TygerBurger | Elsies | Eersterivier | Ravensmead | E-Edition | 11 March 2026

Break-insonthe riseinBonteheuwel

TWC murder rate drops

DESIRÉERORKE

Murderinthe Western Cape decreased by murders and attempted murders in the Western Cape are gang-related.”

SecretarystealsR13mfromfirm

Asenior accounts secretaryhas been sentencedto sevenyears in prison after defrauding aStellenbosch law firm of more than R13million over twoyears

TheBellville Commercial Crimes Courtsentenced Alwena Smith, 53,toaneffective sevenyears direct imprisonmentafter shehad enteredintoaplea andsentencing agreementwiththe state. Smith wasconvicted of 171counts of fraud, 171counts of interference with dataand four countsofmoney laundering

Thecourt sentenced her to 12 years’ direct imprisonmentfor the fraud charges, suspended forfive yearsoncondition shewillnot be convicted of fraud, theftorcorruption. Shereceived12months’directimprisonmentfor data interference,wholly suspended forfive years, and12years formoneylaundering,alsowholly suspended forfive years. Thesentences were to run concurrentlyand shewas declaredunfittopossess afirearm.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)spokesperson EricNtabazalila said thelaw firmSmith had

WHAT’SON/ WATISWAAR

WOENSDAG11MAART

. DieCapeWelsh Choir tree op by dieTrans-50 Panorama Palms-aftreeoordinUys Krige-rylaan, Panorama.Die geleentheid begin om 19:00 en kos R60 perpersoon.Bespreek by 021930 6035 . PetraMüllersedigbundel Die aandagvan jou oë —gedigte vir die liefde word by diebyeenkoms vandie Durbanville-Poësiekring bespreek. Dr.Christa Thom saldie bespreking doen. Ditbegin om 10:00 in dieDurbanville-biblioteeksaal.Toegang is gratis en R50vir besoekers, ligteverversingsingesluit.Kontak Lesley vander Vyverbyteachervdv@gmail.comof 083460 4571 met navrae of om te bespreek.

THURSDAY12MARCH

. U3A Tygerbergwillmeet at the Stellenberg Gemeenteonthe corner of MountainViewand Edelweiss Drive, Stellenberg. This month’sspeaker is marine ecologist Prof WilliamFronemanfrom UCTwho will speak on the topic “Understanding the impact of global changeonmarine and estuarine ecosystemfunctioning”.Doorsfor the meetingwill open at 09:00 forall.EntryR20 forvisitorsand R10 formembers.

VRYDAG13MAART

. DiekykNET Buite-ekspo Wes-Kaapworddie naweek van13tot 15 Maart weer op dieplaas Môreson net buiteMalmesburyaangebied. Diehooffokus val op tallebuitelewe-uitstallers watvan dienuutsteprodukte tans beskikbaarindie buitelewe-, kampeer-en 4x4-markuitstal soos watdie koper ditindie praktyk sougebruik.Dagbesoekerkaartjies wisselvan R30 vir kinders totR120vir volwassenes, afhangend vandie dag. Daar is ooknaweekpakkette.Dit is beskikbaarby Open Tickets, www.ekspo.co.za en ookbydie hekke tydens dieekspo.Besoek www.ekspo.co.za vir meer inligting.

SATERDAG14MAART

. DieOppiehoek-basaarworddeurdie NG kerk Durbanville-Bergsig op sy perseel op diehoekvan Boland- en ProteaweginDurbanville aangebied. Dieheerlikeoutydse kerkbasaarduurvan 08:00 tot 15:00.Kom kuier, smul en genietdie dagsaamby verskeie stalletjies watonder meer gebak, pasteie en pannekoek totjaffels, boereworsrolle,roosterkoeke, koeksisters en basaarpoedingsverkoop, asookvermaak bied vir oud en jonk.

. TheFrancophonie Food and CultureFestival returnstoCapeTownfrom10:00 to 17:00 at the BelgianResidence, Newlands. Nowinits fifth year thisfree, familyfriendly festivaloffers an engaging celebrationofFrench language,culture, and creativity. Exploremorethan 60 stalls offering authentic food, artisanalproducts, and cultural displaysfromacross theFrancophone world. Free entrance. Parkingwillbe availableatKirstenbosch Cottages, witha free shuttle servicetothe festival.

. Families struggling to access special needsservices in theWestern Cape will have the opportunity to connect with dozens of supportproviders under one roof at an expo heldatthe Cheré BothaSchool, 20 Meerlust Street,Oakglen, Bellville,from09:00 to 12:00. Theevent is open to schools,educators, parentsand caregivers who supportindividualswith special needs.

worked forspecialised in notaries,conveyancing, estate law andthird-party claims.She worked there from March 2006 until shewas dismissed in May 2018

He said her role included making electronic paymentsusing her assigned internet profileonthe firm’strust bank account.

An investigation revealed Smithhad used both her ownand acolleague’s internet profiletocreate fictitiousprofiles, making 171transfers totalling R13267 096,59intoher privatebankaccount between January2016and 2April2018

Before beginning her fraudulentactivities Smith registered acompany, GardaTeK (Pty)Ltd,ofwhich shewas thesoledirector. She paid some of the stolen moneyintoher company’sbankaccounts and also transferredfunds to bank accountsbelonging to her husbandand daughter,falsely telling them shehad received an inheritance.

She laterconfessed her family wasunaware of thefraud. Ntabazalilasaidthe NPAwelcomed the sentence.

. TheNederduitsch Hervormde kerk will be holding aFoodmarket at RobbenRoad, Melkbosstrand from 09:00 —oxtailpotjie, pancakes, croquettes, puddings and much more.For more infocontact 082806 8396 . TheWestern Cape LionClubs arehaving an Open Dayfrom10:00 at the Lions Hall in Dorrey street Protea Heights. Learnabout the Lions eight pillarsof servicing the community.The daypromisesfun forthe whole family,including ajumping castleand games forthe children, food stalls and more Entryisfree. TheRural Child charityshop in Brackenfellwillhosta free Winter 2026 launch event featuring sustainablefashion shopping and styling advice. Theevent willtakeplace between 11:00 and 13:00 at their shop at OkavangoJunction in Kenwil Drive. Fundsraisedsupportrural children through the Goedgedacht Trust Path OntoProsperity Centres.

. Thenextbook sale at the Andries OlivierDurbanville QuadriplegicCentre takesplace between 09:00 and 14:00 at thecentre at 18 Hafele Street in Durbanville.The book sale features an extensiveselection of affordablebooksfromR5and covers ahugevariety of budget-friendlypricedbooks. Expect to find amassive varietyofgenres and curated qualityreads. Thereis also “R1-a-laugh” promotiononcartoon booksincluding Madam &Eve,Snoopy and Garfield. Allproceeds raised directlyfund the care of the residents and the maintenanceofthe centre

WOENSDAG18MAART

. DieKanadese skrywer-digterAnne Michaelsse roman Held word op ‘n byeenkomsvan dieDurbellleeskring om 10:00 in dieDurbanville-biblioteeksaal bespreek. Miemie Taljaardsal diebespreking doen. Toegang is gratis vir lede en R50 (slegskontant)vir besoekers. Ledegeld beloop R220 perjaar.Rig navrae aanLiz vanWyk, sekretaresse, by 082655 8061.

RavensmeadlocalsgetnewCDC

The provincial healthdepartment plans to open the new Ravensmead Community Day Centre (CDC) later this year

MEC of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said thenew centre has been thoughtfully designed to improve access to healthcare, while supportinga dignified and positive patient experience.

ACCESSIBILITY

"We know that access to care is not just about theservices offered, but also about practical things like transport, waiting areas, and how easily patients can move throughthe building. This new centre addresses these needs with sheltered areas for patients who arrive early, better patient flow, and alayout that helps staff provideefficient, respectful and patient–focused care,” says Wenger.

LocatedinRavensmead’s central area, the facility offers convenient access for patients using public transport,reducing barriersfor those who rely on public services and ensuring care is delivered closer to where people live and work

BEHINDTHESCENES

Although the building may appear finished, essential behindthe-scenes preparations will continue to ensure the facility is fully readytodeliver safe, high-quality care when it opens.

The transitionalprocess to move operations fromthe existing facility to the newly constructed Ravensmead CDC will begin in early March of this year.

This transitionwill focus on essential technical and logistical processes, including the installationofequipment, transfer of patient appointments, conversion of healthinformation managementsystems, and ensuring the facilityisfully equipped to deliver theapproved service package.

SNAGSANDDEFECTS

Although constructionhas reached practicalcompletion, additional monthsare required to addressfinal snags anddefects, complete deep cleaning, install equipment, andprepare the facility forfull operational use. The facility will be supported by rotational servicesincluding speechtherapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy from aneighbouring facility. Dental andradiology service outreaches will be conducted twicea week at thenew Ravensmead facility and will be communicatedtothe community well in advance to supportplanning andaccess. Servicesthatwill be transferred fromthe current facility to the new RavensmeadCommunity DayCentre include emergency

care, school healthservices, youth zones whichprovides healthcareservices for our youth,nutrition support, mental health services,integrated management of childhood illnesses, minor adult ailments, HIV and TB services, antenatal and postnatal Care, Vertical TransmissionPrevention (VTP), Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI),baby services,contraception, sexual and reproductive health,cervical cancer screening, registered counsellingservices and pharmacy.

OPERATIONPARAMETERS

The new Ravensmeadfacility will operatefrom 07:30 to 16:00. The staff complement transferringfrom the existing facility will include the Operational Manager, five administrative support staff members, seven professional nurses, three clinical nurse practitioners, threestaff nurses, two assistant nurses, three medical officers, two post-basic pharmacists, onepharmacist, one pharmacy manager, and three assignedcleaning staff with additional contracted cleaning staff as necessary. The facility is projectedtoserve an estimated patient headcount of approximately 6500 patients.

OFFICIALCHANNELS

Patients are encouraged to makeuse of the official channels should they wish to raise a concernorprovide feedback. Any feedback can be submitted by emailingservice@westerncape. gov.za or by calling 0860 142 142. All concerns and feedback received are carefully considered, and theDepartment remains committed to responding to patients and continuously improving the quality of care.

Wenger concluded, saying: “The new Ravensmead Community

Day Centre is an important step in strengthening primary healthcare in the NorthernTygerberg district. By focusing on access, dignity, and patient experience, the facility is designed to better serve a growing community and to help staff provide care that is efficient, responsive, and respectful. It is part of our commitment to building ahealthier Western Cape where every resident can access the services and support they need to live alife they value.”

Micahthriveswithhearingaid

Thirteen-year-old Micah Classen from Blackheathisliving proof that early detectionofhearing loss can opendoors to abright future.

Theconfident Grade 8learner, who dreams of becoming an audiologist, has thrived academically despite being diagnosed with moderate to severehearing loss at age four.

Her inspiring journey came into focus during World Hearing Day on 3March, when theprovincialdepartment of health highlighted the critical importance of earlyhearing screening for all children.

Micah's story began at Tygerberg Hospital, where she was diagnosed and fitted with hearing aids. Shethen received therapy support through theCarel du Toit CHAT Centre, demonstrating how the province's integrated health system works to support children with hearing challenges.

"Be patient and confident and do not feel insecure, because God made you in his own special way," Micah shares as advice forother childrenwithhearing difficulties. "And to the people who can hear, try to understand more, because we are just like you."

EARLYSCREENINGSAVESFUTURES

According to Chéri van Zyl,chief audiologist at Red Cross WarMemorial Children's Hospital, early intervention is key to preventing hearinglossfrom affectingachild's communication, learning, and confidence.

"A child's ability to hear shapes their entire developmental journey," Van Zyl explains. "When hearing difficulties are identified early, we can intervene before they affect development

Early action truly changesoutcomes. "The most effective approach ishearing

CAREFORALLAGES

While early detection is crucial, hearing healthmatters throughout life. Megan Davis-Ferguson, assistantdirector of audiology at Groote Schuur Hospital, explains that their integrated approach supports residents from newborn screening throughadult care.

If you're concerned abouthearing lossin your family, start at your nearest clinic or communityhealth centre. Primary healthcare staff will assess concerns and refer youtoappropriate hospitalservices if needed. Specialist audiology andENT services at regional andtertiary hospitals areaccessed by referral only, ensuring that specialisedcare remains available for thosewho need it most.

Supporting children with hearing challengesrequires community-wide effort. Familiescan help by seeking prompt treatment for earinfections, reducing exposure to loud noise, and supporting routinehearing screening. Teachersplay avital rolebyencouraging consistent useofhearing devices, seating affected childrennearthe front of classrooms,and using clear visual and verbal communication.

ABRIGHTERFUTURE

As Van Zyl emphasises, "Every child deservesthe chance to grow in aworld full of sound. Together, families, teachers,

communities, and healthcare teams can ensure no child is left behind."

Untreated hearing loss affects speech, literacy, confidence, and social development. By prioritising early hearing care, we strengthen not only individual children but our entire community. For Micah and countless other children, early detection and intervention have opened doors to unlimited possibilities –proving that with the right support, hearing challenges need never hold achild back. If you have concerns about hearing loss, don't delay. Contact your nearest clinic for assessment. Early action leads to better outcomes.

THINKING OUTLOUD LEWENSKIEKIE

We must hold institutionsaccountable

Maybe todayyou woke up to the hum of traffic, the calls of street vendors and therhythm of everyday life.For me theday begins quietly. But forothers it begins with worry, struggle or uncertainty. March is Human Rights Month in SouthAfrica.

Laterthis month, on 21 March, thecountrywillmark HumanRights Day, remembering theSharpeville Massacreof1960,when policeopened fireonunarmed protesters demanding dignityand freedom. Sixty-nine people were killed. Their deaths remind usthathuman rights arenot abstract ideals; theyare protections between dignityand oppression.However,what dohuman rights look like today?

Look farawayand the pictureisgrim. Thethree-year warbetween Israel and Gazasaw homes,schools, hospitals, nottomentionlives, destroyed. It left us withthe spectreoffamiliesfleeing under relentless fire, children going hungry, traumatisedcivilians living in constant fear.Wholesaleviolations of international law, lack of humanitarian access to basicneeds, shelter andprotections were paraded before us by theworld's media everyday

This is astark reminder that rights arefragile. They are neitherautomatic nor guaranteed. And here at home rights arejust as vulnerablethough the threats may seem quieter

Last week, FinanceMinister EnochGodongwana delivered the national Budget Speech. Numbers,projections, allocations, it allsounded distant.However,each rand has consequences. Funding decisions determine whether clinics have enoughmedicine,whether police patrolsreach our streets, whether families finally get aroof overtheir heads. Everyline of abudgetaffects whetherrightsare realised or remain promises on paper.

..

RIGHTSAREFRAGILE. THEYARENEITHERAUTOMATIC NORGUARANTEED.

Isee it.A nurseinKhayelitsha attends to patients in a clinic with long queues and limitedresources. Ateenager in MitchellsPlain takesovercrowded public transport to school, wheretextbooksand supplies are oftenscarce. AfamilyinMarikana, Philippi,awaits housing, while informal settlements expand. On astreet cornerin Wynberg, ahomeless man reads alibrarybook, finding aquiet moment amid thenoiseoftrafficand passersby. Adeliveryrider navigates busyroads, earning aliving whilehoping forbasic protection from accidents or theft.Theseare not statistics. Theseare human rights in practiceor, sometimes, in peril.

Human rights arenot abstract.Theyare livedand are universal. Freedom of expression matters even when opinions areuncomfortable. Theright to protest exists even when it disruptstraffic. Dignity applies to everyone, even those societywouldrather ignore. Yetthese rights arechallenged dailybyinequality, povertyand neglect. Cape Town reflects the contradictions of South Africa itself.Breathtaking beautyco-exists with entrenched inequality.Pristine suburbssit alongside informal settlements. Modern infrastructurecontrasts withcommunities struggling forbasic services.

Opportunityoften depends on wheresomeone is born. Safety,education andhealthcareremain privileges forsome, whileothersare denied their rights. Human Rights Month shouldchallengeus to confront thesecontradictions. Arewebuildinga society where dignityisrealfor everyone,oronlyfor those withmeans?

Arewewilling to ask uncomfortablequestions about inequality, neglect,and government accountability? Can we protect the rightsofthe most vulnerable even when it is inconvenient? And hereIsit with an uncomfortable truth; rights aremeaningless if we do not live them in our communities.

They aredefended in the decisions we make,inhow we treatour neighbours, and in theactions we take when we seeinjustice. Human rights aretestedboth in thestreets of Cape Town and in the bombed-out buildingsofGaza. Whetherthe threatiswar,poverty, or neglect,the principleisthe same: everypersondeserves dignity, safety,and opportunity

As we walk toward 21 March partner,the challengeis clear. We cannot simplyremember Sharpeville.Wemust act.Wemust speak to our neighbours, question our leaders, and holdinstitutions accountable.

We must walk the streets with empathy, witnessthe strugglesaround us and challengepolicies that leave peoplebehind. Human rights arenot inherited; theyare defended, livedand chosen, again and again.

Andaswemove through this month, letuswalk together in memoryofthe past,but in commitment to the present.Dignitybegins wherewe stand -NAMHLA MONAKALI

Aggressivedog terrifies park visitors

Ivisit LeadvilleDog Park in Sunningdale everyday.A dogschool thereislinkedtoalocal trainingcentre. They allowa dog walker to walk alarge Africanis dog,wearing amuzzle, freelyamong other friendly dogs.I do notapproveofthispractice.

Even though the dog maynot be abletobite becauseofthe muzzle, it stillaggressivelyattacks other dogs,which is clearlywhy the muzzleisrequired. Unfortunately, this happens everytime thedog is presentatthe park

Ipreviouslycontacted the dog school politelyvia a phone message, as callsare notanswered, and asked

that this dog be removedfromthe premises, as it traumatises both thedogsthatare attacked andtheir owners. On Monday, aWhippetwas attacked, andthe ownerwas extremelyshaken. She hassincesaid that she does notwanttoreturn to the park

Iunderstandthatthe intention maybetosocialise this dog, but Ibelieve that attempting this with a fully-growndog that consistentlydisplaysaggressive behaviourina public dog park is inappropriateand unsafe

Duringthe incident, Ishouted at the walker and askedher to leavethe park. In theheatofthe moment,

Rising ratesput Cape Town’spensionersatrisk

As Cape Town heads into the 2026 municipal election, acrisis is unfolding quietlyinplain sight.Pensioners arebeing forced from their homes becausemunicipal rates andservicecharges areskyrocketing, while their fixed retirement incomes remain stagnant,which is furthernegatively impacted by the current deteriorating economic climateand lowgrowth and inflation rates in SouthAfrica.

Much of the City’sIntegrated Development Plan (IDP)budget prioritises subsidies forindigent residents andservices to informal settlements —includinghouseholds that makelittleornocontribution to municipal rates andtaxes.

Whilethis support is important forthe needy,the consequence is that long-term homeowners, many of them elderly,are left shoulderingthe bulk of the City’s revenue needs. Theresult: ratesthathavebecome unaffordablefor those who builtthiscity.

This is not just afinancial issue— it is aconstitutional andmoral one. Section 10 guarantees dignity, Section 26 the right to housing, andelderlycitizens have aright not to be economically displaced from homes theyworked decades to secure Politicalparties, take note:pensioners and longterm homeowners areapowerful,significant,and engagedvoting bloc.

How the Cityand political parties address this

imbalance,through rebates, income-linked rate caps, or deferred paymentschemes to protect elderly homeowners from economic eviction, willdefine their commitment to fairness andresponsiblegovernance.

In addition,the law already recognises the need for relief.The localgovernment: Municipal PropertyRates Actspecifically allows municipalities to implement measures to assist pensioners and vulnerablehomeowners. TheOlder PersonsAct likewiseemphasises the dutyofthe statetoprotect the well-being and dignityofolder citizens. Yetagrowing number of pensioners fall through the cracksofexisting policies.

ThecurrentCityrebatesystems rely on rigid income thresholds that excludemanymiddle-classpensioners who live on modest retirementincomesbut appear too“wealthy” on paper to qualify forassistance

Thesystemeffectivelyassumes that propertyvalue equals financial capacity—anassumption that is demonstrablyfalse formanyretirees.

Cape Town’spensioners who builtthis citydeserve to ageina placewith security, dignity, andrespect Anything less is afailureofgovernanceand leadership

Cape Town prides itselfongood governance and forward-thinking administration

Addressingthisissuebeforeitbecomesa crisis woulddemonstratepreciselythat kind of leadership CONCERNED PENSIONER,Brackenfell

Isuggested that euthanasia might be considered as an option.Inresponse, Iwas threatened that my owndog wouldbeattacked, andrude gestures were directed at me Iamonceagain asking that this muzzled dog be removedfromLeadville Dog Park.The park belongs to the CityofCape Town, and despiteraising these concerns, Ifeel that my plea hasnot been heard. Iam thereforesharingthis experiencepubliclyinthe hope that it willbetaken seriouslyand that the safety of dogsand their ownerswillbeprioritised. CONCERNED,Email

Moeg vanhulp vra by munisipaliteit

Dit is uiters frustrerend om weekliks om hulp by die Stad Kaapstad aan te klop vir die verskuiwing vandie plakkers by die Kuilsrivier-kanaal langsdie Kuilsrivier-hospitaal,maar niksgebeur nie

Verwysingsnommers vir diensversoeke hoop op en geen terugvoeringwordontvang nie

Intussen vermeerder die plakkers.Snags word plastiektenteopgerig om meer menseteakkommodeer

Die DA noem in die media die persentasiegewyse afname vanwerkloosheid in Kaapstad as gevolg van werkskepping.

Tenspyte vandié gespogindie media beweeg meer mensenadie Wes-Kaap vir werksgeleenthede,wat die partyhoop goed is vir meer DA-stemme

Dit het 'n direkte impakopdie verhoging vanmy erfbelasting. Die DA-geleide Stad Kaapstad moet die menseakkommodeer en water, krag en skuiling voorsien.

Intussen moetekasgefrustreerde inwoner van Soneikedaaglikstoekyk hoedie plakkers feitlik op my voorstoep toeneem

Ná vele oproepe en kommunikasie metdie wetstoepassers,die burgemeester vanKaapstad en die wykraadslidvan die DA,isnog niksbereik nie

Uitnodigingsaan DA-leiersvir 'n besoek aan die plakkergebied valopdowe ore. Dit komvir my voor of die plakkerprobleem in Soneikegeen oplossing het nie Dankie DA J.J.CLOETE, Soneike

Immunisationbarriersexplored

Poverty, long distances to clinics, low literacy levelsamongparents andmisinformation spreading on social media are preventing children from receiving crucial vaccinations. Thisleaves many vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles and polio, according to new research.

AUniversity of the Western Cape-led (UWC) study has found that children from low-income households are significantly less likely to be fullyimmunised. They remain at risk from dangerous infections, including pneumococcal diseases thatcan causelife-threatening conditions such as meningitis.

The research was led by Dr Bridgette Lockett from UWC's School of Nursing. It identified several barriers preventing children fromcompleting their vaccination schedules. These include negative experiences at clinics, loss of income from taking time off work, large family sizes and high transport costs to reach health-care facilities.

"Caregivers' knowledge about vaccines varies widely,withmuch lower awareness in communities with lower levels of education," thestudy found. "Parental education is one of thestrongest factors in determiningwhether achild completes their full vaccination schedule."

The research team included Dr Juliana Willemse fromUWC and DrRugira Modeste of Stellenbosch University's Department of Nursing and Midwifery.

CURRENTDISEASEFLARE-UPS

The findings are particularly concerning as parts of CapeTown are experiencing flare-ups of preventable childhood illnesses. Recently, theprovincial health department reported responding to

lthy promotingwell-being for all ages.

TopGunwenpotjiekoskompetisie

Diepotte het heerlik geprutby die Tygerberg-Sakekamer se potjiekoskompetisie, wat Vrydagop die terrein van die Hoërskool De Kuilen plaasgevind het.Oudergewoonte het sake-ondernemings uit dienoordelike voorstede vanKaapstad metgroot gees om die gesogte titels meegeding.

POTTE PRUT BEHOORLIK

Vanjaarserooipot-kampioenisTop Gun. DieBrackenfell-polisie se span, Die Damduikers het die witpot gewen. Bokradio het die beste potbrood gemaak, en TJ's LekkaBraai die beste potpoeding.

TeamSilvercrownedchampions

Team Silver, led by captain Collins “It’z Skarrra” Manyame, has emerged victorious at the inaugural Red Bull Locked In tournament, claiming the 2026 championship title in Cape Town.

The team secured their victory on 7March during the intense 48-hour endurancecompetition held at Bellville Velodrome from 6to8March.

The eventmarked a groundbreaking moment in South African esports, combining highstakes gaming with real-world challenges.

The Red Bull Locked In format pushed competitors beyond traditional gaming boundaries. Teams battled through Battle

CAPE TOWN HOSTSRED BULLCHAMPIONS

Royale, Wildcard, and Mixtape modes whilstnavigating knockoutmechanics and unexpected twists that could eliminateorrevive teams at any moment.

The tournament’s unique structuredemanded notonly gaming skillbut alsostamina, strategy,and adaptability from participants. Spectators, content creators, andthe local gaming community gathered to witness the innovative competition unfold.

EMOTIONALVICTORY

Team Silver memberJulio Bianchi reflected on the intensity of theexperience: “Preparation

can onlytakeyou so far. After that,you have to take afew leaps of faith. What started outasfun and gamesquickly became a rollercoaster of emotions.” Bianchi expressedgratitude for theopportunity, saying: “I feel privilegedand honoured to have been part of this one-in-a-million event.“Thank you to everyone whomade it possible, specifically RedBull, andaspecial shout-out to our team captain Collins ‘It’z

Skarrra’.”

Thetournament featured NAG Magazine as itsofficial media partner,highlighting the growing recognition of competitive gaming in SouthAfrica.

With the inaugural championshipnow complete, Team Silver has set the standard for future Red Bull Locked In competitions, establishing themselves as the first champions of this unique esports format.

ElsiesRiver Library hosts career expo forlearners

The Elsies River Library successfully hosted its annual Career Expo at the ElsiesRiver Civic Hall, welcoming around 400 learners from four local high schools

The schools in attendance included Elsies River High School, ValhallaHighSchool, RangeHigh School, and St Andrews Secondary School. Each schoolattended during designated time slots,allowing learnersthe opportunity to engage meaningfully with exhibitors and explore various study and career pathways.

The Expo featured adiverse range of higher education institutions and training providers, including AFDA, Potchefstroom Academy,TPTT Academy,Future Flyers, Northlink College, iStudent Academy, Cape Peninsula UniversityofTechnology, Stellenbosch University, NewBridge Graduate Institute,SANTSPrivateHigher EducationInstitution, RosebankCollege, and IMM Graduate School.

Exhibitors set up individualbooths displaying information about their programmes through flyers, promotional materials, andapplication forms.Learners showed great enthusiasm, engaging representatives withinsightful questions about courses, admission requirements, and potentialcareer paths aligned with their interests.

In addition to the visiting institutions,

the library hostedits own information booth,showcasing study guides available for loan,membership forms, and promotional items such as bookmarks, pens,key rings, and wristbands. Learners were encouragedtosign up for library membershipand were informed about thebenefits of havingalibrary card. The library alsohighlighted services tailored formatric learners, including access to studyspacesand academic resourcesto supportexam preparation andfurther study applications.

According to Shadwell Overmeyer, assistantlibrarian, libraries remain relevant communityhubs, offering far morethan just books, although books remain at theheart of their service "ElsiesRiverLibrary provides avariety of programmes for all age groups, including Teen andAdult Book Clubs, aChildren’s Reading Programme, andDigital Literacy training for those wishing to improve theircomputer skills.

“Libraries continuetocreate opportunities for lifelong learning, personal development, andcommunity engagement. Community members are encouraged to visit their nearest library toexplore the wide range of resources, programmes, and services available," says Overmeyer.

‘PrettyWoman’onstage

South African theatreaudiences are getting their first tasteofBroadway glamour as Pretty Woman: The Musical makes its localdebutthis month, bringing the beloved1990 film to life on stage.

Themusical adaptation of the Julia Roberts and RichardGereromantic comedy opens at Cape Town's Artscape Theatreon Wednesday18March, before transferring to Johannesburg's TeatroatMontecasino from 24 April

Based on thehit Hollywood film,the stageversion features music by Grammy Award-winning artist BryanAdams, who has expressed his enthusiasm forthe production. Theshowcombines the original

RoyOrbisonclassic"Oh, Pretty Woman" withnew songswrittenspecifically forthe stageadaptation.

TIMELESSSTORY

Themusicaltells thestory of Vivian and Edward,two unlikely characters whose chance encounter leadstoanunexpected romance. Sinceits Broadway premierein 2018, theshowhas enjoyedsuccessful runs in London's West Endand toured across NorthAmericaand Europe

"The show deliveredhigh-energy ensemble numbers, dazzlingcostumesand sets,and asoundtrack that hadthe audience takinga trip back in time to the90s," noted BroadwayWorldintheir review

Localproduction companyShowtime Management is bringing themusicalto South Africa in partnershipwithCrossroads LiveNorth America.The production features an all-South Africancast, crew and orchestraworkingalongside international creative staff

"This timeless storyhas captured the hearts of audiences aroundthe world," said HazelFeldmanfromShowtimeManagement "Local theatre-goerswillexperiencethe unforgettablesongs, dazzling performances,and allthe romance, humour andheart that madethe film aclassic."

Theoriginal creative team includes book writersGarry Marshalland J.F. Lawton, who createdthe original film, with songsby BryanAdamsand JimVallance. Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchellprovides direction andchoreography.Theproduction carriesa PG rating of 12+due to adultthemes,and ntal ida ei ended.

‘Gloves Off’returns to CT stage

Afterpacking out theatres in Europe, Cape Town-born writerand director William Makinisbringing his original boxing drama Gloves Off home forthe first time

Following asold-out debut in Rotterdam,the high-energy production comes to TheHomecoming Centre from Wednesday17toSaturday21 March. Described by audiences abroad as electrifying, energeticand unforgettable, Gloves Off throws viewers intothe worldoftwo childhood best friends turned bitterrivals.

Billy"TheKid"Buccaneer andJoe "The Prince"Broncooncetrained side by side.Now they face each other for thelocal boxing championship title–in the biggest fight of their lives. But this is morethan aboxing story. It explores pride,loyalty,fractured friendship andthe cost of obsession. As bothfighters push themselvesto

their limits, tensions rise inside and outside thering. Heated press conferences, relentless training sessions and thespotlight'sglare buildtowardone explosiveshowdownwhereeverything is on theline

Blending thegritand glamour of professional boxing with deeply humandrama, theshowcaptures the rawemotionand fiercecompetitiveness of top-flightcompetition,while keeping audiences fully invested in bothmen's personaljourneys "This play looksbothfighters in the eyeand asks whathappens when the person who knows youbest becomes theone youmust defeat," says Makin. "Bringing theproductionhome to Cape Town with an all-South African cast andcreativeteammakes this season incrediblymeaningful." . Ticketsare available at Webtickets