TygerBurger | Goodwood | E-edition | 08 April 2026

Citytables ‘budgetofhope’

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@DESIREE.CO.ZA

Presenting CapeTown’s draftbudgetofthe current administration on Wednesday,Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis championed what he termed a“City of Hope” blueprint, promising thatapproximately 60% of households would experience stableorreduced rates bills despite rising property values, whilst delivering record infrastructure investment through strategic rate reductions.

Yetopposition councillors denounced theproposals as asophisticated “debt trap”,arguing that beneath the headline rate cutslies an elaborate system of fixed charges thatconstitutes apunitive “stealth tax” on property ownership. Hill-Lewis says the City will cut the rate-in-the-rand formula —used to calculate property rates —by10,2% andkeep the first R500 000 of property value rates-free, extended to homesworthuptoR8million. Other measures include aproposed raising of indigentrelief thresholds. This includes a 100% rebate forwater andsanitation, as well as city-wide cleaning,uptoR620 000 property value (both up from R500 000), and a100% rebate for refuse collection up to R580 000 (up from R450 000).

GV2025COMESINTOEFFECT

Regarding the consumptive portion of thetariffs,“waterand sanitation tariffs will rise by 4,5%, refuse and cleaning charges by about3,75%, and electricity by an average of 6,67%”. In terms of the controversial fixed charges, currently beingchallenged in court, property value bands havebeen changedtomitigatethe property value increases as the GV2025 comesintoeffect on 1July

Accordingtobudget documents, revenue will fund the proposed 2026-’27 budget of R87,7billion, with R74,7 billion allocated to theoperatingbudget and R13billion to thecapital budget, which reflectsa4,4% increase overlastyear’s record-breaking R84,1 billion budget.

Major components for the 2026-’27 operational budget include employeerelatedcosts at R22,1billion, which equates to 29,6% of the total operating expenditure; remunerationofcouncillors at R207 million; andbulk purchases of electricity at R18,9billion.

RECORDINFRASTRUCTUREINVESTMENT

Infrastructure investment highlights over thethree-year budget framework, says Hill-Lewis, will include aR16,7 billionwater andsanitation investment; R6 billioninelectrical grid upgrades and maintenance to prepare for adecentralised energy future with less Eskom reliance; R3,7billion in road maintenance, pothole repairs, upgrades to roads and stormwater, and R653 million in congestion relief projects.

Afurther R3,3billion goes towards the major MyCiTi Cape Flatsexpansion, and R3,3billion for informal settlement upgradingand state-subsidised housing. The budget further includes aR6,8 billion safety and security proposal for 2026-’27.

According to Hill-Lewis, this draft budget achieves severalthingsatonce that simply wouldn’t be possible in other cities: an SA recordinfrastructure investment that outpacesall Gauteng metros combined; the mostcomprehensive relief for struggling households andpensioners; and the lowest property rates and totalmonthly bills of any metro

However, notall are equally optimistic aboutthe budget.

GOOD Party councillor Sandra Dickson said: “While the City masks itsfiscal policy with a10,2% cuttothe property rate-in-the-rand, atechnical analysis reveals abudget designed to extract record revenues througha financial sleight of hand. TheCity claims that it is a6,67% average electricity increase, but for the actualratepayer, this is not so. The fine print in thebudget confirms that the

“Wearelivinginatime wherethe costoflivingisnotjustrising;itis exploding”-PieterJansen vanVuuren

regulated tariff —the actual price paidat the meter —will climb by auniform 8,55% across almost every energy block and service charge. The Electricity Home User Fixed Charge is set to increase by this same 8,55%, bringing the new monthly mandatory cost to R424,29 (incl. 15% VAT). This is amonthly penalty for simply being connected to the grid, regardless of how much power ahousehold saves.”

She added that in adjusting the property value bands for fixed charges, the City acknowledges the volatility of itsown 2025 General Valuation Roll.

“By shifting thesebands, the City is merely fine-tuning itsmachinerytoensure it can still extract maximum revenue from the middle class without triggering atotal collapse in payment ability.”

‘STEALTHTAX’

Dickson has consistently challenged the City’s legally questionable linking of fixed service charges to property value.

“These charges —covering water, sanitation, and ‘city-wide cleaning’—are effectively asecond property tax that ignores actual consumption. Under this model, afamily in amodest R3 million home is now forced to pay acombined monthly total of approximately R1135,50 (incl. 15% VAT) in fixed service charges for water, sanitation, and cleaning before they have even opened atap or put out a single bin,” she says. “This is a‘stealth tax’ on property ownership that penalises the asset-rich but cash-poor middle class.”

“While the Mayor touts arecord R40 billion three-year infrastructure plan, much of thisisarecycling of old announcements. More critically, the City continues to struggle with implementation; in the lastfinancial year, R1,6 billion in capital funds went unused. The City is asking residentstopay more for projects it has proven it cannot deliver on time.”

SOCIALCONTRACTBROKEN

Freedom Front Pluscouncillor Pieter Jansen van Vuuren said: “We areliving in atime and in aCitywhere the cost of living is not just rising; it is exploding. Ourresidents are being squeezed from every side —byskyrocketing fuel prices, national inflation, and most significantly, by the City’s own aggressive tariff structures. The citizens of Cape Town are not just unhappy; they are pushed to the brink. Oneneed only look at the High Court case brought by SAPOA and supported by various ratepayer associations against thisvery City. This legal battle over the 2025-’26 budget and its unfair tariff models is aclear indictment of thisadministration’s failure to pay attention to thosewho literally keep the lights.”.

. Thebudget willbeopenfor public comment until30April.

Submit commentsto:

. Email: Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za . Online:www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate ; or www.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay . VisitSubcounciloffices; . or phone:0800212 176.

Citymovest

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKETYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Moving away from reliance on Eskom’s rising electricity costs, the CityofCape Town is setto become the first municipality in South Africa to procureelectricityat scale from licenced energy traders andaggregators at below Eskom rates.

Anew Energy Trader Tender aims to procure 500 MW through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)spanningone to 10 years from avarietyofpower generation technologies, including solar.

According to the City, it spends approximately 70% of its tariffincome to buy bulk energy from Eskom “As by far the greatest input cost, itis vital to find means to reduce the impactof Eskom on electricity costsand subsequent consumer tariffs.This is the latest pioneering step we aretaking to procure clean and affordable energy fromthe open market and to reduceour reliance on Eskom’s very expensive power,”says Maycomember for Energy,Xanthea Limberg.

‘AHEADOFTHECURVE’

“The City remains ahead of the curve, adapting to international best practices

Leeskring kombyeen

Kiran Desai se boek, Theloneliness of Soniaand Sunny,wordopWoensdag15April by 'n byeenkoms van die Durbell-leeskring bespreek.Die byeenkoms begin om 10:00 in die Durbanville-biblioteeksaal. Almalis welkom. Toegang vir opbetaalde lede is gratis en vir gasteR50 elk. .Bel Liz vanWyk by 082655 8061met navrae.

Easter marketat AndriesOlivier

Experiencethe wonderofa magical Easter at the Easter market at AndriesOlivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre on Saturday11April

Themarket and book sale is beingpresented at the centreat18HafeleStreetfrom09:00 to 14:00

Whether youare interested in finding your next exciting reads, unique arts, crafts, plantsorsomething yummytoeat,theretrulyissomething for everyone

“Best of all, everycent raised goes towards supportingthe residents andthe centre.Come for the treasures, stay forthe eats, andleave knowing youmade arealdifferenceinyour community,”Allen Petersen, one of the organisers, invites. Crafts such as handmade jewellery, printed T-shirts, handpainted and crochethats, as wellas handweavedbaskets willbeonsale. Food stalls willsellboerewors rolls,pies,quiches, pancakes, jaffles, sweets, fudge, burgers, homemade jamand much more. “A varietyofR5books will be available. Beyond thestalls, book lovers canget lost in our curated bookstorewith our pricedbooks, were we have qualityreads at unbeatableprices— from cookbooksand biographies to Afrikaansgems, children’sadventures and South Africantitles. Don’t miss our collector’s corner fortrulyrareand special editions,” Petersen says “Our ‘Laugh forR1’ special is stillon! Hilarious cartoons and funnies willbesoldfor just R1 each.” Plants willalsobesoldatreasonableprices.

Anyone interested in showcasing their products at themarket,can secureastall at R200 perstall . Call Jean on 083356 0001 or Allenon 078393 5924 formoreinformation.

Tomorrow’sleadersmotivated

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

“Itiseasier to buildstrong children than to repair broken men.”

It was thisfamous saying by American abolitionist Frederick Douglass that formed the basisofamotivational talk givenbyDrLukhanyo Nyati ofthe Interprofessional Education Unit atthe University of the WesternCape (UWC) to teenageboys from variousCapeTown highschools attending thelaunch of the DistrictBoys’ Parliament on Tuesday 31 March at the Parow Civic Centre.

The two-day event was hosted by the South African National AidsCouncil (Sanac) Mens’ Sector in collaborationwith Subcouncil 4.

This is adedicated civil-society structure focused on mobilising men and boysin actively fighting HIV, TB and sexuallytransmitted illnesses (STIs) and genderbased violence (GBV).

Keynote speakers at the launch spoke of the importance of workinghard, remaining focused and striving to be futureleaders.

Nyati, one of the guest speakers, told the boys that more girls graduate from universities these days than boys, and that of the 100% of girls who start Grade10, most will finish Grade12, whilethis isnot thesame for boys.

He said today more and more households areheaded by women, which was notthe caseinthe past when it was generally accepted that men would fill thatrole Nyatiexplained that today more and more young boysare being recruited into the criminal syndicate worldpartly in response to their search for strong male role-models.

The start of the launch wasopened withaprayer by pastor DavidCommons fromElsies River, while Franchesca Walker, Ward 26 councillor and chair of Subcouncil 4, conducted the welcoming address.

She said the event was an opportunity

.W give up dreamswhen we can be the best version of ourselves,but we need to say‘Iwill make it oneday, come hell or highwater’

“This event is aplatform to give you courage to uplift andpresent yourself.”

SEXUALHEALTHANDGBVHIGHLIGHTED

Dr Vera Scott, health managerofthe City of Cape Town responsible for running clinics and day hospitals in Khayelitsha, spoke aboutsexualhealth andgenderbased violence.

She said shewanted to bring two matters to the boys’attention –HIV andGBV.

Scottpointedout thatthe Western Cape had thelowest HIV prevalence in the whole of South Africa, sitting at 7,5%in the province.“This is the lowest in avery long time, yet we are concerned because we see aprevalence in thediseaseamong youngpeople.”

Scott said there are various good forms

of protection available,such as using condoms and knowing theirstatus

Shealso cleared some myths about GBV up

“Often we thinkGBV is men abusing women,but men arealso abusing men. Bullying is endemic to oursociety, but it seems we have come to accept it.Asone getsolder bullyingtakes on other forms of violence, physical andpsychological.”

Luvuyo Zahela,programme manager at theCesvi Foundation based in Philippi, alsosharedafew words of encouragement.

“Withoutyou we do nothave afuture. It is important you know who you are. Why do Isay that? Igrew up in Klipplaat in the Eastern Cape and people who come from thereare often ignored.”

He then spoke about the hardships he experienced when growing up, how he knewhehad to getout of such circumstancesand thateducation was the answer.

“I seta goal for myself, knowing I wantedtomakesomething of my life, and went on to study at UWC. Today Iwork in thesocial-development sector.”

They were alsotold to choose their friendswisely.

“You arefortunate to be sitting here. You can become an ambassador of hope. Many other boys do not havethisopportunity. Thechange has to start withyou, Imade thosechoices.”

Zahelaencouragedthe boys to stay focused, to work hardatschool and respect their teachers,parents and elders as thereseemedtobealack of respect among young people thesedays.

POLICEISSUESTERNWARNING

WO Siyabonga WinstonDyantyi, asocial-

crime prevention coordinator based in Nyanga, said: “This week we areheading into Easter Weekend.

“But come Tuesday, after the long weekend, most of our prison cells will be filled with men. Ask yourself, if the majority of men are behind barsincells who is protecting the family?

“You can bring about change. We need to speak about thisissue, otherwise it will just continue.”

He also spokeonhow, in applying for a job, acriminal record can have anegative effects, particularly when potential job seekers are vetted and theircriminal records pop up.

“If you commit acrime now you may well sit with that record years later. These are the serious issues we have to talk about. We have to say no to crime.”

Dyantyi also touched on substance abuse and itseffects.

“This is hitting us as police left, right and centre.

“When we deal with GBVcases substance abuse is often the reason behind it.The sale and use of drugs in the Western Cape is ascourge, one of the biggest crimes we are facing.”

He encouraged the boys to rather report drug lords, who often recruit young men, to the police.

Walker said at alater stage they will arrange for the boys to attend national parliament in Cape Town.

She said by talking to boys they can address gangsterism, drugs and GBVand alot of other social factors, and that the parliament is aplace where they can hear from the boys themselves, that parliament serves as aplace where they can speak to elected officials.

Pipeupgrades aremostlyontrack

Work to upgrade andmoderniseageing waterand sewerinfrastructureisprogressing steadily across Cape Town, with theannual pipe replacement programmeremaining on track.

During Januaryand February 2026,approximately 11,9kmofwater pipes and 3,5km of sewerpipes were replaced.

Over thepasteight months of the2025/2026 financial year,nearly47,7km of waterpipes have been replaced (justover95% of the50kmtarget) Sewerpipereplacementscurrentlystand at 37,6km, or 37,6%ofthe 100km target

This proactiveworkforms part of along-term effort to reducewater losses,prevent seweroverflows and strengthen overall servicereliability. Projects are under wayacrossCape Town, withteams working to maintaininfrastructurewhile keeping disruptions to aminimum

. 4494mofwater pipes in Fish Hoek, Heathfield, SunValley, Steenberg, Wynberg, Retreat, Gordon’s Bay, Door De Kraal (Bellville), Gardens, Rondebosch, Glenlily (Parow)and ParowIndustrial

. 1332m of sewerpipes in Bellville, Richmond Estate,Rylands,Gatesville, Mountview Pinati Estate Penlyn Estate andWetton.

Pipes replaced in Februarythis year:

.7485m of waterpipes in Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Heathfield, SunValley, Steenberg, Wynberg, LotusRiver,Retreat, Macassar, KuilsRiver,Bellville,Garden’s, Rondebosch, Glenlily (Parow), Oranjezicht andParow Industrial.

. 2253mofsewer pipes in Plumstead, Bellville, MountainView(Bellville), Brackenfell, Wallacedene, Mountview,Pinati Estate,Penlyn Estate andWetton

"I am encouraged by thesteady progress being made across multipleprojects in thecity, which reflectsour continued commitment to investing in and maintaining critical waterand sanitationinfrastructure,"saidthe City’s MaycoMember forWater and Sanitation, ZahidBadroodien.

Recent developmentshaveled to theimmediate termination of some contracts, impacting pipe replacement projects in Macassar,KuilsRiver and Rondebosch. Mitigation measures areinplace, including theuse of apanel of contractors under framework contracts, to ensurework continues with minimaldisruption.

TheLotus Riverwater pipe replacement project, valued at overR5,3 million, is currentlyunder way. Construction began in Februarythis year

Influenzacame early:get your flu shotsurgently

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

The public is urged to vaccinate against influenza as the flu season has commenced earlier than usual, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) announced last week.

The 2026 influenza season began in the week of 9March, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasonstarting simultaneously. The concurrent onset means clinicianscould potentially see a high burden of patients with respiratory illness in medical facilities in the coming weeks.

“The flu season is declared when the ratefrom the NICDsentinelsurveillance exceeds the defined level for the season to start and is sustained for two consecutive weeks. Whilethis year's seasonhas started earlierthan in recent years, it is similarto 2025, when the season started in the week of 24 March,” says NICD spokesperson Vuyo Sabani.

VACCINESAVAILABLEFROMAPRIL

Vaccines will become available in pharmacies from the first week ofApril

“The early start to the seasonmeans that this year, the vaccine is only becoming available as the season is getting started, so members of the public who fall into groups at high risk for severeinfluenza areurged to get their vaccines assoon as possible,”saysSabani.

“Influenza vaccination is recommended toprotect against infectionand severe illness. Ideally, the influenza vaccine shouldbeadministered prior to the start of theinfluenza seasonasit takes abouttwo weeks for an adequate immune response to develop following vaccination.”

However, it is nottoo late to vaccinate once the season hasbegun.

“High-riskgroups include pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, thosewithchronic conditions such as diabetes,lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renaldisease, andobesity, older individuals above 65, andchildren under two years old. These groups should seek medical help early if they develop respiratory symptoms whichare not resolving,” says Sabani.

Influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenzaB,according to the NICD are common seasonal influenza strains

“The majorityofpeople with influenza present with mild illness, which usually resolves within three to seven days However,influenza may cause severe illness,leading to hospitalisation or possibly death, especially amongstthose at risk,while RSV is theleading cause of bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections in youngchildren andcan lead to severe illnessininfants. It is highly contagious, primarily spreading through respiratory droplets.”

Lensespackedup

Awell-known Cape Town photographer hasfinallydecided to pack his camera and lenses away, calling it aday after three decades of hard work, dedicationtohis craft and commitment to his career.

Capt Piet Smit, aphotographer employed in theSouth African Police Service, has always been afamiliar face at crime scenes around Cape Town or at functions and eventshostedbythe Western Cape police.Hewas alsosomeone who would always assist, especially, young journalists and photographers, or if anewsroom needed aphotograph of an event, function or crime scene he never hesitated to help.

The 57-year-old father of two has now officially retired from the police, where he workedwithin the Provincial Corporate Communication andLiaison Department.

In astatementissued last week the policesaid his retirement leaves alegacy that will be remembered withboth pride and gratitude by his colleagues and commanders alike Afarewell functionwas held for him in Cape Town on Friday 27 March.

Smit began his career with the Maitland Flying Squad before transitioning to corporate communication and liaison, in whichheestablished himself as ahighlyrespectedphotographer.

Over theyears his work captured

some of the organisation’s most defining moments, earning him recognitionatthe police’s National Excellence Awards in 2016 and the Western Cape Excellence Awards in 2015.

He leaves behind an indelible mark through his passion, professionalism and unwavering dedication, according to the police in astatement.

His contributions extend beyond photography, for he also excelled as avideographer, awriter for internal publications, and he played akey role in live-streaming major national and provincial events.

CAPT PIET SMIT LEAVES NOT ONLY AS ADECORATED POLICE OFFICER BUT ASTORYTELLER

His career also afforded him opportunities beyond SouthAfrica’s borders, travelling to several countries while showcasing his exceptional talent, abody of work described by Brig Novela Potelwa, provincial head, as distinctive and masterful.

Speakers at the farewell event echoed acommon sentiment;Smit’s departure marked asignificant loss to the police. While the poli will undoubtedly feel

KOMMENTAAR OP DIESTADKAAPSTAD SE KONSEPBEGROTINGVIR

2026/27,DIE HERSIENING VANDIE GEÏNTEGREERDE ONTWIKKELINGSPLAN (GOP), EN VOORGESTELDE WYSIGINGS AAN DIE GOP 2022-2027 (WYSIGINGS VIR 2026/27), WATVERANDERINGE AAN DIE KORPORATIEWE EN MUNISIPALE ENTITEITESE TELKAARTE EN DIE TELKAART INGEVOLGEOMSENDSKRYWE 88 (C88) INSLUIT

Kennisgeskied hiermee ingevolge die WetopPlaaslikeRegering: Munisipale Stelsels, Wet32van 2000; die WetopPlaaslike Regering: Munisipale Finansiële Bestuur,Wet 56 van2003; en die WetopPlaaslike Regering: Munisipale Eiendomsbelasting, Wet 6van 2004,dat die Stad kommentaar inwag op diehersiening vansygeïntegreerde ontwikkelingsplan(GOP), voorgestelde wysigings aan dieGOP 2022-2027 (wysigings vir 2026/27),waaronder veranderinge aan diekorporatieweenmunisipaleentiteite se telkaarte én die telkaart ingevolge C88, wat toepaslikekernprestasieaanwysersen prestasiemikpunte vir die munisipaliteit bepaal en hersien, en diekonsepbegrotingvir 2026/27 (wat begrotingsverwante beleide insluit).Die konsepbegrotingvir 2026/27 kanvan 31 Maart tot en met 30 April 2026,endie voorgesteldewysigings aan dieGOP 2022-2027 van31Maarttot en met 20 April 2026,bydie munisipaliteitsehoofkantoor, munisipale biblioteke, alle subraadskantore (sienlys hier onder) en aanlynbywww capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay of www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate bestudeer word. Afskrifte vandie dokumente sal ookby diebogenoemde lokale beskikbaar wees. As deelvan die Stad Kaapstad se openbaredeelnameproses, sal diekonsepbegroting vir 2026/27 by subraadsgebaseerde vergaderings voorgelê word. Kontakasseblief jou subraadskantoorvir verdereinligting oorhierdie vergaderings.

Die dokumente sal ook vanaf 31 Maart 2026 bywww.capetown.gov za/budget beskikbaar wees.

Rig skriftelikekorrespondensie aan:

Die Stadsbestuurder,GOP/begroting2026/27,5de verdieping,Podiumblok, Burgersentrum, Kaapstad 8001; of Privaat Sak X9181,Kaapstad8000; of e-pos Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za.

1.20 Watbetrefresidensiële eiendomseienaarswat op pensioene staatmaak, moetdie aansoeker tenminste 60 jaar oud wees, of indiendie eienaar gedurende diejaar 60 word, sal diekortingop’npro rata-grondslag toegestaan word vanaf diedatum waarop die aansoeker 60 word 1.21 DieStadhet ’n verlaging van R485 000,00 (vierhonderd-vyf-en-tagtigduisend rand) vasgestel wat van toepassing sal weesopeienaars van residensiële eiendomme wat as ’n primêrewoonplek gebruikworden’nmarkwaarde van minder as R8 000 001,00 (agtmiljoen-en-een rand) het

2. VERBRUIKSTARIEWEEN-HEFFINGS

Water, sanitasie, elektrisiteit en stedelikeafvalbestuur word teen 15% BTW belas. 2.1 WATERENSANITASIE

Vyftariefvlakkewordvir dieboekjaar 2026/27 aanbeveel.Die voorgesteldetariewe strook metdie geskatteverbruiksvlakke.’nVoorgestelde4,5%styging in dietariewe op die(onbeperkte)waterslimvlak (wat dievaste basiese heffing insluit) word vir inwerkingtreding vanaf 1Julie 2026 aanbeveel.Die voorgesteldestyging in tarieweop vlak 1, 2, 3endie noodvlak is ook 4,5%

Water- en sanitasietariewesal in 2026/27 meer stabiel wees na diestrukturele veranderinge wat in dieboekjaar 2025/26 aangebring is. Dieenigstebywerkingvir 2026/27 is dieaanpassing van dieeiendomswaardekategorieë om metdie algemene waardasie 2025 te strook en sodoende sekertemaak dat diegetal eiendomme in elke eiendomswaardekategoriegrotendeelskonstant bly. Eiendomswaardetoenames bo of onder diegemiddelde aanpassingsindie waardekategorieë kankliënteegter na hoër of laer kategorieë laat oorskuif.

Tariefstygings hou hoofsaaklik verband metdie versekering van volhoubare en veerkragtigewatervoorsiening; begrotingsvoorsiening virdie nuwe waterplan (waaronderinisiatiewe virverdere investering in ondergrondse onttrekking uitwaterdraers,eninhergebruikskemas); opknappings en uitbreidings van afvalwatersuiweringsaanlegte; deurlopende investering in bate-opknapping en baterehabilitasie om aan voorgeskrewe standaarde te voldoen;deurlopende investering in batevervangingsprogramme om behoorlikebatebestuur te verseker, met ’n bepaalde klemopriool-enwaternetwerkvervanging en dieopknapping van rioolpompstasies; watervraagbestuursinisiatiewe om diegebruikvan waterhulpbronne te optimaliseer; diehandhawing en versterking van instandhoudingsprogramme; en water-ensanitasievoorsiening op gepaste voldoenings-, vermoë-, vaardigheids-, dienslewerings-enresponsiwiteitsvlakke. Daar moet ook voorsiening gemaak wordvir dieuitstrykingvan tariefverhogings sodra diebykomende bedryfskostevir groot nuwe hulpbronprojekte in werking tree. Dievoorgesteldewatertarieweopdie (onbeperkte) waterslimvlak vir2026/27, watop 1Julie 2026 in werking tree, verskynhieronder: 2026/27

VERBRUIKSTARIEWE

Notas:

*Trosontwikkelingseiendomme wat in die naam van ’n SHRA-geakkrediteerde instelling vir maatskaplikebehuising geregistreer is en vir maatskaplikebehuising gebruik word, betaal R0,00 op trap 1.

** Nie-huishoudelike gebruikerkategorieë: Raadpleeg hoofstuk 2, afdeling2van die tariefbeleid vir‘nomvattendeverduideliking vangebruikerkategorieë.

*** ’n Vaste basiese tarief wordnie virdie volgende tariefkategorieë gehef nie: huisvesting virkwesbare persone, d.w.s. skuilings virhaweloses, tehuise virbejaardes/ liefdadigheidsorganisasies/organisasies sonder winsoogmerk/godsdienstige instellings/gebruikers van fonteinwater/gebruikers vanbehandelde uitvloeiwater/ brandaansluitings.

**** Ooreenkomstig die aanvaardingvan die beleidoor stedelikelandbouis’ngratis toekenningvan 10 kℓ per maand uitsluitlik vantoepassingopbestaansboerdery deur bepaalde kwesbaregroepe.

Die voorgestelde sanitasietarieweopdie (onbeperkte) waterslimvlakvir 2026/27, wat op 1Julie 2026 in werking tree, verskyn hier onder:

Enigeen met kommentaarkan dit skriftelik indienbydie bogenoemde adresse,aanlyn óf by hulleplaaslikesubraadskantoor.Kommentaar opdie konsepbegrotingmoet ingedienwordteen 16:30 op Donderdag 30 April 2026,enkommentaar op dieGOP 2022-2027 (wysigings vir 2026/27) teen 16:30opMaandag 20April 2026. Persone wat nie kanskryf nie, kanenige van die kantorehier ondergedurende kantoorure besoek, waar ’n personeellid hulle sal bystaan om hulle kommentaar neer te skryf. Vir mondelingekommentaar,skakel0800 21 2176. Die volgendetabel bevat die plekkewaar dieGOP en konsepbegrotingter insae sal lê: Subraadskantore Klikop: web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/councilhubonline/subcouncilmanagers Alle bibliotekeKlik op www.capetown.gov.za/libraries Kaapstad Wandelvlak, Burgersentrum, Hertzog-boulevard,Kaapstad Suid-SkiereilandMunisipale kantore, h.v.Hoof-enVictoriaweg, Plumstead

LW: Inligting wathier voorsienword, is ’n uittreksel uit die konsepboek van tariewe, fooie en vir die volledige weergawe,raadpleeg bylae6 by diekonsepbegrotingvir 2026/27. Die tariewe vir die MTREF 2026/27wordmet 15% BTWbereken

1. EIENDOMSBELASTING(weergegeeaskoers in die rand): Die koersindie rand word metdie munisipale waardasie van dieeiendom vermenigvuldigomdie jaarliksebelastingaanslagtebereken,onderworpe aan die vrystellings,verlagings en kortingswaarvoor diebeleidoor eiendomsbelasting voorsiening maak,enhet ’n nulbelastingkoers vir BTW

EIENDOMSKATEGORIEË KOERSIN DIERAND

1.1Residensiële eiendomme 0,006428

1.2Sake- en kommersiële eiendomme

1.3Industriële eiendomme

1.4Mynbou-eiendomme

1.5 Eiendomme watdeur ’n staatsinstelling besitenvir openbaredienste gebruikword

1.6Diverse eiendomme

1.7Onbeboude grond

1.9 Openbarediensinfrastruktuureiendomme (Die Stad sal geen belastinghef op dieeerste30% van diemarkwaardesoosopdie waardasielys nie.)

1.10 Eiendomme watdeur ’n openbarevoordeelorganisasie besit en vir aangeweseopenbarevoordeelaktiwiteite gebruikword

1.11 Eiendomme in ’n organisasie se besit–sonder winsoogmerkengebruik virspesifiekeaktiwiteite

1.12 Eiendomme in besit van ’n instellingvir maatskaplikebehuisingof’n ander leweringsagent watbydie reguleringsowerheidvir maatskaplike behuising (SHRA) geakkrediteer is,enwat virmaatskaplikebehuising gebruikword

1.13 Eiendomme watdeur ’n godsdienstige gemeenskapbesit en vir aangewesegodsdienstigedoeleindes gebruik word

0,015106

0,012856

1.8Landbou-eiendomme 0,001286

0.001607

1.14Eiendomme watvir veelvuldige doeleindes gebruik word Per toekenning

1.15 Begraafplaseenkrematoriums

1.16 Eiendomme in ’n organisasie se besit–sonder winsoogmerkengebruik virdiereskuilings

1.17 Eiendomme in ’n organisasie se besit –sonder winsoogmerkengebruik as ’n plaaslikegemeenskapsmuseum

1.18 Natuurbewaringsgrond

RESIDENSIËLE VOLUMETRIESE TARIEWEvantoepassingopvolledig huishoudelik sowel as huishoudelikegroep DEERNIS/AGTERPLAAS NIE-DEERNIS

Trap 1(0 ≤6kℓ)* Perkℓ

Trap 2(>6 ≤10,5kℓ)

Trap 3(>10,5 ≤35 kℓ) Perkℓ

Trap 4(>35kℓ)

0.000.0022,10 25,42

Kommersieel/industrieel/ departementeel/divers/ skole/opvoedkundige instellings/sportliggame/ godsdienstige instellings**

Huisvesting vir kwesbare persone/skuilings vir haweloses/tehuise vir bejaardes****

0,000000

1.19 Diebruto maandelikse huishoudelikeinkomstekategorieëenkortingsvir die boekjaar2026/27 tenopsigte van eienaarswat virhulle bestaan op pensioen-of maatskapliketoelaesstaatmaak, is soos in die volgende tabel:

Liefdadigheidsorganisasies/ openbarevoordeelorganisasies/ organisasies sonder winsoogmerk

Liefdadigheidsorganisasies/ openbarevoordeelorganisasies/ organisasies sonderwinsoogmerk

Notas: *Trosontwikkelingseiendomme wat in die naam van ’n SHRA-geakkrediteerde instelling vir maatskaplikebehuising geregistreer is en vir maatskaplikebehuising gebruik word, betaal R0,00 op trap 1.

** Nie-huishoudelike gebruikerkategorieë: Raadpleeg hoofstuk 2, afdeling3van die tariefbeleid vir‘nomvattendeverduideliking vangebruikerkategorieë en die toepaslike persentasie waterverbruik wat virkosteheffinggebruik word.

virkwesbarepersone, d.w.s. skuilings vir haweloses, tehuise vir bejaardes/ liefdadigheidsorganisasies/organisasiessonderwinsoogmerk/godsdienstige instellings/ gebruikers van fonteinwater en behandeldeuitvloeiwater/brandaansluitings

LET WEL: Die direkteur: kommersieel (direktoraatwater en sanitasie)kan diepersentasies na gelang van die verbruiker aanpas. Dít geld egternie virdie kategorievolledig huishoudelik nie.

Hooftrekkevan wysigings vir water en sanitasie

•Aanpassing vandie eiendomswaardekategorieëommet die algemene waardasie 2025testrookensodoende sekertemaak dat diegetal eiendomme in elke eiendomswaardekategorie grotendeelskonstant bly. Eiendomswaardetoenamesboof onderdie gemiddelde aanpassing in diewaardekategorieë kankliënte egternahoëroflaer kategorieë laat oorskuif.

Diverse tariewe:

•Regstelling vantariefonderitem9.7 2.13met betrekkingtot dieinstalleringvan ’n verbindingspyp, watverkeerdelik dieselfde was as dietariefonder item 9.7.2.15.Hierdie foutisnou reggestelmet dieoog op 2026/27.

Ander:

tariefbeleid.

2.2 ELEKTRISITEIT

Dietariewe hier onder berus op ’n gemiddeldestyging van6,67%,wat op1 Julie 2026in werkingtree.

Die afkorting“GEREG.”verwysnadie gereguleerdegedeeltevan dietarief(wat deur die Raad en die nasionale energiereguleerdervan Suid-Afrika(NERSA) goedgekeur word), en ONGEREG.” na die ongereguleerde gedeelte (wat slegs deur dieRaad goedgekeur word). Dietariefindie totaalkolomme is wat op diekliëntserekening salverskyn.

Deurvoervir kliënte met ’n energietekort (alle spannings)

Energie

Deurvoerstelselgebruik, medium spanning

Energie

–buite

10,090,00 10,0911,60

2519 88 0,00 2519 88 2897,86

742,64 41,10783 74 901,30

Deurvoerstelselgebruik, hoëspanning

c/kWh 195,96 41 10 237,06 272,62

148,43 41,10 189,53 217,96 Vraag R/kVA 254,76 0,0 254,76 292,97

Deurvoervir kliënte met’n energiesurplus Energie

c/kWh 718,68 41,10759 78 873,75

Hoog –standaard c/kWh 201,16 41,10 242,26 278,60 Hoog –buite spits c/kWh 143,64 41,10 184,74 212,45

Laag –spits

SSEG-invoer (uitsluitlik vir voorsiening)

VERLIGTINGSTARIEWE

Straat- en verkeersligte

Hooftrekkevan wysigings

•Residensiëlekliënte met ’n koopkragmeter en ’n munisipale eiendomswaardasievan R500 000 of minder kominaanmerking virdie hulptarief.

•Residensiëlekliënte met’nkoopkragmeteren’nmunisipale eiendomswaardasie van meer as R500 000, maar minder as R1 miljoen, kominaanmerking virdie huishoudeliketarief.

•Alle ander residensiëlekliënte sal dietuisgebruikertarief betaal, tensy hulle voldoen aan diebykomende kriteriaingevolgedie tariefbeleid om diehulptariefteontvang,

word,moet’ngevorderde (AMI-) kragmeter op hulle eieonkoste laat installeer indien hulle nie reedseen het nie.

•Daar is geen verandering in dietoekenning van gratis basiese elektrisiteit nie buitenvir kliënte wat ditsal verbeurwanneer hulle na diehuishoudelikeof tuisgebruikertariefoorskuif.

•’nAansporingsbetaling word by alle SSEG-invoertariewe ingesluit en sal virdié tydperk op alle SSEG-kliënte van toepassing wees

29,65 c/kWh as ’n bydrae toteiendomsbelasting,soos toepaslik ondersteuningstelselsgereed en suksesvolgetoets is. Letdaarop dat slegs kliënte wat aanmerking kom.

•Die Stad beplan om kontrakte metSSEG- en deurvoer-elektrisiteitskliënte aan te verpligtingevir dieStad meebring wat langer sal duur as diedrie (3) boekjare waarvoor dieMTREF 2026/27 voorsiening maak.Die Stad Kaapstad se ooreenkoms vir surpluselektrisiteit wat metdie voorgestelde kliënte aangegaan sal word,sal in ’n laterestadium geadverteer word •NERSA sal ’n proses van openbaredeelnameonderneem as deel van hulle tariefgoedkeuringsproses. Kliënte kandeur hetsy dieStad of NERSA se proses

Gewaardeer op R2 580001 totR2840 000Randper maand76,2687,70

Gewaardeer op R2 840001 totR3200 000Randper maand83,8396,40

Gewaardeer op R3 200001 totR3500 000Randper maand100,61115,70

Gewaardeer op R3 500001 totR3800 000Randper maand125,74144,60

Gewaardeer op R3 800001 totR4100 000Randper maand150,96173,60

Gewaardeer op R4 100001 totR4800 000Randper maand188,61216,90

Gewaardeer op R4 800001 totR5400 000Randper maand235,74271,10

Gewaardeer op R5 400001 totR6100 000Randper maand282,96325,40

Gewaardeer op R6 100001 totR6700 000Randper maand373,48429,50

Gewaardeer op R6 700001 totR7500 000Randper maand448,17515,40

Gewaardeer op R7 500001 totR7900 000Randper maand470,61541,20

Gewaardeer op R7 900001 totR8500 000Randper maand494,09568,20

Gewaardeer op R8 500001 totR9200 000Randper maand503,91579,50

Gewaardeer op R9 200001 totR9800 000Randper maand574,52660,70

Gewaardeer

Soektognanuwetalent begin opnuut

Die Suidoosterfees se Talentsoektog bied vanjaar weer die geleentheidaan amateurkunstenaarsomhul talent aan die wêreld bekend te stel. Diégewilde kompetisieword moontlik gemaak deur dotsure. co.za

DRYFVEER

Allison Hendricksvan dieKaapse dansskool in Athlone,Dancefor All,

is diedryfveeragter dieprojek. Diekompetisie is oopvir deelnemersvan 5tot 35 jaar oudwat in dieWes-Kaapwoon. Hullekan deelneem in vier kategorieë:dans, sang,komedie en instrumentale musiek. Gekeurde finaliste krydie geleentheidomdeelteneem aan mentorskapprogramme en professionele werksessies, watdeur bedryfskenners geleiword. Deelnemerswat na dieeindronde deurdring, gaan by vanjaarse ad optree, ewys sal dvoor rdevolle selfvertroue nstenaars soekersen

Daar is opwindende pryseop diespel. Diewenner ontvangR10 000, dienaaswenner R3 000endie kandidaatwat derde eindig, R1 500.

GELEENTHEIDOMTESKITTER

Diealgehele wenner sal ook genooi word om in ’n Suidoosterfees-produksiein2027 op te tree,terwyl ’n belowende danser moontlik ’n voltydse beurs by Dancefor Allkan ontvang. Hendricks, uitvoerende hoof en artistieke direkteurvan Dance forAll, sê: “Die Dancefor Allopleidingsprogram sluit ’n beurster waarde vanR12 000per jaar in vir studente watvoltydswil studeer, of ’n hernubare deeltydse plek, onderhewigaan voorwaardes

Dieprogram bied hoëgehaltedansopleiding en holistiese

lewensvaardigheidsopleiding.Op diémanierversterkons studente se selfvertroue,ontwikkelhul danstalentenstelons hulle bloot aanloopbaangeleenthede.”

OPWINDENDEPRYSE

Mensewat wil inskryf moet suidoosterfees.combesoekendie aanlyn aansoekvorm voltooi, of hierdieskakelgebruik.Aansoeke moetindie vorm van’nvideo van maksimum drieminuteingedien word

Diekompetisieisoop vir deelnemersindie Wes-Kaap,en hulle is self verantwoordelik vir vervoer na werksessiesenoptredes

Deelnemersmoetook kennis neem vandie volgende belangrike datums:Aansoekesluit op 10 April,finaliste word op 13 April

aangekondig, en dieeerste werksessie metfinalistevind op 18 April van10:00 tot16:00 by Dance forAll plaas.Die Talentsoektog se eindronde word op 3Mei om 17:00 by dieSuidoosterfeesinKaapstad aangebied

DieTalentsoektog word moontlik gemaak deurdotsure.co.za en word aangebied in vennootskap met Dancefor All, People’s Post,City Vision en TygerBurger Diehoofborge vandie Suidoosterfeesisdie Wes-Kaapse regering en dieprovinsie se departementvan kultuursakeen dport, Stad Kaapstad Netwerk24 Die Burger, NATi, kykNET,die ATKV en Kunstekaap . Kontak AllisonHendricks by allison@danceforall.co.za of 073192 2763 metnavraeoor diekompetisie.

Armydeployedtohotspots

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Stakeholders have expressed varied responses to the deployment of soldiers to tackle gang violence.

The reactions range from cautious optimism to outright scepticism,as Operation Prosper begins following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s identification of organised crime as “the most immediate threat”facing South Africa Research conducted withgang members reveals they do notview thearmyasa deterrent totheir operations.

This is according to theGangMonitor quarterlyreport by Global Initiative AgainstTransnational OrganisedCrime (Gi Toc),which was releasedatthe end of March.

The report said gangsters continued activities during previous deployments by adapting their methods or paying bribes.

“The army can’t really stopthe business,” one drug dealer said. “We don’t move the drugs or guns outofthe area— we just become more careful. Icarry less on me and waitfor the police to moveon.”

Gang figures said short-term army involvement did little to disrupttheir criminalbusinesses.

Previous deployments havenot caused alasting reduction in violence, the gang monitor reports. During themost recent operation in2019, there wasnosignificant reduction in the murder rate, aside from a temporary decrease in the monththe army was active.

Research shows that whileavisible army presence may temporarily reduce gang violence, it typically does notdisrupt

SOLDIERS’ ARRIVAL MET WITHMIXED FEELINGS

theunderlying criminal activities

LAWENFORCEMENTSHARESDOUBTS

Police andsoldiers have expressed similarconcerns, the report said.

One officer said gangs “will simply avoid operating in frontof[troops]”

Soldiers have alsovoicedconcernsabout being used for domestic operations, citing alackofcooperation with policeinpast operations while law enforcementofficers warn that gangviolenceismore likely to move to nearby areas rather than be stopped entirely, accordingtothe report

COMMUNITYRESPONSEPROVESMIXED

Residents in affected areas have shown divided opinions aboutthe deployment. Manywererelieved and hoped gang shootingswould decrease but others doubtedthe army’s ability to reduce violence longterm

Some called for even stronger security, while others raised concerns about possible human rights violations.

Independent criminologist Ben de Vos, from Mitchells Plain, noted thatgang shootings were reportedinElsies River andHanoverPark soon after the firstday of patrols, questioning whether thearmy presence serves as adeterrent or challenge to gangs.

OFFICIALSACKNOWLEDGELIMITATIONS

Politicaldecision-makers have been

frankabout thedeployment’s limitations.

Actingpolice minister Firoz Cachalia and Western Cape PoliceCommissioner Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile described army deployment as neither a“magic bullet” nor apermanent solution.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC AnrouxMarais stressed that while thedeployment may provide short-term stability, it cannot solve the deeply rooted problem of gangsterism and organised crime.

“Thereality is that thepolice have been stretched beyondits limits,” said Marais, emphasisingthatthe crisis resultsfrom “yearsofsystemic under-resourcing, inadequaterecruitment, and the steady erosion of critical policingcapabilities”.

De Vos raised concerns about operational methods,warningthatsearches of citizens’ homesbased on “ill-informed hunches”rather thanaccurate intelligence coulddamage community-police trust.

He questionedwhatwould be different this time around, noting that “conflict and skirmishes between citizens and law enforcement hadbeen rife in the past”.

He highlighted adisconnect between

police policy regarding human rights and the actual realityinteractions on the ground.

CALLFORSTRUCTURALREFORM

Officials said the deployment was a temporary stability response that should be accompanied by strengthening policing and broader crime prevention. Winde called for urgent prioritisation of strengthening the police through expanding crime intelligence, restoring specialised unitsand enhancing detective and forensic support

Some crime fighters on the ground, however, feel that too few soldiers were sent to be visible. When TygerBurger asked police how many soldiers had been deployed and Col André Traut said: “The SouthAfrican Police Service confirms that integrated deployments under Operation Prosper are being executed across various identified areas. As amatter of operational security, specific details relating to deployment numbers, locations, and tactical movements are not disclosed, as thismay compromise the effectiveness of our interventions.”

THINKING

OUTLOUD

Don’t letchocolate trashyour holiday

Easter Sunday usually promises apeaceful morning, chocolatey treats, and perhaps a few family traditions. This year, Idecided to take aleisurely walk along the beach with my three-year-old, expecting to enjoy the cool weather and maybe spotsome earlysigns of spring.What Ididn’t expect was thelittered landscapethat greeted us. Chocolate wrappers, foil fromEaster treats,and colourful plasticpackaging were scatteredacross the sand, remnants of Easter celebrations gone awry. My little one, blissfully unaware of the environmental implications, sawa treasure troveofshiny wrappers and declared it an Easter egg hunt ofhis own. With joy and curiosity, he picked up wrapper after wrapper, giggling at the colourful “finds” along the shoreline. I, on the other hand, was confronted with the stark reality: what should havebeen abeautiful walk along aclean beach had turned into amini clean-up mission. Theirony is striking. Easter chocolates and treats are far from cheapthesedays, yetpeople seem to treat their packaging as disposable. Foil, plastic, and paper wrappers—materials thatcould be recycled or at least disposedofresponsibly —end up scattered across public spaces.

“Pypies”kan verkeer beheer

Verwysendna"Brandstof netgemors by verkeersligte" op verlede week se brieweblad.

Ekmoet saamstemmet Anti Robot,want jare gelede toeeknog ‘n jongman was, is pypies by verkeersligte onderdie padgelê, watdie verkeersvloei gemonitor het

Indien ek as ‘n bestuurder by ‘n verkeerslig sou

Theimpact of holiday waste goes beyond aesthetic displeasure —plasticpackaging, smallwrappers, and colourful trinkets can pose real dangerstowildlife. Birds, fish, and marine mammals may mistake small piecesoffoil or plastic for food, resulting in injury, illness, or even death

Butall is not lost. The mini clean-up I conducted with my three-year-old turned out to be an unexpected teaching moment.

As we picked up the wrappers, Iexplained the importance of “putting things in the bin”

It was asmall but tangible reminder that responsible habitscan be taught at any age —and that even tiny handscan make abig difference.

So, how can we all celebrate Easter —or any holiday —more responsibly? First, plan ahead. Make sure there’s awaste disposalplan for any treats or packaging you bring along. Second, consider reusable or eco-friendly alternatives: chocolate eggs in cardboard boxes, compostable wrappers, or even DIY treats in paper bags that won’t linger in the environment. Third, set an example. Children learn best by watching. If they see adultspicking up afterthemselves, they’re farmorelikely to adoptthese habits themselves.

It’s also worth encouraginglocal businesses andevent organisers to promote responsible wastepractices.From providing recycling bins at public events to using sustainable packaging, collective effort can significantly reduce the amount of litter left behind afterfestivities

As Iwatched my little one carefully collect shiny wrappers, Icouldn’thelp but think: if every family took even a few minutes to be mindful about their waste, our public spaces would reflect the joy of the holiday, not the carelessness of leftover packaging. Easter is meant to be acelebration, not an environmental burden. And if we model responsible behaviour for the next generation, perhaps future walks along the beach will be filled withchocolate treatsinour hands, not scattered foilatour feet

Next year, Iplan to bring along asmall bagand gloves, ready for any “Easter treasure” that finds its way to the sand And maybe, just maybe, more peoplewill start thinkingtwice before letting their holiday celebrations contribute to litter. After all,enjoying chocolate shouldn’t come at the cost of our beaches, wildlife, or community spaces.

–KAILIN DANIELS

komendaar wasgeen ander voertuie nie,het die lig outomaties oorgeskakel dat onskon ry.Deesdae is daar nie meer vanhierdie pypies by nuwekruisings te sien nie.Hier in Eversdalwegstaan onslangtye en wag, en eers ná vyfminutekan ons weer ry.Wat ‘n mors vantyd!

MICHIEL LAUBSCHER,Stellenberg

Easter weekend trafficchaos

Iamwriting to express my deep frustration at the trafficchaos that unfolded acrossthe city overthe recent Easter weekend. Whilethe holidayperiod is always busy, this year’s gridlock wasnothingshort of alarming.

From theN1 and R300 to smaller arterial roads, drivers facedhours of unnecessarydelays, confusion,and in some cases, dangerous conditions.

It is clearthat the combination of increasedholiday travel,wet weather,and impatientdrivers created aperfect storm. Yet, much of this couldhavebeen mitigated withbetterplanning andcoordination from trafficauthorities. Road users were left stranded in long queues, with emergencyvehicles struggling to navigate congested routes.Instancesofreckless overtaking, speeding, andlane-hoppingadded to the anxiety, putting everyone at risk.

Iwitnessedfirsthandthe sheer frustration of familiestrying to reach their destinations. Parents with young children, elderlypassengers, andeventhose on publictransportwereforcedtoendure long, stressful

delays. It wasparticularlyconcerning to seedrivers ignoringbasic road rules,asthoughtheir personal schedulesjustified putting others in danger

WhileIappreciatethe efforts of ourtrafficofficers androadsafetyteams, it is evident that more proactivemeasuresare needed. Bettertrafficflow management,clearer signage,and timelypublic announcements couldprevent such gridlockinthe future. Furthermore, public education campaigns on safe driving during peak holidayperiods arecrucial

Ialsourgelocal authorities to consider temporary measures formajor holidayweekends, such as designated lanesfor long-distance travelers, improved trafficlightcoordination, andactivemonitoring of accident hotspots. Thesesteps coulddramatically reduce congestion andprevent accidents.

As residents, we allhavearoletoplayinresponsibledriving, but theauthorities must take the lead in makingour roads saferand moremanageableduring peak periods

FRUSTRATED,E-mail

Drivers bracefor potholeseason

As the rainyseasonsetsin, so toodoes what many residents have come to dread—potholeseason. Across our neighbourhoods, roads that were already under strain arenow rapidlydeteriorating, posing risksnot onlytovehicles but to the safety of all. Potholes aremorethanjust an inconvenience. They damage tyres, rims,and suspensions, placing an added financialburden on motorists who arealready grappling with rising living costs. Forcyclists andmotorcyclists, theypresent an even greaterdanger, increasing the likelihood of accidents andinjuries.

Pedestrians arenot spared either,often forced to navigatefloodedorcrumbling pathways Whileweather conditions certainly play arole, the recurrenceand worsening of potholes point to deeper issues around road maintenanceand timelyintervention.

It is crucialthatauthoritiesprioritiseproactive maintenancerather than reactiverepairs.Regular inspections, durablematerials, andswift responses to reported damage cangoalongway in preventing smallissues from becomingmajor hazards. Residents, too, have aroletoplaybyreporting potholes anddriving cautiously, especially during wet conditions when thesehazards areharder to spot. If we aretonavigatethis season safely,a collectiveeffort is needed to ensureour roads remainreliable, resilient, andsafefor everyone

GREGORYHILL, E-mail

Rottenmeatsmell hangsovershopsruining theshopping experience

Iamaregular customer at various shopsin Northumberland Street,Bellville.ThismorningIwent on arun to buy stock forour Easter weekendgetaway

Ientered afew shopsatthe entrance of this iconic bargainstreetand washit with ahorriblesmellof death and rotten meat

Ienquired at afew shopsregarding this smellasit washeavilyhanging in theair.I wasinformed thatit wasdiscarded meat from awarehouse.

Iwas shocked. Icannotthink that this is legalor that theyare disposing of this wasteina proper man-

Dit

ner. Itoldthemtheyshouldlog acomplaintwith the City of Cape Town andthe health department.They replied that theyhavedonethismultipletimes and nothing happened.

It wasevenmoreshockingthat practices like this areevenallowed. Iwonder what other sicknesses, pests andpollution arehappening with the City's unwillingness to act

Letmejustinform youthatthe business surroundingthemare taxpayers, customers visiting thesestores aretaxpayers andabove all, keep this in mind at the

approaching election, we arevoters. If the CityofCape Town is notinterested in the health andsafetyofit's citizens, voters andtaxpayers please letusknow. Or is it acasethatsomeonehas to become very illorworse before action gets taken?

Iamsorryifthis letter comesacrossasharsh but it shouldbe, it is your responsibilitytoallow people of the CityofCape Town to breathe cleanair,besafe when shopping andnot at riskofpollution anddisease that cancome from this.

JACQUES, Bellville

plahom meer om politici met graaf op foto’s te sien,as‘nskoolhoof

Metverwysingnadie briefvan “LESER” op 1April pladit my nie soveel dat 'n skoolhoof op sportfoto's verskynsonder dathybetrokkeisbydie afrigtingnie Ditpla my meer dat die burgemeester en ook sommigeburgemeesterskomiteelede met 'n graaf of 'n verfkwasindie hand op 'n foto verskyn,terwyl die werkersvir homstaan en kyk. Hul funksie is veel eerder om toetesiendat die werkers die werk reg, betydsen bevredigend voltooi.

Hy salbaie meer waarde toevoegdeur inspeksies te doen vandie gehaltevan werk, waar die Stad van‘n kontrakteur gebruik maak vir die herstel vanbv. plaveisel, maar geen vorigeondervinding vanplaveiwerkhet nie.

Daar word geroem op die hoeveelheid “werksgeleenthede”wat geskep word,maar in die praktyklyk dit soos “rondstaangeleenthede”. ‘n Mens sien dikwels hoedaar totagt mense,insluitend die bestuurder van die voertuig, opdaagomeen stopteken op te rig. Ek het dit al persoonlikervaar waar hulle twee stoptekens moesplant en nadat die eersteeen geplantis, hulle wouoppak om môreterug te komvir die tweede een. Onskyk uit vir ‘n foto vandie burgemeester waar hy die belastingbetalersinlig dat die kontrakteur die werk op eie kostemoetoordoen. NOG ‘N LESER,E-pos

Fuel-freeridefromKenyatoSA

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

“The sun is your petrol?” These are the words of astunned Botswanan man ashegaped open-mouthedata solar-powered electric bike.

“You don’tneed oil, you don’t need petrol,” he sayswhen asked if he would like the bike to be available in his country.

“Make aplan, Sir Stephan,” he pleads in episode six of an online documentary series titled Recharging Hope.

“Hopefully, we will,”replies Dr Stephan Lacock, aresearcher specialising in electric mobilityatStellenbosch University. Lacock was one of ateamof researchers who drove agroundbreaking 6 200-kilometrejourney from Kenya to South Africa, using only solar power,creatingan online documentary series and breaking an unofficial world record along the way The Kenyan-manufactured RoamAir motorcycles made the entiretrip without a single breakdown or grid charge.

GREENELECTRICMOBILITY

Long before the hefty petrolprice increasewas on all South African’sminds, Lacock’s journeystarted when he and Prof Marthinus Booysen, director of the Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch University hada funny idea.

“I’m specialisinginelectricmobility for the public transportation system ofsubSaharan Africa. We were doing research on taxisand Ipresented my workin Kenya. Imet acompany called Roam. They are the largest electricmotorcycle manufacturer on theAfrican continent. And Iwas absolutely blown awaywith whatthey’re doing and thought to myself, ‘whyaren’t we doing this inSouth Africa?’”Lacock said. “I came back and

westarted formingaresearchagreement withRoam.”

Roam donatedtwo Roam Air bikes, to the universityfor itsresearchbut the teamhit asnag trying to getthem to SouthAfrica.

EPICDRIVE

“It got down to apoint where we just couldn’tship thebikestoSouth Africa. It wasvery difficult,” Lacock said. “We were sitting in awimpy in Pretoria one day, he (Booysen)said, ‘there hastobea way’ andItold him,‘Well, there is this onecrazy ideaand it’stodrive down the motorcycles. He juststartedlaughingand I started laughing andina month’s time we basically organised the entire trip.”

POLITICALWILL

Once underway the projecttook on new proportions.

Booysensaid: “While we were doingthis, we realised that theprojectisgivingus an opportunity to demonstrate something thatwe’ve beentalkingaboutfor avery long time. It gave us theopportunityto show thatmicromobility in Africa can be electric, it can be local anditcan be green.”

He adds that there are still toomany barriers to South Africa embracing greener transport.

“Ithink we havesomanybarriers and it’s mostlybecauseoflack of political will. We have leaders who are notreally pushing hard enoughfor us to transform ourtransport sector. As you can see now withthe price of petrol, we are completely dependent on theimportsoffuel.”

The designer of thebike, Masa Kituyi, who also went alongfor the ride, agrees.

“It’s easier to buyaGerman car and bring it to South Africa than it is to buy

Paws on the Promenade

Humansand four-legged friends are invited to strut theirstuff at the eighth annual Paws on the Promenade —a dog walk fundraiser by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter,Khayelitsha, in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition.

The dog walk is takingplace on Sunday 12 Aprilat09:00. Startingatthe Mouille Point lighthouse, the5kmroute will extendtothe Sea Point swimming pool and back. Shorter turnaround points for old, tired and injured pets(or humans) will also be available.

“Our 2025 Paws on the Promenade wasagreat success withanattendance of 295 dogs,” says Marcelle du Plessis, spokespersonand event organiser

URGENTFUNDINGNEEDED

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter is an NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha serving an average of 22 000 animals peryear through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and homeless pet shelter. “Sadly we recently received the news thatour main funder will not be renewing any grants in South Africa next year.This means a loss of R250 000 per month. We need to find replacementfunding and encourage everyone to join Paws on thePromenade

tohelp with this,”says Du Plessis

COSTUMESANDCREATIVITY

Expect to see dogs of all shapes andsizes. “People get very creative, dressing themselves andtheir dogs up in costumes,” says Du Plessis. There will be dalmatians in tutus, dachshunds in hotdog outfitsand pomeranians with bowties.All petowners are encouraged to dressupinadog outfit or to wear something orange,the Mdzananda Animal Clinic brand colour.

“Forthe past seven years Vondi’s has partnered with Mdzananda in making this event possible.Itisone of ourhighlights of theyear,” says Cindy Jacobson, manager ofVondi’s Holistic PetNutrition

TICKETSANDACTIVITIES

Everyone is invited —humanswithout four-legged friends are welcome too.

Tickets cost R50 perperson, R50 perdog andR25 for childrenunder 12. Theseare available from Quicket or on the dayfrom 08:30.Raffle prizes, productsales, delicious coffee, foodand craftswill entertain you on theday.The first 100 dogs to arrive will also receivea free goodie bag.

Asmallnumber of homelessdogs will be availableto“rent for awalkonthe day.

. Contactmarcelle@mdzananda.co.zatobook adog.For more informationvisit www mdzananda.co.za.

RECORD-BREAKING DRIVE FROM KENYATOCAPE TOWN CAPTURED IN DOCUMENTARY

aKenyan-mademotorcycle,” said Kituyi, whoisthe Micro Mobility Product Owner at Roam.

“That kindofpolicy needs to change,”he says in thedocumentary.

Booysen added: “Wehaveleaders who are not really pushing hard enough for us to transform our transport sector.”

He pointedout that while more countries are movingontogreener fuels, South Africa hasn’tfollowedsuit

“We onlyproducepetroland diesel vehicles andweexport all of those, most of those markets are goingtodry up. That is approximately 450 000 jobs that are at risk,” he said. “We desperately need to convert to electric very soon to protect thosejobs.”

He cited an electric vehicle project 20 years ago thatwas killed by political interferenceand red tape and called for greater African collaboration to overcome sharedchallenges, criticising borders “drawn by European hands”that separate countries with common problems and solutions

“Electric mobilityinEast Africa is actually exploding,” Lacock adds. “They are by far aheadofSouth Africa. For instance,Roam alone hasover 5000 motorcyclesonthe road of Nairobi.”

DOCUMENTARY

Duringtheir South African leg, the team broke an unofficial world record by covering 1009,6kilometres in asingle day on an electric motorcycle

Theycaptured the journey on camera and stitcheditinto aseven-part

documentary to highlight southern Africa’s electric mobility difficulties and the solutions that can exist.

“Through doing this, we also realised that we could inspire young children and future engineers in our region to think bigger and to think towards really providing aclean and sustainable mode of transport to communities. It completely morphed intothis big thing where we did something special and we were fortunate enough to capture the whole thing and to make anice documentary out of it.”

They capturedthe journeyoncameraand stitched it intoaseven-partdocumentarytohighlight southern Africa’selectric mobilitydifficultiesand the solutions that canexist

Vermaak // Entertainment

Entriesopenfor YouthJazzSeries

Young jazz musiciansacrossthe Western Cape cannow apply to showcase their talents at this year’s Youth Jazz Series,set to take placeinJune at Artscape TheatreinCapeTown. Thetwo-dayevent will featureaspiring jazzsoloists performing on Friday12June,followedbyschool jazz bands takingthe stageonSaturday13June

Originally launchedin2003asthe YouthJazz Festival, the programme has expanded significantlyoverthe yearstomeet growinginterest and accommodatethe exceptional talent of young local musicians. Nowknown as the Youth Jazz Series, the project combinesperformanceopportunitieswith valuablemasterclass programmesled by industry professionals.

“Participants become hubsofsustainable learningastheyare given aplatform to voicetheir own creativitytoacaptiveaudiencewhile theyalsoget an opportunitytobroaden their horisons by experiencing themagic of live stage, lights,sound andan audience,”organisers said.

ENTRYREQUIREMENTS

Aspiring musicians and instrumentalistsmust submit audition videos by Friday17 April. Applicants

PARTICIPANTSBECOME HUBS OF LEARNING

mustbe27years oldoryounger in theyearofparticipationand reside in theWestern Cape

Theprogramme encourages both school learners andinformal musicstudents to audition.Music literacy is notessential, with candidateswho play by earwelcome to apply

Each applicant must submit amaximum of two auditionvideos, each lasting 3-4 minutes, featuring two jazz songsorstandards.

Selectedcandidates maybecontactedfor live auditions withthe audition panel, with amaximum of15minutes allocatedper candidate

Successful applicants must be availablefor masterclasses andall required rehearsals between May andJune.Thesesessionswillbearrangedbetween candidates andmentorsfollowing theaudition process . Contact slu@artscape.co.za foranentry form,then submityourauditionvideo along with theentryform(which must include full name and surname).

. Pretty Woman: TheMusical is nowonatArtscape Theatreuntil 19 April. Terrific Tuesdays andBring your Bestie offers also available. Booktickets at Ticketmaster. Contact sales@showtime.co.za for group bookings.

. Thecultmusical TheRockyHorror Show is at Theatreonthe BayinCampsBay from 7April until31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16. Tickets startfrom R200.Book at Webticketsorthe theatre’sbox office on 021 4383300

. Fatman tree op Woensdag8April om 20:30by Heroes Brackenfellop. Die deuremaak18:00 oop Kaartjies kosR140tot R180 by www.heroeslive.net

. Albert FrostenGeraldClark tree op Donderdag 9April om 20:30 by DieBoer-teaterrestaurantop. Kaartjies kosR230.Bespreek by www.dieboer.comof by 021 9791911.

. Autumn Symphonies at the CityHallwithBritish conductor Nicholas Chalmers is on Thursday9 Aprilat 19:30.Tickets from R190 at Webtickets.

. Krismis vanMap Jacobs is van9tot 24 Aprilindie Kunstekaap-teatertesien. Diedrama speel af ná die gedwongeverskuiwingsuit Kaapstad na die Kaapse Vlakte.Kaartjies kosR80 by Webtickets

. Jaykom tree op Vrydag 10 April om 20:00 by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville op.Die deuremaak 18:00 oop. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by Quicket.

. UK electronic pioneersBasement Jaxxwillheadline theKiss Kiss festivaltaking placeatthe Castle of Good HopeonSaturday11April from 12:00.Tickets at Webtickets.

. Passion ChoralFest,featuring fivechoirs is on Sunday12April at 16:00 at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow. Tickets available at www choirfest.co.za.

. In Harmony with the TygerbergChildren’sChoir is on Sunday12April at 15:00 at the Cape Town City Hall. With severalguest school choirs. Ticketsfrom R120 to R140 at Webtickets.

. YouShouldGoIn is at TheBaxter’s Masambe Theatrefrom16to25April. Amoving newdrama

aboutfamily, abandonment and the difficult road to forgiveness. Theplayexplores self-worth, broken bonds andwhether some wounds ever trulyheal, even when love returns. TicketsatWebtickets.

. mAnJE!MaNJe (an epic)runs at TheBaxterFlipside from 17 to 25 April. Astriking and imaginativeproduction that draws on the storyofDaedalustoreflect on thehuman condition in theage of the machine, big data and climatecatastrophe.R120early-bird special forperformances from 17 to 21 April. Tickets at Webtickets.

. ConSpirito PhilharmoniccelebratesMozart’s270th birth anniversarywithanAll-MozartConcertonSaturday18Aprilat19:30 at the DutchReformedChurch Uitsig, Ridgeworth.TicketscostR220atWebtickets.

. Cape WelshChoir presents Whywesing —Generations in harmony, aconcertcollaborationwithlearners from CurroCenturyCity, DF Academy, Milnerton High School andStCyprian’sonSunday19April at 15:00inthe Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow. TicketscostR160 at Quicket

. HatchedEnsemble is at TheBaxter’sPam Golding TheatreonWednesday 29 and Thursday 30 April

This choreographic piece features 10 ballet-trained dancers from different ethnicbackgrounds and interrogatestradition, identity and gendernorms.Tickets at Webtickets.

. Die Suidoosterfees word van29April tot3 Mei by dieKunstekaap-teater,Media24-gebou en die Kaapstad-burgersentrum aangebied. Besoek www suidoosterfees.comvir meerinligting.Kry kaartjiesby Webtickets.

. TheHuman League and Blancmangeare live at the GrandArena,GrandWestonTuesday 12 Mayat19:00 TicketsatWebtickets.

. Cape Town Operapresents GeorgesBizet’s Carmen, astory of passion,freedomand jealousy at Artscape from 19 to 31 May. TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.

. Boyz II Men Live in South Africa Tour is at the Grand Arena,GrandWest on Wednesday27May at 18:00 TicketsfromR750 at Webtickets.

Cosplayers preparefor Comic ConCape Town stage

ComicCon Cape Town hasannounced thedetails of its cosplaycompetitions

Thecity’sversion of theinternational convention willtakeplace from 30 April to 3May at theCape Town InternationalConvention Centre,wherecosplayersfromacrossthe countrywillshowcasetheir handmade creations.

WHATISCOSPLAY?

Fornewcomers to theart form,cosplay combines costume design with performance. Participants create detailedreplicas of outfits worn by fictional characters from films, video games, booksand anime, then bring thesecharacters to life through acting andattitude

INTERNATIONALGUESTSJOINCELEBRATION

Tworenowned cosplayartists willattend the event.Yaya Hanhas been cosplaying since1999, creating morethan400 detailedcostumes and judgingcompetitions worldwide.She nowfocuses on making cosplaymaterialsmoreaccessibleand supporting charitableprojects.

Jaremi Carey, areality television personality andtransformation artist,has worked on cosplay campaignsfor major companies including Pokémon International, FoxTVand HBO. Bothguestswill appearonthe mainstage forquestion-and-answer sessionsand fanmeetings.

COMPETITIONHIGHLIGHTS

Theevent features twotypes of competitions Dailycasualcompetitions,heldtwiceeachday on themainstage,welcome allskill levels andboth handmade andshop-bought costumes. Participants canregisteronthe dayatCosplay Central.

ThemainComicCon Cape Town Cosplay Competition accepts onlycompletely handmade costumes createdbythe wearer.Thisyear, 39 contestants willcompete,withjudges evaluating bothcostume

construction andperformance skills. Thefinalstake placeat16:00 on themainstage

Beyond competitions, many attendees simply enjoywearing their creations andadmiring others’ work. Theevent celebrates creativity andbrings together communities of fans who share similar interests.

Comic ConCape Town combines pop culture, gaming, art, comics, film, television, animeand tabletop gaming, offering entertainment forfamilies andfansofall ages.

Tickets canbebought at Comic ConAfrica’s website.

Pretty Woman:The Musical is on stageatArtscape until 19 April. This classic’90s storyofanunlikely romance(remember thefilm with Richard Gere andJulia Robberts) is fullofjoy,combining love, laughter,nostalgia andtoe-tapping songstomake each performance afun experiencedownmemory lane.The show’s music, including powerful solos like “Freedom” and “I Can’tGoBack” andensemble pieces like “Welcome to Hollywood”and “Together Forever” written by BryanAdams andJim Vallance deliversadynamic,emotionally charged scorethat perfectly captures theromance, glamour andenergy of thestory.Discounted ticket offers (group discounts, “Terrific Tuesdays”and “Bring your Bestie”) areavailable. . Contactsales@showtime.co.za for informationondiscountedtickets. Cheaper

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