TygerBurger | Goodwood | E-Edition | 19 November 2025

Parowarcadeupgrade

RICHARDROBERTS

R CHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Renovation work has begun on the Parow Station Arcade

Once a great hub for shoppers in the Parow central business district (CBD), particularly for taxi and train commuters, its degrading infrastructure, over the years, saw it become an eyesore and an area associated with crime Ward councillor Franchesca Walker, last week, went on a walkabout to inspect the multimillion rand project She was accompanied by the Metro Police’s new Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSO), the Vootrekker Road Corridor

Improvement District (VRCID) and Law Enforcement

Eddie Andrews, mayco member for spatial planning and the environment, said work is estimated to be complete by 12 July 2026

The upgrade of the arcade is linked to a wider restoration of an the area and some significant features and finishes that had steadily become degraded or

dilapidated, Andrews said “The contractor is aware that the area is highly pedestrianised and will make provision for accommodating all pedestrian movements in the area of the work and access to all business premises along Parow Station Arcade during the construction period No business access will be closed off during construction or otherwise ”

WHAT’S ON / WAT IS WAAR

SENDYOURCOMMUNITYEVENTSTO TYGERBURGER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

WOENSDAG19NOVEMBER

. Kader Abdolah se Duisend-en-een nagte is uitstekend vertaal in Afrikaans deur Wium van Zyl. Hierdie klassieke werk word by die Durbell-leeskring se byeenkoms deur dr Marni Bonthuys bespreek. Dit begin om 10:00 in die Durbanville-biblioteeksaal in Oxfordstraat Almal is welkom Toegang is gratis vir opbetaalde lede (R220 per jaar). Besoekers betaal R50 Rig navrae aan Liz van Wyk by 082 655 8061.

THURSDAY20NOVEMBER

. Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre will host its annual golf day this year again at Durbanville Golf Club The 4BBB Stableford will start at 11:00 The entry fee is R2 800 per four-ball or R700 per golfer Sponsorships are R700 per wet hole (snacks and drinks are welcome). All fees should be paid by Thursday 28 October to secure your booking Contact Rosabelle Riese on 081 497 4044 or 072 521 1160 (WhatsApp only) or by email to riese2608@gmail. com with enquiries.

SATERDAG22NOVEMBER

. ATKV-Crescendo bied 'n gratis liedjieskryfwerksessie saam met kunstenaars soos Deon Meiring van Glaskas, Olga Leonard en Jitsvinger by The Father's Heart in Milkwoodstraat in Greenville, Fisantekraal aan. Dit begin om 09:00 Registrasie begin reeds om 08:30 Besoek www crescendo co.za om vir dié gratis werksessie te bespreek.

. The Dr Randall Ortel Foundation will host a Men’s Health Club Open Day from 11:00 to 13:00 at Watergate Medical Centre, 60 Watergate Boulevard, Mitchell’s Plain It is open to men aged between 30 and 55. A R100 donation is required. Call 082 456 2186 or 060 592 9558 for more information.

. The Cape Town Christmas Cat Show will be hosted by the African Independent Cat Club (AICA) at the Bergsig Dutch Reformed Church in Boland Way in Durbanville from 09:00 to 16:00 Entrance is R30 for adults, R10 for pensioners and children under 12 years and R50 for families. Visit www.africancatclub weebly com, www osrbg.weebl.com and www.sacatsbg. weebly com for more information.

TUESDAY25NOVEMBER

. The Egyptian Society of South Africa will be having their next meeting at St George's Grammar school, Richmond Road, Mowbray from 19:30 Following the AGM, the guest speaker, Dr Lester Cowley, will present a lecture titled: "The Antikythera Mechanism". There is no charge for members, while it costs R30 for visitors Booking is not necessary For more information call 021 852 7273 or 084 774 3972.

SUNDAY30NOVEMBER

. Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On from 16:00

THURSDAY4DECEMBER

. Oom Piets Christmas Party is back. For the first time since covid, the Rotary Club of Durbanville is once again hosting the magical fantasy evening for families from Thursday 4 December to Saturday 13 December Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a fabulous joyous evening. Bookings now open on Quicket For anymore information, call Carol on 083 261 9840

. Tygerberg Hospice’s annual Tree of Lights event will take place at 19:00 at Jan Kriel School in Kuils River Bring along a picnic blanket and come join a magical evening of remembrance and hope with a tree lit up in honour of loved ones who have passed. A light in remembrance of a loved one costs R60 Every light dedicated helps Tygerberg Hospice provide homebased care, comfort, and support to families facing life-limiting illness. Visit www tygerberghospice org or call 021 946 2460 to purchase a light

FRIDAY5DECEMBER

. South Africa's leading indie games festival, Playtopia, will bring together over 1 000 gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals for what organisers describe as Africa's premier celebration of video games and interactive arts at the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December This year's festival will transport visitors to "Arcadia", a fantasy-themed library complete with portholes, spell books, potions and magic crystals. Tickets are available at www.playtopiafestival.co.za

SATERDAG6DESEMBER

. Boston Open Studios 2025 vind van 09:00 tot 17:00 plaas. Die jaarlikse gebeurtenis, wat as ‘n hoogtepunt beskou word, bied besoekers die seldsame geleentheid om kunstenaars in hul kreatiewe ruimtes te ontmoet en oorspronklike kunswerke teen studiopryse dikwels 30-60% laer as galerypryse – te koop Die geleentheid is oop vir die publiek en gratis. Volg Boston Open Studios op sosiale media vir meer inligting.

Malesexual healthdiscussed

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Men’s sexual health was the topic of a talk at Parow Library on Thursday (13 November)

It formed part of the annual Movember campaign, which raises awareness on men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention

Matt Viuff, founder of the Shockwave Clinic in Lower Main Road, Observatory, spoke on the work of his wellness centre, which specialises in non-invasive therapies for men's sexual health and vitality, according to its website

Addressing an audience of mainly men, he said the clinic deals with male sexual health without the use of medication and the treatment it provides is centred on patient involvement

Viuff also mentioned erectile dysfunction (ED), the signs men can look out for, what could possibly trigger it as well as the treatments on offer

"When morning and evening erections stop that is the sign," he said He explained there are various ways in which ED can be treated, and that Shockwave offers one-on-one treatment

"The trick is to be patient, and this applies to older guys especially " He also warned that men should be careful of clinical trials as this could also have negative effects

CapeTown launches online platform for traffic fine payments

Motorists can now pay traffic fines from the comfort of their homes through the City's new PayThat co za portal

MEN TAUGHT ABOUT CANCERS, ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND MENTAL WELLNESS

Viuff advised the men to adjust their lifestyles as they got older; to consume less alcohol, fast food and cigarettes, which are not good for the body He also spoke about the effect of fillers, testosterone injections, and stress and anxiety on male sexual health

. Call Shockwave on 087 806 2362.

Peaceful protest to be held against GBV

The Monte Vista Plattekloof Glen Neighbourhood Watch will once again be hosting the Stand Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) Campaign this year, a peaceful protest that will gather at the corner of Edgemead Drive and Bosmansdam Road, Edgemead

The event takes place on Saturday 29 November from 09:00 until 10:00

Interested parties are encouraged to take their own placards along and everyone is requested to wear black

. For more details email Leone Pretorius, secretary, at mvpgnhw@gmail.com.

Help spread joy this Christmas

Spread joy this Christmas with a Santa Shoebox for Home of Hope

Home of Hope is calling on the community to help make Christmas a little brighter for children who have faced abuse, abandonment and the daily challenges of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Their annual Santa Shoebox project gives residents the chance to give a meaningful, personalised gift to a child in need

To take part, simply choose a child’s profile from the Christmas bobbles at Home of Hope fill a shoebox with items from the needs list, and add a special treat or toy if you can Wrap, label and deliver it to 3 College House, Village Walk, Parklands, any weekday between 8:00 and 16:00

. To receive your chosen child’s profile or for more information, contact marketing@ homeofhope co.za or WhatsApp 061 278 4826

Cape Town motorists no longer need to endure long queues at municipal offices to settle their traffic fines The City of Cape Town has officially launched an enhanced online payment platform that allows residents to check and pay traffic fines and by-law violations from anywhere, at any time

The new PayThat co za portal, developed in partnership with payment solutions provider Pay@, went live on Wednesday 12 November, marking a significant step in the City's digital transformation efforts

"We're proud to support the City of Cape Town in delivering a digital payment experience that meets the expectations of today's users," said Andrew Hardie, CEO of Pay@ "PayThat co za is designed to be intuitive, secure, and scalable "

The platform offers a straightforward process for settling outstanding fines

Motorists can search for their violations using either their infringement notice number or ID number, then complete payments through various secure channels

PAYMENTMETHODS

The system accepts multiple payment methods, including:

. Card payments and Instant EFT;

. Banking apps: Capitec, FNB, RMB, Tyme, Absa, Nedbank, and Money Market App;

. Mobile wallets: Masterpass, Zapper, Snapscan, Scan To Pay, MTN MoMo, and VodaPay;

. Importantly, Pay@ charges no additional service fees – users pay only the fine amount shown on their infringement notice

The new platform addresses longstanding frustrations with the traditional fine payment process No more taking time off work to stand in queues or wrestling with complex paperwork The system also helps motorists avoid late payment penalties by making it easier to settle fines promptly

According to the City, the platform reflects their commitment to service excellence and digital transformation

GETTINGSTARTED

For those ready to use the new system, PayThat co za includes a comprehensive FAQ section with step-by-step guidance The site also provides detailed information about payment processing times, account management, and procedures for disputing incorrect fine details

. For more information or to access the platform, visit PayThat co.za

Diarrhoeasurge seasonishere

Learn guitar the fun way with Eddy Strings

Known as the “Guitar Man” from Belhar, Extension 13, Eddy Strings has come a long way since the early days

Not only has Eddy travelled the world, playing abroad, he possesses the talent to effortlessly transition between various genres With a background in jazz, this versatile guitarist can switch over to rock or reggae with the “drop of a mic”

Known for being a guitarist, teacher and producer; Eddy now adds the title “writer” to his impressive resume He recently launched his first guitar book, titled “Guitar 101: A colourful journey for beginners”

“Guitar 101 was created to give learners an experience that goes beyond traditional methods Music should be enjoyable, inclusive and inspiring This book allows students to see music in colour and truly connect with the guitar in a personal way,” says Eddy

COLOURTECHNIQUE

Over the years, Eddy has personally tried and tested this colour technique, as it aids students to understand music better, no matter their age or background

This book was born out of an idea to give every learner the confidence to start their musical journey in a fun and accessible way

This November the dream became a reality, as Eddie launched his love project This special celebration of music, creativity and the journey that brought the book to life, was showcased to the public during the launch With

Sy Afrikaans

'n Leerder aan die Hoërskool President in Goodwood is onlangs aangewys as die Top Manlike Leerder in 'n jaarlikse olimpiade Die vierde DANKie² Junior 2025, die Afrikaanse Nasionale Kompetisie: Tweede Taal, is op 8 September gehou Die kompetisie is vir Graad 8- en Graad 9-leerders Altesame 56 skole van oor SuidAfrika heen het daaraan deelgeneem, met 905 leerders wat dié aanlyn Olimpiade vir Afrikaans (Tweede Taal) suksesvol voltooi het

an amazing turnout, Eddy not only showcased the book for the first time, but entertained guests with live performances and a musical discussion, with a panel of like-minded musos "Whether you have a young child, teen or want to start learning the guitar as an adult; this book is the perfect tool for those that benefit from a more visual and hands-on approach," says Eddy

Whether you want to learn to play the guitar or know of someone that wants to start their musical journey, visit www stringsacademy co za and order your book today Eddy's final word to potential guitar players: "Let the music meet you ” . For more information contact Eddy on 072 939 6076 or stringsacadamy@gmail.com

laat hom wen

Die Hoërskool President se Kealon Barendse, 'n Graad 9-leerder, is aangewys as die Top Manlike Leerder Hy is ook die gesamentlke Top Leerder in die Wes-Kaap Mede-leerders wat aan die kompetisie deelgeneem het is Riuana Carelse, Zafea Mawson, Faith November, Elieth Namwisi, Erin Edwards, Caydan Maneveld en Eubin May . Volgens die kompetisie se webblad (https:// dankie org.za) is dié taal-kompetisie in 2022 begin en is 'n reusesukses onder leerders en skole Kealon Barendse

Runnerpensrecoverystory

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Alocal athlete and former drug addict, Denver van der Bergh, is set to publish a new book entitled How hard could it be It will tell the story of his fight against drug addiction and road to recovery.

Van der Bergh made headlines earlier this year when he ran 1 861 km from Cape Town via the Eastern Cape to KwaZuluNatal to take part this year s Comrades Ultra Marathon in June for charity His aim was to raise much-needed funds for drug addicts who cannot afford the professional services of rehabilitation centres Van der Bergh was a client at the Ramot Addiction Treatment Centre in Toner Street, Parow on his journey to recovery

He managed to raise more than R51 410 at the Comrades, which took place on

BOOK CHRONICLES STAYING SOBER AND LOVE OF RUNNING

Sunday 8 June

Van der Bergh started writing his book when he came out of rehab to help him deal with unresolved childhood issues and to dig a bit deeper into where it all went wrong

"This is an activity that started in Ramot I noted everything down; Covid-19, college, mending a broken relationship with my dad, staying sober, love for running and running to the Comrades "

The book is currently being edited

Van der Bergh also started a non-profit company, the Serenity Strides Foundation, and said he planned to continue raising funds through future runs These would be for rehabilitation centres and to help put disadvantaged children through college

Help needed to identify patient

Staff at Tygerberg Hospital in Parow are trying to trace the family of an unknown male patient being treated at the facility

The patient has been registered as “Emergency TBH, Sierra October” He was found in Pama Road, Site B in Khayelitsha and brought to Tygerberg by ambulance, the hospital said

He is described as tall with visible bruise marks on his face The patient arrived at the hospital on Saturday 25 October

“At this stage no family members or acquaintances had been identified or had come forward,” the hospital spokesperson said

Anyone who may recognise the patient or who have information about his family are kindly requested to contact the hospital The hospital said they appreciate the assistance of the public in helping them reunite patients with their loves . Call 021 938 5077 or 021 938 5078

Ministerconductssafetywalkabout

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The MEC for police oversight and community safety, Anroux Marais, conducted a crime walkabout in Parow and Elsies River last week

The visit, on Thursday 13 November, formed part of ongoing oversight efforts to engage with community members regarding the crime, the department said.

Marais was accompanied by various roleplayers She visited the Parow Station Arcade, Parow Civic Centre, Elsies River and surrounds

"My recent walkabout in Parow and Elsies River offered a valuable, on-theground view of the persistent crime challenges affecting these communities," said Marais Franchesca Walker, ward councillor, the local Community Policing Forum (CPF), the station commanders of Parow and Elsies River police stations, Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSO) from the City of Cape Town, the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID), and private security partners such as Fidelity ADT guided her through several identified hot-spots

"They highlighted ongoing issues including smash-and-grabs, robberies, street robberies, drug-dealing, prostitution, public drinking, and a range of general law-enforcement violations,” she said Both police station commanders outlined the interventions currently underway as well as the operational constraints and social ills hampering their efforts, she said The police sub-district commissioner, Brig Jan Alexander, was also briefed during the engagement

"Despite the challenges, it was encouraging to see all role-players reaffirm their commitment to working together to improve safety in these precincts Strengthening collaboration between the

SAFETY ROLEPLAYERS ENGAGE WITH RESIDENTS

police, the CPF, local government, and private security and citizens remains essential, and the walkabout reinforced our shared resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of residents in Parow and Elsies River,” Marais said

Mayor fires the gun as runners take on race

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis sent several runners on their way on Saturday morning by firing off the starter gun

Several runners and walkers took part in the annual Chas Everitt/Edgemead 10km Race and 5km Fun Run in Edgemead on Saturday 15 November The event is organised by the Edgemead Runners Hill-Lewis, a resident, wished the runners well before setting off "I am amazed at how the Edgemead run has grown quickly, to now include 1400 runners As a resident in Edgemead, I am thrilled that so many people like to come and run around our neighbourhood As mayor, it is always great to see these community events growing from strength

to strength Well done to all of the organisers, in particular the Edgemead Runners Club," says Hill-Lewis

The event was held at the Edgemead High School and started at 06:15

Ward councillor, Miquette Temlett, was also in attendance to support the runners Francois Gouws, race convener, says the event was well supported "We had 1 100 runners competing in the 10km and 300 competing in the 5km," he says

The race is currently in its 11th year and was started by Gouws himself

"The race went down well, there were no hiccups and we received positive feedback from the runners," he says

Gouws says the success of hosting such an event lies in the effort from all involved in the running club

THINKING OUT LOUD

Ek ‘like’ my job

Dit was nooit my droom om ‘n joernalis te word nie Hoewel lees en skryf altyd deel van ons familie-gene was, het ek dit nooit oorweeg om ‘n nuusskrywer te word nie In ons huis was koerante en tydskrifte lees verpligtend, maar dit was nie ‘n beroepskeuse nie My mense was mynwerkers Ek onthou hoe my pa elke Sondag die Rapport se verskillende afdelings aan ons uitgedeel het My een broer lees eers die sport, ek die tydskrif, my pa die sake en my ander broer die Kaap Rapport ens As jy klaar is dan gee jy maar aan Een van ons vriende, Romeo, het nie gehou van lees nie Hy het Sondae gesit en televisie kyk terwyl ons lees Wanneer ons klaar is, het hy altyd gevra: “Wat sê die papers?”

Nou dwaal ek af, want ek wou eintlik praat oor hoe ek nie eintlik ‘n joernalis wou word nie Ek wou ‘n skrywer word, want dit was die ding wat die maklikste vir my gekom het Maar ek wou nie nuus skryf nie Ek wou stories vertel met helde in en gelukkige eindes en mooi meisies Stories waarin net die bad guys seerkry en kinders kan speel sonder die vrees om seergemaak te word Waar mense in vrede saam lewe Toe beland ek in die joernalistiek Omdat ek van ‘n klein dorpie af kom, was ek baie beskerm teen die wreedheid van die lewe Toe ek vir koerante begin werk het ek, ‘n arme protestante laaitie, besef boosheid is oral rondom ons En dit is so algemeen dat sommige koerante nie eens meer daaroor wil skryf nie

DIEJOERNALISTIEKHETMYSO BAIEDIEAFGELOPE24JAAR GELEER,MAAREENVANEEN VANDIEGROOTSTELESSEIS DATEKBITTERMINMENSE MOETVERTROU.ENDAARIN LÊMYPROBLEEM.

Ek kan nie eens meer onthou hoeveel stories ek al oor moorde en verkragtings geskryf het nie Daar is maklik niks waaroor ek nog nie berig het nie, maar steeds voel ek iets gaan binne-in my dood as ek hoor van ‘n kind wat leed aangedoen is Dan wonder ek hoe boos moet jy wees om ‘n weerlose kind skade aan te doen? Deesdae as ek ‘n man en ‘n jong kind saam sien, kyk ek na die kleinste detail Watter kleur klere het hulle aan Hoe lyk die man? Hoe stap hy? Het die kind kenmerke waaraan sy uitgeken kan word? Ek doen al hierdie dinge omdat my kop vir my sê dat ek binnekort oor hierdie kind moet skryf

Die joernalistiek het my so baie die afgelope 24 jaar geleer, maar een van die grootste lesse is dat ek bitter min mense moet vertrou En daarin lê my probleem Ek wil nie so wees nie, want ek hou baie van mense My vrou sê altyd sy weet wanneer ek lanklaas ander mense gesien het, want ek begin kriewelrig raak Maar my vertroue in die mensdom is geskaad Ek kry onlangs ‘n oproep van iemand wat my liederlik uittrap en sê joernaliste is die skuim van die aarde Hy was nie tevrede met iets wat ek geskryf het nie Nadat hy al sy woede uitgeskel het, vra ek hom: “Hou jy van mense?”

Hy aarsel aan die ander kant van die lyn en sê: “Ek hou baie van mense, maar joernaliste is mos nie mense nie ” Ons albei raak toe vir ‘n oomblik stil en ek bars uit van die lag Die volgende oomblik toe lag die oom ook En toe lag ons saam Toe besef ek, ek like nogal my job - BRENDEN RUITER

‘Purr-fect’cat showcomestoCT

The largest cat show in the country, the Cape Town Christmas Cat Show, will be hosted on Saturday 22 November by the African Independent Cat Club (AICA) at the Bergsig Dutch Reformed Church in Boland Way in Durbanville from 09:00 to 16:00. This 71st championship cat show and the last for the year will be presented in association with two other independent clubs, Oriental, Siamese and Related Breeds Group (OSRBG) and SA Cats

More than 135 cats have been entered so far, including an interesting variety of breeds from the largest Maine Coon, to the smallest Singapura

RARESTBREEDS

The show will feature some of the rarest breeds, including the short-legged Munchkin, the hairless Sphynx, the Japanese Bobtail and one of the newest breeds, the Serengeti

Some of the other well-known breeds on show will be Persians, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Siamese, Exotic Shorthairs, Bengals, Devon Rex, Abyssinians, Norwegian Forest Cats and many others

The cats will be judged by 18 judges, including judges from Gauteng and Japan Apart from Cape Town-based cats, some will travel from as far as Johannesburg to compete for the various titles and winning points towards qualifying for the annual invitational event “SA Indiecat”, where only the top cats compete to become Cat of

Africa.

Oom

Piet’s

CAPE TOWN’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS CAT SHOW

SET FOR 22 NOVEMBER IN DURBANVILLE

the Year At this show there will also be a special opportunity to meet a real celebrity cat, who will be on exhibition Grand Premier LesBeauxChats Rosemary called Rosy at home and owned by Johan and Thea Lamprecht from Durbanville is a 15-year-old Blue Calico Japanese Bobtail spayed female

"She is special, not only because she is one of the last of her breed in the country, but also because of her excellent show condition, despite her advanced age She recently beat several other cats at a show when she won the veteran class This is the equivalent of a 76-year-old human model winning a beauty competition Sadly, there are no longer breeders of this unique breed in South Africa," Lamprecht , show manager and also an international all-breeds judge, says

"Japanese Bobtails are common in Japan and can sometimes be considered to be street cats They are relatively small cats with short, curly tails, forming a pompom The legend is that these cats saved the Japanese silk industry, when they were set free by Emperor decree and got rid of the mice that were eating all the silkworms

"From then they were seen as the 'good luck cat', as one would be assured of a successful silk harvest when one of these were sitting on your porch This is the origin of the well-known Me-Ke cat ornament, with one paw in the air, seen in many Chinese and Japanese establishments The popular 'Hello Kitty' was also based on the Japanese Bobtail," Lamprechts explains

"This celebrity's appearance will probably be her last at a show, as she now deserves a graceful retirement at home, playing with her friends, controlling her humans and demanding snacks by being cute, sitting with the one paw up, just to show she is really a Japanese Bobtail," he says

VARIOUSSTALLS

All cat lovers are welcome to visit and see the large variety of pedigree and nonpedigree cats and kittens There will also be various stalls, with lots of Christmas and cat-related merchandise One of the features of the show is the competition for best-decorated cage according to the theme “Cape Town Christmas”

Entrance is R30 for adults, R10 for pensioners and children under 12 years and R50 for families . Visit www.africancatclub weebly com, www osrbg weebl.com and www.sacatsbg.weebly com for more information.

Xmas

parties back at D’ville Race Course

A lot of hard work is being done in preparation for the return of the Durbanville Rotary Club’s iconic Oom Piet’s Christmas Party

After a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the much-beloved Oom Piet’s Christmas Party is back from 4 to 13 December at Durbanville Race Course

"We are thrilled to announce that Hollywoodbets has generously allowed us to use the venue again, where our beautiful castle still stands," says Carol Millar, a member of Durbanville Rotary Club

"On Saturday 8 November our dedicated team mowed the lawn, dug deep holes and planted poles to create an enclosed arena for the festivities," she says The opening night on Wednesday 3

Artistic reconstruction of a newly hatched troodontid-like dinosaur resting among fragments of its eggshell (loosely based on Mongolian microtroodontid-type) These eggshells,when buried within ancient soil, interacted with meteoric waters,leading to early uranium incorporation into the eggshell calcite crystals

Dino eggshells unlock fossil ages with new SU method

An international team of geologists and paleontologists is pioneering a groundbreaking method to reliably determine the age of fossil-bearing rocks by directly dating fossilised dinosaur eggshells

The study, led by Dr Ryan Tucker from Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Department of Earth Sciences, was published in Communications Earth and Environment

Many fossil sites around the world are only coarsely dated

Without precise information on the geologic age of fossils, paleontologists struggle to understand how different species and ecosystems relate across time and space

Usually, researchers rely on dating minerals such as zircon or apatite found associated with fossils, but those minerals aren’t always present Attempts to date the fossils themselves, such as bones or teeth, have often produced uncertain results

URANIUM-LEADDATINGUSED

Dr Tucker’s team, consisting of MSc student Kira Venter and Prof Cristiano Lana from the elemental and isotope analysis laboratory at the university took a different approach

They used advanced uranium–lead dating and elemental mapping to measure trace amounts of uranium and lead housed inside the calcite of fossilized dinosaur eggshells

These isotopes function like a natural clock, enabling scientists to determine when the eggs were buried

This team from SU developed a novel method to age-date fossilized dinosaur eggs, using a neoma multi-collector,

inductively coupled plasma, mass spectrometer instrument, hosted in the elemental and isotope analysis laboratory in SU’s Department of Earth Sciences

Tests on dinosaur eggs from Utah (USA) and the Gobi Desert (Mongolia) showed that the eggshells record ages with an accuracy of about five percent relative to precise volcanic-ash dates

In Mongolia, the team determined the first-ever direct age around 75 million years old for a historic locality preserving dinosaur eggs and nests

“Eggshell calcite is remarkably versatile,” says Dr Tucker “It gives us a new way to date fossil sites where volcanic layers are missing, a challenge that has limited paleontology for decades ”

COLLABORATIONS

The work involved collaborators from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina State University, Colorado School of Mines, Mongolian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Paleontology, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (Brazil)

Fieldwork in Mongolia was carried out through the Mongolian Alliance for Dinosaur Exploration and supported by the National Geographic Society and the National Science Foundation

By showing that dinosaur eggshells can reliably record the passage of geologic time, the study links biology and Earth science in a new way offering researchers a powerful tool to date fossil sites around the globe

“Armed with this new technique, we can unravel mysteries about dinosaur evolution that used to be insurmountable ”

December will be a charity night for 100 children from underprivileged communities

Each child will receive a meal, ice cream, a cold drink and a special gift from Father Christmas

The following nights, until 13 December, will be open to paying guests

A special show will also be presented on Thursday 11 December exclusively for children with special needs and neurodiversity to let them also experience a night of magic

These tickets will be available at a reduced price of R150 and only available directly from Carol Millar at millar@ mweb co za

. Tickets are on sale via Quicket at R180 per person

Tokkiewilfokusopmansklokkie

CARINAROUX

CARINA ROUX@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Oor die laaste paar jaar was sy snor of baard pienk (of rooi) gekleur vir kankerbewusmaking by vroue Vanjaar wil Tokkie Matthee van Mabillepark met sy blougekleurde hangsnor egter die aandag op die manne laat val Matthee, wat soms ver paaie ry as hy abnormale vrag begelei, vertel hy sien altyd die pienk linte vir borskanker, en bome wat toegedraai is in pienk of rooi lap, maar die blou vir prostaatkankerbewusmaking is selde te sien

Op 1 November moes die snor blou gekleur word ter ondersteuning van die manne "wat 'n bietjie skaam is", sê hy Hy het immers self 'n pad met prostaatkanker gestap

Matthee het in 2018 begin agterkom iets pla "Ek het 'n ongemaklikheid ervaar

In 2019 is hy dokter toe "want dit het toe meer ernstig geraak" Vroeg in 2020 is aggressiewe prostaatkanker by hom gediagnoseer

Hy het die dokter gevra wat hy sou doen as die dokter in sy skoene was "Hy't gesê hy sou dit uitgehaal het " Matthee het dadelik besluit om die magtigingsvorm vir die operasie te onderteken

Dit wat hy met sy eerste besoek aan 'n uroloog by die Tygerberg-hospitaal gesien het, onthou hy goed "Daar is mos sulke lang gange Voor die deur waar jy ingaan na die uroloë sit ons toe 45 manne en wag " Die operasie sou in 2021 plaasvind, maar word toe midde-in die Covid-pandemie uitgestel

ONSEKERHEID

MATTHEE WIL MANS DAARAAN HERINNER DAT HULLE STEEDS MAN IS, AL IS PROSTAAT VERWYDER

Afrika (Kansa) toets die PSA-bloedtoets hoeveel prostaatspesifieke antigeen (PSA) ’n normale ensiem wat deur die prostaatklier vervaardig word aanwesig is Hoewel 'n verhoogde telling op prostaatkanker kan dui, is dit nie altyd so nie 'n Normale lesing sluit ook nie kanker uit nie Daarom word die fisieke ondersoek van die prostaat (via die rektum) ook aanbeveel veral vir mans ouer as 50 of vroeër vir diegene wat 'n familiegeskiedenis van prostaat- of borskanker het

Matthee draf al vir baie jare elke oggend 'n draai deur die buurt

Die wagtyd was moeilik en vol onsekerheid "'n Mens is so dom; jy weet nie van die siekte nie Ek het vir die dokter gevra: 'Is kanker soos 'n erdwurm wat loop?' Hy't geantwoord: Nee, dit is meer gekonsentreerd op een kol' Maar dan hoor jy agterna snaakse goed van blaaskanker, lewerkanker ek was bietjie bang waarnatoe versprei hy (die kanker) ” In daardie tyd was daar nog vyf mense met kanker in sy nabye omgewing Een van hulle het gehoor van 'n “doepa” by 'n plattelandse koöperasie

operasie gaan

Daarna moes hy 37 keer teruggaan vir bestraling Toe elke drie maande vir bloedtoetse en later elke ses maande "In Oktober het die dokter gesê hy is nie tevrede nie, want dit lyk of die telling bietjie geklim het Ek moet weer in Januarie gaan "

TOETSE

Matthee het besluit om die middel (diere-medisyne) te drink midde-in die onsekerheid omdat hy moes wag vir 'n plek in die hospitaal Elke derde dag drie slukkies Die 200 ml-botteltjie was so pas leeg toe kry hy die oproep dat hy kan kom vir die operasie "Twee weke daarna, toe maak als weer toe vir die tweede keer Toe is ek weer terug op die waglys "

In 2022 kon hy uiteindelik vir die

Mans is in die algemeen onkundig oor prostaatkanker en skrikkerig vir die “vingertoets”, sê Matthee Voordat hy in 2019 vir die fisieke ondersoek gegaan het, is sy bloed al getoets "Die dokter het gesê die prostaat is groot Die bloedtoets kon nie sien wat hy gevoel het nie " Hy is toe na Tygerberg-hospitaal verwys, waar hy gediagnoseer is Matthee raai mans aan om eerder dubbel seker te maak en buiten die bloedtoets ook vir die fisieke ondersoek te gaan Volgens die Kankervereniging van Suid-

"Ek het die dokters uitgevra daaroor, want ek wil hê my gewig moet konstant bly en my bloeddruk en hart moet gesond wees Hulle het gesê hou aan daarmee doen jou draffie, groet die mense in die gebied Dit is goed vir die siel om uit te kom, te kommunikeer; dit maak die gestel baie sterker "

Vir hom was die operasie die beste keuse "Ek wil nog leef, my draffie doen, gesond wees, vriende hê en ook vir hulle (hiervan) vertel "

"Ek dink baie manne voel as die prostaat uit is, is hulle nie meer manlik nie Dit pla my nie, ek het 'n vrou en kinders Ek wil net veilig en gesond wees vir die res van my lewe "

Sy boodskap aan die manne is om "oor te gee" en toe te laat dat die dokters help Prostaatkanker hoef nie 'n doodstraf te wees nie

En as jy hom raakloop met sy blou snor, knoop gerus 'n geselsie aan

. Prostaatkanker is die algemeenste kanker onder mans wêreldwyd en in Suid-Afrika. Volgens die Nasionale Kankerregister (2023) loop een uit 17 mans plaaslik die risiko om dit in hul lewe op te doen

kontant vir enige huis-houdelike goed klere, skoene, beddegoed, gordyne, speelgoed, oudhede, juweliersware - goud, breekgoed, potte, elektroniese ware. MEUBELS yskaste, beddens, Sitkamerstelle, tv's (en

VIKINGS BEAT HANOVER PARK

Nadeem Bedford of Hanover Park Cricket Club plays confidently against Vikings CC during a WPCA Division C League match played at the Downberg Road Sports Complex on Saturday 15 November Vikings won by 87 runs

SSKINS SWIMMERS SET NEW RECORD WITH CAPE TRIPLE CROWN

Duofinish TripleCrown

outh African open-water swimmers Ryan Stramrood and Tracey Steyn have made history as the first skins swimmers – wearing only a costume, cap and goggles –to complete the Cape Triple Crown, one of Cape Town's most formidable marathon swimming challenges, successfully.

Steyn further cemented her place in the record books by becoming the first woman to complete the Triple Crown in skins, marking a landmark moment for South Africa's coldwater swimming community

The Cape Triple Crown consists of three world-class open water swims: the Double Robben Island Crossing (14,8 km), the False Bay Crossing (33 km), and the Three Capes Swim (10,2 km) The final leg, completed today, saw the swimmers traverse from Cape Point to Cape Maclear and the Cape of Good Hope under the guidance of Derrick Frazer and Big Bay Events, with official ratification by the Cape Long Distance Swimming Association (CLDSA)

BATTLINGRAWCAPECONDITIONS

The Three Capes Swim began at 07:00 in icy 12-degree water, rising to 18 degrees only after rounding Cape Point Known for its unpredictable and often dangerous currents, the Point tested both swimmers as they fought through strong flow and limited visibility caused by thick mist Despite the demanding conditions Stramrood and Steyn pushed through with

for Irish swimmer Barry Murphy before being refined by the CLDSA into its current internationally-recognised format Earlier this year Graeme King became the first male wetsuit swimmer to complete the Triple Crown Frazer praised the milestone, noting that the Triple Crown captures the essence of Cape Town's open-water heritage, from False Bay's intensity to the iconic Robben Island and the dramatic Three Capes coastline

The CLDSA has congratulated everyone involved in making this achievement possible, calling it an exciting moment for endurance swimming in Cape Town With the Cape Triple Crown now firmly on the global radar it is expected to inspire more swimmers, attract international competitors and elevate Cape Town as a premier destination for extreme openwater challenges