TygerBurger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 3 June 2026

Citybudget openforinput

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIRÉE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

The City of CapeTown hasopened asecond round of public participationonits CityofHope Budget 2026-'27, giving residentsuntil 10 June to have their say on arevised set of tariff proposals that touch everything from water and sanitation charges to property rates and electricity costs.

At the heartofthe shake-upisacourt order that struck down the City's property value-based approach to fixed water and sanitation charges, amodel designed to make wealthierhouseholds carry more of thefinancial load. With that tool now offthe table, MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis faces adelicatebalancingact of protecting lower- and middle-income residentsfrom higherbills, keeping Cape Town's recordbreakinginfrastructure programme on track,and doing it all within alegal framework thathas just narrowed the City'sroom to manoeuvre.

Here's what's changing,who it affects, and what theCity is proposing to soften theblow.

Akey impactofthe ruling is that the City reverts back to the previous method of usingmeter size to determine fixed waterand sanitation charges. Because thesefixed chargesare no longer linked to property value bands, properties under R2,8million will pay more and highervalue properties will pay less for water andsanitation fixedcharges (for meter sizesupto22mm)

MayorHill-Lewis said the City will protect these lower- andmiddle-income households by furtherraising the ratesfreerebatefor those homes up to R620 000, up from R450 000.

All residential properties up to R8 million (previously R7 million) will now get thefirst R620 000 rates-free, up from R450 000. Indigent benefits will apply for all propertiesunder the new R620 000 threshold.

Pensionerswill continue to benefitfrom thecountry's widest rebate qualifying criteria, thanks to the previous raising of themonthly income threshold to R27 000, regardless of property value. Cape Town is alsothe only metrooffering lifelineelectricity to pensioners up to this threshold. In othercities pensioners must be classified as indigent to qualify.

"The main impact of the judgment is to limit the abilityofthe City –and allmunicipalities– to cross-subsidise to protect lower- andmiddle- income households.These amendments represent theCity’s proposed efforts to continue offeringthis protection within the framework of theruling," said Hill-Lewis.

This engagementwill focus on other available means to secure crosssubsidisationgoingforward, especially in relation to National Treasury’s metro tradingservices reform initiative and the White PaperonLocal Government.

The mayor emphasised that the City is notproposing any cuts to Cape Town’s essential infrastructure projects. "The collapse and decay thatwesee in all the other major cities in South Africa is a direct result of notmeeting this minimum levelofrequired investment in new infrastructure."

SUMMARYOFTHEPROPOSEDAMENDMENTS

City-wide cleaning costs move back into property rates. Residents previously funded city-wide cleaning services via an electricity surcharge contribution to property ratesrevenue. In 2025-'26, thecostofcity-wide cleaning was made astandalone charge for residential properties, loweringelectricity prices. This method hasbeen amended following thehigh courtruling

This removesthe standalonecity-wide charge and increasesproperty rates for residential customers –amending the-10,2% reductiontabledinMarch to -2,09%. Commercial property rates will

HIGH COURTRULING TRIGGERSCHANGES TO CITY OF CAPE TOWN BUDGETPROPOSALS

also increase, while electricity unit costs will reduce due to the phased reduction of the surcharge contribution to city-wide cleaning. Residential electricitytariffs remain unchanged as thesecustomers no longer contribute to city-wide cleaning in thisway.

Theoverall average energy tariff increase for commercial customers has been reduced to 5,46% (from 6,82% in the March tabled budget),while the residential increase remains unchanged at 6,64%. To accommodate the shift in City-wide cleaning to rates, and the phasing out of the electricity contribution for commercial properties, the rate-in-the-rand and the rates ratios are proposed to be amended.

WATERANDSANITATIONTARIFFCHANGES

Fixed water and sanitation charges revert to water meter size, the method used before property value bands. According to the City, thisimpact of the court ruling means that higher value properties will pay less fixed charges while lower value properties will pay more than they do currently.

"This is largely offset by lower property rates thanks to the raised rates-free and indigent benefits. The proposed further raising of the indigent relief threshold will see many more properties benefiting from the City’s indigent rebates with the threshold increasing from R450 000 to R620 000, which includes a100% property rates rebate,"the City stated in apress release.

TheCityisalso proposing the following measures to further buffer the impact of the fixed charges change: alower overall fixed charges portion of the tariff; consolidating the fixed tariff for the most common water meter sizes –those under 22mm; and shifting costs to higher consumption users compared to the March tabled budget –through increases to the step-tariff for usage over 10.5kl.

Water usage will cost R2,09 moreper KL from 10,5 –35KL compared to the March tabled budget, and R8,06 (excl VAT)more over 35KL, with similar increases for sanitation per KL in theseusage bands.

"Had theCityproposed consumptiononly tariffs, thiswould raise usage costs significantly right from the first kilolitre, disabling the ability of households to save through lower consumption,"the City stated.

All revenue raised in 2025-'26 has gone to the intended purpose of infrastructure and service delivery. It is important to further note that the ruling does not take issue with the necessity of thesefunds to run the city. Ratepayers will now contribute to thesesame running costs but in adifferent way based on the new proposals for 2026'27.

According to the City, around 130 000 construction-related jobswill flow from capital investment in the current term of office, with 75% of infrastructure spending directly benefitting lower-income households.

Cape Town is SA’sone city that works, and with these investments we are building acityofhope for all, in line with our long-term vision," said Hill-Lewis. Supplementary public participation is open from 27 May until 10 June. This will allow sufficient time to adopt abudget before the financial year begins on 1July as the law requires. The WesternCape Minister of Finance has been notified and has given approval for the amended budget adoption time-line.

. Visitwww.capetown.gov.za andclick the draftbudget trendingbox on thehomepage forall budget-related information, as well as a public engagementschedule

Seesawthieftobesentenced

The man who stole aseesaw from alocal park in Ravensmead will soon be sentenced in the Goodwood Magistrates’Court.

This is just oneofthe 88 arrests made by the City of Cape Town’s Metal Theft Unit in the 10 months between July 2025 and April 2026. The unit recovered more than akilometre of stolen cables and more than 800kg of stolen metal. Staff completed 5979 patrols in hotspotareas, 1257 scrapyard compliance inspections, responded to 423 complaints fromthe public and issued 3095 fines for various by-law transgressions.

In recent years,the unit, like many others in the City’s safety and security directorate, has started using technology like CCTV, drones and thermalimagery to amplify their operationsand cover more ground,particularly in morerural landscapes.

“We areconfident that the near 30% increase in hotspot patrols has prevented

Nog‘ntiener

BRENDENRUITER

BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Diegemeenskap van Elsiesrivier isweer tot in sy fondamente geskud metdie dood van 'n 13-jarige seun in wat vermoedelik'n bendeverwante voorval is.

Die oorledene en die twee ander slagoffers, onderskeidelik 18en31, is geskiet toe hulle die afgelope Sondag (24 Mei) op padhuis toe was, nadathulle kos in Goodwoodgaan koop het. Sers.Wesley Twigg, polisiewoordvoerder,

NETTIGHTENS FORMETAL THIEVES AND DEALERS

acts ofcriminality, protecting essential infrastructure in theprocess. But our staff monitor theentire pipeline, including keeping scrap dealers honest. Anyone found withoutproper registration or contravening any of theapplicable legislationisclosed uponinspection. It is amammothundertaking for staff who have to do inspections of these premises, proactively patrol known hotspots and respond tohundreds of public complaints,” saidMayco memberfor safety and security, JP Smith

METALDEALERSCLOSEDFORNON-COMPLIANCE

Scrap metal dealers are generally formal businesses,trading on alarge scale in an areazonedfor business. Bucket shopsare

registered dealers that tend to trade in suburbs fromresidential properties.

Since July 2025, theMetal Theft Unit has closed 42 scrap metaldealers and 94 bucket shops uponinspection. Reasons for closureinclude continued non-compliance with applicable legislation, where they are foundguilty of an offence, or for failing to register as asecond-hand goods dealer or metal recycler.

The public can report suspected illegal scrapdealers or illicit activities via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700. Anonymous tips can be submitted via 0800 110 077.

“Public assistanceiscritical in clamping down on theillegal trade in metals, so if you seesomething, please report it,no matterhow big or small.

“In one of the mostrecentcases before court, there wasa theft conviction for stealingaseesawfrom apark in Ravensmead.So, justicedoes come around in some cases,” said Smith.

op KaapseVlakte

sê 'nsaak van moord en twee van poging totmoord word ondersoek."Die omstandighede van die skietvoorval watomstreeks 21:15 in Stratford Place, Agtiende Straat in Leonsdale plaasgevind het, word ondersoek. 'n Dertienjarige seun is noodlotting gewond, terwyl twee ander gewond is,"sêTwigg.

Niemandisnog in verband metdie moordinhegtenis geneem nie.

Volgens 'nbron metnadere inligting oor die voorval was die seun net op die

Raid netsthousands of litres of suspectedfakeliquor

AChinese national has been arrested after ajoint operation uncovered more than 6000 litres of suspected fakealcohol at a liquor store in Eerste River.

Officersfrom the police’s Counterfeit Unit, together with the Liquor Authority, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) andthe South African National Defence Force (SANDF), conducted araid on the premisesaspart of OperationProsper on Tuesday,26May at approximately 10:00. Investigators found the alcohol— believedtobecounterfeit andintended for export —and confiscated atotal of 6201

litres of variousliquor products, withan estimated street value of R3,5million.All items werebookedinasexhibits.

The shop owner,aChinese national, wasarrested on thescene anddetained at Kleinvlei Police Station. He is expected to make his first court appearance at the Blue Downs Magistrate’sCourt.

Police spokespersonThembakazi Mpendukana confirmed the details of the operation.

Thousands of liters of fake liquorwas confiscatedby the police.

doodgeskiet

verkeerde tyd op die verkeerde plek. "Hy is niebybendebedrywighede betrokke nie,maar daar bestaan 'n vermoede dat die oom saam met wie hy was by bendebedrywighede betrokke is. Dieoom was glo die bestuurder van die motor. Hulle is in 'n hinderlaag gelei, vasgekeer en toeisdaar op hulle losgebrand. Ek is nie sekerwie van die beseerdes nog in die hospitaal is nie, want die oom is deur die mondgeskiet,"sêdie bron

Smash-and-grabincidentsincrease

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

CapeTown motorists have yet again been warnedtobevigilant on theroads as yet anotherarea has been added to the already longlist of smash-and-grab hotspots.

Areas known for smash-and-grabattacks —when car windows are smashed while moving slowly, parked or in heavytraffic, and valuables are stolen outofthe car— areBonteheuwel (Jakes Gerwel Drive and Bluegum Street), Elsies River (35th Street andOwen Road) and Dunoon (Malibongwe Drive). Now three areas in Parow have been added to that list

The ParowCommunityPolicing Forum (CPF) says new hot-spots motorists should be awareofare the intersections of VoortrekkerRoad and De la Rey Street; Jan vanRiebeeckDrive andVoortrekker Road; and Jan van Riebeeck Drive and Jan Smuts Road. BronwinDaniels, CPF chair, says they are concerned about the ongoing smash-and-grab incidents occurring at theseintersections.

"Criminals target motorists who leave valuables visible in their vehicles or who become distracted while waiting at traffic lights," Daniels says. Motorists are urged to keep valuables

out of sight; to avoid using cellphones at intersections; to keep windows closed where possible,and to remain alert and aware of their surroundings.

"Crimepreventionstarts with awareness. Stay vigilant and report anysuspicious activity to thepolice or your local safety structures. Together, we can reduce opportunities for criminals andmake our roads safer for everyone,"says Daniels.

The City of Cape Town hasstated previously thatsmash-and-grab has becomea problem on ourroads

Thenewest warningcomesa week after thereleaseofthe latest crime statistics for the Western Cape province.

According to thestatisticsfor the fourth quarter (January to Marchthis year), theft outofmotor vehicles decreased. During January and Marchthis year 114 cases were reported, while atotal of 128 cases were reported during the same threemonth-period last year.

In July last year the City said based on thestatistics from the metro police’s CCTV network between the periodofJuly 2024 and May 2025, mostsmash-and-grab incidentshappeninthe late afternoon andearly evening, andthatthe frequency increases overweekends.

It saidthe corridor between Bonteheuwel

and Langa remainsthe biggest hot-spots, and thatbased on reports to the Public Emergency Communications Centre (PECC), otherprominent areas based on the location data include Leonsdale, Beaconvale,the Foreshore, Elsies River Industria,Epping Industria, Milnerton and Philippi.

“Mostofthe areas with the highest number of reportsare in closeproximity. Furthermore, thetrend shows that these opportunistic criminals strikewhen people are perhaps less vigilant afteralong day at work, andstuckinpeak-hour traffic, or it is aweekend when they tend to be more relaxedand the odds increase of valuables like shopping bags on backseats,” JP Smith,Mayco memberfor safetyand security, said back then.

He added: "Before setting off on your journey, check thatall of your valuables are in the boot of the vehicle, and that all the doors are lockedand the windows closed.Resist distractions like checking yourphone while stationary at an intersection, or in bumper-to-bumper traffic,and keep your wits about you at all times."

. Report smash-and-grab casestothe City of Cape Town’sPECCon021 480 7700 from a cellphone,oryournearest policestation.

Vrouse‘boodskapvanhoop’

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

’nVrou van Bellville-Suid wat sonder ledemate gebore is en net een arm het, het haar heel eerste skaatsplank—haar"eerste vervoermiddel" uit 1988 —geskenk aan Jason Vanporppal, die Amerikaanse skaatsplanker wat 5500 kilometervan Uganda na Kaapstad met sy skaatsplank gereis het het om geld vir’nskaatsbaan vir minderbevoorregte jeug in Uganda in te samel Samantha Carolissen het op25 Mei by die City Bowl-skaatsbaan in Kaapstad opgedaag saam met vele ander bewonderaars om Vanporppal te verwelkom aandie eindevan sy merkwaardige reis

van 106 dae. SKAATSPLANKVINDNUWETUISTE

As kind wasCarolissense skaatsplank —’ngeskenk van 1988 —haar eerstemanier van vervoer en vryheid.

Toe sy Vanporppal se reis op sosialemedia volg en sy leuse hoor— "Ifyou feel useless, do somethinggood to feel meaningful" —het sy’nbesluit geneem.

"Dit was’n groot stapvir my enmyma om my skaatsplank te laat gaan. Maar al lyk dit so onbeduidend,kan my skaatsplank vreugde bring vir iemand watdit nodig het."

Vanporppalsal die skaatsplank na Uganda neem en aan iemand in nood skenk.

Carolissen se lewe meteen arm

is niesonderuitdagings nie. As gevolg van chroniese oorgebruik van haar enigste arm ly sy aan ernstigeskouer- en handpyn. Drie skoueroperasies in Desemberhet misluk, wat haar gedwinghet om haar werk —wat sy 17 jaar lank doen —teverlaat. Sy kan ook nie meer self bestuurnie.

"’n Lewe met ’n gestremdheid is niemaklik nie. Jy moetdikwels meer doen as ander netom jouself te bewys. Ditverg meer emosioneleasfisieke krag. Ditis ’n daaglikse stryd om in jouself te glo," sê sy. Ditisjuisinhierdie tyd van hopeloosheiddat Vanporppal se boodskaphaar diepgeraak het Vanporppal het Maandag sy reis voltooi en sover hethyreeds $37 000 (ongeveer R600 000) van sy $45 000-teiken(ongeveer R735 000)

“Stelaltyddoelwittevirjouself.Moeniemoedopgee nie.Werkteenjoueiepas—maarglodatjyditkan bereik.”

-SamanthaCarolissen

Bokcoachgifteddogportrait

Springbok head coach

Rassie Erasmus was recently presented witha portrait of his dog by atalented Durbanville artist.

The 53-year-oldCraig Stuart, originally from Scotland, is a keen Springbok supporter “that is, when his home team from Scotland is not playing against the Boks”, he admits —and followed Erasmus on Instagram “I saw that he often shared

SCOTTISH ARTISTCONNECTSWITH BOKAND HIS DOG ON INSTAGRAM

photos of special moments with his dog, Kwedini. Itwas clear that theyhavea veryspecial connection, andIdecided to do a paintingofhis dog

“I paused oneofthe videos and used the image forthe painting,”

Stuart explains.Kwedini means “boy” or “smallboy”inXhosa

It took him two to three days in April to finish the oil painting, andheshared parts of theprocessonInstagram. Soon thephotos came to Erasmus’s attention and he instructed his personal assistant to contact Stuart “I offered the painting to him as

agift. He was blown away when Ihanded it to him in person two weeksago in my studio at our home in Pinehurst,”hesays.

Stuart regularly paints clients’ pets and undertakes other commission work. He works mostly in oils, but also in acrylics and othermedia.

“For me,this wasn’t about celebrity— it was about creating something personal from asmall interaction and seeing where it led,” he explains.

City begins summer lifeguard recruitment

TheCity of Cape Town has officiallybegun recruiting seasonal lifeguards as part of its preparations for the upcomingsummer season, while maintenance and upgrade work continuesatseveral public swimming pools across the metro.

Each year, the Cityappoints more than 600seasonal lifeguards who are deployed to public swimming pools and designated bathing beaches from late September through to mid-April. The recruitment drive follows asuccessful2025-'26 summer season,which recorded the lowest number of fatal drownings in seven years, underscoringthe importance of lifeguards in the City’s water safety strategy

STRICTTRAININGANDSELECTION PROCESS

The City’s recreation and parks department puts candidates through rigorous physical and skills assessments eachwinter to ensure they meet the demands of the role.

Applicants must meet strict criteria,including fitness standards, swimming ability, and firstaid competency,aswell as passing background checks.

Shortlisted candidates are also required tocompletephysical assessments.

Lifeguards areappointed acrossfour categories: seasonal beach lifeguard, seasonal senior beach lifeguard, seasonal pool lifeguard andseasonal senior poollifeguard.

Beach lifeguard applicants mustcomplete a400m swim in undereightminutes, while pool lifeguard applicantsmust complete a100m swim in under twominutes,alongside rescue andfirstaid tests.

'VITALROLEINSAVINGLIVES'–CITY

Mayco memberfor community services andhealth Francine Higham said lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring safety at the City’sbeaches and swimming pools.

“Ourlifeguards play avital role in helping keep bathers safe

everysummer

“They areoften first on the scene whenemergencies happen and theirwork saves lives,”she said.

POOLUPGRADESUNDERWAYACROSS THECITY

Alongside recruitment, the City is alsocontinuingwith upgrades and maintenance at several public swimmingpools to ensure facilities are safe,accessible and ready for thesummerseason. Projectscurrently underway include major infrastructure work at the Delft, Lentegeur and Langa swimming pools,focusing on structural,civil, mechanical and reticulation upgrades.

At Bellville South and Goodwood swimmingpools,full reticulation system upgrades are in progress, alongwith mechanical plantrepairs and maintenance. Manenbergswimmingpool is in thefinal stagesofstructural upgradesand mechanical maintenance, while Newlands swimming pool has already

completed upgrades to its mechanical plant and floodlights, with further improvements continuing. The City says ongoing investment in swimming pools forms part of awider effort to improve water sustainability, reduceoperating costs, and ensurecommunities continue to haveaccess to quality recreational facilities.

. Residents interestedinapplying forlifeguard positions canvisit: www. capetown.gov.za/lifeguardsfor more information.

Child protection agencies call formoreawareness

Fartoo many children continue to be exposed to abuse, crime and violence, says Patric Solomons, director of child-rights organisation Molo Songololo. His comments come as National Child Protection week concludes on Friday 5June. The week is observed annually to shine a spotlight on children’s rights and the need to protect every childfrom abuse, neglectand exploitation, as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution and the Children’s Act.

This year’s theme is “Working together in ending violence against children”. The campaign is spearheaded by the National Department of Social Development in partnershipwith keygovernmentdepartments and civilsociety organisations providing child protection services.

Solomons tells TygerBurger: “We need everyone to invest in child safetyand protection because that investment canhelp

their survival. And can increase theirfuture prospects. We need to take careofchildren andprotect them.”

He says that while attempts have been made to strengthen child protectioninterventions at national level, the turnaround timefor addressing cases at local community level remains unclear formanychildren. Solomons says Molo Songololo continues to work withkey role-players and is constantlyexploringways to improve itsimpactand better secure the safety of children.

RELUCTANCETOREPORT

Children-rights activist Lucinda Evans implores communities, parents andgovernment to do moreto guardchildren

The founder ofPhilisa Young MindsAcademy, an earlychildhooddevelopment (ECD) centre dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children in Lavender Hill and surrounds, believes thereare not enough

safe spaces for kids. “I want the community to be more vigilant and to report abuse. There is still areluctance to report abuse.”

Evans,who is alsothe founder of PhilisaAbafazi Bethu Women and Family Centre in Retreat, explainsthatabuse of all forms, not justphysical, should be reported.

“Neglect is alsoaform of abuse.

Too often we see children at traffic lights or shopping centres beggingfor food while the parentssit andwait for them “Thoseparents must be reported. We see children roaminginthe street and begging. That should be reported.”

According to the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), more than 43 000 childrenare in foster care in theprovince and2800 more childreninNPO-run child and youth carecentres.

BetweenOctober last year and Marchthisyear,the department

says it received 1957 reportsof abuse.

ActingWestern Cape MEC of Social Development Deidré Baartman says everyone has an obligation to protect children. “When areport of abuse is received asocial worker conducts arisk and safetyassessment.If thereisanimmediate risk to the child’s safety, they are removed from their home and the matter is presented to the Children’s Court.”

Baartman adds that while the

National ChildProtection Week,which ends on 5June, is observed annually to raise awareness aboutchildren’s rightsand

child-protection investigation is underway the child may be temporarily placed with safety parents. “We urge thosewho meet the qualifying criteria to sign up to become asafety parent. This is just one way of making ahuge impact on the life of achild when they need it the most.”

. Formoreinformation on becoming asafetyparentvisit https:// www.westerncape.gov.za/socialdevelopment/get-involved-andbecome-safety-parent

PolisievierKinderweekbycrèche

Die Kuilsrivier-polisie het Vrydagoggend Kinderbeskermingsweek, wat van 29 Mei tot Vrydag 5Junie gehou word, met ’n besoekaan Kleintyd Akademie begin. ’n Programvol pret is vir die kleuters en peuters aangebied, waarin praktiese wenke om hul veiligheid te help verseker op’n speelse wyse oorgedra is

AO Estelle April het die program gelei met verskeie rolspelers wat by gemeenskapsveiligheid betrokke is, wat tot die oggend bygedra het.

Sers. Caswell Julies van die metropolisie het gesorg dat die kinders eerslitte losmaak met ’n saamsingliedjie vol bewegings

KLEINTJIESWORD GELEER OOR ONAANVAARBARE AANRAKING

Daarna het Aprilmet die jongspanoor persoonlike veiligheidgesels. Hulle het geleer wathulle moet doen as vreemdelinge onvanpas teenoor hulle optreeenhet luidkeels die noodkreet, "stranger danger!"uitgeroep. Die polisie senoodnommer, 10111, is met vingerbewegingsgeoefen.

Lynn Hendricksvan Badisa enVictorino Manuel van AFM Welfarehet ’npoppekasvertoning aangebied oorgedrag en die verskil tussen aanvaarbare en onaanvaarbare aanraking. "Ons hetnie geheime nie,"het Manuel

Sers.CaswellJulies.‘n

ffisier vandie Stad Kaapstad se metropolisie,het die kindersmet‘n saamsingliedjie vermaak. FOTO’S:CARINAROUX

vir hulle gesê. Tussendeur is nog ’n paar liedjiesgesing om die kriewelrigheid in toom te hou. Ter afsluiting is die kinders se gesiggies met gesigverf en plakkertjies versier. Lekkergoed en skyfies, watdeur die gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum geskenkis, is aan die personeel oorhandig om aan die kinders uit te deel as beloning omdat hulle mooi stilgesit en geluister het. Doeke, asook inligtingspamflette vir noodgevalle, is ook aan Kleintyd oorhandig. . Besoek www.novanews.co.za/ tygerburger virnog foto’s.

Childneglectcontinues

Far too many children continue to be exposed to abuse, crime and violence, says Patric Solomons, director of child-rights organisation Molo Songololo.

His comments come as NationalChild Protection week concludes onFriday 5 June. The week is observed annually to shine aspotlight on children’srightsand the need to protect everychild from abuse, neglectand exploitation, as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution and the Children’s Act.

This year’s theme is “Working together in ending violence against children”. The campaign is spearheaded by the National Department of Social Development in partnershipwithkey government departments and civilsociety organisationsproviding child protection services.

Solomonstells TygerBurger:“We need everyone to invest in childsafetyand protection because that investment can help their survival. And can increasetheir future prospects. We need to take careof children and protect them.”

He says that while attempts have been made to strengthen child protection interventionsatnational level, the turnaround time for addressing cases at local communitylevel remains unclear for many children. Solomons says Molo Songololo continues to work with key roleplayers and is constantly exploring ways to improve its impact and better secure the safety of children.

RELUCTANCETOREPORT

Children-rights activist Lucinda Evans implores communities, parents and government to do more to guard children.

The founder of Philisa Young Minds

“Neglectisalsoaformofabuse.”

-Lucinda Evans

Academy, an early-childhood development (ECD) centre dedicated to uplifting underprivilegedchildren in Lavender Hill and surrounds,believes there are not enoughsafespaces for kids.

“I want the community to be more vigilant andtoreport abuse. Thereisstill areluctance to report abuse.”

Evans, who is alsothe founder of PhilisaAbafazi Bethu Womenand Family Centre in Retreat,explains that abuse of all forms, not just physical, shouldbe reported.

“Neglect is alsoaform of abuse. Too often we see children at traffic lightsor shopping centresbeggingfor food while the parentssit andwait for them

“Thoseparents must be reported. We see children roaming in the streetand begging. That should be reported.”

According to theWestern Cape Department of Social Development(DSD), morethan 43 000 children are in foster

National Child ProtectionWeek, whichendson5 June,isobserved annually to raise awareness about children’srights and theimportanceof protecting children from abuse,neglect and exploitation.

careinthe province and2800 more childreninNPO-run child and youth care centres.

BetweenOctober last year and March this year, the department says it received 1957 reports of abuse.

ActingWestern Cape MEC of Social Development Deidré Baartman says everyonehas an obligation to protect children.“When areport of abuse is received asocial worker conducts a risk and safety assessment. If thereis an immediate risk to the child’ssafety, they areremoved from theirhome and thematter is presented to the Children’s Court.”

Baartman adds that while the childprotection investigation is underway thechild may be temporarily placed with safety parents. “Weurge thosewho meet the qualifyingcriteria to sign up to become asafetyparent. This is just one way of makingahugeimpact on the life of achild when they need it themost.”

. Formoreinformation on becoming asafety parent visithttps://www.westerncape.gov.za/ social-development/get-involved-and-becomesafety-parent

Verkoping van kunsboeke

Kunsliefhebbers het 'n besondere geleentheid om nie mis te loop nie.

Die Vriende van Bellvillebiblioteeksentrum hou 'n uitsoekkunsboekverkoping van 6tot 30 Junie in die biblioteek se foyer ins gewone biblioteek-ure.

Die verkoping open op Saterdag 6Junie om 09:00. Dié dag bied 'n dubbele bederf, want in die biblioteek se art.b- galery open die gewilde Tiny Treasures-uitstalling om 11:00. Besigtiging kan vanaf 10:30 gedoen word. Die boekversameling is werklik uitsonderlik. Kunsliefhebbers sal boeke oor kunsgeskiedenis, kontemporêre kuns en argitektuur vind, asook werke oor individuele kunstenaarssoos Vermeer, Escher en Robert Indiana.

KOFFIETAFELBOEK 'n Besondere koffietafelboek, Islam–Art and Architecture,isonder die hoogtepunte, sowel as 'n seldsame versameling oor Afrika-kuns en 'n keur deur SuidAfrikaanse kunstenaars. 'n Unieke versamelaarsitem is HamletPrins van Denemarke,vertaal deur L.I. Coertze en in 1945 deur Stewart-uitgewers in Kaapstad gepubliseer —geïllustreer met tekeninge deur diebekende skilder Maud Sumner Keramiekliefhebbers kan uitsien na Garth Clark se gesaghebbende Potters of Southern Africa,asook boeke oor Japannese en Britse keramiekwerk. Kunsafdrukke van ikoniese werke deur Matisse, Gauguin, Miró en Monet is teen diespogprys van slegs R100 elk beskikbaar. Slegs kontant wordaanvaar, tensyvooraf anders gereël.

. BelIlzeSwart by 082666 9758 vir meer besonderhede.

WYSIGINGSAAN DIE2026/27BEGROTINGWAT IN MAARTTER TAFEL

GELÊ IS –KONSEPBEGROTING VIR

2026/27 (MEI 2026)

Bestegewaardeerde belanghebbende

DieStadisdankbaar viralmal wattyd afgestaan hetomgedurende dieopenbaredeelname kommentaar te leweroor die2026/27-begrotingwat in Maartter tafelgelêis.

Alle insettewat tydens daardieprosesontvang is,isoorweeg

Desnieteenstaande is dieStadverplig om tallewesenlike wysigingsaan te bringaan die tariefstruktuur in die2026/27-begroting watinMaartter tafelgelêisten eindedie bevindinge van dieonlangseuitspraak vandie Wes-Kaapse Hooggeregshofop30April 2026 te implementeer

DieStadvra nouopenbarekommentaar oor hierdiewysigings viroorweging,terwylhysteeds verseker dathydie statutêresperdatum virdie goedkeuringvan diejaarliksebegroting deur die Raad voor 1Julie 2026 nakom. DieWes-Kaapse regering se minister vanfinansiesisinkennis gestel en hetdie gewysigdetydsraamwerk goedgekeur

DieStadnooi belanghebbendepartyedus om kommentaar te leweroor dienuwewysigings wat nouaangebringis, soos hier ondergeïdentifiseer

Kommentaar moet tussen27Mei 2026 en nielater nieas16:30 op 10 Junie2026 ingedien word

Gaan na dielandingsbladop www.capetown.gov.za virnog inligting.

Kommentaar:

E-pos: Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za

Aanlyn: www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate of ww.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay Besoek: subraadskantore

Tel: 0800 212 176

Dievolledige Stadstariewe vir2026/27 is beskikbaar by www.capetown.gov.za

Dieimpak vandie beslissing raak niedie bestedingsaspektevan diebegroting watter tafelgelêis nie, en geen nuwe kommentaarwordindaardieverband gevranie

Kaapstad se konsepbegrotingvir sy “Stadvan Hoop”bevat ’n driejaar-infrastruktuursbegroting vanR40 miljard– ’n Suid-Afrikaanse rekord

Baie dankie,SpanKaapstad!

Wysigingsnádie 2026/27-begrotingwat in Maartter tafelgelêis

’n Toepassing vandie onlangse uitspraak deur dieWes-Kaapse Hooggeregshofoor dieStadse goedgekeurde begrotingvir 2025/26 hetveroorsaak datdie Stad dievolgendevoorgestelde wysigingsmoesaanbringaan die2026/27-begrotingwat in Maartter tafelgelêis, onderworpe aan ’n aanvullendeprosesvan openbare deelname

Diewysigings is soos volg:

Stadswye skoonmaak

In die2026/27-begrotingwat in Maartter tafelgelêis, is stadswye gebiedskoonmaakdienste befondsdeur’nstadswyeskoonmaaktarief (van toepassing op residensiële eiendomme en onbeboudegrond)asook ’n bydrae vanuitdie eiendomsbelastingrekening, gesteundeur’n bydrae uitkommersiële elektrisiteitsverkope. Stadswye skoonmaak virresidensiëleeiendomme en onbeboudegrond salnie meer deur middelvan ’n tarief verhaal word nie, maar eerderdeur eiendomsbelastingbefonds word

•Die afhanklikheidvan elektrisiteitsbydraestot eiendomsbelastingvir stadswye skoonmaakdienstewat aankommersiële kliëntegebiedis, saluitgefaseer word Dietabel hier ondertoon dieopsomming vandie voorgestelde wysigingsaan eiendomsbelasting in die2026/27-begrotingwat in Maartter tafelgelêis:

Nettoeiendomsbelasting (netto beweging)2026/27 R’ 000

eiendomsbelastingverhoudingsoosvolggewysig:

Eiendomsbelastingkategorie Goedgekeurde begroting vir 2025/26

2026/27 -begroting watin Maartter tafelgelê is

2026/27 -begroting watMei gewysigis

viropenbare dienste

-bare-voordeelorganisasie

grond

behuising

Gespesifis-eerde godsdienstige doeleindes

winsoogmerk

Waterensanitasie

Vasteheffings virwater en sanitasiesal weer op diegrootte vanwatermeters gegrondwees,dus die metode watdie Stad voor dieinstelling vandie eiendomswaardeband-metodetoegepashet

Vasteheffings,gegrond op eiendomswaardebande, is soos volg verwyder: Eiendomswaardeband –algemene waardasie2025

2026/27-tariewein Maartter tafelgelê(BTW uitgesluit) 2026/27-tarieweinMei

2026/27-begroting in Maartter tafelgelê14731 646 2026/27-begroting in Meigewysig 15 810666 Verskil(nettostyging)1 079 020

•Die befondsingsvereistevir stadswye skoonmaak (R869 miljoen), insluitende’n voorsieningvir skuldverswakking,isoor alle eiendomsbelastingkategorieëheen versprei;

•Die 2026/27-elektrisiteitsbydrae toteiendomsbelasting (slegs virkommersiële kliënte) saluitgefaseer word.Dit het’nbykomende verhogingvan R200 miljoen in eiendomsbelastingvir eiendomsbelastingkategorieë van’nkommersiële tipe totgevolg, met’nooreenstemmendeverminderingindie pereenheid-prysverhoging vir elektrisiteitsaankope virkommersiële kliënte. ’n Voorsieningvir skuldverswakking is by eiendomsbelastingingesluit;en

•Asgevolghiervan,isdie algemene energietariefverhoging virkommersiële kliëntetot 5,46% verminder(van6,82% in die2026/27-begrotingwat in Maarttafel gelê is), hoewel diegemiddeldetariefverhoging virresidensiëleenergie onveranderdop6,64% bly. Beidehierdie verhogings is onderdie Nersa-goedgekeurde verhogingvan 9,01%,en weerspieël ’n daling in diec/kWh-verhalingskoers van4,04c/kWh

Daarbenewens,omdie impakvan dieimplementeringvan diebostaande te versag en verligting te bied waar ditdie nodigste is,isdie vermindering in residensiële eiendomsbelastingtot R620 000verhoog (insluitende diestatutêre vermindering), op vanR500 000 in die2026/27-begroting watinMaartter tafelgelêis.

Verder,omvir dieuitfasering vandie elektrisiteitsbydrae virkommersiële eiendomme (hierbo) voorsieningtemaak,isdie koers-in-die-randvir eiendomsbelastingendie

Hoewel diealgeheleinkomstegrenseonveranderd bly, hetdie balans tussenvaste (basiese) inkomste en verbruiksgegrondeinkomstegeskuif,met minder inkomste watnou vanuitvaste tariewe ingevorder word (daal totongeveer 17% vanwater-ensanitasie-inkomstevanuitdiensheffings),en meer vanuitverbruiksheffings(ongeveer 83%).

LEWENSKIEKIE

Wanneer die huppel’n neurie word

Dieoggendstond het goud in die mond –’n gunsteling-sêding vir’nvroegopstaner.

Sy oë gaan oopsaam met die voëls wat kwetter.

Die voordeur is sy eerste stop –isdie koerant al op die stoep?

Daar is ’n huppel in sy stap, ’n lied in sy siel.

Sy wil is sterker as die moer in sy oggendkoffie.

Hy geniet bruinbeskuit(“nee, gesondheidsbeskuit, my kindjie”) saam met die swart koffie terwyl sy oëvlugtig die hoogtepunte,stand van diemarkte,en (baie belangrik) die dag se weer bekyk.

Dieres is leesstof vir middagete. Dan, ’n vinnige paar strekoefeninge voor hy gereedmaak vir diedag.

Hy rek sy hande na die hemele en dan vinnig na sy tone …loer tussendeur sy bene en steek sy tong uit vir die bruinoë wathulle aan die roetine verkyk.

Daardie twee stelle bruinoë, sy hele lewe. ’n Vinnige stappie word ook deur die loop van die dag ingepas; op ’n mooi somersdag sommer die twee kilo'swerk toe.

SYHARTVERLANGDIKWELS

TERUGNADIEPLAAS,DIEPLEK WAARSYKINDERJARESESTOF NOGAANSYSKOENESIT.

Saterdae, en in die somer ook deur die week, werskaf hy in ’n tuin wat nooit klaarkom nie –syperskes, vye en pruime is sy trots.

Sondae sing hy uit volle bors in die kerkbanke.

Die hoogtepunt van sy week is die Sondagmiddag-uitstappies –son enswem, stap in die natuur, of as dit te koud is, ’n lekkerny –verkieslik melktert –by een of ander padstal.

Vakansies word by die see baljaar, altyd net mooi naby genoeg om ookby sy eie ma –reeds diep in haar negentigs –te gaan inloer.

Die jare bring geluk, ook seer en smart, maar niks kan sy lied demper nie. Die dekades stap verby. Twee dinge bly konstant: die Afrikaanse koerant saam met sy oggendkoffieendie bruinoë wat, hoewel nou niemeer kinders nie, steeds sy hele lewe is.

Van die tuig neerlê en versit na ’n makliker heenkome, wilhyniksweet nie. Maar selfs daardie dag breek aan.

Die bruinoë kyk nou met ’nander soort deernis na hom.

Waar hy hulle vroeër oor die drumpel gedra het, is dit nou hulle watsy arm stewigmoet vasvat as die huppel in sy stapsoms huiwer.

Sy hart verlang dikwels terug na die plaas, die plek waar sy kinderjaresestof nog aan sy skoene sit.

Die huppel in sy stap is noumeer wilas weg.

Sy lied is ’n geneurie met vergete lirieke. Gister kon ons berge versit, of minstens die wil was daar.

Vandag is hy hardkoppigeras’nrebelse tiener.

Wat môre gebeur, daardierealiteit sal netdie oggendstond openbaar.

Die jare is baie, maar die lewe iskort. Koester jougeliefdes terwyljynog kan Soos dielirieke van Cody Johnson ons herinner: "You can always put araincheck in hishand. 'Til you can't." -CECILIAHUME

Só versag Stad die druk

Ek verwys na die brief“Stad se inwoners moet gordel styfknoop”(TB, 27 Mei) deurLizelle Strydom.

Hoewelinwoners se finansiëledruk en frustrasies verstaanbaar is, is dit belangrik dat die gesprek oor die Stad Kaapstad se begrotingendiensleweringdie feite weerspieël,asook die stappe watreeds gedoen word om inwoners te ondersteun en te beskerm.

DieStadKaapstad presteer die bestevan alle metro's in Suid-Afrikaten opsigte vanbasiesedienslewering,infrastruktuurbelegging, finansiëlebestuur en skoon oudits.

Hierdieprestasie is nietoevallig nie, maar danksy voortgesettebeleggings in water-,krag-,pad-en veiligheidsinfrastruktuur tenspyte van’nbedeesde ekonomieseklimaat

Die briefverwysnadie druk wathuishoudings ervaar weensstygende lewenskoste.Die Stad erken hierdie realiteit, en juis daarom is verskeie aanpassingsonlangsaan die konsepbegrotingvir 2026-'27 aangebring om die impak op middelklas-enwerkende inwoners te versag

DieStadhet onder meer die voorgestelde vaste heffings vir waterensanitasie afwaarts aangepas; diekoste van maandelikse waterverbruik bo 10,5 kl verhoog,wat beteken dat groter verbruikers meer sal betaal; diedrempel vir die heffing vaneiendomsbe-

lasting is vanR450000 totR620000 verhoog. Dit beteken dat geen belasting op die eersteR620000 vaneiendomme met ‘n waarde totR8miljoen gehef salwordnie

Betreffende veiligheid en die onwettigeaktiwiteite waarnaverwysword, is die Stad ook besig met verskeie ingrypings,ondermeer die uitbreiding vanwetstoepassings-enmetro-polisiediensteinhoërisikogebiede; die ontplooiingvan meer tegnologie,insluitend kamera- en beheerstelsels om misdaad te bekamp; voortgesetteoptrede teen onwettigeelektrisiteitsen wateraansluitings watnie netinkomsteverlies veroorsaak nie, maar ook gemeenskappe in gevaar stel,enprogramme om onwettigebesettingsbinne die raamwerk vandie wettebestry.

Die realiteit is dat Kaapstad, soos alle groot stede wêreldwyd, onder drukverkeer weens verstedeliking, werkloosheid en nasionaleekonomieseuitdagings. Tog blydie Stad een vandie min metro's watsteeds konsekwentininfrastruktuur belêendienslewering uitbrei.

Kritiek is belangrik in ’n demokrasie,maar dit moet gebalanseer word met erkenning vandie werklike pogingsenvooruitgang watgemaak word om die stad funksioneel,veilig en finansieel volhoubaar te hou.

SISEKO MBANDEZI, Burgemeesterskomiteelid vir finansies

Ouma se blomswael eindig tenger jare

Lauren O'Connorserubriek ("Confessions of achildhood fartgun", TB) vanWoensdag 27 Mei het omtrent herinneringevan my kinderdae laat herleef.Sywas beslis nie die enigstewat onder blomswael moes deurloop nie.Toe ek om en by agtjaar oudwas,was ek redelik tenger.Myvriende moetassebliefnie nouinhul koffiestik nie.Dit waslankgelede.Mymaenmyouma besluit toedie oorsaak is my mangels en volgens my ouma wasblomswael die antwoord.

Die eerstekeer is ek heeltemal uitgevang, maar die kere daarna wasdit 'n oorlogsone.Ekhet soos 'n maer vark geskree

Ek is sekerdie buredrie stratever konmyhoor, maar my ouma was formidable en het my op die bed vasgedruk en letterlikbo-op my gaan sit.Die oomblik as ek my mond oopgemaak het om te gil, wasdit net “poef" en sy het die blomswael in my keel geblaas Kolskoot!

Ek kannet nie onthou of die nagevolgesotoksies wassoosbyjou nie,enofdit die blomswael waswat deksels goed gewerk het of iets anders nie,maar die woordtenger wasdaarnabeslis nie meer op my van toepassing nie.Nou nogminder!

M. VANALPHEN, Durbanville

Dankie aan samaritane vir onbaatsugtigeomgee

Metdié skrywe wilekgraag my hartlikedank oordra aan dietweemense,'nvrouen'nman,wat my sonder om twee keer te dink te hulp gesnel het op Maandag 11 Mei indie Tygervallei-sentrum. Ek hetnet ná bloedskenkingteen die roltrapopgekomvan diebanklokaal en hetbobydie afklimvan dieroltrap my bewussyn verloor en neergeval. Hierdie twee samaritane hetkom sekermaak dat ek veilig is,

asook om die sekuriteit te ontbied. Met die aankoms vandie sekuriteitspersoneel hettweebloedbank-personeellede ook opgedaagenmydadelik herken as 'n bloedskenker. Op aanbeveling vandie bloedbank-personeel is ek deurdie sekuriteitspersoneel teruggeneem na diebloedskenkinglokaal, waar verder na my omgesien is. Daar is toevasgestel dat my bloeddruk baie laag wasnádie skenking, wattoe veroorsaak het dat ek omgeval het Hierdie dank is ook aan die sekuriteitspersoneel, sowelasdie bloedbank-personeel! Ook aan die meneer watvir my 'n Pepsigaan kryhet toehy verstaan het dat ek ook 'n diabeet is. Dankie vir almal se onbaatsugtigeomgee vir jul medemens, magjulle God's seën in jul lewe ervaar DERICK MBAARTMAN, Bellville

The Mayor‘blames thecourt’

In the article"Court's tariff rulingwill affect thepoor" (TB 27/5) andonmany other platforms, the Mayorrefers to the "impact of the court ruling". It sounds as ifhewants to blame the court.The courtdid notintroducethese tariffs, thecourtonlyconfirmed that the fixed chargeswereunlawful andinvalid. Apparently, the national Department of CooperativeGovernance hadwarned against thisapproach as farback as 2018

Maybe the Mayorshouldthink about this next time when he buys bread. Thepoor will notpay more, andthe rich will notpay less foraloafofbread. The(fixed) cost of aloafofbread is the same foreveryone. Therest hastodo with consumption, themorebread you eatthe moreyou will pay. Crosssubsidising is already builtintoour taxes, and the cost of this court case couldhave boughtmanyloafs of bread. LEON, Brackenfell

Slaan roekelosebestuurders in hul sak

Ek verwys na "Cityneeds spacefor impounded vehicles" (TB 27/5).

Daar is so baie leësakepersele.As daar geld is om dorpsname te verander, behoort daar ook geld vir ander dinge te wees. Daar is 'n oplossing vir die mensewat aspris in rivierbeddingsbly.Soosjulle motors en taxi's en selfsdie ongeskikte afleweringsbromponies aftrek, vernietig dit.Kry 'n crushermachine en crush die goed. Meestevan die voertuie deesdae

ry teen aankomende verkeer in. Dink twee of drie keer voordat sleutelsteruggegeewordaan die bestuurders. Die lewe is reeds duur,'nmens probeer jou goed oppas,dan kom motor-enmotorfietsbestuurders wat nie omgee vir hul voertuie nie,endruk jou vanpad af En al wanneer jy verkeersbeamptes en die metropolisie sien, is wanneer 'n spesiale operasie plaasvind. OPLOSSING,E-pos

Chooseschool by15June

Thousands of Western Cape parents who applied for Grade R, 1and 8placements for next year have until Monday15June to confirm aschool.

The Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) released the outcomes of theon-time admissions applications on Thursday 28 May. The department urged families not to panic if they do not receive an immediateoffer.

DavidMaynier, Minister for Education in the WesternCape, saidschools determine the outcome of admissions based on their admissions policies.

"At the point when outcomes are first released, asubstantial number of learners will have received multiple offers. For example, last year more than 40 000 learners had multiple successful outcomes at various schools and were 'double parked' on the system."

Maynier said with thousands of learners holding multiple offers at once the admissions process was expected to shift significantly in the weeks ahead as spaces begin to open up across schools.

"It is important to note that more than 46 000 learners received two or more offers, and as their parents confirm their choice of school more than 64 000 places will still open up to be offered to other parents."

What this means for parents Maynier stressed that the admissions process continues

Tiny Treasures exhibition returns

TheArtsAssociation of Bellville’sArt.b Galleryisset to open its annual Tiny Treasures exhibition on Saturday6Juneatthe Library Center,Carlvan AswegenStreet, Bellville, at 10:30 for11:00

rangeoforiginal artworksincompact formats, featuring worksbybothemerging andestablished artists Artworks arepricedbetween R500 and R2 400.

antfundraiser, supporting thegallery’s continued work andbroader community arts initiatives.

LEARNERS WILLBE PLACED AS PLACES BECOME AVAILABLE

well beyond the initial release of results, withsignificant movement in placements expected in the days andweeks thatfollow.

He said manylearners who are not placed immediately will be accommodated later as spaces become available, with schools contacting parents directly when new openings occur.

ACTIONSFORPARENTS

Parents who received multiple offers areurgedto accept oneschool immediately. This helps free-up places for otherlearners

Parents whose children have notyet been placed are advised to constantly engage with the schoolsthey applied to and ensure theircontact details are correct.

According to the department, the admissionprocess is still active, many placements will still be finalised. Maynier urged parentstoremain patient, saying the department closelymonitoredplacements andremained committedto ensuring every learner is accommodated. Hesaidfurther communicationand support would be provided during the remainder of the process.

Free Pass forRobbenIsland

Families can now exploreone of South Africa's most powerful historical landmarks for less, as RobbenIsland Museum launches its new NextGen HeritageFree Pass.

The initiative, which will allow South African children under the age of 15 to visit the museum free of chargewhen accompaniedbyapaying adult, will run untilFriday30 October.

ASouth African adult ticket costs R400, while the free entry appliestoone child per paying adult. Additional children will pay the standard child rate of R210 each Themuseum said the campaign is aimed at making heritage exploration more accessible to families while encouraging young South Africans to engage with the country's history and democratic journey.

Visitors to the island can take part in immersive guided tours led by former political

prisoners, offering firsthand insight into one of the country's most significant heritagesites.

The initiativeformspart of itsbroaderobjective to educate children andpromote intergenerational engagement withSouth Africa'sliving heritage.

It also hopes the campaign will inspire curiosity, reflection andadeeper senseofshared history amongfamilies.

The NextGen Heritage Free Pass is valid fordaily tourslots at 09:00, 11:00 and13:00.

Bookings canbemade throughRobben Island Museum's officialwebsite or directly atthe NelsonMandela GatewaytoRobben Island at theV&A Waterfront.

The museum hasencouraged families to make use of the initiative during the winter andspring months,describing the experience as both educationaland meaningfulfor children andadults alike.

Nowinits longstandingrun, Tiny Treasures has become one of Art.b’s most popular and well-supported exhibitions Theexhibition showcasesa diverse

Theexhibition opens on Saturday 6 June. Alucky draw willtakeplace at the opening.

Tiny Treasures also serves as an import-

Art.bGallery is acommunity-focused non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting emergingand established artists across theWestern Cape . Formoreinformation, visit www.artb.co.za.

Lagwintermet komedieweg!

Wanneer laas het jy gelagtot jy rekmerke gekryhet? Dit is watLyntjie Jaars en Warren "Auntie Katriena"Louwbelowe wanneer hulle op Sondag 16 Augustus die Brackenfell-burgersentrum met hul Comedy Nightoorneem. Jaars is veralbekend om haar aanbiedersrol op die storievertelprogram Oppie Stoep enisgeliefd onder Suid-Afrikaners met haar eg Namakwalandse aksent.Louw het tydens die Covid-inperkingstydperk aanlyn bekendheid verwerf metsy nabootsing van'nRichterveldse vrou en haar spitsvondighede Louw het onlangs'nterugkeerna diepolisie gemaak, waar hy voorheen 'n speurderwas, maar hy vergeet nooitsyrol as vermaaklikheidskunstenaar nie."Ek en Lyntjie is so opgewondedat ons albei nou in die Kaap is. Ek is terugindie polisie en werk nou in die Kaap sodat ek my naam verder in dievermaakbedryf kanuitbou," sê hy Dit is nie per ongeluk dat die twee Noord-Kapenaars besluithet om saam te werk nie. "Ek en Lyntjie werk al jaresaam en het al vertonings in verskillende plekke gedoen, totsover as Namibië.Ons rekentoe, ons woon nou albeiindie Kaap,soons kannet sowel vir dieKaapse mense watons ondersteun 'n vertoning hou. Ons komgeografies vandieselfde omgewing af en deel dieselfde lewenservaringe," sê hy Volgens hom kanmenseuitsienna'nvertoning propvolenergie,lekker lagenontspanning. "Die

NAMAKWALANDERSSPAN

KRAGTE SAAM

Warren“Auntie Katriena”Louw gaan jou laat lagdat jy rekmerkekry.

meeste vanmyondersteuners is Kapenaars.Dus nooiekalmal uitomsaam met my en Lyntjiedie winterkoue te komweglag,"sêhy.

DisneyOnIce bringsMickey’s search partytoGrandWest

DisneyOnIcepresents Mickey's Search Party, coming to GrandWestthiswinterschool holidays,with the show running from Friday 10 JulytoSunday19July. Theproduction followsMickeyMouseand his friends as they search forTinkerBell, journeying througha series of dazzling Disneyworlds along the way. Audiences canexpect world-classice skating, high-flying acrobatics andunexpectedstunts, as theadventure takesthemthrough thecolourful spirit realm of Coco,the oceanvoyageof Moana, theenchanted worldof Beauty and theBeast and theicy landscapesof Frozen Aladdin, ToyStory and TheLittleMermaid also feature, andStitchmakes hisDisneyOnIce debut in South Africa,crashing the action with afew mischievous surprises.

Produced by Feld Entertainmentand brought to localaudiencesbyShowtimeManagement in association withFNB,the Cape Town season followsa runinPretoriabeforeheading to Durban laterinJuly.

BEHINDTHESCENES

Behind themagic is aremarkablelogistical operation. Fifteen fully packed trucks transport theshow to each venue,withanice surfacemeasuring 35 metres long by 18 metreswide. Thelargest prop weighs 450kgand thesets reachupto11metreshigh.

Around 173costumesare used throughout the show,withsome changescompleted in under 30 seconds. Thelighting design incorporates 221fixtures,185 of which aremoveable, while12projectors create theshow's immersivevisual worlds. The sound system delivers200 000 wattsthrough 100 groupsofspeakers.

To Feld fShowtimeM

forTinker Bell. Partnering with FNBhelps us bring allthe magic andincrediblespecialeffectstothe show."

FNB'seventsmarketing lead, NkosanaMatyeshana, says thebankispleased to be supportingthe production.

"Through partnershipslikethis, we want to help make memorableexperiences moreaccessiblefor our customers andtheir lovedones."

Tickets areonsalenow.All attendees, regardless of age, includinginfants andchildren under two, requireapurchasedticket.

. Formoreinformation,visitwww.disneyonice co.za. Ticketscan be booked at www. ticketmaster.co.za

. Please,don't call me moffie runs at Artscapenow until 6June.Nounder 16s. Tickets R150 at Webtickets. . KillerQueen –ALamtaDanceProduction –runs from 4to20June at Theatreonthe Bay. Ticketsfrom R200 at Webtickets. . ¡Pulso! –Classical Guitar &FlamencoDance Performance is at AllianceFrancaise, Loop Street on Friday 5June at 18:30.Tickets from R180 at Quicket. . Spoegwolf tree op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR290tot R350. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Cape Town Concert Series: CharlduPlessis –Mozart,Mambo &Merlot is on Saturday6 June at 15:00atThe Baxter.Tickets from R100 to R300at Webtickets.

. Rocco de Villiers:Klawer is by DieBoer-teaterrestaurant,Durbanville op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 en Sondag 7Junie om 14:00.Kaartjies kosR280.

Bespreek by www.dieboer.comofby021 9791911. . Cape Town SymphonyChoirpresents Mozart's GreatMass at the Cape Town City Hall on Saturday 6 June at 19:00 and on Sunday7 June at 17:30. Tickets at Quicket. . Cape Town City Balletpresents Orpheusinthe Underworld from 12 to 21 June at Artscape.Tickets from R225toR650 at Webtickets. . DannySmoketreeopVrydag12Junieom20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R220 totR260. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net

. TheBig BluesShowdown with Albert Frost, Rich Pryor, Matt,Alecand more is at the Durbanville Golf Club on Friday 12 June at 19:45. Tickets R220 at Quicket.

. DonVinoSaxyVibes 8 is at the Grand Arena, GrandWestonSaturday13June at 19:00.Tickets R190 to R350 at Webtickets.

ph ng

iousleading rolesthattheyonceperformed, namely Hera,Calliopeand Orpheus, bringing decades of experienceand theatrical flair to theproduction. Paeper,who directsthe ballet,created it in 1982 when iconssuchasPhyllisSpira,EduardGreyling andTriegaardt starredinthe principal roles. Another former CTCB principal dancer,Robin vanWyk,will stage-manage theproduction thatopens at Artscape on Friday 12 June.

Bursting with tongue-in-cheek humour,glamour andlarger-than-lifecharacters, Orpheus in the Underworld is acomedy ballet settoJacques Offenbach's dazzling score, performed live by theCape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Packed with high-energy dancing,comicchaos andvisual spectacle, this entertainingcrowd-pleaserpromises asparkling night at thetheatreand is settobeone of themustseeproductionsofthe winter season. . Book at Webtickets or on 021421 7695 Balleticons return fornew production.

JessieSchoemanmaakgeskiedenis

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Daar is oomblikkein'n mens se lewe wat jou vir altyd verander.

Vir Jessie Schoeman was so 'n oomblik die aand toe haar naam as Mej. DF Akademie aangekondig is —'ntitel watsy nie net met trots gedra het nie, maar met 'n boodskap wat veel verder strek as enige kroon "Die eerste gevoel wat oor my gespoel het, was skok;die bestesoort skok," sê Jessie met 'n glimlag. "Ek het dit glad nie verwag nie —daar was so baie wonderlike meisies wat ook kon gewen het."

Maar toe die werklikheid uiteindelik insink, was dit nie trots wat sy eerste gevoel het nie. Dit was dankbaarheid. Dankbaarheid teenoor haar ouers wat in die eerste ry gesit het, teenoor almal wat haar gemotiveer het, en bo alles, teenoor haar geloof. "Vir die Here wat my gelei het na daardie oomblik. Ditwas 'n ongelooflike oomblik wat ek vir altyd sal onthou."

RUGBYINDIEBLOED

vir my so wonderlik om vroulik wees en sterkwees saam uit te beeld."

GELOOF,IDENTITEITEN'NLANGPAD

Min onderwerpe is so naby aan

Jessie se hart as haar verhouding met God —endie lang, soms pynlike reis om haar geloof en haar identiteit te versoen. "Mense het my geoordeel, afgesny en probeer oortuig dat daar ietsfout is met my," sê sy. "Maar deur te ignoreer wat dié mense sê en my eie pad met die Here te loop, kon ek by die antwoord uitkom dat die Here my so geskape het."

Jessie is nie net Mej. DF Akademie nie —syisdie eerste p prestasie; dit is 'nboodskap aanelke jong meisie of seun wat voel hulle moetwegsteek wie hulle werklik is

afrigt my SA spanmaats elke dag saam met my."

Lank voor dieverhoog en die kroon,was Jessie reeds besig om geskiedenis te maak— hierdie keer op dierugbyveld. Sy was lid vanSuid-Afrika se eerste o.18-meisiesrugbyspan,wat in Desember verlede jaar twee toetswedstryde teen Nederland gespeel het.

Night Market has ownwinterglow

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

As winter settles over Cape Town and cooler evenings return Intaka Island is once again preparing to welcome visitors to one of the city’s most loved seasonal traditions the CenturyCity Winter Night Market.

Running on the last Friday of every month from May to August, it transforms Century City into aglowing winter escape filled with live music, gourmet comfort food, artisan stalls and avery cosy atmosphere.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Intaka Island’s nature reserve, the popular market has become known for its lantern-lit walkways, crackling fires, warming drinks and vibrant community atmosphere.

This year's market promises acarefully curated mix of flavours and experiences –an impressive selection of street-food vendors, including Chiptastix, Wing!t, The Local Fix and HalibiTreats. The Truck Area will also serve up popular dishes from Rib

Republicand Amigo Foods, and The Train Area will feature handcrafted products from CreationNovelties,Sampsons Biltong, LinFamily Eats, Inno's Artisan Pizza and Wrap ItUp.

At Intaka's Activity Centre guests canindulge in everything fromauthentic paella and empanadastodim sum, fudge, chocolates and freshly baked treatsfrom vendors including S&J Dim Sum, ChocolatduCoeur, Krumble, Lily's Fudge and Corrado's.

Seafood lovers will be able to enjoyfreshoysters from Queen of Oysters,while the WineBar andvarious refreshmentstalls offera crispwinter'swarm-up.

MORETHANJUSTAMARKET

The Winter Night Marketalso celebrates local creativity.

The Cube will showcase localdesigners and artisans including CM Stylist, Luna Wolf Collective, PiliPili Sauvageand Koco and Design, an opportunity to browse unique fashion,accessoriesand handmade products.

Guests can alsoexplore artisanal offerings from vendors such asGorgeous Nuts, Vic’s Fragrance, Sushi Lover, Malika, Loutaya and Yan Coffe’n’Smoothies.

Whether gathering around heaters with friends and family or sippingwine under the stars,discovering local artisans, themarketoffers a unique winter experience

On only three specialwinter evenings, the Winter Night Markets organisers encourage visitorstomake themostof the limited opportunity

They take place on: . Friday27June . Friday25July . Friday29August

Wat hierdie span se prestasie egter nogbetekenisvoller maak,ishul nalatenskap. "Om die eerste SA o.18-meisiespan te wees,was nie net vir ons belangrik nie;dit was die begin van 'n beter en makliker pad vir die meisies ná ons."

Toe Jessie vir Mej. DF inskryf, het meer as eenwenkbrougelug "'nRowwe rugbyspeler wat op 'n verhoog in hakke wil loop?" vra sy. Maar dit is juis die punt wat

sy wou maak. "Ek dink dit het vir so baie mense gewys dat jy nie jouself hoef te definieer deur een aspek van jou lewe nie; dat Mej DF nieslegs een manier moet lyk nie."

VirJessie was dit 'n persoonlike oorwinning om vroulikheid en kraggelyktydiguit te beeld. "Ja, ek is 'n rugbyspeler en ek is so trots daarop, maar ek kan ook my vroulikheid uitleef. Dit was

Haar boodskap is eenvoudig maar kragtig: "OnsGod is 'n God van liefde. Mense mag dalk nie dieselfde dink nie. Onssal altyd bestaan, en ons is geliefd deur die Here."

Sy streef daarna om God die middelpunt van elke aspek van haar lewe te maak —van die rugbyveld tot dieverhoog. Agter elke prestasie staan mense wat glo. VirJessie is dit haar gesin en vriende. "Mygesin is my rots. Hulle aanvaar my nes ek is en ondersteun my in elke aspek van my lewe.”

Housingplanforciviccentreparking

The City of Cape Town’s Mayco has greenlitplansto develop an open-air staff parking facility at the civic centre in the city’s CBD into affordable housing and mixed-use development.

The plan will now go to council for approval of apublic participation process to release the site for redevelopment.

The site —strategically located within the foreshore, close to major public transport infrastructure —has been identified as having much greater potential for mixed-use development, including residential, commercial,retail and publicspace upgrades.

This step has been welcomedby the housing lobby group Ndifuna Ukwazi, which commemorated the two-year anniversary of its #Land4PeopleNot4Parking campaign in April thisyear.

The campaign calls for WesternCape Government-owned parking lots,aswell as the parliament parking lot —currently used for the temporary parliament site —tobeused for social, affordable and inclusionary housing.

INTHEHEARTOFTHEINNERCITY

“We are recommending that this parking lot be released by the City to unlock yet another affordable housing development right in the heart of theinner city.The development should also offer mixeduse opportunities —for shops, offices, parking and so on. This is how we are making under-used publicassets work for Capetonians with abroaderlandrelease pipeline of over 12 000 affordable housing units,” Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said The redevelopment is expected to deliver long-term benefits, includingestimated sale income of R230 millionplus R50 million in annualrates and services revenue to support service delivery, as well as R1,5 billion in private sector

investment.

JOBSCREATED

About 3500 jobs will be created in the constructionand related sectors during bothconstruction andthe life cycleofthe development.

“This projectdemonstrates the City’s commitment to actinginthe best interests of thepublic. We areprepared to release underutilised City-owned assets where thiscan unlock far greater value for the economy, create jobs, attract investment andimprove the urbanenvironment.

This civic centre parking site presents a unique opportunity to support inclusive growth while ensuring thatwell-located public land is used more efficiently for the benefit of all residents,”said James Vos, Mayco memberfor economic growth.

SUPPORTINGTHEPLANNINGPROCESS

Carl Pophaim, Mayco member for human settlements, added: “The City’s human settlements department will support planning processes for this site to ensure we optimise affordable housing opportunitiesfrom this development. This is just oneofseveralexciting innercityland release initiatives that together will deliver thousands of well-located affordable units over time. Others include the City’s Fruit &Veg site on Roeland Street,several more sites in Woodstock andSaltRiver, andthe City’s support for provincial-led projectsatBuitengracht Street and Artscape.”

REPORTSUBMITTEDFORCONSIDERATION

Following the Mayco’s recommendation, thereport will nowbesubmitted to

councilfor consideration.

Subject to approval, the City will start aformal public participation process, duringwhich residents, stakeholdersand interested partieswill be invited to submit commentsonthe proposedredevelopment.

‘IMPORTANTSTEP’

Ndifuna Ukwazi welcomed the announcement“as an important step towards addressing Cape Town’s housing crisis and spatialinequality” in amedia release.

“It reflectsgrowingrecognition that well-located public land should be

prioritised for affordable housing instead of underutilised parking infrastructure or exclusive private development.

“As part of reflecting on the campaign and imagining what these sites could become, Ndifuna Ukwazi partnered with the NowNow Competition to invite architects, designers and membersofthe public to submit proposals envisioning the future of thesespaces.

“We now call on Premier Alan Winde and the provincial government to release thesesites for social, affordable and inclusionary housing,”according to the media release.

Final move-out checklistfor asmoothhandover

Fewthings are more exciting than moving to anew house or apartment. However, before handing over the keys there are a few important stepstotake

Leaving the old home in good standing is not only polite, but also aboutminimising risks. The Seeff PropertyGroup highlights what you should do before closing the door for the last time:

IMPORTANTDOCUMENTS

Gather all important documents related to your home into one file. Include insurance policies to be cancelled, clearance certificates, and other essentials. Update your address and inform your insurer about your move so your new

homeowners’ insurance is correctlyset up foryournew property.

DOAFINALWALKTHROUGH

Once everythingisloadedand thehouse or unit is empty, do afinal walkthrough of everyroom. Checkevery cupboard, drawer, andcloset to ensure nothingis left behind. Do not forget to take afew photographs as keepsakes.

DOCUMENTTHECONDITIONOFTHEPROPERTY

Whether you were renting or selling, you need avisual recordofhow you left the property.

Take avideo or aseries of photos of every room andfittings, includingthe

inside of the ovenand cupboards, and the floors. This acts as your backup should disputesorclaims arise.

RECORDFINALMETERREADINGS

Take aphoto of your water and electricity meters on your way out. Atimestamped photo or video ensures you havea record of howyou left the property.

Also take photographs of the pool pump and other fittingssuchasgas installations.

MANAGE'HAND-OFF'ITEMS

Gather everythingthe new owner or tenant will need andleave it in acentral, visible location (usually the kitchen

counter). This handover will likely be done to the agent or new owners. These items usually include all sets of keys,remote controls, codes for smart locks or securityalarms, and instruction manuals.

SWITCHOFFLIGHTSANDCLOSETAPS

It sounds simple, but in the chaos of moving, it is easy to leave abathroom light on or atap dripping.

Ensure all taps are closed, and lights are switched off.

If the house will be vacant for awhile, consider turning off the main water valve to prevent any surprise leaks while the home is empty.

*Hereby an urgent appealfor Ms Octavia Louw, who may have previouslyresided in the Goodwood area Please contact social worker, Denise Robyn on 021 949 9321 or 074 739 2148 regarding an urgent family matter.

FRIDGE REGASSING Ph 073 480 8444