TygerBurger | Mitchells Plain | E-edition | 01 April 2026
WHAT’S ON/WAT’S WAAR
DONDERDAG2APRIL
. Die VLVBrackenfellVaringsnooimensehartlik uitomtekom saamkuierindie saal by Othello-aftreeoord. Dit beginom09:00 vir 09:30.
SATURDAY4APRIL
. Head to theGoodwood BargainsMarkettaking placefrom09:00 to 13:20atthe Goodwood Sports Club anddiscoverawide rangeofbargainsincluding fashion, home décor,books,and vinyls —perfect fortreasurehuntersand savvy shoppers alike. Entry is free with free parking availableatthe corner of Milton and AliceStreets.A donationbin forunwanted garments will be available at the foyertosupport disadvantaged communitymembers and organisations. Email thegoodwoodmarket@gmail.comfor moreinformation.
. TheDurbanville CraftMarketwillpresent a treasure huntatits monthlycharity event from 09:00 to 14:00, weatherpermitting.Variousprizestotalling thevalue of about R2 000can be wonbyvisitors. The market is presented at 5LouwStreet(corner of Louw and Hafele street)inDurbanville. Visitorscan enjoya fun-filledday browsing through stalls with handmadecraftsand art, whilelistening to alivemusic performance by JerryFourie. Entryisfree. Contact Durbanville CraftMarket on 066059 7251 or durbanvillecraftmarket@gmail.comwithenquiries
WOENSDAG8APRIL
. Jaco Barnard-Naudésedebuutbundel om my kasteleinSpanjetesloop word by diebyeenkoms vandie Durbanville-poësiekringdeur Coenraad Walters bespreek.Die byeenkomsbegin om 10:00in die Durbanville-biblioteeksaal.Besoekers is welkom teen R50per persoon. Ligte verversingssal geniet word.Kontak Lesley vander Vyverby083 4604571of teachervdv@gmail.commet navreofverskonings.
SATURDAY11APRIL
. GracePresbyterianChurch will be hosting a CommunityMarket from 08:30to14:00 at the church on thecorner of Camoens and BurrowStreet,Monte Vista. Bring your familyand friends forawonderful morning out andenjoy outsidevendors, plenty of food and drinks,a teagarden, alunch braaitobeenjoyed from 12:00 to 14:00. Formoreinformation contact Jeannie on 083305 0424
. TheLoveofChristMarket will take placefrom 09:00 to 17:00 at CrosswayChurch, 51 Goedemoed Road,Goedemoed,Durbanville. Themarket willhave crafts,gifts and refreshments, aprayerroom, support forMES andfoodhampers to helpthe needy,alsothe promotion of Kids Kingdom. Card payment only, no cash accepted. Contact Roxanne on 060498 6421 for moreinformationorifyou wouldliketosponsor hampersortombolawithfaith-based itemsordonations.
. TheEasterMarketatthe AndriesOlivier Durbanville QuadriplegicCentre takesplace from 09:00 to 14:00at18HafeleStreet, Durbanville. Discover treasureslikebooks,arts& crafts, plants, home-baked goodies,and so muchmore.
WOENSDAG15APRIL
. Die TygerbergTuin- en Blommeklub komom 09:30 vir 10:00 by die NG kerk ParowWelgelegen, Provencestraat 47,Welgelegen, byeen.Die sprekers is Lorraine Rose,wat ‘n blommedemonstrasiemet dietema “Verrassing”sal doen,enAnjaFreysen, watmoderne tendenseenwenkeoor tuinontwerp saldeel.‘nBlommekunskompetisie met dietema “Halfmoon kisses”wordaangebied. Teewordvanaf 09:30 bedien. Kontak BeatrixLambert-Bestbier by 082873 9864 vir meer inligting
SATERDAG18APRIL
. Die Vriendevan Brackenvier20jaarvan diensby dieBracken-natuurreservaat met'ngroot byeenkoms by diereservaat.Daarsal 'n verskeidenheidvan stalletjies en aktiwiteite soos 'n pretstap,'nbegeleide stap,'npraatjie en rotsverf vir kinders wees. Dieverrigtingebegin om 07:00eneindig om 12:00.Kontak André by 071089 9503 vir meerinligting
SATURDAY2MAY
. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub’snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Trawl the stalls, chat to members and find your special item. Plenty of off-roadparking. Food available. Allwelcome, especially children.
SATURDAY30MAY
. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmade crafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.Freeentry. Formore informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp (072 8301966).
Femaletrafficofficer assaultedbytaxidriver
Aprovincial trafficofficerwas allegedlyassaulted by aminibus taxidriver duringa province-wide road safety operation that resultedin88arrests between 16 and22March.
Theincidentoccurred on Sunday22March when aminibus taxidriver reportedlyran ared lighton OldPaarl Road in Brackenfellwhile overthe legal alcohol limit
When trafficofficers attempted to stop him,he allegedlyresisted arrest and physically assaulteda woman officer, before attempting to flee.
Thedriver wassubsequentlydetained andhanded overtoKraaifontein Police Station,where he now faceschargesofreckless driving,drivingunder the influence, and resisting arrest
Western Cape Minister of mobility, Isaac Sileku, condemned the assaultonthe trafficofficer.
Snakesvisitstreetthreetimes
Threeresidents in one San Remo street had visits from snakes last week.
Verdi Road resident, Shireen PrimusAdams, wasthe first to find acobra in her garage on Tuesday 24 March.
While Primus-Adams was telling TygerBurger about her adventure overthe phone on Friday 27 March, she spotted the same snake-catchers thathad come out to help her earlier in the week pullingupat aneighbours housefurther down the road. She madeenquiries andcalled TygerBurger backtoconfirm thatanother snake had indeed been found in the street.
REGULARSNAKEVISITS
But Primus-Adams was notsurprised She saidVerdi Road borders anature reserve and snake sightings are aregular occurrence in the area, notonly the street. Herpersonal snakeadventure began on Tuesday afternoon,when her backyard tenant, who is on crutches due to surgery, spotted asnake in the garage
“He used to work for thedefenceforce dhad training this, he identified
SLITHERYVISITSNOSURPRISE TO SANREMO RESIDENTS
same week were amongmany others in theareaand often the snakes are found in weird places, like on afloaty in the pool. Footage of the sightingsare usually shared on the area’s WhatsApp group, she said, adding thatsome of the videos go viral.
ILLEGALTOKILLSNAKES
Despite theregular snake visitations, Primus-Adams was surprised to learn from thesnake-catchers that residentsare not allowed to kill thesnakesfound on theirproperties.
“I don’t knowifIwould be able to do that,” she said. “I have my children and grandchildren to think of.”
Alocal snake catcher, who preferred to be calledMK, confirmed that this was true: “Firstly, it’sillegal to kill snakes,”he said. “And it’s dangerous. Besides, snakes are importantfor theecosystems to keep rodent numbers intact.”
He confirmed that snake sightings in
“Try to keep eyes on the snaketomake it easier for the catcher to find, but safely so,”headded.
SNAKECATCHERSDON’TCOMEOUTATNIGHT
He added that while most catchers don’t out at night because it is too
This picofasnakeonafloaty in apool in SanReno wassent on the area’s WhatsApp group.
mid all the noiseassociated withthe demolition of the iconic StrandfonteinPavilion werethe applause at the official sod-turning ceremony on 24 March, from councillors finally seeing the fruits of their “40 years of lobbying”, and grumbling from local lifeguards finding themselves without accesstothe clubtheyhad been operating from since the 1970s, the result of abreakdown in communications and an escalation in the timeline of the demolition.
Proportional councillor Bernie Clarkconfirmed the breakdown in communication, while subcouncil 17 chair Elton Jansen and project manager Jude Carolissen said they would meet with the club to address theirconcerns about howthe multi-million rand upgrade,its constructionand aftermath,would impact them.
“None of us knew about thisdemolition,” said Shaun Roux, the StrandfonteinSurf and LifesavingClub’s vicechair.
He said lifeguards arrived for duty that morning and found theirclub’sentrance cordoned off and the access to their equipment barred.
However, through citycouncillors, and theproject manager they were able to have their access restored.
The official sod-turning was only ceremonial since constructionhad begun earlier this year.Mayor Geordin HillLewis called the event a“landmark day”. He recalledwhen Jansen had brought him to the pavilion four years ago, before his tenure as mayor had begun, and introduced him to residents who hadfond memories of thepavilion ofyore.
“I felt asense of sadness that yes, we had this magnificent tidal pool, but all
R300-MILLION INVESTED IN PAVILION UPGRADE
these publicamenities andthe restaurants andthe nightclub andthis beautiful community space hadbeen lost to the stormsand the waves andthe windover the years andhad falleninto disrepair.”
Hill-Lewis alsoacknowledged councillor Danny Christians whom he said had been “fighting this fightfor 40 years.”
“Danny has foughtthe fight to saythis is notadead barren coastline. This is a coastline for people.It’sfor the people of Cape Town, for the people of Mitchells Plain. And we said what we have to do is start somewhere significant; we have to have anode,alighthouse point from there the light stretches alongthe coastline. I am very confident that in the years ahead whatrises up here outofthe ground is going to be thatlighthouse that you dreamt of.”
“TEETHOFTHESOUTHEASTER”
Hill-Lewis said a“third of R1,3billion” would be invested in the upgrade.
“We’re not goingsmall,” he said, adding that the design would need to withstand the worst of Capetonianweather.
“This has got to put up with the worst. The teeth of the southeaster, the saltair, the wind, the storms, so this has to be built with the best quality. We arenot sparing,we’renot doing auha lick of paint hereladiesand gentlemen we’re doing the best, the best this is goingtobe here formany, many decades to come for people to meettheir future wives hereas well.”
The City’s plan for theupgrade project includes:
. Total refurbishment andupgrading of theprecinct;
. Newcommercial and restaurant spaces;
. Abrandnew NSRI base and boat launch ramp;
. Indoor eventand concert space for weddings, birthdays and conferences;
. Outdoor concert spaceinanopen air amphitheatre;
. Transformation of thepavilion into ahive of activity for use throughout the year;
. Improvedaccesstothe beach for the disabled;
. Better safetyand security.
On his WhatsApp channel Jansen added: “It marks ahuge milestone in ward 43 for the Strandfontein Pavilion with aR300 million investment intothe upgrade. “The building will include anew facility for the NSRI. The Strandfontein Lifesavers as well as the 9Miles organisation. Anew slipway for boat launching for the NSRI rescue missions will also be included.”
Aviewofthe demolition happening at the“mermaids”section of the pavilion,so-calledbecauseofthe former Mermaids night club which had been housedthere.
An artists impression of what the upgraded pavilion is projected to look like
Cape Town employmentat all-timehigh
Bus brought her home:
Zaibunnisa Gallon wasamong agroup of Lotus Riverresidents whorecently received their outstanding titledeedswhen Human Settlements’ new Title Deeds Express busrolled in. Thebus also assisted residents with various other housingrelatedservices. Beneficiariesinolder City housingdevelopments whoare still owed their titledeed should dial 021 444 0333.
KORTLIKS
Twjunior er wardens own the pes
Redesigned Chapel Street nearly ready
TheChapel Street upgrade in District Six, whichstarted in June 2025, is on track forcompletion by July this year
Thehistoric streetisthe central spine linking Trafalgarpark to the east of the Zeenatul IslamMasjid with District Six, the new restitution areas, andthe Cape Peninsula University of Technology to the west. Oncecomplete, the upgraded street will reconnectresidents to one anotherand the neighbourhood Designinterventionsfocus on creatinga pedestrian-friendlyroute with wide paved sidewalks, seating and landscaping. Thevarious institutions and facilitiesalong the route willalso be accommodated,and traffic-calming measureswillimprove safety
Valuation roll check-and-object window open
The City’s2025 generalvaluation roll is ready andwill take effecton1 July2026. Should you wishtodispute your property valuation,please do so before the end of April.
he 2025 generalvaluation roll (GV2025) of Cape Town’s approximately930 000 registered properties is available forinspection and, if need be, objection beforeitwillbe implemented on 1July 2026.
If youdecide to dispute
TheChapel Street redesign builds on the Public Realm Strategythatthe City developed in consultationwith the DistrictSix Caretakers and the wider community afew yearsago
Residents will findGV2025 on the City’s website, www capetown gov.za(enter “General valuation roll 2025”inthe search box), as well asat20venues across town (enter “Property valuation objectionvenues list” foraschedule). In-person GV2025 inspection and objection will be open until the end of March, asindicated on the venue schedule. Thewindowfor online inspection andobjection runs until30April.
No thumb-suckvalues
TheCity’svaluationmethodsare accurate, fair and in line with international best practice.A dedicatedteamofprofessional valuersusedstatistical models to value registered propertiesintown. Theroll wassubjectedtodataverification, statistical accuracy checks and extensive audit reviews
As deel van ’n proef om te keer datsand die SandyCornergedeelte van Baden Powell-rylaan toewaai, het die Stad die profiel van die duine in dié gebied aangepas. Vandie sand is nader aan diewaterlyn gestoot sodatdie brandersdit kanterugspoel seetoe.
Dieopknapping van Chapelstraat in Distrik Ses, wat in Junie 2025 begin het, is op koersomteen Julie vanjaar klaar te wees. Die herontwerptestraat sal inwoners weer metmekaar en diebuurt verbind. ’n Groep inwoners van Lotusrivier hetonlangs hulle uitstaande titelaktesontvang toe die Stad se nuwe titelaktebus kombesoek aflê het
Die jongste algemene waardasielysvan Kaapstad sesowat 930 000 geregistreerde eiendomme is
To dispute yourvaluation, complete the objection form available on theCity’s e-Services platform or provided against yourproperty on GV2025, andsubmit it before30April –either via e-Services or the email addressstatedonthe form.Alternatively,submitanin-person objection beforethe end of March at anyofthe identified venues.
Keep in mind:
•Toobject via e-Services, youmust be registered on the platform.Allow for ashort activation period. Fora video on e-Services registration, go to https://youtu.be/7fR2IXOp2zo
•Your objection must be motivated andsupported with market-related information as at the valuation date of 1July 2025. Foryourconvenience, the City supplies verified sales information on its website.
Friendlier ratesformula
Your property valueisused to determine
nou beskikbaarvir inspeksie en enige moontlike besware voordat ditop1 Julie 2026 in werkingtree. Inwoners kandit op dieStadsewebtuiste kry: Gaan na www.capetown.gov.zaensoekonder “General valuation roll2025”.Boonop is die waardasielysby20lokale deur die hele stad te kry(soekonder “Property valuation objectionvenues”)
MyCiTisegedrukte busroosters by haltes word nou metQR-kodesvervang. Die kodes bied passasiers makliketoegang totdie jongste rooster vir ’n spesifieke halteopgrond van waar die bus trek. Skandeerbloot die kode vir bustye en -rigtings.
yourmonthly propertyrates. To assist the Mother City’spropertyowners, theCity is proposing a10,2% lowerpropertyrates formula under GV2025. An indicative residential rate-in-the-rand of 0,006428 (downfrom0,007159) has been set as an interim estimate –comparing very wellwith other metros. This will dependondraft budget finalisation and confirmation of national funding streams.The final rate-in-the-rand will be determined in May 2026 when Council approves thebudget, tariffsand rates afterpublic participation.
Along withother proposed measures, thelower rate-in-the-rand will ensurethat 60% of Cape Town’sresidential properties will experience either aratesdecrease, or no changeinrates, even though their property value haslikely risen.
To get an ideaofwhat youmight be payinginratesunder thenew valuation roll, usethe City’shandy indicative interim rates calculator.Accessitby clicking on the GV2025 trending box on the City’shomepage.
MyCiTi’sprintedschedules at bus stops arebeing replaced with QR codes, linking passengers to the latest schedule for their particular stop based on the bus’slast known location. Simply scan the code forbus timesand direction of travel Passengers may also continue to use the MyCiTiwebsite,app or the helpline at 0800 65 64 63 to accessbus schedules.
TheCity has allocated an additional R39 million to ramp up maintenance andrepairs of stormwater infrastructureinflood-prone areas. Thework will takeplace over thenextfew months to prepare forhigh rainfall eventsinwinter.
With the added budget, the City can deploy moreteams and increase its stormwater system cleaning cycles. Theareasfor focused intervention wereidentified using data from last year,public reportsofflooding, and site visits and investigationsbyCity teams. Stormwater systems in and around informal areasare included
Help us fend offflooding
Sadly, many cases of winter flooding arethe result of blockages due to the illegal dumping of waste into the stormwater system.Here’swhat youcan do to help:
•Report blocked drains and illegal dumping on the City app, to the customer call centreon0860 103 089,to contact.us@capetown.gov.za, or by logging aservice request on www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests.
•Help keep the stormwaterinlets in yourstreet free from debris and waste. Do not sweepwaste into drains.
•Regularly trim trees overhanging drains.
wouldlike CityNews delive straight to yourinbox, sign up at www.capetown.gov.za/subscribe CityNews Online is delivered every twoweeks and includes re highlights, service delivery notices remindersand alerts
GV2025 showsCape Town worksand is future-fit
Everythreeyears, the City undertakesafullvaluation of allproperties to reflect their marketvalue.The latest general valuation (GV2025) confirms what many of you have already experienced firsthand: Propertyvalues in Cape Town continue to grow steadily Forhomeowners,thisisgood news.Itmeans that yourproperty isincreasing invalue,contributing to your family’slong-term financial security and personal wealth. In fact, Cape Town remains theone South African metrowhere property assets consistentlygrowinvalue
At thesame time, we offer the lowest rate-in-the-rand property ratesformula of any city in thecountry.Simplyput, itgenerally costs less to own property here than anywhereelse in South Africa, even though propertyvaluesare higher.Thisispart of what makesCape Town not onlyagreat placetolive, but alsoasmart placetoinvest.
Following this valuation, we are proposing a10,2% reduction in the residential rate-in-the-rand. This will soften theimpactofhighervaluations
AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE MAYOR
andkeep ratesasaffordableaspossible. As aresult, around60% of residential propertieswill either see adecrease in theirrates, or no increase at all, despite theirpropertyvaluesrising.
We arealsoexpandingreliefmeasures tosupport more households.The ‘rates-free’ benefit will nowapplytothe first R500 000ofyour property’svalue
(upfromR450 000).Inaddition, this benefit is being extended to properties valued up to R8 million (upfromR7million),meaning more middle-class familieswill qualify for relief.
This formspartofour commitment to runacitythat works and is geared forthe future,with reliable services, continuedinfrastructureinvestment, andpropertyvaluesthat grow over time. It’s acombination that sets Cape Town apart.
Iencourage everyproperty owner to takea few minutestoreview their updatedvaluation on theCity’swebsite or at designated venues acrosstown. If you believe that yourvaluation does not reflect thecorrect market value as at 1July 2025,you maylodge an objection until theend of April.
Cape Town’s strength liesinits people, and in oursharedcommitment to buildinga city of hope forall who live here. Thankyou forbeing partof that journey
Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor
Rebate recipients to reapply
After the implementation of GV2025, both pensioners and indigent residents will need to reapply for ratesrebatesand otherbenefits. Do so by visiting your nearest municipal customer careoffice. Alternatively, pensioners may visit https://bit.ly/47ecgFH or email rates.rebate@capetown.gov.za, and indigent residents canreapply viahttps://bit.ly/4bCqzVI or email indigent.relief@capetown.gov.za.
Cape Town’s hardatwork
Jobs in Cape Town have grown by 113 000 year on year,with employment in the Mother City now at an all-time high of 1,895 million people. According to Stats SA’s fourth-quarter labour force survey for 2025, Cape Town has the country’s lowest unemployment rate, at 19,8%. This is the firsttime since2009 that unemployment has fallenbelow 20%.
TheCity’sstrategy to focus on high-growth sectors suchas manufacturing, tourism,hospitality, construction, technology and financial services is clearly paying off.
Let’swork smartwith ourwater supply
Damlevelsare 20% lower compared tothis time lastyear, so being watersavvy is crucialtomanage our supply untilwinter. TheCity counts on every Capetonian to helpbring water usage down againtothe target of 975 million litresper day
Every drop counts
•Find and fixwater leaksonyour property.Dripping taps, leaking
KORTLIKS
Die Stad het ’n bykomende R39 miljoen toegekenvir instandhouding en herstelwerk aan stormwaterinfrastruktuur in gebiede wat geneig is totoorstroming. Die werk sal oordie volgendepaar maandeplaasvind. WerksgeleenthedeinKaapstadhet die afgelope jaar met 113000 toegeneem. Met 1,895 miljoen mensewat werk, is indiensneming in die Moederstad nou hoër as ooit vantevore. Damvlakkeis20% laer as diétyd verledejaar.Dit is noodsaaklik dat ons nou verstandig met onswater werk om ons voorraad tot en metdie winter te bestuur
Die Stad maak staat op elkeKapenaar om waterverbruikweertot die teiken van 975 miljoen liter per dag te verlaag.
toilets and faultyplumbingcan cause huge water losses overtime.
•Water your garden at night to preventevaporation, and avoid toppingupswimming pools unnecessarily
•Switch to treatedeffluent for industrial irrigation or construction purposes. TheCity suppliestreated effluenttolarge water userssuch as industry, sportsclubs,golf clubs,
Pensioenarisse en inwoners wat deernisbystandontvang,moet ná dieinwerkingstelling vandie nuwe waardasielys weer om belastingkortings en ander voordeleaansoek doen. Helpdie Stad om afpersers vastetrek watopbeskermingsgeld vir Stadsprojekte aandring.Skakel021 4807700. Die jongste waardasielys bevestig dat eiendomswaardes in Kaapstad aanhou toeneem. Vir huiseienaars is dítgoeie nuus: ’n Stygende eiendomswaarde help verseker immers jou gesin se langtermynfinansiële sekuriteit.Terselfdertyd bied die Stad ook dielaagstekoers in dierandvir eiendomsbelasting vanenige metroin Suid- Afrika
large newdevelopments and schools.
•Report burst pipes by dialling 086 010 3089 (select option 2), sending an SMSto31373, aWhatsApp to 060 018 1505, or an email to water@capetown.gov.za. Provide an exactlocation and take down areference number.
*For more water-savingtips, go to www.capetown.gov.za/savewater
Annually,a section of BadenPowell Drive near Monwabisi, aptly named Sandy Corner,isseverely affected by windblown sandlifted from the local dune system by the strong summer southeaster.This requires continuous maintenance to ensureroad safety and prevent the road from being completely inundated.
This year,the City is conducting apilot to test the efficiency of brushwood and straw in trapping thesand on the dune. At the same time, the dune was also reprofiled. Reprofiling involved returning approximately 5000 m3 of clean sand to the sea(pictured above), after which the brushwood and straw wereplaced (below). Theefficiency of the trial, which concludesinJune,is monitored closely
Kommetjie Road upgrade complete
Themajor upgrade to Kommetjie Road between Capri Drive and Wood Road, just past Masiphumelele, wrapped up at the end of 2025.Additional lanes havebeen introducedto helpease congestionduring peak travel times, particularly forthose commuting between Kommetjie, Ocean View,Imhoff’sGift, Heron Park, Masiphumelele,Sunnydaleand surrounds. Thankstoall residents and road users in the area for their patience whilethiscritical project was under way
KORTLIKS
DieStad het kreupelhoutopdie duinstelsel langs Baden Powell-rylaangeplaasomteprobeer keer dat diewind die pad ondersand begrawe. Die eerste rooi busbane in Govan Mbeki-weg in dieomgewing van die SkyCircle-projekin Lansdowne word tansgelê. Die beton word in fases gegiet, en dié deel van die projek behoort teen Desember 2026 klaar te wees. Die eerste MyCiTibusse op hierdieroete behoort in die tweedehelfte van 2027 te begin loop
Instandhoudingswerk aan Ottery-, Nuwe Otteryen Ou Strandfonteinweg behoortteen die einde van April klaar te wees.
Die Stad het ’n groot nuwe inbelsentrumin Beacon Valley help fasiliteer.Die sentrum sal honderde geleenthede vir werk en vaardigheidsontwikkelingvir inwoners van Mitchells Plain en omgewing skep
Concrete progress on newMyCiTiroute
Dedicated redbus lanesstart going in on Govan MbekiRoad
The firstred bus lanes along GovanMbeki Road in the vicinity ofthe SkyCircle projectin Lansdowne are being cast. With casting occurring inphases,this partofthe project is on trackfor completion by December 2026. Thefirst MyCiTi buses should start operating along this route inthe second half of 2027
Govan MbekiRoadisone of the main routes thatwill allow commuters fromMitchells Plain andKhayelitsha toboard MyCiTitoconnect to Wynberg and Claremont
Thered lanesare cast using reinforced
Road improvementscontinue
Road maintenance workonOttery, New Ottery and Old Strandfontein roads is scheduledfor completion by the end of April.
Thework entails repairs to kerbs, channels, paving andsidewalks,road resurfacing, andthe reapplication of road markings
Opportunity’scalling in Mitchells Plain
TheCity helpedfacilitateanew businessprocess outsourcing (BPO) investment in Beacon Valleyinthe form of amajornew call centre. The centrewill create hundreds of jobs and skills developmentopportunities for residentsinMitchellsPlain and surrounds.The site features both office space andatraining facilityfor new recruits
Theinvestment wasfacilitated by CapeBPO,the City’sspecial-purpose vehicle responsible for developing the industry
TheBeacon Valleycontact centre is the secondtoset up shop in the greaterMitchells Plain region. The first opened on WatergateBoulevard in 2022
BPO boominginthe Cape Call centres contributed R23 billionto Cape Town’seconomy in 2024, which wasmorethan double the BPOsector’s provincial contributionofR11 billion amereten years ago.Thankstothe growth of this industry,over 100 000 Capetonians nowwork in this sector.
Dialled in and invested: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Ald James Vos(Mayco member forEconomic Growth) at the new Beacon Valley call centre, thelatest businessprocessoutsourcing investment in Cape Town thatwill generatemultiple joband training opportunities in the Mitchells Plainarea.Pictured with them are(standing,fromleft) Ish Kaskar (Futur-Ed managingdirector), Cllr Solomon Philander (subcouncil 12 chair) and Clayton Williams (chief executiveofCapeBPO). Front: AishahAbrahams and Raeesah Bonzaaier (bothcallcentreemployees) and NuhaaBrooks(Strategic Delivery manager at CapeBPO).
Die Bo-Kaap-mark, wat in Februarie amptelik geopen is, bied van diebeste plaaslikekos,klere en kuns. Die permanente buitelugmark op diehoek van Pentzstraat en Yusufrylaanisnawekeoop.Die mark ondersteunplaaslikeentrepreneurs en vier dieerfenis en identiteit vandie gemeenskap
Dieomvattende opknappingvan Kommetjieweg tussen Caprirylaan en Woodweg, net verby Masiphumelele,isaan dieeinde van2025voltooi. Bykomende bane isgeskep om verkeersdruk gedurendespitstyd te verlig.
concrete. While mobile pumps will get the concretetodifficult-to-reach areas, most of the spreading and compaction work is done by hand. Oncecast, the concretetypically takes about 28 days to cureorreach optimal strength.
Getting ‘reddy’ fast: Farleft: Thefirst redbus lanes in GovanMbeki Road being cast. Left:The lanes areinthe vicinity of the SkyCircle–South Africa’sfirst freestanding elevated traffic circle, located at the intersection of Govan Mbeki(M9) and JanSmuts Drive(M17), Lansdowne –whichisalso progressing well.
Bo-Kaap’swhere it’s at: Officially opened in February, the Bo-Kaap Marketis whereyou’llfind some of thebestlocalfood, clothing and craftthe Cape hastooffer Thepermanent, open-air weekend market, located on the corner of Pentz Street and Yusuf Drive, supports local entrepreneurs and celebrates the heritage and identity of the community.Pictured at the opening ceremony (above) are, from left, Cllr Matthew Kempthorne(subcouncil 16 chair),Ganief Laubscher (Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers’ Association), Cllr Francine Higham (Mayco member for Community Services and Health,and ward 77 councillor),Mayor GeordinHill-Lewis, Mansoor Abrahams (Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers’ Association), Ald James Vos (Mayco member forEconomic Growth)and Kwanda Lande (fromthe City’s Area Economic DevelopmentDepartment).
TheMayor and Ald Voswerekeen to sample some of the
quintessentialBo-Kaap dishes on offer, with theowner of Bo-Kaap’sFinest, Nafeesah Dante (inpink),
Off-gridloos launched in
Khayelitsha
Late last year,the City launched ahightech,off-grid toiletsystem in OR Tambo informal settlement, Khayelitsha.The system bringsfull-flush convenience to areaswithout sewer connections.
The27toilets arehousedinthree refurbished 12 mshippingcontainers. Each container has nine full-flushtoilet cubicles, retrofitted with awashbasin, sanitary bin,and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Dignified, and pretty darn smart
Thesystem is fullyoff-grid and self-sustaining. It is powered by both solar andwind energy.And since wastewateristreated on-siteusing a compact modularplant, andreused for flushing, it eliminates the needfor bulk sewer connections. Thedesign is ideal to bring dignified sanitation to informal settlements whereboth space and infrastructurecapacityare limited
Theinstallation forms part of a broader 12-month pilot by the City, the Water Research Commission and the Gates Foundation. Thefinal installation in the pilot is scheduled for Rasta Camp in Ocean View
Oneach site, the toilets will be maintained by two on-sitetechnical assistants from thelocal community They will work alongside up to three janitorsateach installation. In addition,WEC Water –the technology serviceprovider –will oversee all operationsand maintenanceofthe plant for the first 12 months.
Flush of genius:
Cllr Zahid Badroodien, OR Tambo residentNomandlaMthenjana and Cllr Kayalethu Gxasheka (ward89 councillor) posing at one of thenewly installed toilets that arefull-flush, thoughnot dependent on theCity’s sewers or power grid.
KORTLIKS
New junior river wardens being trained
Cityprogramme teaches young learners aboutwetlands, rivers andenvironmentalstewardship
Anewcohort of 48 recruits for this year’s Junior RiverWarden programmeattended their first engagement inFebruaryatRondevlei nature reserve, learning about wetlands and estuarineecosystems. Thegroup comprisesgrade 5and 6learners from the RedRiver,Ysterplaat andFloreatprimary schools,which areall located near vleis, riversand nature reserves
Theprogramme –acollaboration between the City and non-profit NatureConnect –empowerslearners with foundational knowledge of rivers, wetlandsand freshwaterecosystems to cultivate environmental stewardship in communities located near Cape Town’swaterbodies
Theprogrammeconnectsthe learners’ school curriculum with real-world conservation. In addition to developing ecological literacy, learners also build skills suchas teamwork, leadership,accountability and problem-solving.Engagements will continue throughout 2026.
*For more about theprogramme, email admin.riverwardens@capetown. gov.za.
Teaching them to nurturenature: Thefresh cohort of primary school learners being trained as future stewards of the Mother City’srivers, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems.
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
Die Stad hetlaat verlede jaar ’n gevorderde toiletstelsel in die informele nedersetting OR Tambo in Khayelitsha bekend gestel. Die stelsel is onafhanklik van die krag- en rioolstelsel, en is juis ontwerp om spoeltoilette na omgewingssonderrioolaansluitings te bring. Die 27 toilette is geïnstalleer in drie omgeboude skeepsvraghouers.
Die 48 nuwelinge in dieStad se program vir junior rivierbewaardershet in Februarie hulle eerste sessie in Rondevlei-natuurreservaat gehad, waar hulleoor vleilande en riviermondings geleer het Die groepbestaanuit graad 5- en graad6-leerders van die laerskoleRed River,Ysterplaat en Floreat, wat almalnaby vleie, riviereennatuurreservate geleë is.
Die verbetering van Muizenberg-seefront is volstoom aan die gang. Die ou seemure word vervang en openbaregeriewe word opgeknap.Die projek het nou die punt bereik waar gedeeltes van dieseefront afgeskerm sal wordter wille vandie publiekseveiligheidensekuriteit.Sloping vandie ablusiegebou op die strand het begin,entydelike geriewe is beskikbaar oorkant die parkeersirkel langsdie treinspoor ’n Nuwe, gerekenariseerde leerlinglisensietoets word tansby ál 18rybewystoetssentrumsvan die Stad in werkinggestel. Die stelsel vervang die papiertoets en gebruikdigitale skerms om leerders se kennis te bepaal.
Anew,computerisedlearner’s licence testing systemisbeing implemented at all 18 of the City’s driving licence testing centres. Replacing the manual, booklet-based test, the system usesdigital screenstoassess learners’ knowledge. Benefits include faster,more accurate results, alowerrisk of corruption, and amodern, user-friendly experience. Tests areavailable in all official South African languages, including support for hearingimpaired applicants. To help you preparefor your learner’s test, download the free three-part studyguide(rules of the road, road traffic signs, and vehicle controls) from www.natis.gov.za
*For more information, enter “Applyfor alearner’s licence” in thesearchbox on www.capetown.gov.za.
The communityofBonteheuwel were not happy that the culpable-homicide court case of the late Lyle Thomas(20), aLaw Enforcement Advanced Programme (LEAP) Officer killedin Mitchells PlaininDecember last year, had been postponed again.
Thomas, who was off duty,was knockeddown and killed in early December while assisting atan accident in Jakes Gerwel Drive.
The 30-year-old driver of the vehicle that allegedly struck him, was arrested shortly afterwards and granted bail.
Angus McKenzie, Bonteheuwel ward councillor, joined Thomas’ family at court.
“Thomas was abeloved resident of Bonteheuwel andadedicated City of Cape Town Leap officer,” he pointed out.
Free supportfor microdevelopers
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY
LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
The City has officially launched its Local Planning Support service, offering free architectural andplanning assistance to homeowners and micro-developers.
initial design development through to council submission, targeting homeowners, microdevelopers, and professionals navigating the affordable rental flat development process.
“We offer free architectural and planning services to promote healthy, safety, dignity, and good qualityliving environments,” Barnard said.
Every Thursday, an architect and planner are stationed at each of the eight district offices to provide front-counter assistance to members of the publicseeking guidance on affordable rental flat developments.
Theservice also participates in mayoral blitz events and other community engagements where invited.
LACK OF POST-MORTEM CAUSES EXTENDED DELAYS IN DRIVER’STRIAL
“The accused in this heinous crime was present in court today. His bail has been extended and he has been warned to appearagain when the matter resumes on 24 June, following apostponement to allow for further investigation. The postponement comes as the state is stillawaiting the post-mortem results.”
McKenzieadded; “While the defence agreed to the postponement the presiding magistrate clearly expressed frustration that thisprocess was takingsolong. Quite rightly so becausejustice delayedisjustice denied.”
McKenzie appealed to the NationalProsecuting Authority to ensure thatall outstanding processes areexpeditedsothat thismattercan proceedwithout further unnecessary delay.
“The Thomas family deserves justice, andthey deserve closure. The pain thisfamily continues to endure isimmense
“Thomas’child is expected to be born in thecoming weeks, makingthistime even more emotionaland difficult. Having to face postponement after postponement only deepens the trauma they areexperiencing.”
Thenew branch within the Urban Planningand Design Department wasestablished last year.
Darren Barnard, representing theservice, told aSubcouncil 17 meeting that theinitiative focuses on education and awarenessaboutproperty rights andzoning applications, alongside providing practical guidance throughthe development process.
Theserviceoffers comprehensive assistancefrom
The service has developed eight guidelines available online at www.capetown.gov.za/LPS, coveringthe building application process and access to available incentives for thosewithin the affordable rental flats map.
The team conducts mobile outreaches once monthly across 20 wardsannually, ensuring direct community access to professional planning advice.
Theinitiative coincides with updated municipal bylaws promulgated in August, with certain aspects taking effect from 1September.
Thenew regulations allow property owners to build up to eight units if they have an existing dwelling, or 12 units if focusing exclusively on affordable rental flats within designated SR1,R2, and local business zones.
Kapenaarsspot metdie prysvan snoek
"Nhaai, my broe'tjie, ek kannie helpvirie prys nie; die sie beslyt mos self!"
Só sê die eenvisverkoper in Hindleweg. Hy gesels terwyl hy 'n mediumgroottesnoek behendig oopvlek. Hy is eenvan talle vissmousewat hierdie tyd van die jaar "incash" omdat die eg Kaapsegereg kerrievis 'n moet vir Kapenaars se Paastafel is. Vireeue reeds word snoek of andervis ingelê en op Paasnaweek deur Christene saam met Paasrolletjies geëet. Dietradisie het saam ontstaan te dankeaan slawe uit Maleisië
en Indonesië, wat deur die VOC na die Kaap gebring is. Hulle het Oosterse speserye met plaaslike bestanddele gekombineer. Voor die bestaan van yskaste was die inlê van vis 'n praktiese manier om dit vir weke vars te hou. Maar 'n week voor Paasnaweek vanjaar het 'n krisis glo ontstaan —temin snoek is in die water rondom die Kaap. Hierdie situasie veroorsaak dat die pryse van snoek ondraaglik styg. En dit is waar Kapenaars se humor na vore kom. Op 'n plasing op Facebook vir snoek wat tussen R542 en R675 kos,
het mense behoorlik losgetrek. "Die snoek kom seker weer uit Betlehem, só duur is dit," skryf een. 'n Ander voel weer die snoek het met die vliegtuig gekom. "Dis kerriehoender of blikkievis vir my," mor een en voeg by dat die verkoper "nie lekker in die kop" is nie. Maar die beste kommentaar is: "Wiet Liewe Jiesas dat hulle so baie vir vis vra wat Hy verniet laat swem?"
TygerBurger het 'n navraag na die departement van vissery en bosbou gestuur om vas te stel of daar regtig 'n tekortaan snoek is, maar wag nog op terugvoer.
Conformitymistaken forrighteousness
Iwrote astory on aGender-based violence (GBV) case before about Thandokazi (not her real name) who reachedout,had herpartner arrested and left an abusive partner only to meet someone who mirrored the same controlling behaviour. The actors changed, but the story felt identical
Hello partner!Life has away of repeating itself. That is thelens through which I often view the world, the idea of "same script,different cast".
Icome from aplace wherestories are lived before they are told. Wherelaughter, heartbreak,survival, and loss sharethe same stage. Where life does notmove in straight linesbut in loops. The scenes change.The faces change. But the patterns return.
This is what unsettles me.
Iworry about how harm becomes normalised, how silence protects injustice, and how culturecan quietly teach people to endurewhat they should be empowered to challenge.
Iworry about the cycles in our communities and the ways human behaviour repeats across homes, streets, institutions,and generations.
This is why Ipick up my pen to observe, to reflect,and to understand.
When violence becomesroutine GBVisascript our country knows too well.
Across SouthAfrica, stories ofwomen attacked in theirhomes, survivors seeking justice, and grieving families dominate headlines with painful regularity.
The perpetrators are different. The grief is familiar.
These cycles are not random. They grow from patriarchy, inequality,economic strain,and aculture thatstill struggles to confront abuse directly
Violenceislearned. Silence is learned Power imbalances are learned. In my community, conversations with friends and family echo the same national story.
Someone alwaysknows someone. A neighbour. Acousin. Acolleague. Recognising the pattern is uncomfortable, but necessary. We cannot interrupt what we refuse to name Through my writing, Itry to hold up a mirror not to sensationalisepain, butto make repetition visible.
Still, one truth matters: what works for one person may not work foranother Survival strategies are personal. Healing is personal. Our experiences can guide and inspire, but they should not become universal instructions.
Lessons are meant to lightthe path, not dictate the journey.
Thandokazi's storydid notend whereit began.
At first, she felt trapped in afamiliar loop.But with support and guidance, she learned to recognise early warning signs. She named controlling behaviour. Sheset boundaries. She chose differently
The actors changed. Her awareness changed the script.
Not every story offersneatclosure. Howeverrecognition creates possibility. Reflection creates distance. Choice creates change.
Life may hand us familiar plots, butthe endings are not fixed. Each new face, each new moment, is an invitation to respond differently to interrupt harm, to question norms, to break cycles.
Even whenthe actors change, we still hold the power to rewrite thenarrative
-NAMHLAMONAKALI
SONSOPKOMS: ’n Mistigeoggend net voor sonsopkoms oor Tafelbaai,met
Onsmaak onsalmal regvir die skok der skokkebegin Aprilwanneer brandstofprysedie hoogte inskiet weensAmerikaseoorlog teen Iran,enIransegevolglike wraakaanvalleopanderMidde-Oosterselande. Maar hier iswat my eintlik pla: rooi verkeersligte regdeurons woongebiede in die Tygerberg, wat'n ewigheid neem om oor te slaan en dit terwyl daar geen anderverkeer by die kruisingisnie.Enintussen word ons gedwing om onsduur brandstof te mors met motors watluier en luier en luier
Wanneer dielig uiteindelik, dikwels ná diederde wagsiklus, groen word,laat dit jou wrintiewaar net twee motorsdeur en slaan weer oor na oranjeenrooi. Ek wonderofiemandalooit 'n sommetjie gemaak hetomvas te stel presies hoeveel liters uit elke tenk petrolofdiesel so verloregaan?Enwat die randwaarde daarvanis? Kanverkeersligte niebuitespitstye almal in toe-
gee-modus oorgaan sodat 'n mens kanstop, en ry as dit veilig is nie?
Verder kanverkeersligte so gestel word dat dit darem so tien motors deurlaat wanneer dit groen word,ennie nettweenie
Die gedagteomvan April af jou motor se tenk vol te maak, netomtalle duur liters brandstof by rooi verkeersligte op te brand, maak seer
Dis nou die tyddat plaaslike owerhede hul kant moet bring en verbruikers en belastingbetalers deur 'n moeiliketyd bystaan
Of word alle inwoners met eiendom op hul naam as rykbeskou?Feit is, dis dalk 'n bate,maar dis nie kontantwaarmee die motor se tenk volgemaak kan word nie.
Komaan, munisipaliteit,helpons nou! Maak jul lastigeverkeersligte gebruikersvriendelik.
ANTI-ROBOT, Durbanville
Fuel and chocolateprices ‘crack’Easter
Irecentlyset outonwhatIthought wouldbea simple mission: buy afew Easter eggsfor my three-year-old’s hunt.I returnedhome empty-handed… andwondering ifI should have filledupmycar with fuel instead. With the latest fuel priceincreasesalready putting pressureonhousehold budgets, it feelslikeeverything isbecoming more expensive— andEastereggsare right downthat alley. What used to be an affordable seasonaltreat nowfeelslikeitbelongs in thesame category as luxury goods.
At these prices, Ihalfexpected the chocolateeggs to come with aloyalty programme,a securitytag,or even asmallinstallmentplan. I’mnot lookingfor gourmet, gold-wrapped creations —justafew basic eggs to hide in the garden andcreatesome excitementfor a toddler who stillbelievesthe Easter Bunnypersonally delivers them.
Asparents, we trytoholdontothese smalltraditions. They don’t cost much in effort,but theymean
joy
everythingtoour children.A simple egg hunt,a bit of laughter,and ahandfulofsweets areoften enough to create lasting memories. Yet, with the rising cost of living —fromfuel to groceries —it’sbecoming harder to justify even thesemodest extras.
It’snot just about chocolate. It’sabout the growing sensethateverydayjoysare slowly slipping out of reach forordinaryfamilies.Parents arealready stretching their budgets to coveressentials, and seasonal items like Easter eggsnow feel like an added burden rather than asmalltreat
At this rate,I mayhavetoget creativethis Easter Boiled eggs, paintedpotatoes, or perhapsa “findthe oneegg” hunt might be on the cards— assuming that oneegg doesn’t requireabankloan. Surely there’sa wayfor retailers to meet families halfway? Becauserightnow,eventhe Easter Bunny might be reconsideringhis deliveryroute APARENT DOING EGG-ONOMICS, Email
Skoolhoof hoef nie altydop
foto’s te wees
Al die foto's in die TygerBurger oor leerders watpresteer is altydsaam met die skoolhoof
Die hardwerkende onderwyserwat die leerder afrig of onderrig, is nooit op die foto's nie.Die verantwoordelikesuksesvolle persoon agterons leerdersword nie vereer nie.Skoolhoofde is gewoonlikbybaie min afrigting betrokke Nou wonder ek baie hoekom hulle op alle foto's vanskoolprestasies moetwees. Die verskynsel is veral gewildonder laerskoolhoofde
Plaas foto's vanpresterende leerders saam met die regtemenseofonderwysers betrokke by hulle.Die onderwysers is die mensewat die lofverdien en watop die ou einde die skoleaan die gang hou. LESER,E-pos
Neem waarskuwing oor waterernstig op
As 'n inwoner vanKaapstad watdie 2018-waterkrisis oorleefhet,isekbaie bekommerdoor die jongste berigte dat onsdamvlakke weer onder die 50%-merk gedaal het
Owerhede verseker onsdat daar nie 'n "Dag Zero"-scenario verwag word nie,maar onsasKapenaars kannie bekostig om selfvoldaan te raak nie
Onshet almal gesien hoevinnig ‘n watersituasie kan verswak, en die lessevan 2018 moetons altydonthou. Onskan nie weer dieselfde fout maak nie
Verlede keer het onsas‘nstadeersbegin reageer toedie krisis reeds op onsdrumpelwas.Hierdie keer moetons proaktiefoptree terwyl onsnog tydhet.Die feit is dat damvlakke 20% laer is as verlede jaar.Dis ‘n duidelikewaarskuwing dat elkedruppel tel. Ek doen ‘n beroep op my mede-Kapenaarsomnou reeds waterbesparende gewoontesaan te leer MARINDAKOEN, Brackenfell
Tafelbergindie
vanaf Bloubergstrand.Die digte mis hetdie baai
geskep ...l net voordat die sonlater deurgebreek en dietoneel in warm,helder ligenkleur verander het.
FOTO:CHRISTA ROSSOUW
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