TygerBurger | Kuilsrivier | E-edition | 13 May 2026

Kuilsrivier-kooris

CARINAROUX Die Kuilsrivier-kerkkoor het onlangs koning gekraai in die afdeling vir kerkkore by die jaarlikse ATKV-Suidoosterfees-koorkom-

petisie.

Die koorkompetisie is een van die Suidoosterfees se hoogtepunte en bring landelike en stedelike amateurkorevan oordie WesKaap heenbymekaar om in

Die Kuilsrivier-kerkkoor is in aksie by die A

drie afdelings mee te ding: gemeenskapskore,tradisionele kore en kerkkore.Die beste kore neem deel aan 'n massakooruitvoeringin'ngalakonsert by die fees

Hoewel die Kuilsrivier-ker tans uit sowat 30 lede vanui 'n paar verskillende gemeentes in Kuilsrivier en omliggende gebiede bestaan, is dit nie sommernet 'n saamgeflansde

Sapoaclarifies refundrequest

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

Inthe wake of the South AfricanProperty Owner's (Sapoa's)landmarklegal victory against the City of Cape Town over the 2025-'26 budget, growing calls have emerged demanding that the City refund property ownersfor thecontested charges that havebeen levied upon them since 1July 2025.

However, in anotice to itsmembers, Sapoa chiefexecutive officer Neil Gopal statedthatSapoa did not,for several reasons askthe court to order arefund of any of theimpugned charges paid by residents.

"When Sapoa launched thelegal challenge in July 2025, serious consideration was giventoalso asking thecourt to orderthe City to refund any of theimpugned chargesalready paid by residents. This was decided against for a number of reasons,"hesays.

"Firstly, it would be extremely difficult to askthe courttoorder such arefund. When acourt grants an order, it must be able to ensure thatthe order is properly compliedwith.The court would have had great difficultyinensuringthat the City indeedrefunds every resident, making contemptproceedings, in the event that theCity fails to comply with the order, nearly impossible."

RISKOFANUNFUNDEDCITYBUDGET

Secondly, he says, ordering arefund would haveleft the City withanunfunded budget, in the sense that revenues which it anticipatedreceiving, would not only havetobeforfeited, but reimbursed to residents. This would be contrary to theprovisionsofthe Municipal Finance Management. "TheCity would therefore havebeen faced with asignificant revenue shortfall," says Gopal."None of the other partiestothe litigation asked for such reliefeither. GOOD Party, who had intervened in the matter, also did not ask for such relief. Accordingly, in the event that theCity appliesfor leave to appeal thejudgment,there can be no cross-appeal

VANBLADSY1

Hul deelname aan die Suidoosterfees het “toevallig” gebeur, vertel Appleby. "Ek het‘nWhatsApp-boodskap van iemand wat ek glad nieken nie, ontvang waarin onsgenooi is om deel te neem."

Diekoorlede was gewillig, liedere is gekies en toe met toewyding en passie ingeoefen.

GALAKONSERT

By die kompetisie het die koor sy suiwerste note voorgesit met sy vertolking van "Agnus Dei" en "How Great Thou Art"van Michael W. Smith en Stuart K. Hine,asook Joel Rainey se verwerking van "Joy to theWorld" van Isaac Whatts, maar metAfrikaanse woorde van Tom Gouws("Lofsingdie Heer") en aangepaste begeleiding.

In die galakonsert op Sondag 3Mei in die Kunstekaap-teater het hulle saamgesingaan twee massakoorliedere, "Ukuthula" (tradisionele Zoeloe geestelike lied, verwerk deur André van der Merwe) en "Plea for Africa" (Bokwe).

"Die deelname aan hierdiegalakonsert was eenvan ons koor se hoogtepunte en ek glo die ervaring was vir elkeen nét positief. Dieaankondiging dat ons as die wenkoor in die kerkkoor-kategorie aangewys is, was ‘n oorweldigende oomblik!" sê Appleby.

"Dit was werklik onverwags, want die ander kore teen wie onsmeegeding het, was netsogoed."

ElzanéFeyt, 'n sopraan in die Kuilsrivier-kerkkoor en fondswerwer by Huis de Kuilen,sêdit was ’n groot voorreg om hierdie ervaringsaam met haar medekoorlede en vriende te kon deel —"veral my pa wat ook in die koor sing”. Haar liefde vir koorsanghet reeds op

SAPOASAYSREFUND ORDERCOULD HAVE LEFT CITY BUDGETUNFUNDED

to request arefund, as the relief had not previously been sought by any party and subsequently denied by the Court.”

CITYMUSTDROPUNLAWFULTARIFFS

In arelated development, BrettHerron, secretary-general of the GOOD Party and member of the Western Cape Parliament, stated that should the City of Cape Town choose to appeal last week's full-bench Western Cape High Court judgment, which declared itsfixed cleaning, water and sanitation tariffs unlawful, such amove would not suspend the binding effect of the ruling. This is in accordance with the legal advice he received.

"Thecourt ordered the City to dump itsunlawful charges by the end of June, which is also the date by which the City must adopt its2026-'27 budget.

“Whether the City appeals the judgement or not, it has no option but to drop the unlawful tariffs until asuperior court overturns the judgement. This will certainly not happen before the end of next month,"says Herron.

In aletter addressed to the City’s legal representatives, the GOOD Party requestsurgent transparency from the City regarding itsbudgetary intentions to mitigate the risk of legal delays. Herron says should the City be advised to accept the court judgement and order, as it should, the City is required by law and the court’sorder to take steps to remedy the consequences of itsunlawful conduct. “Ordinary residentsofCape Town cannot be expected to have paid unlawfully imposed charges. Ourclient calls on the City to explain how it will go about reversing the unlawfully imposed charges. This could include crediting municipal accounts.”

skool begin, waar sy die vreugde van musiek ontdek het. Sy het daarna vir 'n tyd lank by die Kuilsrivier-gemeente se kerkkoor aangesluit en twee jaar gelede by die saamgesmeltekoor ingeskakel. "Koorsang is vir my ’n passie en ’n manier van lofprysing. Onsisbevoorreg om onder leiding van Arthur en Ilse te sing, wiese kundigheid en toewyding ’n groot rede is waarom dit so ’n besondere ervaring is om deel van die koor te wees,” sê Feyt. Appleby is in 2012 as orrelis by die NG kerkKuilsrivier aangestel, wat toe 'n gemeentekoor van sowat 23 lede gehad het. "Ná Covid het slegs ses oorgebly, met baie van ons lede wat óf afgetree óf weggetrek het óf oorlede is, maar ons het besluit om tog maar aan te hou sing,"sêAppleby. "Die (NGkerk) De Eike-gemeente het ook 'n koor gehad en toe hul orrelis aftree sonder dat 'n nuwe orrelis onmiddellik aangestel word, het ek hulle uitgenooi om ‘tydelik’ by ons aan te sluit tot tyd en wyl hul orrelispos gevul word."

ToeIlse Myburgh in 2022 as De Eike se orrelis aangestel is, het Appleby met haar gaan gesels. "Syhet dadelik ingestem dat die twee gemeentes se koresaamsmelt. So het die Kuilsrivier-kerkkoor ontstaan met koorlede uit die NG kerke Kuilsrivier, De Eike, Kuilsrivier-Suid en dieVGK Sarepta." Appleby vertel daar heers ‘n wonderlike gesindheid onder die koorlede. "Oefeninge is gemaklik en ons is oneindig dankbaar vir iemand soos Ilse wat 'n absoluut uitstekende begeleier is. Onsverwelkom enigeen, uit enige gemeente (of geen) wat ‘n liefde het vir koorsang —ennatuurlik noot kan hou! —omopMaandae om 18:00 saam te kom oefen."

. Skakel diekerkkantoor by 021903 1529 of 061071 0542omaan te sluit

Kuilsrivier-man vermisinberge

CARINAROUX

Die soektog na 'n vermisteman van Kuilsrivier in die Du Toitskloofberge is voorlopig Sondag opgeskort weens die gure weer, maar sal hopelik binnekort hervat word.

Michael Waltman (30) het verlede week spoorloos verdwyn nadat hy op Dinsdag 5Mei by die Du Kloof Lodge, aan die Worcester-kant van die Hugenote-tonnel, ingeboekhet.

Sy ma, Alex Waltman, het bevestigdat hy blykbaar 'n oornagstaptog wou aanpak. "Ons weet niewatter roete hy wou stap nie, maar dit was vermoedelikvanaf die lodge."

Daar is verskeie staproetesin die omgewing,vanaf die lodge, sowel as CapeNature-roetes in die Limietbergnatuurreservaat (die Elandsrivier-en die Kromrivier-staproetes) wat net 'n paar kilometer van die lodge af is Waltman het gesê diepersoneel by die lodge het die Woensdagoggend Michael se kamerdeur ongesluit gevind. Nadat daar deur die dag geen teken van hom was nie, het sy haar seun Woensdagaand as vermis by die Paarl-polisie aangemeld "Die polisie was Woensdagaand daarom die nabye omgewing te deursoek, maar daarwas nie veel wat hulle in die nag kon doen nie."

SOEKTOG

Op Donderdag 7Mei is met'n grootskaalse soektog in die berge begin Vrydag het 'n honde-eenheiden'n menslike spoorsnyer met diesoektog kom help. Die polisie en nooddienste het ook hommeltuie ingespan en een persoon was verantwoordelikomdie hele soektog te koördineer, het Alex gesê.

MichaelWaltman(30) vanKuilsrivier word vermis nadat hy vermoedelik in die Du Toitskloofberge gaan stap het.Hy is‘n oud-leerder vandie Laerskool Mikro en die Hoërskool De Kuilen.

oor mense wat bespiegel en valse kommentaar op sosiale media lewer(soos dathygevindis).

Nadat sy verlede Woensdagbydie lodgewas,het sy Michael se motor, wat nogdaar geparkeer was, teruggebring Kuilsrivier toe. "Ek het Maandag by die lodge ingeboek en ek is bly ek het, want al die paaie is noutoe weens modderstortings," het sy gister aan TygerBurger gesê. Kapt.FCvan Wyk,polisiewoordvoerder, het gesê 'n operasionele sentrum is (verlede week) by die lodge opgestel en verskeie polisie-eenhede het gehelp met die soektog, waaronder die Paarl-polisie se honde-eenheid. Hommeltuie van die gesondheidsdepartement is ingespan en spanne vanCapeNature het ook met die soektog gehelp. "Die hommeltuig-eenheid kon groot gedeeltes van die bergagtige

Storms batter communities

Cape Town’s Safety andSecurity Directorateisworkingclosely with City of Cape Town services to manage and respondtohundreds of incidents reported in thewakeofamassive frontal system that struck Cape Town this week, the City said.

Between 06:00 and09:30 on Monday morning, thePublic Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) received just over 950 calls. Weather-related incidentsdominated, with downed trees, motor vehicle accidents and power issues were among themostfrequently reported concerns

Over the weekend, the PECC recorded 1220 calls for assistance. Of these, 64 were relatedtophysical assault, 29 to domestic violence, andemergency services were dispatched to 44 motor vehicle and pedestrianaccidents.

DISASTEROPERATIONSACTIVATED

The City’s Fire andRescue Service has madeavailable itswildland firefighters to assist with clearing tree debris across the city where needed.

The servicehas alsomade itsheavy rescue craneavailable to help remove fallentrees, the City said.

DisasterRisk Management is spearheadingaDisaster Operations Centre in Goodwood, whichbrings together all City departments, utilities and other role players.

“Our officers are doingduty at intersections, assistingwhere roads have been closed duetoflooding or fallen trees, and responding to calls for help. We are supporting otherdepartments and lending ahand where possible.

“I wanttoencourage residents to stay indoors where possible, take extra precautionsonthe road if you have to go out andreportincidents immediately. Your safety is what matters most, so do

not take risks,”said Mayco member for safetyand security JP Smith.

TRAFFICENFORCEMENT

Traffic Services responded to 23 accidents on Sunday. In general operations over the pastweek, traffic officers recorded 52 arrests, of which 41 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, nine for reckless and negligent driving, and two for other offences.

Officers also recorded 50 440 transgressions, impounded 210 public transport vehicles and executed 1229 warrantsofarrest

Metro Police officers made 98 arrestsand issued 6230 traffic and by-law fines, while Law Enforcement officers made 267 arrests and issued 11 632 notices during weekly operations.

. Residentsare urgedtoreport emergenciesby dialling 021480 7700

HelpdrummiestogettoGauteng

CARINAROUX

Inthe troubled community of Wesbank, adedicated coach is using the rhythm of drummies to changeyoung lives, but he needs help to take hisgirls to the nationals in Gauteng.

Wesbankisnot an easy place to growup, and for many of its young residents, the odds are stacked against them from the start.

But on an indoor soccer fieldnext to a local Usave store, somethingremarkable is happening, thanks to one man's lifelong passion forasport widely known as drummies.

Marquin Skippers, acoach registered with the Western Province Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (WPMCA), has spentthe better part of hislife devotedto drum majorettes.

His love affair withthe sport began at Stratford Primary School. “I fell in love with the sport since 1999 andgrew up in a world of drummies everywhere,” he says By the time he completed Grade 10, he was already coaching aprimary schoolteam. In 2003, he was formally evaluated and certified as acoach.

Four years ago, Skippers decided to bring his passion to his own backyard. “Despite the challenges of the environment, Idecided to start ateamin my community for thelove of the sport,” he says. It was not adecision taken lightly. Wesbank's streetsare dominated by gangsters andwhat Skippers calls “all bad activities”, but he refuses to let that define what is possible for the young girls in his neighbourhood.

This year, Skippers is working with a squadofaround 11 girls. It isa smaller group thanthe 20 to 25 he has coached at various schools over the years. Training sessions begin withwarm-ups before

SPORTCREATES SPOTOFHOPE FORCHILDREN IN TROUBLED COMMUNITY

moving into thedifferent categories required forcompetition.

The impact of theprogramme, he says, goes far beyond the field. “Inthe livesof young children,itteaches them respect andmanners,aswell as vibrant energy, making them go-getters.”Hebeams with pride when he talks aboutwhathesees in his athletes. “I am proud to see eachchild being humbleand notacting like adults, andmostlythe beautiful performanceson the field.”

WPCOLOURSANDNATIONALS

Two of Skippers' athletes earned Western Province colours this year. “The achievement of earning Western Province colours is athree-monthchallenge of getting judgedand wearingablazerwith pride,”hesays.For girls growingupin Wesbank, that blazer means the world.

Hissquad are hoping to make the trip toRoodepoort in Gauteng to compete at themajorette nationalchampionshipin July. “Myteamshould be outstanding performers;the whole groupwill attempt nationals,”hesays with quiet confidence. Hishopesfor theexperienceare both grounded and generous: “They shall enjoy being there as agroup.”

But getting there comesata significant cost. The total needed for the trip stands at R110 000. Skippers hasbeen doingwhat he can—hosting fundraisers to bring in funds —but the mountain is steep. “I'm asking anyonetohelp with anythingin

donationsfor ourtrip,” he says. “I would love any company to help me raise funds for nationals.”

THEOBSTACLESAREREAL

Skippers is candid aboutthe challenges he faces. Beyondthe dangers of the community itself, he identifies two major hurdles:the attitudes of some of the parents, and the ever-present financial strain.Fundingequipment, travel, and competition fees in alow-income area is a constant battle that he fights largely alone.

“I'm livingina community with lots of gangsters andall bad activities going on

in thisplace,” he says, “but still it's not stopping me from taking young girls in my community to teach them the sport.”

His long-term dream is for the girls to achieve national (Protea) colours. “Then my heart will be full.”

To other coaches working in difficult communities, his message is simple and sincere: “Keep on and don't lose hope. Your faith must be strong —for the children and for the love of it.”

His call to the broader public is equally direct: “By donating any funds, you can make adifference.”

. Contact Skipperson073 7160471.

GoodHopeFMpresenterdies

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Messages of condolences have been streaming in following the passing of a well-known radio sports presenter, Lorenzo Darries.

Darries passed away in hospital on Tuesday morning5 May Darries was afamiliar voice on Cape Town's commercial radio station Good Hope FM who extended their heartfelt condolences to his family,friends, colleagues, andlisteners.

LEGACYWILLLIVEON

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend, Lorenzo Darries, following acourageous battle with heart disease.

"A beloved voice on Good Hope FM, Lorenzo brought warmth, passion, and authenticity to every moment on air and beyond.His strength, resilience, andspirit touchedeveryone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"His legacy will live on in all of us," thestation said.

Darries shared news on Tuesday 31 March that he is steppingaway from hisrole as presenter.

"Bitter-sweet moment, this will be my final broadcast as sports presenter on the Great Drive Show

SPORTS PRESENTER LORENZODARRIES REMEMBERED FOR WARMTH, PASSIONAND RESILIENCE

“I'll be heading into aproducer role andstill standinwhen needed but will miss the feeling of being on airevery day. My health comes firstand Ineed to be stronger, mentally and physically to do what Ilove

“Cheers for now fam," he wrote on his Facebook page.

TRIBUTE

Darries wasalsoa familiar face onthe Expresso MorningShow on SABC3.

"We will miss hissport updates, his warm 06:00 koesisters which he'd bring for the crew (all out of thekindnessofhis heart), but most of allwewill misshis spirit

“Lorenzo wasa true fighter, and his fight is now over. Our thoughts andprayerstohis family andall who loved him."

Guy McDonald, radio host on Smile FM and friend, alsoshared his thoughts.

"It was aprivilege to know and work with aman so passionate about sport and so desperate to live afulllive. May his memory forever inspire his wife, family and closestfriends."

ALMAMATERPAYSRESPECTS

SibeliusHigh School in Retreat whereheattended school, also sharedtheirsincere condolences to hisfamily and friends.

"Lorenzowas akindhearted individual whose generosity extendedwellbeyond his matriculation

“Hisregular donationsof stationery to our learners reflected hisenduringcommitment to the school

"He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Ourthoughts are with hisfamily during this time."

Darriesleaves behind his wife, Kelly Williams

‘Suidooster’ se Dean krysyeie ‘Show’kie’

Ditgebeur nie aldag dat jy deel van ’n televisie-gehoor kan wees wanneer ’n splinternuwe vermaakprogram vir kykNET &kie opgeneem word nie.

Die immergewilde Dean Smith van Suidooster-faam is die aanbieder van Show’kie, waarvan opnames in Mei begin. Dit gaan by Atlantic Studios, wat onder meer die tuiste van Suidooster, Koortjies, Sê jou sê en Kwêla is, opgeneem word en sal van Julie op kykNET &kie uitgesaai word.

En Dean soek mense om deel van die gehoor te wees. Dit is gratis en al wat jy hoef te doen, is om so gou as moontlik jou plek te bespreek. Sommer vandag nog.

WATOMTEVERWAGVAN

'SHOW’KIE'?

Suidooster-aanhangers kanontspan, want “Wade” gaan nêrens heen nie, maar met Show’kie gaan Dean sy gunsteling-persoonlikhede van uiteenlopende genres voor die kamera laat verskyn.

Dink maar aan mense soos Jawaahier Petersen, Shimmy Isaacs, Dean Balie, Tollie Parton en MienkeEhlers. Daar’smusiekmense, daar’s bly uitdaag, opgewonde maak en jouhorisonne verbreed,” is sy boodskap aan die kykers. Met die energie wat hy in Show’kie inploeg, gaan daar wonderlike vrugte gepluk word —van groot gesprekke tot uitdie-maag-skaterlag. Daar gaan nie ’n saai oomblik wees nie. Gewaarborg.

Dean sê ook hy is opgewonde en voel meer gemotiveerd om steeds ’n beter weergawe van homself te ontwikkel. En Show’kie is een groot tree vorentoe op daardie pad.

koms D rikaan “Werk vertaal sta Engelse Nell wysie" 'n

THINKING OUTLOUD

Classrooms arestill filledwithdreamers

Returning to my old school recently brought back memories Ihad not thought aboutinmany years.

Ihad dropped my nephew off anda wave of nostalgia hit me. It felt asthough Ihad stepped into my younger self's world which was full of hope, dreams and determination. Iremembered sitting in those small bluechairs, staring out the windows and imagining afuturefar bigger than thecommunity. Even as achild,I knew there was more. Ikneweducation could unlock opportunities.

Icome from apoor background. My parents worked hard and there were many things we simply could notafford. I neverarrived at school wearing the latest fashiononcivvies day.Sometimes paying school fees felt impossible formyparents butthey never allowed our financial situation to become an excuse. Education was non-negotiable in our home. My parents remindedmethat no one could takeknowledge awayfrom me They believed education could change the direction of my life. Lookingback now, I realisethe sacrifices they made to ensure

EDUCATIONWAS

my sister and Ihad that opportunity.They may not have been able to give us material things, but they gave us discipline, encouragement and areason to strive My way of thanking them was simple, Iworked hard.Istudied,respected my teachers and made sureIachieved good marks. Iknew that every test passed and every report card improved brought me one step closer to abetter future.

Today as Iwatch learnersmaking their way to school in the morning,I cannot help but feelconcerned. On some days it is already 08:30and some are strolling to school with no sense of urgency. Some look disengaged and uninterested.It makes me wonder what haschanged. Have our young people become disconnected? Or are they simply overwhelmed by the realities they face daily?

Today's learners are growing up in aworld filledwith distractions, social pressures and uncertainty. Many are exposed to unemployment, violence, povertyand social media influences that can easily make education feel less important. For some, it maybedifficult to dream about the future when survival feels like the priority. This iswhy motivation cannot come from schools alone. Parents, communities, teachers and mentors all have arole to playin shaping young minds. Children need to see examples of perseverance. They need encouragement and guidance. Most importantly, they need hope. We cannot expect young people to value education if society appears to undervalue their potential.Sometimesall it takes is one teacher, one family member or one opportunity to inspireachild.

Iwish those in power would take up that challenge. How many leadershavewalked throughthe halls of their former schools and asked themselves what they could do to create lasting change there?Build more schools, morelibraries and saferspaces for learning. Invest in these future leaders and give them areason to be excited Create opportunities that make learners eager to get to school because they can see afuture waiting for them beyond the classroom.

As Ileft the school that day, Irealised the classrooms are still filled with dreamers, children with untapped potential waiting to be nurtured. The challenge ismaking sure they do not lose sight ofthose dreams beforethey evenbegin.

-KAYLYNNE BANTOM

SLICEOFLIFE

CLIMBERSUNITEFORWCCHARITIES: Runners and hikers tackledPlatteklipGorge during the annual Cableway CharityChallengeonTableMountain.So farthis year they have raised over R964 000 that willhelppower the life-saving and community-driven work of four organisations: VolunteerWildfireServices (VWS),Wilderness Search andRescue (WSAR),Ubuntu Football Academyand SANParksHonorary Rangers.The publiccan stilldonateuntil Sunday 17 May.To pledge support,visit:www charitychallenge.co.za

PHOTO:NICK JOUBERT

Magmoeders vreugdeervaar

Hoe seer is seer?

Ek wens ek konvandag(Sondag10Mei) se trane —dié watoor my wangerol,asook die watdie padinwaarts kies —in'nemmer opvang.Ekwil seer meet Ek is heel,maar terselfdertyd stukkend. Ons is té geneig om voor te geedat als"oukei" is.

Soveel mensevier Moedersdag, maar vir baie van onsishierdie 'n diep seer dag.

Nesek, is daar soveel vanons watnie meer 'n mamma het nie.Die uitsoek én opmaak van'nspesiale geskenkie; die beplanning van'nheerlikesamesyn vir diehelegesin; en die dek van'npragtigetafel vir'n spesialepersoon ontbreek die eregas is niemeer met onsnie Mygedagtesbly dwaal oor al die verskillende seer watvandaginhou: My hartsvriendinne watnie kinders konbaar nie;dié watkinders konaanneem, maar ook dieuitdagingswat saam met dit komindie gesig staar;elkeliewe mamma watstruikel om kinders alleen groottemaak, omdat pappavroeg sy engelvlerkies gekryhet;die watmoet baklei vir onderhoudsgeld;die watdie pa-rol moet vervul weens'nonbetrokkepa; diewat baklei teen 'n regstelsel watsyeie tydneem sodat geregtigheid kangeskied. Ek dink ookaan die mammas watmoet sterk staan teen tieners watinopstand kom, watraadop,moeg of weerloos is;endie vrouenswat onder 'n hand deurge-

loop hetensukkelomhaar waardigheid en plek in die samelewingtevind, omdat sy die keusegemaak het dat genoeg genoeg is.

Dis julle.Dis ons. Hierdie is die ma's vandie wêreld watvandaggesalueer moet word,maar watsoms so misgekykword. Ons draswaar.Ons skouers hang bietjie vooroor,ensoms komons vaal en onopvallend, verstrooid en vergeetagtig voor.Daar is storms wat nooit ophou raas nie. Daar is mensewat luister,maar nooit hoor nie. Wees assebliefnet genadig!

En vir die watwonder of God nogwakkeris. wanneer jy dit die minsteverwag, komverras Hy jou met 'n helderkleurigeEva wathaar ontferm oor'n alleen-mamma.

Daardie spesialevroue wiesehartesagterassag is; diéwat metsoveeldeernis en egtheid onsvrouwees, deuraldie krake, raaksien. Dis daardie Evawat inspring en 'n pakkie posofjou kinders nader trek om ietsie spesiaals vir jou te beplan,ofvir jou die styfstevan styfstedrukkiegee en so ekstrabietjie langer vashou.

Magelkegebrokemoederhart geliefdvoel onder haar eie omstandighede en magdaar iewers 'n teken vir jou wees dat jy waardig mamma is. As jy nie voor jou kinders wilhuil nie. is vandagdalkjou dagwat jy dit kanloslaat terwyl jy saam met hulle deur die reën hardloop.Glo in jouself, ystervrou! Irushka, BRACKENFELL

CityofCape Town: quo vadis?

Therecent “snot klap”mayor Geordin Hill-Lewisand his DA compatriots received in theHigh Court has reference.

Formonths we,the ratepayers of Cape Town, have berated himfor usingthe middle-class as avehiclefor apolicyofcross subsidisinghis socialist programme Nowthe courts have agreed with us andwhat does this young man do?Hetries to shame the ratepayers, who payhis inflated salary,intofeelingashamed for notagreeing to hisoutdated socialist agenda.Wedid not agreetoanunfunded spending spree on our dime to help him in avote-buyingcampaign

One wouldhavethought that during hisvarsity yearsheand hismanagementteamwouldtake cognancyofMaggie Thatcher’s famous words: “The problemwith socialism is that eventually yourun out of otherpeople’smoney”. And in 2025-’26 he and his team haverun out of money becausethisyearCoCT plans to borrowR1,2billion just to payfor previous years’ excessive spending.

In plainspeaking it meansborrowingmoremoney

to payfor borrowingprevious years,whilst spending moneytheydon’t have!Inwhatuniverse do these peoplelive?

We have seen howmunicipalities, including the City treatthe solidmiddleclass as agift that keepsgiving, hencethe increasing ratestaxation year on year.And year on year thesemunicipalities placatetheir staff andthemselveswith annual salary increaseswith no reciprocal performanceincreasesbecause the middle classkeep funding their ridiculous plans. Typically like trying to provide brick andmortar houses to anyeconomic migrant who ends up without ahouse. And howdoes he plan to generatemore money? By increasingyour propertyvalue andrates purely on the basis of properties sold in your area,i.e youare taxedon“unearned profits”,the exactprinciple the British parliament struck down when Keir Starmer andRachel Reeves tried it Do youthink the mayorwillheed ourcalls?Idon’t think so Francois JMarais, DURBANVILLE

Stingray birth shows moremust be done

In the TygerBurger of 6May 2026 residents of Table View andMilnerton arequotedstating that the recent stingray birthing incident shows that the clean-up efforts arestartingtobeeffectiveand gives renewed hope that the lagoon is slowly coming back to life HowIwish that this were true!

But what we witnessedonWednesday29April is that ashort-tail stingray femalewas stranded on the beachand through stress spontaneouslyaborted24 pups. Thesetinyreplicas of their mother stillhad their yolk sacs, whiletheir gills andother organs were not fullydevelopedyet

Sadly, theywerenot viableand none of them survived despitethe best efforts of communitymembers andrepresentatives of the TwoOceansAquarium. We canonlybut hope that at leastthe mother,who was escorted back intothe deep by the aquariumstaff, managed to recoverand survive.

Is the heart-rendering lotofthesemagnificent creatures notjust another illustration of howthe volume of sewage that the CityofCape Town discharges into the oceankills marine life,degrades critical habitats, andharms the ecosystems on whichhumansdepend fortheir ownsurvival?

On Milnertonbeach dead fish, molluscs, crustaceans, starfish, jellyfishand birds, besides disgusting washed-up rubbish, bear witness to decreased dissolvedoxygeninthe lagoon andsea andthe wide array of toxic pollutants contained within sewage Please,Cityand Mayor, the cityneeds to work forour sea.

LViljoen,MILNERTON

Chop upsneed repairs

As burst pipe repairs areundertaken, the huge question is:isthis departmentnot reporting their recent workmanship to, Ipresume, another department to do proper repairs to coverthe massivepotholes? Rainyseasonisupon us, andwith the expected downpours, the huge potholes willbecome camouflaged. Thepreventivemeasures to restoresafetyfor allroadusers is of utmostimportance Many unnecessaryincidents need to be avoided. Thesolutionisworking hand in hand with the different departments, who as mentioned “chopup” the surfaces andthose who “repair”the chopped up surfaces. Safety please,for allroadusers TessaLuck,GOODWOOD

ToffeemarkscourtroomfirstinSA

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMDIA.CO.ZA

Inaquiet courtroom in the Western Cape High Court, historywas made not by ajudge or lawyer, but by a gentle golden retriever namedToffee.

As a14-year-old boy prepared to testify against his own father in therape and murder trial of 8-year-oldDaniel Jamneck, the3-year-old therapy dog lay calmly beside him, offering silent reassurance during one of the most traumatic moments of the child’s life.

The April 2026 testimony marked the first time atherapy dog hadaccompanied achild witness in aSouth African criminal court, abreakthrough many child-trauma specialistshopecould transformhow vulnerable children experience the justice system

For the teenager, who waspresent at thescene of Daniel’s deathinPeerless Park North, Kraaifontein, in June 2023, the court appearance was more thanjust giving evidence. It meant revisiting a traumatic night while speaking publicly against his father, who is facing charges of murder,rape and sexual assault. Daniel was found dead in theaccused'sbed following asleepoverinKraaifontein in Cape Town on 15 June 2023.

Toffee doggedlyremained by the teenager's side as this was related to the court.

ACOURTROOMFIRSTBORNFROMYEARSOF

ADVOCACY

The idea of therapy dogs supporting child witnesses has long been used in countries such as the United States,but South Africa had yet to takethat step

For Edith Kriel, executive directorof the Jelly Beanz Foundation,it hadbeen adream decades in themaking.“Ihave

worked in the child protection sector now for 32 years andacrossmywhole career I’ve to some extent worked within the sexual offencescourts.”

She saidmajor improvements have been madeover the years to make courtsless intimidating for children, includingchildfriendly roomsand intermediaries who help facilitate testimony.

“But the reality is that if you’re akid andyou’ve experienced somethingreally traumatic, when you go backtocourt in astrange environment… youhave to sit down andthinklike avideo in yourhead of that traumatic experienceand then put that into words.

“You’re alsosometimes asked to defend youranswers or made to feel like you’re not telling thetruth. Kids have areally hard time.”

Kriel believes therapy dogs can bridge thatemotional gap.

“The role of atherapy dog during testifying is really to create asense of safety for the child, asense of ‘I’ve got somebody on my side’.

“This beautiful animal is here with me. They’re not judging me when Itell the storiesofall theyucky thingsthat happened to me.They just think I’m amazing.”

CALMINGFEARINTHEMIDDLEOFTRAUMA

Traumaexperts say children who testify in court often relive their experiences physically and emotionally. Fear,anxiety andstresscan overwhelm the nervous system,making it difficult for children to think clearly or answer questions coherently.

Kriel said therapy dogs help regulate thoseemotional responses.

“That kind of non-judgmental, calm, safe presence helps children feel safer. It calms

TEEN SUPPORTED BY THERAPYDOG,TOFFEE, DURING TRAUMATIC TESTIMONYAGAINST HIS FATHER IN WC HIGH COURT

theirnervous system.

“And when yournervous system is calmer,the parts of your brain that do the thinkingand come up with the words can work better.”

Duringthe in-camera testimony on 29 April Toffeeremained close to the teenagerthroughoutproceedings, helping himfind thestrength to continue.

Kriel describedthe moment as deeply emotional, saying thechildvisibly relied on the dog’s presenceduring difficult parts of his testimony.

“To my knowledgeToffeeisthe first dog that hassuccessfully gonethrough the processwith achild,” she said.

Butshe stressed the achievement was not hers alone.

“It’s not just ameprocess. We need prosecutors on board who are willing to take it on,put in applications and step outside of thenorm. There’s awhole team behind it.”

MORETHANJUSTACOMFORTINGPET

Toffeeisnot simply afriendly dog wandering through therapy sessions.

Sheisa certified“fur-therapist” at the Jelly Beanz Foundation, aTable Viewbasednon-profit organisation dedicated to helpingchildren affected by trauma, abuse and neglect

Founded in 2009, Jelly Beanz provides therapyservices,develops trauma resources, trainsprofessionals working

with children and advocates for better support systems for vulnerable young people.

Theorganisation’swork is rooted in a grim national reality.

According to Jelly Beanz one in three SouthAfrican children is sexually abused before the age of 18.

"Boys are just as vulnerable to abuse as girls. Eighty-two percent of children have been directly exposed to violence in their homes or communities."

Against that backdrop therapy animals are becoming powerful tools in rebuilding trust and emotional safety.

“Children who have experienced trauma often feel ashamed, disconnected or different from others,” the organisation pointed out.

“Dogs offer unconditional acceptance. No words are necessary.”

Vermaak // Entertainment

Landmarktheatre opensdoorswider

The Artscape TheatreCentre willmark55 years of performanceand transformation on Tuesday19May,a milestone that speaks notonlytothe myriad productions staged within its walls,but also to the storyofacountryintransition Openedin1971asthe Nico Malan Theatre, aspace reserved foraselect fewunder apartheid, it has sinceevolved intoacultural home forall South Africans. This anniversary, celebrated underthe theme "A Placefor All",honoursthat long and significant journey.

Theanniversaryprogramme launches at 11:00 on 19 Maywith the unveiling of amemorywallentitled "Becoming Artscape —aplace reborn", followed by an open press conferencetowhich the public is also invited.

At 12:00,everyone is encouraged to take part in a historicphotograph on the stepsofthe building.The morningconcludes with afreelunchtimeconcert at theArtscape OperaBar,running until 13:30. Performing at the concert willbe four school bands: Mbekweni CMA,Cedar High School, Rhodes High Schooland Athlone School forthe Blind Admission is free,and allare welcome

Thelunchtime concert series formspart of Artscape's ongoing commitment to access,championed under the leadershipofCEO MarleneleRoux.

Theseconcerts have becomearegular andmuchlovedfeature, offering manytheir first experienceof li perf einsidethe theat ot ta

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS SEES TICKETS DISCOUNTED

operations and building management

Aseries of Saturdaymasterclasses willrun from MaytoNovember

Thefirst,FastTrack to Opening Night, takesplace on 23 MaywithKMH Architects,covering thedesign, constructionand accessibilityofthe Artscape building. Afollow-up masterclass, facilitatedbyAfrica Melane, willfocus on funding thearts.

On 8November,ananniversarygalaconcert, producedand directed by BasilAppollis, featured in the theatre's50th-anniversary celebration, promisesto be aglamorous evening to remember Aspartofthe anniversarycelebrations,a limited number of R55 early-bird tickets willbemade available forselectperformancesinthe OperaHouse dTheat .Limited to tw tickets

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