TygerBurger | Elsies/Eersterivier/Ravensmead | E-edition | 27 May 2026
WHAT’S ON /WAT IS WAAR
THURSDAY28MAY
. Theimportanceand challenges of agriculturein SouthAfrica—specificallyinthe WesternCape— will be discussed at the annual meeting of Durbanville Business. JannieStrydom,chief executiveofficerof AgriWestern Cape,and Aubrey Terblanche,managing directorofGideonMilling,willleadthe discussion. The meeting willstart at 18:00 at Stone Shed in Adderley Road,Durbanville.EntranceisR100 formembersand associatemembers, and R220 fornon-members, including dinner and drinks. Confirm attendanceat info@durbanvillesakekamer.co.za
. TheR5booksaleatthe Durbanville Children's Homewilltakeplace from Thursday 28 Mayto Saturday 30 May. Thesalewillbepresented at the reception area on Thursday and Fridayfrom09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday 30 Mayfrom09:00 to 13:00. CDs,DVDsand books,including children'sbooks and coffee-table books, willbeonsale. Bring your own bags or boxes. Card facilitieswillbeavailable
VRYDAG29MEI
. Die NG kerk Sonstraalhou basaar op vanaf12:00 by diekerk op diehoekvan Hebron- en Tulipstraatin AmandaGlen, Durbanville.Bring joufamilie en vriende en komgenietjou Vrydagaandete in diegeselligheid vandie kuiertent.Trakteerjouself op produkte en heerlikeetesby'nverskeidenheidstalletjies —van 'n witolifanttafel, boeke, naaldwerk,kinderaktiwiteite, lekkergoed,plaasprodukte en gebaktot koffie, braaivleis,jaffels, roosterkoek, hamburgers,potjiekos en pannekoek.Kontak Belinda by kommunikasie@ sonstraal.org.zaof021 9761236 metnavrae.
SATURDAY30MAY
. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmade crafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.For moreinformation aboutthe market day, contact CJ Jacksonon072 830 1966 (WhatsApp)
. Die Alta du Toit-sentrumbied'ngala-eteom18:30 by Lincolnstraat 80,Boston, Bellville,aan.Gastekan uitsien na 'n driegang-ete,lewendigevermaak en 'n veiling, asook 'n geheime geskenk. Die bekende seremoniemeesterAnrich Herbst salversekerdat alles vlot en gesellig verloop. Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar teen R850 perpersoon. Bespreekper e-posnadonation@ altadutoit.org.za.
. TheDurbanville CatholicChurch is holding aFood Fair,aspartofits fundraisingactivitiesat7 TheCrescent,Durbanville.Taking placefrom11:00 to 16:00, thisannual community event is acelebration of food and life.Choose from avarietyofdelicious food and drinkstalls, including Portuguese, Korean, American, SouthAfrican,Indian and French- Italian-Mediterraneanoptions.Foodvouchersare on sale.CallIrene on 082783 9869
SUNDAY31MAY
. Discoverthe hidden secretsand relics of an abandonedWW2 Military BaseinLlandudno,during aspecial "TOP SECRET" Heritage Tunneland Bunker Tour forTourism Month. Thetrail starts at the bigGun inApostlesBattery Llandudno at 10:30, and willend in thesamespot. Explorersneedtobewalking fit,as there aresteps and obstaclestohurdleand laddersto climb. Childrenneedtobeaccompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 20.Ticketsare R295 per person. Email Matta at mattweisse@mweb.co.za to book or formoreinformation.
. Edgemead’sLargest Indoor Secondhand Market willbeheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall, 83 EdgemeadDrive from 08:00to14:00.Bargains galore
TUESDAY2JUNE
. FCDSkills Centre'spopular pop-up sale fundraiser is back —combining bargainshopping with abigger purpose—2to5 June at the Durbanville Town Hall. Thesalewillbeopen on 2June from 11:00 to 18:00 on 3and 4Junefrom08:30 to 17:30, and on 5June from08:30to13:30.The four-day sale raises funds forFCD's sponsored skillsprogrammesthat equip unemployedindividuals, especiallyyouth,toenter the job marketorstart amicroenterprise.
. TheParkinson'sDisease Support GroupBloubergstrands meetsat10:00for 10:30 in thehallofthe Bloubergstrand Dutch Reformed Church, 3Batavia Street.For moreinformation call Doreen Viljoenon 082410 0783 or Martin vanNiekerk on 083443 8443.
SATURDAY6JUNE
. Bellville Senior Sentrum by Chrismar Villas nooi ‘n ieder en ‘n elk uit na hul plaaswerffunksievan 16:00- 18:00 te Jessiestraat 25, Chrismar.Smullekker eetgoed watbesoekers kanverwagsluit in kerrie en rys, lewerkoekies, pampoenkoekies, roosterkoeke, gebakte poeding met vla, sop, patats en tuisgebakte brood,asook vetkoek, jaffels, en melkkos.Kaartjies kanvooraf by diekassier gekoop word tussen 08:00– 12:00 Maandagtot Vrydag.Skakel021 910 1250 met navrae
Cityneedsspacefor impoundedvehicles
The City of CapeTown is ready for the roll-out of the new traffic regulations which are expected to come into effect soon, according to JP Smith, the City’s Mayco member forsafety and security.
Smith was responding to an enquiry from TygerBurger after the safetyand security portfolio committee approved theamendedtraffic by-law at aspecial meetingonWednesday 13 May.
SAFETYANDSECURITY
“The by-law amendmentshave been approved by the safety andsecurity portfolio committee andthe mayoral committee.The next step is for the amendments to go before afull sitting of Councilfor approval. Once that is achieved, it would need to be gazetted. Theamendedby-law will be enacted once it has been gazetted—hopefully within thenextfew months,”Smith said to TygerBurger.
DANGEROUSBEHAVIOUR
The amendmentsaim to help reduce dangerous behaviour among road users, regulate vehicle safetyand traffic use, and provide for increased vehicle impoundment and nuisance control in public transport operations.
Centraltothe amendments are provisionsfor impounding vehicles and imposingrelatedpenalties. These include vehicles used in illegal street racing; cases wherethe driver is under theinfluence of alcohol or drugs or does not possess a valid driver’s licence; situations where a vehicleisdrivenrecklessly on apublic road in amanner thatposes an immediate or imminent dangertopassengers, other road users or pedestrians; and vehicles fittedwith false number plates.
CAUSINGEXCESSIVENOISE
Following theconclusionofthe public participation process, oneadditional provision was included allowing for the impoundment of vehicles operated in contravention of Section 46 of the existing by-law by causingexcessive noise. Responding to reports that the City’s
NEWTRAFFIC REGULATIONS EXPECTED TO COME INTO EFFECT SOON
impound lots are already full, Smith confirmed that the Safetyand Security Directorate is working to secureadditional pound space.
“In the interim, we have two impound facilities in Maitland and Ndabeni,and our efforts also include identifying ways to better maximise thesespaces,” he said.
ROADWORTHYTESTS
ONLYATCITYTESTINGCENTRES
Oneofthe amendments to the existing by-law stipulates that avehicle declared unroadworthy may not be tested by a private testing centre and then returned to the road. These vehicles may only be tested at atraffic department testing centre to obtain aroadworthy certificate, Smithsaid previously.
He added: “It is unfortunately the case that thereare places issuing roadworthy certificates for vehicles that are not roadworthy. Vehicles are even taken outside the metro’s boundaries to obtain thesecertificates illegally.”
IMPOUNDRELEASEFEE
On fears of abacklog at testing centres of the City’s traffic department Smith said thereisnobacklog at City testing centres.
“We currently have two centres, in Bellville and Durbanville, that are available to the public, alongside many private service providers. Two more centres will be operational by the end of thismonth in Goodwood and KuilsRiver.”
He confirmed the impoundment release fee for all classes of vehicles in the 2025-’26 financial year is R2 500, excluding storage fees and any fines related to the offence for which the vehicle was impounded.
“In instances where public transport vehicles do not have valid operating permits, the impoundment release fee is R7 000.”
Citywarns of likely MyCiTifarehikefromJuly
The City hasurged MyCiTi commuters to prepare for apossible fare increase from July as rising dieselcosts place increasing pressure on thepublic transport system. Commuters will continue to be protected in June, despite ongoingpressure from
FROMPAGE1
Four of the top10stations with the highest murder rate are in the Western Cape —Cape Town Central (1), Mitchells Plain(2), Mfuleni (5) andDelft (10).
ActingMinisterofPoliceProf Firoz Cachalia announcedthe national crime statisticsfor the fourth quarter (January to March2026), and what stands out is that,nationally, serious crime is down, butstill unacceptably high.
He said contact crimes (where thereis direct contact between perpetrator and victim) had declined by 4,6%.
"That means 7405 fewer cases of violent crimes were reportedcompared to the same quarter last year. This trend started in 2024, with violent crime having dropped by 10,2% since then, resulting in 17 440 fewercases reported compared to this latest quarter."
The murder rate, which decreased nationally by 9.5%.
"In the same quarter of last year, 5727 people were murdered. That number has come down to 5181. That means 546 fewerlives lost, andfewer grief-stricken families and friends. Compared to the same quarter in 2024, therewere 1355 fewermurders or a20,7% decrease. As
sustained fuel price increases but officials warn that if diesel prices remain at current elevated levels, afare adjustment will become unavoidable from July. Therecommendation will still be tabled before Council for approval on 27 May.
thisisour most reliable crime statistic we pay particularly close attention to the data and information on murders. "Itwas also heartening to see double digit decreases in the serious armed robberies that make up the trio crimes. There has been a20,4% reduction in house robberies, 18,3% in business robberies and 22% reductionin the robberies of non-residential premises compared to the same period last year "I also welcome the slight 2% decrease in kidnappings given the substantial increases in thiscrime category since 2021 and 2022," Cachaliasaid.
He said adecrease in crime is not a guarantee of safety: "But Imust also be clear; the levels of violence and criminality in SouthAfrica remainfar too high. Adecrease in crime is not the same as achieving safety. The levels of crime are still unacceptably high, with 58 murders per day on average during this quarter." Crime patterns also show substantial variations across the country. While Gauteng, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal all recorded notable decreases in murders thesefour provinces recorded more than 80% of all murdersin SouthAfrica.
Elsies-meisieisnie JoslinSmithnie
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Die Elsiesrivier-polisie het 'n beroep op die familievan 'n negejarige meisie van Elsiesrivier gedoenom hulle te nader as sy verder geteister word.
Shenika Jacobsselewe is onlangsopsy kop gekeer toe 'n video waarin sy dans aanlyn versprei is. Die videohet verskyn net toe aanlyngebruikers Shenikah se voorkoms met diévan die vermiste Joslin
Brave the cold forWinterSolstice Swim
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is callingonSouth Africans to take part in its annual Winter Solstice Swim on Sunday21Junemarking the longest night of theyear.The initiative encourages individuals,teams,and communities to hosttheir own plunge events and raise fundsfor the organisation.
SAFETYFIRST
DIE POLISIEHET GEVRADAT MENSE OPHOUOMKLEIN DANSER TE TEISTER OOR HOE SY LYK
plasing het glo gevolg op 'n versoek deur die kind sefamilie."Mense teister die gesintot diepunt waar die kind agtervolg word en die gesin vanontvoering beskuldig word. Hoewel sy baie op Joslin
Participants are invited to take the plunge in thesea,tidal pools, swimming pools, dams, or eventhrough an ice bucket challenge,joiningagrowing tradition that unites communities acrossthe country in support of theNSRI
.Never swim alone.
.Avoid rough or unsafe conditions.
.Always have aflotation device nearby.
.Know who to call in an emergency. . More informationisavailable via theNSRI officialwebsite andfundraising platform GivenGain. Formoreinformationonorganising your Solstice Plunge andthe taxbreaksyou’ll getfromyourdonation,contact Reneeon021 4344011orrenee@searescue.org.za
“NSRI volunteers are on duty yearround, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice, even on the coldest day of theyear,” NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, said. “Each year, teams of NSRI volunteers from our rescue bases brave the plunge to raise funds for their station. This year we challenge you to organise awinter solstice plunge and help support our lifesaving work.”
Nightschoolsholdsgraduation
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The UnityAdult CommunityLearningCentres in Eerste Riverand Macassar held their combinedvaledictory ceremony recently, after the centre in Macassar was established in August of lastyear
According to Jay-Lee Joubert, CEO and co-founderofthe centres, this ceremony marked aspecial milestone for Unity
Adult CommunityLearning Centre
“It was great welcoming the new graduates from Macassar. The event was madeeven more meaningful by havingour 55-year-old student, Angela Samuels,asthe guest speaker. She delivered an inspiring speechto our fellow valedictorians, reminding everyone thatit’snevertoo late to pursue education,” says Joubert aboutthe event held at FalseBay Primary School.
LEARNERS’ HARD WORK AND ACHIEVEMENT CELEBRATED
Theceremonyrecognised the hard work and dedication of the students, who haveworked tirelessly to achieve their academic goals
“It was an honour to celebrate this
milestone together with theirparents, guardians, and families, who have supported them every step of the way. We believe this story highlights the impact of adult education in our community. There are many people out therethat never had the opportunity to finish school because of different circumstances and adult education gives them the opportunity to learnand better their lives. It gives value to the lives of the students,”says Joubert.
Wesbanksoekantwoorde ná skietery
CARINAROUX
Inwoners van Wesbank het Donderdag in die saal van dieLaerskool Hoofweg in Wesbank bymekaar gekom in 'n soeke na antwoorde vir die geweldgeteisterdebuurt.
Ebrahim Sawant, wyksraadslid het onder andere verteenwoordigers van die polisie en regering genooi om diegeleentheid by te woon nadat vier mense in een voorval op Saterdag 16 Mei koelbloedig doodgeskiet is. 'n Sewejarigeseun wat in
die voorvalgewondis, veg steeds om sy lewe in die hospitaal.
Die geleentheid is begin met 'n gedenkdiensvir die slagoffers, met familielede teenwoordig.
Sawant het gesê dit is belangrik om perspektief te kry by rolspelers wat die veiligheid van inwoners moet help verseker.
Hy hetdie sprekers gevra om die gemeenskapsetrauma in gedagtetehou.
"Die vertroostingwat hulle soek kom nie net nbin hulself nie, ook
Learners and educators from the UnityAdult Learning CentresinEersteRiver and Macassar heldtheir combined valedictory.
‘Court’stariffrulingwillaffectthepoor’
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
The City has confirmed it will not appeal the Western Cape High Court’s ruling on tariff structures, opening the way for arevisedbudget process to begin.
In astatement issued on Friday morning, theCity said it will nowpublish amendments to itstabled 2026-’27 Budget for public comment in thewake of the judgment.
The City maintains that the ruling’s primary effectistocurtail the ability of municipalities, including Cape Town, to cross-subsidise services in amanner that shieldslower-and middle-income households from the full cost of those services.
The proposed amendments,it says, reflectthe City’s commitment to preserving that protection within the boundaries set by the court.
The City was also at painstoemphasise that allrevenue raised in 2025-’26 hasbeen directed toward itsintendedpurposefor infrastructure investment andservice delivery. Equally significant, the court’s ruling doesnot question the legitimacy of these funding requirements;the City must still be resourced to function. What changes under the proposed 2026-’27 framework is not the obligation to fund those costs, butthe manner in which
ratepayers will contribute to meeting them.
MayorGeordin-Hill Lewis says akey impact of this court ruling is what the City has warned all along: thatwater and sanitation fixed chargeswill go up for many familiesinlower- andmiddle-value residentialproperties, andgodown for higher-value properties.
“We have done ourutmosttomitigate this effect.Toprotectlower- andmiddleincome households from the impact of this court ruling, we propose afurther raising of therates-free rebate to the firstR620 000 of property value,upfrom R450 000, for residentialproperties under R8 million Allindigent benefits will alsoapply up to R620 000 residentialproperty value.”
This accordingtothe mayor will reduce property rates for many households in the lower- and middle-valuebands to mitigate the rise in fixed water andsanitation charges they will facebecause of the court ruling
“While we adjust forthe impact of this ruling,weremainconcerned aboutits implicationsfor the ability of municipalities to equitably cross-subsidise in utility tariffs in the South African socialcontext. We will engage the National Treasuryand Co-operative Governance departments nationally to seek regulatory clarity on available options for municipalities to equitably cross-subsidise
“It remainsmyfirm belief that Cape Town cannottruly work unless it works for everyone.For this reason, we do not propose any cutstoCape Town’s essentialinfrastructure projects, like pipe replacements, better sanitation and public transport. To cutthese projects, as has been suggested by some, would lead to a less functional city andlessbasic dignity for residents. It would be aterrible and indefensible action.”
Proposed amendments to be published for commentinasupplementary public participation processfrom 27 May to 10 June 2026 include the following:
. City-wide cleaning costs is to move back into property rates. This will remove the city-wide cleaning charge as astandalone itemonbills, andincrease property rates for residential customers —changing the-10,2% reductiontabledinMarch.
Commercial property rates will also increase while electricity unit costs will reduce duetothe 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.
. Fixed water and sanitation charges is to revert back to water meter connection size, the method used before property value bands. According to the City, this impact 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.
“The City has tried to buffer this impact by consolidating the fixed tariff charged for all meter sizes up to 22mm, and shifting costs to higher consumption users compared to the March tabled budget,” the City states.
. Lastly, to protect especially lowerand middle-income households from the changes to fixed charges, the City will raise the indigent relief qualifying threshold and rates-free benefit. All residential properties up to R8mwillnow get the first R620 000 rates-free, up from R450 000 in 2025-’26. Indigent benefits apply for all properties under the new R620 000 threshold.
Thefull details of the proposed changes arising from the court ruling will be published on 27 May for public comment, with the comment period closing on 10 June.
SapoawelcomesCity’sdecisionnot to appeal tariff ruling
DESIRÉERORKE
The South African Property Owners' Association (Sapoa) has welcomed the City of Cape Town's decision nottoappealthe Western CapeHigh Court'sruling of 30 April, while confirming it will nowmove to recoverthe legal costs it incurred in bringingthe landmark case.
In anotice to membersissued on 22 May, Sapoa chiefexecutive Neil Gopalsaid the organisation waspleased theCityhad chosen to abidebythe court's decision rather than pursue further legalaction
"We are glad to see thatthe City has decided to abide by the Court's decision, andthatithas decided nottowaste further taxpayer's funds in pursuing fruitless appeals," Gopal said.
The case was brought by Sapoa to challenge the City's tariff structures linked to propertyvalues. With the City accepting the ruling, Sapoa confirmed it would scrutinise thenew draft budgetthe City has undertaken to publish for public comment on 27 May.
Sapoaalso used the noticetoclaim a
measure of vindication on one of itslongheld positions –thatcity-wide cleaning costs should be funded through property ratesrather than as aseparate tariff.
The City's proposed amendments appear to reflect precisely that approach.
"As Sapoa hasstated all along during its engagement with the City, city-wide cleaning oughttobefunded from property rates, andSapoa is satisfied that the City now seems to be in agreement," Gopal said.
The association also took the opportunity
to urge other municipalities across the country to avoid introducing tariffs linked to property values in light of the court's findings.
Sapoa revealed it is currently engaged in exactly such adisputewithMangaung Municipality, and expressed hope that the outcome in Cape Town would serve as a cautionary signal.
Withthe legal battle concluded, Sapoa confirmed it is now proceeding to recover itslitigation costs from the City of Cape Town.
Freemasterclasses atArtscapeTheatre
Artscape's series of free Saturday masterclasses, which opened last weekendaspart of the theatre's 55th anniversarycelebrations, continues with apacked programmerunning through to November.The sessions take placeinthe iSibaya Room on the firstfloor from 10:00 to 12:00, and areopen to artists, students,artsprofessionalsand general audiences. Seating is limitedand booking is essential.
On 30 Ma the fo turns to Art
MARIONGRYPNAELKEGRAS-HOLM
MASTERCLASSESCONTINUE AS 55TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME EXPANDS
costumedesigner DavidPamplin. The4 July session,facilitated by Africa Melane, explores whatitmeans to buildasustainable tiv rinSouth Afri toda with ts
Marion Holmbring haar nuweeenvrouvertoning, Gryp elkegrasHolm,naDie Boer-teaterrestaurant op Saterdag 13 Junie om 20:30enSondag 14 Junie om 14:00.“Desperaatheid laat jou na grashalms gryp In Suid-Afrikaisons emosioneel desperaat om net asseblieftog bietjie positieftevoelenhoop te kry vir iets,”sêHolm.Komgrypsaam aan elkegrasHolm en loop uit met‘npositiewe uitkyk,‘nhoopvollehart en‘n groot gegiggel.Kaartjies kosR220.Bespreek by www.dieboer.comofby021 9791911.
Mediavennootmaakbelegginginjeug
Osaam met jou sal dra.”
Liam-Lloyd Doman,finalis 2025 en ’n mediesestudent in sy eerste jaar,saam met Jeannine vanZyl,Novus Media se hoof vanpremiumpublikasieseninhoud.
Doman sê diekompetisie het hom uit sy gemaksone gehaal en gedwing om meer selfvertroue te hê.“Dit het my laat besef dat ek in situasieskan aanpas waar ek voorheen souhuiwer of terugstaan.”
FOTO:LIENTJIE MENTZ
maatskappy van die oudste
Confessions of achildhood fartgun
When Iwas nine, my mother accidentally turned me into afartgun.
Iamnot exaggerating.
Ididn’t understand the mechanics of it at thetime but years later,wonderinghow muchpotential damage had been doneto my internal organs, Ilooked it up and was unpleasantly surprised.
But before we get to that, let meexplain WhenIwas little, my eczema was very bad and nothing that the talented doctors at RedCross Hospital didatthe timewas abletoget it under control.
My mother, who was very traditionalist, God rest her soul, tried everyhome remedyand old wives’ tale suggested This meant that most nights, beforebed my mother would give me atrustydose of Scotts Emulsion along with whatever homeremedy we were trying at the time. When Iwas nine, someonerecommended blomswael,orflowers of sulphur as it is calledinEnglish. Now, just an aside, flowers of sulphur is indeedagood remedyfor itching when used topically, but whoever advised my mother forgot to tellher that footnote.
So for at least aweek,every night, my mom gave me atable spoon of Scotts Emulsion and aglass of blomswael swirled in warm milk to drink. It didn’t quite dissolvesoitwas clumpyand grainy.It also tasted foul andsmelled like rotten eggs.
MYMOTHERHADACCIDENTALLY HELPEDMECREATETOXICFARTS
But what was far worse waswhatitdid to my insides.
The next day Iwould sit in classand try my hardest to subdue my gurgling tummy. Eventually Iwould fail and out would slip an SBD (silent but deadly) fart.
Normally the term SBDis tongue-incheek but with me, at the time, it was literal. My classmates would gag and groan as the rotten egg smell hung in the small classroom, clinging to the walls
If you were one of my classmates, I apologise. And I’m also sorrythatthis apology came decades late, but Iwas too embarrassed to admitthat it was meatthe time.
When one of the learners nearest me vomited after Ifarted, Iwenthome at the end of the week and stoically refused to keepdrinking the foul junk –which had had zero impact on my inflamed skin. Ilearned, many years later, that while not dangerous to my innards —thankfully blomswael causes agut reaction that releaseshydrogen sulphide. Besides smelling rotten, it is toxic inlargedoses. Put another way, my mother had accidentally helped me create toxicfarts thatcould have been weaponised
No learners were harmed in the misguided attempts to heal myitchy skin, but years later, when my daughter was bornand Icarried on the Scotts Emulsion tradition, Igave it ataste for old times’ sake. The next day my skin was inflamed Iread the label and discovered that the tonic was madefrom cod liver oil—and had triggered my fish allergy. It hadbeen the villaininmychildhood health dramas allalong.
So what is the point of this you mayask? Well, Idon’t have one. The most Igot out of that experience is asmall nugget of wisdom and avery funny story —and by writing this, along overdue apology —but Ihave no strong political or economic point to make today.
At the very least, Ihope thisstinky story brightened yourday.
-LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY
Kommentaar // Comments
FUEL FORSPCA: MuhammedAsgar Dalvie and Muhammad Sanglaytackledthe 42,2 km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday24May dressedinanSPCArescue vehicle suit,all in an efforttokeep real rescue vehicles on the road.Dalvie Sanglaylaunched the“Put some Petrol in Our Tank”campaign to raiseR42 000 forthe Cape of Good HopeSPCA,the amount needed to fuelone SPCAInspectorate vehiclefor afullyear.Thecampaign has alreadyraised more thanR23 000 from supporters across Cape Town and beyond,but supporters canstillsupport the fundraiser.For more information on theSPCAemail spokespersonBelindaAbraham at comms@spca-ct.co.za
Stad se inwonersmoetgordel styf knoop
Die DA beskou homselfasdie partywat die Wes-Kaap diebestebestuur
Infrastruktuur in vergelyking met ander provinsies is vangoeie gehalte.Netjiesepaaie,meestemense het toegangtot skoon drinkwater, minimalekragonderbrekingsen skoon dorpe
Beleggersbakleiomhier te kanbelê, maarkom onskyk dieper.Hoë munisipalerekeninge forseer baie menseomhul huiseteverkoop en alternatiewe akkommodasie te soek waar hulslegs verantwoordelik isvir krag en watergebruik.
Dieres vandie munisipalerekeningisdan die huiseienaar se verantwoordelikheid. Om elkeaand te kanbad, het 'n luukse geword.Baie mense badslegs drieuit sewe dae.Die oorblywende vierdae word daar uit'nskotteltjie gewasomskoon te kom. Geisers word dan net aangesit vir ongeveer 'n uur en almalmoet vinnig badofstort voor die waterkoud word Elektriesestowe is verkoop om plek te maakvir gasstofies.Kos word niemeer daagliksvoorberei nie. Inwoners vind hullekan gasspaar deurvir twee tot
Graagwil ek reageer op Elsa le Grange vanWelgelegen se brief “Houopdie sentetel”(TygerBurger 20 Mei).
Nie almal is so bevooreg soos jy om niesente te tel nie.Ons asmiddelklasgemeenskap word letterlik gemelk om nie eens te kanspaar vir enigiets anders nie.
Ek verwys ook na persoonlike belasting en nouook deesdae meterfbelasting. Almal praat so gemaklik oordie woordspaar,maar hoekan ‘n mens met al die kostes watopgaan?
drie dae kosopeen slag te maak.Etesin'nrestaurant is gestaak
Mensehou die groot supermarkte se pamflette dop vir spesialeaanbiedingeomdie nodigetekoop.Met Shopritewat voorsieningmaak vir die laeinkomstegroep,kry ‘n mens gereeld'ntrollie metafgemerkte pryseopvrugtevan goeie gehalte, koppies sop, brood en vele ander items watmense koop om geld te spaar Voertuie staan en stof opgaar of word verkoop.Met die verhogings in brandstof hetuitstappies onbekostigbaar geword.Om'nUber of taxibuitespitstyd te gebruik, is heelwatgoedkoper.Risikovir smash and grab carjacking en hijacking hetteen 'n ongelooflike spoed toegeneem. Om te stap,het 'n risikogeword. Leegleërs en kriminelewag om elkehoek en draai om jou te beroof.Bankkaarteenselfone word in klereversteek, juweliersware en beursies word by die huis gelos. Uitlanders koop oral eiendom en omskepdit in bordeleensmokkelhuiseofsogenaamde studenteverblyf waar misdaad floreer.Skape word aangekoop watin die strateloop en geslag word in woonbuurte waar
lewende hawe onwettig is. Plakkerskampe word toegelaat om oral opgerig te word.Tenteenhokke is oral sigbaar in die dorpe, parkies, langssnelweëenonder bruê,wat ‘n probleem word vir omliggende inwonersweens diefstalen inbrake. Die DA-bestuur vanStadKaapstad gloaan kruissubsidie waar die middelklasenmeer gegoede belastingbetalersvir die minderbevoorregtesmoet sorg deur hoëmunisipaletariewe te hef. Maar,asjy deur die plakkerskampe beweeg, sien jy onwettige krag en waterverbindings, duur karreenTV-skottels in oorvloed. Stad Kaapstad is besig om die belastingbetalers metsyhoë tarieweteverarm en hul lewensstandaardteverlaag om voorsiening te maak vir hul projekte, agendas en hoësalarisse vir diegene watdie besluitenamensinwonersmaak.Belastingbetalers se hulpkreteenversoekevir laer tariewe word ignoreer en inwonerswordgedwing om al hoemeer skuldtemaak om te oorleef. Dit is die ware realiteit om 'n inwoner vanStadKaapstad te wees.
LIZELLE STRYDOM, Chrismar
Onshet ongelukkig'ngemeenskap van“sponsors” geword en die gelukkige wenneromdit te wees, is onsasmiddelklas. Ons het nie 'n probleem om vir dienste(watwerk)tebetaal nie, maar hoekom moet netsekeremense meer betaal vir dieselfde diens wat gebruik word?
Dit gaan nieoor waar jy blyofhoe groot jou huis is nie; dit behoort te gaan oor hoeveelgebruik word
Ek weet vanmense watomtrent niksvir dienste betaal nie,oor waar hulle bly, maar gebruik selfsmeer waterasons omdat daar meer menseindie huis woon
Dink jy dit is regverdig?
Ek voel baie jammervir die mensewat afgetree is en wathul eiendom al jaregelede gekoop het toedit nog nie 'n gesogtebuurtwas nie,maar nousobaie virdienste moetbetaal dat dit amper onmoontlik vir hulle is om methul pensioen uit te kom.
SENTETELLER,E-pos
Hoop skolefokus netsoernstig op akademie as op sportprestasies
Ek hetnou al 'n paar keer lesersbriewe opgemerk waarin die skrywers klaoor die toestandvan rugbyby sekere skole— soos oor DF,enTygerberg.
Vanwanneer af troefsport akademie?
Ek stuur my kinders skool toeomteleer,nie om bal te skop,slaan of gooi nie. Dit is belaglikdat kinders "gekoop"word, of duur sportafrigters aangestel word
sodat die eerstespan Saterdag kanwen. Om nie eens te praat vandie spesiale diëteendrukwat op die kinders geplaas word om op die veld te presteer nie, terwyl sommigeseakademieseprestasies daaronder ly.Ekhoop die skolemet die duur afrigters het ooknet die beste toerustinginhul wiskunde- en wetenskapklasse
Ja, buitemuurse aktiwiteiteisbelangrik vir emosionele, fisiekeengeestelikegroei en deelnamemoet aangemoedig word.Maar koester die metnatuurlike sporttalent en houdie fokusopakademieseprestasie Nie almal kaneendagSpringbokkeofProteas word nie.Wat daarvanasjou span Saterdag verloorhet! ESTHER,Durbanville
Runandwalkforeducationsupport
Asrunners, walkers and everyday South Africans set personal goals, anew localplatform is asking them to go the distance for learners and schools too.
ACape Town-born education crowdfunding platform is calling on South Africans to turn their next run, walk or personal fitness challengeintosupport for learners and schools facing real education needs.
Launched to create amore transparent and accessible way for communities to raise funds for education-related causes, GetGo Fund is now introducing #GetGoTheDistance, asportdriven public initiativethat invites people to use their own movement goals to rally donationsand awareness for education.
With race season energising Cape Town’s running community, the campaign taps into aspirit already familiar to many South Africans. Through #GetGoTheDistance, participants can choose an education campaign listed on the GetGo
SOUTH AFRICANSENCOURAGED TO TURN EXERCISEINTOLEARNER SUPPORT
Fund platform, pledge arun, walk or personal challenge to it, sharethe link with their communities, andencourage friends,family andsupporters to contributewhatthey can
The campaign is not limited to marathon runners. A5km,a weekly run club session,along walk,a gym challengeorany personal movementgoal can form part of thecall.
CONCERNS
At the heartofthe initiative is agrowing concernthatmany learners,families and schools continue to face funding gaps that directly affect educational opportunity.
That concernisalready being reflected in the kinds of campaignsgainingtractionon GetGo Fund. In Cape Town, onecampaign is helping Masiphumelele High School retaina dedicated educator
Badisaaims to restoregiftofplay
Non-profitorganisation Badisa haslaunched its “Give One Hour” campaign ahead of Child Protection Week, which runs from 29 May to 5June 2026, calling on businesses across South Africa to help restore the gift of play to vulnerable children.
The campaign invites play parks, children’s museums, adventure parks, family entertainment venues and child-friendly businesses to partner with Badisa in one of two ways: donate one free hour of play or access to childrenconnected to Badisa programmes or donate one hour of profit
“For many children play is not something that happens naturally,” said Shannon Usher, Social Services ManageratBadisa. “Poverty, violence, neglect, trauma and unsafe environments often rob children of moments that are critical to healthy development. Yet play is far more than entertainment. It is how childrenprocess emotions, buildconfidence, develop social skills, solve problems and learn to trust the world around them.”
Achild climbing ajungle gym, visiting amuseum for the first time or laughing freely with friends may seem like a small moment, but for achild experiencing vulnerability
or trauma that moment canbecomepartofhealing, belonging and hope.
PROTECTIONTHROUGHJOY
Child ProtectionWeek is observed annually across South Africa to raise awareness aboutthe rights ofchildren and the collective responsibilitytoprotect them from abuse,neglect, exploitationand violence It serves asa reminder that child protectionisnot only aboutresponding when harm hasalready occurred, but also aboutcreatingenvironments inwhich children are able to thrive and developfully.
Through the “Give One Hour” campaign Badisa wants to translate awareness into practical action, encouraging organisations to use thespaces they already have, ones built forfun, creativity, adventure anddiscovery, tohelp restore positive childhoodexperiences forchildren who may not otherwise have accesstothem.
“Sometimes protectionlooks likesafetyand sometimes like joy,” said Adrie Jurgen, DirectorofMarketing, Communicationsand Fundraising at Badisa. “When children play, they connect, grow,imagine and heal.”
. To getinvolvedcontact Zoe Borchards on 021 9577130orat kuumba@badisa.org.za
Learn to cook French and Italian
As part of the master class cooking series of TheNoshbudha Cooking Club in Durbanville, an Italian bistromeal class willbepresented on Saturday6 June and on Saturday13June aFrench bistromealclass willbepresented Both classeswilltakeplace at Villa Pascal Guest HouseinVan der Westhuizen Avenue,Durbanville
In this masterclass series,food lovers canlearn to cook everyday French classics, as well as Mediterranean, Moroccan, Creoleand Italian bistro favourites. Theseriesisorganised by
whosework supports learners inside andbeyond the classroom. Anotherisraising support for alearner at Capella House to continue her primary schooling in an environmentwhere she is flourishing. Together, these examples show the rangeof needsthe platform is designed to service,from strengthening school capacity to helping individual learners remain on theireducational path
“Being part of GetGoFund at this stage is incredibly meaningfulbecause we are building something that speaks directly to needand possibility,” says Donna Shefer, CEO of GetGo Fund.
“Thereare so many South Africans who want to help, but they areoften unsure where to begin or whether their contribution will truly be felt. #GetGoTheDistancegives people aheartfelt starting point.”
GIFTOFGIVING
The initiative also demonstrates abiggerchange in how communities can engage with giving. Instead of waiting for large institutions or once-off interventions, it creates space for everyday SouthAfricans to become part of education support in astructured, visible way and with one pledge, one share and one donation at atime.
How does it work? Choose acampaign. Pledge your movement. Share your link.
Raise support.
Theinitiative offers a meaningful way to make upcoming race goals count for more.For thosewho are not runners, it is an invitation to get off thecouch, do something good for themselves, and turnthat effort into ashow of support for someoneelse’s future.
Because while one person may be chasing apersonal best, another may simply need the chance to stay in the race.
. Find acampaign to support and take part in #GetGoTheDistance at www.getgofund.org
culinaryenthusiastEugèneAntoine Lebreton andaims to equiphome cooksand domesticworkers with skills.The classes also provide an excellentnetworkingopportunity.
Theclasses arepresented from 10:00 to 13:00 andcostR600 per person,including ademonstration,a recipe, ingredients andlunch.
Spacesare limitedtoseven guests andpre-booking is essential.
. Contact Eugene on 082 5694147orbyemail to villapascalguesthouse@gmail.com
Donna Shefer,CEOofGetGo Fund
AIbotsmakeinroadsinrealestate
The image of the estate agent is deeply ingrained in the South African psyche: asharply dressed professional withathick portfolio,a tank full of optimism, and aterritory carved outbysuburb and instinct. That agent is going extinct.
In their placerises anew breed —the bionic agent. Armed with predictive analytics, AI-powered lead generation, and an intimate understanding ofhow machines nowmediate the buyer-seller relationship, these agents aren’t just surviving the tech revolution. They’re leading it.
“Too many agents still thinktechnology is going to replace them,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of LewGeffen Sotheby’s International Realty. “They’re looking in the wrong direction. Technology isn’t here to replace professionals —it’shere to make you superhuman. The agent who embraces the tools will outperform the agent who fears them, every single time.”
THESNIPERRIFLE,NOTTHESHOTGUN
For decades, thestandard agent playbook was“farming” —blanketing a neighbourhood with flyers, hoping atiny
percentage might stick. It was avolume game:more calls, more showings,more luck.
Thatmodel is now economically untenable. With the primelendingrate stabilisingathigher levels, transaction efficiency isn’t aluxury —it’ssurvival. Every hour wasted on alow-probability leadis moneylost.
Enter predictive analytics. Tools like Lightstone’s “propensity to sell” modelling nowallow agents to analysevastdatasets —bondcancellation patterns, average holding periods by suburb, demographic shifts, even maintenanceand renovation trends —toidentify sellers before they’ve madea single decision.
“We’re movingfrom farming to sniping,” Geffen explains.
“One tool that’sstreamlining our processsignificantly is LOOM’s global virtualagent, whichisalways-on-duty AI-powered software thatsimulates humanconversation via text or voiceto assist clients and agents access up-to-theminute informationonproperties on the market, to facilitatetransactions and to set up digital meetingsfor agents and their sellers and buyers. It’s arealestate tool currently in use by 400 000 companies aroundthe world, which makes Lew Geffen Sotheby’s InternationalRealty confident that it hasa stable and dynamic back end.
“Whatthis tech meansfor agents isgetting alist in theirareas of 150 addresses that are calculated to be statistically more likely to go on the marketinthe short to mediumterm. You’re notwasting timeoncold calls. You’re having warm conversations withpeople whoare already thinking aboutmoving. That’s not magic. That’s mathematics.”
THE24/7AGENTNEVERSLEEPS
Geffen says while South African agents sleep, the market doesn’t. And increasingly,the first point of contact between apotentialclient andabrand isn’t ahuman —it’sa machine. Internationally, Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates are alsodeploying AI-
as they speak human.”
TRADITIONAL SALESPEOPLE ARE GOINGEXTINCT AS BIONIC AGENTS CHANGE THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY
poweredconversational agents that greet prospective clients 24 hoursaday. By simply scanningaQRcode in an agency window, apasserby caninstantly begin discussing their property project with an intelligentchatbot.
“Thesetools handle the first-level questions, qualify leads, andgather initial information before ahuman agent ever getsinvolved,” says Geffen. “That’snot a threat to the agent. That’s agift
“It means when you finally speak to that client,you’re notstarting from zero. You’restarting from informed. You can walk into that conversation knowing exactly what they want, what they can afford, andhow serious they are.”
The technology handles the routine; theagent delivers the relationship. The machine qualifies; the human closes.
THEGEOSHIFT: WHYGOOGLEJUSTCHANGEDTHEGAME
Perhaps the mostprofound shift happeningright now is invisible to most agentsbut will fundamentally reshape how properties are found.
It’s calledGenerative Engine Optimisation —GEO.
Here’s how it works: When abuyer asks GoogleGemini or ChatGPT aquestion –“Find me athree-bedroom house in Cape Town’s southern suburbs with solar and seaviews under R8 million” —the AI doesn’t just return links. It synthesises an answer frommultiple sources and presents it directly to the user. Thebuyer may neverclicka single website.
“Property portals are absolutely still relevant,” Geffensays.“But they’reno longer the only game in town. If your contentisn’t structured in away that AI can read, summarise, andtrust,you’re invisible in thenew search economy. Your listings need to speakmachine as fluently
This means agencies must rethink their entire digital strategy. Listings need clean data, structured formatting, and authoritative backlinks. Blog content must answer specific questions clearly. The algorithm doesn’t just want keywords —it wants answers.
“The agents who understand GEO will be the ones showing up in AI-generated search results,”Geffen says. “The ones who don’t will wonder why theirphone stopped ringing.”
THEHUMANELEMENT
For all the talk of algorithms and AI, Geffen is adamant about one thing: the technology enables the human; it doesn’t replace him or her.
“I don’t ever see realtors disappearing from the picture, because if covid taught us nothing else, we learnt that humans are sociable animals and we need human interaction —especially if that human happens to be ahighly trained property professional.
“Real estate is still apeople business. It’s still about trust, about reading aroom, about knowing when to push and when to pause. Amachine can’t do that. But a machine can tell you which rooms to walk into.”
Geffen says show houses and the marketing visibility of directional boards are also here to stay.
“Buyers need to fall in love with a home they’rebuying and the only way that happens is if they spend time in the space. These walk-throughs are their opportunity to discover the good and the bad for themselves, which will ultimately influence the clauses in the Offer to Purchase.”
Thebionic agent, then, isn’tacyborg, says Geffen. It’ssimply an agent who has learned to let data do the digging so he or she can do the dealing.
And in amarket where every advantage counts, that might just be the difference between agents surviving and thriving while ensuring sellers are happy with transaction prices and buyers have new homes they love, says Geffen.
Misrepresentation in property salesisalegal minefield
TheSouth African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) has warned that accurate accounts of properties forsale by owners, estate agents or auctioneers in South Africa are essential to avoid costly litigation and the cancellation of asale.
While the nature of auctions are based on the common law principle of voetstoots, meaning aproperty is sold “asis”, what is advertised and promoted about aproperty matters as these need to represent the true facts
Misrepresentations during the sales processcan expose careless or dishonest auctioneerstoserious legal liability.
SAIA chair, Joff van Reenen, says South Africancommon law recognises the concept of voetstoots.While widely relied uponincontracts of sale, voetstoots does notexcuse dishonesty or concealment.
This is evidenced in recent court cases thatheld “where aseller, agent or
auctioneerknowingly makes afalse representation or fails to disclose material facts, the protection of voetstoots falls away. Abuyer is therefore entitled to rely on factual statements made about a propertyespecially where those statements induce thedecisiontopurchase or to bid.”
Sellers needtoremember that misrepresentations at any stage can carry legal consequences long after the hammer has fallen.
For auctioneers in particular casual claims or seller-supplied information that is given without checking the facts can become the basis of litigation.
Thelegal consequences can be severe. A purchaser who has been induced to buy apropertythrough misrepresentation may seek rescission of the sale even after transfer has taken place. In such cases the transaction is unwound with the property returned and the purchase price repaid.
