring bespreek. Dr.Christa Thom saldie bespreking doen. Ditbegin om 10:00 in dieDurbanville-biblioteeksaal.Toegang is gratis en R50vir besoekers, ligteverversingsingesluit.Kontak Lesley vander Vyverbyteachervdv@gmail.comof 083460 4571 met navrae of om vir besoekers te bespreek.

VRYDAG13MAART

. DiekykNET Buite-ekspo Wes-Kaapwordie naweek van13tot 15 Maart op dieplaas Môreson net buite Malmesbury aangebied. Diehooffokus valoptalle buitelewe-uitstallers watvan die nuutsteprodukte tans beskikbaarindie buitelewekampeer-en4x4-mark uitstal soos watdie koper ditindie praktyksou gebruik. Dagbesoekerkaartjies wissel vanR30 vir kinders totR120vir volwassenes, afhangend vandie dag. Daar is ooknaweekpakkette DitisbeskikbaarbyOpen Tickets, by www.ekspo co.zaenook by diehekketydensdie ekspo.Besoek www.ekspo.co.za vir meer inligting.

SATURDAY14MARCH

. TheFrancophonie Food and CultureFestival returnstoCapeTownfrom10:00 to 17:00 at the BelgianResidence, Newlands. Nowinits fifth year,thisfree, familyfriendly festivaloffers an engaging celebrationofFrench language,culture, and creativity. exploremorethan 60 stalls offering authentic food,artisanalproducts, and cultural displaysfromacrossthe Francophone world. Free entrance. Parkingwillbeavailable at Kirstenbosch Cottages, with afreeshuttleservicetothe festival. . Families struggling to access special needs services in the Western Cape will have the opportunity to connect withdozens of support providersunder one roof at an expo heldatThe Cheré BothaSchool, 20 Meerlust Street,Oakglen, Bellville,from09:00to12:00.The event is open to schools,educators,parentsand caregivers who supportindividualswithspecialneeds.

Babyfood

Baby food manufacturers are widely violating South African health regulations designed to protect breastfeeding and preventmisleading marketing to parents, according tonew research from the Universityofthe WesternCape.

The study, conducted by dietician and researcher Aneeqah Latief, examined 266 babyfood products in Cape Town supermarkets and found significant noncompliance with Regulation 991 (R991) of 2012 —anational health regulation that restricts aggressive advertising and promotion of infant formula, cereals and juices.

Latief’s research revealed that many products featured front-of-pack marketing specifically designed to attract parents, including healthclaims,catchy phrases, expert endorsements anddigital linksto manufacturers. Some products boasted claims such as “reduced sweetness contains iron”, “no added starch”, “no addedsalt/sugar, no preservatives”, “gluten-free”, and “organic”.

The findings come as South Africa grapples with one of the world’s lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates. Just 22% of mothers breastfed exclusively in2024, far below the World HealthOrganisation target of 50%bylast year.

CROSS-PROMOTIONCONFUSION

The study found widespread “cross promotion”,with over 80% ofproducts sharing identical labels, making it difficult for parents to distinguish between formula, follow-up milk and complementary foods.” Clearlabelling is vital as South Africa faces growing malnutrition and obesity challenges,” Latief said.

Paediatricjuices showed the highest rate of non-compliance, containing high sugar content without health warnings to caregivers. Some baby foods carried marketing claims positioning manufacturers as nutrition experts, with promotionalphrases like “150 years of nutritionexperience” and “generations of parents have trusted our infant cereals to provide just what their babies need”.

MISSINGHEALTHWARNINGS

Despite regulations requiring complementary foods to carry clear health warnings, compliancewas poor.

Universitytohost seminar on gangsterism

The Universityofthe Western Cape (UWC) will bring together community leaders, government officials and academics to tackle the province's escalating gang violence problem. The one-day seminar,titled "Gangsterism and Social Dysfunction", will take placeon Wednesday 18 March from 08:30 to 17:00 at the university'sSchool of Public Health OrganisedbyUWC's Jaap Durand chairand Research chair in Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking, in partnership with the Cape CrimeCrisis Coalition, the event aims to address the roots and consequences of gang violence that continues to plague Western Cape communities.

Prof Hein Willemse, inaugural holder of the Jaap Durand chair, said the university could not ignorethe devastating impact of gang violence on families and communitiesacross the province.

"The university cannot stand by whilst this scourge disrupts the lives of our people,"Willemsesaid.

The seminar comes at atime when gang-relatedviolence and organised crime frequentlydominatelocal headlines,with rising numbers of violent deaths reported in townshipsacross the province. Whilst seating is limited, organisers encourageparticipation fromanyone concerned about gangsterism and willing to contribute to constructivedialogue. The seminarisfree to attend.

. Contact Lloyd Chetty at drt-reltheo@uwc. ac.zafor moreinformation

Localproductiontackles GBV

Local non-profit organisation Project 021captivated audiences with three performances of itslatest production, Shine,atthe Sarepta Community Hall last week.

The organisation, which uses performing artstodevelop and empower young people in the community, presentedathoughtprovoking play that tackles the serious issue of gender-based violence and its impact on children who witness it firsthand. Written by Project 021's founder anddirector David Cornelson, Shine was broughttolife by atalented and energetic

cast oflocal performers.

The production served adualpurpose, addressing acritical social issuewhile providing aplatform to showcasethe wealthoftalent within the community.

Ward councillor Wouter de Vos,who attended the opening night, commended Cornelson and the talented cast.

“It is anamazingproduction and it really hits home withamessage aboutGBV,but it also shows thatthere is hope; you don't have to be stuck in that rut. I'm really glad Icame to watch;it'sreally worthwhile.I highly recommend it.”

VanlinksisEbrahim Sawant (wyksraadslid),Zahid Badroodien (burgemeesterkomiteelid: waterensanitasie) en Geordin Hill-Lewis (Kaapstadseburgemeester)met een vandie nuwesluitbare dreindeksels,wat onlangs in Wesbankingesit is

Wesbank krysluitbare dreindeksels

CARINAROUX

CARINA.ROUX@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Die StadKaapstad het op Donderdag 26 Februarie begin om sluitbare dreindeksels in Wesbankintesit as deel van'nnuwe projek. Diewoonbuurt gaan lankreeds gebuk onderdreinewat gereeld oorstroom —grotendeels weens misbruik van en rommelstorting in die rioolstelsel.

Ebrahim Sawant, wyksraadslid, sê hy het reedsinMei 2024met die burgemeester, die burgemeesterskomiteelidvir water en sanitasie en senioramptenare van die Stad in Wesbank vergader nadat hulle ondersoekingestel het na die rioolstelselprobleme in die buurt. "Tydenshierdie vergadering is 'n plan van aksie bespreek om hierdie historiese probleem op te los,"sêSawant. "Nadat die ingenieurs en ander beamptes van die department 'n behoorlike in-diepte studie gedoen het,het die burgemeester besluit om geld in toekomstige begrotings van die Stad aan sluitbare dreindeksels en 'n pypvervangingsprogram toe te wys."

PYPE

In Wesbank salaltesaam 76 dreindeksels met die nuwe sluitbare weergawes vervangword en in Kalkfontein 20. "Die pypvervangingsal binne enkele weke volg en salgedoen word langs die lengte van Wesbank se Hoofwegaf—vanaf die Stellenbosch-hoofverkeersweg tot by Hindleweg," sê Sawant. "Terselfdertyd word die Rietvleipompstasie opgeknap, want as dit nie behoorlik werk nie veroorsaak dit

FROMPAGE1

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announcedthatthe army will be employed on theCape Flatstoassit in the ongoing fightagainst gangviolence. But Saturday's incident raises some serious questions, says theDemocratic Alliance's (DA) Benedicta van Minnen the spokesperson on Police Oversight andCommunity Safety. "This incident underscores a critical reality: the deployment of the army into civilian communities is not a simple solution, andour defence force is notwithouttheir own governance and operational shortcomings.While the fight against gangsterism requires decisive action, it also demands accountability and oversight.

"Provincesdonot currently have sufficient oversight mechanisms in place to holdthe army accountable when deployed internally. OurStanding Committee on Police Oversight and Community Safety, has aconstitutional

INWONERS WATROMMELIN

dat riool in Highbury, Kalkfontein en Riverside Gardens oorvloei." Sawant is trots daarop dat die projek in Wesbank kan beginenhet dit as "'n goeie dag vir die inwoners" beskryf.

Jennifer van Rooyen, 'n inwoner van Flowerstraat waar een van die eerste sluitbare deksels ingesit is, stem volhartig saam. Sy is vol lof vir Sawant,wat sy sê gereeld daar was as die dreine oorstroom het."As die trokke kom (om die water weg te pomp), dan is daai man hier; dan kyk hy hoe hulle werk. Hy het gesê dit (die vervangings) gaan gebeur en dithet gebeur. Die raadslid doen wat hy kan; hy maak nie net beloftes nie."

Van Rooyen was ook bly om die burgemeester, Geordin Hill-Lewis, Donderdag vir 'n tweede keer te sien en sy hand te kon skud.

Haar eiendom was van die wat die ergste deurgeloop het. "Ek het die grootste probleem gehad as die dreine oorloop. Dan staan die damme hier voor my deur. Dit was tot in my plek gewees. Ek het hulle gewys watter probleem ek het met die vlieë. Ek kon nie meer nie."

Sy is bewus daarvan dat mense goed in die dreine stort. "Dit is waar; hier is te veel hokkies hier by ons —daar kom die probleem in. Mense gooi goed hier in die dreine en dan blameer hulle die Stad."

duty to safeguard our residents. However, our direct oversight over SANDF operations is limited, as the defence force is anational competency. If instances arise where residents’ rightsare infringed upon, where force is excessive, or where misconduct occurs, what mechanisms are available at provincial level to intervene swiftly and effectively? How do we protect our communities not only from gangs, but also from potential abuse of power? Ourcommunities deserve protection from violent criminals. But they also deserve constitutional safeguards and accountable governance,” says Van Minnen. She says The DA in the Western Cape maintains that safetyand accountability must go hand in hand. Any SANDF deployment must be accompanied by clear operational mandates and rules of engagement, transparent reporting to provincial authorities, independent oversight and compliance mechanisms that are accessible to the public.

Copcaught redhanded

BRENDENRUITER

BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The Western Cape police have appointed asenior officer to investigate an incident where apolice officer wasfilmed taking items during araid and placing them in his pockets.

Avideo circulating online showsthe officer searching through whatappears to be a bedroom.Hecan be seen looking around before putting various items into his uniform pockets. The timing and location of the video remain unclear, though other media reportsallege it was recorded during adrug raid in Bonteheuwel.Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the Western Cape police management had noted thevideo withgrave concern.

“As aresult, an investigation into the conduct of the policeman has been instituted and is led by asenior police officer. The area where theincident occurredas well as the identityofthe officer are the subject of the police investigation,” Van Wyk told TygerBurger

“In addition, the owner of premises where the incident happenedisencouraged to report it to the police. The police reiterates its stance ofno

Pocketsoflandgounder

SitesinEerste River, Blue Downs and Belhar are amongstthose theCity of Cape Town auctioned last week to attract private investment.

CIRCULATING VIDEO SHOWS POLICEMAN POCKETING ITEM DURING RAID

tolerance towards officers who engage in unbecoming conduct. In line with the investigation that is underway, we will gettothe bottomof the incidentcaptured inthe video,” VanWyk said.

. Anyone withinformationacontact police on 021 467 6008.Police corruption canbereportedtothe Anti-CorruptionHotline on 0800 701701. Allinformation is handled withcare, protecting the identities of thosewho report incidents.

The City welcomedthe High Court’s dismissal of attempts to block thereleaseof50City-owned propertiesfor private sector investment, including the iconic Good Hope Centre.

According to the City the initiative aims to unlock economicand socialvaluefor Capetonians acrossthe metro The propertieswere released via acompetitive public auction on Thursday 26 February.

“We welcome the High Court's dismissal of severalapplications which aimedtoblockland releasethat will unlock economic and social valuefor Capetonians. We've said fromthe start thatour landrelease processislawfuland transparent,and we are glad that thecourt hasseen throughthese meritless applications.

Atotal of fourhave now eitherbeenstruck off the roll or dismissed with costs

“Thedemandsfrom those opposingthe auction included baseless claims that unspecified landbelongs to specific groupings. Onegroup even askedthat, in the event the landisreleased, aportion of the proceeds be paid into their bank account

We firmly believe that the City's landportfolio —rather thanjust sit idle —mustdrive economic growthacrossCape Town.These propertiesare notbeing lost to Capetonians —instead, they will

now realise theirfull economic and social potential through private investment to the benefit of residents. That includes the iconic Good Hope Centre, which has averyexciting future ahead for event hosting and mixed-use development, which limited state funding could never achieve,” said James Vos,Mayco member for economic growth.

All properties identified for the auction werethoroughly assessed and confirmed as not required for municipal purposes.

“Therevenue generated from the sale or lease of these properties will also be reinvested directly intoservice delivery acrossCape Town to the benefit of residents. The City has further suppliedthe SouthAfrican Human RightsCommission (SAHRC) with information on its ground-breaking Mayoral Priority Programme to accelerate affordable housing land release, whichhas released more land in this term of office than in the decade prior, with atotal of 12,000 affordable units in the pipeline.

The City assured the SAHRC that all legal and constitutional steps have been followed including extensive public participation —and that there are no valid legal, constitutional or human rights-related reasons to delaythis round of land release.

“This latest round of land releaseisheadlined by the iconic Good Hope Centre precinct, which is set to be revitalised by privatesector investment while protecting

heritage aspects.

Awide range land was auctioned. In total about 282,000m² of land went under the hammer in areas like Kraaifontein, Westridge, Atlantis, Durbanville, Goodwood, Eerste River, Coniston Park, Bridgetown, Athlone, Maitland and Vredehoek-Commercial sites: Foreshore, City Centre, Mitchells Plain, Montague Gardens, Parow, Blue Downs, Century City, Bellville, Belhar and Goodwood-Industrial sites: Atlantis, Epping, Khayelitsha and Kuils River, creating diverse entry points for developers with varying investment profiles, such as mixed-use precincts to industrial expansion and urban infill housing.

“Releasing the Good Hope Centre for redevelopment is astrategic move aimed at unlocking itsimmense economic potential, revitalising the broader precinct, and leveraging privatesector investment to boostjob creation and economic growth to benefitCape Town residents. Heritage elements, including the dome, are preserved through the conditions of sale, while the surrounding land can be transformed intomultiple uses, unlocking significant economic and spatial value for the inner city. Many more sterling opportunities for privatesector investment will also be available, with each of the 50 sites carefully packaged to attract capable investors ready to deliver tangible benefits for communities and the broader economy.

CentrecelebratesWorldHearingDay

Asthe world marked World Hearing Day on Tuesday 3March,the Carel du Toit CentreinParow saidthis year it is celebrating more than just awareness. For the centre’s learners andtheir families, the dayisa celebration of possibility, perseverance, and the power of early intervention.

CARELDUTOIT CENTRE HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESSSTORIES AND ‘MIRACLES’

Every child at thecentre, whichis located on the grounds of Tygerberg Hospital,has ahearing loss or is deaf.

In astatementissued on Mondaythis week,the centre said throughearly identification,consistent use of hearing technologyand theLearning andSpoken Language approach,children at the centre aretaughttolisten andspeak.

Forfamilies, the moment ababy hears their mother’s voicefor the first time, abird singing or even the sound of a passing carisnothingshort of amiracle, the centre said.

EARLYDIAGNOSISLEADSTOINTERVENTION

One of themiracle stories is that of five-year-old Zay-Lee Adams. Thecentre shared her inspiringstory, explainingZayLee’s journeythus far.

Born with permanent hearing loss in bothears, Zay-Lee’sjourney began at just three months old when aclinic follow-up appointment revealed that she was not responding to sound.

After being referred to Red Cross War MemorialChildren’sHospital, she was diagnosed at five months andfitted with hearing aids amonth later.

Fromthat point forward, her path towards sound and speechtruly began, the centre said.

Hermother, Shihaam, recalls the diagnosisasshocking yet clarifying.

With both parents experiencing hearing loss themselvesand afamily history of hearing loss on herfather, Zane’s,side, the news soon turnedintodetermination.

Zanecommunicatesusingbothsign languageand spoken language, whilst

Shihaam uses signlanguageasher primary mode of communication.

COMMUNICATIONCHALLENGESOVERCOME

Initially, communication presented challenges, the centre said.

After receivingher hearing aids, Zay-Lee wasreferred to the Carel du Toit Children Hear andTalk (CHAT) Centre, apartner organisation that provides specialised early intervention support to families of children with hearing loss.

Through structured guidance, practical strategiesand unwavering encouragement, thefamily learnt howtoturneveryday interactions into powerful languagebuildingopportunities, the statement reads

As Zay-Leedeveloped spoken language, shenaturally gravitated towards communicatingverbally, oftenrelying on her father to interpret between herself and her mother.

This created an emotional barrier between mother anddaughter.Yet Shihaam remainedsteadfast. Through ongoingsessions andfamily-centred support, thatbarrier was gradually dismantled.

BREAKTHROUGHBRINGSFAMILYTOGETHER

Today, at five years old, Zay-Lee confidently communicates using both spoken language andsign language.

Shenow sharesconversations directly with her mother, no interpreter needed. What once felt like distance has transformed into connection.

“She is my gift from God,” said Shihaam.

“Without thesupport we received, Ido

Zay-LeeAdamsasababyundergoing ahearing test at thetime

not believe Zay-Lee would have reached the level of spoken language she has today.”

World Hearing Day serves as aglobal reminder of the importance of early detection and intervention in hearing loss.

At Carel du Toit Centre, it is also a celebration of resilience, partnershipand the extraordinary journeysthat beginwith asingle sound.

BidtorenameUWCafterAllanBoesak

Aproposal has been launched to rename the University of the Western Cape (UWC) to Allan ABoesak University,honouring the liberation theologian’s sustained influence on the institution and South Africanliberation struggle.

The initiative comes from BishopDr Clyde NS Ramalaine, founder and leader of The Thinking Masses of South Africa Foundation (TMoSA) and aUWC alumnus. TMoSAapproached UWC lastweek with the proposal.

GENERATIONALRELATIONSHIP WITH UNIVERSITY

It argued that Boesak had maintained a generational relationship with UWC that shaped students, faculty ethics and the institution’s moral compass

His work during the apartheid era, particularly in the 1980s, is seen as aligning with UWC’s ethos ofacademic pursuit, spiritual inquiryand social-justice activism. “Boesak exemplifies praxis: scholarship

fused with activism to challenge oppression, reimaginejusticeand model accountability,” the proposal stated.The renaming would tangibly link UWC’s identity to liberation-struggle historyand signal institutional recognition of living legacies of justice.

UWC awarded Boesak an Honorary Doctorate in 2021, whichthe proposal describes as “long overdue” recognition of his contributions.

ACADEMICSUPPORT FORTHEPROPOSAL

ProfessorHein Willemse, emeritus ProfessorofLiterature andTheory, has written aboutBoesak’ssignificance during crucialmoments in South African history. Writing aboutthe turbulent periodof1976, he recalled howBoesak, then ayoung Afrikaansminister who had recently completed his doctorateatthe Theological University of Kampeninthe Netherlands, addressed UWC students aboutthe meaning ofSoweto

“When Dr Allan Boesak climbed onto a

table at UWC in July 1976 and spoketous aboutthe significance of Soweto, doing so partly in Afrikaans, it was asmall but important stepinreclaiming Afrikaans,” Willemsewrote.

‘SPARKLINGANDDYNAMICWITH UNSURPASSABLEORATORIALPOWER’

He described Boesak as “sparkling and dynamic with unsurpassable oratorial power”,who demonstrated that Afrikaans couldbespoken with conviction in the struggle against oppression and for social justice.

AccordingtoWillemse Boesak gave theoretical substancetothe “black experience” and “black consciousness,” where“black” referred not to skin colour

but to aresistance identity prioritising self-respect,human dignity and solidarity with the oppressed.

Theemeritus professor noted that while Boesak’s life had taken itscourse and his political career had itschallenges “the self-confidence he gave to an entire generation of young people can hardly be overestimated.”

Boesak,who recently turned 80, is internationally respected as atheologian.

RENAMINGINITIATIVECALLS FORSUPPORT

TMoSA is calling for supportersto formally submit theircommitment via email to clyder008@gmail.com, representing themselves and their organisations in backing the renaming proposal.

Thefoundation frames the renaming as grounded in “demonstrable, measurable influence” including mentorship, critical discourse facilitation, civic consciousness fostering, and advancement of social justice scholarship.

Twoconvictedfor murder of officerand twocivilians

Twomen have been convicted by the Western Cape High Court for the murder of apolice officerand two civilians. Cebo Soboyise (29) and ZolaGolela (38) were found guilty on Friday 27 February,oncharges including multiplemurders, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of aprohibited firearm and ammunition, accordingtoastatement from the Hawks.

Thecasestems from a shooting in the early hours of 27 November 2019 in Delft South, where off-duty detective Sgt Thanduxolo Wiseman Stuma (43) wasgunned down duringa robbery. According to apolice statementissuedthe same day, Stuma waswalkinghome at 00:45 when unknown gunmenin avehicle pulled up next to him, took hiscellphone and fireda shot. He died on thescene

The Elsies River PoliceStation detective had joined thepolice serviceinJanuary 2006 and was described by his station commander,Brig Sandile Sonjani, as “a quiet, humble and disciplined police official”

OTHERMURDERS

Accordingtothe police statement,flyingsquad members arrestedtwo suspectsfound with Sgt Stuma’s cellphone, 16 other cellphonesand items taken from

abusiness robbery in Bellville that happened later the same morning Stuma was killed. The Hawksmentioned the arrest happened in Mfuleni and that one suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

Duringthe arrest, police also recovered two firearms. While one firearm was licensed, the other was found to be prohibited.

The Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime unit took over the

investigation and linked the two accused to the murders of two additional civilian victims.

Thetrial began at the High Court held at Pollsmoor Prison on 13 November last year and concluded on 27 January. Both accused were found guilty on all charges when judgment was delivered on Friday.

Thematter has been postponed to 20 and 24 March for sentencing proceedings.

Kommentaar // Comments

LEWENSKIEKIE

THINKING OUTLOUD

We must rebuild safer communities forchildren

Ilook at young people todayand Icannot helpbut feel slightly sorry for them

Iamaproud millennial. Partofthe last generation to experience achildhood balanced between freedom and technology, between scraped knees and dial-up internet, between real-worldadventure andthe digital revolution that was still finding its feet

We were the bridgegeneration.

We knew life before the internet —and we witnessed its arrival.

We remember when boredom sparked creativity,not scrolling. When the streetlights flicking on at dusk wereour only curfew.

You would play in the roaduntil the sky turned orange, too scared to run homefor supperbecause once you stepped inside, that was it, you were in for the night.

We were scolded, but tomorrow, after school, it was the same case scenario.

There were no WhatsApp groups arranging playdates, no location sharing, no TikTok trends dictating how to have fun.

walking to the shop, heading to school, playing in their own backyard.

The very spacesthatoncedefined childhood freedomhave become sources of anxiety. Where we once worried about being shoutedatfor cominghome late, today’sparents worry aboutwhether their children will come home at all.

Thisisnot nostalgia speaking; it is grief for whathas been lost.

We oftenhear debates aboutgenerational resilience, aboutwhether millennials were tougher, or whether today’s youth are moreaware, more emotionally intelligent, moredigitally-skilled.

Perhaps every generationromanticises itsown upbringing. But what cannot be romanticised is safety.

Freedomrequires safety. Community requiressafety.

CHILDRENTODAYARE NOTWEAKER;THEYARE CONSTRAINED

There were bicycles, cricket in the street, hide-and-seek, and the unquestioned assumption thatoutside waswhere childhood belonged.

If we were insidethe housefor too long our parents would demand we play outside.

Children today will sadly never know that version of freedom.

The internet is not the villain. It has brought innovation, connection and opportunity. But it has also replaced something irreplaceable: unstructured, unsupervised, real-world play.

Today’schildren are growing up in a world where entertainment isstreamed, friendships are curated online, andsilence is filled by ascreen.

Their memories willbecloud-backed,not grass-stained

Theshift indoors is not only cultural, it is driven by fear. Crime has become so prevalent that many parents cannot allow their children to roam freely.

For too many families, tragedy has struck during themost ordinary routines:

Childhood requires safety. Andhere lies theuncomfortable truth: we are failingto prioritise it.

Billions are spent on state entitiesplagued by mismanagement and inefficiency,while neighbourhood parks decay and community sports facilities remain underdeveloped or unsafe. Instead of investingmeaningfully in secure public spacesinwell-lit fields, maintained playgrounds, accessible after-school sport programmes funds are toooften mismanaged.

We speakabout youth empowerment while neglectingthe environments that allowyoungpeople to grow confidently andsocially.

Millennials grewupoutdoors not becausewewere braver, but because the world around us felt more accessible Children today are notweaker; they are constrained. The tragedyisnot thatthey will never know life before theinternet. It is that they maynever knowlife beyond their front gates. If we careabout the next generation,the goal should notbeto recreatethe 90s, but to build safe spaces where children can rediscoverfreedom, where parents can exhale, where play can spill intostreets, andwhere childhood is notdefined by fear.

-KAYLYNNE BANTOM

KykK nJ

Draculaproduction on stage

illpresent afull-length ader's Dracula at Artscape from DavidNixon's acclaimed audiences interim artisticdirector of n2023, returns to direct this musicbyAlfred Schnittke, Arvo noff andMichael Daugherty. iginally created Dracula in 1999 ssince become one of his iveballets owsthe classic vampiretale d, whereyoung solicitor stoTransylvaniafor Count ealingsinLondon. What nsaction unfolds intoa aturing female vampires and and evil.

OREOGRAPHY ageand costume design rkingwithlocal lighting ien. TheBritish Theatre ibed Nixon's choreography sedits abilitytocapture the etween characters. kwithCTCBfor this season "My time in Cape Town was iththe companyand am in workingwiththe dancers." enewedinternational attennBallet's2019 production,

which wasfilmed forcinema screeningsacross Europe andlater broadcastonBBC Four TracyLi, artisticmanagerofCTCB, said the productionallowsdancers "toexplorebothraw physicalityand intensestorytelling."

Theproductionisrated PG12. Tickets rangefrom R180 to R450 . Book at Webtickets or theArtscapebox office on 021421 7695

Konsertten bate vanballetmeester

BellvilleDance Academybied op Sondag15Maart om 15:30’nspesiale galavertoninggenaamd Legacy by die DF Akademie aan. Dievertoningisten bate vandr. Eduard Greyling,gerespekteerde danseur noble,choreoloog en beskermheer vandie Cecchetti-vereniging van SuidelikeAfrika Greyling se merkwaardigebydrae totballetinSuid-Afrika,insluitend sy gevierde dansvennootskap met die legendariesePhyllisSpira, het ’n blywende indruk op generasies vansowel dansers as gehoregelaat. Hierdie innigeeerbetoon sluit vertonings deur die Kaapstad-stadsballet,Cape Ballet Africa,Figureof 8DanceTheatre,Bellville Dance AcademyenJennifer Klipfel School of Ballet,in. Ander gaskunstenaars sluit in die pianis Pieter vanZyl,fluitspeler Liesl Stoltz,sopraanMinette du ToitPearce,skrywer Rachelle Greeff en die gasspreker prof.Elizabeth Triegaardt Greyling het as 12-jarigemet danslessebyJennifer Louw in Bellville begin.Hyhet in 1965 aandie (toe nog) Hoërskool DF Malan gematrikuleer

DAGBOEK /DIARY

. Beyond Breath, 'n galakonsert,vind op Woensdag4Maart in dieEndler-saal in Stellenbosch plaas. Gareth McLearnon (Ierse fluitspeler), Cobus du Toit en Nina Schumann (pianis) tree saam met’nprofessionelefluitensembleop. Dieprogram sluit diepremière van’nnuwefluittrio deur diegevierde komponisHendrik Hofmeyr in. Kaartjies by Webtickets.

. Meraki DanceFestival runs at Artscape untilSaturday7 March. Ticketsat Webtickets

. Juan Boucher is op Woensdag4 Maartom20:00 by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville.Kaartjies kosvanafR185 by Quicket

. JonathanRoxmouth's Keychange runs at Theatreonthe Bayfrom4 to 28 March. Eveningsat20:00 and Saturdays also at 15:00.Ticketsat Webtickets.

. Nataniël bring sy nuwevertoning Sooibrand vanDonderdag5tot Sondag 8Maart na dieDrostdy-teaterin Stellenbosch. Kaartjies beskikbaarby

Die opbrengssal aangewend word om Greyling se mediesekostestehelp dek.

Komvier ’n merkwaardigenalatenskap . Kaartjieskos R250 en is by Quicketenbydie deur beskikbaar PhyllisSpira en Eduard Greyling

Webtickets.

. TheKingdom of Ubuntu –The MusicalinConcert is at Artscape on Friday6 and Saturday7 March at 19:30.Tickets R150toR300 at Webtickets. . Die country-groepWest komtree op Saterdag 7Maart om 19:00 in die Kraaifontein-stadsaal op.Kaartjies kos vanafR190 by Open Tickets.

. MatthewMole is at the Kirstenbosch Summer Concert on Sunday 8March at 17:15.Ticketsare R360 or R255 (age 6-21). Book at Webtickets.

. Mark Haze:Masters of Rock is at KapstadtBrauhaus BloubergonThursday 12 March at 20:00.TicketsfromR200 at Quicket

. Die Piesangskille is op Vrydag 13 Maart om 20:00 by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville.Kaartjies kosvanafR200 by Quicket

. Legacy,a benefit gala forEduard Greyling, is at DF Akademie on Sunday 15 March at 15:30.TicketsfromR250 at Quicket

. Thandiswa Mazwa is at the KirstenboschSummer Concert on Sunday 15 March at 17:15.Ticketsare R360 or R255 (age 6-21). Book at Webtickets.