TygerBurger | Kraaifontein | E-edition | 8 July 2026

BAYS ERECTED IN FRONT OF RESIDENCES

RConcernsovertradingbays

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

ernsovertradingb

esidents of Northpine in Kraaifontein are demanding answers after the City of Cape Town approved and began erecting informal trading bays directlyinfront of their residential area without, they say,any meaningful community consultation and with no response from either their ward councillor or the Mayor’s office.

The community of approximately 2200 households describes Northpine as awellmaintained, family-oriented neighbourhood, one of the few where children can still safely ride bicycles and play in the streets.

“We areproud of our neighbourhood and workclosely withour CID to maintain the safety and cleanliness of the area,” acommunityspokesperson told the newspaper.

Residents say the proposed trading site threatens to change all of that.

“Weare extremely concerned about the negative impact this development will have on our neighbourhood,” said the spokesperson.

Their concerns are specific.

“The proposed site has no ablution facilities, is situated on one of the busiest taxi routes in the area, and will further worsen the traffic congestion that residents already experience

when entering and exiting Northpine.”

In addition, many residents feel disappointed thatnoproper public participation processwas followed before theseplans were approved.

“We have submitted our concerns andrequests for engagement to our ward councillor, aswell astothe Mayor’s office,”residents say. “Unfortunately, we have notyet received any response.”

CITYSAYSPROCESSWASFOLLOWED

City spokespersonLuthando Tyhalibongo said the public participation process was conducted in line with the City’s InformalTrading By-law.

He sayspublic noticeswere published in the Cape Argus on 18 March 2024 and in TygerBurger on 20 March 2024, withhand-delivered notices to residents and businesses on 4 April 2024

In aprevious report by TygerBurger in last week’s editiononsimilarinformal trading bays being erected next to aplaypark in Brackenfell, the City, when asked for proof of hand-delivery of notices to residents, could notprovide such.

The City stated that it was not required of residentstosign for the “hand-delivered” notices. It later transpired that pamphlets were dropped in post-boxes at some homes where post-boxes arestillup. TygerBurger has

SWIFT ARRESTAFTER MAN HANDCUFFED AND STABBED

requested thesame proof for residentsinNorthpine andis currently awaitingaresponse.

“The City’s Have Your Say online platform was open throughoutthe participation period, and two public opendays

were held —atthe Kraaifontein Civic on 5April 2024, and at Eikendal Library on 20 April 2024, the latter specifically scheduled on aSaturday to accommodate working residents,” he says.

On thequestion of ablution facilities, Tyhalibongo said the City was committed to providing them wherefeasible, with mobile facilities used as an interim measure while permanent solutions are planned. TOPAGE4

Airportjoins forceswithUS

CapeWinelandsAirportand Stellenbosch University (US) forged a strategic partnership forsmart and sustainabledevelopment.

They have entered into acooperation agreementaimedatadvancing innovation under theshared themesof“smart”and “green” development.

Cape Winelands Airport, formerly Fisantekraal Airfield, is aprivately ledairport development about 13km outside Durbanville. Currently serving as ageneral aviation facility and a popular base for flight training, plans are underway to expand and to develop astate-of-the-art,green,smart and innovative aviation precinct that will serve as amodern gateway for the region.

JOINTCOMMITMENT

The partnership reflects ajoint commitment to foster sustainable growth anddrive academic advancement, according to ajointmedia release by Cape Winelands Airport and US.

The agreementoutlines abroad range of collaborative focus areas,including agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport andlogistics, space and aviation research,and theintegration of airport operations with urban development.

Through this partnership, both parties will actively seek opportunities to align academic research, industry expertise, and infrastructure development to address real-world challengesand unlock new opportunities, accordingtothe media release.

SIGNIFICANTECONOMICHUB

Importantly, the collaboration aligns with theplanned expansion of Cape Winelands Airport estimated to cost in the region of R8 billion. It is anticipated that theairport expansion will transform the airport into asignificanteconomic hub over thecoming years.

Thescaleand long-term nature of the project present aunique platform for practical learning, appliedresearch, innovation, and industry collaboration acrossmultiple disciplines

PARTNERSHIP-DRIVENDEVELOPMENT

Engineeringcollaborationisexpected to play acentralrole in the partnership, with both partiesidentifying opportunities for technical cooperation, infrastructure innovation, operational efficiency, and future-focused engineering solutions linkedtoairport expansion and aviation infrastructure development.

“Thisinitiative speaks directly to the kindofpartnership-driven development we believe in, where infrastructure, innovation and skills cometogether to createrealimpact. TheCape Winelands Airport project offers an opportunity to build adynamic ecosystem that can unlockeconomicgrowth, support emerging industries, andposition theregion as ahub of innovation and opportunity,”said ProfDeresh Ramjugernath,rectorand vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University.

IMPORTANTMILESTONE

Deon Cloete, managing director for Cape Winelands Airport, said “this cooperation marksanimportant milestone for theairport. The airport expansion presents aunique long-term opportunity to connect academiaand industry in a way that creates meaningful economic

R8bn

Cape WinelandsAirport expansiongetsacademic boostfromStellenbosch University.

and educational impact. By working closely with Stellenbosch University, we are creating aplatform to explorefuturefocused solutions that benefitthe aviation sector, students, and the broader regional economy.”

ENGINEERINGMANAGEMENTPROGRAMME

Theinitial areas of potential collaboration include building student capacity through applied research opportunities linked to the airport’s development and operational environment This may include research projects for master’s studentswithin Stellenbosch University’s engineering management programme focused on areas of strategic interest to Cape Winelands Airport.

Thepartnership will further explore opportunities to establish facilities and spaces that support testing, innovation, prototyping, and future productionrelated activities linked to aviation, infrastructure, logistics, and smart technologies.

“The airport expansion also presents opportunities to contribute towards the development of future aviation talent pipelines within SouthAfrica. Through collaboration with Stellenbosch University and broader industry stakeholders, Cape Winelands Airport is interested to explore opportunities linked to aviation skills development, pilot training pathways, airport operations, engineering disciplines, and future-focused transport and logistics capabilities. Theintention is to create a long-term skills ecosystem that supports both economic growth and human capital development in the Western Cape,” said Cloete.

“From aresearch and innovation perspective, this collaboration creates valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement across fields ranging from engineering to agriculture. By strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, we can foster knowledge exchange and contribute to innovative solutions that benefit both the region and societymore broadly,” said Prof Sibusiso Moyo, deputy vicechancellor: research, innovation and internationalisation at Stellenbosch University.

REGIONALECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

Beyond itsaviation role, the airport expansion is expected to become amajor driver of regional economic development and jobcreation within the WesternCape, according to the media release.

“The development of amodern airport ecosystem of thisscale creates substantial opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the broader aviation sector. It provides a real-world environment in which students, researchers, and industry specialists can engage directly with complex challenges related to aviation operations, infrastructure planning, engineering, logistics, sustainability, environmental management, transport systems, smart technologies, and regional development” concluded Cloete.

. Visitcapewinelands.aero andwww.su.ac.za formoreinformation.

Rose pruning demo at Durbanville Rose Garden

Arosecareand winterpruning workshop willbe presentedbythe CityofCape Town's recreationand parksdepartmentinthe DurbanvilleRose Garden on Saturday11Julyfrom10:00 to 13:00 Themorning willincludepresentations on rose care,pest and disease management,aswellasa practical pruning demonstration. Tea, coffee and refreshmentswillbeprovided. This is an open invitationtoall garden enthusiasts and no confirming of attendanceisrequired.

Book sale fora causein Durbanville this weekend

Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre in Durbanville is opening its doors on Saturday 11 July from 09:00 to 14:00 for its monthly fundraising book sale.

It is the perfect excuse to grab some great books while supportinga home for the centre's disabled residents.Everycent raised goes directly toward supportingthe residents and funding daily care atthe centre.

The centre’s bookshop has built up a stellar reputation as agotospot for an interesting, budget-friendly selectionof books. Whether youare into popular English fiction, timeless classics, children's books, Afrikaans books, or engaging non-fiction, they have something to satisfy all tastes —withprices starting from just R5.

If you are ahistory buff, you will want to check out their rare books about South Africa.This includes an impressive

collectionofmilitary history coveringthe twoWorld Wars, the Korean War, and theBush War.Theultimate prize of this month's sale is amagnificent, rare work on SouthAfrican artist Norman Catherine by HazelFriedman —a must have forart collectors.

This month’s specials include cartoon collections like TheHugeBook of Hell by The Simpsonscreator Matt Groening. You canalsosnag amassive bargain withtheir "Laugh @R2" titles, featuring hilarious cartoon collections from Giles, Madam & Eve, andZapiro Avarietyofgreenplants will alsobe available topurchase.

The bookstore is also openfor walk-in sales everyTuesdayand Thursdayfrom 10:00to15:00.

. Formoreinformation about thesaleorhow to donate, contactAllen on 078393 5924 or Terenceon082 2245454onWhatsApp

Learn art of French cuisine

The Noshbudha Cooking Club is hosting a Bastille Day cooking class at Villa Pascal GuestHouse in Durbanville onSaturday 11 July

Participants will learntoprepare and cook an authenticFrench bistromeal. On the menu to prepare is chicken chasseur with potato gratindauphinois. So bringyour beret, apron, friendsand drinks!

This master class series is organised and developed by culinaryenthusiast Eugène Antoine Lebreton and aims to equiphome

FROMPAGE1

“When aneed is identified, the City conducts assessmentsand, where possible, implementsappropriate solutions to support trading activities. Mobile ablution facilities are commonly usedwhile permanent infrastructureisbeing planned anddeveloped,” he said.

TRAFFICCONCERNS

Regarding traffic, he said relevant City departments, including urban mobility, hadbeen consulted during the planning process and raised no objections. “The implementation of trading plans does notautomatically result in significant traffic impacts as these sitesare generally intendedtoserve existing pedestrian and commuter activity within an area rather than generate additional vehicle traffic,” he said, adding that the Citywould monitor the site and address any concerns through appropriate municipal processes “Theintention is to provide managed economic opportunities while maintaining the safe and efficient use of surrounding infrastructure and public spaces.”

cooks anddomestic workers with skills Food lovers will learn to cook everyday French classics, Mediterranean, Moroccan, Creole andItalianbistro favourites.

The class runsfrom 10:00 to 13:00and costs R700 perperson, whichincludes ademonstration,arecipe, alesson, ingredientsand lunch. Spaces are limited to seven guests andpre-booking is essential

. ContactEugeneon082 5694147or villapascalguesthouse@gmail.comor chefeugene1960@gmail.comwithenquiries.

On the community’s unanswered requestsfor engagement, Tyhalibongo said further engagements were being coordinated and thatdetails would be communicated to residents in due course.

“The City acknowledgesthe concerns raised by residents regarding traffic and thepotential impactonthe surrounding area. Whenidentifying trading locations, arangeofspatial, operational andsafety considerationsare assessed, including accessibility, pedestrian movement, existing activitypatterns, andthe suitabilityofthe public space for informal trading. Theintentionistoprovide managedeconomicopportunities while maintaining the safe and efficientuse of surrounding infrastructure andpublic spaces,” said Tyhalibongo.

UNCONVINCED

Residents remain unconvinced.

Having received no directresponse, they have turned to themedia to amplify their concerns, andare still waiting for the City to respond.

R366minvested ininfrastructure

The City of CapeTown hasproposed adraft capital budget of more than R366 millionfor community services infrastructure in the2026/27 financial year, targeting upgrades and expansions across libraries, clinics, sports facilities,parks andcemeteries.

The four departments within the Community Services andHealth directorate—Recreationand Parks,City Health, Library andInformation Services, and Community Artsand Culture Development —have been allocated a combined draft capital budget of R366 381 000.

DRAFTCAPITALBUDGETALLOCATED

Key projectsinthe proposed allocation include major upgradestocemeteries, swimming pools,stadium infrastructure and librariesacross themetro.

The topfive capitalprojects are:

. Cemetery Upgrades –R63.5 million

. Swimming Pool Upgrades –R20 million

. Vygieskraal Stadium Cycling Track –R20 million

. Rebuild of Suider-Strand Library –R19.5 million

. Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment –R9 million

FOCUSONKEY COMMUNITYPROJECTS

Additional planned projects include upgradestothe Delft Clinic and Hartleyvale Stadium, planning for the Parkwood Community Hall, expansion of theLwandle Library, restoration of theBrown’s Farm Library,and further upgradesatthe Tafelsig Clinic.

Construction of synthetic pitches in Blue Downsand Westridgeisalso expected to begin, with completion planned for the 2027/28 financial year.

UPGRADES

The City says expanding burial capacity remains akey priority as Cape Town continues to grow, with ongoing work to expandexisting cemeteries and develop new facilities in areas including Strand, Kuils River, Mitchells Plain and parts of theSouthern Suburbs.

Aphased refurbishment of the Khayelitsha cemetery boundary fencing is alsoplanned due to vandalism.

At the same time,investment in swimming pool infrastructure continues as part of an ongoingrevitalisation programme, with upgrades across areas including Khayelitsha, Bellville, Strand, Athlone, Gugulethu, Blue Downs, Atlantis, Mnandi andSea Point.

Recent completed upgrades include facilities in Goodwood, Bellville South, Newlands, Lentegeur, Delft, Langa and Manenberg.

“Thesespacesstrengthen communitiesandimprovequality oflife.”-Francine Higham

ONGOINGMAINTENANCEPRIORITIES

Beyond major capital projects, the directorate manages more than 3000 parks,102 libraries and hundreds of community facilities across the city.

To support this, an additional R150 million top-up budget has been allocated for repairs and maintenance, bringing the total maintenance budget to more than R950 million.

Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham, saidthe investment reflectsthe City’s commitment to improving public infrastructurethat residentsrely on daily.

“This budget reflectsthe City’s continued commitment to investing in public infrastructure that residentsrely on every day. From libraries and community halls to parks,sports facilities, clinics and cemeteries, thesespaces strengthen communities and improve quality of life for all our residents,”said Higham.

“This investment is about protecting, upgrading and expanding thosepublic facilities so that they remain safe and accessible to communities across Cape Town. We call on residentstohelp protect these public assets by reporting vandalism, theft or suspicious activity so that everyone can continue to benefit from them.”

CapeAirportplansraiseconcerns

“An airport that serves the world means very little if it no longer serves the people who callthis place home,” said André Brink, fourth-generation owner of GrootPhesantekraal Wine Estate in Durbanville WineValley and SA Farmer of the Year last year.

Brink questioned whether an airport of the scale of Cape Winelands Airport is being built in the right location.

Brink, who was named South Africa’s Farmer of the Year 2024 by Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA), was one of the speakers at ameeting aboutCape WinelandsAirport last Thursday of the Tygerberg Chapter ofthe Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Stadio Higher Education.

FINDINGBALANCE

He spoke about the importance of findingabalance between development and preserving Durbanville’s unique character, history and agricultural heritage. Other speakers were Deon Cloete, executivemanaging director of CapeWinelands Aero and executive directorof RSA Aero Limited, and Jeremy Wiley of Western Cape Property Development Forum and director of De Goede Hoop Development Company.

SECONDRUNWAY

“Years ago, CapeTown International Airport reportedly

rport were unable tolandatCape TownInternational. However, if diversions are caused by adverseweather —ashappened just amonth ago, andwhich accounts formorethan 80% of such incidents,then adistance of only 25 kilometresissimply not farenough awaytoprovide an alternative.

“Cape Town already struggles to accommodate its growing population, yet it continuesto becomeincreasingly popular. Nowweare planning to bring even morepeople here

“A 3,5km runwayisbeing built —longenough to accommodate an Airbus A380 —only 35 kilometres drive from Cape Town International Airport,” he said.

CLOSERTOSALDANHA

“Would it not have made more sense to build anairport of this

ppo by politicians whosepriorities are not always aligned with the best interests of thepeople who actually live here,and Ibelieve this is one example of that,”he said.

“Therehas been an airfield heresince the SecondWorld War, and we havelived alongside it for manyyears. Development is inevitable, and we must adapt to it. However, Iquestionwhether an airport of this scale is being built in the right location.

HOURGLASSRUNNINGOUT

“I havealways known thatthe hourglass was slowly running out for this wayoflife.How quickly thesandrunsout depends on how responsibly development is managed. Will Durbanville shape its own future,orwill others decide that future on ourbehalf?

“Theairport is coming, and

Iwould like to congratulate Deon Cloete and his team on the processthey followed to meet all therequirementsnecessary to obtain approval.

“However, Ialso want to appeal to himand his team to remain truetothe commitments they havemade.

“It is easy to make promises in order to secure approvals, only to latersay, ‘We’re sorry, but circumstances have changed’

“I believe that with the arrival of theairport,the hole in the hourglass has become much larger, and the time we once thought we had has become very limited,” he said.

“Durbanville is not simply a place on amap. It is acommunity wherefamily farms have been passeddown from generation

to generation. Well-known families such as the Louws, the Loubsers, and the Blanckenbergs are now in theirfifthand sixth generations.

“We have never needed to boast of our wines, our landscapes, or our way of life. Those who have discovered Durbanville have recognised itsvalue for themselves.

“The runway is being built, but the most important question is not:Where will the aircraft be flying to? Themost important question is: Where is Durbanville heading to?

“The future of Durbanville will not be determined by an airport —itwill be determined by its people who are willing to stand up for what matters. The answer lies in our hands,” he said.

Lotteringkom kuierbyDieBoer

MarcLottering bring sy nuutstekomedie, Ankle Marc, op Dinsdag14enWoensdag 15 Julie om 20:30 na die verhoog vanDie Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville

Lottering is geliefdaseen vanSuid-Afrika se voorstekomedianteenwelbekend vir sy skerpskerts-vertonings, sowelasmusiekblyspele.

Komluister na al die jongsteverwikkelinge in hierdie charismatiesekomediant se lewe.Hyvertel onder meer hoe dit gebeur het dathy vanjaar al hinkepink moes ingaan met 'n af enkelen 'n "moonboot".

Die vertoning is 70 minutelank met geen onderbreking en is nie geskikvir kinders nie. . Kaartjies kosR220. Bespreekbywww dieboer.comofby021 9791911.

LOSDIE KINDERSBYDIE HUIS

Citybreakstourismrecords

Cstill.Weinvest,innovateand

Framework 2030aims to increase visitor spendingtoR34 billion and double tourism jobs to over 200 000 by the end of the decade

“Cape Town doesnot stand still. We invest, innovate andcompete. My ambition is to see tourism createopportunities in every community andsupport more jobs acrossour city.”

However, the report highlighted asharp contrast in domestic tourism performance. Local tourism spend fell approximately 32% from R8 billion in 2024 to R5,5billion in 2025, despite domestic overnight visitor numbersremainingclose to international figuresataround 1,42 million.The average stay for domestic visitors dropped from 5,2 nightsto4,4 nights, with daily spend decliningtoR882.

To counter the decline in domestic spend, Cape Town Tourism has launched three targetedinitiatives, accordingto Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy.Adomestic campaign encouraging local travel under thetagline“Youdon’t need aholiday, you need My Cape Town”; aregional partnership with Zimbabwe andNamibia that has already grown arrivals by 17%; andthe “One Small World” international brandplatform targetinghigh-valuelong-haul travellers.”

“We do not wait for conditions to change, we go outand create them,” he concluded.

Die lugverkoelde enjins word warm gemaak, terwyl klassiekeVolkswagen-entoesiastevoorberei vir ’n gesinsvriendelike winterkonvooi wat op Saterdag 11 Julie deur dele van die Wes-Kaap gaan ry.

TheWild Buggers Beach Buggy Clubhet hul Propellers &Pistonswinterrit aangekondig en nooi eienaars van duinebesies, Baja Bugs en ouskool- VW Kewers om aan die ontspanne daguitstappie deel te neem.

KONVOOIBEGININMILNERTON

Dierit beginom09:00 by Woodbridge-eiland in Milnerton, waar voertuie bymekaarkom voordat die konvooi om 09:30 vertrek.

Van daar af beweeg die groepnadie Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmagmuseum op Ysterplaat, waar deelnemers die geleentheid kry om historiese vliegtuie en helikopterstebesigtig. Ná die museumbesoek ry die konvooi binneland toe na die Paarlvir ’n gesellige middagete by Cape to Rio Fisheries, bekend vir sy vis en tjips Dieroete kombineer plaaslike geskiedenis met van die WesKaap se mooiste oop paaie.

OOPVIRKLASSIEKE-VW-ENTOESIASTE

Dieorganiseerders sê die doel van die rit is om die plaaslike motorkultuur te vier en eienaars aan te moedig om hul voertuie weer op die pad te bring.

Anton Kleynbydie Suid-Afrikaanse LugmagmuseumopYsterplaat.

Die geleentheid is oop vir alle lugverkoelde-Volkswagenklassiekers en is ontwerp as ’n rustige, gesinsvriendelike daguitstappie.

“Die lugverkoelde enjins word warm gemaak, en ons soek nog klassiekeVW’sombyons konvooi aan te sluit,” sê Anton Kleyn van TheWild Buggers Beach Buggy Club.

“Dit sal fantasties wees as plaaslike eienaars hul motors onder die stof uithaal en saam met ons die winterrit geniet.” Kleyn en sy groen Kangoduinebesie, “Shrek”, sal ook deel van die konvooi wees en by die Lugmagmuseum op Ysterplaat te sien wees as deel van die voorbereidings vir die rit . Kontak Mickey by 082497 7721 of besoek:https://wildbuggers.co.za/ next-event/vir meer inligting of om aan te sluit

Sport is asource of hope,pride,unity

Sport is often described as agame, butfor millions of people it is much more than that. It is asource of hope, pride, identity and unity.

In South Africa, where ourhistory is markedbydivision and inequality,sport has proven its abilitytobringpeople together in ways that politics and social programmes cannot.

It reminds us that despite our differences, we share common dreamsand emotions.

Just afew weeks ago, the nation celebrated when Bafana Bafana made South African football history by reaching the Fifa World Cup knockout stages for the firsttimebydefeating SouthKorea1-0 in theirfinal groupgame.

Theirdisappointing defeat toCanada in thelast32ofthe competition,whichsaw them bowing outofthe tournament, serves as aperfectexample.

As thefinal whistle blew, millions of SouthAfricans experienced the same feeling of heartbreak.Inthatmoment,we were not divided by language, religion or social status. We were simply South Africans supporting our team.

This is the unique power of sport. It creates moments where differences disappear, even if only for awhile. It allows strangers to celebratetogether, comfortone another and believe in something bigger than themselves.

Sport has the abilitytounite communities around acommon purpose

South Africa has witnessedthis power before. The1995 RugbyWorld Cup remainsone of the greatest examples of

SPORTGIVEUSREASONSTO BELIEVEINONEANOTHER

sport promoting national unity. When the Springboks lifted theWebb EllisCup, it was more than asporting victory.It became asymbol of reconciliation.

Former President Nelson Mandela understood that sportcould healwounds andbuild bridges wherewords alone could not.

Sportalso inspires the next generation. Young athletes learnvaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and respect.

Many children growing up in disadvantaged communitiessee successful sportsmen and women as proof thathard work anddetermination canovercome difficult circumstances.

For some, the sportsfieldbecomes a place of opportunityand hope rather than despair

However, the power of sport should not only be celebrated during victories. Defeat also teaches important lessons. Losing remindsusthat successrequires resilience, patience and continuous improvement. Bafana Bafana's recent loss may haveended the dream of lifting atrophy, but it also showed howdeeply South Africans care about theirnational team.The pain of defeat is evidence ofthe passion and unity that football continues to inspire.

As anation, we should continue investing in school sport,community facilities andathlete development.

Sporting success doesnot happen by chance. It requires proper planning, funding and support from government, businesses and communities. It requires us to recognise sport as an investment in social cohesion rather than merely entertainment.

The true value of sport cannot be measured by trophies alone.Its greatest achievementlies in itsability to unite people.

Sportgive us reasons to believe in one anotherand in the nation we are building. -KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Kommentaar // Comments

Rietvleihas more to offer

Recent discussion around thetemporaryclosure of wateractivities at Rietvlei mayhavecreated the impression that the reserveitselfwas closed. This was not the case.The area where wateractivities take placerepresents only asmallportion of Rietvlei, and it wasonlythis section that wastemporarilyclosed The663-hectareNatureReserve remained open to the public throughout andcontinues to offer awide rangeofattractions forvisitors. Rietvlei is afavourite destination forbirdwatchers, with its well-maintained birdhideprovidingexcellent viewingopportunities.

Thereserve also offers picnic areas, line fishing (with the required permit), andeducational activities forchildren during school holidays,centred aroundthe wooden education centrebuiltand maintained by the FriendsofRietvlei.

We also host regulartalks by conservation experts on topics of environmentalinterest.Itisworth remembering that,thanks to the efforts of dedicated residents in 1984,Rietvlei wasprotected from being developed intoaresidential marina.

Today, it is atreasured natural area that supports pelicans, flamingos andaround165 other birdspecies.

In this regard,the City's Bayside Canalproject,which aimstoimprovestormwatermanagement before waterenters Rietvlei, is awelcome initiativethatwillhelp safeguard the health of this importantecosystem.

We encourageresidents to enjoyall that Rietvlei hastooffer —includingwater sports when conditions allow—while continuingtosupport the conservation of this unique natural asset forfuture generations.

NELIS

VISAGIE, Friends of Rietvlei

Call centre rises to the occasion in Maystorms

Following the devastation that followedthe storm around 11 May, it washeartwarmingtosee residents coming outtohelpthose who were most affected by the wind and torrential rain

Weather eventssuchasthisone requirethe City to be fullyoperational in handlingservicecalls and emergencycalls.Weoften rely on our residents to be our eyes on the groundalertingustoemergencies.

As the Maycomember forcorporateservices, Iam extremelyproud of howour call centreagents riseto the occasion.

In Mayalone theCity's Customer Relations Department recorded atotal of 271940 customer interactions between 1and 28 May2026.Thisexceptional numberdemonstrates the high demand formunicipal services andthe importance of multiplecustomer engagementchannels.The interactions included 116 758 telephone calls, 36 990 emails, 109 125WhatsApp engagements,and 9067 SMS interactionsacrossthe City'sAccountsand General,Water,and Electricity servicequeues. Thesenumbers do not includecalls made to the 107safetyand securitynumber

If youare in need of aserviceorincaseofan emergency, youcan contact the City via logginga C3

request:

Theprimarygoalofservicerequests is to ensure effectiveservicedeliverythroughoutCape Town. If you wouldliketosubmit aservicerequest,report afault in your area or loganissue, youcan do so via ourcustomer call centreat0860 103089 or online at www capetown.gov.za/servicerequests. Youcan also useour WhatsApp number060 018 1505

While we understand the distress of being, forinstance,without powerorwater,I wouldliketoremind peoplenot to lognumerous servicerequests on the same issue.Itcauses bottlenecksinthe system

As we buildaCitythatisabeaconofhope,it'salso areality that in extreme emergencysituationsthereis ahierarchyofresponses, rather like the triage system that operates in healthcarefacilities. Theaggravation of nothavingpowerina safe domestic setting has to be weighed against the risksofliveelectric wires having been blownintoroads.

Iwouldliketothank those residents who helped out their neighbours, donated food andblankets to those displaced by storm damage.Together we can indeed buildabetterfuture.

THERESA UYS, Durbanville

Advocatingfor motorcycle safety,licensing

With the petrol prices rising, most likely we will see moremotorcycles aroundasanalternativecommute option. Ican remember in the 80swhenmynow husband used to travel with his50cctovisit me,almostgot pulledoverevery daytohavehis motorcycle licencechecked.

He gotsousedtoitthathemade sure he had it with him, becauseinthose days therewas no licencecard like these days.Itseems that the only time thatweget pulledoveriswhenwetravel long distanceswith the bikes or to abikeevent

Thesecheckswillalsoclear up the general question everyone hasabout, especially the motorcycledelivery riders goingaroundand that “theysurelydonot have alicence”, becauseoftheir ridingskills Iamall forthese checkspurelyfor the fact that anyone who does nothavealicence, no matter what vehicle, should notride andshouldnot be on the road. Ialsofeel stronglyaboutthe fact that everyone who gets intoavehicletodrivealsoshouldhaveat leastthird-partyinsuranceaswell.

MOTORCYCLE COMMUTER, Philadelphia

‘KIDSINRAIN’: Carima vanden Berg,aregular Vergelegen visitor with her grandchildren,won thePeople’sChoiceaward and took second placein theCameraClass category in thefourth Essenceof Vergelegen photography contest.Outstanding black-and-white photographs capturing themanyfacetsofhistoric Vergelegen Wine Estate were unveiled at afunction forthe 25 finalists on Sunday 1July.

Hierdie is ‘n abnormalewinter

Hierdie sonnigewinter maak my bekommerd. Ek het nognooit so 'n lekker winter in Kaapstad beleefnie.Waar onsgewoonlikreg deur Junie en Julie reën en koue kry, het onsvanjaar meer sonskyn, blou lugentemperature watskaars onder 15 grade daal. Op die oog af lykdit wonderlik. Wiekla oor sonskyn? Maar togisekbekommerd.Klimaatkundiges waarsku dat die somerwat kom, een vandie warmsteooit gaan wees. As dit die winter is, watwag vir onsinFebruarie? Ek is bekommerddat onsweer te doen gaan krymet droogte,brandgevaar en waterbeperkings. Dit is lekker om noubuitetekan wees en nie elke dagnat te word nie,maar onsmoet onsoëoophou Hierdie tipe winter is nie normaal nie.Enasdie natuur iets vir onsprobeer sê,moetons maar begin luister 'N KAPENAAR WATDIE WOLKE MIS, E-pos

DemocracyinCape Town?Don’t make me laugh

Iamaratepayer andresident of Brackenfell, andIam furious. Without so much as aknock on ourdoors, without asingle conversation with the peoplewho live,work andpay ratesinthis area,the CityofCape Town hasgoneahead anderected informal trading bays at Jannie Engelbrecht Park,a park that ourcommunityhas maintained, used andlovedfor years. And when residents did raisetheir voices, we were told the projectwas approvedbackin2024. Nobody knew. Nobody wasasked. Nobody wastold. TheCity claims notices were delivered by hand andpublished in newspapers.

Ichallengethem to produce asingle signaturefrom aresident in this area confirmingreceipt

Anoticestuffed in aKraaifontein newspaper,a paper that is notevendistributed in Brackenfell, apparentlyqualifies as public participation in Cape Town today.

This is notdemocracy.This is the Citydoingexactly as it pleasesand dressing it up in bureaucratic languageafterward

We aretoldtotrust aprocess that excluded us. We aretoldtoaccept adecisionmade withoutus. And when we askquestions, we aremet with vague assurances.

TheDAlikes to present Cape Town as abeaconof good governance.But what kind of governance ignores its ownresidents, approves projects without proper public participation, andthen builds in the dead of night before the communitycan respond?

If this is what passes fordemocracy in Cape Town, then we have lost something farmoreimportant than apark

Youthexploreandnetworkatexpo

More than 1000 high school learnersattended the Cityof Cape Town's career expo in the Durbanville Town Hall last Tuesday.

Learners, unemployed youth and community members from schools in Durbanville, Fisantekraal, Kraaifontein and Bellville were invited to attend

The career exposare aimed at empowering matriculants, unemployed youth and members of the community with accesstoinformation regarding education, skills development and employment opportunities.

It was organised by the City's human resources management department under the auspices of the City's Corporate Services Directorate.

"The career expo brings together various higher learning institutions, government departments, training providersand industry representatives to provide attendees with valuable information, guidance and access to opportunities that could very possibly shape their future careers," said Theresa Uys, the City's Mayco member for corporate services.

"Our aim is to ensure that theyouth attendingconnectwiththe exhibitors and City staff, who are subject experts within the various fields. The networking and connecting is inevitable when one brings together all the key role playersand career information under one rooflike this, makingiteasy for themtoexplore career pathways," she said

LEARNINGANDEMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES

"These career expos form part ofthe City's commitment to creating learning andemployment opportunities thatenable young people to improve their livelihoods and lift themselves out of poverty.The

DURBANVILLE CAREER EXPO CONNECTSMORE THAN 1000 LEARNERSWITH FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

expo will bring together higher learning institutions, government departments, training providers andindustry representativestoprovide participants withvaluable information, guidance and access to opportunitiesthatcan shape their futurecareers.

"We areexcitedtooffer information and assistance to all ouryoung people," said Uys

Various City departmentsparticipated andshowcased career opportunities available within local government City staff engageddirectly with attendees aboutrecruitment processes, available development opportunities, andthe City's scarce andcritical skills occupations.

Through the City's Jobs Connectinitiative, job seekersalso hadanopportunityto register on theemployment database, increasing their visibility for future employment and skills development opportunities.

DIVERSEGROUPOFEXTERNALSTAKEHOLDERS

The event was supported by adiverse group of external stakeholders, including educational institutions, government departments, andindustry representatives.

"The feedback from the youth hasbeen overwhelmingly positive. Manyattendees indicated that theexpo broadened their understanding of theopportunities available tothem after leaving school, which will assist them in making

informed decisions abouttheir future studies and careers," said Uys.

The City's careerexpo aims to empower Cape Town's youth andcreatepathways towards education andskills development by bringinginformation, opportunities and support services directly to communities.

"The City offers amyriad of different opportunitiesasanemployer of choice with over 30 000 employees.These include graduateinternships, apprenticeships and learnerships.

“Through our learnerships, apprenticeships andgraduate internships, we aim to offer you the kind of training and work experiencethathelps you to succeed in the job market and find lasting employment," she said.

Schoolsare invited to send Grades 11 and 12 learners to attend these events to find outmore aboutopportunities, possible financial aid, andspeak to representatives from both the City andthe public sector whoare on hand to answer questions.

The City hassuccessfully hosted three other careerexpos -inGugulethu, Delft

and Brackenfell -over the past financial year.

Building on the success of theseevents, the City plans to host four additional career expos over the next year and will communicate the host communities and details once confirmed.

. Phone021 400 3434 (choose option1)or send an emailtohrservicedesk@capetown.gov za formoreinformation

TheresaUys (right),theCityofCapeTown’sMayco member forcorporateservices,talked to learners