TygerBurger | Goodwood | E-edition | 6 May 2026

WHAT’S ON/WAT’SWAAR

SATERDAG9MEI

. Die NG kerk Bellville-Wes bied'ndans en kuier saam metChristoenCobus Snyman aanom18:00 tenbatevan hul uitreiknaMalawië.‘nVerskeidenheid sopen broodjies salsaammet ‘n glasiesjerrie bedien word.Gastekan ookhul eiepiekniekmandjieendrinkgoed saambring.Die kostebeloopR200ofR180 per persoon vir ‘ntafelbespreking vir agtmense. Kinders (tweetot 12 jaar) betaal R100(onder tweeisgratis). KontakMarykeby071 6432239 virmeer inligting Kaartjies is beskikbaarbydie kerkkantoorofstuur ‘n e-posnanavraag@bellvillewes.ng.org.za.

. Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelterwillhost itsannual gala dinner and auctionat18:30 at the TwoOceans Aquarium,celebrating three decades of servicetoKhayelitsha's animals and community. The fundraising event willfeature PippaHudson as host, withauctioneerGuy McDonaldleading aliveauction of exclusive itemsand experiences.Entertainment willincludea performancebythe Isibane Se Afrika Choir during the pre-drinksreception. Guests willenjoya two-coursedinnerwith complimentary wineand dessert.Tickets areavailable at Quicketorcontact fund@mdzananda.co.za.

. TheGreater Simonsberg Conservancy(GSC) is inviting the public to lace up their hiking boots and runningshoes forWalk forthe Wild,a 10 km trailrun and hiketaking placeatDelheim Wine Estate.Trail runners willstart at 08:00 sharp,while hikers canopt forarolling startbetween 08:00and 10:00. Participants areencouraged to join thefun by dressing in leopard-themedoutfitsfor the Best DressedLeopard competition, with prizes awarded forthe most creative entries. Entriesare limited and availableat Quicket.

THURSDAY14MAY

. U3A Tygerbergwillmeet at Stellenberg Gemeente on thecorner of MountainViewDrive and Edelweiss Road.This month's speaker is AnnemarieVan Zyl from the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. Doorsopen at 09:00 fortea and coffee.Speaker takesthe floor from 10:00.R10 forU3A membersand R20 forvisitors.

WOENSDAG20MEI

. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub kombyeen by die NGkerk ParowWelgelegen(La Provencestraat 47,Welgelegen) om 09:30vir 10:00. Diesprekersis Althea Higham, wat‘n“parallel”-demonstrasiesal doen,enMarco Moorsvan Lowensvlei Blomplaasoor snyblomme.Die tema vandie blommekunskompetisieis“Elegansie”. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864vir meerinligting

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe SummerGreens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, SummerGreens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Formoreinformation contact CJ Jacksonon072 8301966(WhatsApp).

SUNDAY31MAY

. Discoverthe hidden secretsand relics of an abandoned WW2MilitaryBaseinLlandudno,during aspecial “Top secret”Heritage Tunneland Bunker Tour forTourism Month. Thetrail starts at the bigGun inApostlesBattery Llandudno at 10:30, and willend in thesamespot.Explorersneedtobewalking fit,as thereare stepsand obstaclestohurdleand laddersto climb. Childrenneedtobeaccompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 20.Ticketsare R295 per person. Email Mattaatmattweisse@mweb.co.zatobook.

SATURDAY6JUNE

. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub’snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout ourhobby of crystals,gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls, chat to membersand find your special item. Plenty of off-roadparking. Food available.

FRIDAY12JUNE

. TheMitchells PlainUnitedResidents Association (Mura) willbehaving aGolf Dayaspartofthe area's 50thanniversarycelebrations. It willbeheldatthe RoyalCapeGolf Club on Friday12June.The eventwill caterfor 120players over six to eight waterholes. Mura is in need of prizes, waterholesponsors, contents for goodie-bags,and auctionitems forthe prize-giving dinners.For moreinformation, contact Norman Jantjes at 083628 4421.

SUNDAY28JUNE

. Step intoa worldwherewintermeets highfashion at theWinter Wonderland FashionShow2026, presentedbyKairosEvents &Model Management at RooftoponBree, 170BreeStreet. This showcase brings togetheremergingand establisheddesigners, aspiring models, and fashionloversfor an unforgettablerunwayexperience setagainst the stunning Cape Town skyline.Dress Code: DresstoImpress –High Fashion Edition. Ticketsavailable viaQuicket

Safetynightoperation targetscrimehot-spots

ITheoperation wasconducted in Bellville,Parow and Goodwoodalong Voortrekker Road.

that landlords their properties.

ome without ensuring roversight of tributes to ongoing rea.”

ERATIONS that certain properties d“bed andbreakfast” raised concerns. mises presenting rm accommodation, linked to illicit prostitution. nts will be details will be City for further

here necessary, eferred to other “Where there are buildings potentially nted individuals lawfully, these will be appropriatedepartments, Department of Home Affairs, ksaid.

2councillor, also rns regarding the student accommodation in andmore property buildings into ion.

everalongoing avisit recently. These pying public open nts, illegal informal rekker Road, drug brothels, problem yillegal squatters, ep by night clubs, and businesses sellingalcohol without the necessary liquor licence.

Manguiltyof R9.2 million

Ponzi schemefraud

A62-year-old man has been found guilty by the Parow Magistrates’ Court of running aPonzi scheme thatdefrauded investors of more than R9,2 million. Andrew Paul Futcher appeared in court on Tuesday 28 April last week, having operated the fraudulent investment scheme between 2010 and 2011 under the name Ablaze Trading CC. He solicited funds from thepublic with promises of guaranteed monthly returns of 10%, Zinzi Hani, spokesperson for the Hawks, said.

THESCHEMEEXPLAINED

Futcher directed investor funds into an Ablaze TradingStandard Bank account, claimingthe money would be invested on the stock market throughregistered brokerage DWT Securities. Instead, he used the funds for extravagant purchases andpaid earlier victims using money received from newly recruited investors, said Hani.

Approximately nine victimslosta combined total of more thanR9,2 million

CONVICTIONDETAILS

Futcher was convictedonthe following counts:

. 17 counts of theft amounting to R9 251 000;

. One count of forgery;

. One count of uttering;

. One count of contraventionofthe

FinancialAdvisory andIntermediary Services Act (FAIS Act) 37 of 2002;

. One count of contraventionofthe Banks Act;

. One count of money laundering in termsof sections 4and 8.

PREVIOUSCONVICTION

This is not Futcher’sfirst brush withthe lawfor similarconduct.Hewas previously sentenced in April 2004 to 12 years’ imprisonmentfor offences of asimilar nature, Hani said.

SENTENCINGDATESET

The matterhas been postponed to 2June forsentencing. Futcher was released on strict bailconditionsinthe interim

Trekkerklubopennuweklubhuis

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Die WP-veteraantrekker-en-enjinklub het 'n splinternuwe baadjie aangetrek. Verlede naweek is sy opgeknapte klubhuis heropenom26 jaar se gedeelde passievir ou trekkers en plaaserfenis te vier.

Gaste van heindeenverre het die geselligheidbygewoon waardie nuut verfraaide ruimte, vol dekades se onthou, in dieklub se De Jongh-museum te sien is.

Memorabilia en foto's van trekkertogte en plattelandse feeste wat oordekades heen geneem is, hang nou teen diemure— onder meer herinneringe aan die jaarlikse togtenadie Calvinia-vleisfees, wat die klub al 'n kwarteeu lank onderneem

Ook te sien is 'n fotoversameling van die klub se betrokkenheid bydie Kaapse Karnaval,waar veteraantrekkers ses jaar lank die sierwaens getrek het —tot enmet die pandemie.

"Met 65 000 toeskouers was die vibe fantasties," onthou Hannes Rheeder, klubvoorsitter en stigterslid.

'n Groot versameling antieke implemente wat destyds op plase gebruik is,sluit in ou plaasimplemente, naaimasjiene, huisgoed en selfs 'n ou mampoerstoker met 'n aksynsnommer.

Teen 'n muur pryk 'n 130-stuk versameling mini-modeltrekkers,asook 'n modelvan die Alwyn Vincent —die laaste stoomsleepboot in Suid-Afrika. Eenvan dieklublede het destyds gesorg vir die vervoer van die boot van die Kaapsehawe na Villiersdorp.

KULTUURHERLEWING

Rheeder sê die tyd was ryp vir 'n opknapwerk. "Die plek was 'n bietjievaal, en onswou iets anders doen omledemeer aktief betrokke by dieklub te maak,"sê hy.

Die resultaat is 'n kultuurherlewing wat lede se gedeelde geskiedenis oproep

MATRIKULANT VANDIE JAAR-KOMPETISIE

GASTEKOM VANHEINDE EN VERRE OM IN VERFRAAIDE

NUWE RUIMTE FEESTE

VIER EN HUL PASSIE VIR

TREKKERSMET MEKAAR TE

DEEL EN UIT TE LEEF

Dit het begin met twee broers en 'n gedeelde liefde vir ou trekkers.

Simon enPietdeJongh het die klub26 jaar gelede informeel totstand gebring as 'n tuiste vir mensewat dieselfde passie deel —'nplekwaar veteraantrekkerentoesiaste bymekaar kon kom.

Veertien jaar gelede is die De Jonghmuseum en klubhuis amptelik geopen en die klub formeel gestig.

Die onlangse opknapprojek was geen klein onderneming nie.

"Dit was'ngroot taak oor baie weke," sêRheeder. "Maar vele hande maak ligte werk.Almal hetingespringomtehelp." Vir die sportliefhebbers is daar ook 'n groot TV in die klubhuis geplaas.

Vir Rheedergaan dit egter oor meer as net'nmooi ruimte. "Die groot doelis die bewaringvan veteraantrekkers en ou plaaserfenis, én om die jeug betrokke te maak,"sêhy. En dié doel word geleef.Die klub se jongste lid is in graad 8; die oudste is Rheeder self.

Hulsowat 50 lede komuit Kaapstad, Strand, Rawsonville, Augrabies en so ver as Clanwilliam, 'n ware Westelike Provinsie-verbintenis.

Jaarliksrylede hul trekkers oor vyf daedeur die Tankwa-Karoo na die gewilde Calvinia-vleisfees, en die klub se uitstalling by die Killarney-motorskou kryelke jaar groot aftrek. Oor naweke verruil lede die stad vir ou plaaspaaie en die dageindig, soos dit hoort, om 'n knetterende vuurtjie by die klubhuis

Wyegeleentheid wagopdié watinskryf

SISKAMARTIN

Vir meer as 40 jaar maak die Matrikulantvan dieJaarkompetisie'nverskil in die lewe vanhonderde jong mense wat hulloopbaan aan dieUniversiteit vandie Vrystaat (UV) begin het. Vanjaar saldit nieanderswees niemet die45stekompetisiewat vandeesweek begin.

Dit is nienet diebekendstelling vandie 2026-kompetisienie;die UV is ookopgewonde om NovusMedia as nuwe mediavennootvir die kompetisieteverwelkom.

NovusMedia, 'n filiaal vanNovus Holdings, het'n nasionale voetspoor van36 gratis gemeenskapskoerante,'n nasionale koerant, DiePapier, en 'n sterkdigitale en sosialemediateenwoordigheid

Alle artikels oor diekompetisie salinhierdie gedrukte publikasies gepubliseer word,asook op hul webwerwe, bykomend daartoe datdit gratis gelees kanwordop novanews.co.za

Weer kanveelsydige matrikulante vanoor dieland heen hulself inskryf virdie kompetisie, watverlede jaar gewenisdeur KiaraSubramanian,'nvoormalige leerder aan dieEunice High School in Bloemfontein.

Kiarasêsysal altyd dankbaar wees datsydie kompetisiegewen het.

"Nie netoor dietitel nie, maar oor diemense watdit in my lewe gebring het," verduidelik sy "Dit hetmyinstaat gestel om metinspirerende, vriendelikeen doelgerigteindividuekontakte maak, waarvan baie nou saam met

Dievisekanselier en rektor vandie UV,prof. Hester Klopper,issaam metKiara Subramanian, die 2025-wenner vandie Matrikulantvan die Jaar-kompetisie

FOTO:CHARL DEVENISH

my diepad vanmediese studie stap."

Virhaar hetdit veel meer betekenisvol as net'nkompetisie geword –dit behelsook vriendskappe, ondersteuningen'n gedeeldebegrip dat"onsalmal na iets groterasonsselfgestreefhet". "Asekterugkyk, dinkekwat diekompetisie my werklik geleer het,isdie belangrikheidvan

verbondenheidenaanmoediging. "Dit hetmygewys hoe kragtigdit is om omring te wees deurmense watjou ophef en motiveer."

SÓSKRYFJYIN

Matrikulante vanoor dieland heen watleiersenpresteerdersin akademie,kultuur en sportis, en watbeplanomvolgendejaaraan dieUVtestudeer,kan hulle virdie

deurd ng na dieeindronde van5 tot7Oktober in Bloemfontein.

Diewenner en finalisteontvang prysgeld,beurse en geskenke, terwyl semifinalisteook pryse en beurse ontvang Inskrywingsluit op 31 Julie.

.Skandeerdie QR-kodehierbo, laai dieinskryfvorm af,vul in en stuur terugnaLindaGreyling by greylinl@ufs.ac.za. Kontak haar ook vir meer inligting.

Runningupmilesforschoolshoes

More than 2800 children now have school shoes, thanks to agrowing initiativesparked byafirst-time runner who saw creative possibilities in turning kilometres intoaway to meet abasic educational need.

“My background is in higher education, and Iwas surprised to learn howmany of thestudents walked to school without proper footwear when they were younger When Itook up running last year atthe age of 60, the idea came to me: ‘Whatif every kilometre Iran could put apair of shoesona kid’s feet?’” says Craig Rowe,who leadsCDR Equipping,a nonprofit company focused on community development, leadership training and mentorship, among other community upliftment and ministry-related outreach projects.

MYWALKMADEWITHSOUL

What started as one man’s idea to encourage businesses and friends to sponsor apair of “My Walk Made with Soul” school shoes for each kilometre of his first Two Oceans half marathon has since germinated intoa networkof support that has already donated nearly R100 000 worthofshoes, benefitting almost three thousand children across South Africa so far.

“As Iset out on the Two Oceans Half Marathon, Itripped and faceplanted into the ground. Iwas bleeding, but afellow runner kindly offered me atissue, and I kept going. Iwas determinedtocomplete therace, knowing that those kidsneeded their shoes,” Craig remembers.

Word of Craig’s campaign reached other runners, and more people dedicated their runs to raise funds. Donations were flowingthrough theLove Cities community initiatives, where Craigserves

PROJECTPROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED SCHOOL SHOES TO UNDERPRIVILEDGED LEARNERS

as nationalpartnership lead.

UPCYCLEDSHOES

The shoesthemselves tell an interestingstory. Theinnovative upcycling programme reclaims highquality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from uncontaminated, safe healthcare waste, suchas drip bags and tubing,collected from participating Netcare hospitals in Gauteng andKwaZulu-Natal. This PVC is PVC diverted from landfill andupcycled to make My WalkMade with Soul school shoes that are shiny, comfortable, and durable.

Through partnerships with donors, ranging from individuals such as Craig to religiousand civil organisations and businesses large andsmall, over418 432 pairs of My Walk Made with Soul school shoes have beendonated to children throughout South Africa sincethe innovativeproject started in 2020.

“Withoutproper shoes, children risk cuts, infections, andinjury, and ill-fitting or worn-outshoes can also cause long-term footproblems, affecting their physical development and mobility. This represents amajor obstaclefor children’s education,” saysDelanie Bezuidenhout, general managerofMyWalk Made with Soul.

“You’dbesurprised howmucha pair of shoesaffects achild’seducation.With shoes on their feet, children are more likely to attend school consistently,

concentrate better in class, and participate fully in school life.Wehave seen what a simple pair of shoesmeans for achild in quintile one and two schools,where these necessitiesremainout of reach for many families.”

Over 166 586kg of PVC from drip bags and tubing sorted safely at thesehospitals have been diverted from landfill to date through this circular economy inspired school shoe project, which supportslocal manufacturing and jobcreation alongside social and environmental sustainability.

AnnieJrproduction hitslocalstage

The Drama Labwillbring aheartwarming dose of musical theatre to the communitythis Maywithits 2026 annual production of Annie Jr,staged at TableViewPrimarySchool.

Running from Friday8May to Saturday 16 May, the production promises nostalgic, singablefavourites and an uplifting story that continues to resonatewith audiences of allages. This year’s productionisled by director Julie Dickson, with choreography by Tamsin Williams and Bethany Dickson, and musical direction by RaéSwart

PRODUCTION WILL RUNFROM8-16MAY

The90-minuteadaptationfeatures a 53-strong cast of youngperformers from TheDrama Lab, aDrama andMusicalTheatre training studiobased in TableView.

Audiences canexpect iconic songs including Tomorrow and It’saHardKnock Life,asthe production brings thebeloved storyofthe spiritedorphan Annietolife.

AnnieJr followsthe journey of ayoung orphan living under the care of thestrict Miss Hannigan. Believing her parents will

one dayreturn forher,Annie’s life changes when billionaire Oliver Warbucks invitesher to spend Christmasathis home. Performances take placeatTableView PrimarySchool, madepossiblethrough the school’s support in providingrehearsaland performance facilities . Performances runfrom8–16May, with matineesonselecteddates. Tickets startfromR165 andare availablevia Quicket.

Dancetalent takescentre stage

AndersonCarvalho Dance& Choreographywillpresent the inauguralACDC Duet Xchangeatthe Homecoming Centre's Star TheatreonFriday22and Saturday23May, establishing anew bi-annual platform forSouth Africa's contemporary dance movement

Theevent received over90submissions forits inauguralopen call,reflecting significantinterest in platforms supporting

originalchoreographic work.ACDC Duet Xchangecelebratesthe artofthe duet throughaprogramme combiningcollaborativeexchange andcompetition

Winnersreceive R30 000 plus the opportunitytocreatenew work forACDC DanceIntersect2027, withanadditional R15 000audience awardavailable. CuratorAnderson Carvalhoselected finalists basedonworksthatmoved

"beyond geometryintofeeling", seeking contemporarypiecesgrounded in storytellingthrough movement

An independentjurywillmakefinal awarddecisions. "Weare building aplatform wherechoreographersare empowered to take risks, collaboratemeaningfully,and be seen,"saidCarvalho . Tickets cost R150and areavailable at Webtickets.

Cape Town Opera to present ‘Carmen’

Cape Town Opera(CTO) willpresent anew productionofGeorgesBizet's Carmen at theArtscape OperaHouse from 19 to 31 May, marking thecompany's return to classic repertoirewith one of opera'smostpopular works.

Theproduction, directed by Steven Stead, willbeset in 1931-'32 Seville andfeaturesCTO's vocalensemble, children's chorus,and theCape Town Philharmonic Orchestraunder conductorTim Murray

Theoperatells thestory of passion, freedom andfatethrough Bizet's score, which includes well-known pieces such as the"Habanera"and "Toreador Song".

STELLARCASTLEADSPRODUCTION

Cape Town Operahousesoloist

NonhlanhlaYende willperform thetitle role,withtenor Lukhanyo Moyake as Don José.GuestartistVuvu Mpofu takesthe role of Micaëla, while baritone Conroy Scottwillplaythe bullfighter Escamillo. Thecastalso includes BrittanySmith as Frasquita and KhayakaziMadlalaasMercédès.

Thecreativeteamincludes set designer Greg King, costume designer Maritha Visagie,and choreographer Naoline Quinzin, who willwork with professional dancers to incorporate movement intothe production.

Theopening performanceon Tuesday19May coincides with Artscape's 55th anniversarycelebra-

theatrical vision Carmen,which premiered in 1875, remainsone of theworld's most frequentlyperformed operas,known forits memorablecharacters and melodies.

Six performances arescheduled: eveningshows at 19:00 on 19,21, 27 and29May,withmatinee performances at 14:00on23and 31 May. . Ticketsare available at Webtickets or theArtscapebox office on 021421 7695.Student, pensionerand groupdiscounts areavailable withappropriate identification or minimum booking requirements

Thetitle role willbesung by themagnetic CTOhousesoloist

Bellvilleadvocate reachesMrGay WorldSA2026

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAURICIA.PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Amental-health advocate from Bellville has secured aplace among the top 10 finalists forMrGay World South Africa 2026, using his platform to championaddiction recovery and LGBTQ+ supportincommunities wheresuch conversations remain taboo.

Jacques Gous, who grew up in a predominantlyAfrikaans-speaking religious community that frowned on LGBTQ+ people,draws on personal battles withdepression, anxiety andsubstance abuse to break stigma wherever he encounters it and create safe spaces for others with similar or related challenges. His advocacywork stems from recognising how mental-health struggles were hidden in his community. After experiencing his own turning point Gous realised many people suffered in silence without accessible support, making recovery aremoteorunattainable prospect.

“That personal experience [and the realisation afterwards] drivesmyworkto break stigma and start conversations,” he pointed out in arecent interview

The 2026finalist has committed to consistent recovery practices,attending support meetings twiceweekly and completing more than 400 meetings across four years.

PLATFORMFORCHANGE

For Gous the Mr GayWorld South Africa title represents morethan recognition; it’s an opportunity for advocacy and leadership. He viewed the pageant in terms of impact rather than appearance, developing triumphant advocates rath

FINALISTCHALLENGES

City endorsesdraft National Rail Master Plan

from Cape Town’s Rail Business Plan, which found that lower-income households would save an estimated R932m ayear if trains were working as they should in a devolved, integrated transport system. City feasibility studies intoaviable devolution handover found that Prasa and national government first needed to restore Cape Town’s rail network operations to 620 000 daily passenger trips, which existed prior to the steady collapse of rail over the last decade.

NOROOMFORCITYTOCROSS-SUBSIDISE

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomedrenewed rail devolution commitments in the draft National Rail Master Plan released for public comment by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. He alsocalls for clear deadlines on such devolution, giventhe urgent need for affordable, integrated public transport for residents, especially lower-income households. The Master Plan reaffirms “the future devolutionofurban rail to municipalities, guidedbyaNational DevolutionStrategy” as an important development in nationalrail policy (section 3.10). There are also plans for a national Rail Planning Unittooversee thedevolution(section13.4).The plan further praisesCape Town’s proactive station-precinct planning,an“aspect [that] needs to be driven by the metros and local authorities working with [the rail agency] Prasaasisnow done by Cape Town.”This is part of themetro’s long-term vision for upgradedstation precincts, including affordable housing, overthe next two decades

STIGMA AROUND LGBTQ+ AND DRUG RECOVERY

stronger after-care services.

This impassionedadvocate for anew, healthier and wider perspective on the human condition in its all-encompassing diversity emphasises practical approaches to creating supportive LGBTQ+ spaces, peer-led support andopen conversations aboutmental healthand addiction as well as accessible pathways to help.

Hismessage to LGBTQ+ youth centres on three core principles: “Stand up, speak up,and reach out.”This translates to setting boundariesand seeking help, sharing feelings with trusted people,and connecting with others through support groups or simple phone calls.

Gous shared an example of how conversation can save lives, describing how heintervened with asupport group member who was abouttouse substances. That individual late hared their vival

“We welcome government’s renewed commitment to rail devolution in this National Master Plan. Thenext crucial stepisfor Minister Creecytofinalise the draft National Rail Bill and Devolution Strategy as soon as possible. Thedraft Master Plan is silent on devolution time frames, andour City’s submission will call for clear andurgent deadlines. Cape Town standsreadytobethe first metro to run its local trains, andweare encouraged that the MasterPlan acknowledges our City’s Rail Business Plan andproactive planning.

ONE-TICKETSYSTEM

“In timewewant to see Capetonians using just one ticket to hop from train to MyCiti bus and other forms of public transport. Only capablemetros can deliver asafe, reliable and affordable one-ticket system in linewith ourconstitutional mandatefor integrated publictransport.”

The National Master Plan cites research

“The City’s Rail Business Plan explored nine devolution scenarios, identifying the three most viable options,” said Mayco member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas. “All viable options involve the devolution of rail services, associated assets and infrastructure to the City with the participation of the privatesector operating services on acontractual or comprehensive concession basis. The Business Plan also rules out less viable devolution scenarios where infrastructure remains owned and managed by Prasa, and where the City operates the rail service rather than the privatesector.

“Crucially, the plan concludes that devolution is possible only with funding from the national fiscus, with no room within the rates base of the City to cross-subsidise rail. TheCityalso needs to have authority over fare setting, access to long-termnational grant funding and to generate local revenue through public-private partnerships and commercialisation. This is in line with the City’s constitutional mandate for integrated transport planning across different public-transport modes.”

BACKBONE

Under the Cape Town Long-Term Plan, which setsout the City’s overall strategic goals until 2050, 75% of passenger trips are to be made with public transport, with rail as the backbone of an integrated system under City control.

Kommentaar // Comments

Beyond the ballot:Are youngvoters really politically aware enough?

Irecently stumbled upon a Facebook memory that took me back seven years, to an election year,toayounger version of myself, and to amoment Ihave notquite let go of.

Iwas ajournalism studentthen, on the eNCA election bus, and live on television when Iwas asked asimple question: "Are you voting?"

Isaid no. Around me, the answer was almost unanimously yes. My response landed awkwardly, as Iexpected it would. It was not because Idid notunderstand the importance of voting.

Idid. Political awareness was not foreign in my home.

But Ialso understood something else: the framing theory. This is atheory in communication of understandinghow meaning is shaped not only by what is said,but byhow it is presented, interpretedand socially received. At its simplest, framing is the process of selecting certain aspects of reality and making them more prominent in communication, so that a particular interpretation is encouraged. The same issue can therefore produce entirely different reactionsdepending on the frame attached to it

Conversations about politics among young people were, and often still are, uncomfortable terrain.

Speak too earnestly and you risk being labelled "too serious". Push too far and the conversation dissolves into humour.

Deflection or disengagement

Politics becomes something to joke about, avoid, or reduced to personalities rather than policy.

Africans navigating politics with adegree ofawareness, but withoutconsistentspaces that nurture, challenge and deepen thatunderstanding.There is curiosity,but not always guidance.

There is exposure, butnot always explanation.

Politics is notanimage.Itisnot public relations

It shapes the costofliving, the safety of our communities, the quality of education andthe opportunities available to young people.

It requires more than following personalities or slogans. It requires lookingatleaders and parties critically, weighing their positions,manifestos andgovernance records, and makingdecisions grounded inunderstanding rather than allegiance.

Now, seven yearslater, as the countryapproachesanother localgovernment election,Ifind myself returningtothatsame question. Notwhether young people will vote, but whether they arebeing preparedtodecide.

Because voting, on its own,is notthe endpoint of democracy.

It is only meaningful when it isinformed. Aballot castwithout clarityis participation in form, but notalways in substance.

We cannotcontinuetomeasure civic engagementpurely by turnout,while ignoring the uneven foundation on whichthat participation rests.

YOUNGPEOPLEARE CONSISTENTLY ENCOURAGEDTOVOTE, BUTNOTALWAYS EQUIPPEDTO UNDERSTANDWHAT THATPARTICIPATION DEMANDS. ..

So Ianswered deliberately. Not to reject democracy, but to disrupt the script.

Iwanted to see if anyone would pause long enough to ask why.

Very few did.That moment has stayed with me, not because of the answer Igave, but because of the gaps it revealed.

Young people are consistently encouraged to vote, but not always equipped to understand what that participation demands. We are told our voices matter, but seldom guided on how to interrogate manifestos, unpack ideology, or position ourselves within acomplex political landscape. Participation is promoted. Political literacy, far less so. At the time, my answer frustrated people close to me.I was accused of making myself appear uninformed in apublic space. How could Isay that, on live television, during an election cycle? But Iunderstood the power of framing.

Iwas willing to sit with that discomfort because the moment was never about appearing clever. It was about forcing aconversation that toooften remains avoided, even in spaces that are meant to encourage engagement

In many ways, Iwas not standing as an individual in that moment,but as areflection of abroader reality, young South

McLaren Circussparkspublic outcry

Thecircus hashit town! Therecentarrival of McLaren Circus, an animal performance outfit,has gotboth Milnerton residents andBeautyWithout Cruelty South Africa up in arms in protest ("Circus opposes claims", TygerBurger 29 April).

Political understanding remains fragmented. In somespaces it is actively discouraged, treated as divisive or unnecessary. In others, it is reduced toslogans, party loyalty, or surface-level debates thatdo little to build critical thinking

The result is ageneration expected to participate in a system they are not always fully equipped to navigate.

This is notanargument against voting. It isanargument against shallowengagement.

Importantly, these conversations cannot be confined to formalspaces alone. They must exist in homes, schools, campuses,communities and media platforms. They must be normalised amongpeers, not avoided. Political literacy should notrequire aspecialised interest or professional background. It should be part of howwe understand the world we live in.

The challenge isnot apathy. It is access, to knowledge, to dialogue, to spaces where politicalunderstanding is developed rather than discouraged.

As local elections draw closer, the questionshould notonly be howmanyyoungpeople will showupat the polls.

It shouldbewhether they arearriving there with clarity, confidence and asense of urgency.Whether they understand notjust who they are voting for, but why.

Becauseparticipation without understanding is not enough. -NAMHLAMONAKALI

Objections, against,among other things, cruelty,confinement, transport andethics.

To that list add the objection to forcing cagedanimal beingstoperform oneor other "trick"for the enjoymentofhuman beings!

McLaren claims to be compliant with the license, transport,permits andinspection requirements of the PerformingAnimal Act, Cape Nature andthe SPCA.

Additionally to the above,inits attempt to defend the indefensible, it trots out a flawed statistical argument.Itsays: “... we had2250 peopleattendour shows.We

countedapproximately43protesters. This is aratio of 52 circus supportersfor every oneprotester”.

Thecynicism in this defencecan be puncturedbythe simplebut probingquestion of :“Have anyofthose 52 really been interviewedtoget their informed view of caged, confined andrestricted animal beingsbeing forced to perform fortheir amusement? Have theybeen given anyinsight into what happens to the sheer spirit andsoul of thesebeautiful wildcreatures whentheyare cagedand confined forthe duration of their livesand many, like lions, areforcedtoperform “under the whip”?

They have not.

It might be of interest forMcLaren to note that “Eventhe devil mayquote the biblefor his ownpurposes” LOGANGOVENDER,Milnerton

Waarommoet

dierely

oor mensesegedrag?

Ek stem 100% saam met “Onsisdie oplossing" en "Bunny report misrepresents facts of whatishappening on theground” (TygerBurger 29 April).

Dit is altydsnaakshoe mense veralin die noordelikevoorstede geen verdraagsaamheid teenoor die arme dierehet nie en ook altydiemandvindomdie skuld te geevir alleswat verkeerdgaan.Hoe belaglikdit ook al magwees.

Ek hetinClaremont gewerk en ek was verbaas oor hoedie mense daar alle diere, watter dier dit ook al magwees —hetsy hasies of kolganse,akkommodeer en probeer help.Hier word gedurig gelees van hoedie diere‘nprobleem raak en dan word daar gepraat vanskiet en vergiftig. Tipies, mensewat niesien dat die mens eintlik die probleem is nie. Ek draf elke oggend in Majik Forest en daar wastoevallig ook iemandwat my gevrahet oor hase in daardie omgewing.

Ek hetgenoem dat ek weleen of twee gesien het,maar het gewonder hoekom dit vir my gevrais. Seker om nogdaar vrytelaat.Ekvra altyd, of dit nou‘nhond, katofhaas is. Hoekom kryjydit in die eersteplek? As jy enigedier neem,isdit ‘n commitment om vir daardie dier om te gee. Ons weet almal hoekom die hase daar is; dit is so in die briewe uiteengesit Virdie mensewat in ontkenning is. vat bietjie verantwoordelikheid vir jou besluit om ‘n dier aan te skaf.Daar is weloplossings as daar net bietjie uitgereik en moeite gedoen word.Maar nee, dump die diere en geehulle die skuldvir alles. Hoe leef julle met julself om ‘n dier so seer te maak en te laat ly?Dan wonder ek ook maar netofsulke mensekinders het en watter voorbeeldjulle agterlaat PASSIEVOLLE DIERELIEFHEBBER Philadelphia

Bunny rescuer calls forhelp

My name is Genae andIrescue gorgeous fluffybunnies. Recentlytherewas aphoto of me holding aposterinour fighttocombatrabbit dumping in Durbanville Igot 12 postersthankfullysponsored by "Printmet Erika" which we plan to display around Durbanville Forthe last fewyears Ihavebeen focusing on Durbanville to steriliseand re-home as manyasIcan,toget them off the street andout of danger.I come from the southernsuburbs to take anysick or injured rabbits andrehabilitatethem for re-homing.

Ihavecaught,sterilised andre-homed 70 Durbanville rabbits this past year.I will continue to raisefunds to steriliseand remove

If youwould like to help,get involved or have ahome,garden or farm to allow theserabbits to live outtheir lives, please messagemeonsocial media: Instagram, Facebook or Website: TheHouse of Fluffels.

Rabbits arecomplex pets. They canlive up to 14 years.Theyneed space, dailyattention, specialisedfood andsterilisation is essential. Please adopt,don’t shopand be kind andsterilise.

GENAEMAREE, Claremont

Dankie Stad en burgemeester

Ná vele briewe aan die burgemeester van Kaapstad en die Stad Kaapstad aangaande die onwettigeplakkerswat langsdie Kuilsriver-kanaal in Soneikewoon,gaan daar uiteindelik opgetree word ‘n Aansoek om 'n hofbevelvir die uitsetting vanonwettigeplakkersna‘nbeter woonplek is in ‘n gevorderde stadium. Dankie Stad Kaapstad en die burgemeester vanKaapstad vir opsies vir hierdie hawelose mensevir beter blyplek, veralin die komende koue winter JJ CLOETE, Soneike