MOKER SESVAN LAASTEBAL IN DIEWEDSTRYDOMSUID-AFRIKAOOR PAKISTANTELAATSEËVIER
KCARINAROUX
CARINA.ROUX@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
ayla Reyneke (20) van Kuilsrivier het verlede Dinsdagaand (10 Februarie) ‘n droomdebuut vir diesenior Protea-vrouekrieketspan gehad in diespan se openingswedstryd in die T20-toetsreeks teen Pakistan. Reynekehet nienet haar tuisdorp nie,maar die hele landtrots gemaak toesyop dramatiese wyse die wedstryd in Suid-Afrika se guns beklink het Metnog twee lopies kort om die teikenvan 181 te haal,het sy die heel laaste bal van die wedstryd vir ‘n sesgeslaan.Dit het versekerdat die Proteas metvyf paaltjies(185/5teenoor Pakistan se 180/9) gewen het vir ‘n 1-0 voorsprongindie reeks.
SPELERVANDIEWEDSTRYD
Reynekehet 29 lopies (nie uitnie)—wat ‘n vierendrie sesse insluit —van 16 balle aangeteken. Die veelsydigespeler en voormalige SA o.19-kaptein het in haar heel eerste boulbeurt vir GullFeroza,een van Pakistan se openingskolwers, uitgeboul. Haar boulsyfer van 2/13 (in vier boulbeurte)isdie beste nog vir ‘n nuwelingin‘nProtea-vrouespan in ‘n internasionale toets. Reyneke, wat as speler vandie wedstryd aangewys is, het ná die wedstryd gesê sy konnie vir ‘n beterdebuut vir haar land gevra
virKayla
oomdebuutvirKayla
JARE SE OPOFFERINGE LEWER UITEINDELIK RESULTATE
het nie.
Haar insluiting in die nasionale spanwas reeds vir haar ‘n droom wat waar geword het.
Claire Terblanche, WPvrouekrieket se hoofafrigter en assistent-afrigter by die Proteas, wat Reyneke se Protea “cap”aan haar oorhandig het voor die toets, het verwys na ‘n 10-jarige Kayla wat saam met die seuns krieket gespeel het en as “ball girl”met ‘n kriekethelmet op gedroom het van hierdie dag.
“Jou ma het jourondgery sodat jy daardie droom kon bereik. Kayla, ek het jouoor die jare sien groei as speler en as mens —dit is nou jou hart, jou inspanning en die manier waarop jy aanhou vegwat jou definieer,” het Terblanche gesê.
Sy hetuitgewys dat dit spesiaal is om ‘n nasionale debuut op tuisgrond voor familie en vriende te maak. “Geniet dit,” het sy vir Reyneke gesê —woorde wat sy klaarblyklik ter harte geneem het Bernadette Reyneke, Kayla se ma, vertel sy het aanvanklik gedinkKayla sal miskien in die derde wedstryd speelkans kry. Sy het die Maandagaand inderhaas ‘n vliegkaartjie bespreek om Kayla te verras nadat sy (vertroulik) verneem het sy sal
speel.
Bernadette sê sy het omtrent nie woorde om Kayla se goeie debuut te beskryf nie. “Kyk, dit het ons nou glad nie verwag nie; ons is baie trots.” Sy sê Kayla is van gr. 6afbyWPkrieket betrokke en sy moes baie ritte viroefensessies Nuweland toe ry en ure om wag omdat Kuilsrivier te ver was om heen en weer te ry.
"Maar dit was alles die moeite werd."
Daar was baie opofferings, maar sy is nie een oomblik spyt nie, sê Bernadette.
KOELENKALM
Reynekehet tydens diesing van die volkslied en ná daardie dramatiese einde 'n traan gepink, maar tydens diewedstryd was sy koel en kalm.
Op diemediakonferensie ná die wedstryd het sy gesê haar ondervinding in twee o.19wêreldbekertoernooie (2023 en 2025) het haar reeds 'n voorsmakie van internasionale krieket gegee.
Sy het toegegee dat sy wel druk gevoel het in daardie laaste boulbeurt, maar dat sy net haar bes gedoen het om elke oomblik gefokus te bly.
NABLADSY2
Kayla Reynekespog met haar toekenningvir speler vandie wedstryd
Lateapplication surgehitsschools
The provincialeducation department has placed 26 312 Grade R, 1 and 8learners across the province since the beginning of Januarythis yearinadditiontotens of thousands placed during 2025.
Despitehavingplaced 96% of all learners whoapplied last year —including late applications submitted up to 10 December —the department experiencedan unprecedented number of new extremely late applicationsatthe startof2026, according to education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.
Since thebeginning of January, the department received 25 065 extremely late applicationsfor Grades R, 1and 8.
As of 6February 2026, forGrade 8, the department hasplaced 99,6% of learners for whom applicationswerereceived, with placement in progress for 396 learners. In Grade1,placement is in progress for 326 learners, representing aplacement rate of over 99%. For Grade R, placement is in progress for 1148 learners.
The departmentreceived 13 905 extremely late applications for Grade R this year.
Hammond says thatwith schools having only reopened on 14 January, officials have worked extremely hardtoplace learners as quickly as possible.
"The fact thatmore than26000 placementshave been made within four
OVER 26 000 LEARNERS PLACED SINCE JANUARY IN PROVINCE
weeks is aremarkable accomplishment by our team.
"The department has consistently communicated that the 10th school day is acritical milestone in the admissions process. It allows schools to confirm actual attendance through physical headcounts, deregister learners who have not arrived, and identify available spaces for rapid placement," she says.
Hammond acknowledged that while it is always preferable for all learnerstobein school on the first day, the realityisthat late applications require time. Officials must consult with School Governing Bodies (SGBs), negotiate available spaces, and finalise administrative processes that would normally take months —now condensed intojust afew days.
"While we celebrate the placement of tens of thousands of learners in an exceptionally short period, we remain mindful that new extremely late applications continue to arrive daily. These are being handled with urgency, and we appeal to the publictoallow officials the space to complete thiswork," she said.
SANParksscrapsindemnityforms
TheSouth AfricanNational Parks(SANParks)announced on Friday 13 February thatithas suspended theindemnityand verification form requirement at TableMountainNationalParkwithimmediate effect.
This announcement came just days after it had stated that it willbeimplementing theindemnity andverification form requirement process.
“The measurewas introduced to strengthen verification andgovernance processes. However, SANParks acknowledges that itsimplementation ledtooperational delaysand visitorfrustration. We
have listened to theconcerns raised by visitors and tourism partnersand have acteddecisively,”the entitysaidinits statement last week. Over thenexttwelvemonths, SANParks will implement afully digitisedidentification document (ID) andpassport verification systematparkgates, includinghigh-speed scanning technologytoensure accuratecompliancewhiledelivering aseamless visitorexperience, thestatement reads During this transition, gate operations will continue without theindemnity form requirement SANParks said
"Krieket is eintlik baie eenvoudig; jy moet net die bal dophou en (elkebal) volgens meriete speel en dan sal jy 'fine' wees," hetsygesê.
Sy weet dat daar nog‘nspan gekies moetword vir die T20 VrouekrieketWêreldbekertoernooi in Junie, maar dit is nienou iets waaraan sy te veel dink nie.
Sy glo wel daaraan om elke dag die nodige werk in te sit en dat harde werk beloon word.
DieProteas hetVrydag (13 Februarie) die tweede wedstryd, wat weens reën
verkort is, met ses paaltjies gewen om die reeksoorwinning te behaal voor die laaste wedstryd Maandag gespeel is. Ná haar uitstekende debuut het Reyneke in gesprek met haar ma Vrydagoggend te kenne gegee dat die senuwees dalk so effe meer gepla het as voor die eerste wedstryd omdat dit haar in die kollig geplaas het. Hoewel sy nie kolfkans gekry het nie, is Pakistan se top-kolwer en kaptein, Fatima Sana, van Reynekeseboulwerk af uitgevang en het sy ook 'n vangskoot benut.
VANBLADSY 1
KaylaReynekehet verlede week‘n droomdebuut vir dieProteas gemaak in hulopeningswedstryd teen Pakistan in Potchefstroom.
Western Cape Agricultural MECIvanMeyer sharinginformation on foot-and-mouth disease at atrafficcontrol pointonStellenboschArterial near Wesbankand Kalkfontein last week
FMDdeclared nationaldisaster
The Western Cape Government has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcementmade at last week’sState of the Nation Address that Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been classified as anational disaster Thedeclaration enables acoordinated nationalresponse to what is describedas one of the most severelivestock disease outbreaksinrecentyears. South Africa has been battling FMD since 2019, with
the weekend of 7and 8February, 284 cattle were vaccinatedinKalkfontein.
Daniel Johnson,spokesperson for Meyer, confirmed only cattle were vaccinated andnot anypigs or goatsorother
Deployment of SANDF in gang-infestedareas welcomed
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN.RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The announcementlastweekbypresident Cyril Ramaphosa that the SouthAfrican National DefenceForce will be deployed in gang-infected communities has been welcomedbythe community of Bonteheuwel
Bonteheuwel hasbeen plagued by gang violence for many years anddespite attemptsfrom various law enforcement agencies to curb it, the violence continued. Duringthe last two weeks two women diedviolently, with shooting incidentsan almostdaily occurence.
AngusMcKenzie,local ward councillor, says that as acommunity they have shown that when acommunity refuses to bowtogangsters, when residentswork with law enforcement, andwhen visible policingisconsistentand firm, crime can be pushedback.“Today, gang elements in our areanolongeroperate with the arrogance they once did. They function opportunistically because they know this community is watching, organised, and unafraid. Iwelcome the deployment of thearmy to gang-infested areas. It brings much needed stabilisation and sends a strong message thatthe state recognises theseriousness of the crisis. But let us be honest, stabilisationisnot the same as a solution.
“The real weakness in the fight against gangsterism is not only on the streets. It sits within acriminal justice system that has toooften failed victims, failed witnesses, andfailedcommunities.
Arrests mean very little if cases collapse, if prosecutionsare weak, or if hardened criminals are released back intothe very neighbourhoods they terrorise,”says
McKenzie. According to him if the government is serious about permanently dismantling gangs, they must empower thosewho have proven their willingness and capability. “Our metro police and law enforcement officers need expanded powers including investigative authority and the necessary competencies so they can do more than just respond. They must be able to build cases, pursue syndicates, and ensure convictions. Communities like ours, and places elsewhereonthe Cape Flats,have demonstrated that local, visible, accountable policing works. The question now is whether the president is prepared to devolve policing powers to capable metros who are ready to take responsibilityand deliver results. Our people deserve more than temporary deployments. They deserve lasting safety,” says McKenzie.
Membersofthe SouthAfrican National Defence Forcemarch just before theState of theNation address.
Sector 4subforum meeting andelection
Kuils River Sector 4community policing subforum will hold itsannual general election on Tuesday 17 March at 19:00 at the detective's boardroom at the corner of Energie and Industriestreets.
Sector 4includes: Silveroaks, St Dumas, Jakarandas, Jagtershof, Eikenbosch, Hunters Creek, Hunters Retreat, Turtle Creek, Uiterwyk, Vredelust, Lillydale, Glenlilly, Zevenwacht Security Estates and all farms/smallholdings in the Sector 4
policing precinct. Memberswho would like to take part in the election update their application forms
Allnew applicants who wish to take part mustregister.
The application form to register is available from Sgt AJ le Fleur.
The following positions must be filled; chair, vice-chair, secretary andtreasurer.
. Contact SgtLeFleur on 082777 6589
Animalshelter callsforadoptions
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitshaisurgently appealing to the public to open their homes and adopt adog or cat, as the smallshelter has reached full cacity and ol safely
Carnivaltoshowcase‘diversity’
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
With just over amonth
to go, organisers of one of Cape Town's biggest annual events saythe Cape Town Carnival is ready to bring the ‘heART’ to theGreen Point Fan Walk on Saturday 21 March.
On Thursday 12 February, organisersgavethe media and other interested parties abehindthe-scenes glimpse of all the preparations at the Cape Town Carnival workshop in Mailtland.
Jay Douwes, CapeTown Carnival chief executive officer, said people can look forwardto 10 beautifully handcrafted floats. She said organisers are excited to bring the 16th edition of the carnival to life.
Adding to the excitement, this year's event spotlights11 "Champions" from Cape Town's creative scene, including singer Anslin Gysman, local actor Natasha van der Merwe, DJ Ready D, graffiti artist Rizah Potgieter,and designer Stephen van Eeden.
Tracey Carter, performance director, said there will be entertainment for the entire family.
"Someofour floats are already completed. Performers are getting readywithchoreography, and costumes are almost done. We are getting ready toput on ashow likeCapeTownhas neverseen before."
She saidpeople can look forward to acelebrationof diversity.
"We aretelling the different stories ofthe creativesfrom Cape Town. As different as they are, that's how different thepods are goingtobe. This year we will have our firstAfrikaans pod. There will be something for everyone."
Daphne Lodewyk has been a seamstressatthe Cape Town Carnivalworkshop for the past 10 years.
She saidwithless than amonth to go, she and her small team of three areworkingaround the clock tocomplete over1000 costumes forthe big day.
"We work asateam, andeach person knowswhat to do. We still have alot to do but thebulk of theworkisfinished."
Lodewyk saidshe still gets excited despite doing this for the past decade.
"Every yearthe carnival is different.Different themes and different people. You meet alot of people andmake friends."
She saidoncarnival day, they work tirelessly behindthe scenes to make sureevery performer looks dazzling.
"We arestationed in atent, dressing each performer and doing alterations or fixing things."
WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO COMPLETE THE OVER 1000 COSTUMESONTIME
Rachel Jaftha, chairofthe Cape Town Carnival Trust, said: "We are excitedbecause it's just over amonth to go. This year we are following our hearts. People will seeamazingcreativity as always andthe joy on the faces of thepeople participating. Do not miss the amazing follow-yourheartjourney with us."
JP Smith,Mayco memberfor safety and security, stressed the City's unwavering commitment to theevent "Thank you for bringing this event to ourcity eachyear. This event is about socialcohesion. It's about showingthatthere is much more that unite us than what dividesus."
Performers gave patronsaglimpse of what canbeexpected on event day.
Prof
Performer,Jalene Burgerislooking forwardtothe Cape Town Carnival. PHOTOS: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
PerformersCassidy Fortuin,Dianna Ocholla and Lana Fortunecannot wait to showcase their talent
Artistwins internationalprize
ABellville artisthas capturedglobal attentionafter winning the Public Prize at the prestigious René Carcan International Prize for Printmaking in Belgium, marking asignificant achievement for South Africancontemporary art on the internationalstage. Jacques Kannemeyer'sworkemergedas the public favouriteamong 25 shortlisted artists from afieldof201 competitors representing five continents.The awards were announced on 7February2026 at the Wittockiana Museum in Brussels, where the exhibition continues until8March 2026
Kannemeyer'swinning entryemployed an innovative approach thatmerged artificial intelligence with traditional printmaking techniques. He used AIgenerated images, which were then reworked digitally before being handtransferred to linoleum for carving and printing.
EXPLORINGHUMANCREATIVITYAND TECHNOLOGY
“What interested me was the role reversal,” Kannemeyer explained.
“Traditionally, humans create the vision and machines reproduce it.Inthis process, the AI produced the initial image and I became the craftsperson —physically bringing that digital vision into the world through manual labour.”
The artist'swork deliberately explores the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence. “I'm
hearing-impaired applicants, making the process more inclusive;
BELLVILLE MAN TAKESHOME PUBLIC PRIZEAT PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
jury led by Françoise Pétrovitch, awarded three official jury prizes alongside the public prize that Kannemeyer secured.
From next week, the Computerised Learner’s Licence Testing (CLLT)system will be implemented at all of the City’s 18 DrivingLicenceTesting Centres (DLTCs).
Installationiscurrently taking place at thelasttwo facilitiestocome on board, Milnertonand Eastridge.
As an implementing agent for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and theWestern Cape Government, the City’sDLTCs startedthe roll out last year.
Thesystemreplacesthe current manual booklet-basedtest andwill allow learner licence applicants to tap their way through theirtest, usingdigital screens.
“Applicants takearandom, computergenerated touch-screen test which providesimmediate,accurateresults. This is afaster andmore reliable system, which will not onlyimprove efficiency, but will reduce thewaiting periods associated with paper-based, manual tests.The digital systemreduces opportunities for cheatingand it draws from arandomised database of questions. It also eliminates thepossibility of fixed-answer sheetsbeing leaked,” said Maycomember for safety and security, JP Smith
Key benefits of theCLLT system:
. Fasterand more accurate resultsthanks to instant digital processing;
. Reducesthe risk of corruption through secureand standardisedtesting;
. Equipped with fingerprint verification and touchscreenfunctionality for a modern,user-friendly experience;
. Tests are available in all 11 official languages andthe system supports
. Uninterrupted service as systems are designed to remain operational during electricity outages;
. Prospective applicants are reminded that the booking system remains the same. Thedigital system will have a demonstration function to help candidates familiarise themselves with what’s expected, before the test gets under way.
“The digital system offers on-screen, multi-language support in 11 official languages and provides specialised support for hearing-impaired applicants, which eliminates the need for an interpreter. We are not only keeping up with digital progress, but it’s part of a broader effort to improve service delivery and provide greater accessibility for all our residents,”said Cape Town Traffic Services spokesperson, Chief Inspector Kevin Jacobs.
Learner’slicence testappointments can be made at any of the City of Cape Town’s 18 Driving Licence Testing Centres.
To help applicants prepare, afree downloadable study guide is available, covering road signs, vehicle controls, and the rules of the road. It can be downloaded on https://www.natis.gov.za/index.php/ downloads/learner-driver-manual For more information about learner licences and the requirements, please visit the City’s website at https://www. capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/ Licences-and-permits/Driving-andvehicles/Apply-for-a-learners-licence
RamaphosaextendsR370grant
President Cyril Ramaphosa announcedathis 2026 Stateofthe
Nation Address that the R370 monthly Social ReliefofDistress (SRD) grant supportingeight million South Africanswill continue indefinitely with complete employment-focused redesign.
Originally introduced as atemporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic, the grant has cost R40 billion annually and has been renewed each year sinceits introduction.
In this year'sSona, Ramaphosa confirmed the grant would continue indefinitely and undergo complete redesign.
Thismarks another iteration of promises made at multiple previous Sonas regarding anew income support grant.
"Since it was introduced during Covid-19, the Social Relief of Distress Grant has
EIGHT MILLION BENEFICIARIES TO KEEP RECEIVINGSRD SUPPORTINDEFINITELY
kept millions of South Africansout of foodpoverty,"the president said. "Asa transformative instrument to improve the lives of the poorest andmostvulnerable people, this grantwill be continued. This year, we will redesign the granttomore effectively support livelihoods, skills development, work opportunities and productive activity.
"The redesigned grantwill incorporate employment-seeking criteria andlink toskillsprogrammes. This reflects NationalTreasury's desire to tie support to employment andskills development, moving away from previous universal basic income proposals.”
Government terminology hasshifted from "basic income grant" to "income support grant", specifically targetingthe
unemployed rather than all qualifying persons. This represents atrend away from universal income grantconcepts
towards more focused approaches. Ramaphosa previously described the SRD grant as an "essential mechanism for alleviating extreme poverty", despite itstemporary origins. The grant's steep annual cost of R40billion necessitates limiting conditions, as making it universal or increasing itsvalue would exceed the country's fiscal capacity.
Treasury has funded the grant until March 2027 following the latest extension granted in 2025. Whilst no clear continuation signals existed beyond that date, Ramaphosa has now indicated renewals will continue.
Further details about the grant's future are expected in the 2026 Budget Speech, to be delivered by finance minister Enoch Godongwana later thismonth.
Kennisgewing geskied hiermeeingevolge artikel 49 van die WetopPlaaslike Regering: MunisipaleEiendomsbelasting, Wet6 van 2004 (soosgewysig), hiernadie “Wet”genoem,dat diealgemene waardasielys vir 2025,van toepassing van 1Julie 2026,ter insae beskikbaar is by www.capetown.gov.za/propertyvaluations en bydie lys van lokale viropenbareinsae en besware hier onder.
Enige eiendomsbesitter of anderpersoonwordhiermee ingevolge artikel 49 van die Wet genooi om die lys binnedie voorgeskrewe tydperkhier onder te besigtig en, in ooreenstemming met wetgewing, ’n beswaar in te dien tenopsigte vanenige kwessie watin die waardasielys voorkom of weggelaatis.
Aandag wordspesifiek gevestig op artikel 50van dieWet waarvolgens’nbeswaarteen ’n spesifieke individueleeiendom ingedien moet word en nieteen die waardasielysas’ngeheel nie
Besware kanopenige vandie volgende maniereingedienword: Van20Februarie2026tot 30 April 2026: •Aanlyn via e-dienste (voorkeur-endoeltreffendste indieningsmetode): www.capetown.gov.za/en/eservices
•Per e-pos:valuationsobjection@capetown.gov.za
•Van 20 Februarie 2026 tot 31 Maart2026:Persoonlik -gedurendedie bedryfstye vandie lokale viropenbareinsae en besware hier onder
Die vorm virdie indiening van beswareper e-pos of by die lokalevir insae en beswareis verkrygbaar op die Stad se webwerf. Net goed gemotiveerde besware saloorweeg word.
GEENLAATBESWARE SAL AANVAAR WORD NIE
Eienaars sal skriftelik vanhul waardasies in kennis gestelword. Die kennisgewingssal ge-epos ofgepos wordnadie besonderhede watopdie Stad se databasis is.
Jykan jouwaardasiekennisgewingenrekeninge per e-pos ontvang. SMSbloot joue-posadres en rekeningnommer na 31223.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering his speech during SONA 2026
SaveaFishielaunchesCoast2Coast
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Save aFishie has officially kicked offits expanded Coast 2Coast 2026 campaign; and thisyear the youthled movement is going even bigger.
What began in 2023 as asingle journeyalong South Africa’s coastline to clear plastic pollution and inspire communities has now been re-imagined. For2026 Coast 2Coast will be split into six focusedclean-up trips throughout the year, making it easier for Cape Town residents and coastal communities nationwidetoget involved
“Over the past three years youth-led action has proven its power right here at home,” said Save aFishie founder Zoë Prinsloo.
“Our record 7,7 tons collected in 2025 shows how much South Africans care about our beaches, and splitting Coast2 Coast into six trips lets us make an even bigger impact in our neighbourhoods.”
RECORDYEAR
In 2025 alone Save aFishie mobilised volunteersfrom Cape Town’sbeaches to coastal hot spots across the country, removing an impressive 7,7 tons of waste. Items collected includedplastic bottles, fishing gear, lollipop sticks, bottle tops, cigarette butts and other harmful litter
The campaign also expanded its education initiatives, reaching
thousands oflearners and families and helping to spark a growing cultureofenvironmental care.
Breaking the campaign into six shorter journeyswill allow the team to:
. Time clean-ups accordingto tides and seasonal weather.
. Make it easier for schools, families andcommunitygroups toparticipate.
. Reachmoreneighbourhoods during key engagementperiods.
. Improve tracking of litter hot spots.
. Offer moreenvironmentaltalks andactivities at local schools and events
“This isn’tjusta clean-up.” saidPrinsloo, “it’sa community movement. By focusingonlocal areas throughout the year, we can work closer withour neighbours,adapt to changing conditions andinspire even more people to protect ouroceans.”
OVERBERGLEGAHUGESUCCESS
The first leg of Coast 2Coast 2026, in the Overberg, is already awrap.
The day began at Betty’s Bay MainBeach under threatening skies and strong winds. Although the beachappeared clean at firstglance volunteers soon discovered litter hiddenindunes andbushes.Six kilograms of waste, including alcohol bottles, cigarette boxes and butts, wet wipes andchip packets, were collected fromBetty’sBay alone
Local volunteersthendirected the teamtoHangklip in Pringle
Bay, where the scale of pollution became evenmore apparent. A broken JoJo tanklay between thedunes,surrounded by bottle caps,thousandsoflollipop sticks, plastic packetsand nurdles, tiny plastic pellets that pose asevere threat to marine life.
By theend of the day22kghad been removedfrom that area alone. Overall, the Overberg leg saw an incredible 529 kg of litter cleared from theenvironment.
“Incredible people met,” Prinsloo related. “Meaningful connections made “Newareas discovered. Memoriescreated. Awareness raised.
“And to topitall off, overhalf a tonoflitter removed.”
Thenextleg takingplaceonthe WestCoastatthe end of Marchis already in preparation
Prinsloo’s passion for ocean conservation began more than seven years ago while working toward herProtea Award in Guiding.
“I was shocked at howmany straws Ifound on our beaches,” shesaid. “But when Isaw that video of theturtle with astraw deeply embedded in his nose, that was literally the last straw for me.From that day Ivowedto never use anotherplastic straw again.”
That moment sparked a deeper mission. Determined to findaffordable, biodegradable alternatives, Prinsloo began sourcing eco-friendly products. Today, she proudly describes herself as the youngest
“Iwasshockedat howmanystrawsI foundonourbeaches.”
—Zoë Prinsloo
distributor of eco-friendly products in SouthAfrica.
“I would like to encourage you to say no when offered single-use plastic items such as straws or coffee cups,”she said.
“Chooseeco-friendly options like bamboo or metal straws, recycled stationery, bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable plasters and bags made from recycled plastic bottles.”
Amongthe most concerning pollutants are nurdles, tiny plastic pellets that serve as the rawmaterial for nearly all plastic products. These microplastics blend in with sand and shells and have been washing up on South African beaches since
amajor spill in October2017, when aMediterranean Shipping Company vessel lost 49 tons of nurdles during astorm. Nearly adecade later they continue to appear along the coastline. “They just keep washing up on our shores,”said Prinsloo.
Save aFishie is calling on communities to join the movement and help raise awareness about ocean pollution. . Donations canbemade via their BackaBuddycampaign,and those wanting to getinvolvedcan email info@saveafishie.co.za. Supporters canalsofollowthe journeyon Facebook to stay updatedon upcoming clean-ups.
Over half aton clearedinthe Overbergalone
Will Sona optimism translatetoreal change?
While President CyrilRamaphosa spoke of astrengthening rand, falling inflation, and renewed investor confidence during his State of the Nation Address,many woke up thenext day to aless reassuring reality: dry taps, rising living costs, unemployment queues, and unsafe neighbourhoods.
This contrast captures the central tension of this year’s address. The President painted apicture of an economy gradually stabilising, yet we knowfrom lived experience that life formillionsof South Africans remains uncertain and difficult.
His admission that “life remains hard” may have been themost honest line of the speech. It reflected something we understand: national progress measured in statistics does not always translate into relief felt in our communities. Economic stability matters.
Astronger currency signals confidence, helps government manage debt, and can encourage investment.Lower inflation protects purchasing power. These are necessary foundations for long-term growth.But for many struggling to basic necessities, macro-economic indicators feel distant and abstract. Recoveryonly becomes meaningful when reflected in secure jobs, stable services, and safer streets.
To his credit, thespeech did not avoid pressing challenges. Organised crime, he said, remainsone of the greatest threats to
THEPRESIDENT’SMESSAGEINVITESBOTHHOPEANDSCRUTINY
economic development and socialstability
Thisrecognition is important because crime is not only apolicing issue —itis an economic barrier.
Communities affected by gangs, extortion and crime struggle to attract businesses and opportunities. Unsafe environments limit where people can move freely,where small businesses can operate, andhow confidentwefeel in our neighbourhoods. Yet we have heard strong commitments to tackling crime before. Our confidence depends on implementation and results, not just tactical plans that sound decisive. Thesame pattern applies to corruption and governance failures. The president’s emphasis on strengthening institutions signals understanding thateconomic reform cannot succeed without credible leadership and functioning systems. However, we judge progress by concrete outcomes, successful prosecutions, and improved service delivery —not investigationsannounced orpolicies drafted.
Perhapsthe mostimmediate concerns relate to municipal services. Water shortages, failinginfrastructure, and inconsistent servicedeliveryaffect our lives in ways that national economic indicators cannot capture. These issues aretangible —they shape whether our taps run, roadsremainusable, refuse is collected, and electricity supply is stable Ramaphosa’s warning thatfailing municipalities couldlose service delivery powers suggests willingness to act but it raises uncomfortable questions: If government knows which municipalities are struggling, why has intervention been slow? Will stronger oversight translate into quicker, measurable improvements? These questions point to adeeper challenge: restoring public trust. Years of economic pressure, service delivery failures, and governance challenges have changed how we evaluate leadership.
BRIEWE|LETTERS
Waterwastage mindsets
Againweaddress a“critical watersecurity” issue, and everyone is urgedtosavewater
Itravelaround the countrywith tourists and findno oneconsciouslysavingwater.Notices areeverywhere but effective stepsofhow to save waterrare. Most geysersare farfromthe bathrooms andittakes six to nine litres before hotwater comes through ahot-water tap. If that’snot badenough, very few“mixers” have a clearindicationofwhich waytoturn the handlefor hot andcoldwater.And if onethinkshot is rightand cold left,think again! Ihavefoundthateveninthe same room, cold at thehandbasin couldbetothe left and in theshowertothe right. Thereisnostandard, every plumber inthe countrydoes whathelikes. Suggesting to the establishments, from guest houses to five-star hotels, to at least mark thetapsclearlyfor hotand
cold theylook at me in disgust,asiftosay:“who are youtotellmehow to run my place”?But when one approaches the subject of waterusage each andevery onecomplainsaboutthe huge billtheyreceive. Watersavingisnot clearlydefined in ourminds, and fewpeoplehaveany understanding of what shouldbe done to reduce consumption. As fortoilet flushing: the usualflushing systems were designed in Britain and countries with excess water, installedherewithout a thoughtofthe consequences. Thetip of the iceberg are“luxury”establishments with ahugebath tub “to relaxin”,after alongday’s safari or sightseeing. Talk is cheapand from thetop (Minister)downtothe end user watersavingisjustaphraserepeated everynow andthen, while we hope forrain PETERSMULIK, Rugby
Fed-up with roadworks
Ihavebecomeincreasingly frustrated with the ongoing road maintenanceonLaBelle Road in Stikland, which hasbeen causing significantcongestion.
OnelanefromStrandRoad, direction OldPaarl Road, has beenclosedoff andcompletelydug up, along withthe right-turninglanefromStrand and Bottelary road.Thishas createdmassivetrafficdelays in the vicinity, particularlyduringpeakhours. The lane closures have been problematic as La BelleRoad serves apredominantlyindustrial area and provides crucialaccess to the R300.The routecarries volumes of heavy-duty trucksand commercialvehicles essential to industrial operations, not to mention the minibus taxis(generallyalaw unto themselves).
Boetesskrik
Whatmakes this situation morefrustratingisthe lack of visibleprogress. Dayafter day, motorists endure delays, yetminimal actual work appears to be taking place. Whileroadmaintenanceisundoubtedlyessential, couldthe CityofCape Town not have planned this work differently? Perhapscompleting the project in phases to maintain trafficflow or implementing more intensive work schedulestoreducedisruption?The currentapproach is causingsignificantinconvenience to those usingLaBelle,Strandand Bottelary roads Iurgethe City to expeditecompletion of this project andimplement betterplanning protocolsfor future maintenance work on strategically importantroads.
FRUSTRATED MOTORIST, Email
nie taxi’s af nie
Dithelpnie taxibestuurders kryverkeersboetes nie; die meeste hetnie 'n vasteadres nieendie boetes kannie by hulle afgelewerwordnie.Hulle werk vir iemand wat ditmaklikkan verminder of selfsafskryf.Ekhet op die hoek vanFrans Conradie-rylaan en Brackenfell-boulevard langs`nmetropolisie-voertuig met twee insittendes by ‘n rooi liggestaan.Langs die polisievoertuig,
op ‘n geel streep,was ‘n voertuig watlinkswou draai. Hulle hetnet voor hullegekyk natuurlik op padhuis toeofnie lusvir moeitenie
Mense watsory, sê baie vanhul beginsels. Hulle leer natuurlikbytaxi's of deesdae se afleweringsmotorfietse.
Anoniem, BRACKENFELL
Skollies is nou N2 se baas
Vanoggend moesmyswaer die trauma beleefvan twee skollies watmet vuurwapens in die hand voor sy vragmotor ingehardloop en dit op homgerig het Al wathykon doen wasomteversnel en hulle te probeer raakry Hulle het toebaie vinnig die bosseingehardloop om wegtekom.
‘n Ent verder sien hy toenet blou ligteenstoptoe by die verkeerspersoneel, wat'nvroubystaan watook gedreig is.
My vraagisnou,worddie verkeersreëlsnie meer toegepas nie?Met ander woorde,dat niemand op ‘n N2-roete magloop of staan nie,ofisdit nouweer shame, laat die skollies doen wathulle wil? Hulle kanmybeboet vir te vinnig ry teen `n afdraand, maar hierdie skollies kandoen wathulle wil metonwettigevuurwapens.
Pateties en papvrot.
GERHARD VANNIEKERK,Vredekloofhoogte
Kiewitz is ‘n groot aanwins
Ek het in Queenstraat opgemerkdat ‘n veselglasdeksel oor ‘n mangatontbreek. By nadereondersoek is die gebreekte dekselintweestukkeindie gatgevind. Omstreeks10:00 die volgende oggend het ek weer daar verbygeloop en ‘n voertuig opgemerk met iemand watbesig wasom‘nnuwedekseldaar te plaas.Ekhet nader gegaan om homtekomplimenteer oor die vinnigediens. Hy het my toemeegedeel dat hy toevallig daar verbygeryhet,onmiddellikdie implikasies van ‘n moontlikeeis teen sy werkgewerbesef het en direk na hul depot gegaan het om die stukkende dekselte vervang. Die man watdie belange vansywerkgewersoopsy hart dra, is EltonKiewitz vandie paaiedepartement in Langeberg. Welgedaan, meneer Kiewitz! SW BURGER,Durbanville
WAARWOESTEWINDEWAAI: Die wind en die branders stoeiteen mekaar langsValsbaai se kussoosonlangsgesien vanaf Clarence-rylaan.
SA’sfirstBraillesignageunveiled
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
“Close your eyes andtry to read thesign; thatiswhat exclusion feels like.”
This was the message from Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Minister Willie Aucamp when he asked guests to close their eyes and try to read asign, toshow how blind and partially sighted people experience exclusion. That demonstration connects directly to the launch of Braille signageatBlaauwberg NatureReserve on Wednesday 11 February, delivered through apartnership between DFFE, Wildlife and Environment Society of SouthAfrica (Wessa), the City of Cape Town, Blind SA, Nedbankand disability advocacy partners.
The country’s first Braille informational beach signage at Eerste Steen, Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, marks amajor milestone in ensuring blind and partially-sighted
INCLUSIVESIGNAGE AFIRST FORSOUTH AFRICA
visitors are able to engage meaningfully withSouth Africa’s coastal environments. The tactile signage,featuring raised lettering and QR codeslinked to audio descriptions, allows blindand partially sighted visitors to independently access information aboutthe beach, its ecosystemsand its heritage.
ACCESSIBLETOALL
The initiative reflectsa shared commitment to ensuringthatSouth Africa’s natural heritage is accessible to allcitizens, regardless of ability. The project was spearheaded by Wessa as part of its broaderCoastalProgramme, which includes the internationally recognised Blue Flag andGreen Coast initiatives
Sponsored by Nedbank, the launch was hosted in collaboration with Wessa, Blind SA, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and the City of Cape Town, with additional support fromthe Ford Wildlife Foundation.
DIVERSITY
Speakingatthe event, Aucamp emphasisedthe importance of inclusive environmental access, noting that conservation spaces must reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
“This initiative opens our coastal spaces to more people andensures environmental education and awareness arenot limited by physical barriers.”
Aucamp announcedthe department was in theprocess of revitalising the national coastalsignage
“This revitalisation is about more than justfresh paint or newtimber. It is abouttechnological integration and, most importantly, it is about inclusivity. Iwant our department to take this project out to all ourharbours.Iwant to be able to visit Mossel Bayand have all people have access to these spaces.
“I declaremydepartment is absolutely ready to work with everyone to bring this to everyone. We arecurrently working on aCollaboration Framework that aligns our legislative mandatefor integrated coastal management, to protect the coast, with Wessa’s century-long legacy of mobilising citizenaction. Thenew content we are introducing is vibrant andengaging. We aretelling thestory of ‘Life on the Edge’. We areinvitingthe public —sighted and visually impairedalike —tomeet the‘Noisy Mother,’ the African Black Oystercatcher.Weare teaching visitors how the White Sand Mussel ploughs
through the wet sand, and how the Three-spot Swimming Crab navigates the turbulent surf. That is not only for people who can see or read. These stories create a connection, and connections foster care.”
Theunveiling at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is expected to set anational precedent, encouraging similar inclusive infrastructure at coastal destinations across SouthAfrica.
As part of Wessa’sbroader vision, the integration of accessible signage aligns with efforts to promote environmental stewardship, education and sustainable tourism.
By introducing Braille informational signage at one of Cape Town’s most iconic coastal reserves, stakeholders hope to inspire wider adoption of accessibility measures at beaches and protected areas nationwide.
Blind SA and partners celebrateaccessible beach signage
Braille interpretiveboardsbring‘Life on the Edge’toall
Ná 'n jaar se afwesigheid in die musiekbedryf keer die country-groep WEST terugnadie verhoog met iets groter as ooit tevore
Die Kaap het gevraenWEST het geantwoord. Hulle bring nuweliedjies en ou bekendes saam virhul vertoning op Saterdag 7Maart om 19:00indie Kraaifontein-stadsaalopdie hoek van Brighton- en Darwinweg.
Die trio wasgoed op dreeftoe hulle weens 'n persoonliketragedie vireers moes remaandraai. Ná bykans 'n jaar het die mannedie perdweer opgesaal en is hulle opnuut besig om die musiekbedryfteverower. In minder as twee maande het hulle die splinternuwe enkelsnit"Halfwaygone" vrygestel,'nhelenuweproduksieaan dieganggekryensopas hul jongste album,Tribute 2, vrygestel Met hul Tribute-reeksbring die driemanskap hulde aangewilde country-bekendes vandie verlede wat diegenrebevorder en in gewildheid laat groei het WEST het dit goedgedink om 'n Kaapse draaitemaakaangesien hulle
DIARY/ DAGBOEK
. Francois vanCokeAkoesties is by Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville op Woensdag18Februarie om 20:00 Kaartjieskos vanafR200byQuicket
. RoccoenCoenie de Villiers 88 is van 18 tot28Februarie te sien by Theatre on the Bay. Kaartjies kosR200tot R350 by Webtickets. . Chris Steyn tree op Vrydag 20 Februarie om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220bywww heroeslive.net
. Milnerton Players present TheNight of January16, until21Februaryatthe Milnerton PlayhouseTheatre.Tickets cost R150. Book at www.milnertonplayers.co.zaoremail bookings@ milnertonplayers.com.
. Yukio Mishima'saward-winning production TheLadyAoi isatArtscape until 21 February.TicketsfromR150 at Webtickets.
. UnderThe Mountain,a night of praiseand worshipwithlocal artists and American BenFuller, is at Kirsten-
juishier suksesbehaalhet met hul optredes by die CTC-konserteenin voor-optredes by twee Smokie-konserteindie laaste paar jaar En as hul aanhangers vra, dan probeer hulle hul bes om die mense wathulle so lojaal ondersteun, gelukkigtemaak, sê Hugo Hewitt, watlid is vandie trio saam met Ernie Batesen MacYoung. Tafels en sitplekkeisbeskikbaar. Daar sal'nkontantkroeg wees en gastekan hul eie verversingssaambring. Die deuremaakom18:00 oop AmoreRudman tree in die voorprogram op . Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar by opentickets.co.zaofbel Christovan BakgatPromosies by 082895 5093met navrae
WEN!WEN!WEN! Drie lesers kanelk twee kaartjies wenvir WEST se vertoning in Kraaifontein. Vind hierdie berig en inskrywingsvorm by www. tygerburger.co.za en skryfnou in.
boschBotanicalGardenonSaturday 21 February at 19:00.TicketsR545at Webtickets.
. An IntimateNight with Robin Peters &Dr. MisatFairbairn College, Goodwood on Saturday21Februaryat18:00 TicketsfromR200atWebtickets.
. TheACappella Music Festival is at Artscape on Saturday21Februaryat 13:00.TicketsfromR150 at Webtickets.
. Luna Paige: Die Reisigers is op Sondag22Februarie om 15:00 by die Drostdy-teater,Stellenbosch. Kaartjies kosR250byWebtickets.
. Vusi Mahlaselaand JabulileMajola performatthe Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert on Sunday 22 February at 17:15.TicketsR255(youth) or R360 at Webtickets.
. TheFirebird is at Artscape from Thursday19toSunday 22 February.A fusion of puppetry and dance. Tickets from R160atWebtickets.
. TheNutcracker presented by Cape Ballet Africa is at the Artscape Opera HousefromWednesday25Februaryto Sunday 1March. TicketsfromR290at Webtickets.
PSYCHIC MIA
For accurate answers to all problems, SMS your name, date of birth and aspecific question to 38527. "Not for Cell C". R10 per sms
AANDAG ALMAL
kontant vir enige huis-houdelike goedklere, skoene, beddegoed, gordyne, speelgoed, oudhede, juweliersware -goud, breekgoed, potte, elektroniese ware. MEUBELSyskaste, beddens, Sitkamerstelle, tv's. (en baiemeer) Johan 074474 4275
EG REFRIGERATORS
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Fridges, freezers, washing machines, stoves, dishwashes, microwaves, tumble dryers. We do insurance claims. We do all kinds of makes of appliances.
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ALLAPPLIANCES
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•Min grade 12 certificate, willingness to furtherstudies.
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POTENTIAL CANDIDATES TO FORWARDTHEIR CV TO: admin@maverickes.co.za
Estate Notice
In theestate of late MargueriteSaraSpence, IdentityNumber 4001260331081, Divorced,of6 Springwater Close Melkbosstrand, who died on the28March 2023 (ESTATENo 022890/2025)
Creditors in theabove mentionedare requested to lodge claimswiththe undersignedwithin30 (thirty) days reckoned as from19February 2026
Rallim Modern Learning Environment is a future-focused, inquiry-drivenindependent school committedtocultivating curiosity,innovation, and 21st-centurycompetenciesinour students, situated in Sunningdale,Western Cape.
Rallim invitesthe applications for thepositionof:
HEAD OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
If you think that you're asuitable candidate for the position, then you may obtain therelevant information regardingthe post by sending an email to:
careersrallim.org.za
Notice of Curator in termsofSection75 of the Administration of Estate's Act,No66 of 1965 (as amended),noticeis herebygiven of appointment of a personasCurator by theMaster of the High Court. Western
CuratorBonii: Laura Ashley Lightand AnnalieseJ
TYGER RUN/WALK2026 VIND WEER BINNEKORT PLAAS
Kryjou tekkiesreg!
Kry jou tekkies reg, want die Tyger Run/Walk 2026 vind weer plaas op Saterdag 21 Maart. Dit beloof om weereens eenvan die lekkerstepadwedlopeindie noordelike voorstede te wees
Aangebied deurRadio Tygerberg104FM in samewerking met dieDurbanvilleatletiekklub, neem hierdie gewilde wedloopdie paaie rondom dieTygervalleiwinkelsentrum oorvir 'n oggend van energie, gemeenskapsgeesen doelgerigte hardloop. TygerBurger is ookweer vanjaar 'n trotse mediavennoot.
Die Tyger Run/Walk, wat die grootste wedloop in die noordelike voorstede is, is jaarliks een van Radio Tygerberg se hoogtepunte op die kalender. Disook dietyd van die jaar wanneer 'n mens sien hoe honderde, selfs duisende mense sedert Januarie getrou oefenomhul nuwejaarsvoornemens 'n werklikheid te maak. Nou is dit tydomdaardie voorbereidinginaksie om te sit. Inskrywings is oop tot middernagop 8Maart, maar deelnemers salmoet wikkel,want inskrywings stroom in en diebyeenkoms kan slegs 8000 atlete akkommodeer.
"Die TygerRun/Walk bring elke jaar die gemeenskap op 'n ongelooflike manier byeen. Ons sien hoe mense hulself uitdaag,
gesinne saam stapenatlete hul beste gee. Ons moedigalmal aan om betyds in te skryfvoordat die beskikbare plekkevol is," sê Rikus van Rooy, stasiebestuurder vanRadio Tygerberg.
Daar is 'n afstandvir almal: . 6km-pretstap/draf— ideaal vir gesinne en sosiale deelnemers; . 15 km-padwedloop —vir die meer kompeterendeatlete.
HARDLOOPVIRDIEREINNOOD
Vanjaar ondersteun die Tyger Run/Walk die Animal Anti-Cruelty League(AACL) watnoodsaaklikeveeartsenykundige sorg en beskerming aan diere in nood bied. Geld watingesamelword, ondersteun hul takke inBellville en Epping, waar siek en beseerde diere behandeling,operasies en versorgingontvang. “Wanneer jy aan die Tyger Run/Walkdeelneem,gaan dit oor meerasnet fiksheid; dit gaan oor gemeenskapenom'nverskil te maak,” voegVan Rooy by. . Skryf in op RadioTygerberg104FM se webwerf ofbytopevents.co.za.
