TygerBurger | Milnerton | E-edition | 13 May 2026

Woensdag, 13 Mei 2026 |Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

THERAPYDOG PROGRAMME GETS TRIAL RUNDURING SENSITIVEC

Toffeelendsapawat urt

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMDIA.CO.ZA

Inaquiet courtroom in the Western Cape High Court, history was made not by ajudge or lawyer,but by a gentle golden retriever named Toffee. 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 laycalmly beside him, offering silentreassurance during one of the most traumatic moments of the child’s life.

The April2026 testimonymarked the firsttime atherapy dog hadaccompanied achild witness in aSouth African criminal court, abreakthrough many child-trauma specialistshopecould transformhow vulnerable children experiencethe justice system

For the teenager, who waspresent at thescene of Daniel’s death in Peerless 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 the accused's bed following asleepoverinKraaifontein in Cape Town on 15 June 2023

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

ACOURTROOMFIRSTBORNFROMYEARS OFADVOCACY

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 adreamdecades in the making. “I have worked in the child protection sector now for32 years andacrossmywhole career I’ve to some extent worked within the sexual offencescourts.”

She saidmajor improvements have been madeover theyears to makecourtsless 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… you have to sit down andthinklike avideo in your head of that traumatic experienceand then put that into words.

“You’re alsosometimes asked to defend youranswers or made to feel like you’re nottelling 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 judgingmewhen Itell the storiesofall theyucky thingsthat happened to me.They just think I’m amazing.”

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CALMINGFEARINTHEMIDDLEOFTRAUMA

Trauma experts saychildren who testify in court often relive their experiences physically and emotionally. Fear, anxiety and stress can overwhelm the nervous system, makingitdifficultfor children to thinkclearly 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 theirnervous system

“Andwhen your nervous 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 closetothe teenager throughout proceedings, helping himfindthe strength to continue.

Krieldescribed the moment as deeply emotional, saying thechild visibly relied on thedog’s presenceduringdifficult parts of his testimony.

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

Butshe stressed the achievement was not hersalone.

“It’s notjusta me process.Weneed prosecutorsonboard who are willing to take it on,put in applications and step outside of the norm.There’s awhole team behind it.”

MORETHANJUSTACOMFORTINGPET

Toffee is notsimply afriendly dog wandering through therapy sessions.

Sheisa certified “fur-therapist” at the Jelly Beanz Foundation, aTable Viewbased non-profit organisation dedicated to helping childrenaffected by trauma, abuse and neglect

Founded in 2009, Jelly Beanz provides therapyservices, develops trauma resources, trainsprofessionals working with childrenand advocates for better support systems for vulnerable young people.

The organisation’s work is rooted in a grim national reality. According to Jelly Beanz one in three South African children is sexually abused before the age of 18.

"Boys are justasvulnerable 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.”

Therapists say children frequently communicate emotions indirectly through the dog, sometimes revealing feelings they struggle to express themselves.

Achild may say, “Toffee is feeling sad today,” when in realitythey are describing their own emotional state.

CARRYINGONAHEALINGLEGACY

Toffee also carries the legacy of another beloved therapy dog, Danni, SouthAfrica’s first Newfoundland fur-therapist, which worked with traumatised children through Jelly Beanz.

While smaller in size Toffee has quickly become acomforting presence in therapy rooms.

“With her soft coat and calming presence Toffee offers comfort, connection and unconditional acceptance to children who have experienced trauma,” the organisation said.

“She is asymbol of healing, hope and trust.”

Kriel hoped the court breakthrough will inspire others to build similar programmes rather than relying solely on one dog or one organisation.

“The idea is not that Toffee becomes the next court therapy dog forever,” she said.

“It’sabout opening an opportunity for other people to step up and step in.”

JUSTICEWITHCOMPASSION

As the Daniel Jamneck trial continues Toffee’s quiet presence has already left alasting mark on SouthAfrica’s justice system.

For years the focus in criminal courts has understandably centred on evidence, procedure and legal outcomes. But child trauma specialistssay the emotional wellbeing of witnesses, particularly children, cannot be separated from justice itself.

For one frightened teenager facing the unimaginable taskoftestifying against his father, justice did not arrive only in legal robes or courtroom protocols. It arrived on four paws, with soft golden fur and steady, reassuring eyes.

Sanctuaryinurgentneedofhelp

KAILINDANIELS KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Severe storm conditions and heavy rainfall haveleft Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation facing afresh crisis after trees collapsed ontoparts of itsanimal sanctuary, causing major damage to itscattery and one ofits cabins.

Therescue organisation, which cares for around 160 animals, issued an urgent public appeal for assistance as staff worked to protect frightened cats and other animals from ongoing rain andcold weather.

Accordingtothe organisation, the storm caused part of the cattery rooftocollapse while damage was also reported at a recently built cabinonthe property.

Founder Cheryl-Lyn Potgieter described the situation as devastating

“We areexperiencing one of the hardest momentsimaginable,” she said. “Our animals are frightened, cold, and tryingto shelter wherever they can. We are doing everything possibletokeep them safeand dry, but the damage is overwhelming.”

The organisation urgently requires roof sheeting, wooden poles, roofing boards and other building materials to create temporaryshelter for theanimals.

RESCUEALREADYUNDERPRESSURE BEFORESTORMDAMAGE

The latestdisaster comes atanalready difficult time forthe rescue organisation, which recently announced that the farm property it occupies is up for sale, placing the sanctuary’s future at risk.

Founded in 2015, Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation has spent years rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected and abandoned animals from communities including Melkbosstrand,

ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANISATION SUFFERSSEVERE STORMDAMAGE

Table View andMilnerton.

Withuncertainty surrounding the property, theorganisation hasalready been forced to temporarily halt new animal intakes while focusing resources on theanimals currently in its care.

“Witha heavy heart, we have to close ourdoorstonew intakes for now,”

Potgieter previously said. “Inside these fences are already so manylives depending on us —and right now, they need us more than ever.”

APPEALFORDONATIONSAND BUILDINGMATERIALS

As emergencyrepairs continue, the organisation is appealingtothe public forboth financial support andpractical donations tohelprebuild damaged areas andprotect the animals from further exposuretothe weather.

“We refuse to give up on ouranimals, even in the middle of this storm,”

Potgieter said.

The rescue currently uses nearly 70kg of dog food every day while continuing to care foranimals recoveringfrom abuse, neglect andabandonment

Potgieter said every donation, no matter howsmall, would help provide urgent relief.

“If anyone can help with roofingboards, sheets,woodenpoles, or anyfinancial contributiontowards rebuilding theroof, we would be deeply grateful,” she said.

Outreachcalls forrelief supportamidststorms

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Recent storms and heavy rainfall have caused significant damage acrossseveral communities, leaving many families dealing with flooded homes,damaged structures andloss of essential household itemsinTable View and surrounding areas.

In response, TLC Outreach Projects has stepped in to assist affected households andiscalling on the publicfor urgent donations to support ongoing relief efforts. Theorganisation says the scale of need has grown rapidly,with many residents requiring immediate assistance to begin repairing and rebuilding their homes

URGENTNEEDFORESSENTIAL

HOUSEHOLDITEMS

TLC Outreach Projects is appealing for donations of drop sheets, nails,wooden boards, blankets,clothing,warm jackets, mattresses and general household goods to assist families impacted by the flooding. Financial contributions are also being encouraged to help theorganisation respond quickly to urgent needs on the ground and provide directsupportwhere it is most needed.

Donations canbedropped off atthe organisation’s offices, with collection arrangementsavailable for larger contributions.

REBUILDINGHOMESANDRESTORINGDIGNITY

The organisation says itsteams are actively supporting affected families with emergency relief and practical assistance aimed at helping them recover from storm damage.

TLCOutreach Projects hasbeen working in vulnerable communities in and around Table View since 2000, focusingon children at risk, the elderly and destitute youth, and saysits current response forms part of its long-standing community-based work.

COMMUNITYURGEDTOHELPSAVESANCTUARY

The organisation hasalso launched acrowdfundingcampaign in hopes of securingthe future of the sanctuary and preventing displacement once the farm is sold.

Supporters are being encouraged to assist through donations, adoptions and sharing awareness about the organisation’s current crisis.

“This is not goodbye forever… it’s just a pause,” Potgieter said. “A pause while we fightfor their future. Apause while we hopefor amiracle —a new piece of land, anew beginning, aplacewhere they will always be safe.”

According to theorganisation, the immediatefocusisonrestoring safeliving conditions andhelping families regain stability afterthe destruction caused by the storms.

COMMUNITY-DRIVENRELIEFEFFORT

TLC Outreach Projectsisurging residents, businesses andcommunity partners to support the relief drive, saying thatcollective action is essential in helping families recoverfrom the impact of thedisaster.

The organisation emphasised that ongoingsupport will play akey role in ensuring that vulnerable households are not left behindinthe recovery process as rebuilding continues.

Majorstormwater projectaimsto protectRietvlei

Partyflagspolicing gaps

KAILINDANIELS

Concerns overpolicingcapacityand risingcrime in Parklands have intensified followingarecent visit by Nicholas Gotsell, DA ConstituencyHead for Atlantis, Blaauwberg, Table View and Dunoon, to ongoinglaw enforcement operations in the area, where he raised questions about police visibility and resourceconstraints.

Gotsell joined the City of Cape Town’s

once progressing contractua stret Rie sto risks fl im pro construction Work co water fully in our bu stormwater Parklands the project but work moment con doi th of in to in environment.

to change,”hesaid. “The police needs to find itspriorities, because this is how priorities work. This is how we deal with adrug and gang problem.”

COMMUNITYCONCERNSOVERRISINGCRIME

Residentshave reported increased concerns over robberies, burglaries, drug-related activity and violent crime, with particular alarm following arecent shooting in the area.

Community members say the lack of visible policing has contributed to a growing sense of insecurity, with some areas allegedly experiencing open drug dealing during daylight hours.

Apetition has now been launched to put pressure on the provincial police commissioner to reopen the station, with support from residents, neighbourhood watches and community policing forums. Gotsell’svisit has added momentum to the campaign, with calls for astronger and more visible policing presence in Parklands.

Supporters of the petition argue that alocal station would improve response times and act as adeterrent to criminal activity in the area.

As pressure builds, community leaders say the focus now shifts to authorities to respond to growing demands for improved safetyand policing infrastructure in the rapidly expanding suburb.

. Visithttps://petitions.da.org.za/p/reopensaps-satellite-station to sign thepetition.

salertto serviceproviders

call prior to arriving at themeeting. On theway to theappointment,the person receives an urgent request to make apayment by purchasing vouchers at anearbyfuel station or viaonline banking, andis falselypromised reimbursement at themeeting.

. Anyone affectedisencouragedtoopen acasewith thepolicedirectlyand report the matterimmediatelytofraud@netcare.co.za

Public to comment on digital ID system

TheSouth Africangovernment haspublished draft amended regulations under theIdentification Act of 1997.

Theregulations were gazetted on 6May 2026.The deadline forwritten commentsis6June 2026

Thedraft regulations call forthe creation of secureDigitalIdentitycredentialsthat wouldexist alongside theDepartment of Home Affairs' current physical-identityproducts.

Under theproposedsystemcitizens wouldbeable, securely, to store, access anduse digitalversions of their identitydocument,birth certificate,marriage certificate andother Home Affairs documentson their smartphones

Thedraft gazetteisavailableonthe Department of Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za.Submissionsmust be addressed to theChief Director: Legal Servicesand maybesent in one of threeways: . By hand: 10th Floor,HallmarkBuilding, 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street,Pretoria, 0001 . By post:Private BagX114, Pretoria, 0001 . By e-mail:Moses.Malakate@dha.gov.za

Sapoaclarifiesrefundrequest

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

I

nthe wake of the South African Property Owner's (Sapoa's) landmark legal victory against the CityofCape Townover the 2025-'26 budget, growing calls have emerged demanding that the City refund property ownersfor the contested charges that have been levied upon them since1 July 2025.

However,in anoticetoits members, Sapoachief executive officer NeilGopal stated that Sapoadid not,for several reasons ask thecourt to order arefund of anyofthe impugned chargespaid by residents

SAPOASAYSREFUNDORDER COULD HAVE LEFT CITY BUDGETUNFUNDED

"When Sapoalaunched the legal challengeinJuly 2025, serious considerationwas given to also askingthe court to order theCitytorefund any of the impugned charges already paid by residents. This was decided againstfor anumber of reasons," he says.

"Firstly, it would be extremely difficult to askthe court to order such arefund. When a courtgrants an order, it must be able to ensure thatthe orderis properly compliedwith.

“Thecourt would have had great difficultyinensuring that theCity indeed refunds every resident,makingcontempt proceedings, in the event that theCity fails to complywiththe order, nearly impossible."

RISKOFANUNFUNDEDCITYBUDGET

Secondly, he says, ordering a refund would have left the City with an unfunded budget, in thesensethatrevenues which it anticipatedreceiving, would not only havetobeforfeited, but reimbursed to residents.

This would be contrary to the provisions of theMunicipal Finance Management.

"The City would therefore have been faced with asignificant revenue shortfall,"says Gopal.

"None of the other parties to thelitigation asked for such reliefeither. GOOD Party, who had intervened in the matter, alsodid not ask for such relief. Accordingly, in the event that the City applies for leave to appeal thejudgment, therecan be no cross-appeal to request arefund, as the relief had not previously been sought by any party and subsequently denied by the Court.”

CITYMUSTDROPUNLAWFULTARIFFS

In arelated development, Brett Herron, 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 its fixed cleaning, water and sanitation tariffs unlawful, such amove would not suspend the bindingeffect of the ruling.

This is in accordance with the legal advice he received.

"The court ordered the City to dump its unlawful 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 requests urgent 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.

“The effective remedy is to reverse theseunlawfully imposed charges. Ordinary residentsof Cape Towncannot 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.”

‘Suidooster’ se Dean kryvermaakprogram

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 lekker kuiermense, daar’s mense-mense —reg in die kraal van almal se smaak! Die vermaakaspek van die reeks gaan nie teleurstel nie, want kykers kan uitsien na ongelooflike optredes en verrassings. Diegene wat Dean ken, weet dat hy beslis nie op sy mondgeval het nie. Maar dié talentvolle akteur het ook baie wysheid om te deel.

“Die lewe gaan oor balans. Jy werk hard; jy speel hard. Jy pluk die vrugte van dit wat jy insit.

“Mag jy ook dinge hê wat jou bly uitdaag, opgewonde maak en jou horisonne 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.

HOEOMDEELVANDIEGEHOOR TEWEES

Die vertonings vir Show’kie elke keer met ’n gehoor teenwoordig—word op die volgende dae by Atlantic Studios in Montague Gardens geskiet:

. Vrydag 15 Mei vanaf 18:00; . Saterdag 16 Mei vanaf 15:00; . Donderdag 21 Mei vnaf 18:00; . Vrydag 22 Mei vanaf 18:00; . Saterdag 23 Mei vanaf 18:00. . Stuur ‘n e-pos na showkie@ gehoor.tvofWhatsApp068 814 2117 sommernou om sekertemaak jy is in diegehoor!

Marineoutfalls meetwater standards

Cape Town's three marine outfalls at CampsBay, Green Point and Hout Bay continue to meet regulatory requirements, with the latestmonitoring confirming that surrounding coastal waters remain within recommended limits for recreational use. The findingswere presented at the Permit Advisory Forum on 24 April.

COASTALWATERQUALITY

Monthly monitoring conducted between January and March this year shows that coastal water quality remains withinrecommended guidelines, confirming that the outfalls are not negatively affecting recreational water quality at nearby beaches

The City of Cape Town saidduring this period, 477 seawater ples

CITY SAYS MORETHAN

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.

Between06:00 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 theweekend, 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 and Rescue 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.

Disaster Risk Management is

spearheading aDisaster Operations Centre in Goodwood, which brings together all City departments, utilities and other role players.

“Our officers are doing duty at intersections, assisting where roads have been closed due to flooding or fallen trees, and responding to calls for help. We are supporting other departments and lending ahand where possible,” 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 werefor 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 arrests and 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

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

Kommentaar // Comments

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

Swimmersmake wavesatnationals

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Talented swimmers from Milnerton High School earned selections for provincial, national and international competitions following an impressive season in both pool and open water events. The athletes have been recognised for their consistent performances across various championships, withseveral swimmers securing places in prestigiousWesternCape and South African teams.

Leading the achievementsis Ruan Myburgh, who enjoyed an exceptional season with selections as aProvince representative, WesternCape representative and Western Cape Open Water representative. He also competed at SA Youth Nationals and SA Schools level.

Cara Visser also stood out with selection forSASchools and SANJhonours after strong national performances, while Zara Lockhitch earned SANJ selection, underlining her growing reputation in the sport

Nathan Pautzsecured selection for SA Youth Nationals and represented the WesternCape in open water swimming,

Milnertonchess player representsprovince

strategy, focus and decisionmaking under pressure, with several matches going down to the final rounds.

RISINGTALENT

YOUNG ATHLETES MAKE ASPLASH AT ASERIES OF EVENTS

showcasing his versatilityacross disciplines.

Shanna-Leigh Zee was selected forSAYouth Nationals andalso represented the Western Cape in openwaterevents, while MatthewSouthworthcompeted at SA Youth Nationals and earned WesternCapeOpen Water colours

Among the top achievers wasTawanda Jani, whose performances earned him selection as aProvince

representative and aplaceatSA YouthNationals. He alsoreceived national recognition with selection for the Africa Games team, oneofthe highest honours achievedbythe group.

The school congratulated the swimmers on their achievements and praised their dedication throughout the season.

“MilnertonHigh School is incredibly proud of these swimmers and the commitment they haveshown both in andout of thepool. Their achievements reflect the hard work of the athletes,coaches andsupport structures behindthem,and they continuetoinspire younger learners at theschool,” the school said.

The Western Cape Schools ChessHigh School Individual Provincial Championship 2026 concluded recently at Carpe Diem High School in George, bringing together the province’s top young chessplayers for two days of intensecompetition.

Hostedon2to3May, the tournament featured u-15, u-17 and u-20sections for boys and girls, with players competing in asix-round Swiss format. The event forms akey part of the provincial chess development pathway, identifying and strengthening the Western Cape’s most promising school players.

Amongthe participants was alearnerfrom Milnerton High School,who represented the school on the provincial stage and contributed to astrong showing of Western Cape talent acrossall divisions.

From the opening round on Saturday to the final games on Sunday, players were tested on

Thechampionship produced strong performances across all sections, with winners crowned in each division. However, organisers noted that many games remained tightly contested until the end, reflecting the growing depth of school chess in the province.

Standout competitors included players such as Shaurya Singh, Chase Salimu, Mila Marie Snyman, Bianca Hagan and Werne Potgieter, who all delivered notable performances in highly competitive sections.

Organisers said the standard of play continues to rise year on year, supported by strong regional structures and dedicated coaching programmes across the Western Cape.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONSSEES TICKETS DISCOUNTED

Gardner en VanWyk gaan laag

DesireGardner en Hannes vanWyk is te sien in Magdaenhaar Erhard,how Louw canyou go by Die Boer-teaterrestaurantvan Dinsdag 10 totVrydag 12 Junie,van Dinsdag 16 totDonderdag18Junie om 20:30, asook op Saterdag 25 Julie

Dieproduksiehet uitverkoop by die Aardklop-kunstefees en dieKKNK.

MagdaenErhardLouw besluit om die padtevat en dieverhoog te betree —sonaelkouend en mompelend soos net hullekan

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.

Celebrations

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 encouragedtotake part in ahistoric photograph on the stepsof the building.The morning concludes witha freelunchtime concert at the Artscape Opera Bar,running until 13:30

Performing at the concert willbe four school bands: Mbekweni CMA,Cedar High School, Rhodes HighSchool and 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.These concerts have become aregular andmuch-loved feature, offering manytheir first experience of live performanceinside the theatre, notasspectators but participants.

What's on throughout the year

Theanniversaryprogramme extendswellbeyond May. On 6June the Artscape Career Expo offers young peopleabehind-the-scenes look at the full

rangeof professionsthatmaketheatrepossible, from lighting andsounddesign to costume,technicaloperations and building management

Aseries of Saturdaymasterclasses willrun from MaytoNovember.The first,FastTrack to Opening Night, takesplace on 23 MaywithKMH Architects, coveringthe design, construction and accessibility ofthe Artscapebuilding. Afollow-up masterclass, facilitatedbyAfricaMelane,willfocus on funding thearts.

On 8November,ananniversarygalaconcert, producedand directed by BasilAppollis, featured in the theatre's50th-anniversary celebration, promisesto be aglamorous evening to remember Special R55tickets

Aspartofthe anniversarycelebrations,a limited number of R55 early-bird tickets willbemade available forselectperformancesinthe OperaHouse andTheatre.Limited to twoper person, tickets are availablethrough Dial-A-Seatonafirst-come,firstserved basis.

Le Roux reflected on thetheatre'sjourney: "This buildinghas walked along road, from aspace that excludedthe majority of South Africans,toone that nowactively welcomesand embracesall whoenter it. Accessibilityisnot aconcept forus; it is adaily commitment. Whether it is physical access forpeoplewithdisabilities, representation on our stages or ensuring that peoplefeel they belong herethis is the work we do everyday," said Le Roux reflectingon thetheatre's journey.

ZakGordon, chairmanofthe Artscape board, echoed thesentiment:"As we mark55years,our focus remains on ensuring Artscape continues to serveasaninclusiveplatformfor expression,access andopportunityfor all."

Lamtabrings KillerQueen to thestage this winter

Cape Town dancelovers have something to look forwardtothis winter, as the Luitingh Alexander Musical TheatreAcademy(Lamta) bringsits latest production, KillerQueen, to Theatreonthe Bay from 4to20June

Conceived and directed by NalediAward-winning LamtafoundersAnton Luitingh andDuane Alexander,the showisa high-energy celebrationof the musicofQueen —one of the world's most enduring rock bands. Weaving together powerful choreography, striking visualsand the unmistakable energy of Queen's legendary catalogue, it promisestobe

aspectacular winter outing fortheatreand dance enthusiastsalike

Theannouncement followsthe academy's recent success with Joseph and theAmazingTechnicolour Dreamcoat, co-produced with Pieter Toerien,which earned multiple accoladesatthe Naledi Theatre Awards in Johannesburg. Lamta'sannual productionshavebecome afirm fixtureonthe Cape Town performing arts calendar, with Hollywood (2024) andBeyond (2025)both sellingout before opening night.KillerQueen is widelyexpected to follow suit

Theproductionfeatures an impressive roster of choreographers— including Michelle Reid,Jared Schaedler,Robinvan Wyk, ChesneyStanfield, Emile Petersen,Brandon Herbstand Ashley Searle,among others —bringing afresh anddynamic interpretation to theband's iconic songbook Luitingh also musicallydirects aselection of vocal numbers, afeature that hasbecome afan favourite in recent Lamtaproductions.

Performed over twoacts, theshowshowcases Lamtastudentsfromfirsttothird year,taking audiencesthrough Queen's greatest hits and hidden gems,including "WeWillRock You", "Somebody to Love", "The ShowMust Go On"and "WeAre the Champions", allreimagined throughexpressive and dynamic movement

. Performances runnightly at 20:00, with Saturday matinees at 15:00.

. Tickets areavailablefromR200at Webtickets, or throughthe theatre'sbox office on 021438 3300

Die tema vanhul teaterdebuut is die liefde,maar dieliefdeuit MagdaenErhardseperspektief is effens andersasdie liefde waarvanons in boekelees of in films sien. In dieteaterproduksie (ofkonsert soos Erhard ditnoem) sien ons hoe MagdaenErhard hulbes probeer, maar ditsukkel. Is hulle regomop

die feesteseverhoë te klim?

In 'n tipe "NoisesOff!"-formaat neem Erharden Magdaons deur die prosestotdat hulle uiteindelik ook saam met die gehoor die waansinnigheidvan die liefde en die lewe aanspreek. Hulle gesels oor vergifnis, hoe om in die eg verbindtebly sonder om gearresteer te word of daardie einste eg te verbreek. Hulle gesels oor leënessindroom, volpens-sindroom en al die andersindrome watmens moet aanvaar soos die middeljare jou tref Dis 'n komiesestuk, maar met 'n dieper boodskap: dat ons uiteindelik maar die padmet iemandwil stap,alirriteer hulle ons of dryf hulle ons na drank. Daar salook interaksiemet die gehoor wees. Kaartjies kosR260 . Bespreek by www.dieboer.com

LiebenbergenBergbyDie

Johan LiebenbergenCharlizeBergspankragtesaam in Diamonds andDivas by Die Boer-teaterrestaurant op Dinsdag26enDonderdag28Mei om 20:30 Maakreg vir’naandvol musiek vandie grootste manlikeenvroulikekunstenaarsvan alle tye—met treffersvan Neil Diamond, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Lady Gaga,BruceSpringsteen, Adele, Frank Sinatra,TinaTurner en meer. Hierdieproduksiebring twee gevestigde Suid-Afrikaanse stemmebymekaar:Liebenbergisbekend vir sy warm,storievertellende styl en sy passie virtydlose liedjies. Hy hetalinverskeieverhoogproduksies opgetree en is veralgeliefd virsyinterpretasies van klassiekekunstenaarsensyvermoë om ’n gehoor vandie eerstenoot af vastevang. Berg is ’n kragtige en elegantesangeresmet ’n unieke stem —bekend virhaar dinamieseverhoogteenwoordigheidenemosionelevertolkings. Sy het haar naam gevestigindie Afrikaanse musiekbedryf en bou voortaan haar loopbaanmet nuwe musiek en indrukwekkende optredes. . Kaartjieskos R220.Bespreekby www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911 Johan LiebenbergenCharlize

Boer

DAGBOEK /DIARY

. TheDrama LabatTable View Primary presentsAnnieatthe school from 8to16May.Tickets at Quicket.

. Alfred Adriaan'sbrand newshow, PositiveStrokes, is at TheHomecoming CentreonWednesday 13 and Thursday 14 Mayat19:30.Tickets from R200 to R250 at Webtickets.

. Eden tree op Saterdag 16 Meiom20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R260 totR300. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Die Stadskoor Tygerberg bied op Sondag17Mei om 16:00Sunday Afternoon Reflections in dieNGkerk De TygerinHannes Louwstraat,Parow-Noord, aan. Vandie gewyde koorwerkewat gehoor gaan word,is"Cantate Domino" deur Mark Hayes, "O vosomnes" vanPau Casals,"Benedictus" vanKarl Jenkins en "Via Dolorosa" deur BillySprague en NilesBorop.Kaartjies kosR120. Bespreek by Suzettevan Wykby083 2639335. Daar salook kaartjiesbydie deurebeskikbaar wees.

. Cape Town Operapresents GeorgesBizet's Carmen, astory of passion, freedomand jealousyatArtscape from 19 to 31 May. TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets

. Millennium tree op Vrydag 22 Meiom20:30by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R120 totR140. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. ACDC DuetXchange2026, atwo-day festival of danceperformance andcompetition, is at TheHomecoming CentreonFriday22and Saturday23May at 19:00. TicketsR150 at Webtickets.

. XollyMncwango:The Unusual Encounter is at the GrandArena,GrandWest on Saturday 23 Mayat18:00. TicketsfromR300 at Webtickets.

. Boyz II MenLiveinSouth Africa Tour is at the Grand

Arena, GrandWest on Wednesday27May at 18:00

TicketsfromR750 at Webtickets

. TheRockyHorror ShowisatTheatreonthe Bayin CampsBay currently until 31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16.Tickets start from R200.Book at Webticketsoron021 4383300

. TheJiveCapeTownFunnyFestivalruns at The Baxter from 28 Mayto21June.Tickets from R190 to R250 at Webtickets

. JayenLianie MaytreeopVrydag29Mei om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Please,don't call me moffieruns at Artscapefrom2 to 6June.Nounder16s. TicketsR150atWebtickets. . KillerQueen -A LamtaDanceProduction runs from 4to20June at Theatreonthe Bay. TicketsfromR200 at Webtickets

. Spoegwolf tree op Saterdag 6Junie om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR290tot R350 Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Cape Town Concert Series: Charl du Plessis– Mozart Mambo &MerlotisonSaturday6June at 15:00 at The Baxter.Tickets from R100toR300atWebtickets. . Cape Town City BalletpresentsOrpheus in the Underworldfrom12to21June at Artscape. Ticketsfrom R225 to R650atWebtickets.

. Don Vino Saxy Vibes 8isatthe Grand Arena, GrandWest on Saturday13June at 19:00.Tickets R190 to R350 at Webtickets

. Centre Stage–Dancing intothe futureisonTuesday 16 June at 19:00 at Artscape. TicketsfromR180 to R300 at Webtickets

EKSTRA GELD! Benodig50AvonAgente Ontvang gratisgeskenk vir3maande Tel. 082933 3986

Goodwood /Tygerdal Enkel by N1 Stad W& Eing. Veilig. R6500 pm +dep 079 609 0959

BadisaTrio Bellville soek na : Kirsten Cornelius, John Scoble, Brenda Abrahams and Jagery Hendricks 021 945 1064.

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