TygerBurger | Goodwood | E-edition | 27 May 2026

Woensdag, 27 Mei 2026 |Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

Watchwarns ofsyndicate

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Residents in Monte Vista have been warned this week to be extravigilant as awindow removal syndicate is suspected to be active in the area, the local Monte Vista/Plattekloof Glenn Neighbourhood watch said.

The neighbourhood watch shared the newsontheir social media page thisweek.

LeonePretorius, secretary, told TygerBurger on Thursday that the Monte Vista areawas hit by three incidentson Wednesday 20 May where windows were removedtobreak in.

“One of them wasanarmed robbery, but luckily no injuries were reported,” said Pretorius.

Pretorius said theneighbourhood watch is doing more patrols on aregular basis to try andprevent more suchincidents from taking place.

Shesaid local private security companies and neighbouring watch structures are alsovisible in the areaand assisting them.

MODUSOPERANDI

Col Shawn van Wyk,Goodwood Police Station commander, confirmed that windowremoval is amodus operandi in theGoodwood policingjurisdiction, especially aluminium framed windows, “however at this stage we cannot link a syndicate”,hesaid.

He added: “We advise home owners to putmeasuresinplacetoprotect any point of entry. For example, securitybeams and

THREE HOUSES HIT IN ONE WEEK

burglar bars. Furthermore, we encourage everyone to report faulty street lights to the necessary authorities.”

Residents have also been encouraged by the neighbourhood watch to upgrade their home security.

. Secure your aluminium window frames by pop-riveting all of them. This makes it significantly harder for criminals to quietly dismantle or remove the frames from the outside;

. Ensure you have sturdy burglar bars installed on all windows as asecondary line of defense;

. Install outside perimeter beams that are linked to and monitored by an armed response company, allowing for early detection before intruders reach your walls;

. Look intoinstalling an interior security gate in your hallway. This creates asafe zone and prevents unauthorized access to your bedrooms at night.

Theneighbourhood watch has urged residentstobevigilant,and keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour, strange vehicles, and individuals loitering in the area. They are asked to report such activity to local authorities.

. VanWyk said anyinformation that canassist in solving reported crime at theGoodwood Police Station arewelcome.Call021 597 1760 or visit Goodwood DetectiveServices.

Cityneedsspace forimpounded vehicles

The City of CapeTown is ready for the roll-out of the new traffic regulations which are expected to come into effect soon, according to JP Smith, the City’s Mayco member forsafety and security.

Smith was responding to an enquiry from TygerBurger after the safetyand security portfolio committee approved theamended traffic by-law at aspecial meetingonWednesday13May.

SAFETYANDSECURITY

“The by-law amendmentshave been approved by the safety andsecurity portfolio committee andthe mayoral committee. Thenext step is for the amendments to go before afull sitting of Council for approval. Once that is achieved, it would need to be gazetted.

The amendedby-law will be enacted once it has been gazetted —hopefully within thenextfew months,”Smith said to TygerBurger.

DANGEROUSBEHAVIOUR

The amendmentsaim to help reduce dangerousbehaviour among road users, regulatevehicle safety and traffic use, andprovide for increased vehicle impoundmentand nuisance control in public transport operations.

Centraltothe amendments are provisions for impounding vehicles and imposingrelatedpenalties. These include vehicles used in illegal street racing; cases wherethe driver is under theinfluence of alcohol or drugs or doesnot possess a valid driver’s licence; situations where a vehicleisdriven recklesslyonapublic road in amannerthatposes an immediate or imminent dangertopassengers, other road users or pedestrians; and vehicles fittedwith false number plates.

CAUSINGEXCESSIVENOISE

Following theconclusionofthe public participation process, oneadditional provision was included allowing for the impoundmentofvehicles operated in contraventionofSection46ofthe existing by-law by causingexcessive noise.

Responding to reports that the City’s

NEWTRAFFIC

REGULATIONS EXPECTED TO COME INTO EFFECT SOON

impound lots are already full, Smith confirmed that the Safetyand Security Directorate is working to secure additional pound space.

“In the interim, we have two impound facilities in Maitland and Ndabeni,and our efforts also include identifying ways to better maximise thesespaces,” he said.

ROADWORTHYTESTS

ONLYATCITYTESTINGCENTRES

Oneofthe amendments to the existing by-law stipulates that avehicle declared unroadworthy may not be tested by a private testing centre and then returned to the road. These vehicles may only be tested at atraffic department testing centre to obtain aroadworthy certificate, Smithsaid previously.

He added: “It is unfortunately the case that thereare places issuing roadworthy certificates for vehicles that are not roadworthy. Vehicles are even taken outside the metro’s boundaries to obtain thesecertificates illegally.”

IMPOUNDRELEASEFEE

On fears of abacklog at testing centres of the City’s traffic department Smith said thereisnobacklog at City testing centres.

“We currently have two centres, in Bellville and Durbanville, that are available to the public, alongside many private service providers. Twomore centres will be operational by the end of thismonth in Goodwood and Kuils River.” He confirmed the impoundment release fee for all classes of vehicles in the 2025-’26 financial year is R2 500, excluding storage fees and any fines related to the offence for which the vehicle was impounded.

“In instances where public transport vehicles do not have valid operating permits, the impoundment release fee is R7 000.”

Brave thecoldfor NSRI Winter SolsticeSwim

As thewinter solsticeapproaches, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is callingonSouth Africanstotake part in its annualWinter Solstice Swim, a fundraiseraimed at supporting lifesaving rescue operations andwater safety programmes.

Theswim will takeplaceonSunday 21 June markingthe longest night of theyear.The initiative encourages individuals,teams,and communities to hosttheirown plunge events and raise fundsfor the organisation.

Participants are invited to take the plunge in thesea,tidal pools, swimming pools, dams, or eventhrough an ice bucket challenge,joiningagrowing tradition that unitescommunitiesacrossthe country in support of the NSRI.

NSRI volunteers remain on duty throughoutthe year, ready to respond at amoment’s notice, even in the harshest winterconditions.

According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon,the initiative reflects both thededication of rescue crews and the importanceofpublic supportinsustaining theirwork

“NSRIvolunteers are on duty year-

round, ready to spring intoaction at a moment’snotice, even on the coldest day of the year,” Lambinon said.

He added that the Winter SolsticeSwim gives the publicameaningful way to contribute to the organisation’s mission.

“Each year, teams of NSRI volunteers from our rescue bases brave the plunge to raise funds for theirstation. This year we challenge you to organise awinter solstice plunge and help support our lifesaving work,” he said.

Participants are encouraged to create fundraising campaigns and rally friends, family, and colleagues to get involved. Every contribution helps ensure NSRI crews remain equipped, trained, and ready to save lives.

SAFETYFIRST

.Never swim alone.

.Avoid rough or unsafe conditions.

.Always have aflotation device nearby.

.Know who to call in an emergency.

. More information is available via theNSRI officialwebsite andfundraising platform GivenGain. Formoreinformation on organising your Solstice Plunge,contact Reneeon 021434 4011orrenee@searescue.org.za

Cablethiefgets 15yearsentence

Goodwood CPF launches Youth Desk project

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Young people in Goodwood are encouraged to join the newly establishedGoodwood Community Policing Forum (CPF)Youth Desk Project.

TheYouth Desk is ayouth-led programme designed to involve, develop, and empower young people within the community while helping preserve and strengthen the safety structures in Goodwood, said Abdallah Sydney, CPF chair.

Under the guidanceofexperienced CPF and police facilitators, participants will learn leadership skills, teamwork and communication, community responsibility, safety awarenessand how to make a positiveimpact in their community,he explained.

There are two groups in the programme: Group 1isopen for young people between the ages of 17 and25years, and Group 2for youth between the ages 13 and 16 years.

WHYITMATTERS

Sydney said Goodwood’s futuredepends on their youth and young adults. Schools,

City warns of likely MyCiTi fare hikefromJuly

The City hasurged MyCiTi commuters to prepare for apossible fare increase from July as rising dieselcosts place increasing pressure on thepublic transport system.

Accordingtothe City, the intention is to give households early notice so they can budget, as fuelpricevolatilitycontinues to affect operatingcosts.

The City hasconfirmedthat it has been absorbingthe impact of high diesel prices since Marchand shielding commuters from increases for several months.

Commuters will continue to be protected in June, despite ongoingpressure from sustained fuel price increases but officials warn that if diesel prices remain at current elevated levels, afare adjustment will become unavoidable from July.

Thesituation is driven by sustained high international oil prices,withadditional uncertainty linked to global geopolitical tensions.

MyCiTi fares may increase by at least32%, depending on diesel price adjustments announced by national government in early June.

Thenew fare framework already approvedbythe Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility makesprovision for diesel prices of up to R40,75 per litre.

Therecommendation willstill be tabled

Poësiekring byeen

Die digter CarenKearley gaan haar debuutbundel Dawerendestiltes van2025voordrabydie byeenkoms vandie Durbanville-poësiekring op Woensdag 10 Junie.Dit begin om 10:00 in die Durbanville-biblioteeksaal.

Die bundel is 'n versameling vanKearley se

beforeCouncil for approval at itsmeeting on 27 May. Officials have emphasised that commuters will only receive final confirmation once the national fuel price adjustments are announced on 3June. If approved, the fare increase will also apply to the Dial-a-Ride service.

BUDGETINGAHEADFORHOUSEHOLDS

Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, said the City has done everything possible to shield commuters from rising costs.

“We have tried our utmost best to protect our MyCiTi commuters for as long as possible against the sky-high diesel prices,” he said.

He added that the City is now at apoint where it can no longer absorb increases indefinitely, but stressed that MyCiTi would still remain one of the most affordable transport options in Cape Town.

TheCitysays it will continue to monitor diesel price developments closely and will provide commuterswith updated information once the national announcement has been made.

Officials are encouraging commutersto plan ahead for the possibilityofhigher fares from July, depending on global fuel market conditions.

persoonliksteensterkstegedigte watsyoor die afgelope negejaargeskryf het.Syhet in Namibië grootgeword en blytansinRiebeek-Kasteel Besoekers is welkom teen R50.

. Kontak Lesley vander Vyverbyteachervdv@ gmail.comof083 4604571met navrae

religious organisations, sports and recreation groups, andother community structures all play an important role in shaping responsible future leaders,he said Anthony Verhoog hasbeen appointed as theCPF Youth Desk facilitator.

SAFETYISEVERYONE’SRESPONSIBILITY

Over the pastyear, the CPFhas successfully established four sector neighbourhood watcheswith strong supportfromthe police, law enforcement, metropolice, and the community. “Now is thetime to secure that legacy by developing the next generationof community leaders,” said Sydney.

VOLUNTEERS

The CPF is also calling on volunteers andare seeking thehelp of community facilitators, social workers, teachers, and parent assistants. Sydney said volunteers will receive official acknowledgement from the CPF and thepolice for their contributionand service.

. Register as aparticipant or volunteer by contacting theCPF at goodwoodcpf@gmail. com

Citydropstariffappeal

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

The City has confirmed it will not appeal the Western Cape High Court’s ruling on tariffstructures, opening the way for arevised budget process to begin.

In astatement issued on Friday morning, theCity said it will nowpublish amendments to itstabled 2026-’27 Budget for public comment in thewake of the judgment.

The City maintains that the ruling’s primary effectistocurtail the ability of municipalities, including Cape Town, to cross-subsidise services in amanner that shieldslower-and middle-income households from the full cost of those services.

The proposed amendments,it says, reflectthe City’s commitment to preserving that protection within the boundaries set by the court.

The City was also at painstoemphasise that allrevenue raised in 2025-’26 hasbeen directed toward itsintended purposefor infrastructure investment andservice delivery.

Equally significant, the court’s ruling does not question the legitimacy ofthese funding requirements; the City must still be resourced to function. What changes under the proposed 2026-’27 framework is not the obligation to fund thosecosts, butthe manner in which ratepayers will contribute to meeting them

Mayor Geordin-Hill Lewissaysa key impact of this court ruling iswhat the City has warned all along: that water and sanitation fixed charges will go up for many families in lower- andmiddle-value residentialproperties, and go down for higher-value properties.

“We have done our utmosttomitigate this effect. To protect lower- andmiddleincome households from theimpact of this court ruling, we propose afurther raising of the rates-free rebate to thefirst R620 000 of property value,upfrom R450 000, for residentialproperties underR8million Allindigent benefits will also apply up to R620 000 residential property value.”

“ItremainsmyfirmbeliefthatCapeTowncannottrulyworkunlessitworks foreveryone’ —Geordin Hill-Lewis

This according to themayor will reduce property rates for many households in the lower- and middle-valuebands to mitigate the rise in fixed water andsanitation charges they will facebecause of the court ruling

“While we adjust forthe impact of this ruling,weremainconcerned aboutits implicationsfor the ability of municipalities to equitably cross-subsidise in utility tariffs in the South African socialcontext. We will engage the National Treasuryand Co-operative Governance departments nationally to seek regulatory clarity on available options for municipalities to equitably cross-subsidise lower- and middle-income households,” he says.

“It remains my firm belief that Cape Town cannot truly work unless it works foreveryone.For this reason, we do notpropose any cutstoCape Town’s essential infrastructure projects, likepipe replacements, better sanitation andpublic transport.Tocut these projects, as has been suggestedbysome,would lead to a lessfunctional city andless basic dignity forresidents. It would be aterrible and indefensible action.”

AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to be published forcomment in asupplementary public participation processfrom 27 May to 10 June 2026 include the following:

. City-wide cleaning costs is to move back intoproperty rates. This will remove the city-wide cleaningcharge as astandalone item on bills, andincrease propertyrates for residential customers —changing the -10,2% reduction tabled in March

Commercial property rates will also increase while electricity unit costs will reduce due to the phased-reduction of thesurcharge contributiontocity-wide cleaning.Residentialelectricity tariffs remainunchangedasthese customers no

longer contribute to city-wide cleaning in this way.

. Fixedwater and sanitation charges is to revert back to watermeterconnection size,the method used before property value bands. According to the City, this impact of thecourt ruling means that higher valueproperties will pay less fixed charges while lower value properties will pay more thanthey do currently.

“The City hastried to buffer thisimpact by consolidating the fixed tariff charged for all meter sizes up to 22mm, and shiftingcosts to higher consumption users compared to the Marchtabledbudget,”the City states.

. Lastly, to protect especially lowerand middle-income households from thechanges to fixedcharges, the City will raise theindigent relief qualifying threshold and rates-free benefit. All residential properties up to R8mwill now get thefirst R620 000 rates-free, up from R450 000 in 2025-’26. Indigent benefits apply for all properties under thenew R620 000 threshold.

The full details of the proposed changes arisingfrom thecourt ruling will be publishedon27May for public comment, with thecommentperiodclosing on 10 June. The proposedamendments cover the rate-in-the-rand, rates ratios, and tariffs for waterand sanitation

Jurie Ferreira, AfriForum’s regional head for theSouthern Region, said the City had madethe right call in not pursuinganappeal, but stressed that how it engages residents from here will matter enormously.

“We take note of the municipality’s decisionand believe it is astep in the right direction. AfriForumisofthe viewthat thejudgment handeddown by thethree judgeswas delivered in a responsible and fair manner,and regards it as ameaningfuloutcome for ratepayers in theCity.”

SapoachiefexecutiveNeil Gopal.

City’s decision not to appeal

DESIRÉERORKE

TheSouth African Property Owners' Association (Sapoa) has welcomed the City of Cape Town's decision not to appeal the Western Cape High Court's ruling of 30 April, while confirming it will now move to recover the legal costs it incurred in bringing the landmark case.

In anotice to members issued on 22 May, Sapoa chief executive Neil Gopal saidthe organisation was pleased the City had chosen to abide by the court's decision rather than pursue further legal action.

"Weare glad to see that the City has decided to abide by the Court's decision, and that it has decided not to waste further taxpayer's funds in pursuing fruitless appeals," Gopal said.

Thecase was brought by Sapoa to challenge the City's tariff structures linked to property values. With the City accepting the ruling, Sapoa confirmed it would scrutinise the new draft budget the City has undertaken to publish for public comment on 27 May.

"Wewill carefully study the new draft budget and will submit comment where necessary,"Gopal said.

Sapoa also used the notice to claim a measure of vindication on one of its longheld positions –that city-wide cleaning costs should be funded through property rat rather than eparate tariff.

Parowauthorfeaturesatfestival

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

For the sixth year running South Africa’s only literary festivaldedicatedentirely to children brought authors,picture books andthe purejoy of readingtoschools in District Six, a placethat looms large in the country’s literary imagination.

The SA Festival of Children’sLiterature, held in sevenprimary schoollibrariesby the Otto Foundation, ran from Monday18 to Wednesday 20 May and featured awide arrayofauthors.

READINGFORPLEASURE,NOTPRESCRIPTION

The festival, now in itssixth year,was foundedbyDarryl David, an education lecturer in English and Afrikaans at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) whoiswidely credited with putting book festivals on South Africa’s literarymap Davidhas founded several literary festivals, including the BookBedonnerd Literary Festival in Richmond, the Olive SchreinerLiterary Festival in Cradock, the Midlands Literary Festival in Howick, the Alan Paton Literary Festival, the Adam SmallBoekefees and the Books on the Bay festival in Simon’s Town. He also established South Africa’s only Book Town, in Richmond in theKaroo Butthe SA Festival of Children’s Literature, which has been running since 2020, holds aspecial place on that list. Itis, Davidsaid, the only festivalofits kind in the country,and perhapsonthe continent.

“This is aliterary festival where authors of children’s literature and young adult literaturetake centrestage,not like all the otherfestivals wheretheyare an afterthought,afestival where we recognise illustrators.”

His vision is clear and deliberately

simple: reading must be apleasurable activity. “I did notwanta festival where literacy takescentre stage,where we preach about howour festival is goingto improve literacy rates in South Africa. Reading for pleasure is the name of the game. And maybe if we getthe basics right the bigger questions will takecare of themselves down theline.”

GIRAFFESDOINGYOGA

When sourcing authors for the festival David looks for books that spark imaginationratherthandeliver lessons.

“Unique books. Beautifully illustrated books.Bookswith not asingle word. Books that will makechildren wanttogo home and tell their parents andsiblings about the wonderful book arealauthor readtothem today. Booksaboutgiraffes trying todoyoga. Books abouta pigeon takinghis first love out to dinner. Books thatallow children to be children and not burden them with all the problemsofthe world.”

WHYDISTRICTSIX?

David, who grew up in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, said he noticed as an outsider to Cape Town that District Six, despiteits enormouspresenceinSouth Africanliterature, hadbeen overlooked in favour of otherareas.

“It seemed to me DistrictSix, aplace that loomslargeinour literary imagination, had been forgotten. Luckily, theOtto Foundationhas quietly gone aboutthe businessoftrying to right thisoversight.

And Idecided to partner with it in this enterprise.”

For thefestival thefoundation has partneredwiththe Literacy Association of SouthAfrica (Litasa).

WHOTOOKPART?

Authorsfrom across thecountry took part, including some thathave appeared on televisionover the years, such as BiancaFlanders who wrote the rhythmic and wildly popular Pumpkin Pie series.

Vennessa Scholtz of Parowread Kita’s Dance With Dust while Lynne Joffe, of Johannesburg, had learners dancing and swayingwith her reading of The Tale of Stingray Charles.Elsibe McGuffog, of Wellington talk Grade 2learners the basicsofpoetry.

WHATCOMESNEXT?

David says the District Six chapter is only one part of atwo-pronged plan. In Octoberthe festival will return to its original home at UWC for the Faculty of Education’s Literacy Week, when the focus shiftstoslightly older learners in the FET phaseaswell as student teachers.

“The two-pronged approach will be a District Six chapter focused exclusively on school children from the foundation phase up to Grade 5, and then amoreadolescentfocused book festival at UWC every October,”hesaid. “To help them become better teachers, but also better parents.”

TheSAFestival of Children’s Literature is presented under the banner:Experience Imagination.

CityJuniorCouncil electsnewleaders

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

The city’s Junior Council has officially ushered in anew generation of youthleadership,with the election ofits Junior Executive Mayor,Deputy Mayor, Speaker and Chief Whip on Saturday 16 May.

The JuniorCity Council (JCC) is aprestigious, non-political City initiative designed to shape the next generation of ethical leaders through hands-on exposure to local government.

It gives Grade10and 11 learners the chance to engage withcivic issues, leadcommunityprojects, and share ideas that strengthen their communities.

Through the programme, members build integrity, accountability,and astrong commitment to public service.

In March this year the city welcomed 50 newly selected junior councillors chosen from arecordbreaking 929 applications for the unique leadership programme.

NEWLYELECTED

Pierce Beaulieu has been elected as Junior Excutive Mayor

The grade 11 learner from the American International Schoolof Cape Town, saidheisexcited and honoured to start this new chapter.

Highlighting acommitment to collaboration and change, Beaulieu shared hisvision for improving opportunities foryoung people in the city during his term.

“My top priority is to bring impactful change in various ways. And to work withother junior councillors.I believe in an integrated approach to work on

The2026 Junior CityCouncilcohort together with the newlyelected executiveleadership following the official electionproceedings.This cohort represents adiverse collectiveof youngleaders from across Cape Town,united by asharedcommitmenttoleadership,active citizenship,and creating meaningful changewithin their communities.

projects thatwill bring thechange thatour city is lookingfor.”

He believes attentionshouldbe focused onissues such as genderbased violence, pollution and development projects.

When askedhow he plansto make youth voices more influential in local decision-making, he said he plans to engage directly with communitiesand visit schools to conduct surveys andamplify youngpeople’s voices.

POSITIVECONTRIBUTION

Taking the helm as Junior Deputy MayorisSamantha September, aGrade 11 learner from ParowHighSchool. Theteen saidshe cannotwait to take on the role,contributeto her community andmake ameaningful impact during her term

“I amexcited, but Iamaware it is ahuge responsibly because I will be advisingthe juniormayor.”

Askedabout key challenges facing young people today, September highlightedalack of

Mediavennoot maak belegginginjeug

SISKAMARTIN

Om vanjaar as mediavennoot by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV)seMatrikulant van die Jaar-kompetisie betrokke te wees, is vir Novus Media veel meer as ’n borgskap –dit is ’n belegging in die mense wat Suid-Afrika se verhaal volgende gaan vertel. Esmé Smit,uitvoerende hoof, sê die maatskappy glo sterk gemeenskappe word gebou deur mense wat hul stories vertel en hul stemme gebruik.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP STRENGTHENED AS JUNIOR COUNCILELECTS TOPOFFICIALS

awarenessand information among youth “Thereisa scarcity of knowledge among youth. So many of the youthare uninformed about thingsaround them.Even this JCC programme notmanyofthem know that it is about.”

Septembersaid they hope to address this gap in awareness and improve youth access to information during their term.

SeaPointHigh School learner Lunam Gusha has been elected Junior Speaker, while Lilah Barnes of Fairmont High School in Durbanville will serve as Junior ChiefWhip. For the past five years, Ward65councillor Donovan Nelson hasspearheaded theprogramme,helping shape its curriculum and expand its reach.

“As mediamaatskappy weet ons die volgende geslag is nie net ons lesers en kykersnie, hulle is ook ons toekomstige joernaliste, redakteurs, verkoopspersone, digitale skeppers en leiers.”

Die kompetisie ondersteun hul kernwaardes –gemeenskap, vertroue en relevansie –perfek. Dit vier die beste van plaaslike talent. Ouers, onderwyser en leerders vertrou die kompetisie is eerlik en deursigtig, en dit is relevant deur werklik ’n verskil in jong mense se lewens te maak.

VERWAGTINGVIRDEELNEMERS

Hoewel Novus Media vanjaar die eerste keer by hierdie kompetisie betrokke is, hoop hulle reeds elke finalisverlaat die eindronde met drie dinge: Selfvertroue; ’n netwerk van deelnemers, borge, beoordelaars, mentors en toekomstige vriende; en verruimde visie danksy die blootstelling.

Dit was presies Liam-Lloyd Doman, ’n finalis in 2025, se ervaring van die eindronde.

“Die kompetisie het my selfvertroue verbeter. Dit het my geleer om my vermoëns te vertrou en trots te wees op my prestasies, harde werk en persoonlikheid. Dit het my ook gehelp om beter onder druk te werk, terwyl ek lewensvaardighede soos kommunikasie, leierskap en selfdissipline ontwikkel het.

“Ek het waardevolle vriendskappe en sterk verbintenisse gevorm, wat my baie gehelp het in my eerste jaar van universiteit, omdat ek reeds mense geken het.

Dit het dit makliker gemaak om aan te pas,nuwe mense te ontmoet en meer gemaklik en selfversekerd in die nuwe omgewing te voel,” sê Doman.

Sy raad aan toekomstige deelnemers sluit hierby aan:

“Geniet elke oomblik ten volle, want daardie twee dae vlieg verby! Wees jouself, geniet die uitdaging en adrenalien, en waardeer die mense wat jy langs die pad ontmoet. Die kompetisie gaan nie net oor die titel nie, maar oor die

Liam-Lloyd Doman,finalis 2025 en ’n mediesestudent in sy eerste jaar, saam met Jeannine vanZyl,Novus Media se hoof vanpremiumpublikasies en inhoud.Doman sê die kompetisie het hom uit sy gemaksone gehaal en gedwing om meer selfvertroue te hê.“Dit het my laat besefdat ek in situasieskan aanpas waar ek voorheen souhuiwer of terugstaan.”

FOTO:LIENTJIE MENTZ

herinneringe en vriendskappe wat jy vir altyd saam met jou sal dra.”

Novus Media, een van Suid-Afrika se grootste en mees dinamiese mediagroepe, se wortels lê diep in gemeenskapsmedia en plaaslike joernalistiek wat mense se lewens raak.Volgens Smit publiseer die maatskappy van die oudste Afrikaanse koerante in die land.

“Rooi Rose, een van die mees geliefde Afrikaanse vrouetydskrifte in die land, is deel van ons familie. Ons het NovaNews gebou: ’n gratis, tweetalige, digitale nuusplatform, wat reeds in die top-10 van aanlynuitgewers in Suid-Afrika is.”

Boonop is Die Papier, die jongste weeklikse Afrikaanse koerant, in hul stal en bou die maatskappy ook nou aan die grootste skolesportplatform in Suid-Afrika. “Suid-Afrika het een van die hoogste jeugwerkloosheidskoerse in die wêreld. Te veel talentvolle jong mense verlaat die skolestelsel sonder dat iemand ooit vir hulle gesê het: ‘Jy is uitstaande. Jy het ’n bydrae om te lewer.Jymaak saak’,” sê Smit . Skandeerdie QR-kodeomdie inskrywingsvorm af te laai.Stuur ditteen31Julie na Linda Greyling by greylinl@ufs.ac.za.

Bellvilleadvocate crownedMrGayWorldSA

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Jacques Gous, amental-health advocate from Bellville, was crowned Mr Gay WorldSouthAfrica at aceremony held on 16 May in Pretoria —bringing the title home and shining aglobal spotlight on the causes he has championed for years.

The win caps what has been a remarkable journey for Gous, who grew up in apredominantly Afrikaans-speaking religious community that was hostile towards LGBTQ+ people andhas drawn on his ownlived experience of depression, anxiety and substance abusetobecome avoice for those who feel unseen and unheard.

RESILIENCEATTHEHEARTOFHISMESSAGE

In astatement shared by the Mr Gay World Organisation on its official Instagram page, Gous addressed the world with characteristic candor.

“Representing South Africa onthe global stage at Mr Gay World is both an honour andaresponsibility Icarry with immensepride,” he wrote. “As someone deeply passionate about fitness,personal growth, and meaningful advocacy, I believe this platform is about far more than appearance —it’sabout purpose, impact, and creating space for authentic conversations.”

Hisadvocacy is rooted in mental-health awareness and addiction recovery causesthat are, by his own account, deeply personal. He has attended support meetings twice weekly for four years, completing more than 400 meetings in that time.

“I understand the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and breaking the silence around struggles so many people face behind closed doors,” he said “Through my journey, Ihope to remind

MENTALHEALTH

oop virSA Terroir

ADVOCATE DRAWSFROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE TO BECOME VOICEFOR SUFFERINGPEOPLE

others that vulnerability is notweakness, andthathealing begins the moment we allow ourselvestobeseen andheard.”

BREAKINGTHESTIGMA, ONECONVERSATIONATATIME

Gous haslongused the Mr Gay World SouthAfrica platform as avehicle for advocacy, partnering with community organisations,schools andlocal safe spaces,and pushingfor more affordable outpatient programmes,communitybased support groups, better education andstrongerafter-careservices. He has pointed to thestark reality facing those in need, withprivate rehabilitation costing between R50 000 andR100 000, while state services arefrequently burdened by long waiting periods.

Hismessage to LGBTQ+ youth hasbeen consistent: “Stand up, speakup, and reach out.”

Now,asMrGay World, that message carries further than ever.

“No one shouldever feel ashamed of theirstory, their emotions, or their identity,” he said. “Every person deserves to feel valued, supported, andempowered to live authentically. Istand for resilience, hope, and thebelief thateven the smallest stepforward matters. ‘1%better than yesterday.’”

AWINFORMORETHANONECOMMUNITY

While Gous’scrown is apersonal triumph, he was clear thatthe victory belongs to afar wider circle.

“This journeyisbigger than me —it is for every individual who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or alone,” he said. “As Mr Gay World South Africa, Iamproud to represent notonly my country, but alsoamessage of courage, inclusivity, and compassion. Together, we continue to rise.”

. Those who wish to supporthis work or connectwithhim candosovia Instagramat@ jacques.gousorbye-mailing gousjr@gmail.com

Terroir-gefokusde wynmakers kan nog tot 12 Junie hul keurwyn inskryf virvanjaar se SA Terroir Wyntoekennings. Die topwyne wat dieKaapse wynland se terrein-kenmerke weerspieël, wordindié unieke kragmeting aangewys. Hierdie toekennings –gehou onder die vaandel van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Wynskouvereniging (SANWSV), wat ook die Veritas-toekennings aanbied –is in 2005 ingestel en ontvang jaarliks honderde inskrywings wat meeding om ses trofeë vir wyne uit spesifieke gronden klimaatsterreine —terroir synde die Franse termvir uitsonderliketerroirkenmerke.

Slegs wyne wat deur die Wyn en Spiritusraad (WSR) as wyn van oorsprong van 'n spesifiekewyk, 'n distrikwat niein meer as een wyk verdeel is nie, landgoedgeproduseerde wyne en enkelwingerdwyne mag vir die terroir-kompetisie ingeskryf word.

VIERVERSKILLENDETERROIRS

Christo Pienaar, voorsitter van SANWSV,sêhulle is trots om dieSA Terroir Wyntoekennings agt jaar gelede by hul portefeulje te kon insluit "Die kompetisie vier die vele verskillende terroirs van ons wynland en ons wynmakers se vaardighede om wenwyne daaruit te skep wat ons terroir en veelsydigheid beklemtoon,” sê hy. Uit al die wyne wat aan die SA Terroir Wyntoekennings deelneem, word'n nasionale wenner van elke kultivar en wynstyl aangewys deur ‘n paneel beoordelaars wat bestaan uit vyf Kaapse Wynmeesters.

Inskrywings vir die kompetisieisoop tot 3Junie, met laat inskrywings wat op 12 Junie sluit.

Beoordeling vind van 23 tot 26 Junie plaas en die wenners word op 12 Augustus by 'n dinee in die Lanzerac Hotel &Spa aangekondig.

Freemasterclasses atArtscapeTheatre

Artscape's series of free Saturday masterclasses, which opened last weekendaspart of the theatre's 55th anniversarycelebrations, continues with apacked programmerunning through to November.The sessions take placeinthe iSibaya Room on the firstfloor from 10:00 to 12:00, and areopen to artists, students,artsprofessionalsand general audiences. Seating is limitedand booki is ntial.

MARIONGRYPNAELKEGRAS-HOLM

MASTERCLASSESCONTINUE AS 55TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME EXPANDS

costumedesigner DavidPamplin. The4 July session,facilitated by Africa Melane, pl whatitm to buildas tainable

Marion Holmbring haar nuweeenvrouvertoning, Gryp elkegrasHolm,naDie Boer-teaterrestaurant op Saterdag 13 Junie om 20:30enSondag 14 Junie om 14:00.“Desperaatheid laat jou na grashalms gryp In Suid-Afrikaisons emosioneel desperaat om net asseblieftog bietjie positieftevoelenhoop te kry vir iets,”sêHolm.Komgrypsaam aan elkegrasHolm en loop uit met‘npositiewe uitkyk,‘nhoopvollehart en‘n groot gegiggel.Kaartjies kosR220.Bespreek by www.dieboer.comofby021 9791911.

. ElandrétreeopbyKapstadt BrauhausDurbanville op Vrydag 29 Mei om 20:00.Die deuremaak 18:00 oop. Kaartjies kosR220byQuicket

. TheRockyHorror Show is at Theatreonthe Bayin CampsBay currentlyuntil 31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16.Tickets startfromR200.BookatWebtickets or on 021 4383300

. Cape Town Operapresents Georges Bizet's Carmen, astory of passion, freedom and jealousy at Artscape until31May.Tickets from R180 at Webtickets. . Please,don't call me moffieruns at Artscape from 2to6 June.Nounder 16s. Tickets R150atWebtickets . Killer Queen –ALamtaDanceProduction runs from 4to20June at Theatreonthe Bay. Ticketsfrom R200 at Webtickets.

. ¡Pulso!-Classical Guitar &FlamencoDance PerformanceisatAllianceFrancaise, Loop Street on Friday 5June at 18:30.Tickets from R180 at Quicket. . Spoegwolf tree op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosvan R290 tot R350.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Cape Town Concert Series:Charl duPlessis –Mozart,Mambo &Merlot is on Saturday6 June at 15:00atThe Baxter.Tickets from R100 to R300at Webtickets.

. Rocco de Villiers:Klawer is by DieBoer-teaterrestaurant,Durbanville op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 en Sondag7Junie om 14:00.Kaartjies kosR280. Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021 9791911.

R260. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. TheBig Blues Showdownwith Albert Frost, Rich Pryor, Matt,Alecand more is at the Durbanville Golf Club on Friday 12 June at 19:45. Tickets R220 at Quicket.

. DonVino Saxy Vibes 8isatthe Grand Arena, GrandWestonSaturday13June at 19:00.Tickets R190 to R350 at Webtickets.

. CentreStage –Dancingintothe future is on Tuesday16June at 19:00atArtscape. TicketsfromR180 to R300 at Webtickets.

. Zaan Sonnekus tree op Vrydag 19 Junieom20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos vanR180 tot R220.Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net

. Eloff tree op Saterdag 20 Junie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos vanR140tot R180 Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net

. Bobbyvan Jaarsveld tree op Vrydag 26 Junie om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjieskos van R180 totR220. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net.

. Leah tree op Saterdag 27 Junie om 20:30by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R180 totR220. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net

. Prime Circleisatthe BarnyardTheatreTyger Valley on Wednesday 1Julyat19:30. TicketscostR280 at www.barnyardtheatre.co.za

. KickstArtTheatre bringsPuss in Boots,written and directedby Steven Stead, to the Baxter Theatrefrom 26 June to 18 July.Tickets from R250atWebtickets.

Navi Redd

Navi Redd komtreeopSaterdag30Mei om 20:30 en Sondag31Mei om 14:00 by Die Boer-teaterrestaurantinDurbanville op Toedie serenade-groepieDuo Decim destydsop diekampus vandie RAUvrouestudenteseharte vermurwehet,het hullegeen idee gehad watvoorlênie 'n Paar jaar later, in 2004, is Navi Redd geboreen het een vandie land se gewildsteacappela-groepe geword Ná 21 jaar tref dievyfmanskapsteeds gehorese oreenhartemet allesbehalwe instrumente. Hulle

sing, maak verskeie perkussie-instrumentena, en skep byklanke en ritmes slegsmet die gebruikvan asem, stembande,lippe en tonge.

Die groep se natuurlike talent om suiweren dinamieseharmonieë te skep word in elke vertoning met humor vervleg. Hul repertoiresluit 'n wyeverskeidenheidin–van Pink FloydenRobbie Williams totdie Bee Gees, MichaelJackson, die Rolling Stones en meer . Kaartjieskos R220.Bespreekby www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.

Warningofbeachingofpu

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The City of Cape Town has issued apublic warning afterpufferfish were spotted washing ashore along parts of the coastline following several days of strong southeasterly winds and large swells.

Officials said the phenomenon was linked to recent storm-related rough sea conditions and was considered anormal occurrence during periods of heavy swell activity.

According to the City puffer fish carry apowerful toxin known as tetrodotoxin, which can be deadly if ingested by humans or animals. “Even small amounts can pose serious healthrisks to humans and animals.”

Although the fish may appearharmless once stranded on beaches, authorities stressedthat they remain highly dangerous andshould not be touched or handled under any circumstances.

The City said changing ocean conditions can wash marine life, including puffer fish, onto beaches across Cape Town at any time.

DOGOWNERSURGEDTOREMAINVIGILANT

Residents walking dogs along the coast are being specificallyurged to keep pets on aleash and away from any marine animals washed up on shore.

“We advise the public please to keep their dogs on aleash and not allowtheir pets to come intocontact with the fish,” the City cautioned, “or consume the fish or any other marine animals.”

Officials warned that dogs are especially vulnerable because they mayattemptto sniff, bite or eat the fish.

“Ingesting even asmall amount can be

THE BEACHINGOFPUFFER FISHISPARTICULARLY CONCERNING FORDOG LOVERSASTHEY ARE TOXIC, SO OWNERS NEED TO BE CAREFUL

fatal,”the City added.

BEACHGOERSREACTTOWARNING

Severalbeachgoers said they were surprised tolearnabout the dangers posed by puffer fish washed up along the shoreline.

Table View resident Melanie Jagers said she often walked herdogs on the beach andwould now be extra cautious.

“I had no idea they were poisonous. My dogs sniff everything on the beach,sothis warning is definitely important.”

Bloubergstrand surfer Darren Crane saidhehad noticed unusualmarine life washing ashore after the recent strong winds

“The sea hasbeenreally rough lately, andyou do seestrangethingswashing up afterstorms. People need to be careful and nottouch anything.”

Beachwalker Connie Murphy said the warning was areminder for parents and pet owners to stay alert.

“A lotofchildrenand dogs get curious when they seefish on the beach.It’sgood that the City is warning people before something serioushappens.”

PUBLICASKEDTOREPORTSIGHTINGS

The City has encouraged beachgoers to remaincautious while visiting coastal areas,noting thatpuffer fish could wash

ashore “atany time, at anygiven location” while rough sea conditions continue. The public was also advised to avoid touching anymarineanimals found on beaches.

Authorities said public reporting helps officials monitor the situation and alert others to potentialdangers along the coastline.

. Anyone who spotspuffer fish or similar hazardsisencouragedtoreport sightingsby emailing SharkSpotters at info@sharkspotters. org.za

Confessions of achildhood fartgun

When Iwas nine, my mother accidentally turned me into afartgun. Iamnot exaggerating.

Ididn’t understand the mechanics of it at thetime but years later,wonderinghow muchpotential damage had been doneto my internal organs, Ilooked it up and was unpleasantly surprised.

But before we get to that, let meexplain WhenIwas little, my eczema was very bad and nothing that the talented doctors at RedCross Hospital didatthe timewas abletoget it under control.

My mother, who was very traditionalist, God rest her soul, tried everyhome remedyand old wives’ tale suggested This meant that most nights, beforebed my mother would give me atrustydose of Scotts Emulsion along with whatever homeremedy we were trying at the time. When Iwas nine, someonerecommended blomswael,orflowers of sulphur as it is calledinEnglish. Now, just an aside, flowers of sulphur is indeedagood remedyfor itching when used topically, but whoever advised my mother forgot to tellher that footnote.

So for at least aweek,every night, my mom gave me atable spoon of Scotts Emulsion and aglass of blomswael swirled in warm milk to drink. It didn’t quite dissolvesoitwas clumpyand grainy.It also tasted foul andsmelled like rotten eggs.

MYMOTHERHADACCIDENTALLY HELPEDMECREATETOXICFARTS

But what was far worse waswhatitdid to my insides.

The next day Iwould sit in classand try my hardest to subdue my gurgling tummy. Eventually Iwould fail and out would slip an SBD (silent but deadly) fart.

Normally the term SBDis tongue-incheek but with me, at the time, it was literal. My classmates would gag and groan as the rotten egg smell hung in the small classroom, clinging to the walls

If you were one of my classmates, I apologise. And I’m also sorrythatthis apology came decades late, but Iwas too embarrassed to admitthat it was meatthe time.

When one of the learners nearest me vomited after Ifarted, Iwenthome at the end of the week and stoically refused to keepdrinking the foul junk –which had had zero impact on my inflamed skin. Ilearned, many years later, that while not dangerous to my innards —thankfully blomswael causes agut reaction that releaseshydrogen sulphide. Besides smelling rotten, it is toxic inlargedoses. Put another way, my mother had accidentally helped me create toxicfarts thatcould have been weaponised

No learners were harmed in the misguided attempts to heal myitchy skin, but years later, when my daughter was bornand Icarried on the Scotts Emulsion tradition, Igave it ataste for old times’ sake. The next day my skin was inflamed Iread the label and discovered that the tonic was madefrom cod liver oil—and had triggered my fish allergy. It hadbeen the villaininmychildhood health dramas allalong.

So what is the point of this you mayask? Well, Idon’t have one. The most Igot out of that experience is asmall nugget of wisdom and avery funny story —and by writing this, along overdue apology —but Ihave no strong political or economic point to make today.

At the very least, Ihope thisstinky story brightened yourday. -LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY

Kommentaar // Comments

FUEL FORSPCA: MuhammedAsgar Dalvie and Muhammad Sanglaytackledthe 42,2 km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday24May dressedinanSPCArescue vehicle suit,all in an efforttokeep real rescue vehicles on the road.Dalvie Sanglaylaunched the“Put some Petrol in Our Tank”campaign to raiseR42 000 forthe Cape of Good HopeSPCA,the amount needed to fuelone SPCAInspectorate vehiclefor afullyear.Thecampaign has alreadyraised more thanR23 000 from supporters across Cape Town and beyond,but supporters canstillsupport the fundraiser.For more information on theSPCAemail spokespersonBelindaAbraham at comms@spca-ct.co.za

Stad se inwonersmoetgordel styf knoop

Die DA beskou homselfasdie partywat die Wes-Kaap diebestebestuur

Infrastruktuur in vergelyking met ander provinsies is vangoeie gehalte.Netjiesepaaie,meestemense het toegangtot skoon drinkwater, minimalekragonderbrekingsen skoon dorpe

Beleggersbakleiomhier te kanbelê, maarkom onskyk dieper.Hoë munisipalerekeninge forseer baie menseomhul huiseteverkoop en alternatiewe akkommodasie te soek waar hulslegs verantwoordelik isvir krag en watergebruik.

Dieres vandie munisipalerekeningisdan die huiseienaar se verantwoordelikheid. Om elkeaand te kanbad, het 'n luukse geword.Baie mense badslegs drieuit sewe dae.Die oorblywende vierdae word daar uit'nskotteltjie gewasomskoon te kom. Geisers word dan net aangesit vir ongeveer 'n uur en almalmoet vinnig badofstort voor die waterkoud word Elektriesestowe is verkoop om plek te maakvir gasstofies.Kos word niemeer daagliksvoorberei nie. Inwoners vind hullekan gasspaar deurvir twee tot

Graagwil ek reageer op Elsa le Grange vanWelgelegen se brief “Houopdie sentetel”(TygerBurger 20 Mei). Nie almal is so bevooreg soos jy om niesente te tel nie.Ons asmiddelklasgemeenskap word letterlik gemelk om nie eens te kanspaar vir enigiets anders nie. Ek verwys ook na persoonlike belasting en nouook deesdae meterfbelasting. Almal praat so gemaklik oordie woordspaar,maar hoekan ‘n mens met al die kostes watopgaan?

drie dae kosopeen slag te maak.Etesin'nrestaurant is gestaak

Mensehou die groot supermarkte se pamflette dop vir spesialeaanbiedingeomdie nodigetekoop.Met Shopritewat voorsieningmaak vir die laeinkomstegroep,kry ‘n mens gereeld'ntrollie metafgemerkte pryseopvrugtevan goeie gehalte, koppies sop, brood en vele ander items watmense koop om geld te spaar Voertuie staan en stof opgaar of word verkoop.Met die verhogings in brandstof hetuitstappies onbekostigbaar geword.Om'nUber of taxibuitespitstyd te gebruik, is heelwatgoedkoper.Risikovir smash and grab carjacking en hijacking hetteen 'n ongelooflike spoed toegeneem. Om te stap,het 'n risikogeword. Leegleërs en kriminelewag om elkehoek en draai om jou te beroof.Bankkaarteenselfone word in klereversteek, juweliersware en beursies word by die huis gelos. Uitlanders koop oral eiendom en omskepdit in bordeleensmokkelhuiseofsogenaamde studenteverblyf waar misdaad floreer.Skape word aangekoop watin die strateloop en geslag word in woonbuurte waar

lewende hawe onwettig is.

Plakkerskampe word toegelaat om oral opgerig te word.Tenteenhokke is oral sigbaar in die dorpe, parkies, langssnelweëenonder bruê,wat ‘n probleem word vir omliggende inwonersweens diefstalen inbrake. Die DA-bestuur vanStadKaapstad gloaan kruissubsidie waar die middelklasenmeer gegoede belastingbetalersvir die minderbevoorregtesmoet sorg deur hoëmunisipaletariewe te hef. Maar,asjy deur die plakkerskampe beweeg, sien jy onwettige krag en waterverbindings, duur karreenTV-skottels in oorvloed. Stad Kaapstad is besig om die belastingbetalers metsyhoë tarieweteverarm en hul lewensstandaardteverlaag om voorsiening te maak vir hul projekte, agendas en hoësalarisse vir diegene watdie besluitenamensinwonersmaak.Belastingbetalers se hulpkreteenversoekevir laer tariewe word ignoreer en inwonerswordgedwing om al hoemeer skuldtemaak om te oorleef. Dit is die ware realiteit om 'n inwoner vanStadKaapstad te wees.

LIZELLE STRYDOM, Chrismar

Onshet ongelukkig'ngemeenskap van“sponsors” geword en die gelukkige wenneromdit te wees, is onsasmiddelklas. Ons het nie 'n probleem om vir dienste(watwerk)tebetaal nie, maar hoekom moet netsekeremense meer betaal vir dieselfde diens wat gebruik word?

Dit gaan nieoor waar jy blyofhoe groot jou huis is nie; dit behoort te gaan oor hoeveelgebruik word

Ek weet vanmense watomtrent niksvir dienste betaal nie,oor waar hulle bly, maar gebruik selfsmeer waterasons omdat daar meer menseindie huis woon

Dink jy dit is regverdig?

Ek voel baie jammervir die mensewat afgetree is en wathul eiendom al jaregelede gekoop het toedit nog nie 'n gesogtebuurtwas nie,maar nousobaie virdienste moetbetaal dat dit amper onmoontlik vir hulle is om methul pensioen uit te kom.

SENTETELLER,E-pos

Hoop skolefokus netsoernstig op akademie as op sportprestasies

Ek hetnou al 'n paar keer lesersbriewe opgemerk waarin die skrywers klaoor die toestandvan rugbyby sekere skole— soos oor DF,enTygerberg. Vanwanneer af troefsport akademie?

Ek stuur my kinders skool toeomteleer,nie om bal te skop,slaan of gooi nie. Dit is belaglikdat kinders "gekoop"word, of duur sportafrigters aangestel word

sodat die eerstespan Saterdag kanwen. Om nie eens te praat vandie spesiale diëteendrukwat op die kinders geplaas word om op die veld te presteer nie, terwyl sommigeseakademieseprestasies daaronder ly.Ekhoop die skolemet die duur afrigters het ooknet die beste toerustinginhul wiskunde- en wetenskapklasse

Ja, buitemuurse aktiwiteiteisbelangrik vir emosionele, fisiekeengeestelikegroei en deelnamemoet aangemoedig word.Maar koester die metnatuurlike sporttalent en houdie fokusopakademieseprestasie Nie almal kaneendagSpringbokkeofProteas word nie.Wat daarvanasjou span Saterdag verloorhet! ESTHER,Durbanville

Runandwalkforeducationsupport

Asrunners, walkers and everyday South Africans set personal goals,anew localplatform is asking them to go the distance for learners and schools too.

ACape Town-born education crowdfunding platform is calling on South Africans to turn their next run, walk or personal fitness challengeintosupport for learners and schools facing real education needs.

Launched to create amore transparent and accessible way for communities to raise funds for education-related causes, GetGo Fund is now introducing #GetGoTheDistance, asportdriven public initiativethat invites people to use their own movement goals to rally donationsand awareness for education.

With race season energising Cape Town’s running community, the campaign taps into aspirit already familiar to many South Africans. Through #GetGoTheDistance, participants can choose an education campaign listed on the GetGo

SOUTH AFRICANSENCOURAGED TO TURN EXERCISEINTOLEARNER SUPPORT

Fund platform, pledge arun, walk or personal challenge to it, sharethe link with their communities, andencourage friends,family andsupporters to contributewhatthey can

The campaign is not limited to marathon runners. A5km,a weekly run club session,along walk,a gym challenge or any personal movement goal can form partofthe call.

CONCERNS

At the heartofthe initiative is agrowing concernthatmany learners,families and schools continue to face funding gaps that directly affect educational opportunity.

That concernisalready being reflected in the kinds of campaignsgainingtractionon GetGo Fund. In Cape Town, onecampaign is helping Masiphumelele High School retaina dedicated educator

Badisaaims to restoregiftofplay

Non-profitorganisation Badisa haslaunched its “Give One Hour” campaign ahead of Child Protection Week, which runs from 29 May to 5June 2026, calling on businesses across South Africa to help restore the gift of play to vulnerable children.

The campaign invites play parks, children’s museums, adventure parks, family entertainment venues and child-friendly businesses to partner with Badisa in one of two ways: donate one free hour of play or access to childrenconnected to Badisa programmes or donate one hour of profit

“For many children play is not something that happens naturally,” said Shannon Usher, Social Services ManageratBadisa. “Poverty, violence, neglect, trauma and unsafe environments often rob children of moments that are critical to healthy development. Yet play is far more than entertainment. It is how childrenprocess emotions, buildconfidence, develop social skills, solve problems and learn to trust the world around them.”

Achild climbing ajungle gym, visiting amuseum for the first time or laughing freely with friends may seem like a small moment, but for achild experiencing vulnerability

or trauma that moment canbecomepartofhealing, belonging and hope.

PROTECTIONTHROUGHJOY

Child ProtectionWeek is observed annually across South Africa to raise awareness aboutthe rights ofchildren and the collective responsibilitytoprotect them from abuse,neglect, exploitationand violence It serves asa reminder that child protectionisnot only aboutresponding when harm hasalready occurred, but also aboutcreatingenvironments inwhich children are able to thrive and developfully.

Through the “Give One Hour” campaign Badisa wants to translate awareness into practical action, encouraging organisations to use thespaces they already have, ones built forfun, creativity, adventure anddiscovery, tohelp restore positive childhoodexperiences forchildren who may not otherwise have accesstothem.

“Sometimes protectionlooks likesafetyand sometimes like joy,” said Adrie Jurgen, DirectorofMarketing, Communicationsand Fundraising at Badisa. “When children play, they connect, grow,imagine and heal.”

. To getinvolvedcontact Zoe Borchards on 021 9577130orat kuumba@badisa.org.za

Learn to cook French and Italian

As part of the master class cooking series of TheNoshbudha Cooking Club in Durbanville, an Italian bistromeal class willbepresented on Saturday6 June and on Saturday13June aFrench bistromealclass willbepresented Both classeswilltakeplace at Villa Pascal Guest HouseinVan der Westhuizen Avenue,Durbanville

In this masterclass series,food lovers canlearn to cook everyday French classics, as well as Mediterranean, Moroccan, Creoleand Italian bistro favourites. Theseriesisorganised by

whosework supports learners inside andbeyond the classroom. Anotherisraising support for alearner at Capella House to continue her primary schooling in an environmentwhere she is flourishing. Together, these examples show the rangeof needsthe platform is designed to service,from strengthening school capacity to helping individual learners remain on theireducational path

“Being part of GetGoFund at this stage is incredibly meaningfulbecause we are building something that speaks directly to needand possibility,” says Donna Shefer, CEO of GetGo Fund.

“Thereare so many South Africans who want to help, but they areoften unsure where to begin or whether their contribution will truly be felt. #GetGoTheDistancegives people aheartfelt starting point.”

GIFTOFGIVING

The initiative also demonstrates abiggerchange in how communities can engage with giving. Instead of waiting for large institutions or once-off interventions, it creates space for everyday SouthAfricans to become part of education support in astructured, visible way and with one pledge, one share and one donation at atime. How does it work? Choose acampaign. Pledge your movement. Share your link. Raise support.

Theinitiative offers a meaningful way to make upcoming race goals count for more.For thosewho are not runners, it is an invitation to get off thecouch, do something good for themselves, and turnthat effort into ashow of support for someoneelse’s future.

Because while one person may be chasing apersonal best, another may simply need the chance to stay in the race.

. Find acampaign to support and take part in #GetGoTheDistance at www.getgofund.org

culinaryenthusiastEugèneAntoine Lebreton andaims to equiphome cooksand domesticworkers with skills.The classes also provide an excellentnetworkingopportunity.

Theclasses arepresented from 10:00 to 13:00 andcostR600 per person,including ademonstration,a recipe, ingredients andlunch.

Spacesare limitedtoseven guests andpre-booking is essential.

. Contact Eugene on 082 5694147orbyemail to villapascalguesthouse@gmail.com

AIbotsmakeinroadsinrealestate

The image of the estate agent is deeply ingrained in theSouth Africanpsyche: asharply dressed professional withathick portfolio,a tank full of optimism, and aterritory carved outbysuburb and instinct. That agent is going extinct.

In their placerises anew breed —the bionic agent. Armed with predictive analytics, AI-powered lead generation, and an intimate understanding ofhow machines nowmediate the buyer-seller relationship, these agents aren’t just surviving the tech revolution. They’re leading it.

“Too many agents still thinktechnology is going to replace them,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of LewGeffen Sotheby’s International Realty. “They’re looking in the wrong direction. Technology isn’t here to replace professionals —it’shere to make you superhuman. The agent who embraces the tools will outperform the agent who fears them, every single time.”

THESNIPERRIFLE,NOTTHESHOTGUN

For decades, thestandard agent playbook was“farming” —blanketing a neighbourhood with flyers, hoping atiny

Technologyisgreatlychanging thefaceofrealestate salesacrossSouthAfrica

percentage might stick. It was avolume game:more calls, more showings,more luck.

Thatmodel is now economically untenable. With the primelendingrate stabilisingathigher levels, transaction efficiency isn’t aluxury —it’ssurvival. Every hour wasted on alow-probability leadis moneylost.

Enter predictive analytics. Tools like Lightstone’s “propensity to sell” modelling nowallow agents to analysevastdatasets —bondcancellation patterns, average holding periods by suburb, demographic shifts, even maintenanceand renovation trends —toidentify sellers before they’ve madea single decision.

“We’re movingfrom farming to sniping,”

Geffen explains.

“One tool that’sstreamlining our processsignificantly is LOOM’s global virtualagent, whichisalways-on-duty AI-powered software thatsimulates humanconversation via text or voiceto assist clients and agents access up-to-theminute informationonproperties on the market, to facilitatetransactions and to set up digital meetingsfor agents and their sellers and buyers. It’s arealestate tool currently in use by 400 000 companies aroundthe world, which makes Lew Geffen Sotheby’s InternationalRealty confident that it hasa stable and dynamic back end.

“Whatthis tech meansfor agents isgetting alist in theirareas of 150 addresses that are calculated to be statistically more likely to go on the marketinthe short to mediumterm. You’re notwasting timeoncold calls. You’re having warm conversations withpeople whoare already thinking aboutmoving. That’s not magic. That’s mathematics.”

THE24/7AGENTNEVERSLEEPS

Geffen says while South African agents sleep, the market doesn’t. And increasingly,the first point of contact between apotentialclient andabrand isn’t ahuman —it’sa machine.

Internationally, Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates are alsodeploying AI-

as they speak human.”

TRADITIONAL SALESPEOPLE ARE GOINGEXTINCT AS BIONIC AGENTS CHANGE THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY

poweredconversational agents that greet prospective clients 24 hoursaday. By simply scanningaQRcode in an agency window, apasserby caninstantly begin discussing their property project with an intelligentchatbot.

“Thesetools handle the first-level questions, qualify leads, andgather initial information before ahuman agent ever getsinvolved,” says Geffen. “That’snot a threat to the agent. That’s agift

“It means when you finally speak to that client,you’re notstarting from zero. You’restarting from informed. You can walk into that conversation knowing exactly what they want, what they can afford, andhow serious they are.”

The technology handles the routine; theagent delivers the relationship. The machine qualifies; the human closes.

THEGEOSHIFT: WHYGOOGLEJUSTCHANGEDTHEGAME

Perhaps the mostprofound shift happeningright now is invisible to most agentsbut will fundamentally reshape how properties are found.

It’s calledGenerative Engine Optimisation —GEO.

Here’s how it works: When abuyer asks GoogleGemini or ChatGPT aquestion –“Find me athree-bedroom house in Cape Town’s southern suburbs with solar and seaviews under R8 million” —the AI doesn’t just return links. It synthesises an answer frommultiple sources and presents it directly to the user. Thebuyer may neverclicka single website.

“Property portals are absolutely still relevant,” Geffensays.“But they’reno longer the only game in town. If your contentisn’t structured in away that AI can read, summarise, andtrust,you’re invisible in thenew search economy. Your listings need to speakmachine as fluently

This means agencies must rethink their entire digital strategy. Listings need clean data, structured formatting, and authoritative backlinks. Blog content must answer specific questions clearly. The algorithm doesn’t just want keywords —it wants answers.

“The agents who understand GEO will be the ones showing up in AI-generated search results,”Geffen says. “The ones who don’t will wonder why theirphone stopped ringing.”

THEHUMANELEMENT

For all the talk of algorithms and AI, Geffen is adamant about one thing: the technology enables the human; it doesn’t replace him or her.

“I don’t ever see realtors disappearing from the picture, because if covid taught us nothing else, we learnt that humans are sociable animals and we need human interaction —especially if that human happens to be ahighly trained property professional.

“Real estate is still apeople business. It’s still about trust, about reading aroom, about knowing when to push and when to pause. Amachine can’t do that. But a machine can tell you which rooms to walk into.”

Geffen says show houses and the marketing visibility of directional boards are also here to stay.

“Buyers need to fall in love with a home they’rebuying and the only way that happens is if they spend time in the space. These walk-throughs are their opportunity to discover the good and the bad for themselves, which will ultimately influence the clauses in the Offer to Purchase.”

Thebionic agent, then, isn’tacyborg, says Geffen. It’ssimply an agent who has learned to let data do the digging so he or she can do the dealing.

And in amarket where every advantage counts, that might just be the difference between agents surviving and thriving while ensuring sellers are happy with transaction prices and buyers have new homes they love, says Geffen.

Misrepresentation in property salesisalegal minefield

TheSouth African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) has warned that accurate accounts of properties forsale by owners, estate agents or auctioneers in South Africa are essential to avoid costly litigation and the cancellation of asale.

While the nature of auctions are based on the common law principle of voetstoots, meaning aproperty is sold “asis”, what is advertised and promoted about aproperty matters as these need to represent the true facts

Misrepresentations during the sales processcan expose careless or dishonest auctioneerstoserious legal liability.

SAIA chair, Joff van Reenen, says South Africancommon law recognises the concept of voetstoots.While widely relied uponincontracts of sale, voetstoots does notexcuse dishonesty or concealment. This is evidenced in recent court cases thatheld “where aseller, agent or

auctioneerknowingly makes afalse representation or fails to disclose material facts, the protection of voetstoots falls away. Abuyer is therefore entitled to rely on factual statements made about a propertyespecially where those statements induce thedecisiontopurchase or to bid.”

Sellers needtoremember that misrepresentations at any stage can carry legal consequences long after the hammer has fallen.

For auctioneers in particular casual claims or seller-supplied information that is given without checking the facts can become the basis of litigation.

Thelegal consequences can be severe. A purchaser who has been induced to buy apropertythrough misrepresentation may seek rescission of the sale even after transfer has taken place. In such cases the transaction is unwound with the property returned and the purchase price repaid.

Ourlocal specialists understand buyer demand and market trends, helpingposition your property correctlyfromday one to achieve the strongestpossibleresult.

MR PAVING

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