TygerBurger | Kraaifontein | E-edition | 15 July 2026

Heightsgirls hamps

the all lay Wyk,

challenges by working towards a common goal. Seeing that growth has been the most rewarding part of thisjourney.”

Reflecting on the experience of watching her athletes compete at the highest level, Van Wyk described it as adefining moment in her coaching career.

“Seeing how proud they were representing theirschools and province was so special.”

She acknowledged the support that made the success possible, extending her gratitude to the school and parents who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

“Toevery athlete, thank you for your hard work and commitment. Icould not be more proud.”

Vergaderingoor pensioenfonds

Politieke inmengingendie plundering vandie Regeringspensioenfonds, beter bekend as die Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), kom op Donderdag 23 Julie onder die loep op 'n vergadering vandie Associationfor Monitoring and Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP),'n waghond oor die fonds. Ditisdie eerste keer dat AMAGP in die Wes-Kaap vergader. Dievergadering dienook as die stigtingsvergadering van die Wes-Kaapsestruktuur van AMAGP. Provinsiale strukture is reeds in KwazuluNata en die Oos-Kaap gestig.

BEDREIGINGVANPENSIOENFONDS "GEPF-pensioenarisse en staatsdienswerkers is onbewus van die geweldige omvang van die bedreiging van hul pensioenfonds," sê Albin Bowler, WesKaapsekoördineerder van die AMAGP. "Volgens verskeie mediaberigte verloor die pensioenfonds jaarliks miljarde rande met swak beleggings weens politieke besluite.Soisdaarindie 2023-'24-boekjaar meer as R100 miljard verloor weens plundering, asook verlore geleentheidskostes metdié swak besluite. "Alhoeweldie GEPF-bestuur gereeld spogdat dit die grootstepensioenfonds in Afrikais, is die opbrengs op belegging van die swakstes onder SuidAfrikaanse beleggingsfondse. Selfs die Vereniging van Staatsamptenare het in 'n verklaringop2 Julie sy ernstige kommer en ontsteltenis uitgespreek oor die plundering en swakopbrengste weens 'ongelyste ondernemings', of sogenaamde transformasieprojekte," sê Bowler.

OOGLOPENDEONGELYKHEID

"Daar is sistemiese onreg, ooglopende ongelykheid en diskriminasie as die GEPF se jaarlikse verhogings vergelyk word met die pensioenfonds vir politici, die Political Office-Bearers PensionFund (POBPF) "Vir die 2023-'24-boekjaar was die beleggingsopbrengs van die GEPF 'n powere 4,9% teenoor die POBPF se 10%. So gaan dit elke jaar.

"'nRede vir die GEPF se swak prestasie is dat geld in ongenoteerde projekte belê word. Hierdie sogenaamde transformasie-projekte presteer swak en vereis gereeld finansiële reddingsboeie.

So hetGEPF-pensioenarisse miljarde randverloor netmet Ayo Technology

Solutions. Laasgenoemde se oorspronklike kapitaalontvangs was R4 miljard. 'n Ander onderneming, Daybreak Foods,het in 2025 drie reddingsboeie ontvang. Die eerste twee het meer as R400 miljoen beloop. "Hierdie kontras is moreel problematies, aangesien albei pensioenfondse deur dieselfde parlementêre prosesse geskep en goedgekeur is.

“Hoe kan politici dit regverdig om hul eie aftrede deur wetgewing goed te verseker, maar dan 'n wet maak vir diegene wat daagliks die staat se werk doen, wat hul belegging jaarliks koopkrag laat verloor," vra Bowler.

"Die GEPF se jaarlikse pensioenverhogings word beperk tot die inflasiekoers —spesifiek 75% van die vorige jaar se inflasiekoers. Oor tyd het hierdie beleid ’n kumulatiewe negatiewe effek. In skrille kontras hiermee het die POBPF geen soortgelyke plafon nie. Sy pensioenverhogings oorskrydie inflasiekoers gewoonlik met meer as dubbeld soveel,"gaan hy voort.

‘ONGELYSTEONDERNEMINGS’

"Die GEPF se Raad van Trustees het die diskresie om groter verhogings toe te staan: gelyk aan en selfs bietjie meer as die inflasiekoers. Wanneer pensioenverhogings gelyk is aan die inflasiekoers of selfs effens meer,word dit verkondig as ’n ‘buitengewone prestasie’.

"Diegene wat hierdie 'ongelyste ondernemings' stig, wil geld hê. Hulle wil nie kapitaal of reddingsboeie by banke of nywerheidsbeleggingskorporasies leen nie, want sulkelenings moet met renteterugbetaal word. Die politieke invloed en die oorheersing van vakbondverteenwoordigers in die GEPF se Raad van Trustees —waarvan 13 van die 16 trustees lede van die ANC en Cosatu is —dra by tot swak bestuur, swak beleggingsbesluite en lei tot finansiële verliese.”

Die vergadering begin om 11:00 by die NG kerkStellenberg. Onder diesprekers is Zirk Gous, voorsitter van AMAGP, en Strini Govendor, koördineerder:massamobilisasie van AMAGP. . Kontak AlbinBowlerbyalbinbowler@gmail comombywoning te bevestig. STAATWERKERS

Okavango bridgetragedy: man jumps to his death

DESIRÉERORKE DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Apanicked voicenotesenttoa community group just before20:00 on Thursday eveningset off adesperate race againsttime. But for the manstanding atop the edge of the Okavango bridge in Brackenfell, help arrivedmoments too late

The voice note,sent by amember of the public who had spotted the man in distress on the bridge, reached Titanium Securitas at 19:55. “Cananyone help us please. There is aman standingontop of the Okavango bridgeitlookslike he wants to commit suicide.”

“Within moments, responderswere on theirway. But when they arrived, the man was no longeronthe bridge. He was found lyingonthe N1 highwaybelow, where witnessessaid he had been struck by two movingvehicles,” Titanium spokesperson Kobus Kotze told TygerBurger

“He was sadly declared deceased on the scene. Nothing could be done for him.”

Onlookerswereleftshaken as his body was covered.

Titanium Securitas extended itssincere

Provincialchampions,nationaldreams

DESIREÉRORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Durbanville Majorettes Club has exceeded all expectations at this year's provincial championships. Now the club is appealing to the community and business sector to help send its athletes to the national stage

The local drummies who hasjust been crowned provincial Large Drill champions is urgently appealing for financial support to compete at the2026 FDDCMSANational Championships, andwithout it, some of the Western Cape's most talented young athletes may not make it to the starting line.

Durbanville Majorettes Club (DMC), basedatAristea Primary Schoolin Kraaifontein, was founded in 2019 to provide young athletes from all backgrounds with access to the sport. Now in its seventhyear of competition, DMC supports approximately 60 junior and senior athletes of all backgrounds drawn from schools across Kraaifontein, Durbanville, Bellville, KuilsRiver and surroundingcommunities.

The athletes trainfor up to 23 hours per week, including weekends and school holidays," says the club's Yvonne Viljoen. "Beyondthe medals and titles, majorettes havehad asignificant impact on the lives of many of ourathletes by building confidence,discipline, leadership skills and astrong sense of belonging."

"Many of the children join the club shy and unsure of themselves, but through training and competition they grow into confidentyoungpeople whoare proudof their achievements and supportive of their teammates. For some, the club hasbecome asecond family and apositive space

TEAM RASINGFUNDS TO GETTONATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

where they can develop both personally andathletically."

OVERCOME

What makesthisyear's success even morespecial, she says, is that manyof these athleteshave overcome financial andpersonal challenges while dedicating countless hours to training

"Qualifying for nationals represents the reward for years of hard work, commitment andperseverance.Our greatest achievement as aclubisseeing these young people realise theirpotential andbelieve that theirdreams are within reach."

WithProvincials 2scheduledfor 1August, the team continues its preparations for nationals, providedthe necessary fundingcan be secured.

The appeal comes on the back of a remarkable performance at the first round ofthe Federation of Dance, Drill, Cheerleadingand Majorettes Western Cape Provincial Championships, where the DMCJuniorTeamwas crowned FDDCMWC ProvincialLarge Drill Champions,claiming first placeinthe Leader,Subbies, Squad, Displayand Overall categories.

PODIUMFINISHES

The team also secured numerous podium finishes, includingfirst placeinthe NonProp Mini event. Individual honourswere claimed by Kaitlyn Metcalf (secondplace,

Baton Solo), Kiara Kali (second place, Non-Prop Solo), CorneRyke (third place, Baton Flag Solo) and Peyton Goliath (third place,Non-Prop Solo), while the Non-Prop Trio of Kaitlyn Metcalf, Eshnicka Gordon and Cassidy Klein placed second in their category.

Theclub's seniorteamalso performed strongly at Provincials 1. Asikelele Tsetswa andRea Makaloiclaimed third placeinthe SeniorNon-Prop Duo/ Trio, with AsikeleleTsetswaand Peyton Goliath finishingthird in theSenior Baton Duo/Trio. The Senior Non-Prop Mini Formation and Senior Non-Prop Group each placedfifth.

Theclub's standing was further underscored by the selection of five DMC athletes for the SouthAfrican National Team, which will represent the countryat the International Association of Majorettes World Championships in Polandin August.

With the national championships set to take place at Huguenot High School in Wellington from 24 September to 1 October,the club needs to raise in excess of R200 000 to cover accommodation, transport, meals, registration fees and equipment.

. Contact Yvonne Viljoenon082 4997418or at yvonne.viljoen@ooba.co.za.

Skills centreconnectspeople with employment

Once unemployed and her life unorganised, astudent of FCD Skills Centre in Durbanville is now employed full-timeafter completing acourse.

This is the success story of Anelisa Mandzingane,who hasgraduated in the hospitality andhousekeeping programme After completingthe programme,

shewas offered afull-time position at Evertsdal Guest House as an all-round assistant.

“Beforejoiningthe FCD programme, my life was unorganised, andIdidn’teven know thatFCD Skills Centre existed until someone encouragedmetoapply.

“Joining the programme was an exciting experience. Imet wonderful people. The trainers were kind and supportive, and what Ilovedmostwas that they believed in God. That encouraged me to continue with theprogramme until the very end. The programme was very educational and taughtmesomuch

“Relocating for the position gave me theopportunity for afresh start. Ihave become afastlearner, andthe kindness, patience and warm welcome from everyone at Evertsdal Guest House have made it easy for me to grow in my role,”

she says. Her story is one of many at FCD Skills Centre. Today, eight out of ten graduates are economically active after completing theirtraining —“demonstrating the life-changing impact of practical skills development”, says Jane Gelderman, chief executive officer of FCD Skills Centre.The centre recently launched itsMandela Day campaign to create lasting opportunities This Mandela Day, the centre is inviting the community to make an impact that lasts far beyond 67 minutes. With its“Your 67 Minutes Can Last aLifetime” campaign it aims to find 67 monthly sponsors, who will each commit R100 per month to help create opportunities for unemployed individuals through skills development and training. . Contact FCDSkills Centre on 021975 7764 or emailinfo@fisantekraal.org.za.

Dissipline en doelwitte onderskeimatriekkandidate

Pick nPay Preller Walk is allangeras’n dekade nou betrokke by dieMatrikulant van dieJaar-kompetisie.

Volgens John Pentz van dié winkel in Bloemfontein weerspieël hul betrokkenheid ’n kernwaarde wat deur die stigter, Raymond Ackerman, gevestig is: om terug te ploeg in diegemeenskappe wat die onderneming ondersteun.

“Ons voel bevoorreg om deel te wees van hierdie gesogte geleentheid waar ondernemings ’n betekenisvolle bydrae kan lewer tot die lewe van ons jeug en eindelik ook tot die toekoms van ons land.”

“Wat hierdie kompetisie so belangrik maak,isdat ’n groep van Suid-Afrikase toekomstige leiers die geleentheid kryom met mekaar om te gaan en waardevolle vaardighede te ontwikkel. Met die uitdagings waarmee ons land te kampe het, kan die samekoms van ons beste kandidate help om van Suid-Afrika ’n beter plek te maak.”

Pentz meen dissipline en doelgerigtheid is die eienskappe wat toppresteerders in ’n kompetisie soos hierdie onderskei.

“Topkandidate —trouens, enigiemand met dissiplineen’ndoelomdie beste te wees watjykan wees—sal slaag op die lewensreis. Onsvolg almal verskillende paaie,enpassie vir dit waarvoor jy geroep is,maak ’n groot verskil in die lewe.”

Verlede jaar se wenner, Kiara Subramanian,sêsysal altyd dankbaar wees datsydie kompetisie gewen het.

“Dit het my die geleentheid gegeeom wonderlike, vriendelike en doelgerigte menseteontmoet, vanwie baie nou saam met my die padstapommedies te studeer “Watas’nkompetisie begin het, het gou ietsveel meer betekenisvol geword: vriendskappe,ondersteuning en ’n gedeelde besef dat onsalmal na iets groter as onsselfstreef,”sêdie voormalige leerder vanEuniceHigh School in Bloemfontein. Die kompetisie het Subramanian,tans

’n mediese student in haar eerste jaar, die belangrikheid van verbondenheid en aanmoediginggeleer.

Nog ’n 2025-finalis, Laura Andrade de Ponte, wat vanjaar mediese fisika studeer, het ook in die eindronde in Bloemfontein hegte vriendskappe gesmee.

“Hierdie vriendskappe het vir my groot steun gebiedtoe ek metuniversiteit begin het.Die bande wat ek metdie chaperones (die vorige jaar se finaliste) opgebou het, het my ook gehelp om baie vinniger by die universiteitslewe aan te pas,omdat hulle uit hul ervaringvir my persoonlike raad kongee.”

Matriekleerders vanoor Suid-Afrika heen wat uitblinkopakademiese, kultuuren sportgebied en beplan om in 2027 aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat te studeer,kan hulle inskryf.

. Skandeer die QR-kode om die inskrywingsvormaftelaai. Stuur dievoltooide vorm teen 31 Julie aanLinda Greyling by greylinl@ufs.ac.za.

Vermaak // Entertainment

SwanLakein Stellenbosch

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classical ballet at the Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August,featuring highlights from Swan Lake and Raymonda Theprogramme opens with the iconic second actof Swan Lake,set to PyotrIlyich Tchaikovsky's celebrated score. On amoonlitlakeside, thestory of Odette,the Swan Queen, unfolds through some of classical ballet's most recognisable choreography, including the corpsdeballet of swans,the White Swan pasdedeux and the timeless image of dancers in whitetutus that has come to symboliseclassical ballet around the world.

Thesecond half features highlights from Raymonda,set to Alexander Glazunov's richlyorchestrated score. Knownfor its demanding choreography and elegantclassical style, Raymonda showcases virtuoso dancing and intricateensemblework in sumptuous period costumes.Together,these excerpts celebratethe enduring appeal of classical ballet,combiningtwo landmark scores withsome of the art form's most memorablechoreographyand

traditions

Establishedin1934, Cape Town CityBalletis South Africa's longest-running professional ballet company, presenting worksfromthe greatclassics alongside newproductions.

Performances: Friday 31 July: 19:00; Saturday1 August: 14:30 and 18:00

TicketscostR225toR350(105 discount forpensioners).Students payR175(at Pick 'n Pay only). . BookatWebtickets andPick'nPay stores. Advancebooking is recommended.

BALLETPERFORMANCE

HIGHLIGHTSAT

ADAM SMALLTHEATRE

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classical ballet at the Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August. HannahWardasOdette

Vlooi kuierweer by Kunstekaap

Vlooi en maats maak eersdaagweer— virdie 24ste jaar —hul terugkeer na die Kunstekaap-teater se verhoog.

Skoolgroepe kannou bespreek vir Vlooi en die VerloreFossiel, watvan Donderdag13Augustustot Maandag31Augustus op die plankegaanwees.

Daar is een vertoning oop vir die publiek op Saterdag29Augustus.

Dit is net nog ‘n doodgewone dag—ons maats, Vlooi, Wilma en Wim, woel en werskaf in dietuin wanneer hulle skielik‘nreuseontdekkingmaak. Flappiehet dalk veel meer as net Vlooi se verlore frisbee begrawe. Vlooi vind ‘n yslike dinosourusbeen en voor jy kansê“stegosourus” swiepdie towersleutelhulle wegna'ntyd lank, lank gelede

Vlooi en Wilma beland pensenpootjiesbinne-in ‘n oerwoud op 'n verlateeiland. Wilmasebroek bewe behoorlik as sy besef hierdie is nie leeuwêreld nie,maar T-Rex se agterplaas.

Danksy ‘n vriendelike, en effedeur dievere, pterodaktiel, Terry, dievlieëndereptiel,voel hullegou minder verlore. Terryneem hulledadelik onder sy vlerk. Dieontmoeting is egtervan korteduur,want Terryisbesig om te vlug met dieeilandselaaste dino-eier! Is Terrydan 'n eierdief?Ongelukkigis daar dienareProfessor Fosselina Voetspoor en haar onhandigehandlanger, Robbies Relik, watsommer gouhul planne in diewiele ry Fosselina is bekend daarvoor dat sy dinosourusse vang en hulbeentjies kaal kook en weer aanmekaar vasplakmet superglue!Fosselina soek dieeilandse laaste dino-eiervir haar versameling. Sy houselfs lewendedinosourusseinhaar museum aan.

Dieopenbarevertoning begin Saterdag 29 Augustusom14:00. Kaartjieskos vanR100 totR130 by Webtickets. . Kontak marinda.vlooi@gmail.comofLouise by 071688 3033met navrae

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman uniteonstage forthe firsttime

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman willshare astage in a Roots Retrospective,fromWednesday22July at theGallowayTheatreofthe Waterfront Theatre School. Theduo willalsoperform at TheKraal Restaurant, JoostenbergWineEstate, on Thursday 30 July

Roots Retrospective is alivecollaboration ledby Paige, piano-driven and song-focused, rooted in folk, blues andjazztraditions.Grounded in storytelling andshaped througha South Africanlens, theshow features expressive pianoand acoustic-guitar textures accompanying herdistinctivesoulful voice. Paige'scatalogue spansmorethan two decades of Americana-inspired material across folk,folkrock,country andblues,blending blues sensibility with roots-drivenwarmth andpoetic depth.

Joining her is singer-songwriterand guitarist Veldsman,whose acousticminimalism,finger-style

guitar work andatmosphericplaying bring arich counterpointtothe set. Drawing on Americana, folk andblues traditions, andgrounded in classical-guitartraining, he is known forexpressive,technically refined playing, from intricate fingerpicking to soulful lapsteel,often described as “tasty andlanguid” in feel.Veldsman also performs aselectionofhis ownsimilarly styled songsaspartofthe show. Together,the twocreateanimmersive musical journeythat reimagines Americana-inspiredmusic throughapersonaland collaborativeSouth African lens.

. Ticketsfor theWaterfrontshowstart from R180 andare available at Quicket.Ticketsfor TheKraal cost R580 andincludesarrival wine tasting, theshowand afarm supper. Book via Dineplan on 079641 1430 or kraalrestaurant@ joostenberg.co.za

DAGBOEK /DIARY

. Waterfront TheatreSchool presents Something Rotten! until 18 JulyatArtscape. It’s bold,brash, knowingly silly, and packed with show-stopping numbers. TicketsR230 to R250atWebtickets.

. DisneyonIce presents Mickey's Search Party until 19 Julyatthe Grand Arena,GrandWest.Ticketsat Ticketmaster

. Agatha Christie's TheMurderofRoger Ackroyd starring Alan Committie runs from 16 July to 16 August at Theatreonthe Bay. TicketsfromR230 to R350 at Webtickets.

. EarlyBtreeopVrydag17Julie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R140 totR180.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Isaac vander Merwe Piano Recital: ABaxterFundraiser is on Friday17Julyat18:30.TicketscostR250at Webtickets.

. Un-touchedisatArtscape on Friday17and Saturday18Julyat17:00.A look at the factorsthat have shapedmillennialsand their views.TicketsfromR80 at Webtickets.

. KickstArt Theatre's Puss in Boots runs at the Baxter Theatrecurrently until 18 July. TicketsfromR250at Webtickets.

. PeterPan runs at the CanalWalk Theatrenow until 19 July. Threedaily shows.TicketsfromR75 to R130 at

Webtickets.

. Wilhelmvan derWaltistesien in diebekroonde produksie Seun vanMaandag 20 totVrydag24Julie om 19:30 in dieKaapstadToneelhuis in Loopstraat. Dithandel oorDana Snymansestorieoor grootword tydens diedoodsnikkevan 'n politiekestelsel. Kaartjieskos vanafR200byQuicket

. DalinOliver: Stuck In Dubai runs at TheBaxterfrom 21 July to 1August.TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.

. Cape Town Opera's TheCunningLittleVixen is at Joseph Stone Auditorium from 21-26July. A family-friendlyadaptation. Dailyat11:00 and also at 14:00 Saturdayand Sunday.TicketscostR80 at Webtickets.

. Parklands CollegeinSandownpresentsDisney's HighSchoolMusical 2! from 23 to 25 July at 18:30. TicketsfromR150 at Quicket

. ANight with the StarsLloyiso is at the Grand Arena GrandWest on Friday24Julyat19:00.Ticketsfrom R400 at Webtickets.

. Salome This Is Me is at Artscape OperaHouse on Saturday25Julyat19:00.TicketsfromR285 at Webtickets.

. Moyo KirstenboschRecital withpianist Isaacvan derMerwe is on Sunday 26 July at 18:00.TicketsR225 to R385 at Webtickets.

Zoid, Eloff in newtheatrical work

Karen Zoid stepsawayfromher rock ensemblefor A NewTheatrical Work,a stripped-backperformance alongside pianist Anton Eloff at CurroDurbanville High School TheatreonSunday 2August at 15:00

Without her band, Zoid takesthe stagewithonly an acousticguitar, accompanied by Eloff's cinematic pianowork. Theresultisadeliberatelyintimate show,personalinaway that happens when an artist truststheir material andanaudiencecommits to genuine listening.

ANew TheatricalWork is morethan aconcert.It is aconversation between twomusicians exploring themes of blood ties,music, laughter andthe bonds that sustainus. Thetheatricalframework raises aphilosophical question: if life resembles avideo game,withits multiplelives andrespawningmechanics, what does that mean forhow we navigate our ownstory?

WHERECONCERTMEETSTHEATRE

At theintimate CurroDurbanvilleHighSchool Theatre, theboundaries between concert andtheatre dissolve.Zoid's songsbecome monologues and Eloff's pianotakes on an orchestral quality, creating something that movesbeyond traditional genre boundaries.

Forthose familiar with Zoid'srock recordings, the acoustic setting revealsnew dimensions of her work. Forthose encountering her forthe first time,the stripped-backpresentation offers direct access to her artistic vision

Theshowis90minutes long. Agerestriction: no childrenunder 13

Theproductionispartofthe school's Kultura Festival . TicketscostR220per person.Book at Quicket.

B’villetaxitales cometolife

South African commuters know that ataxi ride is neverjust about getting from point AtopointB It’s atheatre of voices, ameltingpot of stories and, sometimes, acomedyshow on wheels.

Dr Jacob Cloete, apoliticalscientistturned-storyteller from the University of theWestern Cape (UWC), hascaptured this vibrantslice of life in his latest book, Stories in aBellville Taxi.Cloete, who hails from Namaqualand and lectures at UWC, has long been immersed in the serious world of governance and democracy.

His earlier academic work dissected political systems with precision, offering insights into policy and power. But with this book, he trades hisscholarly analysis for thebackseat of aminibus,givingvoice to theraw, unfiltered storiesof everyday South Africans.

“This book was inspired by and written for my son. He started high schoolin2025 and decidedtotake up drama, and for this, he needed stories —storiesthat he, his family, hiscommunity and Ican relateto. It wasfor this reason that Ibegan writing Stories in aBellville Taxi,” says Cloete.

POIGNANTANDFUNNY

The book, published by Shofar Books in June 2026, is available in English and Afrikaans. It draws inspiration from Cloete’s daily commute between Tyger Falls and BellvilleSouth, where the taxi becomes amicrocosm of thenation. Conversations overheardonthese rides touch on unemployment, xenophobia, gangsterism, and service delivery failures. Yethis narrativeisanything but bleak. He infuses humour into thechaos,reminding

readers that laughter often thrives even in the mostchallenging circumstances.

Forthis book, Cloete wanted to give readers somethingauthentic:“The original Afrikaans manuscript was written in pen, by hand.I wanted to bring back authenticity to storytelling —something Iam missinginthe age of AI. There is nothing more authentic thantakingpublic transport to and from work every day. Iwantedtosharethis experiencewith readers andfellow commuters.”

Whatmakes thebook particularly engaging is its balance of gravityand levity. One moment, passengers debate the failures of local government; the next, they jokeaboutthe quirks of taxi culture. Cloete’s skill lies in capturing these juxtapositions, showing howresilienceand wit arewovenintothe everydayfabric of SouthAfrican life.

The contrast with his earlier work is striking.Where his previous publications were steeped in academic rigour, Stories in aBellville Taxi is accessible, conversational, anddeeply human, portraying the lived realities, banter,and frustrations of ordinary people squeezed together inataxi.

. Theofficial launch of Stories in aBellville Taxi will take placeatExclusive Booksat TygervalleyShopping Centre on Thursday16 July2026at18:00. ANTHOLOGY ABOUT THE COMEDYOFCOMMUTING IS BORNFROMSTORIES COLLECTEDFOR SON’S DRAMA CLASS

Pride and prejudice seems to cloud our society

“Imagine allthe people, living life in peace.”

Perhapstheselyrics have sparkedafamiliar melody forwhoever’sreading.

This evergreen seventies tune,“Imagine”, from former Beatles band leader John Lennon, has become an anti-waranthem forpeace,justice,equalityand most importantlyempathy, awordwhich seemstobe deafened and bludgeoned in this “age of outrage”we find ourselvesnavigating.

He wasshot four times in theback by a“fan” afterhe autographed his album anddied afew metresfromhis hotel in ManhattanonDecember 8, 1980

Thesong “Imagine”, released during the Vietnam war, which killedoverthree million youngmen,children mothers and fathers, is accompanied by asoftpiano and gentlemelody and sounds like aprayerorpleafor understanding in atimeofsenselessbloodshed.

During the war, despitethe news reports commenting on the latest batchofdeaths anddestruction, many young men were drafted and sent in droveslikebullets in an assemblyline

Tragically the song has become anidylliclament fora societywherewecan allrespect andcarefor each other regardless of skin colour,cultureorcreed

Luther King Jnr,who preachedpeace and non-violenceinhis quest to fight race segregation and inequality,was assassinated along with Malcolm X.

As if the call forbasic dignity and equalrights is so outrageous it couldleadtodeath.

Ironically the authorofUtopia, Sir ThomasMore, also lost his head forhis visions forafuture society

He wasbeheaded in 1535 fortreason, afterherefused to accept King HenryVIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

THEPOPULARITYOF ‘RAGE-BAITING’ISALSO SADTOWITNESS

Thenovelcriticised greed, powerand supported women’srights and religious freedom, during aconservativetime in the 16th-century under the king’sreign. Even musical legend Bob Marley whose protest songs supported peace, freedom and “One Love”, wasshot but survived apolitically motivated assassination attempt ahead of the 1976 general election in Jamaica. This act howeveronlyfueled hisdesiretocontinue singing about the struggle to love in an unsympathetic world.

Thesedaysapathyand cynicism have become a popular camouflagetoendurethe widespread hate, violence, intoleranceand propaganda infiltrating our psyches wherever we go

Whether doom-scrolling on our cellphones, listening to the news on our car-radiosorevenstoppingfor a quickcatch-up at work, we’reflooded with the latest tragic news

Onceagain we’llhearabout the latest airmissile strikeinthe MiddleEast,the priceofpetrol and goods skyrocketing again, the unrestricted plagiarismof AI modelsregurgitating artworksand voices,all forthe sake of profit

Thesedaysthe integrity of the newsroom hasalso been moreimportant in the wake of variousinfluencers reporting on news and publishing their pieces, often with their ownagendas, without much considerationfor verifying information in the hopes of increasing followers and monetising theircontent.

Lately,the popularityof“rage-baiting” is also sad to witness too, you’veprobablyseen many videos of peoplemanipulating each other until an argument or violent fight occurs.

Research shows algorithms financiallyrewardanger whichcreates cognitiveurgency, compelling usersto comment,correct,orshareinreal-time,which all boosts engagement and virality.

Ireadthat the primitiveparts of ourbrain, the amygdala, scan the environment forthreats and process negativeinformation significantlyfasterthan positive experiences.

Pride and prejudiceseems to cloudour society even moresothesedays, whilethesealgorithms,these heartless systems capitaliseand advertiseonany content that canshackle the viewers in an endless loop that keepstheir profits high and ourattention spans low.

And so “Imagine”, asong of hope,remains more relevant than ever in 2026

-KEANAN HARMSE

LEWENSKIEKIE

BRIEWE/LETTERS

Firefighter smoke inhalation articlewas misleading

With referencetothe articlethatappeared on your websiteon6Julywith theheadline “Exposure to smokeistaking atollonCape Town’sfirefighters”: It is unfortunate that the articlepublished on the UWC websitemisrepresented the findingsofthe study.The headline,for example, wasquitesimplymisleading. TheCityreached out to the researchers andthe headline hasnow been corrected.

Basedonthe study’s ownresults, only 278firefightersparticipated, with 53%showing some symptoms that included coughing,running nosesand headaches. That represents less than15% of firefighters within the CityofCape Town anditmustbenoted the study wasconducted while staff were on duty

Also to notethat97,8% of participants hadnormal lung function, which the research foundissignificantly higherthanthatreported in comparablestudies conducted in other countries.

To note, the Cape Town Fireand Rescue Service conducts afunctional abilitytest on aquarterlybasis,

which measures firefighters’ respiratoryrate.

In addition,firefighters undergo in-housemedical screeningbeforeevery physical abilitytest.Should theyhaveabnormal screeningresults, theyare referred to either their privatemedical provider or to the City’s occupational health department. Staff who driveand operateappliances andequipment must undergo compulsory medical testing everytwo years. TheFire Servicealsohas very strict medical screening in place forthose joiningits ranks. In addition, staff arerequired to follow fitnessprogrammes on their on dutydays.

Our staff aretrained to perform under allhazardous conditions andrespiratoryprotectionequipment is provided on everyfire enginetoensurestaff remain safe

We take the health andsafetyofour firefighters very seriouslyand we provide thehighest levelof respiratoryprotection in the form of aSelf-Contained Breathing Apparatus Set

JP SMITH, Maycomember forsafetyand security

Recent events arealesson we shouldn’t ignore

Much has beensaid about illegalimmigrantsand the fact that manyhavenow returned to their home countries.Whether oneagrees with thatornot is a separate debate. What shouldnot be ignored is that manyemployers foundthese workers dependable. They arrived forwork, wanted to earn awage, followed instructions,and often communicated effectively becausetheycouldreadand speak English. Those qualities matterinevery workplace. This is not about praisingillegal immigration.The lawisthe law. It is about askinganuncomfortable question: whydid so manyemployers valuethese workers?

South Africahas thousands of hardworkinglocal employees, and theydeserve recognition. Butwealso

knowthattoo manybusinessesstruggle with absenteeism, poor punctuality, lack of initiativeand weak communication. Thoseproblems hurtproductivity andmakeitharder forbusinessestogrowand employ morepeople.

Perhapsinsteadofsimplycelebratingthe removal of illegalworkers, we should also askwhatmade manyofthemsuccessful in theworkplace. If ourown workforceadopted the same attitude towardsreliability, communication, punctualityand commitment everyone wouldbenefit. Thelesson is simple. Good work habits have no nationality. They areachoice. And the more people who make that choice, the stronger our economywillbecome GREG, E-mail

Warm somer op pad

Na aanleiding vanverlede week se brief"Kapenaar watdie wolkemis" (1/7/2026) geeekmymening. Die bestemanier om enigeplekinAfrikaseweer te verstaan,isomopDStvkanaal 400BBC in te skakel om 13:25 en 19:25 (ons tyd).

Dit fokusopAfrikamet satellietwaarnemings. Daarin kanduidelik gesien word watverkeerdismet die Kaapse weer Normaalwegdraai die wind wesofnoordwes in die winter.Vir maande al waai dit egtersuid en suidwes. Dit stoot die tollende stelselindie middel vandie AtlantieseOseaan watmet koue fronte reën moet bring, wegvan die Kaap af Die gebrek aan koue fronte beïnvloed ook die OosKaap en KwaZulu-Natalmet oorstromings,omdat die westewind dit nie bereik nie,enhulle kryreën uit die Stille Oseaan watook blytol

Die opbouende El Ninowes vanAmerika raak al sterker; dit beïnvloed die jetstroom en het die gevaarlike hitte in AmerikaenEuropaveroorsaak 'n Baie warm someriswaarskynlik op pad. Hou dus op om drinkwaterinutoilet af te spoel, vang stortwateropin'nemmerengebruik dit vir die toilet

WAARNEMER,Bellville

Parking needed near Athlone stadium

Iwonder what happened to the grandplans at Athlonepower station site, after having spent afew thousand(millions perhaps) on the project. Nowthe Citywants to re-developthe parking area at Athlonestadium forhousing andcommercial purposes, whilestadium visitors fear theymight find themselveswithout aparking facility. So whynot buildabig commercial andresidential centreonthe parking lotwith adequateparking under or above?But as forresidential, Iwould notwant to live therewith allthatnoisefromtrafficand the stadium.

PETER SMULIK,

Rugby

Showrespect to thepolicewho put their livesatrisk to keep us safe

We live in atimewhenithas become fashionableto criticise those in uniform.

Social media is flooded with videos of what went wrong, rarely with footageofwhatwentright. And yet, dayafter day, men andwomen in the policeshowup, oftenunderstaffed, underresourced, andunderappreciated to do ajob that most of us couldnever do They respond to callsinthe earlyhours of the

morning when the rest of us areasleep.Theywalkinto situationsthatothers run awayfrom. They deal with trauma, violence, andheartbreakona dailybasis, and thengohome to their ownfamilies andtry to leaveit allatthe door

Most of the time,noone says thank you. Iamnot naive. Iknowthatthere arethose within the service who have letcommunities down, andaccountability

matters.But it wouldbedeeplyunfair to allowthe actions of afew to overshadowthe quiet dedication of the manywho servewith integrityand honour To everyofficerwho hasstood between acommunityand harm, your servicedoesnot go unnoticed by allofus. South Africaisnot an easy countrytopolice. Thankyou fortrying anyway THANKFULL, Brackenfell

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VarsityFootballreturnswithtwists

South Africa’s premier university football competition returns with an exciting new look asVarsity Football 2026 gets underway in August.

Thewomen’s tournament kicks-off on 1August and will be contested over two weekends beforeattention shifts to themen’s competition, which runs from 7August to 2October. This season introduces oneofthe biggest changes in the tournament’s history with Varsity Football moving to Fridaynightsfor the men’scompetition. For the firsttime, supporters can kick starttheir weekends by enjoying thecountry’s best university football under the lightswith selected matchesbroadcast live on SuperSport.

CONTINUEDGROWTH

Siya Noqayi, Varsity Football Code Manager, believes the continued growth of the competition reflectsthe increasing quality and competitiveness of university football in South Africa.

“Every season VarsityFootball continues to raise the standard both on and off the field. We are excited to introduce Friday night football this year where we won’t just be hosting afootball tournament. We will be creating amovement. With the women’s tournament expanding its footprint and the men’s competition welcoming new teams alongside the return of familiar rivals, we are looking forward to another unforgettable season that celebrates talent,opportunity andthe passion of football”.

The women’s tournament will once again showcase the country’s top student footballers, with WSU, Wits, UL, CPUT, TUT, UJ, UP Tuks and three time champions UWC competing forthe title over two action packed weekends. Defending champions UWC will be aiming

FANS CANLOOK FORWARD TO ALONGER WEEKENDOFFOOTBALL AS SEASON GETS UNDERWAY IN AUGUST

tomake history by securing afourth Varsity Football women’s title, while the restofthe field will be determined to stop the Cape side from extendingits dominance.

The men’scompetitionpromises another fiercely contested campaign with current champions UFSreturning to defendthe titlethey claimedinmemorable fashion last season beating TUT 5-4 on penalties. Joining the men’s competitionthisyear is the University of Limpopo, while UWC makes awelcome return after missing out on last year’s tournament. NWU and CUT missed out on qualification,underlining the increasingly competitive nature of Varsity Football.

UFS headcoach Mokete Tsotetsi sayslast year’s triumph hasonly strengthened the squad’s desire to defend its crown: “Lifting the trophy last year was an unforgettable feeling of pride andjoy. It meant everything to theplayers because we understood howmuchhard work, sacrifice andcommitment hadgoneinto achieving that moment.Wefelt we weren’t just winning forourselvesbut for everyone who supported andbelievedinus. For the university it created arealsense of pride andunity across theentire community.”

Despite anumber of new faces in the squad,Tsotetsi is confident supporters will recognise theidentity that brought UFS success: “Fanscan expecta team thatplays with purpose, confidenceand

Defending champions UWCwillbeaiming to makehistorybysecuring afourthVarsity Football women’stitle.

PHOTO:CHRISTIAANKOTZE/ASEMENGAGE

determination. Although we’ve lost some keyplayers through graduation, the valuesthatdefine this team remain the same. Hard work,discipline, commitment and arelentless desire to retain the title will continuetodrive us throughout the season.”

FANCHALLENGE

Fans can also once again look forward to the#IyachesaFAN Challenge, exciting

matchday activations and unforgettable campus atmospheres. Tournament partners FNB,Suzuki and SportPesa continue to support the growth of university football and the development of student athletes across SouthAfrica. With Friday night football, two blockbuster tournaments and the country’sbest university talent ready to shine, Varsity Football 2026 promises another great season.