TygerBurger | Mitchells Plain | E-edition | 22 April 2026

Woensdag, 22 April 2026 |Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za

|Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

BETTERCOLLABORATION NEEDED BETWEEN HEALTH AND EDUCATION

Callforearly autismsupport

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Health and education professionals have called for better collaboration and teacher training to support children with autism.

Dr Roland Kroukamp, afamily physician at Mitchells Plain Community HealthCentre, told attendeesatanautism expo at Town Centre Library that the disorderisadevelopmental conditionaffectinghow children communicate, interactwith others,and experiencethe world around them.

“Thesechildrenare special, they can still be high-functioning despite havingthe labelofbeing autistic,” said Kroukamp.

WHATISAUTISM?

Autism, alsoknown as autism spectrumdisorder, is not adisease but alifelong developmental condition, Kroukamp said. It affectsthree keyareas:communication, social interaction, and behaviour and interests.

Early symptoms that parents and caregivers should look out for include children not responding to theirname,limited eyecontact,delayed or no speech, preferring to play alone,

“Havingagoodteacher islikethemostpowerful magic.Ateacherthatjust seesthesethings...”

-Jean-Pierre Hartmann

repetitive actions with toys, and extreme sensitivitytotextures, lights and sounds.

“These signs usually appear before the age of two or three years old,” he said. He shared examples of highfunctioning individuals with autism he has encountered, including aman in his late 30s with asuccessful singing career whohas recently had anewborn, and awoman in her 20s who is “extremely clever” and reads extensively.

MYTHSANDCAUSES

Kroukamp addressed common misconceptions, stating that vaccinesdonot cause autism and that poor parenting is not to blame.

“Thecauses of autism are not fully known yet, it’s not fully understood, but thereare links to genetics and environmental factors,” he explained.

Environmental factors may

include premature birth or pregnancy complications, but these are often beyond anyone’s control.

At Mitchells PlainCommunity Health Centre, children suspected of having autism are first assessed by occupational therapists or speech therapists before being referred to specialists.

“We don’t have neurodevelopmental specialists at the CHC. The child will be assessed by an occupational therapist or speech therapist because they’ll pick up on the milestone development,” Kroukamp said.

Children are then referred to hospitals with paediatricians skilled in neurodevelopmental issues, or to Red Cross Children’s Hospital’s neurodevelopmental department for expert assessment.

PROFESSIONALSUPPORTTEAM

Jean-Pierre Hartmann, a clinical psychologist from the Provincial Mental Health Outreach Team, emphasised the importance of appropriate school placement and teacher understanding.

WEDNESDAY22APRIL

. Durbanville Heritage Societypresents its annual meeting at 18:30 in the hallofStellenbergDutch ReformedChurchinEdelweiss Way, Eversdal. Theguest speaker, Marius Breytenbach, will discuss the topic "TheearliestTygerberg farmsand their significance" Breytenbach has completed hisPhD research on the earliestTygerbergfarms and willsharethoughtson his experience and findings during the evening. Visit www.durbanvilleheritage.co.za.

THURSDAY23APRIL

. TheR5booksaleatthe DurbanvilleChildren's Homewilltakeplace on Thursday 23 Apriland Friday 24 Aprilfrom09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday 25 April from 09:00 to 13:00atthe receptionarea. Therewill be alarge selectionoffiction, non-fiction, coffee-table andchildren's books, as well as CDs and DVDs.Card facilitieswillbeavailable

FRIDAY24APRIL

. Thepopular Alta du Toit Centregift is hosted at the centrefrom24April to 2May.The autumnmarketwill featureanexpanded rangeofvendorsand products, withall proceeds supportingthe upkeepand running of the Alta du Toit Centrewhilsthelping to uplift the livesofits residents.Visitorscan browse freshly bakedgoodsand confectionery,homemadejamsand reserves,uniquehome and garden décorincluding popularbraaibroeke,artwork,and pet treats. The market willbeopen on weekdays from 10:00to18:00 and weekendsfrom10:00to15:00. Contact Lieze de Wit, market organiser, at 072168 1716 formore information.

SATURDAY25APRIL

. Asecond-hand book sale will be held at the EdgemeadLibraryonSaturday, 25 April.The sale starts at 09:00 until12:00 and is hosted by the Friendsof EdgemeadLibrary. Alarge selection of donatedadult andchildren’s fiction andnon-fictionbooks as well as CDs, DVDs and magazines will be forsale. Prices rangefromR5upwards peritem. Card paymentsare accepted forpurchasesofR50 and over.

.Join Save aFishieand the Cape West GirlGuides foranEarth Daybeach clean-up at Lagoon Beach, Milnerton. Theclean-up will startat09:00,with glovesprovided to volunteers.Organisers encourage communitymembers to bring friends and family.

SUNDAY26APRIL

. Edgemead’slargest indoor second-hand market is taking place thisSunday26April at the Edgemead CommunityHall. Themarket starts at 08:00 until 14:00. Allsorts of second-hand household,collectablesand othergoods willbeonsale, bric-a-brac, prel-ovedclothing items, and much more. Thehallis locatedat83EdgemeadDrive,Edgemead. Fordetails call MaureenWatkins on 083441 0015

TUESDAY28APRIL

. TheEgyptian Society of South Africa willhostits next meeting at St George's GrammarSchool in Mowbray on Tuesday28April at 19:30. Guestspeaker Prof Sebastianvan As will present alecture titled "The NurtureofChildren in Ancient Egypt",offeringinsight intochildhood practicesand upbringing in one of history's oldestcivilisations. Entryisfreefor members, whilevisitors payR30.Refreshments willbeavailable at acostof R10. Booking is not required,and secure parking is available on the schoolgrounds.For more information, contact 021852 7273 or 084774 3972

WOENSDAG29APRIL

. Die gevierde skrywer Réna Rauch se nuutsteroman, Beauty,wordom10:30 in Welgemoedbekendgestel Belangstellendeskan by MarietaNel by 084 511 1931 hulplekbespreek.

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.Plentyofoff-road parking.Food available. Allwelcome,especially children

.Ahisha Samson from Brackenfellwilllaunch her debutpoetrycollection So deur dielewe/Along Life's Path atthe Durbanville Library. In her poetry Ahisha sharesher personaljourneythrough life, socio-economic challenges,her faith and growth as awomanofcolour. Thebooklaunch starts at 10:00 for10:30 ending at 12:00. Contact Ahisha Samson on ahishasamson28@gmail.comwith enquiries

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe SummerGreens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, SummerGreens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Free entry.For more informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072 8301966.

Threechildren shotattaxirank

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Seven people were shot andtwo killed in two separate shooting incidents on 7April.

Threechildren,asix-year-old girl and two boys aged12and 13 were injured in thefirst shooting at Hazeldene taxi rank Accordingtocrime watch groups, the shootings were retaliatory between rival gangs.

Police spokesperson, ColAndre Traut, said theAnti-GangUnit are investigating two countsofmurder andfive counts of attempted murderfollowing the shootings.

He said the first incident occurred at about 14:35 but accordingtocrime watch groups andthe Community Police Forum (CPF),itoccurred in the morning.

“It is reported that unknown suspects opened fire on agroup of people, fatally wounding two men aged20and 22. Both victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. Two adult males andthree children, including a six-year-old girl andtwo boys aged 12 and 13, were injured andtaken to hospital for treatment,” Trautsaid, adding that the shooters fledthe scene.

He said the motive for the attack is not known but crime watchgroups claim sources on theground say the shooting was aganghit. Allegedly in aretaliation lateronthe same day, a26-year-old man was shot dead in Merrydale Street, Portland

Traut said the man was shot multiple times by gunmen who fled the scene in a car

“The victim sustained multiple gunshot woundsand was declared deceased on the scene. This incident is believed to be gangrelated,” he said.

“Anti-GangUnit detectives are investigatingboth cases,”Traut said.

TIMECONFUSION

AccordingtoStrandfonteinCPF chair, Sandy Schuter, thefirst shooting had takenplaceinthe morning hours while thesecond shooting took place shortly before 15:00.

MAN ESCAPESUNHARMEDIN STRANDFONTEIN DRIVE-BY

She said the second shooting took place on the corner of Baakens Way and Merrydale Avenue, which is in a residential area behind the Promenade Mall, ashort distance from the first Traut said: “SAPScondemns these senseless acts of violence in the strongest possible terms, especially where innocent members of the community, including children, are caught in the crossfire. Such incidentshave no place in our communities, and every available resource is being utilised to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”

DRIVE-BY

Meanwhile, in Strandfontein, a32-yearold man escaped injury during ashooting on the evening of Wednesday 15 April.

Theincident occurred on the corner of Dageraad and Dennegeur roads at 18:46 when an unknown gunman opened fire on the man’s car.

Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said the man was driving towards the intersection when the gunman got out of his own car and fired at the man’s vehicle as he drove away.

Aresident of Dennegeur Road, who did not want to be named, said her nephew had heard the shooting whilst she was preparing for church.

He warned her as she was getting ready that he’dheard about five gunshots going off in succession nearby, she said. When she returned from church later, she found the intersection crawling with police and unmarked vehicles.

Theresident said she had not heardthe shots herself.

Strandfontein police have opened an attempted murder case following the shooting. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues.

. Residentsare encouraged to report any information to police on 10111, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or StrandfonteinSAPSon021 370 1500

Health department warns of fake EMStraining video

The provincial department of health and wellnesshas issued awarning about a fakerecruitment video circulating on social mediathatinvites people to apply for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training.

The department says the video, which appears to be created using artificial intelligence technology, is not legitimate and is designed to mislead jobseekers.

DEPARTMENTNEVERCHARGES APPLICATIONFEES

Officialsemphasise that the department will neverask forpayment when people apply for jobs or training opportunities. All official recruitment processes are conducted throughverified platforms only. Job seekers whowant to apply for genuinevacancies should use the department'sofficial recruitment portal at https://www.scubedonline.co.za/ recruitment_wcdh/vacancy-posting. aspx?login=true.

HOWTOPROTECTYOURSELF

The department advises the public to take several precautions to avoid falling victim to recruitment scams:

. Do not share personalinformation on unofficial websites.

. Do not pay any fees for jobapplications.

. Report suspicious content to authorities.

Thedepartment is encouraging people to share thiswarning to help prevent others from being misled by the fake recruitment video.

Anyone who encounters suspicious recruitment content should verify its authenticity through official channels before providing personal details or making any payments.

Housing grants launched for Apartheid victims

The government has launched ahousingassistanceprogramme for victimsof apartheid, with Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi announcing the reparations scheme in ata press conferenceonTuesday 7April. It provides housing grantsof up to R183 257 per household to people identifiedby the Truth and ReconciliationCommission (TRC)asvictims of gross human rights violations during apartheid.

R650MILLIONBUDGETALLOCATED

The governmenthas set aside R650 millionfor the housing reparations, which are funded through the President’s Fund. Victims can choose between aonceoff housing grant the nstr tion of ne housing 220 applicants option. expected 332. R20 with expected programme to victims. and triumphed peace to reparations in 20 They suffered recommended the other including eligible basic 18 R129 receive and several investigations like housing application Department listed successful Fund people vi re spe as

Manrescuedfromripcurrents

A23-year-old man from Khayelitsha was rescued from rip currents at Monwabisi Beach on 7April after getting into difficulties while swimming. The National SeaRescue Institute (NSRI) Strandfontein stationreceived an alert at 14:36onthe day from alocal lifeguard reporting asuspected drowning in progress.

“Localshark spotters confirmed that therewas indeed an active drowningin progress in the surf zone at Monwabisi,” saidNickyWhitehead, NSRI Strandfontein station commander.

Monwabisi, whichisalong the False Bay coast, is aresort, tidal pool and beach on theoutskirts of theWolfgat Nature Reserve near Khayelitsha.

Multiple emergency services responded

PROMPTRESPONSE SAVES MAN FROM DROWNING

to theincident, including NSRI Strandfontein rescue swimmers, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine Unit, local shark spotters, Western Cape Government HealthEmergency Medical Services andCape Town Fire and Rescue Services

ACity of Cape Town Law Enforcement MarineUnit officerentered the water and reached theman in distress, successfully bringinghim backtoshore with assistancefrom asharkspotter.

NSRI crew members then provided medical treatmentalongside Metro Emergency Medical Services and Fire and Rescue paramedics.

Theman, who was suffering from nonfatal drowning symptoms, was stabilised at the scene before being transported to hospital by ambulance in astable condition.

RIPCURRENTS

Theincident appears to have been caused by the swimmer being caught in rip currents.

Whitehead praised the swift response of all emergency services involved and commended the Law Enforcement Marine Unit officer whose quick action saved the man’s life.

TheNSRI is anon-profit organisation dedicated to drowning prevention and water safetyinSouth African waters. Their volunteers operate 24 hoursaday and rely on donations and sponsorships.

CodingclubsparksinterestinCAT

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Dozens of learners crammedinto a classroom during interval at Rocklands High to do an exam that didnot contribute to their grade average.

The learners, who were too many for the space, filledevery available gap to do an online “Test Your Might”.

The learners are among more than 100 others who meet onceaweek, during interval, to learn coding thanks to sponsorship and expertise by twoprivate companies.

BOOSTINGCOMPUTERAPPLICATIONS

“They thought it was more about robotics,but when they got here they realised that you can’t do roboticsif you don’t haveabackgroundincoding, becauseultimately you needtogivethat robot the instructions,” said teacher Vivienne Roberts, who facilitates the club at Rocklands.

She said this understanding got learners more interested in Computer Applications Technology (CAT), with Grade 8and 9 learners now wanting to take itinGrade 10.

“So that’s going to spur ournumbers in CAT in Grade 10 as well, sothat’s a positiveimpact with regards to retaining certain subjects and postsatthe school.”

Part of bigger programme,the club, which at Rocklands is called Coding Cartel, is one of 58 at schools in disadvantaged areas in CapeTown.It is runbyWeCode24 through sponsorshipby Naspers.

Rocklands’ club is ayear old and has amix of learners from everygrade.The programme is designed for learnersin quintile level 1to3schools andhas been

FACILITATED AND SPONSORED BY CORPORATES, THEGROUPS BOOST INTEREST IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

LIFE-CHANGINGIMPACT

Roberts said the programme was lifechanging for some learners. She related howone learner, usually very shy, had nowbecome aleader helping others

“This particular programme sparked something in himand nowheisjust telling everyonewhattodoand helping everyone. It’s notjust transformative withthe application of coding,but it’s transformative in their life as well, and their character.”

Josh Hudson (14) of Tafelsig agreed. He

said the classestaughthim “there are morethingsfor me to be free about. It helpedmetothink outside the box.”

Shahid Moosa, a17-year-old matric learner from Rocklands, said: “The classes helpedmebemore confident, more focused andwilling to learn.”

He hoped to explore acareer in IT and said the classeshad increased his interest in thefield.

Abdush-Shakoor Abbas, also aGrade 12 learner, said it wasa “new experience”, whichwas sometimes frustrating.

“If thebook didn’t explain how it works I’d Googleitand try different things until

Igot it right,” Abbas said. Robertssaid thiswas exactly how the classes were designed, learning by doing. There were no lessons or pre-training.

Thelearners were given small A5 comic books, called zines that gave step-bystep instructions, which they then tried, helping one another and talking it out, figuring it out together as they went along.

Theprogramme requires no fee from schools, but needs astaff member to act as club facilitator and commitment to regular club meetings for the full academic year

STILLRELEVANTINAIAGE

TygerBurger asked if learning coding was still relevant with the new eraof artificial intelligence, Zahn Venter, Operations Manager at WeCode24, replied that powerful tools such as AI actually increased the need for skill rather than remove it

“Learning to code isn’tprimarily about producing code. It’sabout learning how to think: breaking problems down, making precise decisions, and turning ideas into working systems. That’s what lets you direct tools like AI, instead of being directed by them.”

She compared computers to musical instruments: “You can put apiano in every classroom, but that won’t give you a music culture that lives in people.” Venter said the goal was to develop people who could think and create rather than just consume.

“If you don’t understand the tools,you don’t shape the future,” she said. “You only consume it.When someone can think, make and adapt they are not limited to the opportunities they are given. They can create theirown.

“You can hand someone Jarvis, but that doesn’t make them Iron Man.”

THINKING OUTLOUD

Socks,storms and stubborn summer vibes

Winter has officially arrived. Youcan feel it in theearly morning chill, see it in the grey skies rolling in,and hear it in the steady rhythm of rain against thewindows. For some, it’s aseasonto endure. For me, it’s one to embrace. There’s something deeply comforting about winter. It invites you to slow down, to trade the rush of summer for quieter moments. To wrap yourself in blankets, cradle awarm cup of coffee,and sitalittle longer beside the fireplace while the world outside turns cold and wet

But this past weekend, winter reminded us that it is not always gentle. Heavy rains battered parts of thecity, leaving floodingand damage in their wake. For many families, the season did not arrive with cosy blankets and warmdrinks, but with risingwater, soaked belongingsand uncertainty. My heart goes out to those who have been affected —especially thosewho havelost their homes or have nowhere to go. It’s astark reminder that while winter can feel magicalfor some, it canbeincredibly harsh for others. It puts things into perspective.

Because while I’mlightingafire and reaching foranotherjersey,thereare people trying to stay dry, trying to stay warm, trying to hold onto whatthey have And inside my home, winterlooks very different. My three-year-old sonisfirmly convinceditisstill summer

Every morning beginswitha negotiation —socks being the main point of contention. To him, they areunnecessary and deeply offensive. To me,they are essential. “Just try them,” Isay,holding

FORMANYFAMILIES,THE SEASONDIDNOTARRIVEWITH COSYBLANKETS...

outasmall pair. “No,” he replies, without hesitation.

Then comes the wardrobe debate. While I’m layering up, he’s pointing atshorts andT-shirts as if the weather outside is merely asuggestion. Explaining winter to atoddler is no easy task.

“It’s cold,” Itell him. “Butthe sun is there,” he says, pointing outthe window. And in his mind, that settles it. Because sun means one thing: beach.

So when Iexplain that we can’tgo, the confusionisreal. Why would anyone not go to the beach if the sun is visible? It’s a fair question —one that logic struggles to answer when you’rethree years old

After one such conversation, he paused, looked up at the sky, and asked, “Is the sun on holiday?” And just like that, winter made perfect sense.

Because that’s exactlywhatitfeels like sometimes —like the sun has taken abreak, leaving clouds, wind andrain behind.Itstill makes the occasional appearance,just enough to remind us it hasn’t disappeared entirely

But it doesn’t linger. Itriedtoexplain this to him —that the sun is still there, just not as warm, not as strong.Hewasn’t convinced. In hisworld, things are simple. Warm means outside. Sun means beach. Socks are optional.

The recent flooding has reminded us how vulnerable so many people are when the rains come.And maybe that’s the balance winter asksofus— to find comfort wherewecan, while remaining aware of those who cannot. To be grateful,but not unaware. So whileIsit with mycoffeeand my blanket, and continue the daily battle oversocks, I’m holding space forboth realities. Thecosy and the difficult. The laughter and theloss.

Kommentaar // Comments

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Wag togvir jou beurt

And somewhere in between, asmall voicestill asking whether the sun will be back from holiday tomorrow. Itell him yes. Even if, for now, winterishereto stay. -KAILIN DANIELS

Heavyrain bringsback thepotholecrisis

As winter settlesoverCape Town once again, so too doesthe familiar and frustrating problem of potholes returntoour roads.Every year it feelslikethe same story is replayed —heavy rainsarrive, roads deteriorate, and motorists arelefttonavigateanever-growing network of craters anddamagedsurfaces

In some areas, temporary'patchwork fixes' seem to last only afew days before the damage re-emerges, often worsethanbefore. Better planning, more resilientroadmaterials, andfasterresponsetimes couldgo alongway in reducing the impact of winter damage.

ACONCERNEDMOTORIST, Email

Ek is nounet mooi keelvolvan mense se ongedulden selfsugtigheid op die pad, veralinspitsverkeer soggens op Bottelary

Onsmoetalmal ‘n sekere tydbydie werk komen, net soos 'n mensin'nwinkel in 'n ry gaan staan om te betaal,nie net summier voor ander indruk nie.Jykan mosopdie padook jou beurt afwag

Die padwerke op Labellewegisnou al sedertdie begin vandie jaar aan die gang. Dit is nie 'n nuweding nie,maar vanoggend staan die ry karreopBottelary watalmal voor wil indruk amper net so lank soos die ry watindie korrekte baan geduldig moetwag —eintlik noglanger, te dankeaan al die selfsugtiges. Elkedag dieselfde storie —dieselfde voertuie wathul neusenet voor joune indruk. ESTHER,E-pos

Rapperfinds vocationatthe backofclass

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Hip hop artist Kailo turnedhis love of words andpoetry and his lack of direction at school into amusic career.

The 23-year-old from Beacon Valley released his first EP, the Fields are on Fire,onSpotify, iTunes, Apple, YouTube and “wherever youfind your music” last month.

“It was my biggest debut so far. Obviously it’s still on asmall scale, butit shows alot of improvement,” said Kailo about the EP’s performance

CLASSROOMRHYMESTOSERIOUSMUSIC

Kailo, whose real name is Kyle Victor, discovered apassion for music atthe back of his English and physics classes at Mondale High School.

“At the back of the class andeverybody would spit likearhyme or everybody would bring something from home that they wrote,” he said.

Victor, who originally comes from Lentegeur,struggled to find direction during his school years and chosetotake allthe stronger subjects without knowing what career path to follow.

“When Iwas younger, Ikindofdidn’t have anyspecificdirection when Iwas in high school,” he said. “It started off just for fun.”

While his friends would participate in rapbattles at school, Victorinitially preferred to watch from the sidelines before eventually taking histalent seriously.

“I fell abit in love with it and Ithink at the end of the day, amongst allofthem, I’m the only one who probably decidedto take this seriously.”

BUILDINGMOMENTUM

The EP, released on Monday 31 March, has led to performingopportunities at open micnightsinObservatory and Cape Town CBD. Victor has alsoformed apartnership with independent blog KAAPkast Media, which approached him after attending alistening sessionfor his friend’s project.

Duetofinancial constraints, Victor taught himself multiple aspects ofmusic production, including mixing,mastering

Performersinvited to take part in talent competition

Atalent searchevent will take place in Mitchells Plainnext month, giving local artists thechance to showcasetheir skills whilst creating job opportunities for the community.

Last weekend, Mitchells Plain Star Search held it's first round of auditions, as part of thearea's 50th anniversary celebrationsand this Saturday 25 April, YoungDynasty NPO andStar Struck Records, will hold auditions at Dagbreek Hall Marketfrom 10:00 to 13:00. The event forms part of preparations for the expansion of the Blue Downs Family Festival, scheduled for 24 September at WestridgeGardens.

COMMUNITYTALENTTAKESCENTRESTAGE

the biggest stage of her young career.

FREETRAININGCOURSESONOFFER

Following the auditions, participants can join afree Music Business and Event Training Course led by Brilynn van Rooyen.

Theprogramme targets artists, musicians, and service providers in the entertainment industry, teaching them how to navigate and earn money within the sector.

Thecourse will run weekly at the Town Centre Library, beginning on 24 April and continuing throughout the year.

NPOWORKSHOPPLANNED

Young DynastyNPO will also host a workshop for non-profits on 29 April, in partnership with the Department of Social Development.

The auditions will allow emerging artists to perform in front of alive audience within thebusy market setting. Organisers aim to discoverand support local talentfrom Mitchells Plainand nearby areas

ARTIST RELEASES FIRST EP

and beat-making, while his friend handles camera work for music videos.

“I don’t believe you can do anythingwith bigger resourcesifyou can’t do themost withwhatyou have rightnow,” he said.

INSPIRATION

Victor, the eldest of two children witha 19-year-old sister, draws inspiration from his environment, community andfamily experiences, particularly his father’s journey from poverty.

“My inspiration stems frommy environment, the thingsI see outside,my community, my hopes, my dreams,my family,” he said. “My father grew up very poor in poverty stricken areas,and rose abovethattogive us abetter life. If he can do that, Ifeellike I’m allowed to dream.”

Hismusic style is varied and “unapologetic”, covering different emotions and experiences.

“It’s sometimes hard hitting,sometimes uncomfortable truths, sometimes easygoing, sometimes happy, whichever feeling it invokes,” Victor explained. Lookingahead, Victor hopes to build afan base andeventually tour internationally while serving as an example for others from the Cape Flats.

“I wanna be an example for the people aroundmeand the examplesthatwe really didn’t have,” he said. “The world is yours.It doesn’t matter if you’re from the Cape Flats or wherever, Ibelieve that you candoitwherever you’re from, justby having apassionand alove for it.”

Young artists champion penguin conservation

Learners from Portland PrimarySchool in MitchellsPlain have turned theirlovefor nature into action aftertaking partinan education workshop on Tuesday 15 April

The project, run by Uthando (Love) South Africa working withthe Southern African Foundation for theConservation of Coastal Birds(Sanccob) andthe Mark Jeneker Foundation, saw 19 learnersjoin a hands-on penguinconservation workshop. During the session, children learned about the problems facing critically endangered African penguins andother seabirds

The workshop made aclear impact,with Sanccobpresentersgiving the school a beautifulpenguin artwork as alasting reminder of theirvisit.

GLOBALSHOWCASEFORLOCALTALENT

The event will alsoprovide additional opportunitiesfor residents, including job sign-ups for festival positions and a platform for service providers to present theirofferings directly to organisers.

The initiative comesasMitchells Plain marksits 50th anniversary, with Young Dynasty NPO emphasising itscommitment to creatingmeaningful opportunities for local residents.

LOCALTALENT

The success of previous auditions highlightsthe impact of thisinitiative. EbeneciaPoole (15) fromMitchells Plain secured apaid performance slot at the 2026 festival following her audition. She expressed excitement about what will be

Thesession will cover important topics including governance, registration, legal compliance, fundraising proposals, and organisational sustainability. All participation is free.

. Formoreinformation or to register,contact Brilynnvan Rooyen on 081 406 9296 or email info@bluedownsfest.co.za

vir 4uitgaweswaar bestaande afleweringsroetes bestaan

Beperkte tydperk. Huisaflewering in sekeregebiede beskikbaar.

The learners' original artworks will be displayed at thisyear'sWorld Travel Market Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The artworks will be sold at auction, with all money raisedgoing to Sanccob's conservation work protecting African penguins andcoastal birds. Organisations interested in settingup similareducational projectsordonating artsupplies are encouraged to contact Uthando (Love)South Africa through their websiteatwww.uthandosa.org or reach outtoprojectmanager, Roshana Naidoo.

Vermaak // Entertainment

Indiandanceperformanceonstage

Taare, aCape Town-based Indiandance performancetroupe,willbringtheirnewest danceproduction, TheBollywood Times,to Artscape on Saturday2May as part of the Suidoosterfees.

Foundedbyartisticdirector Ahneesh Valodia in 2012,Taarewas established to create aplatform forboth emerging and experienced dancers to contributetheir skills to the enrichment of the greatercommunity. Taarehas builta reputation for vibrant storytelling through the promotion of the Indian performingarts, blending theatrical concepts with thecolour and energy of Bollywood musicand dance.

IMAGINATIVEPRODUCTIONS

Over the years, the companyhas staged imaginativeproductions such as TheTaareExpress, When DancersUnite, Kismet, AnjaliinWonderland,and The Bollywood Bazaar,eachexploring unique themes through dance, cross-cultural collaborativework, and theatrical storytelling.

Celebrating14years of dance, thecompany continues to foster asupportiveand inclusive environmentfor its members, encouragingthemto sharetheir uniquestories and talents. "The troupe is morethanjustadance group; it is afamilythatnur-

turescreativity, passion, andlifelongconnections," Valodiasaid.

DANCEGENRES

TheBollywood Times marksTaare’s12thdance production and its fifth collaboration with the Suidoosterfees,one of South Africa’s leading arts festivalsthatcelebrates diversetheatre, music, anddance whileshowcasing both emerging and establishedartists.

Freshoff thepress, TheBollywood Times is an 90-minute dancespectacular staged within a bustling newspaperoffice.Asheadlines andstories come to life from thepages,audiencesare takenon ajourney through different emotions,events,and cultural influences.

Theproductionfeatures Taare’ssignature storytellingstyle whileincorporating an rangeofdance genres.Alongsidetraditional Indian andmodern Bollywood dancestyles, audiences willexperience elements of ballet,contemporary, flamenco, African dance, jive,modern, hip-hop,and belly dance, creatinga visually rich andhigh-energy theatrical experience

TheBollywood Times has twoperformanceson Saturday2May,atArtscape,at17:30 and 20:30 . Book at Webtickets