TygerBurger | Mitchells Plain | E-Edition | 11 February 2026

Mankilledi

City pilotsnew methodto tackle sand problem roads

The City is triallingannew approach to combat windblown sand that regularly disrupts traffic on Baden Powell Drive usingbrushwood andstraw.

The pilot project, launched on Monday 2February, targets the Sandy Corner section near Monwabisi, where strong southeasterly winds deposit sand from local dunes onto theroad during summer months

The City's Coastal Management branch is workingwith theRoads Infrastructure ManagementDepartment to test whether natural materials can effectively trap sand and stabilise the dune system, whilstalso reprofiling the dunes.

“We startedthe work on Monday and hope to be done by nextweek. Some people drivingalongBaden Powell Drive would havenoticed theactivity next to the road,” said DeputyMayor and Mayco member for spatialplanning and environment, Eddie

Andrews.

Theproject involves moving nearly 5000 cubic metres of clean sand back into ocean circulation before installing the brushwood and straw barriers.

Baden Powell Drive serves as avital east-west connection for metro-south east commuters, but sand accumulation during prolonged windy periods sometimes forces road closures.

“Many commuters use thisroad for theirdaily commute. It really becomes achallenge in the summer months when sand accumulates on the surface, especially during long periods of strong southeasterly winds, at times forcing us to close the road,”said Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas.

TheCityhas to continually maintain this section to ensure road safetyand prevent the roadway being overwhelmed by the advancing dune system.

Womanattackedbypet pitbullsdiesinhospital

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Awoman who was mauled by her pet pitbulls has died in hospital. Spokesperson for police’s provincial media office, Capt FC van Wyksaid that theBeacon Valley woman was attacked by her own dogs, in her yard, last month. She died from her injuries last week.

Van Wyk said police were called out to Maralize Street on Wednesday28January, in the afternoon. By the time police arrived, the woman, aged 44, had already been taken to hospital by private vehicle, he said.Neighbours told police thatthey had tried to get the dogs awayfrom the women.

Shesuccumbed to her injuries on Tuesday3February.

“Both dogs were removed by law enforcement officers,” Van Wyk said. Beacon Valley Ward councillor Solomon Philander said that there had been no prior complaints about the dogs

He extended his condolences to the woman’s family and added:“This is a deeply painful and distressing matter, and the community is urgedtoallowthe relevant authorities to complete their investigationbefore any conclusions are drawn. Speculation and misinformation at this stage only compoundthe pain experienced by the bereaved familyand risk undermining due process.”

The SPCA’s Belinda Abraham saidthat the dogs had been put down. She said the family had surrendered the dogs immediately after the incident for “humane euthenasia”.

OFFICIALSSAY DOG

FROMPAGE1

Jansen said: “The Biodiversity Branch does not have the expertise nor the budget to maintain roads.”

He also pointed out inconsistencies in the City's approach, citing the example of Firgrove Service Road in Bergvliet, which is maintained by Urban Mobilitydespite a similar classification. He also added that no such classification exists under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.

AGGRESSION IS APEOPLE ISSUENOT ABREED ISSUE

use only positive reinforcementtraining methods.

“A dog that obeys recall and‘take it’, ‘leaveit’ commands will be less likelyto causeharmtootherpetsorpeople,” she said Space and quality time are also important.

“Daily, our inspectors see dogs living on chains or confinedtoasmall area of aproperty. These dogs, isolated from the family and visitors, lose coping skills, trust and tolerance towards people Children running past fenced-off dogs ‘tease’ them to thepointofthem beinga tragedy waitingtoescape.Barriers cause chronic frustration; dogs locked up in a courtyard, livingona chainorconfined to smallspace,will express oneoftheir instinctivestrategieswhengivenfreedom, which is freeze, flee or attack. Keeping a doginanenvironmentwhere thereisno visual, physical andtactile stimulation resultsin dogs with avery low threshold forhumanbehaviour.”

Dogs also need proper discipline.

“Toooften people hit their dogs for reasons the animals cannotunderstand Being pet andhit by the same handcauses serious confusion andconflict within the dog’s mind. Human aggressionoften causes canine aggressionand aversive

trainingtechniques, like the use of harshpunitive methods, choke chains, pinch collars, shock collars, alpha rolls, hitting,leash corrections etc, can lead to behavioural fallout andcause aggression.

RESPONSIBLEPETOWNERSHIP

Abraham warned that pitbulls are bred primarily as guard dogs and irresponsible breedersbreedfor aggression.

“A responsible breeder knows that aggressionstarts in puppyhood with thefailure to developtolerance towards children,adults, elderly people, both sexes, variousraces, able-bodied, disabled, calmorloudindividuals etc. The impressionable period for pups is from as young as threeweeks of age which means that agreat deal of the responsibility for socialisation rests with the breeder. Don’t take apuppy if you don’t know the temperament of the parents,even if it is given to uf fre ”

Theitem remains on the Spatial Planning and Environment Portfolio's MattersReceiving Attention agenda. Jansen committed to also keeping it on the subcouncil agenda until it is resolved.

TheSpatial Planning and Environment PortfolioCommittee has escalated the matter to the Municipal Manager requesting proper ownership and classification for Lukannon Drive, alongside the connected roads Nautilus and Camp.

“The road needs to be re-aligned away from the dunes wherethe ground is more stable. Theroad cannot be closed because it is acritical road especially during peak hours,”Jansen said.

The16km road stretches from Mnandi Beach to Strandfontein Pavilion. It has access points to lifesaving clubhouses, fishing spotsand an NSRI base.

Connectingyoungpeople withjobpossibilities

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LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Aqueue of hundreds of unemployed people snaked from inside the Rocklands Civic Centre right around the building from early Wednesday morning.

The mostlyyoung people in the queue had come to join the City’s Jobs Connect programme at the civic centre on Wednesday4 February.

Subcouncil 17 chair Elton Jansen explained: “This Jobs Connect outreach was to register unemployed youth on the database.”

In the queue was Matayo Solomons, a21-year-old from Rocklands.Hewas battling to find work because everywherehe

BUSINESSES GIVENHELPWITH TENDER APPLICATIONS AT ENGAGEMENT

applied employers preferred taking on people with experience.

“I camehereto see whatI could do about that.” He addedhewas happy with how the engagement wasprogressing becausebefore heeven entered the main seated queue inside the main hall, he wasgiven pamphletsabout the opportunities available.

HELPFORSMALLBUSINESSES

Jansen explained that at the engagement, jobseekers could upload their CVs to theCity’s system,which could then connect them with employment opportunities

Theengagement, though, wasnot solely forjobseekers. TheCity’s Business Hub was alsoavailable at thevenue to offerhelp and registration opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“The Business Hubisalso present to assist andguide small businesseswith whatever help they require,” Jansen said.

He said these services included helpwith tender applications, guidesonhow to do business with theCity, helping with registration on thesupply database and providing access to online webinars about marketing and growing abusiness.

Jansen said entrepreneurs could alsoget accesstothe Cape Town Entrepreneurship Academy, which assistedsmall, medium, andmicroenterprises(SMMEs).

Rocklands’ ward councillor Danny Christians said that unemployment was a“critical issue”.

“Through Jobs Connect, the City encouragescareer development. It is envisaged that through practical, technicaloracademic intervention, when successfully applied, the process will contribute to thewell-beingoffamiliesand will economically contribute to a well-runCity.”

Characterscome out to playforWorld Read Aloud Day

Books and theircharacters were on full display in Cape Town over the lastfew days as bookish people took part in several public readings for World Read Aloud Day.

The day, which is celebrated on 4February, was founded by LitWorld in 2010 to promotes reading aloud to improve literacy, comprehension, and community connection.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and councillor Francine Higham joined the City's Library and Information Services on Wednesday to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2026 at the Iziko Museum of South Africa.

The event, held in partnership with Nal'ibali and Iziko Museums, featured the theme “Magic at the Museum” and was designed to unlock magic through stories as a journey of hope and adventure.

LIBRARIESGETQUIRKY

Central Library in the Cape Town City Bowl District (CBD), posted aquirky video on social media of alibrarian reading Romeoand Juliet’s famous balcony soliloquy from the library’s level one balcony. (https://www.facebook.com/ share/r/17t29jKmoJ/)

Staff from the libraryalso visited several schools and read aloud to pupils

Other libraries also posted read-aloud events on their social media pages.

Rocklands Library, in Mitchells Plain, posted: “So today we managed to read aloud to over 1500 learners at three primary schools’ foundation grades.”

AUTHORSCOMEOUTOFTHE WOODWORK Publishers also sent their authors out intothe wild to read at schools and libraries.

Author Lauren O’ConnorMay, from Strandfontein, visited two schools on Thursday 5February on the invitation of literacy non-profit TheOtto Foundation.

O’Connor-May, visited two Otto Foundation libraries in District Six (Holy Cross) and theCBD (St Mary’s) to read from her children’sbook Dream House Adventures

WHATDOBOOKISHPEOPLESAY ABOUTREADINGALOUD?

“Reading aloud allows us to have some fun, to get into characters, read in different tones of voices. Iwould even encourage parents to allow theirchildren to read out loud, and it doesn't necessarily just have to be abook, they could be maybe in traffic, and ask the kids to read, bumper stickers or signage, just to get our kids to read out loud, because they also get to practise reading, and practise their articulation.”

—Alicia Williams, founder of the Olive Exchange, an assisted publisher in Mitchells Plain.

“Reading aloud plays a powerful role in achild’s development. It helps build vocabulary, introduces new words, and strengthens listening skills. When children read out loud at home, they also gain confidence in expressing themselves. Parents are encouraged to create time and space for this. It makes alasting difference.” Roscoe Williams from Read to Rise, a literacy NPO.

“We need to treat reading, the same way we do any other fun activity. We show kids the lens through which they should view books, so if reading is seen as something fun and exciting, and interesting to do, then that's what it will be. Use accents, ask them questions about what they see on the page, make funny voices. Make it as interactive as possible. Help them discover their imagination through the world of stories.”

—Bianca Flanders, entertainer and author.

“I am passionate about encouraging children to read aloud. Reading aloud has so many benefits: boosts confidence, builds vocabulary and language skills, unlocks reading for meaning, develops better understanding and overall comprehension, enhances fluency through activating multiple senses, improves memory for better recall of the story, ignites active listening skills. instils alove of reading and most of all, it brings joy.” —Roslynne Toerien, children's book author.

BeaconValleywomantakesflight

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LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The first time Lucreatia Hoffman set foot on aplanewas as aflight attendant.

The 21-year-old Beacon Valley resident said thatfour months after starting a career as an Emirates flightattendant, she still feelslike she is walking in adream. “I still feel like it's adream becauseI did not think Iwas going to even get the invitation,” she said.

LONGROADTOTHESKY

The road to becoming an Emirates cabin crew memberwas not smooth forthe former Oval Northlearner,but it began when she was 10 years old, when an aftercareouting was avisit to the airport. Hoffman said she saw the Emirates flight attendants exiting the planeand she was mesmerised

“I was fascinated by theway they looked, their professionalism, theway they walked. Theyhad pride in the uniform

21-YEAR-OLD OVERCOMES DEBILITATINGGRIEF TO SEIZE ONCEINALIFETIME GLOBAL OPPORUNITY

of my life, and then Inever went back there againbut Istill kind of felt alone. Everything just slowly but surely came backtogether, but it actually officially came together when Ilanded the job at Emirates.Theneverything felt right.”

EMIRATES

Hoffman had been working at her previous jobwhen her colleague said something that reminded her of her childhood dream.

“Iwas at my old job andone of the people thatwork there told me that Ilook like Icould fit very well as an air hostess,” Hoffmansaid. She immediately thought of Emirates andchecked the companyout online.

THINKING OUTLOUD

Your wallet determines your medical care

Irecently found myself in asituation where life hung in the balance. Someone Icared about needed immediate medical attention. In amoment, driven by fear and desperation, we rushed to the nearest hospital,aprivate institution

We had no medical aid. We knew the odds were against us. Still, when death feels close, logic takes aback seat.

Walkinginto thereceptionarea, Iexplained that this was amedical emergency.

In that moment, Ibecame acutely aware of an invisibleline that divides peoplein medical crises: those whose medicalaid opensdoors, and those whose suffering must first be assessed against abalance sheet.

The receptionist calmlyexplained thataconsultation with adoctor andanelectrocardiogram, anoninvasive,painless testtomeasure the heart's electrical activity, would cost approximately R10000. This amount, Iwas told,had to be paid upfront,before anyone would even assess thepatient.

We left and went to aprivategeneral practitioner (GP), who then assessed and referred us to astate hospital.

But the divide becomes even clearer in astate hospital. Time stretches endlessly Hours pass while pain deepens. Wards aresoovercrowded that patients lieon floors, bodies against walls and hardened benches.

WEACCEPTTHATSUFFERINGWILLBE PROLONGEDIFYOUCANNOTAFFORDIT

Doctors movefrom bed to bed, visibly exhausted, some having missed lunch, others nearing the end of impossiblylong shifts

They treateveryone: stab wounds, psychiatricpatients, the chronically ill under one strained roof, all hoping their names will be called next.

Here, "non–code red" patients wait more than twelve hours, sometimeslonger, learning thehard waythat urgency is relative when resources are scarce. Security guards, hardened by constant chaos, enforce order with little patience or compassion, as though authority is the only thing keeping the system from collapse.

This is not astory about individual failure. It is about systemic inequality

In theory, healthcare is ahumanright. In practice, it is aprivilege.One that mirrors our economic divides.

Private hospitals boast efficiency, comfort, and immediacy, but only for those who can afford it

Public hospitals carrythe weight ofthe majority, underfunded and overwhelmed, relying on overworked stafftohold together asystemthat is quietly failing

The most disturbingtruth ishow normalised this has become. We expect state hospitals to be chaotic.Weexcuse the long waits.

We acceptthat suffering will be prolonged if you cannot afford it.

Until we confront the reality that access to timely, dignified medical care depends largely on financial status, these divides will continue to widen.

The sad truth is that in moments of emergencies and desperation, survival in our healthcare system often comes down to what you can afford, not how urgently you need help.

-KAYLYNNEBANTOM

Gymclosuresparksanger

Iwanttoexpress my deep disappointment,frustration,and concern regardingthe decision to closeVirgin Active RedParow

This facility hasbeen morethanjustagym. For manyofus, it has been aconsistent, welcoming, and accessiblespace that allowedustoprioritiseour healthwithoutthe excessivecosts associatedwith premium facilities. Virgin ActiveRed Parowhas always been busy, well-utilised, andsupported by aloyal membership base,which makes the decision to closeit particularlydifficult to understand.

Theexplanation that the club cannotberevamped to align withVirgin Active’s“premium vision” is deeply concerning.The realityisthatthe members of this club didnot want or need theseadditions. That is precisely whywechose Virgin ActiveRed. It demonstrated that movement,health, andwellbeingdonot need to be luxuriesreservedfor those who canaffordsignificantly higherfees

By closing this facilitybecauseitcannotbeconverted intoamoreexpensiveoffering, the message being sent is that affordabilityand accessibilityare secondarytoprofit.Thisdecision disproportionately

affects loyalmembers who areonstrict budgets but remain committedtotheir health. Many members will simplynolongerbeabletoaffordagym at all, which undermines the very principles of health andwellbeing that Virgin Activeclaims to promote. Whilemembers arebeingoffered the option to transfer to amoreexpensiveclubfromSeptember, this stillrepresents an increase of nearlyR200 per month —anamount that is simplynot feasiblefor many. Furthermore, those who choose nottotransfer areeffectivelypenalised by having to immediatelypay alternativegym fees elsewhere.This places members in an unfair andforcedposition

Foroveradecade,thisgym hasservedasa safe,inclusivespace forthe communityinthis area.Its closure represents notjustthe loss of afacility, but the loss of aculturethatprioritised health without financialexclusion.The decision feelsshort-sighted and, frankly, dismissiveofthe loyalclientele who supported Virgin ActiveRed Parowpreciselybecauseitwas different Accessibilityshouldnot be sacrificed in the pursuit of premium branding.

FRUSTRATED,Parow

Bejaarde ontvang ‘genade’van jong vakmanne

Redelik gereeldlees onsindie TygerBurger se briewekolomvan goedhartigeSamaritanewat bereid is om hul harteenbeursies oop te maak vir oënskynlik senior burgers watmoontlik net eenmalig of een keer per maand'nversnapering of sakkie negosieware kan bekostig. As pensioentrekker wasekdie afgelope week aan die ontvangkantvan drie goeie Samaritane se goeie dade "Janu-worrie"het onsbeursies ook maar leeg gelaat,maar ek moesnoodgedwonge onsvoertuig se wielsporingenbande laat nasien, watektelank uitgestel het.Ekvra toerondenwordverwysna‘n onderneming in Willowbridgewat wielsporing doen. Twee aangename en uitersbekwame jong manne wasmybehulpsaam en toedie bedrag vir die wielsporinggenoem word,het ek my oë toegeknyp.Ekwas egteruiters beindruk metdie regstelenherstel van die voertuig deur die vakmanne.Met die betaalslag ader die tw thul bestuurder komt

Public drinking and disorder on Chenoweth

As Durbanville business owners, my husband and Iare increasingly concerned about the growingdisorder outside abottlestore on Chenoweth Street

Largegroupsofmen –both homeless individuals and workers–regularlygather theretodrinkonthe pavements.This bottlestore appears to attractstreet peopleand after-work drinkers who consume alcohol immediately outside the premises.

Theresultisanareathatfeelsunsafefor residents andcustomers.

On weekends especially,the crowds become disruptive.Brokenbottles, shouting, public urination,and even defecation have become common. Pavements areoften littered with glass, andmanyshoppers have experienced harassment from intoxicated individuals.

This behaviour degrades theneighbourhood and harms localbusinessestryingtomaintain aclean, welcomingenvironment.

Durbanville already hasseveral bottlestoresin secure shopping centres where loitering andpublic drinking arenot tolerated.

Despiteongoingcomplaints, law enforcement presence remains minimal.Publicdrinking, urination, and nuisance behaviourare offencesunder Cape Town’s by-laws, yetlittleaction is taken.

Durbanville residents should not have to accept this levelofdisorder.Itistime forthe communityand our Ward councillortointervene andrestoresafetytothe area JUSTINE PERRY, Durbanville

on Okavango Road at Cape GateonWednesday morning, 4January

It’sa dailystruggle…motorists driving, some speeding, down the yellow lane whilethe rest of us law-abidingdriverspatientlycrawl to ourdestination. Some do it under the pretenceofturning left at the next robot,evenifthe next robot is 500m away,only to shoot straightoverthe intersection from the left turning lane

Othersmakethe left turn, but shoot through the hospital andshopping centre’sparking areastojoin Okavangoagain further up the road. What theydon’t realise–ormaybe they’re justtoo selfish to care –isthey’re makeanexisting trafficjam even worse. Thesemotorists maketaxidrivers look like angels

TheCityofficialinbluemade my day. Ihope we see youtakeonthis lawless behaviour on Okavango more often.

ESTHER,LangebergRidge