esidents across the Blaauwberg area, including Table View, Parklands, Milnerton and as faras Melkbosstrand, voiced concern last week after alarge flare lit up the sky abovethe Astron Energyrefinery on Koeberg Road
Many reported astrong paraffin-like smelllingering in the air, while others complained of burning eyes and irritation.
Social media platforms were flooded with questions and complaints on Wednesday evening(3June)and Thursday morning (4 June) as residents sought answers about thevisible flare andaccompanying odour.
STRONGSMELLACROSSTHEAREA
While the flare was clearly visible from severalsuburbs, many residents said it was the smell that caused the greatest concern.
Several residents claimed the odour driftedacrosslarge parts of the West Coast
Grassy Park:076 5036916
STRONG PARAFFIN-LIKE SMELLSREPORTED
SOCIAL MEDIA FLOODED WITH COMPLAINTS www.vdhattorneys.co.za Bellville: 074858 6152
and Blaauwberg region overnight, with some reporting headaches, sore throats and eye irritation.
Others living closer to the refinerysaid noise and emissions from the facility have been along-standing concern.
ASTRONEXPLAINSINCIDENT
In astatement on Wednesday 3June, Astron Energy said: “The refinery experienced aprocess unit upset, which led to visible emission from the elevated flare as safetysystems activated. As a result,there may be increased noise and visible emissions from the flare as we stabilise the process unit.”
Thecompany apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked residentsfor theirunderstanding while normal operations were restored.
TwinspunchtheirwaytoItaly
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
For Andrew and MatthewNaudé, kickboxing has always been a shared journey. The twins, learners at Sunningdale PrimarySchool, have beenselected for the South African National KickboxingSquad and will represent the country at the WAKO World Youth Kickboxing Championships in Jesolo, Italy, in September.
The achievement follows years of dedication, discipline and hard work, with the brotherstraining side by side asthey pursued their dream of competing onthe internationalstage
ADREAMYEARSINTHEMAKING
From their earliest days in the sport, Andrew and Matthew have pushed each other to improve, earning numerous medals, trophies and accolades alongthe way.
Now, they havethe opportunity to wear the green and gold and compete against the world's best young kickboxers from more than 60 countries.
Their father, Jannie Naudé, said the selection is the result of years of commitment and sacrifice.
“Andrew and Matthew have worked incredibly hard for thisopportunity.They have trained tirelessly, supported each other through every challenge and never lost sight of their dream. Being selected to represent South Africa is aproud moment forour family and areward for their dedication,” he said.
SELF-FUNDEDCHALLENGE
While representing South Africa isa tremendous honour, thejourney comes at asignificant cost.
BROTHERSRAISING FUNDSTOGET TO KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIP
Unlike manyinternationalsporting events,participation in the championships is entirely self-funded, with no government supportavailable to athletes.
The family is aimingtoraiseR87 500 per athlete, or R175 000 in total, to cover flights, visas, accommodation, transfers,official South African teamkit, competitiongearand entry fees.
The firstpayments to the SouthAfrican Kickboxing Association are due in June andJuly, making fundraisinganurgent priority.
“Every randdonated brings the boys onestep closertoItaly. We are incredibly grateful for every contribution, sponsorshipand message of support.No donationistoo small because every rand helps togets them there,”said Naudé.
COMMUNITYSUPPORTNEEDED
The twins are calling on the Blouberg community, local businesses andsports supporters to help them realise their dream Funds raised will go directly towards ensuring the brothers can compete at the world championships and proudly representSouth Africa on the international stage Supporters can contribute throughthe twins'BackaBuddy campaign or make a donationthroughthe Melkies Who Care NPC initiative, which offers qualifying donors aSection18A taxcertificate.
ForAndrew and Matthew, the trip to Italy is about more thancompetition.
It represents years of sacrifice, determination and ashared ambition to test themselvesagainst the best in the world. They are notonly fighting for medals, but for each other,their family andtheir country.
With thesupport of their community
behind them, the twin warriorsare hoping to take the next step in theirremarkable journey and make SouthAfrica proud on the world stage.
. Formoreinformation on howtodonatevisit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/ twin-warriors-rising
Twin brothers Andrew and MatthewNaudé areraising funds to competefor South Africaonthe international stage.
Doctorsjoincleftsurgerymission
Two Blouberg residents were among ateam of volunteers whohelped provide life-changing cleft surgeries to children during a recent Operation SmileSouth Africa programme at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg.
Thevolunteer-led initiative saw aspecialist team of 50 volunteers deliver surgeries for 40 children with cleft conditions from Gauteng and surrounding provinces between 29 and 31 May. The programme comes as the UnitedNations marks 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers, recognising the important contribution volunteers make in communitiesaround the world.
FAMILYAFFAIR
Blouberg anaesthesiologistDr Neville Botha participated in his 15th Operation Smile programme since joining the organisation in 2010. His volunteer work has taken him to countries including Morocco, Madagascar, Malawi and the DemocraticRepublicof Congo.
This year, however, the experience was particularly special as he was joined by his daughter, Bianca Botha, on her first programme.
Afinal-year psychologystudent at the University of Cape Town, Biancavolunteered as part of the Operation Smile Student Programme, working alongside clinical teamstohelp prepare children and caregivers for surgery.
GIVINGBACK
Also volunteering was Jaqueline Toerin, whomanages asurf shop during the week and took part in her third Operation Smile SouthAfrica programme as amedical records volunteer.
Toerin saidone ofthe most rewarding aspects of the experience isseeing caregivers connect andsupport one another after their children undergo surgery.
She hasalsoembraced another wayofgiving back.Inspired by afellowvolunteer, Toerin spendsdowntime duringsurgical weekends knitting blanket squares that arelater turnedinto blankets forpatients.She has encouraged other volunteers to join her, turning the activity into ashared act ofkindness.
CELEBRATING20YEARS
This year's programme coincides with Operation Smile South Africa's 20th anniversary. Since 2006,the organisation hasbuilt anetworkofmore than 150 active volunteers whohave helped deliver thousands of cleft surgeries acrossSouth Africa and sub-SaharanAfrica
The milestone aligns with the United Nations' declaration of this year asthe International Year ofVolunteers, highlighting the role volunteersplay in strengthening healthcare systems andcommunities worldwide.
CHANGINGLIVES
Among the volunteers was Life HealthcareChief People Officer Avanthi Parboosing.
BLOUBERG DUO JOIN OPERATION SMILE TEAM AT NELSONMANDELA HOSPITAL
“Every child deserves the chance to smile,speak andfeel they belong –withoutridiculeor judgement,” said Parboosing.
“Engaging with the mothers and children as they're screened, many filled withanxiety and hope for life-changingsurgery, is incredibly moving. It'sa powerful reminder of how much this moment means to familieswho havewaited so long.
“I’m immensely proud of Life Healthcare for supporting an initiative that makes sucha real and tangible difference. It speaks of theheartofwho we are and what we do: making life better. This work is truly life changing.”
BUILDINGSUSTAINABLECARE
Beyond delivering surgery, Operation Smile South Africa also focusesonskills transfer and training to ensure healthcare workers receive mentoring and support during andbeyond surgical programmes.
“Our long-term goal is to build sustainability, so that specialised cleft carecan happenwithin the public healthsystem –whether we are thereornot,” said Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa. Shesaid childrenwith cleft conditions couldotherwise wait
Blouberg residentsplayedaroleinchanging younglives when they volunteeredwith Operation SmileSouthAfricaatNelsonMandelaChildren’sHospital,where 40 children received cleftsurgery
years for surgery.
“Without theseinterventions, childrenwithcleft conditions may have to waityears for the chance to receive life-changing surgery.
“We are incredibly grateful to themedical volunteers who generously give theirtime and expertise to help change the lives of children and families.”
Father and daughter team Dr Neville Botha and BiancaBotha joined fellow volunteer
IMPORTANT NOTICE
FORM 3A -NOTICEOFAPPLICATIONS FORLIQUORLICENCESINTERMS OF SECTION 37(1) OFTHE WESTERNCAPELIQUORACT,2008 –[REG. 10(1)]
Notice is hereby giventhatthe following applications forliquorlicenceshavebeenlodgedwiththe WesternCapeLiquorAuthority (the Authority)and with the designated liquorofficers at the indicatedSouth AfricanPoliceService offices. Theapplications concernedmay,uptoand includingthe 28thday from the dateofpublication of the application, upon requestand free of charge,beinspected by anyperson, at theofficesofthe Authority or the designated liquor officerlistedhereunder.Copiesofanapplicationcan be obtained from theAuthority afterpayment of theprescribedfee.Objectionsand representations mustbelodgedinwriting with theAuthority andthe designated liquorofficerinaccordance with section39ofthe Act.
VORM 3A -KENNISGEWINGVAN AANSOEKE OM DRANKLISENSIES INGEVOLGEARTIKEL 37(1)
VANDIE WES-KAAPSE DRANKWET,2008 –[REG. 10(1)]
Hiermeewordkennisgegee datdie volgende aansoekeomdranklisensies ingedien is by dieWes-Kaapse Drankowerheid(dieOwerheid) en]bydie aangewese drankbeamptesbydie aangeduideSuid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantore.Die betrokke aansoekekan,tot en metdie 28ste dagvanaf diedatum van publikasie vandie aansoek,opversoek en gratis deur enigepersoon besigtig word by diekantore vandie Owerheid of dieaangewese drankbeampte hierondergelys.Afskrifte van’naansoek kanbydie Owerheid verkry word na betalingvan dievoorgeskrewe fooi.Besware en vertoë moet ooreenkomstig artikel39van dieWet skriftelik by dieOwerheidendie aangewese drankbeampte ingedien word
Kind of licence appliedfor Tipe lisensie waarom aansoek gedoen word Uhlobo lwephepha mvumeolucelayo
SouthAfrican Police Services designated liquor officeroffice wherethe applicationhas been lodged
Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiedienskantoor vandie aangewese drankbeampte waar die aansoek ingedien is i-Ofisi yeGosa elijongene nemiba engotywala yeeNkonzozamaPolisa eMzantsiAfrikaapho isicelosifakwe khona
Public meeting, site visit
Residents and stakeholders areinvited to the Milnerton Lagoon Public Meeting on Wednesday24June, from 18:00 to 20:00
Thesession willbeheld as ahybrid engagement, allowing participation bothin-person and online.Venue details and virtual access information willbe shared closer to the date.
Themeeting forms part of public engagement on issues affecting the lagoon area and officialswill provide updates. Residents canalso book foraguided visit to the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works(WWTW), on Wednesday17June
Allattendees will undergo an on-site inductionand willbe provided withsafety gear.Nopersons under 18 willbepermitted, and participants need to wear closed, shoes and dress foroutdoor conditions. . To book send your full name and preferredtimeslot, 09:00–10:00or 10:30–11:30, to Communications WaterandSanitation@ capetown.gov.zaby Friday 12 June
Jaqueline Toerin in helping children and families during Operation SmileSouthAfrica’srecent cleftsurgery programme in Johannesburg.
Cape Town’s proposed permanent desalination plant in Paarden Eiland —estimated to cost R5billion —has drawncriticismfromopposition parties, who say the City is repeating costly mistakes and placing an unfair financialburden on residents.
THEPROPOSEDPLANT
The City plans to build apermanent seawater desalination facility at Paarden Eiland, designed to produce between 50 and 70 million litres of drinking water per day. The plant forms part of the City’s New Water Programme, which aimstoadd 300 million litres of water per day from amix of sources, including desalination, groundwater, water reuse and the clearing of invasive alien plants, to secure Cape Town’s water supply by 2032.
Council has given in-principle approval forthe plant to be delivered through a public-private partnership. Under the recommended model, aprivate company woulddesign, finance, build, operate and maintain the facility for 20 years before handing it over to the City. The City would remain the owner throughout.
An environmental impact assessment is underway and the City has held public participation meetings.
OPPOSITIONRAISESTHEALARM
The GOOD party has criticised the project, calling it alesson the City refuses to learn.
“The GOOD Party has consistently raised alarmabout the CityofCape Town’s proposed permanent desalinationplant at Paarden Eiland and our concerns have onlydeepened as the project edges closer to procurement. This is nota new
OPPOSITION QUESTIONS CITY’SPLANTOBUILD WATER PLANT IN ONE OF THE MOST POLLUTED STRETCHESOFOCEAN
conversation it is one theCity’s DAled administrationhas repeatedly refused to engage with honestly,”said GOOD councillor Suzette Little.
Little saidthe Paarden Eiland sitesits adjacent to theharbourand nearthe City’sown marine sewage outfalls at Green Point, whichsweep around Table Bay making it, in theview of experts, oneofthe most pollutedstretches of ocean along the Western Cape coastline.
GOODalso warned of the financial impact onresidents. ACity-commissioned feasibilitystudy hasconfirmedthat residentsface additional project-specific tariff increasesofapproximately6.57% and6.63% in the first two years of operation, on topofalready aboveinflation annual increases. Little said these increases would fall hardest on working-class families in lower-income communities
ASHORTANDTROUBLEDHISTORY
Cape Town hasbeen down this road before. During the worst drought in the city’s recorded history thecrisis that brought the prospectof“DayZero” the City built two temporary desalination plants at Monwabisi andStrandfontein. Together, the plants produced 14 million litres of water per day.
The two facilities jointly costratepayers approximately R500 million.Bothwere built as emergency measures. Critics
pointedout thatthey nevercontributed meaningfully to Cape Town’s water reticulationsystem. Athird plant, at theV&A Waterfront,had itscontract terminated early by the service provider. TheStrandfontein plant began to be wind down in June 2020, while the Monwabisi plant made its final contribution to the city’swater supply on 26 September 2020, when it wasshut down at midnight after delivering approximately 4,3 billion litres overtwo years. The surrounding areas were subsequently restored to their original condition.
At thetime, Mayocomember for water andwaste,Xanthea Limberg, said the plants hadprovided“valuable hands-on experience” and had“built confidence that this is aviable way of reliably producing good qualitydrinking water.”
GOOD’s Little questioned what exactly had been learned: “Residents at the City’s own public participation meetings in February2025 noted thatthe City has ‘an absolutely horrific trackrecord when it comestoreverse osmosis.’ We share that concern.”
SECURINGCAPETOWN’SWATERFUTURE
The City says it remainscommitted to buildingawater-secure future and is not relying on desalination alone. Since the drought, it hasbeen upgrading ageing water pipes, improving pressure management, fixing leaks more quickly andimproving metering across the water supply network.
The broader New Water Programme includes groundwater schemes, water reuseand desalination all aimed at
adding 300 million litres per day to Cape Town’s water supply. TheCitysays 11% of Cape Town’swater will ultimately be sourced from seawater desalination.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation, said the City was pursuing adiverse range of expertise and options.
“We are committed to advancing our water securitybydeveloping apermanent desalination plant, among all other interventions which comprise the New Water Programme. By leveraging on a diverse pool of expertise and exploring all feasible options for implementation, we are confident that Cape Town will establish quality technologies in water treatment from diverse sources, which meet safety, technical and regulatory standards,” he said.
DAMLEVELSHOLDINGSTEADY
Cape Town’s dams are currently at healthy levels, offering the City some breathing room as it plans for the long term. As of 3June 2026, the combined storage of the major dams supplying the city stood at 72.5% well above the 60.2% recorded at the same time last year.The largest of these, Theewaterskloof Dam, stood at 73.8%.
TheWestern Cape Department of Water and Sanitation has noted that dam levels have continued to improve, describing the trend as “encouraging.”
Nonetheless, water planners warn that climate change, unpredictable rainfall and agrowing population make longterm water securityplanning essential, regardless of current dam levels.
Besetters in padvan lughawe-uitbreiding
'n Moontlike langpad lê voor voordat die Lughawensmaatskappy van Suid-Afrika (Acsa)kan begin met die multimiljardrand uitbreidingvan die Kaapstadse Internasionale Lughawe 'n Nuwe aanloopbaan van R6,39 miljard word ondermeer in die vooruitsig gestel. Dienuweaanloopbaan gaan 3500 mby 60 mweesensal groter vliegtuie en meer passasiers kan hanteer.
Voor daar metdie ontwikkeling begin kan word, bestaan daar die netelige probleemvan meer as 3000 onwettige besetters.
Acsa het Dinsdagindie Wes-Kaapse wetgewerbekendgemaak dat hulle saam met die departement van openbare werke en infrastruktuur 'n proses van stapel gestuurhet om besetters te hervestig. Aslam Miller, seniorbestuur van infrastruktuur en eiendomsontwikkeling by Acsa, het aan die staande komitee oor
landbou, ekonomiese ontwikkeling en toerisme, gesê meer as 3000 mense het hulself sedert die Covid19-pandemieop grond wat aan Acsa behoort gevestig.
AANSOEKOMUITSETTING
Daar is glo ook reeds met gemeenskappe in gesprek getree oor hervestiging, maar die nasionale departement van openbare werke het reeds 'n aansoek om uitsettingsproses by die hof ingedien. Acsa gaan by hierdie proses aansluit. Volgens Miller wil hulle nie net die besetters uitmyt nie, maar beoog hulle om hulle te hervestig op grond wat nader aan beter geriewe is. Daar is alternatiewe grond 5km van dielughawe geoormerk. TygerBurger het na Acsa en die minister van openbare werke se kantoor uitgereik vir verdere kommentaar, maar het teen tyd van publikasie nog geen terugvoer ontvang nie.
Proposedlocation of the Paarden Eiland desalination plant.
Doctorsjoincleftsurgerymission
Two Blouberg residents were among ateam of volunteers who helped provide life-changing cleftsurgeries to children during arecentOperation Smile South Africa programmeat Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg.
The volunteer-led initiative saw a specialist team of 50 volunteersdeliver surgeries for 40 children with cleft conditions fromGauteng andsurrounding provinces between 29 and 31 May.
The programme comes as the United Nations marks2026 as the International YearofVolunteers, recognising the important contribution volunteersmake in communitiesaround the world
FAMILYAFFAIR
Blouberg anaesthesiologistDr Neville Botha participated in his 15th Operation Smileprogramme since joiningthe organisation in 2010. His volunteer work has taken him to countries including Morocco, Madagascar, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This year, however, the experience was particularly special as he was joined by his daughter, Bianca Botha,onher first programme.
Afinal-year psychologystudent at the University of Cape Town, Bianca volunteeredaspart of the Operation Smile Student Programme, working alongside clinical teams to help prepare children and caregivers forsurgery.
GIVINGBACK
Also volunteering was Jaqueline Toerin, who manages asurf shop during the week and took part in her thirdOperationSmile SouthAfrica programme as amedical records volunteer.
BLOUBERGDUO JOIN OPERATION SMILE TEAM AT NELSONMANDELAHOSPITAL
Toerin said one of the mostrewarding aspects of the experienceisseeing caregivers connect andsupport one anotheraftertheir childrenundergo surgery.
She hasalso embraced anotherway of giving back. Inspired by afellow volunteer, Toerin spends downtime during surgical weekends knittingblanket squares that are later turned into blankets forpatients. Shehas encouraged other volunteers to join her, turning the activity into ashared act of kindness.
CELEBRATING20YEARS
This year's programme coincides with OperationSmile South Africa's 20th anniversary.
Since 2006, theorganisation hasbuilt anetwork of more than150 active volunteers who havehelped deliver thousands of cleft surgeries across South Africa andsub-Saharan Africa.
The milestonealigns with the United Nations' declaration of this yearas the International Year of Volunteers, highlighting the role volunteers playin strengtheninghealthcare systems and communities worldwide
CHANGINGLIVES
Among thevolunteers wasLife Healthcare ChiefPeople OfficerAvanthi Parboosing.
“Every child deserves the chance to smile, speak and feel they belong –without ridicule or judgement,”saidParboosing
“Engaging with the mothersand children as they're screened, manyfilled with anxietyand hopefor life-changing surgery, is incredibly moving.It'sapowerful reminderofhow much thismoment means to familieswho have waited so long.
“I’m immensely proud of Life Healthcare for supportinganinitiativethat makes such areal and tangible difference. It speaksofthe heartofwho we are and what we do: making life better. This work is truly life changing.”
BUILDINGSUSTAINABLECARE
Beyond delivering surgery, Operation Smile South Africa also focuses on skills transferand training to ensure healthcare workers receive mentoring and support
during and beyond surgical programmes.
“Our long-term goal is to build sustainability, so that specialised cleft care can happen within the publichealth system –whether we are thereornot,” said Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile SouthAfrica. She said children with cleft conditions could otherwise wait years for surgery.
“Without theseinterventions, children with cleft conditions may have to wait yearsfor the chance to receive lifechanging surgery. We are incredibly grateful to the medical volunteerswho generously give theirtime and expertise to help change the lives of children and families.”
Blouberg residents played aroleinchanging young liveswhen they volunteeredwithOperation SmileSouth AfricaatNelsonMandela Children’sHospital,where40children received cleftsurgery
WATDIE HARTVAN VOLIS
Goeie Suid-Afrikaners moetwakker skrik
voor dit te laat is
Op ’nstraathoek in Stellenbosch sien ek die vrou. Elke dag sit of staan sy daar om haar verestoffers te verkoop, maaknie saak wat die weersomstandighedeisnie Sy hetnie eens ’n stoel nie, dus as sy wil sit, sitsyopdie sypaadjie. Langs Stellenbosch Arterialstaan ’n andereen en smous lemoene. Geen beskutting teen die elemente nie, maar getrou staan sy daar in diehoop dat iemand gaan stilhou.
By die busstop in Hindle-weg sukkel die vrou om die vuurtjieaan die gang te kry waarop sy mielies braai om te verkoop. Tussen haar bene is ’n kind wat onlangs ontdek het sy kan loop en wat hierdie nuwe vaardigheid vir almalwil wys. Die ma sukkel om diekindendie vuur te beheer
Wathet hierdie drie vroue in gemeen? Al drie is buitelandse vroue.
Iewers in Afrika het hulle daardie besluit geneem om hul heilnaderaan die Suidpunt te kom soek. In dielandvan Mandela, diesogenaamde reënboognasie, wat na 1994 as hierdie ligpunt in ’n Donker Afrikavoorgehou is.
Suid-Afrika, is daar gesê, isnie soos anderlande in Afrika wat deur despote regeer word en kort na bevryding tot so ’n mate verval het dat die volk terug verlang na die vleispottevan Egiptenie Mzansi was hierdie fakkel van hoopvir sy mense, maar ookvir diegene van elders wat gehoop hetomnet ’n stukkie van die beloofte reënboog te kon besit.
MZANSIWASHIERDIEFAKKEL VANHOOPVIRSYMENSE
Dit is net meer as 30 jaar nadatons verklaar het: Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at last Maar daardieswaar gewonne vryheid het ook aan die korruptes onder ons die vryheid gegee om te maak en breek en steel net soos hulle wil.
Ek hoef dit seker nie weerhier te herhaalnie, maar bykans alles is verwoes en dit wat nie verwoes konword nieis gesteel en dit wat nie gesteelkon word nieistot so ’n mateverlam dat ditniks beteken vir die gewone manopstraat nie. Ons landisgekorrupteer totindie hoogste gesag van die polisie, die instansie watdaar is om vir ons te veg wanneer ons nie kan nie.
Aan die begin het ek die Madlangakommissieslaafs gevolg, maar watdaar uitkom is om van siek te word. Nie een van die top leiersindie polisieis onbesmet nie en dit is om van naarte word.
Maar wat het al hierdie dinge te doen met die drievroue wat hulself elke dag aan die elemente blootstel om ’n verestoffer,’nsakkie lemoene of ’n mielie te verkoop?
Hulle kom uit lande in Afrika wat deur hul eie leiers bankrot gesteel is. So erg gaan dit in hul lande dat hulle in’n vreemde land langs ’n pad kom staan om sommige dae net genoeg te maak om ’n brood te koop en ander dae niks.Hulle is blootgestel aan misdaad wat’ngegewe is wanneer jy lank genoeg op straatinSuidAfrika rondhang.
Suid-Afrika is nog nie daar nie, wil ek glo. Ons het nog nie diepuntbereikwaar diemeeste mense eerder ’n straatverkoper in ’n ander land gaan wees eerder as omte glo dat dinge in hul eie landgaanverbeter nie.
Maar dit kan maklik gebeur as ons sluimer of slaap, veral as ons glo dat hierdie probleem nie joune ofmyne is nie, maar iemand anders s’n. Soos die Engelsman sê, evil flourishes when good men do nothing Ek glo daar is genoeg goeies daarbuite?
-BRENDENRUITER
Kommentaar // Comments
OVERBERGDETOUR: Where the
PHOTO:CARINAROUX
BRIEWE|LETTERS
Whyisstatue
Last week we went to visit the newstatueinLoxton Park. We were very excited anddrove our two huskies there.
Thestatue of the man on the horsewas hidden away at theback of the park, almost invisible. One wouldn’t knowitwas thereinpassing unless youknew aboutitinadvance or livedinthe area.Astheysay
“out of sight out of mind”
Ijust couldn’t help wonderingwhy it wasnot setmoreprominently. Did someone notdotheir homework, discuss it with the public or thoughtof alternatives?
hidden away?
Statues aremade to be seen,admired, photographed, debated andattract people.
It couldhavebeen closer to the road, maybe even by the oldWoodbridgeislandnexttothe wooden bridge.
Our original excitementturned to disappointment andeither theplaquewas stolen or did notexist.We nevernoticed detailsastothe purpose of the statue, only asign warningofspikes.
Isincerely hope that oneday it is movedand becomes an attraction, notahidden gem.
AGIORFANOS, Email
Watsêdok?
Met Jeugdag op 16 Junie hierdie maanddeel ek graag die legendariese dr.Danie Craven se gedagtes uit sy gelukwenseenboodskapuit die boekie Ontspanningsklub, Paarl, 1939 tot1961 As voorsittervan die SA Komiteevir Jeugdiens en liggaamlikeopvoeding, lees ek onder meer in die woorde vanDok:“Baie vanons moeilikhede,baie van onsmisdade,baie vanons siektes, baie vanons onbekwaamhede,baie vanons gebrokehuise, salverdwyn indien gesonde ontspanning sy regmatigeplekinons gemeenskaps- en volksleweinneem.” HJ GERBER,Paarl
Belastingbetalers se geld word gemors
Belastingbetalers behoort in opstandtekom as dieStadhul geld mors. 'n Goeie voorbeeldisJack Mullerpark. Vandateksewejaar gelede teruggekom het, is hulleal besig om aan die noord-grondpaadjie te werk. Twee/drie keer per jaar kom'ngroep werkers die noordpaadjie "regmaak" omdat dit oorstroom. Hulle woeker,rynuwekoffieklipinenonlangs is nuwe rands-
tene ingemessel om die probleem te probeer oplos Enigeen met 'n bietjie kennissal egtersien die probleem lê niebydie paadjie nie, maar by die verstopte (yster?) -pype watvan bo af komendie paadjie oorstroom. Bruin slymwaterfiltreer dan oor die stappaadjie Nouhet hulleweer die paadjie opgekap wat'npaar
weke gelede aangebring is! Viralons geld wathulle deur die jaregemors het,kon hulle al vier keer nuwe pype ingesit het,die paadjie boontoe,buitedie filtreergebied, verskuif het en die heleongelyk paadjie rondomdie park gesement het.Waar is die kennis heen?
Widowspenbookaboutgrief
Eleven widows have turnedgrief intosomething tangible, apublished anthologythat is now on the shelves at ExclusiveBooks at the V&A Waterfront and is making itsway into public libraries across Cape Town.
EchoesofLove: Where Love Once Lived, CourageNow Speaks was written by 11 widows who lost their husbands to Covid-19, cancer, heartfailure, suicide and other causes. It is described as apowerful collection of personal reflections that explore love, loss, healing, and courage “Post-Covid, therehas justbeen a big need for somebody to writeabout loss, love, death and especially grief,” said Rhonda Savage-Julie, one ofthe contributing authors who losther own husband in August 2020 during the first wave of Covid-19
HOWITBEGAN
The project grew from the Sisterhood of Widowhood,asupport community of widows in and around the Western Cape, led by Lezelle Scholtz. She connected with an organisation called DREAMZ, which reaches out to widows and singlemothers. When Scholtz’sown husband died she felt the needtowrite amemoir,and fromthis personal journey her need to reach out to other widows sprang forth.
At the group’s first widows’gathering, held at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Scholtz put out acall to anyone who felt theymay like to write achapteronthe loss of their loved one. Manywomen came forward, butonly amanageable number could be included.
Meetings with apublisher began more than ayear ago. It was initially suggested the book contain 10 chapters, but one participant stepped back during the process while two others came forward, resulting in 11 authors and 11 chapters.
NINEFIRST-TIMEWRITERS
“Of the 11 authors only two had previously written abook,” Savage-Julie pointed out. “The remainingnine had neverput pen to paperbefore, noteven
in ajournal.”Yet allnine succeededin pushing through their anxiety andselfdoubt to share the mostintimatestoriesof theirlives
“They were nervous, anxious andunsure thatthey were worthy of telling astory andputting their story into abook,”saïd Savage-Julie,“and this is whatmakes this book so unique.”
Kinsekeroy Publishers supported every author through the process, holdingtheir hands atevery step.
The widows range in age from their early 50s,having become widows in their 40s. Their husbands diedbetween four and eight years ago. The authors come from allwalksoflife andfrom across the Cape —Athlone, the Cape Flats, the Northern Suburbs, Pinelands, Blackheath andNorthpine.One author, anursing sister whose husband took his own life, currently lives in Durban.
ASOLD-OUTLAUNCH
In December 2025 Echoes of Love was launched at avenue in Pinelands to an audience of 200 people, asold-outevent.
The authors havesinceheld intimate coffee events at coffee shops and private gatherings.The book was subsequently stocked at Exclusive Booksatthe V&A Waterfront, where it was prominently displayed on the shelf at the main entrance.
“That, for us,isjust amiracle,” SavageJulie declared, “thatExclusive Books decided tobuy from us andput it on the shelves.”
BRINGINGTHEBOOKTOTHECOMMUNITY
The authors are nowextending their reach topublic libraries. The goal is not only topromotethe book but to encourage libraries topurchasecopies, making it
freelyaccessible to those who cannot affordtobuy it.
The motto of theSisterhood of Widowhood reflectsthe spirit of the project:Wegrieve in community. Nobody has to grieve alone.
Savage-Julie is clearthatthe book speaks to more thanwidows.
“Anybody out there, notnecessarily someone who has lost ahusband, but who has lost achild, apartner, asibling, a parent,alovedone, will find something in this book.Ittalksabout grief. And even though all our stories are different and unique, there is onethread of love, loss, and grief. It is abook for everybody and anybody.
“It is an emotional tool that evokes memories andstories. It is heartbreaking, yetcathartic andhealing, for the writer and the reader.”
THEAUTHORS
The 11 contributing authorsand their chaptersare:
. Alicia Rose Wilson-Cox —“Love Over Loss”
. Nicoleen Thompson —“In Your Memory IRise”
. Moira Colbie —“Caged but Learned
How to Fly”
. Freda Douman —“Whispers of Grace”
. Hazael Perumal —“Unexpected Beauty Beyond the Pain”
. Ruth Carol Wyngaardt —“AChapter of Grief”
. Mavis Martin —“Permanent Farewell”
. Esmarelda Van As —“Regretsand Memories”
. Lezelle Scholtz— “Unafraid and Unfolding”
. Rhonda Savage-Julie —“When Shadows Stay”
. Rhoda Perez —“Symphony of Love”
UPCOMINGEVENTS
On 6June alibrary event will be hosted by the widows’ group and book club at Hout Bay Library. Limited to approximately 30 guests.
On 13 June from 10:00 to 12:00 they will be at the Bellville Library. Theevent, entitled “A Conversation on Hope”, will enable many to meet Savage-Julie and contributing authors for ameaningful discussion on hope and the enduring power of love.
. RSVP by 10 June at bellville.library@ capetown.gov.zaorcall021 444 0300.Everyone is welcome.
NewR585m office development announced forCapeGate
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA
With plans to launch in 2027, groundworks on anew premium-grade office park in Brackenfell is set to start within the next few months.
The CapeGate Office Precinct, a50/50 joint venture between Giflo Property Developers and Som Group,will comprise threefive-storey officebuildings and658 parking bays,positioned between the CapeGate Shopping Mall and Builders Warehouse along De Bron Road. The R585 million commercial development, motivated by the suburb's
consistent residential andretail growth over the past decade,isset for completion inmid-to-late2027. Theprojectwas madepossible after shopping mall owner Hyprop Investments Limited granted the twodevelopers exclusive development rights,which is part of theretail property giant's longer-term strategy to strengthen CapeGate's mixed-use profile.
The precinct will feature public courtyards, rooftop terraceswith panoramicviews, structured parking, and pedestrianpathways connecting to nearby shops, restaurants, andamenities.The development hasreceived a4-Star green
rating, with groundworks expected to begin within thecomingmonths.
The firstphase of the CapeGate Office Precinct will offer4114m²offour-storey office space at agross rental rateofR290/ m². "Cape Gateisone of the Western Cape's most exciting growth nodes," said Marilie Pretorius, development director at Giflo. "The combination of strong residentialexpansion, improving infrastructure,the soon-to-be-constructed Cape Winelands Airport, and an increasingly diverse business community creates an environment in which demand for qualityoffice space is growing."
The11authors of Echoes of Love:WhereLoveOnceLived,CourageNow Speaks —widowswho turnedpersonal griefintoapowerfuland healing anthology.
ValiantenJake byDieBoer
Valiant Swart en JakeGunn is op Saterdag 27
Junie om 20:30 saam op die verhoog by Die Boer-teaterrestaurant in Durbanville Valiant,'nman met 'n kitaar,'nstorie en reeds meer as 20 albums op sy kerfstok,iseen vandie mees geliefde Afrikaansemusikante vansytyd Liedjies soos "Sonvanger" het deel vandie Afrikaansemusikalekultuurskat geword en 'nonuitwisbare spoorinmensesehartegelaat Hy deurkruis al vir langer as dertigjaar die land metsykitaar en stories,van intiemeteaters tot groot fees-verhoë,van Oppikoppi totoorsee.Elke keer lewerValiant 'n vertoning watgehorebetower en telkemalelaat terugkom Hierdiekeer deelhydie verhoog met dieveelsydigemusikant JakeGunn. . Kaartjies kosR250.Bespreek by www dieboer.comofby021 9791911.
STORIESVAN ORAL
US choirs partnerwith local ensembles forYouth Month
Croatia and landsscholarship
Isabella Abrahams from Durbanville hasreturned from theDanceStarWorldMasters in Croatiawith multipleawardsafter representing South Africa with distinction, and she’s not done yet.
The21-year-oldtook firstplace in the SeniorMusical TheatreSolocategoryand achievedtop placements across tap, contemporary and lyrical. She also celebrated two group victories with Basic Black Femminaand BasicBlack,with thelatter earning best choreographyinthe urbansection. Adding to her remarkablerun of success,Abraha-
ms hasbeenawarded aprestigious scholarship to attend theAlvin Ailey American DanceTheater summer programmeinNew York in July.
Athird-yeartriplethreat(acting, singing, dancing) student at Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy(Lamta), Abrahams canbeseen alongside fellow students from across allyeargroupsinthe academy’shigh-energy danceshow Killer Queen, nowrunning at Theatreonthe Bayuntil Saturday 20 June. . Tickets areavailableatWebtickets
. TheEncountersSouthAfrican International DocumentaryFilmFestival is currently on at the Labia Theatreand Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront until 14 June.The festivalhas arich selection of localand international documentarycontent.Visit www.encounters.co.zafor the programme.
. Vernon BarnardsingsBeeGees is at VillaPascal Guesthouse, Durbanville,onSunday 14 June.Doors open at 15:00, showstartsat16:00.Ticketscost R200. Contact Eugene on 082569 4147 or villapascalguesthouse@gmail.comtobook.
. Killer Queen –ALamta DanceProduction –runs until 20 June at Theatreonthe Bay. Ticketsfrom R200atWebtickets.
. Cape Town City Balletpresents Orpheusinthe Underworld from 12 to 21 June at Artscape.Tickets from R225 to R650 at Webtickets.
. DannySmoketreeopVrydag12Junie om 20:30by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R220 totR260. Bespreekbywww.heroeslive.net
. TheBig Blues Showdown with Albert Frost, Rich Pryor, Matt Alec and moreisatthe Durbanville Golf Club on Friday12June at 19:45. TicketsR220at Quicket.
. TheArtscapeYouth Jazz Series is from 12-13June. YouthJazzSoloistsshowcasetheir talent on Friday 12 June,and the School Jazz Bands will performon Saturday.Tickets from R50 at Webtickets.
. DonVinoSaxyVibes 8isatthe Grand Arena, GrandWest on Saturday 13 June at 19:00.TicketsR190 to R350 at Webtickets.
. CentreStage –Dancing into the future is on Tuesday16June at 19:00atArtscape. TicketsfromR180 to R300 at Webtickets.
. Winter Symphonies at the City Hall:Classical Romance is on Thursday 18 June at 19:30.Ticketsfrom
R190 at Webtickets.
.Zaan Sonnekus tree op Vrydag 19 Junie om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Koos Kombuis tree op Vrydag 19 Junie om 20:30by DieBoer-teater op.Kaartjies kosR230.Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.
. Eloff tree op Saterdag 20 Junie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR140tot R180.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. Simply the Best runs at TygerValleyBarnyard Theatrefrom20Juneto19September Theshowpayshomage to Michael Jackson, Cher, Tina Turner,Stevie Wonder,and Queen. Book at www.barnyardtheatre.co.za.
.TheJiveCapeTownFunnyFestival runs at The Baxter currently until21June. TicketsfromR190 to R250 at Webtickets.
. Moyo Kirstenbosch IndoorClassicsFather’s Day Concert and Dinner is on Saturday21Juneat18:00 TicketsatWebtickets.
. Juan Boucher is op Dinsdag23Junie om 20:30 by DieBoer-teater. Kaartjies kosR290. Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.
. Elandré tree op Woensdag24Junie om 19:30 by die Barnyard-teaterinTygervallei op.Kaartjies kosR250. Bespreek by www.barnyardtheatre.co.za
.Bobbyvan JaarsveldtreeopVrydag26Junie om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net
. KickstArt Theatrebrings Puss in Boots,written and directed by Steven Stead, to the Baxter Theatrefrom 26 June to 18 July.TicketsfromR250atWebtickets. . Here &Now:ALuther Vandross Tribute is at Artscape on Friday26and Saturday27Juneat20:00 TicketsfromR250toR300 at Webtickets.
Isabella Abrahams in rehearsal at Lamta.
ValiantSwart
DAGBOEK /DIARY
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Sport
HARTLEYVALE READYFOR WORLD-CLASS HOCKEY ACTION
Hockeybattleon
Cape Town is gearing up to host the world’s top hockey nations after being confirmed as the venue for the 2025–26 FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup, taking place from Thursday 11 June, to Saturday 20 June at the Hartleyvale Stadium in Observatory.
The South AfricanHockey Association said in astatement the prestigious tournament forms part of the global competition structure of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and provides the winning nation with the opportunity to be promoted to the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League, the pinnacle of internationalhockey competition.
The event will feature an outstanding lineup of international teams including South Africa, New Zealand, France, Korea, Japan, Wales, Malaysia, Scotland and Ireland.
Scotland earned their place through promotion viathe FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, while Ireland enter the tournament following their participation in the 2024–25 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
This will mark the return of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to South Africa,following the country’s successful hosting of the inaugural edition in Potchefstroomin2022.
SouthAfrica’s men’s team made
Cape Town host theFIH HockeyMen’ Nations Cu bringing nine international teams to So Africa.
CAPE TOWN WINS HOSTING RIGHTSFOR NATIONS CUP
history by winning theinaugural Nations Cup in2022, andthe opportunity to compete on home soilonce again adds further excitement to the tournament.
PROUDMOMENTFORSAHOCKEY
Hostingthe FIH HockeyMen’s Nations Cup represents amajor milestone forSouth African hockey, providing an opportunity to bring international sport, tourism, and community engagement together in oneofthe
world’s great sporting cities. The event will offersignificant commercial and branding opportunitiesfor organisations lookingtoalign with international sport.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram expressedhis gratitude to the Hockey AssociationsofSouth Africa. “We are delightedto haveanoutstandinghostnation and cityfor this remarkable tournaments. I’m excited for thethrillingmatches andthe fantastic atmosphere that will unfold, as some of theworld’s top teams showcasetheirtalent for hockey fans around theglobe.”
SA Hockey President Deon Morganwelcomed the
opportunity for SouthAfrica hostworld-class international hockey again.
“It gives our national team theopportunity to compete againstsome of the bestteams in theworld on home soil, alsoshowcasing the passion and strength of hockey in our country.
“Events like this inspire the nextgeneration of players and demonstrate SouthAfrica’s capability to host world-class international sport.”
