TygerBurger | Milnerton | E-edition | 15 July 2026

Woensdag, 15 Julie 2026

|Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

PREVENTATIVE UPGRADESCONTINUE

Milnerton Lagoon’swater improves

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The City of CapeTown says its longterm restoration programme for the Milnerton Lagoon is beginning to deliver measurable improvements, with better water quality, thereturn of marine life and reduced odourcomplaints signalling positive environmental change.

Residentsreceived an update on the multi-year rehabilitation programme during arecentpublic meeting held, whereofficials outlined progress on sewer infrastructure upgrades, wastewater treatment improvements and future environmental interventions across the widerDiep Rivercatchment.

Accordingtothe City, recent winter rainfall andimproving estuary conditions haveincreased dissolved oxygenlevels while salinity andsediment conditions within thelagoon have also improved.

One of themostencouraging signs has been the recent capture of aSouthern Mullethigh up the Diep River

“The presenceofthis species so far upstreampointstobetter oxygen levels and improvingwater quality. Although this is an early milestone in what will be along-term restoration journey, it is a positive indication that conditions within

PRESENCE

the Milnerton Lagoon and river system are changing,”said ZahidBadroodien, the Mayco member for water and sanitation.

WATERQUALITYSHOWSIMPROVEMENT

TheCity’s progress report highlighted significant investment in sewer and wastewater infrastructure throughout the catchment, which officials say is already reducing pollution entering the lagoon.

Amajor milestone has been achieved at the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), which recently recorded two consecutive weeks of 100% compliance across all measured final effluent quality parameters.

Badroodien said sustained compliance is expected once all phases of the plant upgrade have been completed and fully commissioned.

Preventative maintenance remains central to the City’s strategy, with more than 31 kilometres of sewer pipelines cleaned during the 2025/26 financial year

FROMPAGE1

Rehabilitation work is continuing across Milnerton, Century City andMontague Gardens to improve the reliability of ageingsewerinfrastructure and reduce therisk of blockages.

All 56 pump stations within the Potsdam catchment are nowmonitored through areal-time telemetry system, allowing quicker fault detection andresponse.

Several pump station upgrades are also under way, including improvements at Koeberg Road, Du Noon,Phoenix, Table View East andSanddrift East.

TheCity alsoresponded to the collapse of theRacecoursePumpStation rising main during June. Emergency measures were implemented immediately and repairs completed within two days, limiting environmentalimpacts.

POTSDAMPLANTREACHESMILESTONE

The ongoingupgrade of the Potsdam WWTW remains oneofthe City’s largest investments in improving water quality. Ultrafiltration facilities have entered trialoperation, dewatering facilities are operational andadditional treatment units areexpected to be commissioned during thecourseof2026.

Once complete, the upgraded works are expected to significantly improve nutrient removal andthe overall quality of treated wastewaterdischargedintothe Diep River.

The City also reported improvements in air quality. Monitoring conducted since February 2025 shows that the World HealthOrganisation’s daily health guideline for hydrogensulphide has not been exceeded. While nuisance odour incidentsoccurred regularly during 2025, officials saythese have declined during2026 due to improved wastewater management and fewer pollution incidents.

“While thereisstill important work ahead, the improvements that we are seeing demonstratethatour integrated approach is delivering results. The combinationofproactive maintenance, major infrastructure investment, environmentalmonitoring and longterm rehabilitation will continue to improve thehealth andresilience of the MilnertonLagoon andthe broader Diep Rivercatchmentfor years to come,”said Badroodien.

DREDGINGPLANSREMAINUNDERAPPEAL

The nextphase of the programme involvesdredging. Although environmentalauthorisation has been granted, eight appeals have been lodged.

TheCity said procurement for dredging will only resume once the appeals process has been concluded. If the authorisation is upheld, dredging is expectedtobegin duringearly 2027.

TygerBurger previously reported about numerousconcerns andbacklash from residents regarding the lagoon’s dredging plans.

Gregory Nortje,anarchitect who has livedalong the lagoon on Woodbridge Islandfor threedecades, saidthe current proposal hasnot been fully thought through.The Cityplanned to dredge a narrow centralchannel and deposit sludge along thebanks, forming raised mud berms.Nortje warned this could transform

the lagoon dramatically.

“This beautiful wide body of water will be reduced to an ugly, muddy thing which no one wants.”

He added that the sludge banks, likely to consist of sewer-contaminated material.

“The banks will most likely smell and be ahealth hazard as they are full of bacteria and sewer solid remnants.”

Residentsare not opposing the project outright, he said, but are calling for a delay until other infrastructure upgrades are completed and alternative disposal methods for dredged material are explored.

Environmental advocacy group Rethink TheStink welcomed improvementsin air quality but questioned aspects of the City’s latestreport.

In astatement following the public meeting, the organisation said it remained concerned about what it described as sporadic poor-quality treated effluent discharged from the Potsdam WWTW between February and May this year.

Thegroup said the City’s explanation that the decline resulted from atemporary change in the discharge point was unconvincing and called for greater clarity regarding elevated E.coli levels recorded downstream of the treatment plant.

Rethink The Stink also questioned whether the proposed dredging project would provide lasting ecological benefits, arguing that it could disturb recovering ecosystems and significantly alter the lagoon’s appearance by creating extensive mudflats during low tide.

Theorganisation said it expects a decision on the appeals during August. Should the project receive final approval, dredging is anticipated to begin in early 2027.

MayorjoinsParklandsoperation

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco member for safety and security

JP Smith joined ametro police neighbourhoodsafety officers operation in Parklands lastTuesday evening, responding to mountingdrug-related complaints from residents— and left with nine arrests and several impounded vehicles.

The operation comes againstthe backdrop of 133 drug-relatedcrimes recordedbetween January and March, astark reminder of the reachofan enterprise that has long cast its shadow across the northern suburbs.

“In Cape Town you will often find ‘crypto’ and ‘forex’ traders driving fancy carswith fake registrations ornone at all,”said Hill-Lewisinavideo posted to hissocial media pages —anapparent reference to drug dealersoperating in the area

“Tonightweimpounded cars in Parklands without validregistrations,” he said.“In one case, abrand new silver Merc GLEwas registered as awhite BMW, now impounded for further criminal investigation.”

In the said video while acar was being searched Hill-Lewis confronts one man saying, “What are you really trading in?

Because you are trading in something.”

Smith was equally direct, posting on his own social media: “You drive aR2,6 million vehicle, yetyou’resupposedly ‘studying’ in South Africa. Youpaidcash Youcan’t explain where themoney came from or howyou fund your lifestyle.”

The City confirmed that nine persons were arrested in terms of the Immigration Act, and the matterhanded to the police for further investigation andaction Smithnoted that the City participates in ongoingmulti-agency operations in response to crime.

“In respect of illegal immigration, police and the Department ofHome Affairsare the lead agencies,whereasthe City’s metro police department acts in a supportiverole. Where officers do come

NINE ARRESTED UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ACTAND VEHICLES IMPOUNDED

across undocumentedforeign nationals, they arehandedover to the relevant agencies forfurther investigation and processing,” he said.

‘ASUBSTANTIALFAILUREOF CRIMEINTELLIGENCE’

Smithdid not mince his words about whatthe operation revealed. “Clearly there is asubstantialfailure of crime intelligence andmeaningful investigation,” he said, adding thatthe City would pursue the matter further, starting with vehicle impoundments andcharging persons for fraudulent licences.

Whenaskedwhether there were operational plans in placetoaddress drug dealing in Parklands Smith told TygerBurger that theCity’s enforcement agencies conduct ongoingoperations, either autonomously or in conjunction withthe police. “The interventions include roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and generalproactive patrols, where resources allow,”hesaid, addingthatwhile the City had increasedits resources in recent years,they remained afraction of those available to the police.

Smithalso confirmed thatengaging theacting policecommissioner about cooperationinaddressing Parklands’ drug problem was firmly on the agenda

“This is definitely on the list,”hesaid. Askedwhatproactive steps the City waswilling to taketoaddress illegal immigration—aconcern raised by Parklands residents—Smithsaid the City participatesinongoingmulti-agency operations andthat metro policeplay a supportiverole to the nationalpoliceand the DepartmentofHome Affairs,which arethe leadagenciesinthis regard. Where officers encounter undocumented

foreign nationals, he said, they are handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation andprocessing.

METROPOLICEDETECTIVESUNITANNOUNCED

Hill-Lewis used the operation to announce planstoestablish adedicated Cape Town Metro PoliceDetectives Unit, amove aimedatstrengthening local investigative capacity.

“South Africa needs stronger policing, that’s whyweneed to investigatecrimes ourselves,” he said.

Smith noted thatSouth Africa’s Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) already provides powerful tools to investigate money laundering, drug trafficking and assetforfeiture, but that followingthe money trail requires skilled investigators that the national police service, overwhelmed by violent crime dockets, simply does nothave enough of.

“South Africa already has robust legislation. Theproblem isn’t always a lackoflaws—it’sa lackofcapacity to enforce them

“Unfortunately, ourdetectives in the national police service are already overwhelmed by mountains of case dockets involving violent crime, gang violence, murderand firearm offences. Financial investigations arecomplex and resource-intensive, andtoo often they don’t receive the attentionthey deserve,” he said. “Criminals should not be able to hide behind an overburdened criminal justice system,” he said. “If we are serious about tackling organised crime, we must not only arrestoffenders, we must follow themoney, dismantle their criminal enterprisesand deprive them of the profits that fuel further crime.”

Smith said the solution had already been proposed: empower competent municipalitieswith the legal authority to

conduct investigations intooffences within theirmandate and compile court-ready dockets. Municipal enforcement agencies, he argued, had demonstrated the expertise, technology and commitment to make a meaningful contribution.

SHAREDRESPONSIBILITY

Acting Western Cape Police

Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi told TygerBurger that the police appreciates the City’s involvement, saying the operation was aligned with the existing cooperation agreement between the police, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government

“This partnership is founded on ashared responsibilitytocreatesafer communities and to combat criminality through a coordinated approach.

“The police are aware of the drug-related challenges in the Parklands area and has various intelligence-driven operational interventions in place to address them,” said Damoyi, adding that these operations regularly result in arrests, drug confiscations and the disruption of criminal activities.

He pushed back gently on Smith’s comments about intelligence failures, saying it would be inappropriateto publicly discuss operational methodologies as doing so could compromise ongoing policing efforts.

“However, the police remain committed to identifying and apprehending those involved in the drug trade and related crimes. As operational successes are achieved, the police continues to inform the publicthrough media statements and other communication platforms. Theorganisation remains committed to working with all law enforcement partners to enhance safety and security in Parklands and across the Western Cape.”

Vermaak // Entertainment

SwanLakein Stellenbosch

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classical ballet at the Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August,featuring highlights from Swan Lake and Raymonda Theprogramme opens with the iconic second actof Swan Lake,set to PyotrIlyich Tchaikovsky's celebrated score. On amoonlitlakeside, thestory of Odette,the Swan Queen, unfolds through some of classical ballet's most recognisable choreography, including the corpsdeballet of swans,the White Swan pasdedeux and the timeless image of dancers in whitetutus that has come to symboliseclassical ballet around the world.

Thesecond half features highlights from Raymonda,set to Alexander Glazunov's richlyorchestrated score. Knownfor its demanding choreography and elegantclassical style, Raymonda showcases virtuoso dancing and intricateensemblework in sumptuous period costumes.Together,these excerpts celebratethe enduring appeal of classical ballet,combiningtwo landmark scores withsome of the art form's most memorablechoreographyand

traditions

Establishedin1934, Cape Town CityBalletis South Africa's longest-running professional ballet company, presenting worksfromthe greatclassics alongside newproductions.

Performances: Friday 31 July: 19:00; Saturday1 August: 14:30 and 18:00

TicketscostR225toR350(105 discount forpensioners).Students payR175(at Pick 'n Pay only). . BookatWebtickets andPick'nPay stores. Advancebooking is recommended.

BALLETPERFORMANCE

HIGHLIGHTSAT

ADAM SMALLTHEATRE

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classical ballet at the Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August. HannahWardasOdette

Vlooi kuierweer by Kunstekaap

Vlooi en maats maak eersdaagweer— virdie 24ste jaar —hul terugkeer na die Kunstekaap-teater se verhoog.

Skoolgroepe kannou bespreek vir Vlooi en die VerloreFossiel, watvan Donderdag13Augustustot Maandag31Augustus op die plankegaanwees.

Daar is een vertoning oop vir die publiek op Saterdag29Augustus.

Dit is net nog ‘n doodgewone dag—ons maats, Vlooi, Wilma en Wim, woel en werskaf in dietuin wanneer hulle skielik‘nreuseontdekkingmaak. Flappiehet dalk veel meer as net Vlooi se verlore frisbee begrawe. Vlooi vind ‘n yslike dinosourusbeen en voor jy kansê“stegosourus” swiepdie towersleutelhulle wegna'ntyd lank, lank gelede Vlooi en Wilma beland pensenpootjiesbinne-in ‘n oerwoud op 'n verlateeiland. Wilmasebroek bewe behoorlik as sy besef hierdie is nie leeuwêreld nie,maar T-Rex se agterplaas.

Danksy ‘n vriendelike, en effedeur dievere, pterodaktiel, Terry, dievlieëndereptiel,voel hullegou minder verlore. Terryneem hulledadelik onder sy vlerk. Dieontmoeting is egtervan korteduur,want Terryisbesig om te vlug met dieeilandselaaste dino-eier! Is Terrydan 'n eierdief?Ongelukkigis daar dienareProfessor Fosselina Voetspoor en haar onhandigehandlanger, Robbies Relik, watsommer gouhul planne in diewiele ry Fosselina is bekend daarvoor dat sy dinosourusse vang en hulbeentjies kaal kook en weer aanmekaar vasplakmet superglue!Fosselina soek dieeilandse laaste dino-eiervir haar versameling. Sy houselfs lewendedinosourusseinhaar museum aan. Dieopenbarevertoning begin Saterdag 29 Augustusom14:00. Kaartjieskos vanR100 totR130 by Webtickets. . Kontak marinda.vlooi@gmail.comofLouise by 071688 3033met navrae

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman uniteonstage forthe firsttime

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman willshare astage in a Roots Retrospective,fromWednesday22July at theGallowayTheatreofthe Waterfront Theatre School. Theduo willalsoperform at TheKraal Restaurant, JoostenbergWineEstate, on Thursday 30 July

Roots Retrospective is alivecollaboration ledby Paige, piano-driven and song-focused, rooted in folk, blues andjazztraditions.Grounded in storytelling andshaped througha South Africanlens, theshow features expressive pianoand acoustic-guitar textures accompanying herdistinctivesoulful voice. Paige'scatalogue spansmorethan two decades of Americana-inspired material across folk,folkrock,country andblues,blending blues sensibility with roots-drivenwarmth andpoetic depth.

Joining her is singer-songwriterand guitarist Veldsman,whose acousticminimalism,finger-style

guitar work andatmosphericplaying bring arich counterpointtothe set. Drawing on Americana, folk andblues traditions, andgrounded in classical-guitartraining, he is known forexpressive,technically refined playing, from intricate fingerpicking to soulful lapsteel,often described as “tasty andlanguid” in feel.Veldsman also performs aselectionofhis ownsimilarly styled songsaspartofthe show. Together,the twocreateanimmersive musical journeythat reimagines Americana-inspiredmusic throughapersonaland collaborativeSouth African lens.

. Ticketsfor theWaterfrontshowstart from R180 andare available at Quicket.Ticketsfor TheKraal cost R580 andincludesarrival wine tasting, theshowand afarm supper. Book via Dineplan on 079641 1430 or kraalrestaurant@ joostenberg.co.za

DAGBOEK /DIARY

. Waterfront TheatreSchool presents Something Rotten! until 18 JulyatArtscape. It’s bold,brash, knowingly silly, and packed with show-stopping numbers. TicketsR230 to R250atWebtickets.

. DisneyonIce presents Mickey's Search Party until 19 Julyatthe Grand Arena,GrandWest.Ticketsat Ticketmaster

. Agatha Christie's TheMurderofRoger Ackroyd starring Alan Committie runs from 16 July to 16 August at Theatreonthe Bay. TicketsfromR230 to R350 at Webtickets.

. EarlyBtreeopVrydag17Julie om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjieskos R140 totR180.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Isaac vander Merwe Piano Recital: ABaxterFundraiser is on Friday17Julyat18:30.TicketscostR250at Webtickets.

. Un-touchedisatArtscape on Friday17and Saturday18Julyat17:00.A look at the factorsthat have shapedmillennialsand their views.TicketsfromR80 at Webtickets.

. KickstArt Theatre's Puss in Boots runs at the Baxter Theatrecurrently until 18 July. TicketsfromR250at Webtickets.

. PeterPan runs at the CanalWalk Theatrenow until 19 July. Threedaily shows.TicketsfromR75 to R130 at

Webtickets.

. Wilhelmvan derWaltistesien in diebekroonde produksie Seun vanMaandag 20 totVrydag24Julie om 19:30 in dieKaapstadToneelhuis in Loopstraat. Dithandel oorDana Snymansestorieoor grootword tydens diedoodsnikkevan 'n politiekestelsel. Kaartjieskos vanafR200byQuicket

. DalinOliver: Stuck In Dubai runs at TheBaxterfrom 21 July to 1August.TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets.

. Cape Town Opera's TheCunningLittleVixen is at Joseph Stone Auditorium from 21-26July. A family-friendlyadaptation. Dailyat11:00 and also at 14:00 Saturdayand Sunday.TicketscostR80 at Webtickets.

. Parklands CollegeinSandownpresentsDisney's HighSchoolMusical 2! from 23 to 25 July at 18:30. TicketsfromR150 at Quicket

. ANight with the StarsLloyiso is at the Grand Arena GrandWest on Friday24Julyat19:00.Ticketsfrom R400 at Webtickets.

. Salome This Is Me is at Artscape OperaHouse on Saturday25Julyat19:00.TicketsfromR285 at Webtickets.

. Moyo KirstenboschRecital withpianist Isaacvan derMerwe is on Sunday 26 July at 18:00.TicketsR225 to R385 at Webtickets.

Zoid, Eloff in newtheatrical work

Karen Zoid stepsawayfromher rock ensemblefor A NewTheatrical Work,a stripped-backperformance alongside pianist Anton Eloff at CurroDurbanville High School TheatreonSunday 2August at 15:00

Without her band, Zoid takesthe stagewithonly an acousticguitar, accompanied by Eloff's cinematic pianowork. Theresultisadeliberatelyintimate show,personalinaway that happens when an artist truststheir material andanaudiencecommits to genuine listening.

ANew TheatricalWork is morethan aconcert.It is aconversation between twomusicians exploring themes of blood ties,music, laughter andthe bonds that sustainus. Thetheatricalframework raises aphilosophical question: if life resembles avideo game,withits multiplelives andrespawningmechanics, what does that mean forhow we navigate our ownstory?

WHERECONCERTMEETSTHEATRE

At theintimate CurroDurbanvilleHighSchool Theatre, theboundaries between concert andtheatre dissolve.Zoid's songsbecome monologues and Eloff's pianotakes on an orchestral quality, creating something that movesbeyond traditional genre boundaries.

Forthose familiar with Zoid'srock recordings, the acoustic setting revealsnew dimensions of her work. Forthose encountering her forthe first time,the stripped-backpresentation offers direct access to her artistic vision

Theshowis90minutes long. Agerestriction: no childrenunder 13

Theproductionispartofthe school's Kultura Festival . TicketscostR220per person.Book at Quicket.

LocallifeguardsavesmaninBali

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Afamily holiday in Bali took an unexpected turn when aMilnerton SurfLifesaving Club lifeguard sprang into action to rescue astruggling swimmer at aresort pool.

Kate Rautenbach had arrived in Bali with her family just aday earlier when she found herself responding to an emergency at the Bintang Bali Resortin Kuta on Wednesday 8July at about 13:30. Relaxing beside the pool with her father, Rautenbach heard splashingfollowed by a panicked cryfor help.

Looking up, she spotted aman struggling to stay afloat in thedeep end of the pool, about 10 metres away.

Without hesitation, she leapt fromher sun lounger and dived into the water.

Rautenbach quickly reached the swimmer, believed to be in his 30s, and managed to support him andkeep him afloat until the resort’s pool lifeguard

LIFESAVER SPRINGSINTO ACTION TO RESCUE SWIMMER WHILE ON HOLIDAY

arrived with aflotation device. Working together, they safely guidedthe man to the edgeofthe pool. It later emerged that the man had been using apool noodle with his child inthe shallow end of the pool. When theflotation aiddrifted into the deeper section, measuringabout 1,7 metres, he followed it butsuddenly found himselfout of his depth andunable to stay above the surface.

Thanks to Rautenbach’s swift intervention,the incident ended without serious injury.

CLUBPRAISESLIFEGUARD’SCOURAGE

The Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club said Rautenbach’sactions reflected thehigh level of trainingand dedication shown by

its volunteer lifeguards

“We commend Katefor hervigilance and quick response to the distressed swimmer,” the club said.

“Her instinctive response, based on years of experience as alifeguard at Milnerton Beach, avertedatragedy andgave afather back to his family.”

Although thousands of kilometres from home and officially on holiday, Rautenbach’s lifesaving instincts never switchedoff.

Therescue serves as areminder that drowningcan happeninswimming pools as easily as at the beach, and that trainedlifeguards are prepared to respond whenever andwherever an emergency arises

For theMilnerton Surf Lifesaving Club, Rautenbach’s actions are another example of theprofessionalism, vigilance and commitmentthatits members bring to protecting lives, both at home and abroad.

Animal clinic shares Mandela Daykindnesswith 134dogs

The MdzanandaAnimal Clinicand Shelter in Khayelitsha will distribute 134 kennels to community dogs this Mandela Dayin partnership with Four Paws South Africa and theSignature of Hope Foundation.

On 18 July SouthAfricans are encouraged to dedicate67minutes to doinggood in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Mdzananda is inviting individuals, families and corporategroups to spend those67minutes at the clinic and shelter duringits Mandela Day opendays

Guided tours will take place on Friday 17 July, and Saturday 18 July,giving visitors the chance to see the organisation’s work first-hand and learn more about animal welfare in Khayelitsha.

As part of the Mandela Daycelebrations Mdzananda has partnered with Four Paws South Africa to distribute67kennels and more than 670 care packs to community dogs that havespent monthswaitingfor shelterduring the cold winter months “Many of these dogs have been on our waiting list for months to receive adonated kennel,” said Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive at Mdzananda AnimalClinic and Shelter.“This Mandela Daythey will finally receive thegift ofwarmth, protection and comfort.”

An additional67kennels have been sponsoredbythe Signature of Hope Foundation, bringing the total distributed thisMandela Day to 134.

“We are proudthat, throughSignature of Hope, we can help provide safe shelter foranimals in the careofthis remarkable organisation,” says Craig Featherby, trustee of the Signature of Hope Foundation.

COMPASSIONTURNEDINTOACTION

“This campaign is apowerful reminder of whatwecan achieve when compassion turns into action,” says FionaMiles, directorofFourPaws South Africa.

“Together with oursupporters and partners we have notonly reachedour goal but gone beyondit, delivering meaningful,lasting change for dogs who need it most. This is thespirit of Mandela Daybrought to life.”

Du Plessis said theopen days are also an opportunity to challenge perceptions about Khayelitsha.

“Weknow some people feel hesitant aboutvisitingKhayelitsha, but we would love to welcome them to experience our work firsthandthis Mandela Day. It is an opportunity to see the differencethat compassion can makeevery single day.”

For 30 years theMdzananda Animal Clinic andShelter hasbeen theonly veterinary clinic andanimal shelter serving Khayelitsha andsurrounding communities.

Beyond providing veterinarycare and shelterthe organisation focuses on

education, responsible pet ownershipand building acompassionate community where people and animals can thrive together . Formoreinformationemailinfo@ mdzananda.co.zaand to book aMandelaDay tour emailfund@mdzananda.co.za.

Bothasig landshould serveseniors,sayswardcouncillor

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Aretirement facility that caters for the needs of the growing populationofelderly people is whatisneeded in Bothasigat this moment, instead of developing more low-cost housing, according to Ward 5 councillor Miquette Temlett.

Speaking to TygerBurger following aSubcouncil 7meeting recently, she referred to an item on the agenda concerning the proposed reservationof land (Erf 23205 and remainder Erf 8350,

Milnerton), apiece of land in Adam TasAvenue, Bothasig,for development purposes.The property is located behind Wolraad Woltemade Primary andOKDe Grendel Centre

Temlett said she firmly insisted an additional recommendationbeincluded in the item, statingthatinvestigation into the future use of theproperty must explicitly include the feasibilityofaretirement facility.

“This is not optional,”she said. “The need forsuch afacilityisbothimmediate

and critical, and it far outweighs the need for additional social or gap housing in this area [the latterfor people earning above thethresholdthatwould qualify them for social housing].”

Asocial housingcomplexcalled Bothasig Gardens with 748 units already exists and amajor housing development is underway through the Annandale Project, whichdirectly caters for mixed-use development, including gap housing. This development will deliver approximately 3000 residentialunits, which is more

than adequate to meet both current and foreseeable housing demand in the area.

Temlett said proceeding with further social or gap housing on thissite,without properly assessing higher-priority community needs, would be misguided and irresponsible planning.

She said it was therefore imperative that thissitebeproperly evaluated against the most urgent and pressing needs of the community, with an affordable retirement facility receiving serious and prioritised consideration.

First e-busesarrive in CapeTown forits pilot routeruns

TheCity announced that itsfirstelectric bushad arrived from Johannesburg. It said the prototype e-bus will be piloted on avariety of routes in thecoming weekstodetermine itsperformance on steepinclines and downhill, with many stop-and-goes, in heavy traffic during peak periods and when travelling longer distances.

All in all, the City will takedelivery of 38 low-floor battery-electric buses aspart of theroll-out of the MyCiTibus serviceto the metro south-east,itsaid

The buses are expected to arrive later thisyear with thefleet earmarked for operational roll-out in 2027, the City said.

“The MyCiTi service is now16years old,” saidRob Quintas, Maycomember for urbanmobility.

“The arrival of our e-bus is amajor highlight on this journey andsupports ourtransition towards acleaner, more sustainable public-transport system that is notonly more cost-effective to operate and maintain, but more resilient.”

ROUTES

The prototype bus is branded in familiar MyCiTi colours andwill be tested on several routes acrossCape Town,includingHospital Bend, theN2 highway, in Camps Bay and whereverelse

appropriate, alongother routes such as Polkadraai Road andJip de Jager Drive.

RESEARCH

The electric-busresearchisundertaken in collaboration with the University of Cape Town to test how the e-bus performs on differentroute profiles, and is funded by theCity, through agrant from the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative, it said.

Accordingtothe City said the pilot will assess battery performance, energy consumption, charging times, passenger loading, route profiles andthe impact of Cape Town’s climateonvehicle performance.

It said the findings will assist it in refining operational planning, including charging strategies, maintenance requirements, driver training, infrastructure readiness and fleet deployment.

“The research will help us understand how the electric buses will perform in our local context, and what challenges we need to consider before we roll out the e-bus fleet in 2027,” said Quintas.

If all goes as planned the first e-buses will start operating by 1July 2027 between Mitchells Plainand Khayelitsha, Wynberg and Claremont, as well as the Cape Town CBD.

Pride and prejudice seems to cloud our society

“Imagine allthe people, living life in peace.”

Perhapstheselyrics have sparkedafamiliar melody forwhoever’sreading.

This evergreen seventies tune,“Imagine”, from former Beatles band leader John Lennon, has become an anti-waranthem forpeace,justice,equalityand most importantlyempathy, awordwhich seemstobe deafened and bludgeoned in this “age of outrage”we find ourselvesnavigating.

He wasshot four times in theback by a“fan” afterhe autographed his album anddied afew metresfromhis hotel in ManhattanonDecember 8, 1980

Thesong “Imagine”, released during the Vietnam war, which killedoverthree million youngmen,children mothers and fathers, is accompanied by asoftpiano and gentlemelody and sounds like aprayerorpleafor understanding in atimeofsenselessbloodshed.

During the war, despitethe news reports commenting on the latest batchofdeaths anddestruction, many young men were drafted and sent in droveslikebullets in an assemblyline

Tragically the song has become anidylliclament fora societywherewecan allrespect andcarefor each other regardless of skin colour,cultureorcreed

Luther King Jnr,who preachedpeace and non-violenceinhis quest to fight race segregation and inequality,was assassinated along with Malcolm X.

As if the call forbasic dignity and equalrights is so outrageous it couldleadtodeath.

Ironically the authorofUtopia, Sir ThomasMore, also lost his head forhis visions forafuture society

He wasbeheaded in 1535 fortreason, afterherefused to accept King HenryVIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

THEPOPULARITYOF ‘RAGE-BAITING’ISALSO SADTOWITNESS

Thenovelcriticised greed, powerand supported women’srights and religious freedom, during aconservativetime in the 16th-century under the king’sreign. Even musical legend Bob Marley whose protest songs supported peace, freedom and “One Love”, wasshot but survived apolitically motivated assassination attempt ahead of the 1976 general election in Jamaica. This act howeveronlyfueled hisdesiretocontinue singing about the struggle to love in an unsympathetic world.

Thesedaysapathyand cynicism have become a popular camouflagetoendurethe widespread hate, violence, intoleranceand propaganda infiltrating our psyches wherever we go

Whether doom-scrolling on our cellphones, listening to the news on our car-radiosorevenstoppingfor a quickcatch-up at work, we’reflooded with the latest tragic news

Onceagain we’llhearabout the latest airmissile strikeinthe MiddleEast,the priceofpetrol and goods skyrocketing again, the unrestricted plagiarismof AI modelsregurgitating artworksand voices,all forthe sake of profit

Thesedaysthe integrity of the newsroom hasalso been moreimportant in the wake of variousinfluencers reporting on news and publishing their pieces, often with their ownagendas, without much considerationfor verifying information in the hopes of increasing followers and monetising theircontent.

Lately,the popularityof“rage-baiting” is also sad to witness too, you’veprobablyseen many videos of peoplemanipulating each other until an argument or violent fight occurs.

Research shows algorithms financiallyrewardanger whichcreates cognitiveurgency, compelling usersto comment,correct,orshareinreal-time,which all boosts engagement and virality.

Ireadthat the primitiveparts of ourbrain, the amygdala, scan the environment forthreats and process negativeinformation significantlyfasterthan positive experiences.

Pride and prejudiceseems to cloudour society even moresothesedays, whilethesealgorithms,these heartless systems capitaliseand advertiseonany content that canshackle the viewers in an endless loop that keepstheir profits high and ourattention spans low.

And so “Imagine”, asong of hope,remains more relevant than ever in 2026

-KEANAN HARMSE

LEWENSKIEKIE

BRIEWE/LETTERS

Firefighter smoke inhalation articlewas misleading

With referencetothe articlethatappeared on your websiteon6Julywith theheadline “Exposure to smokeistaking atollonCape Town’sfirefighters”: It is unfortunate that the articlepublished on the UWC websitemisrepresented the findingsofthe study.The headline,for example, wasquitesimplymisleading. TheCityreached out to the researchers andthe headline hasnow been corrected.

Basedonthe study’s ownresults, only 278firefightersparticipated, with 53%showing some symptoms that included coughing,running nosesand headaches. That represents less than15% of firefighters within the CityofCape Town anditmustbenoted the study wasconducted while staff were on duty

Also to notethat97,8% of participants hadnormal lung function, which the research foundissignificantly higherthanthatreported in comparablestudies conducted in other countries.

To note, the Cape Town Fireand Rescue Service conducts afunctional abilitytest on aquarterlybasis,

which measures firefighters’ respiratoryrate.

In addition,firefighters undergo in-housemedical screeningbeforeevery physical abilitytest.Should theyhaveabnormal screeningresults, theyare referred to either their privatemedical provider or to the City’s occupational health department. Staff who driveand operateappliances andequipment must undergo compulsory medical testing everytwo years. TheFire Servicealsohas very strict medical screening in place forthose joiningits ranks. In addition, staff arerequired to follow fitnessprogrammes on their on dutydays.

Our staff aretrained to perform under allhazardous conditions andrespiratoryprotectionequipment is provided on everyfire enginetoensurestaff remain safe

We take the health andsafetyofour firefighters very seriouslyand we provide thehighest levelof respiratoryprotection in the form of aSelf-Contained Breathing Apparatus Set

JP SMITH, Maycomember forsafetyand security

Recent events arealesson we shouldn’t ignore

Much has beensaid about illegalimmigrantsand the fact that manyhavenow returned to their home countries.Whether oneagrees with thatornot is a separate debate. What shouldnot be ignored is that manyemployers foundthese workers dependable. They arrived forwork, wanted to earn awage, followed instructions,and often communicated effectively becausetheycouldreadand speak English. Those qualities matterinevery workplace. This is not about praisingillegal immigration.The lawisthe law. It is about askinganuncomfortable question: whydid so manyemployers valuethese workers?

South Africahas thousands of hardworkinglocal employees, and theydeserve recognition. Butwealso

knowthattoo manybusinessesstruggle with absenteeism, poor punctuality, lack of initiativeand weak communication. Thoseproblems hurtproductivity andmakeitharder forbusinessestogrowand employ morepeople.

Perhapsinsteadofsimplycelebratingthe removal of illegalworkers, we should also askwhatmade manyofthemsuccessful in theworkplace. If ourown workforceadopted the same attitude towardsreliability, communication, punctualityand commitment everyone wouldbenefit. Thelesson is simple. Good work habits have no nationality. They areachoice. And the more people who make that choice, the stronger our economywillbecome GREG, E-mail

Warm somer op pad

Na aanleiding vanverlede week se brief"Kapenaar watdie wolkemis" (1/7/2026) geeekmymening. Die bestemanier om enigeplekinAfrikaseweer te verstaan,isomopDStvkanaal 400BBC in te skakel om 13:25 en 19:25 (ons tyd).

Dit fokusopAfrikamet satellietwaarnemings. Daarin kanduidelik gesien word watverkeerdismet die Kaapse weer Normaalwegdraai die wind wesofnoordwes in die winter.Vir maande al waai dit egtersuid en suidwes. Dit stoot die tollende stelselindie middel vandie AtlantieseOseaan watmet koue fronte reën moet bring, wegvan die Kaap af

Die gebrek aan koue fronte beïnvloed ook die OosKaap en KwaZulu-Natalmet oorstromings,omdat die westewind dit nie bereik nie,enhulle kryreën uit die Stille Oseaan watook blytol

Die opbouende El Ninowes vanAmerika raak al sterker; dit beïnvloed die jetstroom en het die gevaarlike hitte in AmerikaenEuropaveroorsaak 'n Baie warm someriswaarskynlik op pad. Hou dus op om drinkwaterinutoilet af te spoel, vang stortwateropin'nemmerengebruik dit vir die toilet

WAARNEMER,Bellville

Parking needed near Athlone stadium

Iwonder what happened to the grandplans at Athlonepower station site, after having spent afew thousand(millions perhaps) on the project. Nowthe Citywants to re-developthe parking area at Athlonestadium forhousing andcommercial purposes, whilestadium visitors fear theymight find themselveswithout aparking facility. So whynot buildabig commercial andresidential centreonthe parking lotwith adequateparking under or above?But as forresidential, Iwould notwant to live therewith allthatnoisefromtrafficand the stadium.

PETER SMULIK,

Rugby

Showrespect to thepolicewho put their livesatrisk to keep us safe

We live in atimewhenithas become fashionableto criticise those in uniform.

Social media is flooded with videos of what went wrong, rarely with footageofwhatwentright. And yet, dayafter day, men andwomen in the policeshowup, oftenunderstaffed, underresourced, andunderappreciated to do ajob that most of us couldnever do They respond to callsinthe earlyhours of the

morning when the rest of us areasleep.Theywalkinto situationsthatothers run awayfrom. They deal with trauma, violence, andheartbreakona dailybasis, and thengohome to their ownfamilies andtry to leaveit allatthe door

Most of the time,noone says thank you. Iamnot naive. Iknowthatthere arethose within the service who have letcommunities down, andaccountability

matters.But it wouldbedeeplyunfair to allowthe actions of afew to overshadowthe quiet dedication of the manywho servewith integrityand honour To everyofficerwho hasstood between acommunityand harm, your servicedoesnot go unnoticed by allofus. South Africaisnot an easy countrytopolice. Thankyou fortrying anyway THANKFULL, Brackenfell

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VarsityFootballreturnswithtwists

South Africa’s premier university football competition returns with an exciting new look asVarsity Football 2026 gets underway in August.

Thewomen’s tournament kicks-off on 1August and will be contested over two weekends beforeattention shifts to themen’s competition, which runs from 7August to 2October. This season introduces oneofthe biggest changes in the tournament’s history with Varsity Football moving to Fridaynightsfor the men’scompetition. For the firsttime, supporters can kick starttheir weekends by enjoying thecountry’s best university football under the lightswith selected matchesbroadcast live on SuperSport.

CONTINUEDGROWTH

Siya Noqayi, Varsity Football Code Manager, believes the continued growth of the competition reflectsthe increasing quality and competitiveness of university football in South Africa.

“Every season VarsityFootball continues to raise the standard both on and off the field. We are excited to introduce Friday night football this year where we won’t just be hosting afootball tournament. We will be creating amovement. With the women’s tournament expanding its footprint and the men’s competition welcoming new teams alongside the return of familiar rivals, we are looking forward to another unforgettable season that celebrates talent,opportunity andthe passion of football”.

The women’s tournament will once again showcase the country’s top student footballers, with WSU, Wits, UL, CPUT, TUT, UJ, UP Tuks and three time champions UWC competing forthe title over two action packed weekends. Defending champions UWC will be aiming

FANS CANLOOK FORWARD TO ALONGER WEEKENDOFFOOTBALL AS SEASON GETS UNDERWAY IN AUGUST

tomake history by securing afourth Varsity Football women’s title, while the restofthe field will be determined to stop the Cape side from extendingits dominance.

The men’scompetitionpromises another fiercely contested campaign with current champions UFSreturning to defendthe titlethey claimedinmemorable fashion last season beating TUT 5-4 on penalties. Joining the men’s competitionthisyear is the University of Limpopo, while UWC makes awelcome return after missing out on last year’s tournament. NWU and CUT missed out on qualification,underlining the increasingly competitive nature of Varsity Football.

UFS headcoach Mokete Tsotetsi sayslast year’s triumph hasonly strengthened the squad’s desire to defend its crown: “Lifting the trophy last year was an unforgettable feeling of pride andjoy. It meant everything to theplayers because we understood howmuchhard work, sacrifice andcommitment hadgoneinto achieving that moment.Wefelt we weren’t just winning forourselvesbut for everyone who supported andbelievedinus. For the university it created arealsense of pride andunity across theentire community.”

Despite anumber of new faces in the squad,Tsotetsi is confident supporters will recognise theidentity that brought UFS success: “Fanscan expecta team thatplays with purpose, confidenceand

Defending champions UWCwillbeaiming to makehistorybysecuring afourthVarsity Football women’stitle.

PHOTO:CHRISTIAANKOTZE/ASEMENGAGE

determination. Although we’ve lost some keyplayers through graduation, the valuesthatdefine this team remain the same. Hard work,discipline, commitment and arelentless desire to retain the title will continuetodrive us throughout the season.”

FANCHALLENGE

Fans can also once again look forward to the#IyachesaFAN Challenge, exciting

matchday activations and unforgettable campus atmospheres. Tournament partners FNB,Suzuki and SportPesa continue to support the growth of university football and the development of student athletes across SouthAfrica. With Friday night football, two blockbuster tournaments and the country’sbest university talent ready to shine, Varsity Football 2026 promises another great season.