WHAT’S ON /WAT IS WAAR
Counterfeitgoods seizedinBellville
The police have seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R100 millionfrom aBellville shopping complexfollowing two separate operations conducted within aweek.
Bless aBabycalls forMandela Dayvolunteers
Bless aBaby is inviting volunteersto maketheir67minutes matter on Mandela Day by bringinghope to vulnerable mothers and their newborn babies.
The event takesplace on Friday 17 July.
TWORAIDS NET MORE THAN R100 MILLION WORTHOFFAKE BRANDED PRODUCTS AT
Volunteerswill pack Bags of Hope for families in need.
Those who cannotattend the event, can donatebaby essentials such as clothing (0 to 3months, and 3to6months), nappies, blankets, soap, petroleum jelly (100ml) and toothbrush sets. They can also donate R67 or more in cash to contribute. Booking is essential and spaces are limited.
. Visithttps://www.quicket.co.za/ events/379767-bless-a-baby-mandela-day/#/ to book your spot
Vansandendorings na‘nmooilushof
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
Toe Theo Dippenaar in 2018 in Boekenhoutsingel in Protea Village, Brackenfell, ingetrek het, was die munisipale grond voor sy deur ’n neerdrukkende gesig— net sand, onkruid en dorings. Vandag is dit ’n welige tuin waar kinders elke aand speel en vrugtebome in oorvloed staan. Dit alles is die werk van een man.
“Ek het die oop stuk veld destyds een kyk gegee en vir my vrou gesê ons kan nieinso ’n vuil plek woon nie,” vertel hy, en voeg by, “die nuttelose grond kon benut word vir die hele gemeenskap”.
on Madiba Day
KINDERSSPEEL IN WELIGE TUINENTUSSEN
VRUGTEBOME WATTHEODIPPENAAR OP MUNISIPALE GRONDGEPLANT HET
Hyhet hand aandie ploeg geslaan en begin skoonmaak en kortvoor lank is sy eerste mielies en koolplante geoes vir almalindie straatomvan te eet.
“Dit washarde werk aan die begin,” sêTheo.“Ek het water vanmyhuis af aangedra met ’n gieteromdie plante aan die lewe te hou. Later het ’n buurman vir mygesêdat daar wel ’n kraan en sproeiers op die perseel was alles stukkend en lankal vergete.”
Die toerusting is toe skoongemaak, gediensendeels
vervang, en kort daarna het die gras begin groei. Dietuinhet vinnig getransformeer. Theo het beddings aangelê en verskeie aalwyne, kaktusse en blomme geplant
Vandag pronkdie tuin met’n indrukwekkende verskeidenheid vrugtebome en plante, waaronder ’n perske-, koejawel-,olyf-, appel-, granaat-, suurlemoen-,lemoen-, avokadopeerboom, proteas, grenadellaplante en talle ander soorte
Sy toewydinghet mettertyd die StadKaapstadse parkedepartement se aandag getrek.
Toe ’n verteenwoordiger die tuin besoekengevra het wie verantwoordelik is vir die werk, was Dippenaar se antwoord eenvoudig: “Ek.”
Ná ’n kort gesprekoor wat nog benodig word, is ’n vrag kompos afgelewer om die tuin verder te versorg. Maar dit is niepryse of erkenning wat Dippenaar die meeste bybly nie. “Vandag speel die klein kindertjies saans daar; dit is vir my die mooiste deel van alles,” sê hy Diegrondbehoort aan die munisipaliteit, maar is deur een man se hande, en liefde vir sy gemeenskapiniets besonders omskep —weereens ‘n bewys dat ‘n enkele menswel ‘n verskil kan maak.
For nearly three decades, Rachel’s Wishes has been serving vulnerable communities across theWestern Cape with one simple mission: to bring dignity, comfortand hope to children and familieswho need it most.
“Founded after the tragic loss of our daughter, Rachel, at the age of three, our work has grown into alifeline for many —supporting early childhood development, literacy,community upliftment and countless families facing hardship,” says Christine Adcock, founder of Rachel’s Wishes.
“ThisMandela Day, we are once again running our much–loved Jars of Hope project, and we urgently need the community’s support,” she says.
Each jar contains rice, lentils, split peas,soup mix and astock cube,providing awholesome meal that feeds afamily of four.
“Thanks to generous partners, everyjar will also be handed out with aloaf of bread, warm children’s clothing (including jerseys, cardigans and beanies) and blankets for the elderly, who sufferdeeply during the cold wintermonths,” Adcock says. Their first handout will be on 17 July.
“What we witness each year is heartbreaking. Families facing hunger, children with nothing warm to wear, and parents going without so theirlittle ones can eat,” she said.
This year they will be filling 1000 jars for distribution to Kleinvlei, Bishop Lavis and BlikkiesdorpinDelft, “three
communities where the need is immense and growing”.+
“We are deeply grateful to Blue Ribbon for theirgenerous bread donation, to Anwar Jakoet, founder of AJ Foundation, for contributing rice, lentils and soup mix, and to the many individuals who have already stepped forward. They urgently need:
. Lentils, split peas, soup mix and stock cubes; . Beanies and scarves; . Blanketsfor the elderly; . 1000 drinks(juice boxes or bottled water) for distribution day.
“We are happy to collect donations. Living in this community is ablessing. Mandela Day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can change alife. Together we can wrap our communities in warmth, nourishment and hope thiswinter,”Adcock concludes. . To donateorget involved,contact Christine Adcock on 076919 9629.
Die tuin het vinnig getransformeer.
Women in Blikkiesdorp in Delft received JarsofHope.
Rescuedogcomfortthehomeless
Bandit spent twoyears at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha, waiting for afamily to choose him. Now this rescue dog has found his forever home anda meaningful new role, bringing comfort and companionship to adults experiencing homelessness.
Bandit arrived at the shelter asa tiny puppy alongsidehis motherand siblings after their owners were no longer able to care for them financially.While his siblings and even his mother were quickly adopted, Bandit remained at the shelter, waiting patiently for his chance atahappy ending That opportunity came when the Night Shelter in Somerset West approached Mdzananda in search of anew therapy pet. The shelterhad previously caredfor two belovedresident dogs who hadbothpassed away duetoold age, and hoped to find a new companion to bring joyand emotional support to the adults living there.
Mdzananda staff accompanied Bandit on ameet-and-greet visit to the shelter. Although initially wary of hisnew surroundings, Bandit soon began exploring, greeting residents, and making new friends.
“He soon snuggled up withsomeone,lay down,and madehimself at home,”says Marcelle du Plessis, spokesperson for Mdzananda. “Bandit has been at the Night Shelter for two weeks and it issafe to say he is happyasever. He has not only found his forever home, but he hastruly found his purpose in life, bringingjoy to people who havefallen on difficulttimes.”
Bandit now enjoysall the comfortsof home, including twobeds of his own, plenty of toys, nutritious food and treats, and most importantly, endless affection
ABANDONED PUPPY GETS NEW PURPOSE AS THERAPYPET AT NIGHT SHELTER IN SOMERSETWEST
from the adults at the shelter.
He spends his days playing, cuddling, andoffering companionship to residents.
“We are truly happy with this successful homing and can onlywish for the same happy endings for all ourdogs and cats up foradoption,” says Samantha Mann, general manager at Mdzananda
MANYANIMALSSTILLWAITINGFORHOMES
While Bandit’s story hasa heartwarming ending,manyother animals at Mdzananda arestillwaitingfor homes. Theshelter is currently at capacity, caring for numerous puppies,adult dogs, kittens andcats in need of loving families.
MEETANDGREET
Those interested in adopting, fostering, or arrangingameet-and-greet withan animal can contact Mdzananda’s adoptions manager, Chantel, at adoptions@ mdzananda.co.zaor060 709 2694.
Prospective adopters can also attendone of Mdzananda’s weekly adoption days: . SaturdaysatPetworld Cape Gate, Brackenfell . Saturdays and Sundays at Petworld Somerset West Alladoption days takeplacefrom 10:00 to 14:00.
. Visitwww.mdzananda.co.za or emailinfo@ mdzananda.co.za.
Bandit
Bandit making newfriendsatthe Night Shelter. Bandit enjoying atreat on his newbed.
Newsafety function on City app goes live
Back whereitbelongs
Thepurposeofthe annual work is to return windblown sand to the seaand backinto circulation. Thefrontal nets at the toe of the rehabilitated duneswerelifted and the cleanaccumulatedsand was placed into thesea below thelow-watermark. Thework was performedusing an excavatorand an articulated tipper truck.
Dune rehabilitation is the most cost-effective and pragmatic approach to protect ecosystems and ecologicalinfrastructure. When fully functional, dune systems help create quality coastalspaces forall
Followyour Cityon: www.
KORTLIKS
Raising relief thresholds
Measures through whichrates and services relief will be offeredinclude a proposed raisingofthe thresholdsfor indigentrelief. Propertiesvaluedup to R620 000 (upfromR500000)will receivea 100% rebate forwater and sanitation, whilethose valued up to R580 000 (upfromR450000)willget a100%rebatefor refuse collection
More pensioners andsocialgrant recipients also standtobenefitfromCity aid: Ratesrebates andLifelineelectricity will be availabletothose with amonthly household income of up to R27000, regardless of property value(up from R22000,and officiallySouth Africa’s
Inwoners het op 9Mei na die Wesfleur-atletiekstadion gestroom om Internasionale Brandbestrydersdag saam met die Stad se brand- en reddingsdiens te vier.Die jaarlikse byeenkoms is ’n geleentheid om erkenningte gee aan ons brandbestryders én om hullevoertuie en toerusting van nader te bekyk. Die Stad se begroting vir 2026/27 maak voorsiening vir sowat R8,3miljardsebelasting- en diensgeldverligting vir kwalifiserende inwoners. Boonop saldie belastingop ongeveer 60% vaneiendomme hetsydaal of onveranderd bly,ondankssterk groei in eiendomswaardes in Kaapstad. GrondverskuiwingswerkisinMei uitgevoerom opgehoopte sand by verskeie van die Stad se duinrehabilitasieprojekte in Table View,Houtbaai, Witsand,
Monwabisi en Fleur Park weg te stoot. Diedoelvan dié jaarlikse werkisomskoon waaisand terug te plaas in diesee, van waar ditweerkan sirkuleer
Die Stad wil kleinskaalseontwikkelaars en grondeienaarsinuitgesoekte gebiede help om bekostigbare huurwoonstelle (ARF’s)van ’n beter gehalte op hulle grond te bou. Die deskundige spanvan die tak vir plaaslike beplanningsondersteuning staan gereed om gratis advies tebied aan diegene wat ARF’sophulle erwe wil bou. Verteenwoordigersvan die WestelikeProvinsie serugbyklubs het in April metdie Stad vergader vir die eerste in ’n reeksontmoetingsombande met die sportgemeenskapteversterk.
lowering in thepropertyrates formula (orthe ‘rate-in-rand’). ThefirstR500000 of property values will also be ratesfree (upfromR450000), whichwill applytoall homesuptoR8million (upfromR7million).
*Visit https://bit.ly/3PTgvAu for more on ratesand tariffsreliefaswellasthe averagetariffs proposed for 2026/27.
Wheretoapplyfor help
•For indigent applications: indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za
•For ratesrebateapplications by pensioners and socialgrant recipients: rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
Ngomhla we9 kuCanzibe (Meyi),abahlali bazalisengothakazelelo ibala leembalekilaseWesfleurelisandula ukuphuculwaukuze bazibandakanye necandeloleeNkonzozoMlilo noHlangulo leSixeko ekubhiyozeleniusukulwehlabathi lwabacimimlilo.Lomsitho wonyakalithuba lokuhlonipha abacimimlilo bethu ngenkonzo yabo kwaye sibone izithuthizabo kunye nezixhobo zabo kufutshane. Uhlahlo lwabiwomali lweSixekoluka2026/27 lubandakanya iirhafu kunye nezophulelo kwiinkonzoezixabisa iR8,3 yeebhiliyoni kubahlali abafanelekileyo.Ukongeza koko,amalunga ne60% amakhaya aza kubona iireyithi zepropati zisehla okanye zihlale zingatshintshi, nangona kukhoukukhulangamandla kwexabiso lepropati eKapa. KwekaCanzibe, iSixekosiphinde saqalisa umsebenzi womhlaba ngokuthi sihambiseisantieqokelelweyo kwiiprojekthi zaso
No kicksortries,just strengthening ties: In April, the City welcomed representativesfrom theWestern Province’s rugbyclubs to thefirstina series of seminars aimed at thesportingfraternity. Amongothers, club representatives were informedofthe City’s annual maintenanceplans forsporting facilities across town,facilities developmentinitiatives,lease and management agreements,and even eventpermittingprocesses This forms part of efforts to strengthen theCity’srelationship with thesportingcommunity
ezahlukeneyo zokubuyiselwa kwimo yangaphambili kwesanti eTable View,HoutBay,Witsand, Monwabisi naseFleur Park.Injongo yalo msebenzi waminyakalekukubuyisela isanti ephetshethwa ngumoya elwandle izeiphinde ijikeleze. ISixekosifuna ukunceda abaphuhlisi abakhasayo kunye nabaninimhlaba kwiindawo ezikhethiweyo ukuba bakhe iiflethi ezirentisayo ezifikelelekayo nezikumgangatho ongcono(ARFs). Iqelaleengcali kwiSetyana leNkxaso yoCwangciso lweNgingqi (LPS) liyafumanekaukubonelela ngeengcebiso zasimahla kwabo bafuna ukwakhaii-ARF kumhlaba wabo KwekaTshaziimpuzi (Epreli), iSixekosamkele abameli abaphuma kwiiklabhu zombhoxo zePhondo leNtshonaKolonikwisemina yokuqalakuthotho lweeseminaezijoliswe kumaqela ezemidlalo
In-app reporting of safety incidents now live
TheCity’smobile appnow allows residents to log certain categories of by-law transgressions and policing incidents in aclick or two
Fornow,reportscan be made in 17 categories (including metal theft, public drinking, abandoned or broken-down vehicles, problem buildings, and poaching), with moretobephasedinover time. If anincident type is not yet available for in-app reporting, you will be redirected to the PublicEmergency Communication Centreon 021 480 7700.
Benefits of beingonthe app
Theapp is data-light, and the City hopes to makeitfree-useinthe future. All reports areautomatically geolocated and routed to the relevant City department. As users tend to provide moreaccurate details via the app,including pictures,this enables afaster,more effective response.
Reports can be submitted discreetly, withoutdrawing attentiontothose logging incidents in public spaces.Basedonincidents logged withthe City, registered app users also receive alerts, helping to improve awarenessofincidents in surroundingareas.
*Get the app in the Apple App StoreorGoogle Play Store.
Click for asafer Cape Town:
TheCity’s apphas been further enhanced,creating azippier wayto notify the municipality of incidents thatrequireapolicingresponse.
Investinginlibraries,investing in opportunity
Ofthe many investments we make in the City’s public facilities– sports grounds, swimming pools, parks, community halls and more –one that means alot tome is the money we spendonour public libraries.
We have 102 libraries across the metro, and theyare among themost important public facilitieswemanage Theseare far more than simply places totakeout abook: Our librariesare where peopleget free access to the internet; where theyresearchand applyfor jobs; where children can study and makeuse oflearning support programmes
Our libraries arewellused in every single community,and library membershipacrossCape Town continuestogrow. Last year,City librariesreceived morethanseven millionvisits!
Whatreally excitesmeisthe moneyweare spending to upgrade libraries in Cape Town’slower-income communities.Every rand spentmakes ahuge difference in people’s lives by offering access to learning and
AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
work opportunities.
We arebusy witha large upgrade to the Lwandle library–alsoknownasthe Hector Petersonmemorial library–that will see the facilitydouble in size by the endof2026.InBrown’s Farm,weare refurbishing ourlibrarythatsuffered
severedamage back in 2023. The refurbished Khayelitsha library officially reopenedinJune,asdid the nearby Nazeema Isaacslibrary,where we did extensive work to the roof and ceilings,restrooms, paving and library halls.Wealso recentlyrefurbished our libraries in Woodstock, Tafelsig andLanga.
We encourageCapetonians to join theirlocal libraries. While you do nothavetobeamember to visit alibrary, membershipdoesunlock a numberofbenefits, from borrowing readingmaterial to accessing digital resources. At the endoflast year,our total library membershipstood at just over 253000.Signing up is quick and easy –you just need your ID and proof of address.
Iinvite youtomakegood use of these wonderful facilities. Be assured that we will never stop investing in stockingCity librarieswith booksand equipment, and keeping themintiptop shape.
Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor
Meter replacements ticking alongnicely
TheCity’swater meter replacement drive started in August 2025. By the end of June 2026, the teams will have replaced some 62 000 meters. Thebrass metersare often targeted fortheirscrap metal value, while their accuracy also declines over time.
As part of the replacement project, watermeters arealso being moved to moreaccessiblelocationsoutside private propertiesfor easier reading
Subscribe to CityNews
If you wouldlike CityNews deliver straight to your inbox, sign up at www.capetown.gov.za/subscribe. CityNewsOnline is delivered everytwo weeks and includesrec highlights, service delivery notices reminders andalerts.
CityNews is distributed as an insert number of community papers.
It is also available at City walk-in centres, at City libraries, on PressR and at some MyCiTistations.
If you want it emailed to you, send your email address to citynews@capetown.gov.za.
TheCity means business: In April, theownersof35small businesses registeredasvendors on theCity’sdatabaseattended themunicipality’ssupplier developmentworkshop. The workshop equipped them to become suppliersofchoice in theirindustriesand grow theirventures. Topics covered included supply chainintegration, customer and market positioning, financialgrowth, and performance management.Participantswere selected and vetted viathe City’s Business Hub. Formoreabout theCity’senterprisedevelopment programmes, contactthe Business Hubonbusiness.support@ capetown.gov.zaor021 4174043. To registerfor free Business Hubcourses,gotohttps://www investcapetown.com/news-events/ business-events-in-cape-town/.
and maintenance. Additionally, new waterconnections arebeing installedfor individuallandbuyers planning development.
Wary?Not to worry– we’ll confirm
City-appointed contractor Gunning Construction and Civils is performing the work. Youwill receiveanofficial letter notifying you of yourmeter replacement.
KORTLIKS
Die Stad se mobiele toepassing laat inwoners nou toe om sekeresoorte oortredings en voorvalle wat polisiëring vereis metdie druk van’nknoppie aan te meld.Dié oortredings sluit in metaaldiefstal, drankgebruik in die openbaar, voertuiewat agtergelaat word probleemgeboue en stropery.Verdere aanmeldingskategorieë sal mettertyd beskikbaarkom.
Diemiljoenerandewat die Stad in sy bibliotekebelê, ontsluit ’n magdom moontlikhedevir inwoners ’n Stadsbiblioteek is veelmeer as ’n plek om ’nboek uitteneem: Dit is waar mensegratis internettoegang kry, waar hulle nawerksgeleenthedekan soek en daarvoor aansoekdoen, waar kinders aan skooltakekan werkenleerondersteuning kanontvang, envele meer.Die Stad het 102 bibliotekedeurdie hele metro, en
If no one is home when the contractor visits, anote withdetails of the next scheduled visit will be left
To confirm whether the workis legitimate, use your account number to check via WhatsApp (060 018 1505), SMS (31373, ≤160 characters) or email (water@capetown.gov.za). Alternatively, verifyonline (www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests) or withthe City’scall
lidmaatskap is gratis
Die eienaars van 35 kleinsake wat as verskaffers op die Stad se databasis geregistreer is,het in April die munisipaliteit se werksessie vir verskaffersontwikkeling bygewoon.Die sessiehet hulle toegerus om voorkeurverskaffers op hulle gebied te word en hulle ondernemings te laat groei. DieStadseprojekomverouderde watermeters te vervanghet in Augustus 2025 begin.Teen die einde van Junie is sowat 62 000 meters reeds vervang. Terselfdertyd word meters na toegankliker plekke buite privaat eiendommeverskuif sodat dit makliker gelees en in standgehou kanword. Swaar reën in Mei het Kaapstad se damvlakke tot72,8% opgestoot,wat heelwat meer is as die 62,9% wat op die ooreenstemmende tydstip verlede jaar aangeteken is.
centre (0860 103 089).
Smart’s separate
Thesemeterreplacements areseparate from the City’stransition to smart water metering technology, also knownas ‘advancedmetering infrastructure’ (AMI). Thesemeters arebeing rolled out in phasesinselected pilot areas, with some 83 000 going in by February 2029.
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
I-app yefowni yeSixekongokuivumela abahlali ukuba babhale iindidi ezithile zokwaphulwa komthetho kamasipala kunye neziganeko zamapolisa ngokucofanje kanye okanyekabini. Iingxelo zinokwenziwakwiindidi eziyi17 (kuqukaubusela bentsimbi zemethali,ukusela esidlangalaleni, izithuthi ezilahliweyookanye ezonakeleyo,izakhiwo eziyingxaki,nokuzingela ngokungekhomthethweni), nokunyeokuninzi okuza kulandela. Kutyalomali oluninzi esilwenza kumazikooluntu eSixeko, olunye oluthethalukhulu yimali esiyichitha kumathala eencwadi oluntu. Sinamathalaeencwadi ayi102 kuwo wonkeumasipalaombaxa, kwaye aphakathi kwezona ndawozibalulekileyozoluntu esizilawulayo. Ezi zindawoezingaphezululee kuneendawonje zokukhupha incwadi –kulapho abantu banokufumana khona ukufikelela simahla kwi-intanethi, benze uphando baze bafakeizicelo zemisebenzi, apho abantwana banokufunda khona kwaye basebenzise iinkqubozenkxaso yokufunda,
nokunye okuninzi KwekaTshaziimpuzi (Epreli), abanini bamashishini amancinci angama35 abhaliswe njengabathengisi kuvimbaweenkcukacha weSixeko baye bazimasa iwekhshophukamasipala engophuhliso lwababoneleli ngeenkonzo.Le wekhshophu yaye yabaxhobisa ukuba babe ngababoneleli abakhethekileyokumashishini abo kwayebakhulise amalinge abo Iphulo leSixekolokutshintsha imitha zamanzi liqale kweyeThupha (Agasti) 2025. Ekupheleni kweyeSilimela (Juni)2026, sizakubesitshintshe malunga neemitha eziyi62000. Iimitha zikwafuduselwa kwiindawo ezifikelelekangakumbi ngaphandlekweepropati zabucala ukuze zifundeke lula kwayezilungiswe. IimvulaezinkulukwekaCanzibe (Meyi) zonyuseumthamowamanzi kumadama aseKapa wayakutsho kwi72,8%, ngaphezu kwe62,9% eyarekhodwa kwangeli xesha linye kunyakaophelileyo
Roadworks round-up
TheCity has been hardatwork, maintaining and improving roads and pedestrianinfrastructureacross Area North over the past months.
In Brooklyn,footways were built along KoebergRoad, Vasco Street (between Kings Road and Da Gama Street), Dreyer Street and Kettley Way, and parking embayments wereimplemented along Poole Street (between Curlew Street and Festival Road)
New manholes werealso installed in Koeberg, Ramp Bypass, Kings and Section roads to temporarily improve drainage and prevent water build-up
Work in Parklands included the construction of footways at the corner of Dorchester and Wood drives, temporary propping for stormwater manholes in St John’sWood and ParklandsMain roads, and kerb and verge repairs at 18 Wimbledon Way.
In Table View,a raised intersection and footway were built alongJanssensAvenue, and aspeedhump was installed in Pentz Drive.
Footways wereadded along Link Road (between Montague Drive and Railway Road) in Montague Gardens,while Bosmansdam and Koebergroads as well as CenturyBoulevard in Montague Gardens and Century City wereresurfaced. In Rugby,resurfacing wasdone on Da Gama and Vasco streets, Lady Anne Walk and PrincessAlice Avenue, while Zonnekus and Vogelvlei roads in the Cape Farms area weregraded. Finally,in Melkbosstrand, pedestrian road markings and signage wereimprovedatthe intersectionofOttoduPlessis and Melkbosstrand roads to enhancepedestrian safety and encourage active mobility. Old road surfaces werealso replaced, and damaged kerbs and gutters repaired. Additionally,a raised intersection will be constructed along 11th Avenue and MostertRoad, and afootway along Harold Ashwell Boulevard.
KORTLIKS
Die Stad het onlangs drie gradeplegtighede gehou vir die eerste groep leerders in graad 6 en 7wat die munisipaliteit se program virjunior rivierbewaarders voltooi het. ’n Noodoefening in Bothasig op 6Mei het die Stad se gemeenskapsveiligheidsnetwerk op die proef gestel. Die oefening was indie vorm van’ngesimuleerdebomdreigement met ’n aktiewe verdagte op die toneel by dieAbe Shersportterrein. Buurtwagte, die distrikswag en ander veiligheidsvennote het saam met die Stad se direktoraat veiligheid en sekuriteit aan die aktiwiteit deelgeneem. Kwartaallikseoefeninge soos dié een toets gemeenskapstrukturese vermoë om flink en doeltreffend op noodgevalle te reageer.Buurtwagte en ander rolspelersuit die burgerlike samelewing bly noodsaaklikevennote gedurendeveiligheidsvoorvalle.
Altesaam R61 miljoen is belê in die opknapping van die atletiekbane in Wesfleur
Bigday for first junior river wardens
City’s first group of junior river wardens trainedand readytomakeadifference
The City recently held three graduationceremoniesin recognitionofthe first group of Grade6 and7learnerswho had completedthe municipality’s junior river wardens programme. Theceremonies were heldat Floreat, Ysterplaat and Red Riverprimary schools. Some of the graduateswillnow move on to Nature Connect’sprestigious programmefor conservation leaderstocontinuetheir growth throughtoGrade 12
Taught to tend ourrivers
Thejuniorriver wardensprogramme waslaunchedin 2025 to bridge the gap betweenclassroom learning and real-world conservation.Learnerstake part in practicalactivitiestomonitor
river health andbiodiversity. In this way, they learntosee themselves as ‘custodians’ whoare responsible for thesustainable management of their naturalsurroundings.
Theprogramme targetsprimary school learners interested in nature conservation.Recruitsare selected viaschools in specificcatchment areas or throughenvironmental education centres, with theCitynormally requesting nominations.
*For more informationonthe junior riverwardens programmeand the next intake,email Bronwen.Foster@ capetown.gov.zaordial021 3964283.
Small,but skilled: Learners across grades as well as parentsattendedthe junior riverwardens graduation at Ysterplaat Primary, celebrating thefirst cohort whohad successfullycompleted theCity’sriver conservation training for primaryschoolers
DrilltestsBothasig’scrisis response
Acommunity drill in Bothasig on 6May put the City’s community safety network tothe test. Thesimulated bomb threat with an active suspect on the scene at the Abe Sher sports ground brought together Bothasig,Edgemead and Zone 4neighbourhoodwatches, the district watch and othersafety partners alongsidethe City’s Safetyand Security Directorate.
Activatedthroughaseries of staged alert messages, participants had to secure all accesspoints to the facility, maintain a100 mperimeter,and relay
information in realtime to the City’sjoint operations centre.Quarterly drills suchas this put community structures through their paces to strengthenemergency response citywide.
Community responsekey Neighbourhood watches and civil society partners arecrucial in emergencies. This is whyadedicated communication platform givesthemavirtual presence in the joint operations centre during incidents,ensuring that when it counts, everyone is connected.
Innovative traffic signal system roll-out
TheCityexpanded itsinnovative systemofMyCiTibus traffic signals alongBlaauwbergRoadinTable View followinga successful pilotofthese signals in May2022.
Theimprovedbus traffic signal systemhelps reduce confusionatthe road intersections, as it does notuse red, amberorgreen.Therefore,itis lesslikelytobe confused with the normal traffic signal system.The new traffic signal system’s only colour is
(Atlantis) en Blue Downs. Albei fasiliteite het gevolglik klas 2-sertifisering van Wêreldatletiek, dieinternasionalebeheerliggaam vir dié sport, ontvang. Wesfleur se sertifiseringgeld tot November2030. Die opknappings maak ditnou moontlikom groter byeenkomste en kompetisies aan te bied.Die grootste wenners is egter dieplaaslikeklubs, skole, jong atlete en gemeenskappe watnou toegang het tot’n wêreldklasfasiliteitomhulle sporttalente te slyp Verskeie padwerkprojekte is die afgelope ruk onderneem, waaronder inBrooklyn,Parklands, TableView,Montague Gardens, Century City Rugby en Melkbosstrand.
DieStadhet sy innoverende verkeerseinstelsel vir MyCiTi-busse in Blaauwbergweg, Table View, verder uitgebreiná’n suksesvolle proefinMei 2022.Die stelsel gebruikslegs wit ligte om verwarringmet dierooi,groen en geel van gewone verkeersligte te voorkom
white, usingnew symbols. Thewhite signal system is nowoperationalin Wood andStudy roads,Blaauwberg andBoy de Goederoads,Blaauwberg, Gill andGie roads,and Blaauwberg, Koebergand Potsdamroads
Thesignals will be incrementally implementedacrossthe MyCiTi system andincludedinthe South AfricanRoadTrafficSigns Manual foruse by othercitiesand transport systemsinSouth Africa
Trackupgrade at Wesfleur arunawaysuccess
TheCityinvested R61 millionin refurbishing the Wesfleur (Atlantis) and Blue Downs athletics tracks. As aresult, both facilities recently received Class2 certification by World Athletics,the international governing bodyfor this sport. TheWesfleur certification is valid until November 2030.
In addition to the tartan track,the Wesfleur refurb included work on the long and triple jumpsections, pole vault lanes, take-offboards and runways, hammer throw and discus cage arenas,and steeple chase areas.
Community scores
Theupgrades enable the hosting of larger-scale events in future. Moreimportantly,however,local clubs, schools,young athletes and communities now havemore accessible, higher-quality spaces to hone their sporting talents Therefurbishments form part of acitywideprogramme that aimstoupgradesix regional recreational hubsand develop anew athletics facility in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.
Madethe cut: Thenewsthatthe upgraded Wesfleur athleticsstadium had received Class2 WorldAthletics certification made for an extra-specialribboncuttingevent at thenew-lookfacility.
Kutshanje iSixekosibambeimibhiyozo yothwesozidanga emithathu yokunika imbekokwiqela lokuqala labafundi bakaGreyidi 6no7 abathe bagqibainkqubokamasipala yabagcini bomlambo abancinci. Idrili yokuqhelisauluntu eBothasig yangomhla we6kuCanzibe (Meyi) luvavanye unxibelelwanolokhuselekololuntu lweSixeko. Isoyikisosebhombuyefeyikhi kunye nomrhanelwa osebenzayo kwindawo yexhwayelo kwibala lezemidlaloi-Abe Shersadibanisa abezokhuselekoekuhlaleni, abezokhuselekobesithili kunye namanyeamahlakani ezokhuselekokunye neeCandelo loLawulo loKhuselonoKhuseleko lweSixeko. ISixekosityale imali ezizigidi eziyiR61 ekuvuseleleni ibala leembalekieWesfleur (Atlantis) kunye naseBlueDowns. Zozibini ezi zakhekozifumene isiqinisekiso soMgangatho wesi2 yiWorld Athletics,iqumrhu elilawulayo lamazwe ngamazwe kulo mdlalo ISixeko besisebenza nzima, silungisa kwaye siphucula iindlela neziseko ezingundoqo zabahambi ngeenyawo.EBrooklyn, kwakhiwe iindlela zabahambi ngeenyawokwazakwaqaliswa neendawozokupakaizithuthi. Kwafakelwa nezicikoezitshaukuze kuphuculwe indlela yokuhambisaamanzi kunye nokuthintela
ukwanda kwamanzi.Umsebenzi eParklands uqukaulwakhiwo lweendlela zeenyawo,ukuxhasa okwethutyana iidreyini zamanzi esiphango kunye nokulungiswa kongqamekoneepavumente. ETable View, kwenziweiindibanisela yeendlela eyonyusiweyo kunye neendlelazeenyawo.Kuye kongezwa iindledlana zabahambi ngeenyawoeLinkRoad eMontague Gardens, ngelixaiindlela iBosmansdam neKoebergkwakunye ne-Century Boulevard eMontague Gardens kunye naseCentury City ziye zaphinda zalungiswa ngokutsha. ERugby,ukwenziwa kuye kwalungiswaimiphezulu yendlela ngelixa iindlela kummamdla weCape Farmszilungisiwe. EMelkbosstrand, iimpawu zendlela yabahambi ngeenyawo nemiqondiso zaphuculwa ukomeleza ukhuseleko lwabahambi ngeenyawonokukhuthaza ukuhamba okusebenzayo. Kuye kwalungiswanemiphezulu yendlela ezindala,kwaza kwalungiswa nepevumente kunye nemijelo eyonakeleyo ISixekosandise inkquboyasoentsha seempawu zezothutho zebhasieBlaauwberg Road eTable Viewkulandela ilingeelaba yimpumelelo lwezi mpawu zezothutho zebhasizakwaMyCiTi kwekaCanzibe 2022.
Ready to respond: Communitymembers whotookpartinthe safety drillin Bothasig, proving that they areemergency-fit
Special shows for our smallest citizens: In April, the City’s Library and InformationServicespartnered with Cape Town Operatohosteight interactivetheatre experiencesfor preschoolers,theirparents and caregivers. TheeventsatGugulethu, Bellville, Milnerton, Retreatand SeaPoint librariesattracted more than 360people.
Treated effluent does the trick
Thankstothe growing uptakeof treated effluent, Cape Town saves morethan eight billion litres of drinking water every year.A totalof 345 users acrossa330 km network currently makeuse of treated effluent for non-potable purposes. This number is expected to grow as more infrastructurecomes online.
Putting water backtowork
TheCity supplies treated effluentfrom nine wastewater treatment works, including the Bellville, Kraaifontein and Potsdam plants in Area North. Treated effluent is wastewater that has been rigorously treated to make it safe for discharge into the environment. Aportion of this water is filteredeven further and supplied to businesscustomers for uses such as irrigation and industrial activities. Industries, sportsfacilities, parks and schools areencouragedto explorethis alternative. Treated effluent connections arenot available toindividual households, to eliminate any chance of cross-connection or contamination.
*For moreinformation on how to accesstreated effluent for your business, visit https://bit.ly/48ZUbck.
KORTLIKS
Allpitchintoprotect Mosselbank river
Teamwork, trees and community dedication help restoreriverhealth
Over50residents from thewider Fisantekraal andGreenville communityjoinedanEarth Day tree planting marathon on thebankofthe Mosselbankriver in Fisantekraal in April. Coordinatedbythe MosselbankRiver Conservation Team (MRCT),the event wassupported by theCity’sRecreation andParks Department,the Durbanville LionsClub, BuchuFarmPty Ltd, VULAEnvironmental Services,Osdam, andSmuts &Co.
TheMosselbankriver playsan importantpartinreducingfloodriskin winter,and also supports biodiversity andkey ecosystemservices. Yetthe area facesgrowing pressure from illegal dumping,windblownlitter, invasive alienvegetation, erosionand fire damage.Community involvementis
Cleaning up Cape Town,one communityata time: TheCitythanksall community groups,organisationsand residents who have takenthe initiative to organiseclean-upeventsintheir areas. In the2025/26 financial year,the City supported80such clean-ups by providing refuse bags andremovingbaggedwaste for disposal.Thisisanimportant exampleofhow communities canworkwiththe Citytoimprove localcleanliness andpushbackagainst illegal dumping. To startorganisingaclean-upevent in yourarea, go to theCity’swebsite for theapplication formand guidelines.Enter “Prevent illegal dumping” in thesearchbox,go tothe page,and scroll to theverybottomfor thenecessary documents.
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
Die Stad se biblioteek-eninligtingsdienste het inApril met Kaapstad Operasaamgewerk om agt interaktiewe teaterervarings vir voorskoolse kinders, hulle ouers en versorgers aan te bied. Meer as 360 mense het die vertonings by die biblioteke in Gugulethu, Bellville, Milnerton, Retreaten Seepunt bygewoon.
’n Vasberade groep van meeras50inwoners en Stadsrolspelers het oor die 100 bome en 200 plante op die walle van die Mosselbankrivier in Fisantekraal help plant. Die plantsessie was ’n manier om Aardedag te vier en die langtermynbeskerming van die rivierstelsel te bevorder
Die Stad bedank alle gemeenskapsgroepe, organisasies en inwoners wat die afgelope boekjaar dieinisiatiefgeneem het om skoonmaaksessies inhulle gebiede te reël. Die munisipaliteithet in
Accounts and general enquiries
Tel. 0860 103 089 (option 1)
Fax. 0860 103 090
Email accounts@capetown.gov.za contact.us@capetown.gov.za
Alcohol and drug helpline (24/7)
Tel. 0800HELP 4U(0800 435748)
Anti-corruption and fraud hotline
Tel(anonymous, toll-free) 0800 323130
Cable theft
All-hours tel 0800 222771
Public transport (toll-free)
Information centre. 0800 656463
Dial-a-Ride 0800 600895
2025/26 altesaam 80 sulkesessies ondersteun deur vullissakketevoorsien en die vol sakke rommel te verwyder
Meer as 60 plaaslike vervaardigers het in April aan die 15de werksessie van dieWes-Kaapse Nywerheidsimbioseprogram (WISP) deelgeneem. Die geleentheid het ondernemings wedersyds voordelige vennootskappe help vorm waar een maatskappy ’n ander se onderbenuttehulpbronne of afval kanherwin,herverwerk of hergebruik.
Danksy die toenemende gebruikvan behandelde uitvloeiwater vir niedrinkgebruike soos besproeiing en verkoelingspaar Kaapstad noujaarliksmeer as agt miljard liter drinkwater Altesaam 345 gebruikers oor’nnetwerk van330 km maak tansvan dié waardevolle hulpbron gebruik.
KwekaTshaziimpuzi (Epreli),icandeloleThala leeNcwadi kunye neeNkonzo zoLwazi leSixeko libambiseneneCape Town Operaliza kusingatha amavaasibhozo emidlalo yeqonga kubantwanaabangekaqaliesikolweni, abazali babo kunyenabo babanonophelayo.Imisitho eyenziwe kumathala eencwadi eGugulethu, Bellville,Milnerton,RetreatnaseSea Pointitsale abantu abangaphezu kwe360.
Iqela elizimiseleyo labahlali abangaphezu kwe50 kunye nabachaphazelekayobeSixekobayebeza kuncedaukutyala imithi engaphezu kwe100 kunye nezityalo ezingama200 ecaleni komlambo iFisantekraal’s Mosselbank ukuphawula uSukuolungoMhlaba kunye nokuncedaukhuselekolomlambo lwexesha elide.
ISixekosibulela onke amaqelaasekuhlaleni, imibutho kunye nabahlali abathatheinyathelolokuququzelelaamaphulo okucoca kwiindawo zabo.Kunyakamalika2025/26, iSixekosixhase loo maphulo okucocaayi80 ngokubonelela ngeeplastiki zenkunkuma kunye nokususa inkunkumaeseziplastikini ukuze ilahlwe
key to thelong-term protection of the riversystem.
Grantput to good use
As oneof22recipientsofCitygrant fundingfor 2026,the MRCT is puttingtheir fundingtowards employing riverguardians, restoringthe riverbank, andmaintaining andimproving theriver’s overallhealth. They have removedmorethan 1,3tonnesof litter from theriver system sincelaunching theiractivitiesatthe endofFebruary.
Together,we’re taking back ourriver: Despitethe grey weather, adetermined groupofresidents and City stakeholders showed up to help plantmorethan 100trees and 200plantsalong thebank of Fisantekraal’s Mosselbank rivertomark EarthDay
One business’s waste another’s win with
WISP
Morethan 60 local manufacturers took part in the 15th Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP)workshop,hostedinApril by GreenCape, the City’s special purpose vehicle.The eventhelped businesses develop mutually beneficial partnerships whereone company canrecover,reprocess and reuse another’sunderutilised resources or waste.
Impact’s impressive Through its workshops and business networking efforts, WISP –afree facilitation service –has diverted 146 000 tonnesofwaste from landfill and saved 435 000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions since 2013. That emissions saving is equivalent to the electricity use of nearly 120 000 households.
*For moreinformation, go to https://greencape.co.za/sector/ circular-economy/wisp/.
Bangaphezu kwama60abavelisi balapha ekhaya abathathe inxaxhebakwiwekshophu ye15 Western Cape Industrial SymbiosisProgramme (WISP) eyayibanjwe kwekaTshaziimpuzi ngabeGreenCape, izithuthi zemibandela ekhethekileyo zeSixeko Lo msitho uncedeamashishini aphuhlise intsebenziswano eyinzuzo ngokufanayo apho inkampani enye ingabuyiselwa kwisimosayo,iphinde isebenzise izixhobo ezingasetyenziswayo okanye inkunkuma
Ngenxayokukhula kokutsalwa kwamanzi amdaka acocwayo, iKapa longangaphezulukweelitha ezisibhozo zeebhiliyoni zamanzi okusela minyakale. Bebonke abasebenzisi abayi345 kuthungelwanooluyi330 km kungokunje basebenzisaamanzi amdaka acociweyo kwizintoezingafunimanzi aselwayo
CITY OF CAPE TOWN AND AREA NORTH CONTACT DETAILS
Droughtand water
www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater Report and track faults www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
e-Services www.capetown.gov.za/eServices Contactthe City www capetown.gov.za/contacts
Budget www.capetown.gov.za/budget Tariffs www.capetown.gov.za/tariffs Policiesand by-laws www.capetown.gov.za/policies Council matters www.capetown.gov.za/council
AREA NORTHCONTACT DETAILS
Tel. 021 444 6174
Cape Town CivicCentre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town
Subcouncil 1
Tel. 021 444 6037
Cnr Grosvenor and Hermes avenues, Saxonsea,Atlantis
Subcouncil 2
Tel. 021 444 1130
Municipal offices,Brighton Road, Kraaifontein
Subcouncil 3
Tel. 021 444 4862
Municipal offices, Royal Ascot, Bridle Way, Milnerton
Subcouncil 7
Tel. 021 400 2344
Municipal offices, OxfordStreet, Durbanville
Subcouncil16
Tel. 021 487 2079 11th floor,44WaleStreet, Cape Town
Besigewinter vir die TygerbergSakekamer
Die Tygerberg-Sakekamer nooi sakelui uitnatweegeleenthede in die komende wintermaande,wat beloofombaie interessant te wees.
Op Woensdag22Julie is daar 'n kuier-ennetwerkgeleentheid by die pragtigevertoonlokaal vanZerocretein Brackenfell. Die spreker vir die geleentheid is James Vos, watgaan gesels oor die suksesvolle ekonomie vandie Wes-Kaap Vosisdie burgemeesterskomiteelidvir ekonomiese groei vir die Stad Kaapstad.
Die geleentheid sluit ietsteete en te drinkeinenbegin om 18.00. Plek kan bespreek word by admin@tygerbergbc co.zaenkos R200 per persoon.
Die Tygerberg-Sakekamer is bekend daarvoor om spesialegeleenthede vir vroue te hou en op Saterdag 22 Augustus maak hy weer so.Die bekende televisiepersoonlikheid Marciel Hopkins is die gasspreker en gaan gesels oor selfaanvaarding en ook praktiesewenke geevir 'n positiewe selfbeeld.
Die geleentheid vind by Die Markplein by NG Kerk Stellenbergplaas. Kaartjies kosR350 per persoon en sluit ietsteete en te drinkein. Plek is beperk. . Bespreek nou by Marina by admin@tygerbergbc.co.za
Book sale to be held
TheFriends of Durbanville Librarywill hold their usual month-end book sale on Friday26June,from09:00 to 16:00,and Saturday27June,from09:00 to 12:00. Book donations canbedropped off at the libraryduring the week. . Phone 083306 0594
Wintermarketabigsuccess
The Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic
Centre(HAO) celebrated
ahighly successful winter market and book sale on Saturday 13 June with strong public support —exceeding R14 000 in funds being raised.
The market'sstandout achievement was the popular book market,which generated a record-breakingR9000 in sales the most everachieved.
ENJOYABLEEVENT
Visitors enjoyed awarm andwelcoming atmosphere throughout the day, with all vendorscomfortably accommodated indoors.
Live entertainment by Jerry Fourie, atalentedone-man band, added to the festive spirit while a steady streamof visitors browsed the stalls,enjoyed refreshments andsupported the various fundraising activities.
The Winter Market volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes and at salespoints, helping to raiseadditional funds through boereworsrolls,soup, pancakes andraffle ticket sales, according to the centre
OVERWHELMINGSUPPORT
“More important than the funds raised wasthe overwhelming supportshown by the public.
“The exceptional response frombooklovers and supporters highlighted the growing communitysupport for the centre andits residents,” says Jean van
STRONG SUPPORT HELPS QUADRIPLEGIC CENTRE RAISEMORE THANR14 000INFUNDS
der Merwe, one of themarket coordinators at thecentre VISITORS
“Theconstant flow of visitors throughoutthe day andthe recordbook salesdemonstrate how strongly the community continues to support our residentsand thework of the centre,” adds AllenPetersen, also amarket coordinator.
SPECIALTHANKS
Special thankswere extended
to market coordinators Jean van derMerwe, Allen Petersen and IlzeSwart for their dedication in organising the event, the centre said. HAOalso acknowledged thevaluable contributions of volunteers, residents, staff and supporterswho assisted with preparation, set up, sales and fundraising activities, says Rosabelle Riese, also aresident of thecentre.
BRINGINGPEOPLETOGETHER
“Thewinter market and book
sale once again proved that community support remains one of HAO's greatest strengths,”she says.
“Beyond raising much-needed funds, the event brought people together in aspirit of friendship, generosity and inclusion while helping to support residents living with severe physical disabilities.
“Huis Andries Olivier extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered or supported the event in any way.
“Every contribution helped make the day amemorable success,”she says.
IlzeSwart (right),amarketcoordinator,was in charge of book sales,which generated a record-breaking income
Visitors browse through the items on sale
Volunteers,supporters and residents of HAOwereinhigh spirits at the market
Many
were born-free... none felt it
On 16 June 1976 twelve-year-old Hector Pieterson was shot by apartheid policeon the streets of OrlandoWest, Soweto Sam Nzima’s photograph captured what followed: Hector’s body cradled in the arms of Mbuyisa Makhubo,his sister Antoinette Sitholerunning alongside,her mouth open in ascream that hasnever really stopped. Approximately 566 learners were killed.
Not yet old enough to vote, to own property,tomove freely through the country of their birth. But they understood, with extraordinary clarity, that the system shaping their lives was wrong, and that silence wasnolongera form of survival.
Politics were not foreign in myhome Igrew up sitting at my grandmother’s feet, listening to her describeanera Ihad notlived but somehow already felt. She sang the struggle songs and Iwould chant along, understanding the weight. History was not handed to me in aclassroom. Icarried that into journalism, arriving at university,doing ashort course, freelancing for acommunity newspaper, reading news for acommunity radio station when Fees Must Fall arrived at its peak. Idocumented and interviewed student activists the same age asthe children of 1976. Many wereborn-free.
POLITICSWERENOTFOREIGNIN MYHOME...HISTORYWASNOT HANDEDTOMEINACLASSROOM
None felt it.
This Youth Day,watching Netflix’s documentary The Trials of Winnie Mandela, which aired in April, Ifound myself pulled back into that conversation Born-freecarries both promise and paradox. We were supposedtobe the dividend of sacrifice made flesh. Instead, many of us inherited the debt of unfinished business.
Stats SA’s Q1 2026 Quarterly Labour ForceSurvey records youth unemployment among SouthAfricans aged 15 to 24 at 60,9%.Among thoseaged 15 to 34, it is 45,8%.
Not projections. Adescription of now. The documentary streams into over 190 countries on an American platform.South Africanmemory now reaches subscribers who have never heard of Brandfort. Who tells the story and forwhom isnot separate from thestory.
But beneaththe production, publisher Palesa Morodu raises the question threading the series: how do we hold politicalfigures accountable while acknowledging the violence and pressure of the systems they operatedwithin?
Onemoment stopped me.
Winnie recalls telling Tata Nelson Mandela during the transition: “I begged tata and told him thisisadummy freedom we are giving to thepeople.In20years’ time, the same memorandumwecarried to theapartheid governmentwill be carried to us.”
The students of 1976also carried a memorandum. Shot at for demanding dignity in their own language, their own schools, their own country.
Halfacentury later,youngSouth Africans arestill marching. Stillwriting memorandums. Still being told to wait. What happens to thewarnings carried by the young? Whathappens to women who refuse to be softened?
And what does it say about our democracy if it still struggles to answer the children who marched into bullets, asking simply to be free?
-NAMHLAMONAKALI
YouthDay:Remembering therealmeaning
As South Africans, we recentlycommemorated Youth Day, apublicholidaythathonours the braveryand sacrificeofthe youngpeoplewho stood up against injustice during the Soweto uprisingof16June1976. Whileitisencouragingtosee schools, communities and organisationshosting Youth Dayevents, Ioften wonderhow many of today's youngpeopletrulyunderstand the significance of this day. Formany, it has becomejust another holiday, aday off from school or work, rather than amoment to reflect on the courage of theyouth who fought forthe freedoms we enjoy today. Theyoung peopleof1976risked their livesto challengeanunfair system. Manypaid theultimate price.Theymarched not forpersonal gain, but forthe future of generations theywouldnever meet.Their actions helped shape the democratic South Africawe
live in today.
Unfortunately, as the years pass, thesestories seem to be fading from public memory. Whilehistoryis taught in schools, it is importantthatparents, educators andcommunityleaders continue to share these experiences with youngergenerations. If we fail to do so,the true meaningofYouth Daymay be lost
Our youth face differentchallenges today, including unemployment,crime,substance abuse andsocial pressures. Understandingthe struggles andsacrifices of those who came before them caninspireresilience, responsibilityand activecitizenship Youth Dayshouldbemorethanacelebration.It should be areminder of where we come from,what wassacrificed, andthe role youngpeoplestillhavein shaping SouthAfrica's future.
PETERJACOBS, Bellville
Vote forpeople,not political parties, in municipalities
Ithought the worldhad gone mad whenadeadman wonthe municipal election in Westridge, Mitchells Plain—byalandslide!
It was1999 andthe country’ssecondevermunicipal electionhad just concluded
Istood in amazementand stared at the resultsand wondered howthe sane,rational andintelligent voters of thatareacould knowinglygotothe pollsand elect someone from beyond thegrave?The answerwas simple. People knewthathehad died, but theywent to the polls and searched forthe partyherepresented and votedfor that. He wonbydefault. Thefactthat therewerebetter, morequalified andlivingcandidates alongside the dead man on the ballot —most of whom stoodasindependent candidateswith no political affiliations —made no matter. Voters didn’t look or care whowereinthe picturesbeside the party logo wheretheymade their cross.
Fora municipal election, this is acryingshame.Party politics shouldhavenoswayinwardelections. The peoplewho take to the podiums —whichlatelywecall social media— andmakeimpassioned, tear-jerking speeches about broad-sweepingissues and policies, don’t know—orcare— about whatishappening in your street,inyour suburb,onyour block. Those glossy and well-spoken politicians representthe most public face of the partyand useevery opportunityto point manicured fingers at their opposition and say: “Doyou seeeverything theyare doing wrong?”, while forgetting about thethree manicured fingers pointing back at them. Their job is to look pretty and make peopleliketheir partysothattheycan win seatsin parliament.Down-on-thegroundpolitics is only worth
their attention whentheyneed to reel in votes.
PerhapsIsoundcynical but it is acynicism rooted in experience. And hereisthatexperience: twomunicipal elections ago, amember of my church told me during aparishsocial that he hadbeen approached by a well-known andpopular political partyasa possible candidate forthe upcoming municipal elections. He wasrather flattered by the invitation.
Ilooked at himwith raised eyebrows— though only inwardly.Hewas ahandsomeguy and, at that time,quiteyoung. He hadafairlydecent education though it didn’t always show. He wasoutspokenand somewhatdynamic. He wouldhavemade agood politician, hadhehad anypolitical motivations, vocations towardspublicserviceorcommunityexperienceofany sort —but he didnot
Whyhad this partyconsidered him?Theywent with someone else in theend butthe officialcandidatewas almost acarbon copy of this guy. Also,why wasthe partydoingthe seekingand notthe candidate? Surely it should be the other wayaround?
Butparties yousee hadcottoned on to what voters were doing —perhapsthey’dbeen clued in when the dead candidate waselected. And, what peopleare doing is voting forparties andnot forthe qualified peoplewho candothe job.So, in light of this, it made sensethattheywouldapproach reasonablywell-lookingand moderatelyintelligent beings to standfor them in wards, wheretheycouldamasssmall pockets of power. That wayifthe voterdoes by anychance glance acrosstothe picture beside the partylogo, they might like whattheysee GLENDA, Portland
Common senseor misplaced priorities?
Therecent TygerBurger articles, “Desalination plant drawsfire”and “Moreissues with planned desalination plant”,havehighlighted growing public concern about the City’sproposeddesalination plantatPaarden Eiland. Theissue is notwhether desalination is necessary.Mostresidents of the WesternCape fullysupport major desalination projects as part of along-term strategytosecurethe province’swater future. The real question is whether Paarden Eilandisthe right location forsuch asignificantinvestment Supporterspointtothe site’sproximitytoseawater, relativelyprotected shoreline,and reduced exposureto severe oceanconditions. However, theseadvantages areoutweighed by seriousconcerns.
Paarden Eilandislocated in aheavilyindustrialised andcongested area,with seawater qualitypotentially affected by shipping activity, industrial operations, anddischargefromthe BlackRiver.The siteoffers limitedopportunities forintegratinglarge-scale solar andwind energy,which couldsignificantlyreducethe high operatingcosts associatedwith desalination. In addition,thereislittlescope forfutureexpansion andnonearbybulk storageinfrastructurecapableof supportingastrategic waterreserve Thepublic supports desalination but notspending billionsa project in the wrongplace BENGROENEWALD,Plattekloof
Concern overanimal sheltercrisis
Ihavebeen saddened to read recent articlesoverthe past weeksconcerning dog rescue centreinMelkbos, TableViewand Milnertonareas under threatofclosure. Theworstbeing the raid by the SPCAinDunoon Animal welfarewas considered apriorityin1895before childwelfareand the concept spreadthroughout the world. In life thereare the ‘do-gooders’ andtheir ‘supporters’ but we seethatthose who arepreparedto giveare dwindling in numbers.
As aresult, theserescue centres andothersare all under pressureincontinuing their missionofsaving dogsand cats lives. Some of them, whereconditions have gotsobad shouldbeclosedand have become unhealthyfor the animals. They can’t be expectedtofind, houseand feed everyone.Itistimethatthe provincial or the municipal budget some kind of financialsupport.The ‘do-gooders’ areunder mental stress, financialstress andtheir ownliving expenses arereduced.
Mr Winde andHill-Lewis,I imploreyou to make an annual discretionfund donation ntotheseNPOs just as youhavetothe newstreet shelterbeforeanimals willberoaming the streets without food andshelter. JON,TableView
THEEWATERSKLOOF DAMATDUSK: Finalreflections as the dayfadesaway. PHOTO:CARINAROUX
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system, uring
Bafana urged to step up
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler has praised young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his standout performance, while criticising South Africa’s cautious approach in their1-1 draw against Czechia at the FIFA World Cup recently.
Theresult leaves Bafana Bafana needing apositive result in theirupcoming must-win clash against SouthKorea, and Tinkler believes they missed akey opportunity to secure all three points.
The20-year-old Mbokazi was one of the bright sparksfor SouthAfrica, earning strong approval from the former international, who said the defender showed maturity beyond his years in a high-pressure encounter.
However, Tinkler felt the team as a whole failed to capitalise on key moments, particularly after theirequaliser.
“It cannot always be the coach. Players need to take responsibilityand adapt at thislevel,”said Tinkler. “At times, they approached the game like fans. When we equalised, Czechia were unsettled, but instead of pushing, it looked like the players were content with the draw.”
Looking ahead to the decisive fixture against SouthKorea, Tinkler stressed the need for discipline and efficiency rather than flair.
“They are avery good team, hardrunning, and we must be switched on from the first minute,” he said. “We don’t need pretty football; sometimes you play ugly and win. Against Korea, all we need is a convincing win and see where that takes us.”
Despite the criticism, Mbokazi’s performance stood out as apositive sign for the future.
