TygerBurger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 17 June 2026

‘Akrobate’kies hasepad

Die inbrekers moeteerder by die sirkus gaan aansluit, dan sal hulle meer geld maak, reken 'n plaaslike raadslid nadat "akrobatiese" boewe onlangs by sy kantoor toegeslaan het. AngusMcKenzie,raadslid vir Bonteheuwel, sê die inbrekers se teiken waskringtelevisiekameras en elektriese infrastruktuur, maar hulle is op heter daad deur sekerheidswagte betrap waarna een van die verdagtes homself soos 'n ware akrobaat tussen die heining en die muur gebalanseer het.

Kringtelevisie wys hoesekerheidswagte naarstigtelik probeer om een van die verdagtestevang, maar hy met 'n balanseertoertjie net buite hul bereik gebly. Uiteindelik komhyweg deur terug oor die heining te spring waaroor hy aanvanklik geklim het.

McKenzie sê tongindie kies die verdagteshet "'n oudisie op ons elektriese infrastruktuur afgelê. "Om eerlik te wees, die vaardighede wat ten toon gestel is, is indrukwekkend. Diespoed, veerkragtigheid,

SEKERHEIDSWAGTE PROBEER VANDALEKEER

kloutervaardighede, balans en akrobatiese vermoë sou 'n staande applous onder 'n tent ontvang het. Ongelukkig het hulle besluit om nie by die sirkus aan te sluit nie, maar die minder glansryke beroep gekies om belangrike infrastruktuur te vandaliseer,"sêMcKenzie.

Volgens hom het die vinnige reaksie die verdagtes onderbreek voor hulle meer skade kon aanrig. "Die voorval het so vinnig gebeur dat die verdagtes weggekom het voor hulle gevang kon word. Miskien kan ons met die publiek se hulp verseker dat hul volgende vertoning in die hof is," sê hy.

Hy doen 'n beroep op die publiek om na die kringtelevisie-video te kyk en as iemand die verdagtes herken 'n anonieme boodskap na 082 444 1850 te stuur. Teen druktyd is niemand nog weens die voorval in hegtenis geneem nie.

ArtisansofMzansi applications nowopen

Artisanal entrepreneurs can apply for theprestigious Artisans of Mzansi competition, with prize money of up to R200 000 up for grabs.

Applications are open to qualified artisansaged50orunder who partly or wholly own abusiness in any trade. Applicantsmust be South African citizens or permanent residents and hold aformal trade test qualification.

OVERLOOKEDSECTOR

The competitionaims to shine aspotlight on an often-overlooked sector. South Africa requires the entry of 30 000 artisans annually, yetonlyhalf that number enter thesector each year.

"The technical trades in SouthAfrica are oftenoverlooked, this while the South African economy requires the entry of 30 000 artisans annually with only half that number entering the sector per year. Our initiatives seek to change the negative perceptions around the trades,with ArtisansofMzansi serving to find the

FROMPAGE1

“Parentsneed to be assertive. There is too much colouringinthose chips and it has adirect implication on our kids’organs,” shesaid.

OFFICIALSRESPOND

Policespokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg couldnot confirm if foreign substances had been added to the chips but said that policeare investigating.

TheCity's health department said that no evidenceoffood poisoning had been found andthatthe children returned to school on thesame day.

“City Healthconducted an investigation, including avisit to theshop where the learners boughtthe chips. Theowner of theshopwas able to provide proof of apending application for aCertificate of Acceptability. Based on the available findings,there is no confirmed evidence of food poisoninglinked to the consumption of thechips. Thematter has been escalated to theCity’s FoodControl Unit for further investigation and to engage with themanufacturer,”the department said in an email.

The City alsocautioned against spreadingunverified stories on social media.

“Communities must be mindful of what circulates on socialmedia. Noteverything posted online is true or accurate. Before sharing information, take amoment to

bestartisan entrepreneurs in the country so they can be showcased as relatable role models to attract more young people to physically building the country's economy,"says SethMulli, programme director of Allan Gray Makers.

Three of the prize categories are based on business revenue, while an open category, where revenue is not a precondition, caters for innovatorsinthe sector:

. Micro to verysmall business (R0-R1M revenue): R50000

. Small business (R1M-R5Mrevenue): R100 000

. Medium business (R5M+ revenue): R200 000

. Innovation award (no revenue requirement): R100 000

PROCESSANDCRITERIA

Eight finalists will be chosen after shortlisted applicants are interviewed. They will receive pitch-readiness training before presenting their businesses to a

check that it comes from areliable source. If you have genuine food safetyconcerns, please report it promptly and provide accurate information and as many details as possible.

“Responsible reporting enables our Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) to investigatereal risks, prevent foodborne illness, and take action against unsafe food premises.

“However, false, malicious, or deliberately fabricated complaints— including cases where foodstuffs are sabotaged to create the appearance of contamination seriously undermines the workofour EHPs.”

Officerwarmsheartsbysingingtobaby

CARINAROUX

OnThursday 11 June,

Zanele Hali took to Facebook to share amoment of unexpected kindnessshe had experienced on the road. Her simple andsincere post of gratitude was followed by awave of warmth. The post cut throughthe noiseofsocial mediaasareminder that acts of compassion matter.

Hali had been driving along Stellenbosch Arterial when her babybegan crying inconsolably in the back seat. She wanted to stopand attend to her child but she waswary “Knowing that Wesbank is not one of the safest townships, Iwas reluctant to stop,”she wrote.

Closer to the Engen M12 Motors filling station, she spotted ateam of law enforcement officers and pulledover.

Senior Inspector Deirdré Thomas immediately came to assist.Recognising the distressof bothmother and child, she called her team to escort them. Thomas climbed into the back seat to comfort the baby, softly singing “Twinkle twinkle little star”. The officers escorted Hali all theway homeand only left once they

were satisfied that thelittle one wassafeand settled.

“Respect to you, officer Deirdré Thomas,”Haliwroteinclosing.

RESPONSE

The City ofCapeTown responded tothe post on Friday, paying tribute to Thomas.

“When adistressed mother stopped for assistance after her baby becameinconsolable while travelling along Stellenbosch Arterial, SeniorInspector Thomas didn’thesitate to help,” the City’s postread.“She comforted the child, ralliedher teamtoassist, and ensured that both mother and baby arrived home safely.”

The City acknowledgedthatthe intervention fell outside the scope of routine enforcementduty but saiditreflected the values their officers strive to uphold daily: “Service, humanity andcare for ourcommunities.”

“SeniorInspector Thomas went beyond the call of duty and demonstrated that our officers are more thanlaw enforcers –they are publicservants, communitypartners and, in moments like these, true beacons of hope,” the post stated.

ZaneleHalishared this photoofsenior inspector Deirdré Thomas consoling her baby in theback seat of her car.

SOCIAL MEDIA AWASHWITH MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FORSIMPLE ACTOFKINDNESS

ACHORUSOFRECOGNITION

The post drew an outpouring of responses, withsome sharing theirown experiences or simply expressinggratitude for the reminderthat kindness still exists.

Brendavan Straten wrote: “I am so glad this story appearedon my feed this morning —itreally touched my heart andreminded

Petroljoggie kry hulp om

sy droomteverwesenlik

TeenMaandag was daar al so ampertjies R80000 ingesamel om 'n petroljoggiese droom om paramedikus te word, tehelp verwesenlik.

TygerBurger het verlede week berig oor Chevaan Abrahams (21),'n petroljoggie by ShellZevenwacht-vulstasie, watindie vroeë oggendurevan Vrydag22Mei 'n ma wat in diekiosk by die vulstasie gekraam het, bygestaan het. VirAbrahams was die ervaring 'n bevestiging dat sydroom om paramedikus te word dalk tog waarkan word.

Daar is wyd oor Abrahamssehulp met die baba en sy droom berig 'n Kort video van "CoolStoryBru" op sosiale media het daartoe aanleiding gegee dat Garreth Williamson op 5Junie'n Backabuddy-fondinsameling, getiteld "Help Chevaan Become aParamedic", begin het. Die veldtog se aanvanklike mikpunt van R50 000 is binne dae oorskry en teen Maandag (15 Junie) was daar reedsR79 084 ingesamel

Abrahams het Maandag in reaksie op al die media-aandag en die geldinsameling gesê: "Jô, ek is baie verbaas, ek weet nie hoeomdit te uiter nie, maar ek is oorweldig deur die ondersteuning wat ek vanSuid-Afrika kry."

Hy hetreeds navraag gedoen by die onderwysdepartement, maar sal eers in Oktober kan aansoek doen om hereksamens te skryf vir matriekvakke watnodig mag wees.

Die geldwat ingesamel is, sal gaan vir betalingssoos nodig. "Die ou wat my gekontakhet oor die Backabuddy het gesê

me of themany wonderful South Africans in thiscountry who are determined to walk apath of love, compassion, kindness and generosity despite the craziness of this world around them.”

Danisa Hlalatu shared a personal connection: “I know the situationyou were in —your mind being split in two while you are in an unsafe area. For me, I

was around Elsies River having my baby screaming. It’s such an overwhelming experience.”

Megan Jacobs added: “Wonderful officer Deirdré —I remember you from 10 years ago when you assisted me as Iwas going intolabour.”

Hali herself replied: “This woman is something else. I’m glad she’sout thereonthe road, saving the most vulnerable.”

Priscilla Fick summed up the mood: “Stories like this still spark hope for the human race.”

Xané Paolini echoed the sentiment:“Now thisisastory Ilove waking up to. No hate, no violence —just pure respect, teamwork, and areminder of how life can be when we work together.”

Lizi Vera MemHam shared her own late-night breakdown on Stellenbosch Arterial: “My car broke down right thereunder that bridge and it was just a split second before Irealised therewere blue lights all over —traffic officers, law enforcement —everyone wanted to make sure that Igot help and that Iwas safe. City of Cape Town law enforcement guys? Trust them.”

Turning wasteintovalue

TheCityofCape Town marked WorldEnvironment Daylastweek by celebrating theoutstanding progressofthe communityrecycling initiativewhich hasalready diverted over 28 000kgofrecyclable material from landfill.

GrantTwigg, Maycomember forurban waste management,saysthe initiative is apowerful example of what canbeachievedwhen communities andlocal recyclingchampionsteamupand work together towardsa cleaner andmoresustainable Cape Town.

Volunteersfromareas including Delft, Khayelitsha, Langa, Mfuleni, Scottsville, Scottsdene,Dunoon andEersteRiver have helped recovervaluable materialssuchaspaper, cardboard, plastics,cans, steel and glass.

"Theseare materialsthat wouldotherwisehave ended up in landfill.

“Every kilogram diverted matters. It reduces pressureonour landfillsites, supportscleaner neighbourhoods, andhelpsgrowopportunities in the recycling economy. Iwanttothank everyresident, recycler,communityorganisation andpartnerwho continues to support this initiative."

"Your efforts aremaking arealdifferenceand showing that wastehas valuewhen we take responsibility forseparating andrecycling it

“Asthe Maycomemberfor urban wastemanagement,I remain committedtoworking with communities to increaserecycling rates, reduceillegal dumping andbuildacleaner,greener cityfor future generations," says Twigg.

Studenthiddenbehind thefaceofagardener

Most mornings,Lucky Themishi Maebela can be found tending the gardens at the University of the WesternCape’s (UWC) main campus. Dressed in brown overalls and caring for the grounds that thousands ofstudentscross each day, he blends into the background.

But when his shift ends, Maebela swaps gardeningtools for textbooks and lecture notes. The 29-year-old gardener is apostgraduate student pursuing a PostgraduateDiploma in Family and Child Studies after completing aBachelor of Arts degree with majors in Psychology, Philosophy and English.

For Maebela, education is morethana qualification. It is asecond chance atlife “I just want to be seen,” he said quietly For years,people saw only the scarson his face, not theperson behind them.

JOURNEYOFHOPE

Growing up in Kgautswanenear BurgersfortinLimpopo, Maebela’s journey to university was never guaranteed.His family lived in the Mogolengsection, and every school day he travelled approximately 14 kilometrestoattend classesatMathafeng Secondary School. Even then, he understood thateducation offeredapathway to adifferent future.

Aftermatric, he moved to Tembisa in 2018, hoping to find workand create opportunities for himself. Instead, his life changed in an instant. While crossing aroad to submit his CV for a job opportunity, he was struck by ataxi. Theaccident left him with severe facial injuries and visible scarring.

“People would look at me and become scared. Sometimes they would move away from me before even speaking to me. Simple tasks became difficult. Shopping centres became places of discomfort Security guardssometimes stopped him because they assumed he wasinvolved in criminal activity. It was painful because people did not know my story.They only saw my face and madetheir own conclusions.”

RESTART

Unable to continue with thelife he had builtinGauteng, Maebela returned home to Limpopo to recover. He decided to start again, determined to improve hismatric resultsand create new opportunities. The decision came with itsown challenges. A school nearhis villagerefused to admit him. Eventually, Matshaile Secondary School in Kgautswane gave him achance and enrolled him in Grade 11 in2020.At 23, he was olderthan most of his classmates “Being older wasn’t easy,” he said Some learners mocked him. Others

BA GRADUATE

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Die bekende sportskrywer, afrigter, skeidsregter en onderwyser Sarel Burger is die afgelope naweek oorlede.

Arthur Reichhardt van die NTKrugbyklub in Parow-Noord sê sy heengaan is baie hartseer nuus.

"Hy was 'n lewende legende, en het geleef vir sport.Hyhet die uitslae van die skole-krieket, rugby en klubrugby getrou bygehou vir maklik 60, 70 jaar indien nie meer nie," sê Reichhardt

Reichhardt het Burger nog verlede week gesien.

Burger (88) is Saterdag oorlede.

"Hy was alombekend, soveel mense het hom geken en hom waardeer."

Stokkies Truter, voormalige sportorganiseerder by die Hoërskool Brackenfell, het vir baie jare nou met Burger saamgewerk. Die Sarel Burgersewestoernooi in die noordelike-voorstede word vandag deur hom namens Burger bedryf.

Truter sê Burger het die toernooi begin en dat vanjaar se geleentheid die 65ste toernooi is.

"Oom Sarel het so 'n paar jaar terug na my toe gekom en gevra of ek sal aangaan met die toernooi. Hy het dit die Noordelike Voorstede-sewestoernooi genoem. Ek het gesê ek sal dit oorneem, maar op een voorwaarde —dat ons die toernooi die Sarel Burger-sewestoernooi noem, want hy verdien dit.

USES HIS HISTORY TO BUILD FOUNDATION FORTHE OVERLOOKED AND JUDGED

questioned why he was still at school.

There werejokes abouthim receiving mealsfromthe school feeding scheme despitebeinganadult. But Maebela had little interestinfittingin. He was focused on changinghis life.

“While otherlearners were playing around, Iknew why Iwas there,”hesaid.

Living on aR350Social Relief of Distress grant, hecarefully saved his money insteadofspending it. Together withhis younger brother, he bought achainsaw andstarted taking on small jobs to earnan income.

“That time taught me howtosurvive, howtowork for myself andhow to keep going when things are difficult.”

Hisdetermination caughtthe attention of alocal social worker namedSungulani. After hearing Maebela’s story, Sungulani encouraged him to apply to university.

“Hetoldmehecould see that Iwanted something from life,” Maebela recalled.

Together, they explored university optionsand submittedapplications, including onetoUWC.When his acceptance letter arrived, it represented

far more than admissiontoauniversity. It was proof that his future had not been decidedbyanaccident.

At UWC,Maebela found more than an education, he found asense of belonging. He immersedhimself in his studies and discoveredapassionfor understanding people,families andcommunities. While studying, he works as acampus gardener to support himself.

His three-month contract is due to end in June2026, creating another period of uncertainty. Yet uncertainty is something he haslearnedtolive with.

“UWC gave me asecondchance,”he said. This university helped me continue my studies and build afuture. Ihope Ican continue workingand growing here.”

Hisambitions stretchfar beyond his currentqualification. Oneday, he hopes to earnaPhD.Healso dreams of creating opportunitiesfor others through the Rise and Be SeenYouth Development Foundation —aninitiative he established to uplift young people through education, reduce crime and provide support for thosefacingmentalhealth challenges.

The foundation reflectshis own experience. He knows what it feels like to be overlookedand judged—and he knows thepowerofsomeonebelieving in you.

“I wantyoung people to know that their circumstancesdon’t define them. No matterwhat happens to you, you can still achieve yourgoals.”

"Ek het dit oorgeneem en dit begin reël en dit is 'n voorreg," sê hy. Hy sê 'n soortgelyke toernooi is 'n paar jaar gelede ook in die suidelikevoorstede begin.

Virdie sewestoernooi word skole van dwarsoor die noordelike voorstede uitgenooi om daaraan deel te neem. "Almal skryf nie altyd in nie, maar ons is sowat 16 spanne elkejaar." Die sportterrein waar dit plaasvind wissel ook jaarliks. Die volgende toernooi vind in Augustus plaas. Truter is Sondagaand van Burger se tragiese heengaan in kennisgestel. "Oom Sarel het so baie vir ons en skolerugby gedoen. Soms het hy gesukkel met die tellings van die sporttoernooieendie uitslae, dan sou hy my kontak. Die laaste ruk het hy ook doof begin raak,dan moes 'n mens harder praat," vertel Truter Hy sê Burger was ook vir jare die krieket-organiseerder by die Hoërskool Tygerberg. "Hy was legendaries, baie mense kan stories oor hom deel," sê Truter, wat deesdae skooltoere na en van Kaapstad oorsee reël.

Exhibitionopens perioddialogue

Imagine it is 5:30 in the morning. You have your period and have to use apublictoilet becauseyou live in ashack with no running water. Youchoose theveil of darkness to hide the shame of disposing of your used pads and the bloody water you used to clean yourself.

For millions of South African womenininformal settlements, menstruation is more than biology; it is amonthly battle for dignity. To highlight this, the Politics and Urban Governance (PUG)project at theUniversity of the Western Cape (UWC), in partnership with international universities, conducted astudy and hosted a photoexhibition entitled, Caring for the Other Half.Itfeatured women in Khayelitsha sharing their stories of menstruationand sanitation in informal settlements. It created apublic platformfor sharingwomen’s stories directly with government representatives, academics, communitymembers and NGOs, fostering vibrant conversation.

NOTJUSTABOUTAFFORDABILITY

There is growing attentiontothe prevalence of school absenteeism because of difficulties in managing menstruation. Older women—the group who participated in the study —juggle work and childcare while managing their periods in shared toilets or makeshift spaces For both generations, menstruation is abarrier to education, dignity and even employment. The project

MENSTRUALHEALTHABOUT MORE THAN JUST BEING ABLE TO AFFORD SANITARY TOWELS

leader atPUG, Dr Christina Culwick Fatti, noted manywomen saidthatthey were able to get pads for R5 apack— so there areaffordable options —but they were particularly concernedabout disposal,saying that there aren’t enough goodwaste bins.

“They areworried that dogs andchildren will gethold of the padsand thatifsomeone got holdoftheir used padwith their blood on it, witchcraft could be done on them,” said Dr Culwick Fatti. “Five of the15participants presented theirstoriesatthe exhibition of the photos they contributed to the PhotoVoice project. Participants spoke about theshameofhavingtodispose of water in public that is obviously redfrommenstrual blood, butthat they don’thaveother options.”

HEALTHCONCERNS

Dr Culwick Fatti said in cases where there is noaccess to sanitarypads, afoldedrag often hastodo, becausethis is the only option formanywhenmoney is tight. For some women, it means missingwork,because the thought of leaking through adress is often avery real fear. Period poverty oftenmeans choosingbetween food and sanitary pads. In addition, alackofprivacy forces women tochange in unsafe spaces.

Unhygienic alternatives, suchas rags or tissues, increase infection risk and the stigma around it often silences conversations.

“Although much of the current media attentionisabout the lack of products, ourfocusisbroader —lookingatmultidimensional menstrual health. This includes havingadequate products to manage menstrual blood, education or information, asupportive environment,pain management and access to adequatehealthcare when necessary, to participate in all spheres of life while menstruating,” she said.

DIALOGUE

The exhibition created aspace for dialogue between community members,government officials, academics andother stakeholders wherelived realities metpolicy conversations, while highlighting theurgent need to support.

“Thisopportunity for women to openly discussthe challenges of managingmenstruationincontexts wherewater, sanitation and solid waste services areinadequate is rare and theexhibition was an opportunity to show how inadequateservices strip away dignity, deepenshame and make thesimple act of managing menstruation an ongoingstruggle,” Fatti noted

Kompetisieversterk vaardighede

SISKAMARTIN

“Vandag se matrikulante het veral aanpasbaarheid, kritiese denke, emosionele intelligensie en ’n sterk waardefondament nodig om sukses te behaal. Die wêreld verander vinnig en dit verg meer as net akademiese kennis -dit vra leierskap, aanpasbaarheid en die vermoë om sinvolle besluite te neem.”

So sê Thinus de Vries van Forvis Mazars, ’n jarelange borg en die amptelike ouditeurs van die Matrikulant van die Jaar-kompetisie van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV)enNovus Media.

Hy is van mening die kompetisie help om hierdie vaardighede te ontwikkel deur jong mense uit te daag om hul prestasies te verwoord, hul waardes te reflekteer en hul rol in die gemeenskap te verstaan.

“Dit skep selfbewustheid, bou selfvertroue en stel hulle bloot aan ’n hoër standaard van denke en optrede, wat van waarde is lank nadat matriek verby is.”

Twee van verlede jaar se finaliste, Marné Koen en Amoné Verwey stem saam deelname aan die eindronde het hul selfbeeld en selfvertroue ’n hupstoot gegee. Verwey sê sy het geleer om tydens dieonderhoude op haar voete te dink.

“Die onderhoude het my gehelp om my gedagtes duidelik en met selfvertroue te verwoord. Dit het my uit my gemaksone geneem en my laat besef ek het baie meer potensiaal as wat ek gedink het,”sêKoen.

“Forvis Mazars se

platforms wys vir jong mense dat harde werk, waardes en betrokkenheid werklik raakgesien en beloon word.” Die firma hoop hul borgskap gee nie net erkenning aan die finaliste nie, maar ook selfvertroue en breër blootstelling op ’n sleutelmoment in hul lewens. “Die ervaring en ondersteuning wat hulle hier kry, kan hulle help om ingeligte besluite te neem oor hul studies en loopbane, en om met groter geloof in hul eie vermoëns die toekoms aan te pak. Uiteindelik hoop ons dit plant ’n saad van ambisie, verantwoordelikheid en lewenslange strewe na uitnemendheid.”

Koen, wat aan die Hoërskool Die Brandwag in Uitenhage gematrikuleer het, en Verwey, ’n produk van die Hoërskool JimFouché in Bloemfontein, is dit eens dat hulle waardevolle vriendskappe gesluit het tydens dieeindronde.

“Hierdie vriendskappe het my lewe merkbaar verryk en makliker gemaak, aangesien ek nou ’n sterk ondersteuningsnetwerk het van mense wat my motiveer, eerlike raad gee en my aanmoedig om aan te hou groei,” sê Koen.

Doctoropenspracticeinhometown

BRENDENRUITER

BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Adoctor with deep roots in Belhar has recently opened apractice in hisneighbourhood,driven by a desire to give back to the community thatshaped him.

Dr Tazwin Geldenhuys says he is a Belharian through and through.

DEEPROOTS

“My roots run deep here. Iattended Belhar Primary and Belhar HighSchool, andgrew up as an activeserver at All Saints Church. This community shaped exactly who Iamtoday. Over the last few years, I’ve built valuable experience establishing and running amedical practice in Eerste River,which isstill operating. But my goal was alwaysto bring that expertise back to where it all began. Opening apractice here isn’t just business;it’s adeeply personal homecoming. Iwanted to return to the community that raised me and provide the high-quality, compassionate care our people deserve,” says Geldenhuys. He looks back on his daysatBelhar High, where the spark for his journey was ignited. “I was always acurious kid, butit was my biology teacher,Mrs Johanissen, whoreally channelled that energy.She saw potential in alocal kid,tolerated my quirks andpushed me to think bigger. Around the same time, watching shows like Scrubs made me realisemedicine wasn’t just about sterile white coats and unapproachable geniuses; it was about being deeply human, findingthe gritto laugh through the chaos and fighting hard forthe people in front of you. Awayfrom the practice, I’m just alocalguy who loves playing Fortnite to unwind or watching aclassic film. I’vealways loved underdog

stories like TheLord of the Rings, where the smallestcharacters face the most overwhelming forces andstill find away through.”

“When patients walk through our doors, Iwantthem to feel as thoughthey arevisiting atrusted neighbour. I’m incredibly excitedtoserve the familiesof Belhar,catch up with familiar faces and contribute to thehealth andwellbeing of theplace Iwill always call home,” says Geldenhuys.

ACALLINGTOSERVE

According to Geldenhuys, realising howfascinating the human body is made medicine anatural fit,but the real driving force was rewriting the narrative.

“I wanted to be living proof that people fromBelhar are worth more,can achieve moreand belong in every room where big thingshappen.Ididn’t just want tostudy science;Iwanted to use it to make adifference in my community and standfirmly in my neighbours’ corner

Growing up here teaches you aspecific kind of resilience. You see first-hand howneighbours lean on each other, how resourcefulness is adaily practice and how communityspirit thrives evenwhen resources are tight. It grounds you.It meansyou walk through life without pretence, valuing genuine connection overstatus andwitha deep sense of accountability to the people around you arealisationthat individual success feels empty unless used to lift others up as well.

“When you practise medicineinthe same streets where you grew up, your understanding of healthchanges entirely. You don’t just see apatient with high bloodpressure or diabetes as aclinical case; you seethe social realities behind the diagnosis.

BELHARIAN WANTS MEDICALPRACTICE TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY HE GREW UP IN

“Health isn’tjust aboutwhat happens inside aconsultationroom.It’s shaped by stress, socio-economicbarriers, safetyand access. Growinguphere gives you adeep, empathetic perspective. You understand thehesitation someone might feel when askingfor help, the financial trade-offs familieshave to makeand thesystemic hurdlesthey face.

“It turnshealthcarefrom acold, sterile scienceintoadeeply compassionate partnership. Youaren’t just treating symptoms;you’re advocating for the personbehindthem.”

BLUEPRINTFORCHANGE

He says theidea that success is measuredbyhow far away you get from yourrootsisa broken narrative.

“I never viewed my education as aticket out;Iviewed it as atool to bring back. If everylocal kid who gets adegree leaves, we keepour owncommunities starved of theveryskills, resources andleadership they need to thrive

“Our neighbourhood shaped my future by givingmea concrete mission. This isn’t just about building acareer; it’s about challenging thenarrative of what Belhar is capableof. My future is dedicated to raisingthe standard of local healthcare and provingthat talentand quality belong herepermanently. We shouldn’t have to look outside ourborders for quality care —weare fully capableofbuilding it right here.

“I came back becauseI wanted to change

the definition of what it means to ‘make it’. Real success isn’tabout escaping your neighbourhood —it’s about having the opportunity to leave, but choosing to stay and build right here. Idon’t feel the weight as aburden because I’mnot carrying it alone. I’m standing on the shoulders of my parents, teachers and neighbours who built the foundation before me. My goal isn’ttobeasolitary hero; it’s to build ablueprint. Iwant to show young people that you don’t have to change who you are or where you come from to achieve big things.

“If my journey can igniteasparkinjust one child from our community to think, ‘If he could do it,why not me?’”

Mensehet gesterf vir stemreg, dus moet jeugkruisie trek

"As jongmens kies ek doelbewus om niete stem nie dit is my demokratiesereg."

Dié jong man se woorde tydens 'n gesprek oor hoe belangrik dit is om te stem, slaan diep.

Met Suid-Afrikasegeskiedenis,hoe durf hy?

Metdie stand van sake in ons land,hoe durf hy?

Hoeveelmense het niehul lewens verloornet vir die regomte stem nie?

Gister hetons Jeugdag gevier, die dag waarop duisende jongmense in 1976 opgeruk het, en baie hul lewens verloor het, teen 'n onregverdige onderwysstelsel.

Die opstand wat gewelddadig geraak het –die bekende foto van Hector Pietersonisinmygeheue gegrif –was hul manier om te veg om gehoorteword.

In 'n erawaar slegs 'n selektiewe handjievol mense die reg gehadhet omte stem, was hierdie hul "stem" vir 'n beter toekoms, een waar hulleselfoor hul lot konbesluit.

Nou, hoe dan kan hierdie jong manweier om sy kruisie by die stembus te trek?

Met 'n tekort aan skole, hoëkoste van onderwys, dienslewering wat agteruitgaan (dalknie so erg in die Kaap sooselders in die landnie), korrupsie en 'n hoë werkloosheidssyfer, hoe kanhynie sy sê wilsêter wille van verbetering nie?

..

DIEREALITEITISEGTERDAT VERSKEIEJONGMENSE, DALKSELFSDIEGROTER MEERDERHEID,DIESELFDEVOEL

"Hoekom?" word hy gevra.

"Want ek stem nie ooreen met enige van die partye se ideale nie ..."

Die realiteit is egter dat verskeie jongmense, dalk selfs die groter meerderheid, dieselfde voel

Ek het daardie selfde woorde en variasies wat op dieselfdeneerkom, al uit ander jongmense se monde gehoor: "Hulle praat nie my taal nie wegbly is ook'nstem, 'n standpunt."

Hoeveelpolitieke partye praatregtigmet die jeug?

Vra jy die een hoekom, is hul antwoord: "vir 'n beter toekoms". Die ander lê klem op ons land se swaar geskiedenis. Maar uit 'n jongeling se oëisnie een van hierdie geldige antwoorde nie.

Nie een van hulle is tydensapartheid gebore nie. Nie een van hulle hetdaardeur geleef nie. Diegeskiedenis iswel vir baie van hulle belangrik, maar ditwordnie meer gesien as 'n geldige rede om 'n dag op te gee om by die stembus tou te staannie Hul besluite word geneem volgens wat hulle vandag hoor en sien.

Nou, wat dan van 'n beter toekoms?

Die meeste sien deur dieslimpraatjies en leëbeloftes van die politici. Hulle sien die dadeendie stand van sake inons land wat getuig van 31 jaar se leëbeloftes vir 'n beter toekoms.

Op sosiale media, die een plek om vandag die jeug te bereik, word diejongelinge ooknie geflous deur diéwat wel daar partypolitiek speel se slim veldtogte nie. Hulle weet goed die politici spring skielik kort voor 'n verkiesing aan diewerk –luister maar net na ma en pa se gesanik daaroor.

Hulle soek dadebywoorde; hulle wildie veranderingeers met hul eieoësien Diekomendenaweek is registrasienaweekvir die opkomende plaaslike verkiesing.Enterwyl ek die jeug wil aanmoedig om te stem, is ek bevrees daardie woorde gaan op dowe ore val.Soos dieeen gesê het: "wegbly is ook 'n stem". My versoek aandie jeug: gaan registreer ten minste. Net ingeval jy teen November wel van plan verander en togjou kruisie wiltrek. -CECILIA HUME

Kommentaar // Comments

LEWENSKIEKIE

SONSONDERGANGBETOWER: ‘n Asemrowende wintersonsondergang is vroeër vandeesmaand

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Youthreminded‘youareenough’

Learners at Bet-el School of Skills in KuilsRiver weretreatedtoaspecial YouthDay celebration themed “You are enough”, organised by the women of non-profit company Coin Care last Wednesday.

The event followed on two workshops aboutvision boardsand journaling that Coin Care hosted at theschoolinApril, as part of their ongoing commitment to uplift and empower young people in the community. Chair Cheryl Johnson summed up the heartofthe initiative: “Every young person has value, purpose and the ability to make adifference. Today we celebrateyour unique talents and encourage you to believe in yourself and your future.”

Local entrepreneurswere invited to share theirsuccess stories and inspire the learners through practical demonstrations

COIN CARE HOSTS YOUTH DAYCELEBRATIONAT BET-EL SCHOOL OF SKILLS

ofincome-generating skills. Guest speakersincluded Adele Alexander, who spoke about printing;beauticianLauren George; FredWilliams, who spoke about woodwork;and Nellene Fairbairn, who spoke about gardening

The talks were followedbythe opportunity for some hands-on experience, withlearners choosingwhichactivity interested them most before joiningone of thefourpresenters to participate

The event wrapped up with asoupand breadlunch enjoyedbyall. Eachlearner received apartypack with some treats to take home.

Ecowarriorsremove bags of litter from Bottelary River

More than 400kg of litter hasbeen removed from the Bottelary River through community-led clean-up efforts supported by the City

The initiative, driven by the Eerste Kuils River Catchment Management Forum (EKRCMF), is helping to improve river health while educatingresidents and learners about the importance of preventingpollution and protecting local waterways.

The EKRCMF is one of four catchment management forums supported by the City's Water and Sanitation Directorate to help reduce water pollution and strengthen communityinvolvement in

protecting rivers andurban waterways

ECOWARRIORCHALLENGE

The Eco Warrior Challengewas launched forprimary and high schools as a competition,with prizes awardedtothe top three participants based on the weight of litter collected andthe distribution of theCity's"Bin it,Don't Block It" educationalmaterial.

SoneikeHigh School andalocal family havesignificantly participated in the initiative thus far.

Already 380 educational pamphlets have been distributed, potentially reaching morethan 1500 residents.

The campaign hasalso included threecommunity clean-ups along theBottelary River, resulting in the removal of 416,96kg of litter. Volunteers collected 72 bags of waste during the clean-ups,helpingtoimprove river conditions while encouraging greater community involvement in protecting local waterways. Tenindigenous olive trees have been planted along the Bottelary River to support greening and rehabilitation efforts.

CLEANUPS

Aproposed Fynbos Life Circle has also been developed for the area, incorporating

upcycled plastic benches, adesignated pathway for dog walkers and their pets, and solar-powered lighting to encourage safe recreational use.

SoneikeMall provided free access to its main forecourt for athree-day awareness campaign, enabling the forum to engage directly with residentsand increase visibility for river protection efforts

TheEKRCMF's final clean-up events will take place on Saturday 27 June at Majik Forest, followed by asecond event at the Door De Kraal Dams on Sunday 28 June. . Residentsinterestedinparticipating can emailcatchmentforum@eerstekuilsrivier.org formoreinformation.

EKRCMFfilled 47 litter bags sponsored by Plastics SA at the three clean-upstheyhosted thus far.

Competitionparticipantsnamed

Atotalof47young musicians have been selected to take part in the 2026 Hubert vander Spuy National Music Competition. Nowinits 37th year andwidely regarded as the most prestigious eventofits kind in Southern Africa, the competitionwillbe held from 22 to 26 September at the Endler andFismer halls at StellenboschUniversity.Cash prizesexceeding R100000 areonoffer

TheWestern Cape leadswith 26 participants, followedbyGauteng (16), KwaZulu-Natal(four) and Namibia(one)

Northern suburbs participants include Learvick Wepner (7,cello)fromKraaifontein; CathyGravell (13, flute), Jehoshua vanZyl (12, cello),Quintin Gravell(12,cello)and Azariah vanZyl (11,violin) from TableView; Josiah Loubser(9, violin) from Parklands;

HUBERTVAN DER SPUY COMPETITION NOWIN37TH YEAR

andDonna Chan (9,violin)fromPanorama. From Durbanville:Gemma Stewart(9, violin), Markusvan derWesthuizen (12, cello),LidaVenter (8,piano), IsoldeVenter(12,piano)and KorneelsVenter(10, oboe).FromBellville:Ruben vanZyl (13, cello), Léa-Michelle Steyn(13,piano), ReinhardtNaudé (13, piano),InekeNaudé (10,piano), BenjaminMonvoisin (12, clarinet) andChristiaanvan der Merwe (13, piano).Etienne Boer(10,cello)represents Kuils River. Southern suburbsparticipants areCharlotte Alexander (13,piano)fromOranjezicht;Zoë Pitman (12, violin) from Newlands;Maya Bhoola(11, cello) from Penlyn Estate;and HibahLong (10,cello)and Sadie

Owen (12, cello) from Rondebosch. Winelands participants areJohandreConradie (12, cello) from Stellenboschand Junming Lin(10, piano) from Somerset West.All ages areasof22 September 2026

Thecompetition is organisedbythe Tygerberg branchofthe South AfricanSocietyofMusic Teachers (SASMT)and is open to childrenaged13 andyounger. Firstheldin1989, it wasinspired by Prof Hubert vander Spuy,former chairperson of the SASMT (Tygerbergbranch) andawidelyhonoured figureinSouth Africanmusic. He remainsactive as an adjudicator andexternal examiner

Severalformer winners have gone on to study

music at tertiary leveland become critically,even internationally,acclaimed performers andteachers.

Thecompetition continues itscollaboration with StellenboschUniversity.ProfMario Nell, themusic department's representative, said:"Opportunities such as theseplayanindispensableroleinnurturing thenextgeneration of South Africanmusicians."

HildaBoonzaaier,chairperson of theSASMT (Tygerbergbranch),praised thestandardofentries. "It wasahugeprivilege to listen to theexcellent work entered by learners andteachers. We acknowledge theprecious role of everyone givingsupport to our young musicians. Keep up thegood work! We are excitedtoexperienceyour progress andhearyour performances in September."

Thefinal willbelivestreamed on YouTube.Tickets to attend in person canbebought at Webtickets.