TygerBurger | Milnerton | E-edition | 24 June 2026
THURSDAY25JUNE
. TheR5BookSaleatthe DurbanvilleChildren’s Homewilltakeplace on Thursday 25 June and Friday 26 June from 09:00to15:00and Saturday 27 June from 09:00 till13:00atthe receptionarea. CD’s, DVD’s, booksincluding children’sbooks and coffee-tablebooks,willbeonsale. Bring ownbagsorboxes. Card facilities areavailable
FRIDAY26JUNE
. TheFriendsofDurbanville Librarywillholdtheir usualmonth-end booksaleinthe libraryhallon Friday 26 June and Saturday 27 June
Thesalewillbepresented on Fridayfrom09:00 to 16:00and on Saturdayfrom09:00 to 12:00.Book donationscan be droppedoff at the libraryduring the week. Phone 083306 0594 with enquiries
. As thewinter chill settlesoverthe Cape,the Alta du Toit CentreinBoston, Bellville,isset to warm heartsand bellies with itsWinterGiftMarket,running from 26 June to 5July. Situatedat80Lincoln Street the marketwillfeature over 90 craftstalls, offering awonderful selectionfor shopperslooking forthat erfect winterfind.The Alta Café willbeonhand to keep visitors nourished with homemade daily meals, including traditional basaar poeding, warm pancake and hearty wintersoups.Cardfacilitiesare available on site.The marketwillbeopen on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00,and Saturdaysand Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00.ContactLionelDreyeron084 504 0493 formoreinformation, call 072168 1716,orsend e-mail to donation@altadutoit.org.za
FRIDAY27JUNE
. TheCenturyCityWinter Night Market transforms Century Cityintoaglowing winter escape filledwith ve music,gourmetcomfortfood, artisanstalls and a very cosy atmosphere.The market runs from 16:00to 21:00 at IntakaIsland . Geziggies-kleuterskoolinUitzicht, Durbanville, nooi alle oud-leerders vir koek en teetussen 09:00 en 12:00 terviering vandie skoolse25stebestaansjaar.Almalwat tussen 2001 en 2025 'n leerder by Geziggies was, maar veraldie oudleerderswat nou al grootmense is,iswelkom. RSVP by www.geziggies co.za
. Visitors to the Vineyard Thrift Market at Hillcrest Wine Estate on Saturday 27 June areencouragedto bring abag of dog or catfoodtosupport CherylLyn's Rescue Organisation(CRO).The organisation currently caresfor around 170dogs, as well as severalcats, and relies on communitysupport to helpfeed and care forthe animals. Adedicated donation collection pointwillbeavailable at the market,making it easy forvisitors to contributewhile enjoying aday of thrift shopping,food, wine and family-friendlyentertainment.The market takesplace from 09:30to15:30 Call 082770 2667 formoreinformation.
WOENSDAG15JULIE
. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub biedsyjaarliksesop-en-sjerriedagaan.Die sprekersisRochelle Marchesini (demonstrasie: DancingFantasy)enAviwe Nadine Homani (Polyphagous ShotHoleBorer). Die tema vandie blommekunskompetisie is pret met rottang.Kaartjies is reeds beskikbaarenmoetteen 30 Junie gekoop word.Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 vir meerinligting
FRIDAY17JULY
. Blessa Baby is inviting everybodytomaketheir 67 minutesmatteronMandelaDay by bringing hope to vulnerablemothers and their newbornbabies. Theevent is being presented on Friday17July. Volunteerswillbepacking Bags of Hope forfamiliesinneed to help givea newborna beautifulbeginning in life Thosewho cannot attend the event,can still contributebydonating baby essentialssuch as clothing (0 to 3months, and 3to6months), nappies,blankets, soap,petroleum jelly(100ml)and toothbrush sets. They canalsodonateR67 or moreincash to contribute. Booking is essential and spaces arelimited. Visit https://www.quicket.co.za/events/379767bless-a-baby-mandela-day/#/ to book your spotand formoreinformation.
MONDAY29JULY
. AC Scouting willbehosting aSoccerClinicfrom Monday29June to Wednesday1 JulyinGoodwood. Theclinic willprovide three days of structured, age-appropriatefootballtrainingfocused on technicaldevelopment,ballmastery, game understanding, andcreatingapositivelearning environmentfor young players.The clinicwillbetaking placeatthe Goodwood Sports Club at 54 MiltonRoad, Goodwood. Training starts at 09:00, endingat12:00.Tobuy ticketsand formoredetails e-mail info@acscouting. co.zaorvisit www.acscouting.co.za
FRIDAY31JULY
. TheCenturyCityWinter Night Market transforms Century Cityintoaglowing winter escape filledwith live music, gourmet comfortfood, artisanstalls and a very cosy atmosphere.The marketrunsfrom16:00 to 21:00 at Intaka Island
Provinceresponds toxenophobic threats,unrest
The Western Cape Government has activated aJoint OperationsCentre (JOC)tocoordinate aprovincialresponsetosocialunrest linked to illegal immigration, after Premier Alan Winde and severalmembers of his Cabinet convened an emergency-planning meeting
JOINTOPERATIONS CENTREACTIVATED
The JOC, ledbythe Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), brings multiple authorities, including the police, thedefence force,the Department of Home Affairs, theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and various municipalities, together to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
All role-players are working together to identify flash points anddefuse tensions, with thepolice actively monitoring socialmedia platforms for potential threats.
FOUR-POINTPLAN TOMAINTAINORDER
The province’s response plan is anchored in fourkey priorities: visible policing in hot spots, strengthening intelligence networks, proactive communications, and rapid mediation andengagement.
The International Relations Directorate, within theDepartment of the Premier, has also maintained regular contact with several foreign missions.
PREMIERWARNS AGAINSTESCALATION
Winde expressedserious concern over apotentialescalation thatcould lead to further social unrest, notingthat several demonstrationshave already been held
FROMPAGE1
“An assassinationtied to voter registration is an attack on the electoral process itself, and on everyresident’s righttoparticipateinitfreely and withoutfear. When acandidate can be murdered on herway home from signing up voters, the threat is aimed at all of us whobelieve elections must be decided by ballots andnot bullets,” Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor said.
MOTIVEUNCLEAR
Marais notedthatthere was speculation themurder may be linked to Sinovuyo’s political activities or her outspoken stance on crime in the area— but cautioned againstdrawingearly conclusions.
“At this stage, it would be irresponsible to speculate on themotive. However, all possible motives must be thoroughly investigated. Whether this murder was politically motivated,linked to her community activism, her anti-crime advocacy, or any other criminal motive, thoseresponsible must be identified, arrested, andsuccessfully prosecuted,” she said.
The GOOD Party echoedthis call, saying theinvestigation must be allowed to run its course,while urging SAPS to deploy its full resources to findthose responsible and bring them before acourt without delay.
EXTORTIONCONCERNSINDUNOON
Marais alsoraised concern about ongoing extortion-related crime in Dunoon and surroundingcommunities, noting that extortion syndicates continue to fuel violence, undermine economicactivity, and intimidate residents, community leaders,businesses andservice providers.
ShecalledonSAPS to step up its antiextortionoperations in the area through more intelligence-driven investigations, targetedenforcement andstronger collaboration withspecialised units.
PREMIER CONVENES EMERGENCY PLANNING MEETINGINRESPONSE TO SOCIAL UNREST
and that more are planned in the coming days. He strongly urged organisersand demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully.
CALLFORPEACE
“While we respect every resident’s right to protest, thismust be done withinthe confines of the law. We urge residentsto stand against violence. Violence in any context is completely unacceptable. We have seen how thisissue can escalate intofurther unrest. We have already had unrest and demonstrations in the Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Cape Agulhas areas. We have taken decisive steps including bolstering enforcement measures and contingency planning to avoid any further violence.”
CALLTOUNDOCUMENTED FOREIGNNATIONALS
TheWestern Cape Government has welcomed the interventions implemented by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration constituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa and has offered itssupportto the committee’swork wherever necessary. Winde called on all foreign nationals living in the province without the required legal documentation to take immediatesteps to regularise their status in accordance with the country’s immigration laws.
“Extortion syndicates thrive when they believe they can operate with impunity. SAPSmust continue to disrupt these criminal networks by identifying their leadership structures, tracing their financial activities, and ensuring that thoseresponsible for intimidation, violence, and murder are removed from our communities,”she said.
Marais also urged members of the publictocome forward with information, warning that too many crimes go unreported.
“Reporting remains one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. Authorities can only act on extortion-related crimes when information is received. Too often, murders and acts of intimidation occur because criminal activities go unreported. Anonymous reporting can save lives, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent future extortionrelated killings,”she said.
Marais confirmed she would closely monitor the progress of the investigation. Candidate safetymust be reviewed TheGOOD Party called on the Electoral Commission, the City of Cape Townand the police to urgently review the safetyof candidates, party workers and registration staff across Cape Townahead of the November Local Government Elections.
“Noperson should have to weigh their life against theirwillingness to serve,” Cupido said.
He addressed activists across the Cape Flats who wereout registering votersover the weekend: “Your work matters, and political violence cannot be allowed to silence it.”
POLICEINVESTIGATING
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the case remained open and that no arrests had been made. “The matter is still under investigation, and thereare no new developments to report at thisstage,” van Wyk said.
Rietvleiwaterbodyreopens
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Water sportsenthusiasts and visitors to Rietvlei can once again enjoy the full waterbody after the City of Cape Town announcedthat the previously closed section of the vlei has officially reopened following improved water quality results. The Cityconfirmed last week thatthe portion of the Rietvlei waterbody within
PREVIOUSLYCLOSED SECTION OF THE VLEI REOPENED AFTER IMPROVED WATER QUALITY RESULTS
(E.coli) levels in the system exceedingthe threshold for intermediate recreation,”the City explained.
environmentalgroups have previously raised concernsabout nutrient build-up and repeatedpollutionevents affecting the ecological health of the vlei Despite thereopening,the City says monitoringwill continue to ensure waterquality remains within acceptable standards andtoprotectboth recreational usersand thesensitive ecosystem.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation and understanding,”the City said. For now, the reopening comes as welcome news for recreational users who have been waiting for water quality conditions to improve and for full access to one of the area's most popular water sport destinations to be restored.
Policeseekhelptoidentifysuspects
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
Police detectives are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying and locating three men who may be able to assist with an ongoing murder investigationfollowing afatal shooting at NewsCafé in Marine Circle, TableView.
The appeal comes nearly amonth after 33-year-old Vhahangwele Makolana was gunned down in broad daylightata popular restaurant in the area.
According to police,the incident occurred on 25 May at approximately
14:00 when Makolana was seated inside the establishment. Threeunidentified men allegedly entered the restaurant, approached him andopened fire. The suspects allegedly stole two laptops anda cellular phone before fleeingthe scene.
Makolana was declared dead at thescene by medical personnel.
DETECTIVESRELEASEPHOTOGRAPHS
The Provincial Seriousand Violent Crimes Unit hasnow released photographs of thethree men whom investigators believe maybeable to assist with thecase.
Western Cape policespokesperson Capt FC van Wyksaid detectives are urgently seekinginformation that could help identify andlocatethe individuals.
“Theprovincial serious and violent crimesunitdetectives are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying and locating thepersons portrayed in the attached photographs whom police believe can helpthem with their investigation into amurder case,”said Van Wyk.
He urgedanyone who mayrecognise the men or have information regarding their whereabouts to come forward.
“An appeal is hereby made to anyone whomay have information regarding the identities and whereabouts of thesepeople
MEN LINKED TO ONGOING MURDER INVESTIGATION AT NEWS CAFE IN MARINE CIRCLE
“I’mrelieved they say it was targeted and not random, but it still makes you think about safety in areas we visitall the time,” he said.
PRECINCTREASSUREDPUBLIC
Following the shooting, the Beach Boulevard Business District and Marine Circle Precinct Management described the
Windsurfpaddlerrescued
Cableway to close forservice
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
A43-year-old man was rescuedafter alarge-scale searchoperation was launched when he went missing while paddling on awindsurf board off thecoast of Bloubergstrand yesterday afternoon(Tuesday 16 June).
Emergency services were mobilised shortly after 15:00 following reports from the public who noticed the man appearing to be in distress offshore near Ons Huisie restaurant.
According to Rowan Marais, NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, multiple eyewitnesses alerted the NSRI Emergency Operations Centreafter spotting the paddler struggling in rough conditions.
“The NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene while our Melkbosstrand duty crew launched the rescue craft West Coast Relief. BigBay Surf Lifesavingand the City of Cape Town's water rescue network werealso activated.”
EXTENSIVESEARCHLAUNCHED
As rescue teams made their wayto the scene witnesses reported thatthe paddler could no longer be seen fromthe shoreline.
This prompted an extensive sea and shoreline search involving NSRI rescue crews, Big Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguards, Cape Town Fire and RescueServices, Disaster Risk Management, Community Medics, WesternCape Government Health EMS, the police and the West Coastcoast watchers network
An EMSrescue helicopter was placed on standby while arescue-squaddrone unit was dispatched to assist in locating the missingman.
LARGE-SCALENSRISEARCH
OPERATION IN BLOUBERG LOCATESMISSING MAN OFFSHORE
FOUNDAMONGROCKSATKIDSROCK
During thesearchoperation crews located the paddler trapped among rocks at Kids Rock
An NSRI rescue swimmerwas deployed from the rescue craft andreached the man beforesecuringhim andassisting withhis rescue fromthe rocky shoreline.
“The manwas locatedbetween the rocks at Kids Rock,” Marais said. “An NSRI rescueswimmerreached him from the rescue craftand secured him before he wasbrought safely aboard.”
Therescue craft transported the man to shoreatSmall Bay, where paramedics immediately began treatment.
TREATEDFORHYPOTHERMIA
The paddlerwas found to be suffering from hypothermia andwas describedas being in aserious condition when rescued After receivingemergencymedical treatment on the beach he was transported by ambulance to hospital. Marais saidthe man wasstabilisedbefore being taken to amedicalfacility, where he is expected to makeafull recovery.
The windsurf board was later recovered.
TEAMWORKCREDITEDFORLIFE-SAVINGRESCUE
NSRI spokespersonCraig Lambinon praised the coordinatedresponse by all agencies involvedinthe operation
“This rescue highlights the value of rapid reporting by eyewitnesses and the outstanding cooperation between multiple
Emergencycrews
emergency services. Their swift response and teamwork played acritical role in ensuringthatthisman was found and rescuedalive.”
The man, from Limpopo, who is understood to be living in the Bloubergstrand area, hadreportedly been paddlingonawindsurf board when he encountered difficulties offshore.
The NSRIhas commended all responding agencies whose combined efforts contributedtothe successful rescue and is reminding water users to be aware of weatherand sea conditions before venturing ontothe water.
TheTable Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) will temporarily suspend operations at the iconic Table Mountain for an annual maintenance period, from Monday 27 JulytoSunday 9 August.
Thetwo-week shutdown forms part of the company's longstanding commitment to safety, reliabilityand world-class operational standards.
TMACC said in astatement the closure will allow itsskilled technical team to carry out acomprehensive programme of scheduled inspections, mechanical upgrades, and essential maintenance work on the rotary cable car system.
This annual process is acritical component on the company's operational calendar, ensuring that all equipment, infrastructure, and safetysystems are thoroughly assessed and serviced beforea busy summer season later in the year
Therotary cable cars, which offer 360-degree views during the ascent and descent, are subject to rigorous international safetyprotocols making annual maintenance not only routine but essential. TMACC said alternative ways to experience Table Mountain, including several well-maintained hiking trails, will remain accessible to the publicthroughout the maintenance period, weather permitting.
For those celebrating birthdays in July or August, the TMACC has confirmed that the timing of the closure will still allow sufficient time within both months to redeem acomplimentary birthday return ticket. Visitors are advised to check the official website for terms and conditions relating to the birthday ticket offer. . Book ticketsinadvance throughthe official TableMountain Aerial Cableway websiteto secure your spot
rescue amissing paddlerfromrocks off the Blouberg coastline afteranextensivesearch operation. PHOTO:NSRI
Cablewaytocloseforservice
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) will temporarily suspend operations at the iconic Table Mountain foran annual maintenanceperiod, from Monday27 July to Sunday 9August
The two-week shutdown formspartof the company's longstanding commitment to safety, reliability and world-class operational standards.
UPGRADESANDINSPECTIONS
TMACC said in astatement the closure will allowits skilledtechnical teamto carry out acomprehensive programme of scheduled inspections, mechanical
COMPANY ANNOUNCES THATTABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY WILL BE CLOSED FORTWO WEEKS
DURINGJULYAND AUGUST
upgrades, andessentialmaintenancework on therotary cablecar system
This annual process is acritical componentonthe company's operational calendar, ensuring that all equipment, infrastructure, and safety systems are thoroughly assessed andserviced before a
busy summerseason later in the year
TOURISTATTRACTION
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which first opened in 1929, remains one of South Africa's most visited tourist attractions, welcomingthousands of local and international visitors annually.
The rotary cablecars,which offer 360-degreeviews during the ascent and descent, are subjecttorigorous international safety protocols making annual maintenancenot only routine but essential.
TMACC said alternative ways to experience Table Mountain, including
several well-maintained hiking trails,will remain accessible to the publicthroughout the maintenance period, weather permitting.
For those celebrating birthdays in July or August, the TMACC has confirmed that the timing of the closure will stillallow sufficient time within both months to redeem acomplimentary birthday return ticket.
Visitors are advised to check the official website for terms and conditions relating to the birthday ticket offer.
. Book ticketsinadvance throughthe official
TableMountain Aerial Cableway websiteto secure your spot
Newsafety function on City app goes live
Back whereitbelongs
Thepurposeofthe annual work is to return windblown sand to the seaand backinto circulation. Thefrontal nets at the toe of the rehabilitated duneswerelifted and the cleanaccumulatedsand was placed into thesea below thelow-watermark. Thework was performedusing an excavatorand an articulated tipper truck.
Dune rehabilitation is the most cost-effective and pragmatic approach to protect ecosystems and ecologicalinfrastructure. When fully functional, dune systems help create quality coastalspaces forall
Followyour Cityon: www.
KORTLIKS
Raising relief thresholds
Measures through whichrates and services relief will be offeredinclude a proposed raisingofthe thresholdsfor indigentrelief. Propertiesvaluedup to R620 000 (upfromR500000)will receivea 100% rebate forwater and sanitation, whilethose valued up to R580 000 (upfromR450000)willget a100%rebatefor refuse collection
More pensioners andsocialgrant recipients also standtobenefitfromCity aid: Ratesrebates andLifelineelectricity will be availabletothose with amonthly household income of up to R27000, regardless of property value(up from R22000,and officiallySouth Africa’s
Inwoners het op 9Mei na die Wesfleur-atletiekstadion gestroom om Internasionale Brandbestrydersdag saam met die Stad se brand- en reddingsdiens te vier.Die jaarlikse byeenkoms is ’n geleentheid om erkenningte gee aan ons brandbestryders én om hullevoertuie en toerusting van nader te bekyk.
Die Stad se begroting vir 2026/27 maak voorsiening vir sowat R8,3miljardsebelasting- en diensgeldverligting vir kwalifiserende inwoners. Boonop saldie belastingop ongeveer 60% vaneiendomme hetsydaal of onveranderd bly,ondankssterk groei in eiendomswaardes in Kaapstad. GrondverskuiwingswerkisinMei uitgevoerom opgehoopte sand by verskeie van die Stad se duinrehabilitasieprojekte in Table View,Houtbaai, Witsand,
Monwabisi en Fleur Park weg te stoot. Diedoelvan dié jaarlikse werkisomskoon waaisand terug te plaas in diesee, van waar ditweerkan sirkuleer
Die Stad wil kleinskaalseontwikkelaars en grondeienaarsinuitgesoekte gebiede help om bekostigbare huurwoonstelle (ARF’s)van ’n beter gehalte op hulle grond te bou. Die deskundige spanvan die tak vir plaaslike beplanningsondersteuning staan gereed om gratis advies tebied aan diegene wat ARF’sophulle erwe wil bou. Verteenwoordigersvan die WestelikeProvinsie serugbyklubs het in April metdie Stad vergader vir die eerste in ’n reeksontmoetingsombande met die sportgemeenskapteversterk.
lowering in thepropertyrates formula (orthe ‘rate-in-rand’). ThefirstR500000 of property values will also be ratesfree (upfromR450000), whichwill applytoall homesuptoR8million (upfromR7million).
*Visit https://bit.ly/3PTgvAu for more on ratesand tariffsreliefaswellasthe averagetariffs proposed for 2026/27.
No kicksortries,just strengthening ties: In April, the City welcomed representativesfrom theWestern Province’s rugbyclubs to thefirstina series of seminars aimed at thesportingfraternity. Amongothers, club representatives were informedofthe City’s annual maintenanceplans forsporting facilities across town,facilities developmentinitiatives,lease and management agreements,and even eventpermittingprocesses This forms part of efforts to strengthen theCity’srelationship with thesportingcommunity
TheCity’smobile appnow allows residents to log certain categories of by-law transgressions and policing incidents in aclick or two
Fornow,reportscan be made in 17 categories (including metal theft, public drinking, abandoned or broken-down vehicles, problem buildings, and poaching), with moretobephasedinover time. If anincident type is not yet available for in-app reporting, you will be redirected to the PublicEmergency Communication Centreon 021 480 7700.
Benefits of beingonthe app
Theapp is data-light, and the City hopes to makeitfree-useinthe future. All reports areautomatically geolocated and routed to the relevant City department. As users tend to provide moreaccurate details via the app,including pictures,this enables afaster,more effective response.
Reports can be submitted discreetly, withoutdrawing attentiontothose logging incidents in public spaces.Basedonincidents logged withthe City, registered app users also receive alerts, helping to improve awarenessofincidents in surroundingareas.
*Get the app in the Apple App StoreorGoogle Play Store.
Click for asafer Cape Town:
TheCity’s apphas been further enhanced,creating azippier wayto notify the municipality of incidents thatrequireapolicingresponse.
Investinginlibraries,investing in opportunity
Ofthe many investments we make in the City’s public facilities– sports grounds, swimming pools, parks, community halls and more –one that means alot tome is the money we spendonour public libraries.
We have 102 libraries across the metro, and theyare among themost important public facilitieswemanage Theseare far more than simply places totakeout abook: Our librariesare where peopleget free access to the internet; where theyresearchand applyfor jobs; where children can study and makeuse oflearning support programmes
Our libraries arewellused in every single community,and library membershipacrossCape Town continuestogrow. Last year,City librariesreceived morethanseven millionvisits!
Whatreally excitesmeisthe moneyweare spending to upgrade libraries in Cape Town’slower-income communities.Every rand spentmakes ahuge difference in people’s lives by offering access to learning and
AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
work opportunities.
We arebusy witha large upgrade to the Lwandle library–alsoknownasthe Hector Petersonmemorial library–that will see the facilitydouble in size by the endof2026.InBrown’s Farm,weare refurbishing ourlibrarythatsuffered
severedamage back in 2023. The refurbished Khayelitsha library officially reopenedinJune,asdid the nearby Nazeema Isaacslibrary,where we did extensive work to the roof and ceilings,restrooms, paving and library halls.Wealso recentlyrefurbished our libraries in Woodstock, Tafelsig andLanga.
We encourageCapetonians to join theirlocal libraries. While you do nothavetobeamember to visit alibrary, membershipdoesunlock a numberofbenefits, from borrowing readingmaterial to accessing digital resources. At the endoflast year,our total library membershipstood at just over 253000.Signing up is quick and easy –you just need your ID and proof of address.
Iinvite youtomakegood use of these wonderful facilities. Be assured that we will never stop investing in stockingCity librarieswith booksand equipment, and keeping themintiptop shape.
Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor
Meter replacements ticking alongnicely
TheCity’swater meter replacement drive started in August 2025. By the end of June 2026, the teams will have replaced some 62 000 meters. Thebrass metersare often targeted fortheirscrap metal value, while their accuracy also declines over time.
As part of the replacement project, watermeters arealso being moved to moreaccessiblelocationsoutside private propertiesfor easier reading
Subscribe to CityNews
If you wouldlike CityNews deliver straight to your inbox, sign up at www.capetown.gov.za/subscribe. CityNewsOnline is delivered everytwo weeks and includesrec highlights, service delivery notices reminders andalerts.
CityNews is distributed as an insert number of community papers.
It is also available at City walk-in centres, at City libraries, on PressR and at some MyCiTistations.
If you want it emailed to you, send your email address to citynews@capetown.gov.za.
TheCity means business: In April, theownersof35small businesses registeredasvendors on theCity’sdatabaseattended themunicipality’ssupplier developmentworkshop. The workshop equipped them to become suppliersofchoice in theirindustriesand grow theirventures. Topics covered included supply chainintegration, customer and market positioning, financialgrowth, and performance management.Participantswere selected and vetted viathe City’s Business Hub. Formoreabout theCity’senterprisedevelopment programmes, contactthe Business Hubonbusiness.support@ capetown.gov.zaor021 4174043. To registerfor free Business Hubcourses,gotohttps://www investcapetown.com/news-events/ business-events-in-cape-town/.
and maintenance. Additionally, new waterconnections arebeing installedfor individuallandbuyers planning development.
Wary?Not to worry– we’ll confirm
City-appointed contractor Gunning Construction and Civils is performing the work. Youwill receiveanofficial letter notifying you of yourmeter replacement.
KORTLIKS
Die Stad se mobiele toepassing laat inwoners nou toe om sekeresoorte oortredings en voorvalle wat polisiëring vereis metdie druk van’nknoppie aan te meld.Dié oortredings sluit in metaaldiefstal, drankgebruik in die openbaar, voertuiewat agtergelaat word probleemgeboue en stropery.Verdere aanmeldingskategorieë sal mettertyd beskikbaarkom.
Diemiljoenerandewat die Stad in sy bibliotekebelê, ontsluit ’n magdom moontlikhedevir inwoners ’n Stadsbiblioteek is veelmeer as ’n plek om ’nboek uitteneem: Dit is waar mensegratis internettoegang kry, waar hulle nawerksgeleenthedekan soek en daarvoor aansoekdoen, waar kinders aan skooltakekan werkenleerondersteuning kanontvang, envele meer.Die Stad het 102 bibliotekedeurdie hele metro, en
If no one is home when the contractor visits, anote withdetails of the next scheduled visit will be left
To confirm whether the workis legitimate, use your account number to check via WhatsApp (060 018 1505), SMS (31373, ≤160 characters) or email (water@capetown.gov.za). Alternatively, verifyonline (www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests) or withthe City’scall
lidmaatskap is gratis
Die eienaars van 35 kleinsake wat as verskaffers op die Stad se databasis geregistreer is,het in April die munisipaliteit se werksessie vir verskaffersontwikkeling bygewoon.Die sessiehet hulle toegerus om voorkeurverskaffers op hulle gebied te word en hulle ondernemings te laat groei. DieStadseprojekomverouderde watermeters te vervanghet in Augustus 2025 begin.Teen die einde van Junie is sowat 62 000 meters reeds vervang. Terselfdertyd word meters na toegankliker plekke buite privaat eiendommeverskuif sodat dit makliker gelees en in standgehou kanword. Swaar reën in Mei het Kaapstad se damvlakke tot72,8% opgestoot,wat heelwat meer is as die 62,9% wat op die ooreenstemmende tydstip verlede jaar aangeteken is.
centre (0860 103 089).
Smart’s separate
Thesemeterreplacements areseparate from the City’stransition to smart water metering technology, also knownas ‘advancedmetering infrastructure’ (AMI). Thesemeters arebeing rolled out in phasesinselected pilot areas, with some 83 000 going in by February 2029.
TheCity has been hardatwork, maintaining and improving roads and pedestrianinfrastructureacross Area North over the past months.
In Brooklyn,footways were built along KoebergRoad, Vasco Street (between Kings Road and Da Gama Street), Dreyer Street and Kettley Way, and parking embayments wereimplemented along Poole Street (between Curlew Street and Festival Road) New manholes werealso installed in Koeberg, Ramp Bypass, Kings and Section roads to temporarily improve drainage and prevent water build-up
Work in Parklands included the construction of footways at the corner of Dorchester and Wood drives, temporary propping for stormwater manholes in St John’sWood and ParklandsMain roads, and kerb and verge repairs at 18 Wimbledon Way.
In Table View,a raised intersection and footway were built alongJanssensAvenue, and aspeedhump was installed in Pentz Drive.
Footways wereadded along Link Road (between Montague Drive and Railway Road) in Montague Gardens,while Bosmansdam and Koebergroads as well as CenturyBoulevard in Montague Gardens and Century City wereresurfaced. In Rugby,resurfacing wasdone on Da Gama and Vasco streets, Lady Anne Walk and PrincessAlice Avenue, while Zonnekus and Vogelvlei roads in the Cape Farms area weregraded. Finally,in Melkbosstrand, pedestrian road markings and signage wereimprovedatthe intersectionofOttoduPlessis and Melkbosstrand roads to enhancepedestrian safety and encourage active mobility. Old road surfaces werealso replaced, and damaged kerbs and gutters repaired. Additionally,a raised intersection will be constructed along 11th Avenue and MostertRoad, and afootway along Harold Ashwell Boulevard.
KORTLIKS
Die Stad het onlangs drie gradeplegtighede gehou vir die eerste groep leerders in graad 6 en 7wat die munisipaliteit se program virjunior rivierbewaarders voltooi het. ’n Noodoefening in Bothasig op 6Mei het die Stad se gemeenskapsveiligheidsnetwerk op die proef gestel. Die oefening was indie vorm van’ngesimuleerdebomdreigement met ’n aktiewe verdagte op die toneel by dieAbe Shersportterrein. Buurtwagte, die distrikswag en ander veiligheidsvennote het saam met die Stad se direktoraat veiligheid en sekuriteit aan die aktiwiteit deelgeneem. Kwartaallikseoefeninge soos dié een toets gemeenskapstrukturese vermoë om flink en doeltreffend op noodgevalle te reageer.Buurtwagte en ander rolspelersuit die burgerlike samelewing bly noodsaaklikevennote gedurendeveiligheidsvoorvalle.
Altesaam R61 miljoen is belê in die opknapping van die atletiekbane in Wesfleur
Bigday for first junior river wardens
City’s first group of junior river wardens trainedand readytomakeadifference
The City recently held three graduationceremoniesin recognitionofthe first group of Grade6 and7learnerswho had completedthe municipality’s junior river wardens programme. Theceremonies were heldat Floreat, Ysterplaat and Red Riverprimary schools. Some of the graduateswillnow move on to Nature Connect’sprestigious programmefor conservation leaderstocontinuetheir growth throughtoGrade 12
Taught to tend ourrivers
Thejuniorriver wardensprogramme waslaunchedin 2025 to bridge the gap betweenclassroom learning and real-world conservation.Learnerstake part in practicalactivitiestomonitor
river health andbiodiversity. In this way, they learntosee themselves as ‘custodians’ whoare responsible for thesustainable management of their naturalsurroundings.
Theprogramme targetsprimary school learners interested in nature conservation.Recruitsare selected viaschools in specificcatchment areas or throughenvironmental education centres, with theCitynormally requesting nominations.
*For more informationonthe junior riverwardens programmeand the next intake,email Bronwen.Foster@ capetown.gov.zaordial021 3964283.
Small,but skilled: Learners across grades as well as parentsattendedthe junior riverwardens graduation at Ysterplaat Primary, celebrating thefirst cohort whohad successfullycompleted theCity’sriver conservation training for primaryschoolers
DrilltestsBothasig’scrisis response
Acommunity drill in Bothasig on 6May put the City’s community safety network tothe test. Thesimulated bomb threat with an active suspect on the scene at the Abe Sher sports ground brought together Bothasig,Edgemead and Zone 4neighbourhoodwatches, the district watch and othersafety partners alongsidethe City’s Safetyand Security Directorate.
Activatedthroughaseries of staged alert messages, participants had to secure all accesspoints to the facility, maintain a100 mperimeter,and relay
information in realtime to the City’sjoint operations centre.Quarterly drills suchas this put community structures through their paces to strengthenemergency response citywide.
Community responsekey Neighbourhood watches and civil society partners arecrucial in emergencies. This is whyadedicated communication platform givesthemavirtual presence in the joint operations centre during incidents,ensuring that when it counts, everyone is connected.
Theimprovedbus traffic signal systemhelps reduce confusionatthe road intersections, as it does notuse red, amberorgreen.Therefore,itis lesslikelytobe confused with the normal traffic signal system.The new traffic signal system’s only colour is
(Atlantis) en Blue Downs. Albei fasiliteite het gevolglik klas 2-sertifisering van Wêreldatletiek, dieinternasionalebeheerliggaam vir dié sport, ontvang. Wesfleur se sertifiseringgeld tot November2030. Die opknappings maak ditnou moontlikom groter byeenkomste en kompetisies aan te bied.Die grootste wenners is egter dieplaaslikeklubs, skole, jong atlete en gemeenskappe watnou toegang het tot’n wêreldklasfasiliteitomhulle sporttalente te slyp
Verskeie padwerkprojekte is die afgelope ruk onderneem, waaronder inBrooklyn,Parklands, TableView,Montague Gardens, Century City Rugby en Melkbosstrand.
DieStadhet sy innoverende verkeerseinstelsel vir MyCiTi-busse in Blaauwbergweg, Table View, verder uitgebreiná’n suksesvolle proefinMei 2022.Die stelsel gebruikslegs wit ligte om verwarringmet dierooi,groen en geel van gewone verkeersligte te voorkom
white, usingnew symbols. Thewhite signal system is nowoperationalin Wood andStudy roads,Blaauwberg andBoy de Goederoads,Blaauwberg, Gill andGie roads,and Blaauwberg, Koebergand Potsdamroads
Thesignals will be incrementally implementedacrossthe MyCiTi system andincludedinthe South AfricanRoadTrafficSigns Manual foruse by othercitiesand transport systemsinSouth Africa
Trackupgrade at Wesfleur arunawaysuccess
TheCityinvested R61 millionin refurbishing the Wesfleur (Atlantis) and Blue Downs athletics tracks. As aresult, both facilities recently received Class2 certification by World Athletics,the international governing bodyfor this sport. TheWesfleur certification is valid until November 2030.
In addition to the tartan track,the Wesfleur refurb included work on the long and triple jumpsections, pole vault lanes, take-offboards and runways, hammer throw and discus cage arenas,and steeple chase areas.
Community scores
Theupgrades enable the hosting of larger-scale events in future. Moreimportantly,however,local clubs, schools,young athletes and communities now havemore accessible, higher-quality spaces to hone their sporting talents Therefurbishments form part of acitywideprogramme that aimstoupgradesix regional recreational hubsand develop anew athletics facility in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.
Madethe cut: Thenewsthatthe upgraded Wesfleur athleticsstadium had received Class2 WorldAthletics certification made for an extra-specialribboncuttingevent at thenew-lookfacility.
Ready to respond: Communitymembers whotookpartinthe safety drillin Bothasig, proving that they areemergency-fit
Special shows for our smallest citizens: In April, the City’s Library and InformationServicespartnered with Cape Town Operatohosteight interactivetheatre experiencesfor preschoolers,theirparents and caregivers. TheeventsatGugulethu, Bellville, Milnerton, Retreatand SeaPoint librariesattracted more than 360people.
Treated effluent does the trick
Thankstothe growing uptakeof treated effluent, Cape Town saves morethan eight billion litres of drinking water every year.A totalof 345 users acrossa330 km network currently makeuse of treated effluent for non-potable purposes. This number is expected to grow as more infrastructurecomes online.
Putting water backtowork
TheCity supplies treated effluentfrom nine wastewater treatment works, including the Bellville, Kraaifontein and Potsdam plants in Area North. Treated effluent is wastewater that has been rigorously treated to make it safe for discharge into the environment. Aportion of this water is filteredeven further and supplied to businesscustomers for uses such as irrigation and industrial activities. Industries, sportsfacilities, parks and schools areencouragedto explorethis alternative. Treated effluent connections arenot available toindividual households, to eliminate any chance of cross-connection or contamination.
*For moreinformation on how to accesstreated effluent for your business, visit https://bit.ly/48ZUbck.
KORTLIKS
Allpitchintoprotect Mosselbank river
Teamwork, trees and community dedication help restoreriverhealth
Over50residents from thewider Fisantekraal andGreenville communityjoinedanEarth Day tree planting marathon on thebankofthe Mosselbankriver in Fisantekraal in April. Coordinatedbythe MosselbankRiver Conservation Team (MRCT),the event wassupported by theCity’sRecreation andParks Department,the Durbanville LionsClub, BuchuFarmPty Ltd, VULAEnvironmental Services,Osdam, andSmuts &Co.
TheMosselbankriver playsan importantpartinreducingfloodriskin winter,and also supports biodiversity andkey ecosystemservices. Yetthe area facesgrowing pressure from illegal dumping,windblownlitter, invasive alienvegetation, erosionand fire damage.Community involvementis
Cleaning up Cape Town,one communityata time: TheCitythanksall community groups,organisationsand residents who have takenthe initiative to organiseclean-upeventsintheir areas. In the2025/26 financial year,the City supported80such clean-ups by providing refuse bags andremovingbaggedwaste for disposal.Thisisanimportant exampleofhow communities canworkwiththe Citytoimprove localcleanliness andpushbackagainst illegal dumping. To startorganisingaclean-upevent in yourarea, go to theCity’swebsite for theapplication formand guidelines.Enter “Prevent illegal dumping” in thesearchbox,go tothe page,and scroll to theverybottomfor thenecessary documents.
key to thelong-term protection of the riversystem.
Grantput to good use
As oneof22recipientsofCitygrant fundingfor 2026,the MRCT is puttingtheir fundingtowards employing riverguardians, restoringthe riverbank, andmaintaining andimproving theriver’s overallhealth. They have removedmorethan 1,3tonnesof litter from theriver system sincelaunching theiractivitiesatthe endofFebruary.
Together,we’re taking back ourriver: Despitethe grey weather, adetermined groupofresidents and City stakeholders showed up to help plantmorethan 100trees and 200plantsalong thebank of Fisantekraal’s Mosselbank rivertomark EarthDay
One business’s waste another’s win with WISP
Morethan 60 local manufacturers took part in the 15th Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP)workshop,hostedinApril by GreenCape, the City’s special purpose vehicle.The eventhelped businesses develop mutually beneficial partnerships whereone company canrecover,reprocess and reuse another’sunderutilised resources or waste.
Impact’s impressive Through its workshops and business networking efforts, WISP –afree facilitation service –has diverted 146 000 tonnesofwaste from landfill and saved 435 000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions since 2013. That emissions saving is equivalent to the electricity use of nearly 120 000 households.
*For moreinformation, go to https://greencape.co.za/sector/ circular-economy/wisp/.
Die Stad se biblioteek-eninligtingsdienste het inApril met Kaapstad Operasaamgewerk om agt interaktiewe teaterervarings vir voorskoolse kinders, hulle ouers en versorgers aan te bied. Meer as 360 mense het die vertonings by die biblioteke in Gugulethu, Bellville, Milnerton, Retreaten Seepunt bygewoon.
’n Vasberade groep van meeras50inwoners en Stadsrolspelers het oor die 100 bome en 200 plante op die walle van die Mosselbankrivier in Fisantekraal help plant. Die plantsessie was ’n manier om Aardedag te vier en die langtermynbeskerming van die rivierstelsel te bevorder
Die Stad bedank alle gemeenskapsgroepe, organisasies en inwoners wat die afgelope boekjaar dieinisiatiefgeneem het om skoonmaaksessies inhulle gebiede te reël. Die munisipaliteithet in
2025/26 altesaam 80 sulkesessies ondersteun deur vullissakketevoorsien en die vol sakke rommel te verwyder
Meer as 60 plaaslike vervaardigers het in April aan die 15de werksessie van dieWes-Kaapse Nywerheidsimbioseprogram (WISP) deelgeneem. Die geleentheid het ondernemings wedersyds voordelige vennootskappe help vorm waar een maatskappy ’n ander se onderbenuttehulpbronne of afval kanherwin,herverwerk of hergebruik.
Danksy die toenemende gebruikvan behandelde uitvloeiwater vir niedrinkgebruike soos besproeiing en verkoelingspaar Kaapstad noujaarliksmeer as agt miljard liter drinkwater Altesaam 345 gebruikers oor’nnetwerk van330 km maak tansvan dié waardevolle hulpbron gebruik.
www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater Report and track faults
www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
e-Services www.capetown.gov.za/eServices Contactthe City www capetown.gov.za/contacts Budget www.capetown.gov.za/budget Tariffs www.capetown.gov.za/tariffs
Policiesand by-laws www.capetown.gov.za/policies Council matters www.capetown.gov.za/council
AREA NORTHCONTACT DETAILS
Tel. 021 444 6174
Cape Town CivicCentre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town
Subcouncil 1
Tel. 021 444 6037
Cnr Grosvenor and Hermes avenues, Saxonsea,Atlantis
Subcouncil 2
Tel. 021 444 1130
Municipal offices,Brighton Road, Kraaifontein
Subcouncil 3
Tel. 021 444 4862
Municipal offices, Royal Ascot, Bridle Way, Milnerton
Subcouncil 7 Tel. 021 400 2344
Municipal offices, OxfordStreet, Durbanville
Subcouncil16
Tel. 021 487 2079 11th floor,44WaleStreet, Cape Town
EcoChallengeclosesonahighnote
KAILINDANIELS KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The Save aFishie Schools Eco Challengecame to avibrant closelast weekend,aslearners from across Cape Town gathered for afinalbeach clean-up and awards ceremony marking the end of months of environmental learning, action and friendly competition
The initiative, which combined hands-on education with environmental awareness andteamwork, ended on ahigh noteas schools reflected on theirachievements and the impact of their efforts
SUNSHINE,SCHOOLPRIDEANDCOASTALACTION
Under clear skies and warm conditions participating schools arrivedatthe coastline proudly carrying flags, with many showcasing their handmade “recycling monsters” created during the programme.
The atmosphere was energetic and celebratory, with excitement building up as more than 100 volunteers preparedto take part in the final clean-up effort.
Together, volunteersremoved 173 kg of litter from the beach.
While much of the waste consisted of small plastic fragments organisersstressed thatevery item collected played arolein reducing harm to marine ecosystems
“Every item removedwas one lesspiece that could harm our environment,” said Save aFishie founder Zoë Prinsloo
After the clean-up participants gathered for alarge group photograph before heading into the awards ceremony
Schools recognised for environmental achievement
For the 26 participating schools the competition throughout the challenge remained intense, with learners
constantly demonstratingcommitment to environmentalaction.
FINALRESULTS:
. 5th Place: BayPrimary School
. 4th Place: KenridgePrimary School
. 3rdPlace (R5 000): Rallim PreI Prep I
Secondary
. 2ndPlace (R10 000): Laerskool
Durbanville Primary School
. 1st Place (R20 000): Liebenberg Primary School
Allparticipatingschoolsreceived certificates and handcraftedwooden medals in recognitionoftheir efforts throughout the programme
EMOTIONALCELEBRATIONSAT
AWARDSCEREMONY
The awards ceremonywas marked by loud cheers, celebrations andemotional moments as learners reflected on monthsofteamwork andenvironmental learning
Organisers said the response from learners highlightedhow meaningful the initiative had been.
“It was incredible to see howmuchit meanttothe learners,” said Save aFishie founder Zoë Prinsloo.
“The energy, the pride, even the tearsof joyshowed just howpowerful this journey hadbeen.”
Organisers thanked volunteers, including membersofthe JuniorCity Council, as well as Robyn,Dominique andDylan, who assistedonthe day.
Appreciation was alsoextended to
Woolworthsand aQuellé for providing refreshments andtophotographer Uhla BarlowPhotography for capturing the event
The City of Cape Town was also thanked for its fundingand support,which made theprogramme possible at scale.
IMPACTTOCONTINUEBEYONDFINALEVENT
Although thebeach clean-up marked the conclusionofthisyear’s challenge, Save a Fishie said the impact of the programme would continue to be shared through upcoming featuresonparticipating schools and their environmental projects.
Attentionthen shifted to the next phase of theinitiative,asSave aFishie prepared to launch its Guides &Scouts Eco Challenge Edition
TURNINGAWARENESSINTOACTION
Participating schools formed Eco Teams of 20 learners who completed a seriesofpractical challenges designed to createmeasurable environmental impact within theirschoolsand surrounding communities.
Theprogramme moved beyond theory and placed learners at the centreofrealworld environmental action.
Activities included school and community clean-ups, recycling drives, water conservation awareness campaigns, environmental education projects and creative reuse tasks such as “recycling monster” builds.
“These hands-on activities aimed to inspire long-term behaviour change among learners, their families and broader school communities,”said Save aFishie founder Zoë Prinsloo.
BUILDINGFUTUREENVIRONMENTALLEADERS
Thecampaign aimed to involve up to 50 schools, directly reaching more than 1000 learners and indirectly impacting thousands more.
“When young people saw the impact of theiractions and realised they could be part of the solution, lasting change began,” said Prinsloo.
She added that support from the City of Cape Townhad been crucial in expanding the reach of the programme.
LiebenbergPrimarySchool wascrownedoverall winner.
Many were born-free... none felt it
On 16 June 1976 twelve-year-old Hector Pieterson was shot by apartheid policeon the streets of OrlandoWest, Soweto Sam Nzima’s photograph captured what followed: Hector’s body cradled in the arms of Mbuyisa Makhubo,his sister Antoinette Sitholerunning alongside,her mouth open in ascream that hasnever really stopped. Approximately 566 learners were killed.
Not yet old enough to vote, to own property,tomove freely through the country of their birth. But they understood, with extraordinary clarity, that the system shaping their lives was wrong, and that silence wasnolongera form of survival.
Politics were not foreign in myhome Igrew up sitting at my grandmother’s feet, listening to her describeanera Ihad notlived but somehow already felt. She sang the struggle songs and Iwould chant along, understanding the weight. History was not handed to me in aclassroom. Icarried that into journalism, arriving at university,doing ashort course, freelancing for acommunity newspaper, reading news for acommunity radio station when Fees Must Fall arrived at its peak. Idocumented and interviewed student activists the same age asthe children of 1976. Many wereborn-free.
This Youth Day,watching Netflix’s documentary The Trials of Winnie Mandela, which aired in April, Ifound myself pulled back into that conversation Born-freecarries both promise and paradox. We were supposedtobe the dividend of sacrifice made flesh. Instead, many of us inherited the debt of unfinished business.
Stats SA’s Q1 2026 Quarterly Labour ForceSurvey records youth unemployment among SouthAfricans aged 15 to 24 at 60,9%.Among thoseaged 15 to 34, it is 45,8%.
Not projections. Adescription of now. The documentary streams into over 190 countries on an American platform.South Africanmemory now reaches subscribers who have never heard of Brandfort. Who tells the story and forwhom isnot separate from thestory.
But beneaththe production, publisher Palesa Morodu raises the question threading the series: how do we hold politicalfigures accountable while acknowledging the violence and pressure of the systems they operatedwithin?
Onemoment stopped me.
Winnie recalls telling Tata Nelson Mandela during the transition: “I begged tata and told him thisisadummy freedom we are giving to thepeople.In20years’ time, the same memorandumwecarried to theapartheid governmentwill be carried to us.”
The students of 1976also carried a memorandum. Shot at for demanding dignity in their own language, their own schools, their own country.
Halfacentury later,youngSouth Africans arestill marching. Stillwriting memorandums. Still being told to wait. What happens to thewarnings carried by the young? Whathappens to women who refuse to be softened?
And what does it say about our democracy if it still struggles to answer the children who marched into bullets, asking simply to be free?
-NAMHLAMONAKALI
YouthDay:Remembering therealmeaning
As South Africans, we recentlycommemorated Youth Day, apublicholidaythathonours the braveryand sacrificeofthe youngpeoplewho stood up against injustice during the Soweto uprisingof16June1976. Whileitisencouragingtosee schools, communities and organisationshosting Youth Dayevents, Ioften wonderhow many of today's youngpeopletrulyunderstand the significance of this day. Formany, it has becomejust another holiday, aday off from school or work, rather than amoment to reflect on the courage of theyouth who fought forthe freedoms we enjoy today. Theyoung peopleof1976risked their livesto challengeanunfair system. Manypaid theultimate price.Theymarched not forpersonal gain, but forthe future of generations theywouldnever meet.Their actions helped shape the democratic South Africawe
live in today.
Unfortunately, as the years pass, thesestories seem to be fading from public memory. Whilehistoryis taught in schools, it is importantthatparents, educators andcommunityleaders continue to share these experiences with youngergenerations. If we fail to do so,the true meaningofYouth Daymay be lost
Our youth face differentchallenges today, including unemployment,crime,substance abuse andsocial pressures. Understandingthe struggles andsacrifices of those who came before them caninspireresilience, responsibilityand activecitizenship Youth Dayshouldbemorethanacelebration.It should be areminder of where we come from,what wassacrificed, andthe role youngpeoplestillhavein shaping SouthAfrica's future.
PETERJACOBS, Bellville
Vote forpeople,not political parties, in municipalities
Ithought the worldhad gone mad whenadeadman wonthe municipal election in Westridge, Mitchells Plain—byalandslide!
It was1999 andthe country’ssecondevermunicipal electionhad just concluded
Istood in amazementand stared at the resultsand wondered howthe sane,rational andintelligent voters of thatareacould knowinglygotothe pollsand elect someone from beyond thegrave?The answerwas simple. People knewthathehad died, but theywent to the polls and searched forthe partyherepresented and votedfor that. He wonbydefault. Thefactthat therewerebetter, morequalified andlivingcandidates alongside the dead man on the ballot —most of whom stoodasindependent candidateswith no political affiliations —made no matter. Voters didn’t look or care whowereinthe picturesbeside the party logo wheretheymade their cross.
Fora municipal election, this is acryingshame.Party politics shouldhavenoswayinwardelections. The peoplewho take to the podiums —whichlatelywecall social media— andmakeimpassioned, tear-jerking speeches about broad-sweepingissues and policies, don’t know—orcare— about whatishappening in your street,inyour suburb,onyour block. Those glossy and well-spoken politicians representthe most public face of the partyand useevery opportunityto point manicured fingers at their opposition and say: “Doyou seeeverything theyare doing wrong?”, while forgetting about thethree manicured fingers pointing back at them. Their job is to look pretty and make peopleliketheir partysothattheycan win seatsin parliament.Down-on-thegroundpolitics is only worth
their attention whentheyneed to reel in votes.
PerhapsIsoundcynical but it is acynicism rooted in experience. And hereisthatexperience: twomunicipal elections ago, amember of my church told me during aparishsocial that he hadbeen approached by a well-known andpopular political partyasa possible candidate forthe upcoming municipal elections. He wasrather flattered by the invitation.
Ilooked at himwith raised eyebrows— though only inwardly.Hewas ahandsomeguy and, at that time,quiteyoung. He hadafairlydecent education though it didn’t always show. He wasoutspokenand somewhatdynamic. He wouldhavemade agood politician, hadhehad anypolitical motivations, vocations towardspublicserviceorcommunityexperienceofany sort —but he didnot
Whyhad this partyconsidered him?Theywent with someone else in theend butthe officialcandidatewas almost acarbon copy of this guy. Also,why wasthe partydoingthe seekingand notthe candidate? Surely it should be the other wayaround?
Butparties yousee hadcottoned on to what voters were doing —perhapsthey’dbeen clued in when the dead candidate waselected. And, what peopleare doing is voting forparties andnot forthe qualified peoplewho candothe job.So, in light of this, it made sensethattheywouldapproach reasonablywell-lookingand moderatelyintelligent beings to standfor them in wards, wheretheycouldamasssmall pockets of power. That wayifthe voterdoes by anychance glance acrosstothe picture beside the partylogo, they might like whattheysee GLENDA, Portland
Common senseor misplaced priorities?
Therecent TygerBurger articles, “Desalination plant drawsfire”and “Moreissues with planned desalination plant”,havehighlighted growing public concern about the City’sproposeddesalination plantatPaarden Eiland. Theissue is notwhether desalination is necessary.Mostresidents of the WesternCape fullysupport major desalination projects as part of along-term strategytosecurethe province’swater future. The real question is whether Paarden Eilandisthe right location forsuch asignificantinvestment Supporterspointtothe site’sproximitytoseawater, relativelyprotected shoreline,and reduced exposureto severe oceanconditions. However, theseadvantages areoutweighed by seriousconcerns.
Paarden Eilandislocated in aheavilyindustrialised andcongested area,with seawater qualitypotentially affected by shipping activity, industrial operations, anddischargefromthe BlackRiver.The siteoffers limitedopportunities forintegratinglarge-scale solar andwind energy,which couldsignificantlyreducethe high operatingcosts associatedwith desalination. In addition,thereislittlescope forfutureexpansion andnonearbybulk storageinfrastructurecapableof supportingastrategic waterreserve Thepublic supports desalination but notspending billionsa project in the wrongplace BENGROENEWALD,Plattekloof
Concern overanimal sheltercrisis
Ihavebeen saddened to read recent articlesoverthe past weeksconcerning dog rescue centreinMelkbos, TableViewand Milnertonareas under threatofclosure. Theworstbeing the raid by the SPCAinDunoon Animal welfarewas considered apriorityin1895before childwelfareand the concept spreadthroughout the world. In life thereare the ‘do-gooders’ andtheir ‘supporters’ but we seethatthose who arepreparedto giveare dwindling in numbers.
As aresult, theserescue centres andothersare all under pressureincontinuing their missionofsaving dogsand cats lives. Some of them, whereconditions have gotsobad shouldbeclosedand have become unhealthyfor the animals. They can’t be expectedtofind, houseand feed everyone.Itistimethatthe provincial or the municipal budget some kind of financialsupport.The ‘do-gooders’ areunder mental stress, financialstress andtheir ownliving expenses arereduced.
Mr Winde andHill-Lewis,I imploreyou to make an annual discretionfund donation ntotheseNPOs just as youhavetothe newstreet shelterbeforeanimals willberoaming the streets without food andshelter. JON,TableView
THEEWATERSKLOOF DAMATDUSK: Finalreflections as the dayfadesaway. PHOTO:CARINAROUX
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Bafana urged to step up
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler has praised young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for his standout performance, while criticising South Africa’s cautious approach in their1-1 draw against Czechia at the FIFA World Cup recently.
Theresult leaves Bafana Bafana needing apositive result in theirupcoming must-win clash against SouthKorea, and Tinkler believes they missed akey opportunity to secure all three points.
The20-year-old Mbokazi was one of the bright sparksfor SouthAfrica, earning strong approval from the former international, who said the defender showed maturity beyond his years in a high-pressure encounter.
However, Tinkler felt the team as a whole failed to capitalise on key moments, particularly after theirequaliser.
“It cannot always be the coach. Players need to take responsibilityand adapt at thislevel,”said Tinkler. “At times, they approached the game like fans. When we equalised, Czechia were unsettled, but instead of pushing, it looked like the players were content with the draw.”
Looking ahead to the decisive fixture against SouthKorea, Tinkler stressed the need for discipline and efficiency rather than flair.
“They are avery good team, hardrunning, and we must be switched on from the first minute,” he said. “We don’t need pretty football; sometimes you play ugly and win. Against Korea, all we need is a convincing win and see where that takes us.”
Despite the criticism, Mbokazi’s performance stood out as apositive sign for the future.
