TygerBurger Kraaifontein E-Edition 15 Oktober 2025
DESIRÉERORKE
ODESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA
f jy nou ’n groot grasperk het, ’n balkon vol plante versorg, of jou ding by ’n gemeenskapstuin doen, Nasionale Tuindag is die perfekte verskoning om fees te vier in jou tuin.
By Buh-Rein-landgoed se aftreeoord in Kraaifontein was die oord se verruklike tuin met sy meer as 100 roosbome in die kenmerkende Italiaanse styl uitgelê die bymekaarkompunt vir Saterdagoggend-makietie Stalletjies, musiek, ` n gelukstrekking en gaste met blomkrone het die dag ten bate van die oord se tuine opgevrolik
Dit is die tweede jaar wat die oord se "groen-vingers" die geleentheid aanbied om geld in te samel om die oord se ses blomen groentetuine uit te brei en te versorg Vanjaar word daar ook beoog om die fontein te herstel Hendrina Rossouw, voorsitter van die Groen Komitee wat die
PRAGTIGE TUINE ’N ‘WARE LAFENIS’ VIR SENIORS
mooi tuine aangeplant het en in stand hou, sê die tuin is vier jaar gelede begin, maar het eers in die laaste twee jaar gestalte gekry
"Ons spog nou met kleurvolle roostuine, clivia-beddings, n verskeidenheid ander blomme, sitrusbome en nog meer
"Die inspirasie agter die tuine was om skoonheid te skep wat almal kan geniet,” sê sy, "en ons hou tuindag om inwoners van die oord meer betrokke te maak ” 'n Inwoner, Lynette Schults, sê die pragtige tuin is vir haar ’n ware lafenis, veral teen skemertyd
“Daar gaan baie harde werk in hierdie tuine in, en dit is vir ons ’n voorreg om dit te kan geniet ” Dis ook Virginia Ward se gunstelingplek om vroegaand te gaan wandel
NABLADSY4
Lynette Schultz en Virginia Ward geniet Nasionale Tuindag
ANLAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
joint anti-gang strategy developed in the Western Cape will be rolled out nationally, acting minister of police, Firoz Cachalia announced to the National Council of Provinces last week
The strategy builds on meetings Cachalia held last month and a memorandum of understanding between police, provincial government, and City of Cape Town signed in August last year, though Cachalia said "the potential of that agreement has not yet been fulfilled"
Cachalia described gang violence as "a crisis scaring our communities that demands collective action across all levels of government"
He revealed alarming statistics from his week-long engagement in Cape Town communities last month, where he met with residents in Khayelitsha, Mitchell's Plain, and Langa
"Just from April to September this year, the police recorded 490 gang-related murders Almost 120 young people under 18 were shot," Cachalia told parliament, adding that at least five killed were under 14 Since August, murders have increased by 18% compared with the same period last year "Over 70% of gang murders occur in just 13 policing precincts, including Mitchell's Plain, Bishop Lavis, Kraaifontein, Manenberg and Elsies River, contributing to around 25% of all Western Cape murders
"This violence stops mothers from allowing children to play outside, forces businesses to close early, and prevents consistent school attendance," Cachalia said
MULTI-AGENCYSTRATEGYUNVEILED
Following his Western Cape engagements, Cachalia worked with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to convene a crucial 23 September meeting with the National Prosecuting Authority, asset forfeiture unit, special investigation unit, and police leadership
The plan was approved on 1 October, with Cachalia stressing: "This plan is not just a plan on paper Funds to implement this plan have been made available "
As an immediate outcome, Cachalia announced the establishment of an additional police station in Mfuleni, experiencing "extraordinarily high levels" of violence
Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili said that the plan was
"not just a strategy, but an enhanced strategy" and was developed after extensive civil society engagement
FOCUSEDOPERATIONS
The strategy concentrates on 26 priority police stations in Cape Town metropole, plus five additional stations, totaling 31 operational areas
Operations include "Operation Lockdown", in its third phase, and Operation Shanela, rolled out nationwide in 2023 Mosikili presented statistics demonstrating the strategy's impact from April 1 to September 30 During that period 936 people were arrested provincewide for gang-related activities Almost half of the arrests, 445, came specifically from the 26 priority stations
Likewise, with the attempted murder arrests in Western Cape (927), nearly a third were from priority stations (300) Almost half of the illegal guns confiscated province-wide (1 162) were from priority stations (551) and among the rounds of ammunition seized in the province (12 000) more than half were from priority areas (7 000)
She listed the intervention's conviction successes saying that of 152 total convictions were recorded by NPA and police, 93 were for serious violent crimes including murder and attempted murder and of those 20 received life sentences for sentences for murder and multiple other sentences ranging from 20 to 30 years for murder
The strategy employs partnerships with state security agencies, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Central Electronic Registry of Arrests, and border management authorities
Building on the August 2020 cooperation agreement, a technical committee with nine work streams oversees joint operations with the metro police, provincial traffic authorities, and community policing forums
On Thursday 9 October, Cachalia presented the strategy to community stakeholders in an online meeting Lentegeur Community Police Forum chair attended and thanked the minister for delivering on his promise of returning with a plan
The majority of crimes in the Western Cape take place in the province’s 26 priority stations which includes Mitchell’s Plain.
Teacherc topawar
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA
Behind every dream realised is a teacher who believed
One such teacher is Chantelle Carstens, a special needs teacher at Paarl School in Brackenfell, who was named South Africa’s best special needs teacher at the National Teaching Awards held in Boksburg on Thursday evening
Carstens was praised for her passion for inclusive education which is clear in everything she does It is her philosophy of putting her learners at the heart of the learning process that distinguished her In her classroom, inclusion isn’t just a nice idea, it’s something she lives every day She makes learning accessible for everyone by using a range of tools like tactile activities, visual aids, and assistive tech
She sets ambitious goals for her students, believing they can achieve more than they think, with many of her former students having gone to graduate from university
Winning the National Teacher Award, Chantelle says still feels surreal
"I am honestly overwhelmed and in disbelief that I was chosen for such an incredible honour Teaching has always been more than a career to me, it’s a calling And to be recognised on a national level for doing what I love is a humbling experience," she told TygerBurger
"As the reality begins to sink in, my heart remains full of amazement This honour is one I will carry with pride, not for myself alone, but for every teacher who continues to pour their heart into shaping our children for the future "
To her this recognition is not the end of a journey, but rather a new beginning
"Going forward, I want to use this platform to uplift and inspire others I want to be a voice for learners with special needs "
She hopes to mentor young teachers and share her experiences to encourage them to believe in their purpose even when the challenges feel overwhelming
"I also want to continue creating spaces where learners feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving beyond what they imagine If my journey can spark only one teacher to believe in their impact, or one more learner to believe in their potential, then this honour will have served its true purpose "
DEEPLYREWARDING
Reflecting on her journey as a teacher, Carstens says: "I did not choose special needs education, it chose me I first ended up in Paarl School as a stand-in teacher for six weeks and I never left Life has a way of guiding us exactly where we are meant to be I knew from the very first day that this is where I belong Walking this journey with my learners has been one of the greatest privileges of my life " While special needs education is deeply rewarding, it comes with unique challenges
"One of the greatest is ensuring that every learner receives the individualised attention and support they need Each child learns differently, progresses at their own pace, and faces their own barriers, whether emotional, cognitive, or physical," she says
"Another challenge for special needs teaching is limited resources often available to support learners fully This goes from assistive technologies to trained support staff It can be difficult when you know what a learner needs, but the resources aren’t always within reach " There are emotional challenges too
"Working with learners who struggle daily requires not only skill but resilience and compassion You invest so much of yourself, your time, your energy, your heart, and it can be heavy at times
But the smallest victories make it all worthwhile " "I work closely with parents, therapists, and colleagues to build a strong support
JonkenoudinParowbyeen virskaak-toernooi
RICHARDROBERTS
RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Die eindtoernooi van die jaarlikse Chess@Libraries-skaakkampioenskap is verlede week in die Parow-gemeenskapsaal gehou
Hier het oud en jonk sedert vroegoggend tot laatmiddag mekaar die stryd aangesê, van biblioteke dwarsoor die metropool
Die deelnemers aan die toernooi sluit in skaakklublede van die biblioteke Parow, Kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mithcell's Plain Town Centre, Rocklands, Goodwood, Elsiesrivier, Dunoon, Athlone, Wynberg, Adriaanse, Gordonsbaai, Pinelands, Southfield, Mowbray, Crossroads, Weltevreden, Woodstock, Kuyasa en Moses Mabhida in
Die saal was volgepak met tafels en
VANAFBLADSY1
"Die blomme is skouspelagtig en die geur van die pronk-ertjies is heerlik "
DIEVREUGDEVANTUINE
SPELERS VAN REGOOR DIE
KAAPSE METROPOOL HET
DEELGENEEM
stoele, en skaakborde gereed vir die kampioenskap
Die Chess@Libraries inisiatief word deur personeel by die Stad Kaapstad se biblioteek en inligtingsdiensdepartement bestuur in samewerking met die WesKaapse Skaakfederasie
Tasneem Adriaanse van dié departement sê die inisiatief hou aan groei
Vanjaar se eindronde is 'n mylpaal in die reis om dié sport as 'n lewendige, gemeenskapsgedrewe program in biblioteke dwarsoor die metropool te
skaakspelers,jonk en oud
vestig, sê sy "Skaak het bewys dat dit meer as net 'n speletjie is Dit word aangebied by meer as 30 deelnemende biblioteke en dien as 'n manier om konsentrasie, kritieke denke en probleem-oplossing te help ontwikkel, terwyl dit ook die geleentheid skep vir ontspanning en sosiale verbintenis,” sê Adriaanse
Sy sê meer as die helfte van die 102 biblioteke wat deur die Stad bestuur word, bestuur nou skaakklubs gereeld
Gemiddeld bied biblioteke tussen drie en vyf skaaksessies aan per maand, waar 'n ouderdomsbeperking en ervaring nie 'n noodsaaklikheid is nie
Ter voorbereiding vir die jaarlikse eindtoernooi is kwalifiserende rondes by meer as 50 biblioteke tussen April en Augustus gehou
Die plaaslike kwalifiserende biblioteke, soos Southfield, Gugulethu, Woodstock en Elsiesrivier het meer as 50 deelnemers gelok, van wie baie tot die stadswye eindronde deurgedring het, sê Adriaanse
Sy sê die groei is te wyte aan die stadige uitbreiding van die program sedert dit begin het van 70 spelers in 19 biblioteke tot 120 spelers in 24 biblioteke in 2024, en nou meer as 160 deelnemers van 33 biblioteke
Die wenners vanjaar in die ervareafdeling is Sandiso Kedama (22) van die Crossroads-biblioteek (eerste plek), Roy Mutunhire (25) van die Kraaifonteinbiblioteek (tweede plek) en Tezihano Mnyasta (200 van die Parow-biblioteek (derde plek)
Die beste vrouespeler is Courtney Musakwa (15) van die Athlone-biblioteek
Vanjaar is die ontwikkelingsafdeling in die skaaktoernooi ook bekendgestel vir spelers wat biblioteke verteenwoordig sonder enige rang of uitgebreide ervaring, as 'n manier om hulle te motiveer en te ontwikkel
Tuindag herdenk vandeesmaand sy 10de bestaansjaar, n dekade waarin Suid-Afrikaners die vreugde van tuine herontdek het "Sedert die bekendstelling in 2016 het Tuindag in n beweging ontwikkel wat mense oor die land heen geïnspireer het om tuin te maak, se Thembalethu Khumalo by die Tuindag-span Oor die afgelope dekade het tendense soos "plantouerskap" getoon hoe die versorging van groenigheid vrede en vreugde bring
"Hoewel Tuindag nog altyd gefokus het op byeenkomste en groen ruimtes, dra dit ook ’n dieper boodskap dat tuine voordelig is vir jou gesondheid “Navorsing het bewys dat tyd in die natuur bloeddruk en hartklop van mense kan verlaag, streshormone kan verminder en selfs jou immuunstelsel kan versterk," sê Khumalo
IMPORTANT NOTICE
FORM 3A - NOTICE OF APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENCES IN TERMS OF SECTION 37(1) OF THE WESTERN CAPE LIQUOR ACT,2008 – [REG 10(1)]
Notice is hereby given that the following applications for liquor licences have been lodged with the Western Cape Liquor Authority (the Authority) and with the designated liquor officers at the indicated South African Police Service offices The applications concerned may, up to and including the 28th day from the date of publication of the application, upon request and free of charge, be inspected by any person, at the offices of the Authority or the designated liquor officer listedhereunder Copies of an application can be obtained from the Authority after payment of the prescribed fee Objections and representations must be lodged in writing with the Authority and the designated liquor officer in accordance with section 39 of the Act
VORM 3A - KENNISGEWING VAN AANSOEKE OM DRANKLISENSIES INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 37(1) VAN DIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET,2008 – [REG 10(1)]
Hiermee word kennis gegee dat die volgende aansoeke om dranklisensies ingedien is by die Wes-Kaapse Drankowerheid (die Owerheid) en] by die aangewese drankbeamptes by die aangeduide Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantore Die betrokke aansoeke kan tot en met die 28ste dag vanaf die datum van publikasie van die aansoek op versoek en gratis deur enige persoon besigtig word by die kantore van die Owerheid of die aangewese drankbeampte hieronder gelys Afskrifte van ’n aansoek kan by die Owerheid verkry word na betaling van die voorgeskrewe fooi Besware en vertoë moet ooreenkomstig artikel 39 van die Wet skriftelik by die Owerheid en die aangewese drankbeampte ingedien word
Kind of licence applied for Tipe lisensie waarom aansoek gedoen word
Uhlobo lwephepha mvume olucelayo
South African Police Services designated liquor officer office where the application has been lodged
Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantoor van die aangewese drankbeampte waar die aansoek ingedien is i-Ofisi yeGosa elijongene nemiba engotywala yeeNkonzo zamaPolisa eMzantsi Afrika apho isicelo sifakwe khona
Die Parow-gemeenskapsaal was verlede Donderdag gepak met entoesiastiese
Gert Hofman en Louisa Smith het die gelukstrekking behartig
Vermaak // Entertainment
WCcelebratesculturalexcellence
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The red carpet was rolled out at the Artscape Theatre on Tuesday 7 October, as the provincial department of cultural affairs and sport honoured the province's top talent in arts, culture and heritage
Under the theme "Journey from Darkness into Light: Thrive", the evening was a celebration of creativity and contribution, recognising artists, linguists, librarians, and heritage custodians for their lasting impact across the Western Cape (WC). Winners were crowned across a range of categories, including Excellence in Performing Arts Award, a project that promotes South African Sign Language or the marginalised indigenous languages of the Western Cape, The Best Friends of the Public Library and Ministerial Commendations.
Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, while Dr Isaac Balie was one among those who received a Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong contribution in his field.
Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, was also recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts.
Jabaar Mohamed, provincial director of DeafSA Western Cape, won the Project that Promotes South African Sign Language or the Marginalised Indigenous Languages of the Western Cape category for his TV show called Accessibility with Jabaar Speaking to People's Post, Mohamed said the award is more than just a "trophy".
"It's a recognition of years of advocacy, passion,
and belief in my media platform Accessibility with Jabaar TV talk show on Cape Town TV It represents the roots of inclusivity for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disability communities because that's where true community begins."
Mohamed said it's a powerful reminder that accessibility matters, and that voices expressed through South African Sign Language (SASL) are "finally being seen and valued".
"I dedicate this award to everyone who continues to break barriers and create equal opportunities for all. I'm especially proud that this recognition comes from the Western Cape, my home, all the way from Elsies River."
He said this fuels him to do more
"Being deaf is not an obstacle It's part of who I am and what drives me to do more This award doesn't mean I'm done; it's just the beginning.
There's still so much I'm planning."
The Best Friends of the Public Library award went to the Friends of the Central Library Mike Klink, chair of the Friends of Central Library, said: "It takes a lot of work to build relationships in the library ecosystem.
This win is not just about my leadership but about my team and everyone contributing We encourage people to come to the Central Library to see what the friends of the library are doing."
Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, said art is the mirror and heartbeat of society "It captures our shared struggles and triumphs, reminding us that creativity is both our refuge and renewal. The theme speaks to the spirit of our province, a spirit that refuses to be defeated by hardship and instead transforms it into hope, beauty, and understanding.”
IMPORTANT NOTICE
FORM 27A - NOTICE OF LODGEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR REMOVAL OF LIQUOR LICENCE IN TERMS OF SECTION 66(2) OF THE WESTERN CAPE LIQUOR ACT, 2008 – [REG 33(2)]
Notice is hereby given that an application for the removal of a liquor licence has been lodged with the Western Cape Liquor Authority (the Authority) and with the designated liquor officer in whose area of jurisdiction the licensed premises are currently located and, where the granting of the application will have the effect of removing the licence to the area of jurisdiction of another designated liquor officer, also with the designated liquor officer of that area
The application concerned may up to and including the 28th day from the date of publication of the application upon request and free of charge be inspected by any person at the offices of the Authority or the relevant designated liquor officer(s) Copies of the application can be obtained from the Authority after payment of the prescribed fee
Objections and representations may be lodged in writing with the Authority and the relevant designated liquor officer(s) in accordance with regulation 33(13) of the Regulations
VORM 27A - KENNISGEWING VAN INDIENING VAN AANSOEK OM VERWYDERING VAN
DRANKLISENSIE INGEVOLGE ARTIKEL 66(2) VAN DIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET, 2008 – [REG 33(2)]
Hiermee word kennis gegee dat ’n aansoek om die verwydering van ’n dranklisensie ingedien is by die Wes-Kaapse Drankowerheid (die Owerheid) en by die aangewese drankbeampte in wie se regsgebied die gelisensieerde perseel tans geleë is en waar die toestaan van die aansoek die verwydering van die lisensie na die regsgebied van ’n ander aangewese drankbeampte tot gevolg sal hê ook by die aangewese drankbeampte van daardie gebied Die betrokke aansoek kan tot en met die 28ste dag vanaf die datum van publikasie van die aansoek op versoek en gratis deur enige persoon by die kantore van die Owerheid of die tersaaklike aangewese drankbeampte besigtig word Afskrifte van die aansoek kan by die Owerheid na betaling van die voorgeskrewe fooi verkry word
Besware en vertoë mag ooreenkomstig regulasie 33(13) van die Regulasies skriftelik by die Owerheid en die tersaaklike aangewese drankbeampte(s) ingedien word IFOMU 27A - ISAZISO SOKUFAKWA KWESICELO SOKUSUSWA KWEPHEPHA-MVUME LOTYWALA NGOKWECANDELO 66(2) LOMTHETHO WEZOTYWALA WENTSHONA KOLONI, 2008 – [UMGAQO 33(2)] Kunikezelwa isaziso yokuba isicelo sokususwa kwelayisenisi yotywala sifakiwe kuGunyaziwe woTywala weNtshona Koloni (abasemaGunyeni) nakwiiofisi zamagosa otywala agunyazisiweyo kwaye, apho ukunikezelwa kwesicelo kuza kuchaphazela ukususwa kwelayisenisi phantsi kolawulo lwelinye igosa lotywala eligunyazisiweyo kuloo ngingqi
. Die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees duur nog tot Sondag 19 Oktober Toneel, musiek, dans, films en meer Besoek www woordfees.co.za vir meer inligting. . Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Theatre on the Bay now until 29 November Tickets from R275 at Webtickets
. Juan Boucher is op Vrydag 24 Oktober om 19:00 by Heroes Live, op Diemersfontein-wynplaas buite Wellington. Deure maak 17:00 oop Kaartjies kos R350 by www.heroesbrackenfell. net
. Joshua na die Reën is op Woensdag 15 Oktober om 20:30 by Die Boer-teaterrestaurant Kaartjies kos R270 by www dieboer com of by 021 979 1911. . Roan Ash is op Woensdag 15 Oktober om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R260 tot R300 by www.heroesbrackenfell.net . Vusi Mahlasela -"The Voice" brings his powerful blend of music and activism to the University of Cape Town in a celebration of heritage and hope on Thursday 16 October at 19:00 Tickets from R100 to R300 at Webtickets
. Joshua na die Reën is op Donderdag 16 Oktober om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos R260 tot R300 by www heroesbrackenfell.net
. Coppelia is at Artscape on Friday 17 October at 19:00 and Saturday 18 October at 14:00 and 19:00 Tickets cost R200 to R550 at Webtickets
The provincial department of cultural affairs and sport honoured the province’s top talent in arts,culture and heritage.
Jointheannual
lk
Support group for bereaved parents
The support group The Compassionate Friends will meet on Tuesday 4 November at 18:00 at a venue in Durbanville for the second time
The group was started by three mothers who have lost children - Mel Lowe from Durbanville, who lost all four of her young children in a car accident, along with Maria Bottcher and Linda Whitmore who both lost daughters
The support group had its founder meeting on Tuesday 7 October and will meet on the first Tuesday of the month going forward.
They invite bereaved parents in the area to the support group meeting. "If you are a parent, newly bereaved and looking for support or if you have worked through your grief and are able to give support to others, we would love you to join us,"
invites Bottcher "One of the saddest deaths is that of a child. One expects to bury one’s parents, then a spouse, but not a child. Parents who have lost one or more children, find it very difficult to deal with it "This is not a pleasant topic and so people avoid it, thinking that the bereaved parents must do so too In fact they are advised to put it behind them and get on with their lives. This is very dangerous advice indeed as repressed grief is very destructive and can lead to physical, as well as emotional illnesses. The answer is to work through one’s grief thoroughly, however long it takes by talking and crying it out, thus releasing the pain,” she says. . Phone Mel Lowe on 082 552 5909 or Maria Bottcher on 072 754 0351 for more information about the venue
Kommentaar // Comments
VOTE CAPE TOWN TO THE TOP: The Mother City once again captured the spotlight with its nomination one of the world’s top destinations,this time at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards 2025,where it is shortlisted in the International Destinations – Best City category.This year’s awards,themed“Art of Discovery”,celebrate places that inspire exploration and connection.Cape Town is in distinguished company,nominated alongside cities including Cairns (Queensland),Lisbon (Portugal),Perth (Western Australia),Riyadh (Saudi Arabia),San Francisco (USA),Tbilisi (Georgia),and Tokyo (Japan) The awards are entirely audience-led,with travellers voting for their favourite experiences over a two-month period Now it’s over to Capetonians: visit https://awards travelandleisureasia com/iba-2025/international-destinations/best-city to cast your vote
Jo Fourie groet TygerBurger met dankbare hart
1 April 2022 ek onthou die datum soos gister Dit was die dag toe ek by die TygerBurger ingestap het as die nuutste lid van die span
My hande het gebewe van opgewondenheid
Om vir Media24 te werk was nog altyd my droom vandat ek ‘n pen kon vashou en my eerste storietjie op papier neergeskryf het Ek het pas klaar studeer en om sommer dadelik ‘n permanente pos by ‘n koerant te kry waarmee ek grootgeword het, was vir my ‘n seën sonder gelyke Dit was immers die koerant wat elke Woensdag in my ouerhuis afgelewer is; die koerant wat my liefde vir gemeenskapsnuus en menseverhale gevoed het Nou, meer as drie jaar later, is dit tyd om totsiens te sê En ek sê dit met ‘n hart vol dankbaarheid, herinneringe en groei Ek onthou my eerste storie soos gister Ek het daar gesit met my notaboek en my selfoon, nie seker waar om te begin of met wie om te praat nie Ek was die jong joernalis wat almal miskyk tot ek begin praat En dan, skielik, weerklink my stem oor myle heen
By die TygerBurger het ek soveel geleer oor mense, oor geduld, oor die krag van woorde en oor myself Ek het ongelooflike mense ontmoet, stories vertel wat my diep geraak het, en 'n wêreld van insig en wysheid betree wat geen handboek my kon leer nie
EKWASDIEJONG JOERNALISWAT
ALMALMISKYK—TOT EKBEGINPRAAT.
ENDAN,SKIELIK, WEERKLINKMYSTEM OORMYLEHEEN.
My lewe het ook hier gegroei Ek het begin as ‘n ongetroude jong vrou met groot drome Intussen het ek verloof geraak, getrou, en nou wag verwag ons ons eerste baba ‘n nuwe hoofstuk vol belofte en liefde
My kollegas het saam met my die groot oomblikke beplan: van hoe my man my sou vra om te trou, tot die dag toe ons die eerste keer van die baba vertel het En nou, soos elke storie, kom hierdie een tot ‘n mooi einde Ek keer terug na my boeke om my doktorsgraad klaar te maak en uiteindelik ‘n dosent te word by die universiteit waar ek die eerste keer geïnspireer is om te doen wat ek doenDankie, TygerBurger, dat julle die begin van my storie was die plek waar die jong meisie met ‘n pen haar stem gevind het -JOFOURIE
The light that’s you
You don’t need crowns or silver rings, To prove the glow your soul can bring, For even quiet hearts can shine, And turn the dark to something divine You’ve carried pain, yet softly smiled, Held broken dreams but still stayed kind, The world may never truly see How rare your heart was meant to be In moments small, you change the air, A gentle word, a loving stare, You lift the lost, you calm the fear, You re warmth itself when hope feels near So never doubt the light you give, The love that teaches hearts to live For in this world of many hue, There’ll never be another you ShariqBasardien(16),EASTRIDGE
Urineer elders
Ek vind die gedrag van sommige van die taxi-bestuurders wat studente na hul kollege in Panorama vervoer totaal onaanvaarbaar Hulle gebruik die oop stuk grond tussen Plattekloofweg en die Plattekloof-winkelsentrum as toilet ten aanskoue van die mense - insluitende oorsese besoekers - wat die koffiewinkel by die sentrum besoek om 'n koppie koffie daar en die panoramiese uitsig oor die Kaapse Skiereiland te geniet Hierdie gedrag in 'n openbare ruimte behoort nie geduld te word nie en die Stad Kaapstad sal derhalwe dringend aan hierdie saak aandag moet gee My voorstel sal wees, indien daar geen ander alternatief is nie om draagbare toilette daar te laat oprig en hierdie mense te beboet indien hulle nie daarvan gebruik maak nie
GerritHorn,E-POS
Hou asseblief honde op leiband
Insake "Hou aggresiewe honde op leibande" - dankie vir jou skrywe in TygerBurger gedateer 8 Oktober
Sandra Basson
Ek was ook in Boland Park die spesifieke dag toe jou hond aangeval is Die arme onskuldige Jack Russel het nie verdien om so wreed aangeval te word nie
Daar is menige honde liefhebbers wat nie die erns besef van watter ras gepas is by hul persoonlikheid en omstandighede nie Diesulkes dink ook hulle is hondekenners
Daar is n groot verskil tussen hondeliefhebbers en
hondekenners Die eienaar moet volle verantwoordelikheid aanvaar Die spesifieke eienaar moes wel bewus daarvan gewees het van sy hond se aggressie Waarom anders het hy sy ma gevra of sy dink hy kan die hond van sy leiband afhaal?
My pleidooi dus aan alle eienaars van honde wat nie sosiaal aangepas is nie om hulle op leiband te hou Hondeparke is vir nie-aggresiewe honde Versoek aan die staffie se eienaar: gaan stap asseblief met jou hond elders en hou hom op sy leiband MarijkeMarais,BRACKENFELL
Butler property tree felling sparks debate over City spending
On Thursday 9 October the chain saws fell silent on the Butler property on Bolandweg, leaving a scene of devastation reminiscent of the Deville Wood area during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 For me it reminds us of the 1918 poem from WW I: And Then the Guns Fell Silent “And then the guns fell silent, Smoke and death were in the air, The sounds of echoed silence ” For three weeks we have been listening to the chain saws cutting down majestic trees in our neighbourhood some 50- to 80-year-old giants, all in the name of development but we know it’s about an improvement of the City of Cape Town’s finances, the same City “that works for
you”
At the same time The Argus front page of Tuesday 6 October displays the details of the court application by CTCRA (City of Cape Town Collective Ratepayers Association) challenging the City's budget of 2025/26 Without going into detail about this court action it remains a travesty that rate payers, people who pay the City official’s wages and the political echelons salaries, must turn to the courts to force this cabal to listen to our concerns Reference the City’s defence of these various levies, to wit; water, electricity and now cleaning, I cannot find any evidence that there is a concerted effort from the City’s side to reduce their expenditure
From the Free Market Foundation (Cape Town’s budget: A departure from the rule of law | Free Market Foundation): By linking service fees to property values rather than actual usage, the City shifts from a cost-recovery model toward wealth redistribution Somewhere is a research piece from 2015 about the City’s unsustainable wage bill warning about an unfolding disaster Now in 2025 this where we are with a City wage bill climbing at an unsustainable rate and I quote: "Staff-related costs continue to increase, now set for R20,758 billion Although salary increases are reflected as 5 1% 'cost to company', the actual increase is 7 5% The budget appears
to hide behind centrally negotiated SALGA salary increases " This from the Western Cape Property Development Forum’s letter dated 2 May 2025 addressed to the mayor and his team Did they listen? Not on your Nellie Currently the public sector wage bill stands at an eye-watering R750 billion on top of national debt costs of R1,1 billion per day As a concerned citizen I would have thought that our young vibrant mayor would take note of this financial cliff we are approaching But Sunday we will have our small Malawian gardener, who works two jobs to feed his family in Malawi, on duty here at our house Cleaning and planting new shoots to offset the carbon footprint lost
on the Butler property on top of cleaning the street Yes, cleaning the street, as do all the neighbours using garden services, which begs the question: Those of us, including the “gated developments”, that fund this function with after-tax money can we submit an invoice to the City for “services rendered”? Or can we apply to have these levies discounted on our municipal account? In the 30 plus years we have been living at this address the City has never had to clean our street, why are we now required to fund a mythical activity? Will we end up funding a mythical unicorn run by the City? Let’s unite and stop this FrancoisJMarais,DURBANVILLE
Capeclinicsexpandmentalhealthscreenings
DESIRÉERORKE
DES REE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA
Over the past year, a mental health screening tool has been successfully implemented at 13 community clinics in Cape Town, with plans underway to expand it to all City clinics
As result of this, there has been a 145% increase in the number of patients seen for suicide attempts in the past year, as mental health services expanded from three City Health sub-districts to all eight
During the previous year 68 such patients were seen compared to this year's 167, while in total 30 230 mental health screenings were done, whereas last year 8 616 were done, indicating a 251% increase
"City Health is placing mental health firmly at the heart of its strategic priorities, ensuring that preventative care, early detection, and community support are central to its services," said City of Cape Town Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
Aligned with the 2025 World Mental Health Day theme, "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies", City Health emphasised its commitment to building resilient communities by addressing mental well-being before crises occur
Higham encourages residents to look after their mental health, seek support when needed, and engage in conversations that break discrimination and stigma
145%
There has been a major increase in the number of patients seen for suicide attempts 167 in the past year, while 68 such patients were seen during the previous year
"City Health psychologists are leading innovative awareness initiatives at community level, making mental health information accessible, culturally sensitive, and easy to understand in all three official languages
Preventing mental health challenges before they escalate is just as important as treating physical illnesses," she added
STRONGERSUPPORTNEEDED
In South Africa, up to nine out of ten patients with mental health disorders do not receive treatment or have access to mental healthcare programmes
Primary healthcare (PHC) practitioners are working to fill this gap, but they are not getting the support they need
This according to researchers from the department of family and emergency medicine at Stellenbosch University
They explored the perceptions and experiences of PHC practitioners in managing common mental health disorders at clinics and district hospitals' out-patient departments in the Garden Route District in the Western Cape the province with the highest rate of mental health conditions in South Africa
They focused on nurse
practitioners, lay and registered counsellors, medical doctors sessional and permanent medical officers (MOs), community service MOs, medical intern doctors and registrars in family medicine and social workers
Their findings were published recently in the African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine
The researchers say that even though PHC practitioners play an important role in identifying, diagnosing and managing patients with common mental health disorders, they often lack the required resources and available support structures remain underutilised
“Part of the problem is that less than 3% of the national health budget goes to mental health services and only 7,9% of the mental healthcare budget is allocated to primary healthcare,” says Prof Louis Jenkins from the department
The researchers add that because specialist practitioners were scarce, PHC practitioners had heavy workloads, which made referrals difficult They point out that there are just 0,31 public service psychiatrists for every 100 000 people far below the recommended 1,03
psychiatrists and 10,36 nurses needed per 100 000 people to provide adequate mental health services
“This workload shift to PHC is not supported by sufficient resources, particularly in the public health sector and especially in rural areas, resulting in overworked and insufficiently trained staff to manage both the high burden of disease and patients requiring specialist care Just under half of participants (46,9%) said the workload was too heavy to allow effective mental health screening ”
They also highlight the importance of strengthening undergraduate programmes to better prepare practitioners to identify and manage mental health disorders effectively
“Staff require additional training in mental health disorders, and managers need to emphasise and monitor the use of guidelines provided to assist in managing mental health disorders
“There is a need to increase the number of mental health nursing practitioners, especially to support PHC clinics
“It is crucial that we see primary health care as a priority,
measure and improve quality, and make specialist support accessible and available If primary mental health care is part of the model of PHC, then it needs to be supported by appropriate infrastructure, medication, workforce and information ”
GOODMENTALHEALTHISAJOURNEY
Good mental health and emotional well-being can be easy to take for granted, but keeping this balance through life’s ups and downs can be a struggle for anyone
World Mental Health Day, commemorated on Friday 10 October, reminds us that mental health is a constant work in progress, not something that can ever be finally achieved This according to Megan Gonsalves, Netcare Akeso 24-hour Crisis Line Manager
“It is helpful to think of it as a journey, not a destination; mental health requires us to invest in self-care on an ongoing basis not only in times of crisis Our mental well-being should be nurtured as part of our ordinary routine to set ourselves up for coping successfully in the everchanging situations life throws our way
“To maintain our mental health and well-being, we need to keep building our coping skills, maintain healthy habits, and nurture the social connections and activities that bring us fulfilment in different spheres of life,” she says
