sed,” she told on Thursday 20 inancial year, we anes That was with he mayor’s budget here are around 200 closed t motivate for uncillors, you cannot hout us having So people are not we’ve gone out he deputy mayor has ngs to actually ply for these lane et the ad hoc emails e people are asking ng to be closed, and en be, ‘please come pp y y rest Sub council to have the lanes closed’ ”
LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO
Mitchell’s Plain had a bloody Wednesday last week with two incidents on busy main roads that resulted in two deaths
On Wednesday morning a police chase ended in a public shootout in Jakes Gerwel Drive
Police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said five armed men were travelling in a Toyota Hilux when police received a tip-off about the bakkie
“Members of the national intervention unit followed up the information,” he said Police followed the bakkie from Nyanga, but when the men realised they were being pursued they opened fire on the police vehicle in the Mitchell’s Plain section of Jakes Gerwel Drive
“Police officers returned fire, fatally wounding one adult male and arresting four others,” Twigg said “An AK47 rifle and two 9mm pistols with ammunition were recovered on the scene ” He said two private vehicles were damaged when the bakkie collided with them during the shoot-out
“The circumstances surrounding the death of the one suspect are under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate,” Twigg said adding that the men aged 27 to 45 were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, attempted murder and an attack on police
Lentegeur Community Police Forum (CPF) chair, Michael Jacobs, said the men were suspected armed robbers
GRUESOMETRAFFICACCIDENT
Later that afternoon, a pedestrian was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Eisleben Road
Social media was awash with graphic images of the crash, including one in which the bottom half of the victim’s body was shown with its innards in full view
Two other videos, from opposite angles, showed the car, a white BMW, crashing into the vehicles
Twigg said Lentegeur police registered cases of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving after the BMW driving on the wrong side of the road collided with the pedestrian and four other vehicles
The video on social media shows the driver of the BMW driving at tremendous speed and crashing into the first vehicle, which causes a four-car pile up
Twigg said the pedestrian was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel and the drivers and passengers of all the other vehicles, including children, sustained injuries
“The injured victims including the driver of the BMW were taken to nearby hospitals The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and an arrest is yet to be made,” Twigg said Traffic services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs confirmed that 11 people were injured in the crash, involving “five light motor vehicles”
Most of the injuries were minor, he said,
Police have released images retrieved from CCTV footage of the three men suspected of robbing Burger King.
but one person was seriously injured
“A 30-year-old male pedestrian was declared deceased on the scene by EMS,” he said
A TygerBurger source revealed that the BMW’s driver is 22 years old and sustained a head injury in the collision A seven-year-old and a 10-year-old, who were in the second and third vehicle involved in the crash, both sustained head injuries
Two other adults also received head and torso injuries in the crash, the source said Twigg asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously
Meanwhile, Lentegeur police have released the images of three suspected armed robbers and have asked the community to help trace them
Lentegeur police spokesperson Navon van Houten said the three men had robbed Burger King at Westgate Mall on 6 August Van Houten said the men tied up the staff and forced them to open the safe
They fled the scene in a white Toyota Avanza with R9 000 cash
. Anyone with information on the incident can contact the investigating officer at 079 584 4205.
As the festive season approaches, fraudsters are ramping up their activities
Last week, International Fraud Awareness Week, the City’s Ethics and Forensics Services Department embarked on a roadshow to promote fraud awareness and the City’s dedicated fraud hotline
Officials reported a surge in scams targeting vulnerable residents, particularly pensioners, with fraudsters impersonating City officials and offering fake municipal services
“During this peak scam season, we are asking our residents and customers to be fraud fighters and to always pause and verify before falling victim to the countless scams about at the moment,” said Siseko Mbandezi, the City’s Mayco member for finance
The department has received numerous reports of criminals posing as City officials, particularly targeting water and electricity services Common scams include WhatsApp messages claiming that for a fee, residents’ utilities will not be disconnected
Housing scams have also become increasingly prevalent, with fraudsters offering fake City housing opportunities or demanding payments to place victims on government housing lists
If someone claiming to be from the City wishes to enter your premises verify legitimacy by calling the City’s call centre
When reporting incidents of fraud residents should provide details including who, what, where, when, how, and estimated value if known
Residents will receive a reference number for follow-ups
. Call the City of Cape Town’s call centre on 0860 103 090 to verify Call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 32 32 30 (toll-free) to report fraud
Two dance crews from Mitchell's Plain showed the Mother City what they're made of when they took to the stage at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre last Saturday for the City's Move with Melody Dance-Offs
Devolution Dance Family from Tafelsig walked away with the second prize of R5 000 after delivering what judges called a "spectacular high-octane performance" that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish
The group, who mixed several dance genres into one seamless act, impressed all three judges with their storytelling and energy
Also representing Mitchell's Plain were Aiden & Tatum from Rocklands, who made it into the top 10 finalists out of hundreds of entries across Cape Town
THEBATTLE
The competition, held as part of the City's 2025 Festive Lights Switch-On celebrations, saw 10 dance crews battle it out in front of an enthusiastic crowd Dance styles ranged from hip-hop and street choreography to Afro-fusion and ballroom
First place and R10 000 went to Ipeko Dance Group from Philippi, while Gugulethu United We Stand Dance Group scooped third place and R2 500
THEFINALS
Devolution Dance Family will now join the other top three crews on the main stage at the Grand Parade on Sunday 30 November, for the official Festive Lights Switch-On event
They'll perform alongside big names like DJ Zinhle, Kurt Darren, and GoodLuck in front of thousands of Capetonians
"All 10 finalists clearly showcased Cape Town's immense talent," said the City, which has committed to using all the dance groups for events throughout the next year
The Festive Lights Switch-On promises to be a spectacular family day out, complete with pyrotechnics and video mapping on the City Hall to welcome in the summer season
She said some ward councillors have allocated hundreds of thousands of rands from the reallocation budget, which would be then approved by council in January 2026
“We cannot go forward to motivate for funding without lease applications So this would be a standard item unless people actually come to us and apply ”
On Monday 17 November, Subcouncil 17 approached the long-standing agenda item in a different way, since it had a different difficulty
Subcouncil manager Goodman Rorwana said some councillors contributed towards the budget provision for the lane closures
“We have a control document that is going to get the council approval in the January adjustment budget,” he said
“We are still busy compiling the final list, of all the lanes that are in the pipeline that are to be closed, and we’re still encouraging our residents to submit their lane closures,” he said
However, there was not enough in the budget to close all the lanes where the correct applications had been made Westridge ward councillor Ashley Potts said some residents had requested to close the lanes themselves
“Once we know it’s approved and the residents who are now entitled to lease that portion, can they go ahead and close it themselves? This request has come through a number of times,” Potts said Subcouncil chair, Elton Jansen, said it was possible but needed a separate application since there were specific guidelines that needed following
“There is that provision available, we just need to apply We must get a permit from the department and our project manager who will obviously give us the scope and the guidance because you must meet the specifications as to how those lanes must be closed ”
AWestgate woman who has been transforming lives through fashion and sewing skills has been crowned winner of the Business and Entrepreneurship category at the prestigious Good Hope FM Warrior Woman Awards
Suraya Williams, founder of the Design26 Foundation, was recognised at Friday night's glittering ceremony at Newlands Cricket Ground for her work empowering women in underserved communities across Cape Town
This is the second award Williams has won in the last two months Last month she won the 2025 IWISA No 1 Community Champions Competition
The Design26 Foundation teaches sewing and fashion skills to women who need economic opportunities, helping them build sustainable livelihoods while promoting environmentally-friendly fashion practices Williams' foundation focuses on turning
creativity into opportunity, giving women the tools they need to become financially independent through skill-building programmes
The awards ceremony was the grand finale of the two-day WomenIN Festival, themed "LIMITLESS No Labels No Limits No Apologies", which celebrated female excellence across multiple sectors
"Each of these women's stories is a living testament to the power of beautiful hearts, brave souls and unwavering commitment to changing the Mother City, its broader communities and our nation for the better," said Masi Mdingane, business manager for Good Hope FM Williams was selected from three finalists in the Business and Entrepreneurship category, which recognises women whose entrepreneurial spirit and innovation have significantly contributed to business success while positively impacting their communities
The Design26 Foundation's impact extends beyond individual training, fostering a culture of independence and self-reliance among participants who can then pass on their skills to others in their communities Williams received a cash prize courtesy of First National Bank and WomenIN, along with a limited-edition Warrior Woman 2025 chain and a specially designed award
LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY
LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Ano-fee school in Lentegeur has defied the odds and become a community hub of learning Their secret? Building relationships
This year the school, Cornflower Primary, celebrates its 40th anniversary “We run active programmes addressing persistent social issues in our community including gangsterism, drug and alcohol abuse, single parenting, and sexual abuse,” said long-serving educator Grant Williams (56) “Our role extends far beyond academics ” Williams is one of several long-serving staff members at the school The longestserving member is the principal, Cloretta Ontong (57) Ontong started at the school in 1990 and Williams in 1992
Both say the school’s most influential principal was Paul Hendricks, who has since moved on to work in the education department
“He was always meant to be serving the broader Western Cape because that was just the kind of person he was This office was too small for him ”
Hendricks’ influential reign at the school started with a change in motto The school's original motto was “Striving in Adversity”
“He felt that they needed to move away from being reminded that they are in adversity and he felt that we needed to change the motto As a staff, we got together and then we changed the motto to ‘Commit to Excellence’,” Ontong said Williams added that the change in motto was a shift towards a change in mindset and it started with the teachers
It was also under Hendricks’
leadership that the school started forging relationships
The neighbourhood watch was given a container space to work from on the school grounds, the school started using the neighbouring Dock’s Mission church hall for events and several non-profit, governmental and corporate partnerships were established to get programmes running at the school, such as the computer lab and state of the art astroturf sports field
The school also opens its doors to nearly every sporting code, if a partner is willing to come on board, so that their learners which leaned more towards sports and extra curriculars than academics, would have a multitude of options but also to create a learning space for the community
“The school closes at 15:00 but at night
it mustn’t be a white elephant So then we gave the opportunity to churches and to other organisations to make use of the building and in that way, we were also protected from all the elements that were around,” Williams said
The school’s computer lab was also opened to the community for classes and the other schools were also given access to Cornflower’s sportsfield, making the school a constant hub of activity But that does not mean it is without its challenges
Ontong said one of the school’s biggest challenges is late coming and congestion at opening and closing times because most of the school’s learners are from outside the area, some coming from as far afield as Delft
The school also faces the same adversities as the broader area
“A couple of months ago, not too far away, we had two gangs shooting at each other Very often we have to keep the learners inside the school premises at dismissal time, just from a safety point of view,” Williams said
“And that's another challenge Many of the children have to be transported here because the parents of the children in the Lentegeur community take their children to schools outside of the area,” Williams said
He explained that the open spaces at the school are then given to learners from the surrounding areas who cannot be accommodated in the areas where they live “So those come in by some sort of transport and what we've seen is that the transport is not really a good transport system There are drivers that are erratic and they overload the taxis When they come here, they would be hooting from the road, from the corner or closer to the school, which affects the residents ”
Ontong added that the school is planning to build an undercover pick-up area on a section of their garden but already know that this won’t solve the whole problem because some drivers instruct the learners to wait outside the school on the street corners so that they can get in and out of the area more quickly
“And then we have some learners that can't afford the transport, so they have to walk,” Williams adds
She says the school’s feeding scheme, which is supplied by Peninsula Feeding Scheme, is managed by three women from the community “And they prepare breakfast, they prepare a lunch, and sometimes there's a snack too,” Ontong said
It wasn't Valentine's Day, but dozens of residents who visited Westridge Gardens on Friday 21 November were given roses.
The reason? The City's Recreation and Parks Department hosted its first in-house mini rose-blooming workshop The event followed a pruning session in August, and the workshop taught residents about rose care and pruning
"Each participant was also allowed to prune and take home a single rose stem as a small souvenir," said Francine Higham, the Mayco member for community services and health The workshop was
led by the gardens' superintendent, Wayne Steyn
Participants from several fitness groups who frequent the park took part, including the Eastridge Fitness Seniors, the Dazzling Divas Fitness Club, Women's Walk to Wellness, and the Beacon Valley Seniors' Foundation . Pruning sessions are held annually, and residents interested in joining future sessions can email RP.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za
LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Mitchell's Plain Subcouncils 12 and 17 wrapped up their final meetings of 2025 last week, with the chairpersons honouring community heroes.
Elton Jansen began his chair’s address on 17 November with praise for his Subcouncil 17 manager, Goodman Rorwana, who saved the life of his counterpart from Subcouncil 12, Mcebisi Fetu, after finding him unconscious at his home
He said: "If it weren't for his quick thinking we would probably have been attending a funeral He is indeed a hero I know it must have been a terrible ordeal to find your colleague in that state "
Subcouncil 12 chair Solomon Philander gave more details on Fetu’s recovery in his chair’s address on 20 November: “He is recovering very, very well “There's much, much progress, so we just hope that he'll pull through on this one, that he can join us very, very soon again, to continue the work that we have started ”
NEIGHBOURHOODWATCHHONOURED
Philander also took the opportunity to pay tribute to several Eastridge and Tafelsig Neighbourhood Watch members who died this year
“Many of them served or walked the night before they died,” he said He invited the women’s respective neighbourhood-watch chairs to pay tribute to each of them
Eastridge watch chair Deirdre Petersen said: “We had a very sad 2025 Within three months we lost three members, Magdalene Miller, Elizabeth Carollus and Christine Campher
“These members served for many, many years They gave their life to the Eastridge community “Elizabeth was still patrolling the night before, Friday evening and Saturday she never woke up ”
Stella Cornelissen, Tafelsig East Neighbourhood Watch chair, paid tribute to Dandeline Jantjies, Elizabeth Saal and
Nuriman Gadija Samuels
“We're very, very sad,” Cornelissen said “We can t actually believe it, but somehow we must move forward and try to get more communities involved in what we are doing “
All six women died of natural causes Eastridge and Tafelsig ward councillor Norman Adonis, a former neighbourhood watch chair, lit a candle in honour of the women
“They are really fallen heroes,” he said “They stood the test They've done it well They've walked the road with the community They have respect of the community and that's a valuable life lesson ”
Woodlands ward councillor Joan Woodman also took the opportunity during the Subcouncil 17 meeting to praise traffic officers who had rushed to the aid of a woman in the area
She said she had witnessed the chaos caused by the scene, during the school rush
“I saw this shuffling of traffic officers and a female running with a baby in her arm, jumping into a vehicle ”
Woodman guessed from the circumstances that some sort of emergency was afoot, but she and onlookers were confused
“I stood there and I was wondering, is this an abduction? Is a law enforcement chasing after them? How am I going to find out?”
The answer came to her without any effort though Woodman said that later that day she received a voicenote from a resident which gave the details of the emergency
She played the voicenote to the meeting
"One of our neighbour's children was blue in the face and blood was coming from her nose,” the voicenote said
“These officers, I flagged them down while driving and they got into our car and drove it for us ”
According to the voicenote the officers immediately took control of the situation and drove the family directly to hospital
"The child would have not made it if they hadn't done so," the relieved resident added in her message
Woodman confirmed the officers had been traced and would receive awards for their life-saving actions
Jansen praised the officers for going beyond the call of duty
We all want to belong From the moment we take our first steps into school, society teaches us that our worth is tied to achievement, to being someone, doing something, building something We grow in years, in experience, in titles Somewhere along the way that hunger for belonging becomes tangled with the need to feel enough through what we do or produce
I have come to realise that I'm married to work Not in the romantic sense, but in the way it occupies my thoughts, dictates my moods and defines my sense of worth For many of us this relationship starts innocently We pour ourselves into our studies, our first jobs and the careers that follow We tell ourselves it is ambition, that this is what success looks like Then life shifts From my observation the children one raises grow into their own people The career ladder one has climbed so relentlessly begins to feel less like an ascent and more like a treadmill One morning one wakes up and wonders who one is outside of one's job title, outside the roles one has played so diligently for years
..
SOMEWHEREALONGTHEWAY THATHUNGERFORBELONGING BECOMESTANGLEDWITHTHE
I see it all around me Friends who feel lost when they are not working Parents who struggle to rest because they do not know who they are beyond their families
Colleagues who measure their worth by their productivity And I see it in myself too I often say I am married to my work, half as a joke, half as a confession Work gives me purpose and stability It keeps me focused But it also keeps me busy enough not to think too much about the deeper, messier parts of life
That is the danger, I think , when we start confusing doing with being When our sense of worth is tied to what we do rather than who we are
My generation was raised in a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness We were told to dream big, work harder and never settle I do not want to wake up one day and realise that I built my life entirely around my work, that I poured so much into becoming someone that I forgot simply how to be Work, like parenthood, can be a beautiful calling It gives purpose, structure and sometimes even meaning But it can also become a hiding place , a convenient distraction from the quieter work of being human There is safety in emails, meetings and deadlines There is clarity in schedules and targets The messiness of inner life, loneliness, grief, uncertainty, can always wait for later
Except "later" always comes It comes when the office lights dim and the house is quiet It comes when promotions lose their thrill, when children leave home or when one's body reminds one it has limits even when one's will does not It comes when one finally has time and the silence asks "Who are you now?"
I do not have the balance figured out yet, far from it But I am beginning to understand I cannot keep defining myself by what I do So I am trying Trying to be gentler with myself Trying to measure my days not by how much I achieve, but by how present I am Because when the noise fades and the accolades mean less what will matter most is whether I still recognise myself Whether I can belong to me, not to my work, not to anyone else, but to the quiet truth of who I am becoming -NAMHLAMONAKALI
Subraad 14 het 'n baie bedrywige 2025 beleef Wanneer ek deur die dagboek blaai, staan die volgende hoogtepunte uit:
. 'n Ontmoeting met die uitvoerende burgemeester en sy volle burgemeesterkomitee om aangeleenthede rondom dienslewering in die subraad te bespreek;
. Verskeie vergaderings met en besoeke deur burgemeesterkomiteelede aan die subraad om sake rakende paaie en water en sanitasie te bespreek;
. 'n Dag lange besoek deur Francine Higham burgemeesterkomiteelid, om die onderskeie sportfasiliteite binne die grense van Subraad 14 te besigtig;
. Interaksie met Carl Pophaim, burgemeesterkomit lid l th d t lik d t
is verwelkom en ontplooi;
. Openbare vergaderings het in al sewe wyke plaasgevind waartydens die konsepbegroting en IOP vir die 2025-'26-boekjaar bespreek is;
. Subraad 14 het ook ses openbare vergaderings gehou, waar Tertuis Simmers, provinsiale minister van infrastruktuur, die beoogde Welmoed-behuisingsprojek met inwoners bespreek het;
. Verskeie wykskomiteevergaderings het ook in die onderskeie wyke plaasgevind;
. Die Bet-El-skool ontvang die Civic Pride-toekenning van die burgemeester;
. Nosivatho Mkhize, die nuwe subraadbestuurder van S b d 14 i lk
I walk my dog along the beach most nights and am increasingly worried about the ongoing bird flu affecting seabirds on our coastline
The virus has led to several bird deaths recently and I fear the risk of encountering an infected bird during my walks This is not only heartbreaking for our wildlife but also poses a potential danger to pets and their owners I urge fellow dog walkers and pet owners to stay vigilant, avoid contact with any sick or dead birds, and report sightings to local authorities Protecting our pets and preserving our coastal ecosystem must be a community priority WORRIED, Melkbosstrand
Ek wou nou al ` n geruime tyd hierdie vraag voor die deur van die DA, die Wes-Kaapse regering en die nasionale regering lê
Die Kaap is baie bekend vir sy viswaters en ek het familie wat aan die Weskus bly
Elke keer as ek vir hulle gaan kuier, vra ek hulle of daar nie vars vis te koop is by n hawe daar naby nie of 'n varsviswinkel op een van die dorpe nie Hul antwoord is: “Nee Nie eens die plaaslike winkels het vars vis nie; alles is die boksies bevore vis van natuurlik die groot vismaatskappye ” Hoe is dit moontlik? Die Weskus was vissersdorpe en gemeenskappe het hul bestaan daaruit gemaak Het die Wes-Kaapse regering of die nasionale regering die vissersgemeenskappe se regte verkoop aan groot korporatiewe maatskappye? Het die regerings dalk n
‘Ulwaluko’: A journey
finansiële belang in die maatskappye?
Doen n bietjie navorsing oor wat in Somalië se oseane gebeur het en hoe die waters leeg gevang is en dit op die ou einde gelei het tot moderne seerowers Dit is n skande dat Suid-Afrika se mense en veral kusdorpe se mense nou ten duurste moet betaal vir gevriesde vis wat op hul agterstoep uitgewis word deur groot maatskappye en hul staatsborge wat bakhand staan vir hul aandele Ek het gaan Google "Why are there no more West Coast fisherman's villages?" Julle sal geskok wees oor waarop julle afkom Weer eens: die regerings tree nie op in die gemeenskap se belang nie, net soos met baie ander belange en ons en die hengelgemeenskap ly daar onder MAAK WK SE VISSERSGEMEENSKAPPE SAAK? E-pos
Dit is baie frustrerend om te sien hoe die Soneike-Kuilsrivier-kanaal langs die Netcare-hospitaal besig is om in 'n plakkersdorpie te ontaard Wat kommerwekkend is van die Stad Kaapstad, is dat my talle klagtes van 2018 tot op hede om die plakkers te verwyder, nie aandag geniet nie Hierdie plakkerprobleem hou 'n brand-, gesondheids- en veiligheidsgevaar in vir die inwoners wat in die nabyheid bly Kuilsrivier, eens 'n mooi dorpie, word stadig maar seker 'n plakkersdorpie JJ CLOETE, Soneike
When the summer season draws to a close, many communities across South Africa will welcome back young men who have undergone Ulwaluko the traditional Xhosa initiation rite This sacred custom, also practised in various forms by other African communities, marks a boy’s transition to manhood With initiates returning to schools and workplaces in the new year, fostering informed understanding and tolerance within our diverse neighbourhoods is paramount Ulwaluko is a profound cultural and spiritual journey where boys are secluded in the mountains or designated initiation schools Under the guidance of elders, they are taught the core responsibilities, values,
and secrets of manhood within their culture These lessons emphasise respect, discipline, and the weight of future roles as husbands fathers and community leaders The process is a deeply respected cornerstone of identity for millions The culmination of this journey is the homecoming, a vibrant and celebratory event
These celebrations are not private affairs; they are community-wide, often spilling into streets with singing, dancing, and the distinctive red clay on the faces of amakrwala (new men) This is where the wider community’s role becomes crucial Neighbours from all racial and cultural backgrounds may witness or be invited to these open celebrations Understanding the context transforms these events
from mere noise to a meaningful welcome The visible signs, the new clothes, the subdued demeanour of the initiates the jubilant families are not just spectacle but symbols of a significant personal and cultural achievement
By seeking to understand Ulwaluko, diverse communities do more than just tolerate; they actively participate in a supportive social fabric This awareness fosters empathy, dispels curiosity born of ignorance, and allows everyone to share in the joy of a family and a culture As these young men return, empowered and transformed, a welcoming and informed community is the final, essential step in honouring their journey FEZEKILE COTANI, Soneike, Kuils River
The Western Cape is seeing an increase in measles outbreaks in urban areas such as Kraaifontein, Eerste River, Mitchells Plain and Wesbank.
According to the provincial health department the increase in measles cases is not unique to the Western Cape as South Africa is currently facing a decline in childhood vaccination uptake which poses a serious risk for public health and threatens the country’s efforts to eliminate vaccine preventable diseases
This decline contributed to multiple outbreaks of measles, rubella, and diphtheria across the province, signalling serious gaps in population immunity, the department said in a statement
"Ensuring immunisation coverage across the province remains a top priority of the Western Cape health and wellness department
“Since October 2024, the department has ramped up its immunisation efforts to protect young children from serious and life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases "
The department is working with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to maintain sufficient measles vaccination stock and has implemented an early warning and response system that includes surveillance and community engagement
Targeted vaccination outreaches will be prioritised in the areas where we see a rapid increase in measles cases
Measles is a highly contagious disease that infects the respiratory tract
Symptoms of measles include high fever, rash, runny nose, conjunctivitis and coughing
Healthcare practitioners can diagnose measles on signs and symptoms and a blood sample collected for laboratory testing "We ask that parents look out for measles symptoms and keep their children home when they have one or more of these symptoms so that we can curb the spread of this highly contagious disease Should your child run a fever, feel sleepy or struggle to eat, take them to the nearest clinic immediately
Potential complications of measles include pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection, and blindness "
Health authorities urge parents not to assume their children are immune Parents are encouraged to protect their children by ensuring they receive routine immunisations and by signing consent forms when school vaccination teams visit their children's schools
Free childhood vaccines are available at all public health facilities, and catch-up doses can be given if a child has missed a vaccination
“We are mothers,grandmothers and sisters walking towards wellness The hour we walk and spend together is most rewarding for one’s sanity We as ladies go through a lot emotionally so this walk in the morning does wonders for our mental health ”
In the run-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Western Cape Premier
Alan Winde met with members of the Western Cape Government, City of Cape Town's Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) and the police last Tuesday to hear about the successes and challenges of their joint safety initiatives in some of Cape Town's most crime-riddled areas.
"This is not an 'us and them' issue We are all in this together in preventing and fighting crime," Delft police station commander Brig Celani Sihlali told Premier Winde ahead of a safety walkabout in the area where 130 LEAP officers work closely with the police "I agree with Brig, Sihlali and other safety stakeholders that the only way we will effectively beat back crime is through partnerships This scourge impacts us all, as well as our economy We must forge even stronger collaboration across our government as well as with municipalities and civil society," the Premier said
VIOLENCEPREVENTIONNOTAQUICKFIX
Earlier in the day, the Premier and provincial minister of police oversight and community safety, Anroux Marais, met with Violence Prevention Unit (VPU) coordinators at Khayelitsha District Hospital
At the gathering, Winde stressed, "Violence prevention is a long-term investment because we have got to change the way people behave It is not a quick fix We need to stay the course and showcase more of this work being done at the grassroots level to give hope and opportunities to the children at risk of getting involved in crime and violence "
Housed within the provincial department
of health, the VPU plays a central role in the Western Cape Safety Plan
Yhe VPU analyses real-time trauma data from healthcare facilities to identify patterns and hotspots where patients present with violence-related injuries
This evidence is then shared across government departments, offering clearer insight into when, where, and how violence occurs, to enable targeted interventions by safety partners
To strengthen violence prevention strategies in the long term, the department has recently expanded its Planet Youth programme, a whole-of-society approach that strengthens the social protective factors young people need to make healthy and positive choices
To date, the department has surveyed more than 49 000 learners in 123 schools to hear directly from them about their realities, pressures, and needs
Working closely with communities,
parents, and local partners, the provincial department of health is now co-creating practical solutions that support young people and help create safer, more nurturing environments for them to grow and thrive
Marais noted, "Safer communities are our shared responsibility While strong policing and collaboration between the police and other law enforcement agencies like LEAP matter, they alone cannot defeat entrenched crime and gangsterism We all need to work together: Government, residents, and civil society "
The Premier then engaged with Western Cape social development department officials at its Metro East Region offices where 91 mobile phones were handed over to social workers to be used as part of the Social Work Integrated Management System (SWIMS) application
The innovative SWIMS application, launched in April 2024, helps to reduce the administrative burden on social workers
Winde and Jaco Londt, Western Cape minister of social development, also listened to feedback from local GenderBased Violence (GBV) Ambassadors
The Western Cape Government's GBV Ambassador initiative is steadily being implemented across the province, with more than 600 dedicated women and men already working in the programme to expand the provincial government's capacity to address this plague
GBV Ambassador Soeraya Davids said she has seen the difference the programme is making in encouraging more survivors to come forward, "The moment the community sees us wearing the sash or the badge that DSD gave us, it gives people the confidence to talk to us because they know us They know now where to go or who to speak to People can rely on us because we're taking their hand, and we don't just take them to the next step, but we take them to the last step "
The Premier called on all community members, institutions, and partners to stand together in the fight against GBV, support survivors, and work together to end the cycle of violence
The Western Cape Government notes the call for a national shutdown on Friday 21 November, to protest the intolerably high levels of violence against women and children in South Africa
"We share the anger of all law-abiding South Africans who are taking a stand against this issue
“This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and honour the many lives affected by this scourge across South Africa," said a spokesperson
To help raise awareness of premature births the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness issued a statement this week saying premature births affected about one in nine babies in South Africa, and that it remained one of the leading
causes of newborn deaths
However, the department says, with early detection, skilled care, and family support, most preterm babies can survive and thrive
World
Prematurity Day was marked on Monday 17 November
“Every baby deserves the best start in life,” said Prof Gugu Kali, head of the Neonatology Unit at Tygerberg Hospital
“We encourage all expectant mothers to book their first antenatal visit as soon as they know they are pregnant and keep attending every check-up Early and regular care allows health-care teams to monitor both mother and baby, identify risks early and act quickly, giving little ones the best chance to grow strong and healthy ”
The department said it continued to strengthen maternal and neonatal care through its Start Well approach This included antenatal services at clinics, skilled midwives at birthing facilities and community health workers who provide follow-up visits and guidance at home
Together these services help mother and babies begin their journey in the healthiest way possible, the department said
Various hospitals and clinics across the province were also hosting educational sessions this month, parent support groups and purple-themed awareness activities to honour families and raise awareness about pre-term births
Kali said World Prematurity Day reminded us that small babies can be fighters and no family had to face the journey alone “With the right care and support pre-term babies can grow up healthy and strong,” she said
RICHARD ROBERTS NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Much-needed and life changing reconstructive surgeries, to repair cleft lips and cleft palates, were performed this week at Tygerberg Hospital in Parow
These surgeries are made possible by the Smile Foundation who partnered with Milky Lane again this year
The media were afforded the opportunity to meet some of the patients on Thursday 20 November where some of the patients were eagerly awaiting their turn
One of those patients was little Ayla Klaasen (a year and seven months old) from Gouda who still has to undergo surgery to repair her cleft palate
Sitting on the lap of her grandmother, Lilian Klaasen, Ayla played with a toy car, boisterous and noisy like so many other babies at her age, unaware of her surroundings or why she was there
According to the grandmother Ayla had already undergone a surgery to repair her cleft lip, and was brought to hospital on Thursday to have her cleft palate repaired
However, the procedure was postponed due to Ayla having a chest infection The doctors still need to confirm the new date which will probably be in January next year
According to Klaasen, her daughter, Ayla’s mother, Chantell (24), also had a cleft lip She said the cleft palate affects Ayla in several ways
"We have to stop her sometimes from eating certain hard foods, and she just wants to eat like all the other children " Akhona Naku franchise manager at
after the operations "This is something we take very seriously at Milky Lane," he said Funds are raised at all the stores
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students will benefit from new ultrasound equipment thanks to a generous donation from SCP Radiology
Students at CPUT are set to receive world-class medical imaging training following a significant equipment donation that will help address South Africa’s shortage of qualified sonographers SCP Radiology has donated two state-of-the-art ultrasound machines to CPUT’s Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) department,
while medical equipment provider Tecmed contributed a specialised ultrasound probe to support the university’s Diagnostic Ultrasound programme
Dr Polly Davidson, MITS Head of Department, says the donation will transform the department’s capabilities
“These two machines, in perfect working order, will make an enormous difference to our skills lab,” Davidson explained
“This gives our team more opportunities to train students effectively and ensure they graduate with strong, hands-on competency ”
The equipment allows students to gain practical experience performing ultrasound examinations crucial skills for their future careers as medical imaging professionals
The donation comes at a critical time as South Africa faces a significant shortage of qualified sonographers
The partnership between CPUT and SCP Radiology will enable the university to train more students and help fill this gap in the healthcare sector
Madelein de Wet, clinical operations manager at SCP Radiology, emphasised the company’s commitment to education and professional development
“Because of our long-standing relationship with CPUT, we were
the
are,from
aware of the need for imaging equipment,” de Wet said “It gives us immense pleasure to support the training of the next generation of healthcare workers in this way It aligns with our commitment to education and strengthening the profession ”
Prof Nicole Brooks, Dean
of the Health and Wellness Faculty at CPUT, highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships in enhancing educational outcomes
“Investments from the private sector have a tangible impact on quality and reach of training programmes such as this one,” Brooks noted
The ultrasound programme at CPUT is coordinated by Dr Maria Hartnick, with support from Ultrasound Lecturer Geordean Schwartz and Clinical Instructor Carmen Batt
The donation was facilitated by Tecmed Applications Specialist Gizelle Erasmus and SCP-CPUT Clinical Liaison Chrisoné Smit
The City of Cape Town is inviting all residents or businesses that handle trees and plant material to the upcoming information sessions on the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB)
Sessions will be held in Claremont, Pinelands, Durbanville, Kraaifontein and Somerset West These sessions are aimed at educating the public on how to identify infested trees and manage and transport beetle infested biomass to prevent the spread of the pest as far as possible
The PSHB beetle poses a serious threat to Cape Town's urban forest and biodiversity
To date, PSHB has been confirmed in over 6 000 trees in the City among which Boxelders, London Planes, English Oaks, Beef Wood, Weeping Willow, Cape Chestnut, Black Locust, Paperbark and Maples
The following areas are affected: Somerset West, Strand, Penhill, Newlands, Constantia, Rondebosch, Observatory, Mowbray, Rosebank, Claremont, Kenilworth, Wynberg, Diep River, Pinelands, Durbanville, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein, Bellville and Parow North
DISPOSALOFINFESTEDMATERIAL
"Improper handling, movement and disposal of PSHB infested material continues to aid the spread of PSHB across the city," said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and the environment
"The use of pesticides and fungicides have not proven effective at eradicating PSHB from infected trees Therefore, an infested tree and plant material must be
chipped, incinerated or solarised We need the support and collaboration of residents and businesses working with plant material to prevent the spread of the pest
"There are many formal and informal businesses involved with gardening and landscaping space These are gardeners, nurseries, horticulturists, tree fellers, woodcutters, and many more We are also encouraging residents to attend, especially if you have trees on your private property "
PROTOCOLSANDSYMPTOMS
The City will focus on the protocols applicable to infested trees and biomass, among them:
. How to identify infested trees and what symptoms to look out for;
. What to do next, what not to do;
.How to handle infested biomass;
. How to safely dispose of infested biomass;
. How to transport green waste;
. How to handle equipment and machinery in a manner that will not spread the pest to other areas
Residents should look out for the
following symptoms of infested trees:
. Branch die-back – cracks on the branch, discoloured leaves, dry and leafless branches, branch break-off revealing webs of galleries filled with black fungus;
. Gumming – blobs of goo coming out of the bark, oozing of liquid and gum from the beetle holes;
. Entry and exit holes – very small holes on the bark of the tree, the size of a sesame seed (2mm); shotgun-like scars developing around the holes;
. Staining – brown or dark stains on the bark of the tree
Information sessions will be held as follows:
. In Durbanville on Tuesday 25 November from 16:00 to 18:00 at Durbanville Library, corner of Oxford Street and Koeberg Road, Durbanville
. In Bellville on Wednesday 26 November from 09:30 to 12:00 at Bellville Library, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville
. In Constantia on Tuesday 9 December from 09:30 to 12:00 at the Alphen Centre, Main Road, Constantia
. In Gordon’s Bay on Thursday 11 December from 16:00 to 18:00 at Gordon’s Bay Library, 6 Watt St, Gordons Bay
. In Kraaifontein on Monday 15 December from 16:00 to 18:00 at Kraaifontein Library, Brighton Road, Kraaifontein
. Report PSHB beetle sightings online at www capetown.gov.za/InvasiveSpecies, contact the City of Cape Town's Invasive
Species Unit on 021 444 2357 from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 16:00, or send an email to invasive.species@capetown.gov.za
for Eyabantwana Children’s Trust
The public voice of the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue services will once again join the Grandad's Army Memorial Ride from East London to Cape Town from 1 to 5 March 2026, pedalling in support of children’s health care in the Eastern Cape It will be the sixth time Jermaine Carelse will do this ride. The challenging five-day cycle aims to raise funds for Eyabantwana For the Children Trust, an organisation that supports the Eastern Cape Paediatric Surgical Service, providing vital medical care to children in the region
SUPPORTINGYOUNGLIVES
The Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride combines endurance cycling with meaningful community support, as riders such as Carelse tackle the demanding route while raising awareness of children who need surgical intervention, as well as much-needed funds for this Eyabantwana For the Children Trust plays a crucial role in ensuring young patients in the Eastern Cape have access to specialist paediatric surgical services that can be life-changing Community members can support Carelse’s campaign by purchasing raffle tickets at R50 each
PRIZESINCLUDE:
. Bilton wines;
. Afterlife Ink Tattoos voucher; . Copy of Jeremy Vearey’s “Crimson Sands”;
. JBL cold-pressed soaps and . Chocolate surprise from Geldof The raffle offers supporters a chance to win great prizes while contributing to an important cause
HOWTOHELP
To purchase raffle tickets or for more information about Carelse’s five-day cycling campaign, contact him at 072 384 6203 or email jermaine carelse@capetown gov za
Every raffle ticket purchased helps support vital medical services for children in the Eastern Cape
The City of Cape Town's safety and security directorate announced this year's Neighbourhood Watch Awards winners during a ceremony in the council chamber in the civic centre on Saturday morning
The annual awards celebrate excellence, perseverance, and commitment by neighbourhood watches, which work in communities and closely with the City's enforcement agencies
This year the awards drew more than 200 nominations for individuals and neighbourhood watches across the metropole in a number of categories
Deen Solomon of the KIC Neighbourhood Watch in Bonteheuwel received the nod for Crime Fighter of the Year
He has shown exceptional bravery and quick thinking in numerous operations that have led to successful arrests and the prevention of major crimes, according to a media release issued by the City
Deen's nomination noted that "his situational awareness and decisive action often in highrisk situations have kept residents safe and strengthened community confidence"
Other winners in the individual categories were:
. Mobiliser of the Year: Mvano Magula, Qhubekani Neighbourhood Watch, Mfuleni; . Inspiration of the Year: Sandra de Wet Van den Berg, De La Haye Neighbourhood Watch, Bellville; . Courage in Action: Yaseerah Nelson, Klip Neighbourhood Watch, Lotus River
GROUPCATEGORY
In the group category, the Situational Crime Prevention Award went to Khuseleka Neighbourhood Watch in Khayelitsha, and the Courage in Action Award to the Boundaries Neighbourhood Watch in Retreat
"It is heartwarming to see how communities appreciate the work
done by these volunteers who dedicate their time and skill to keeping their areas safe While they're all tops, a panel selected the winners who went above and beyond what was required of them Congratulations to everyone for a year in which they heeded the call to action and made a difference in their communities," said JP Smith,
Mayco member for security and safety
This year, two new categories have been added The Disaster Relief Contributor of the Year for assistance rendered in preventing and mitigating disasters went to Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch for
demonstrating exceptional compassion, resilience, and commitment, and for actions that meaningfully supported the City's Disaster Management efforts Watch members have undergone firefighting training to serve as the community's first line of defence, and during the most recent outbreak, their swift action limited the destruction to
just two shacks, a remarkable outcome credited entirely to the team's rapid response, courage, and coordination
Beyond firefighting, Mfuleni Extension 6 Neighbourhood Watch plays a vital role in supporting City officials and emergency services during disaster situations helping with crowd control, clearing access routes for fire and rescue teams, and assisting affected families on the ground Their proactive stance has earned them the trust of both residents and authorities, proving that empowered communities are key partners in disaster management
TECHNOLOGYAWARD
The Best Utilisation of Technology Award went to Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch for their innovative and effective use of technology to enhance safety
They were noted to have "set the benchmark for digital excellence in community safety through its outstanding use of the Trusted Partner App"
The Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch has transformed technology into a force multiplier, enhancing patrol coordination, reporting accuracy, and accountability across every shift, according to the media release
Their consistent, disciplined use of the app has resulted in 177 logged incidents and 1 021 on/off-related bookings, clearly demonstrating that the watch is not only active but strategic in leveraging digital tools to improve community safety outcomes
The app enables seamless coordination between patrollers and partners, allowing the team to monitor trends, report suspicious activity instantly, and support the police and City's law enforcement department with verified, time-stamped information
With the Western Cape entering its most volatile fire season, the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) has confirmed that all operational plans, resources and partnerships are firmly in place to respond to rising wildfire threats.
The announcement was made during a graduation ceremony for newly trained firefighters held at the Ysterplaat Airforce Base on Friday 21 November
Despite the ongoing threats, the CWDM Fire Training Academy had reason to celebrate as 27 new firefighters joined the team The recruits completed extensive training, including Firefighting 1 and 2, Hazmat Management, and, for some, advanced instructor qualifications
This financial year, the district has allocated R90 million specifically for fire prevention, suppression and emergency readiness a critical investment as the province continues to record an early spike in vegetation fires
Hot, dry and windy conditions have already driven multiple incidents, including at least five recent fires across the Cape Winelands
NEWFIREFIGHTERSREADYFORDEPLOYMENT
Cape Winelands fire chief Wayne Josias said the district’s collaborative systems are fully activated for the season ahead “We are in constant communication with fire chiefs across the Western Cape All operational details have been aligned not just with municipalities, but also with our key partners such as the FPAs and CapeNature,” he said
The district’s newest cohort of firefighters, who graduated on Friday, will now join frontline teams across the region Trained in wildfire behaviour, suppression tactics and high-pressure
emergency response, they add significant capacity as the province braces for peak fire conditions
AHIGH-RISKSEASONALREADYUNDERWAY
The Western Cape has seen a noticeable escalation in wildfire activity, with strong winds and soaring temperatures fuelling flare-ups from the Cape Winelands through to coastal districts
Authorities are urging residents, landowners and visitors to remain vigilant, report smoke early, and avoid activities that may spark fires during high-risk periods
As the fire season intensifies, officials say readiness, rapid response and community awareness will be essential to protecting lives, property and natural landscapes across the region s
In preparation for the busy summer season, the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has intensified maintenance at its 487 sewer pump stations, including 102 along the coastline, to ensure reliable operations and clean, enjoyable beach days for residents and visitors
This forms part of the City’s multi-million-rand investment to upgrade these critical facilities over recent months
According to a recent media statement, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate manages 487 sewer pump stations across Cape Town and along the coast such as Melkbosstrand, Big Bay,
Sunset Beach, Milnerton, the Atlantic Seaboard, Llandudno, Hout Bay, Kommetjie, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek/Kalk Bay, Mitchell’s Plain, Muizenberg, Strand and Gordon’s Bay
UPGRADES
Since July 2024, the City has invested approximately R176 million in upgrades to its pump station network
This includes installing screening facilities, procuring spare pumps and valves, upgrading Motor Control Centres (MCCs), and implementing other
infrastructure improvements to strengthen reliability and resilience
In preparation for summer, the pump station teams have intensified their maintenance efforts to ensure these facilities are operating effectively and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for communities and beachgoers across Cape Town
PROACTIVEINITIATIVESINCLUDE:
.Conducting daily inspections at all coastal pump stations from 1 November this year to clean wet wells and check for wear, damage, or leaks;
.deploying standby teams for prompt after-hours emergency response;
.increasing the frequency of wet well cleaning to handle higher summer flows;
.de-ragging of pumps and impellers weekly to prevent clogs;
.servicing generators and inverters to ensure reliability during power outages;
.monitoring telemetry systems to detect unusual patterns or malfunctions early;
.establishing a dedicated 24/7 Spill Mitigation Team to respond rapidly to incidents and minimise impacts on beach areas
HOWTHEPUBLICCANHELP
“Summer is when Cape Town shines, and we want our beaches
and communities to experience that without interruptions Our teams have been preparing for months to ensure our pump stations perform reliably, but we need everyone’s help A simple act like not flushing wet wipes or pouring oil down the drain can prevent a spill and keep our city clean,” said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation Residents and visitors can help ensure hassle-free beach days by disposing of waste correctly Items like wet wipes, cooking oil, and sanitary products should
never be flushed or poured down drains, as they cause blockages that can lead to sewer spills
WHATYOUCANDO:
.Only flush toilet paper and human waste Nothing else
.Pour used cooking oil into a bottle and bin it, not down the sink Bin it Don’t block it Put all solid waste in the bin, not the toilet or drain
.Encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same . Report illegal dumping to the City’s hotline at 0860 103 089
Does this sound familiar? Your home office has taken over the dining room,the children need more space to play,and you're constantly tripping over each other
You're not alone – many families are feeling the squeeze and wondering whether it's time to expand.
But here's the big question: should you go for a traditional brick extension or opt for one of those trendy modern sunrooms?
THEMONEYTALK: WHATWILLITACTUALLYCOSTYOU?
Let's be honest about budgets.
According to Claude McKirby from Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, home extensions are smart
investments if you do them right
"It's all about balancing what you need now with what makes financial sense long-term," says McKirby
Remember those old-school conservatories that were freezing in winter and boiling in summer? Today's sunrooms are nothing like that They're properly insulated, designed for our climate, and won't leave you sweating or shivering
The numbers? You're looking at anywhere from R80 000 for a basic small
sunroom up to R350 000 for a decent medium-sized one
Want all the bells and whistles automated louvers, solid roofs, the works? That could push you towards R800 000
The best part? Once you've sorted out municipal approvals (if you need them), your new room could be ready in just three to eight weeks.
"Most sunrooms come as kits that are put together on-site, so there's way less mess and disruption for your family," McKirby explains.
BRICKEXTENSIONS: THETRADITIONALROUTE
Want a room that looks like it's always been part of your house? Brick is still king for bedrooms, home theatres, or kitchen expansions
But it comes with a bigger price tag. Basic single-storey extensions start around R250 000, with most projects falling between R400 000 and R800 000
Go fancy with high-end finishes or complex structural work, and you could easily hit R1,2 million or more
Time-wise, you're looking at minimum three months from start to finish often longer And yes, there will be noise, dust, and general chaos.
"It's definitely more invasive, so you need patience," warns McKirby
WHICHOPTIONGIVESYOUTHEBEST BANGFORYOURBUCK?
Right now, McKirby reckons sunrooms are winning the investment game
"South Africans love that indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and a well-done sunroom really captures that For a family room that brings in lots of light and connects you to your garden, it's often the smart choice."
But if you absolutely need a room that seamlessly blends with your existing house think matching bricks, integrated design then traditional brick building is your only option.
MAKINGYOURNEWSPACEWORK
. Keep it comfortable: For sunrooms especially, invest in proper blinds and make sure you've got enough ventilation.
THEBOTTOMLINE
"A good extension improves your family's daily life while adding real value to your property," says McKirby Need help with municipal approvals or finding reputable contractors? Contact your local councillor's office or check with neighbours who've recently done extensions.
Whatever you choose, how you design the interior will make or break the space Nobody wants another room that just collects clutter Smart design tips: . Zone it right: Use rugs and furniture to create different areas lounging here, dining there, maybe a work corner . Storage is everything: Built-ins, storage ottomans, banquette seating with hidden storage anything to keep the mess under control.
The South African Independent Film Festival (SAIFF),a celebration of genre-driven and independent cinema,returns to the Labia Theatre from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December for its eighth year.
SAIFF has grown into a cornerstone of African cinema, highlighting horror, sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, and social genre films while fostering collaboration between African and international filmmakers
Many of the directors will be in attendance
This year's impressive jury includes acclaimed creatives such as Siv Ngesi and Toya Delazy alongside international talent like Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Nicholas Vince
The feature film selection spans continents with standout titles including:
. 3 Cold Dishes (Nigeria) – A revenge thriller about three women fighting human trafficking;
. Hunting Jessica Brok (South Africa) – Alastair Orr's action thriller about a mother rescuing her daughter;
. Death of a Whistle Blower (South Africa) – Ian Gabriel's political thriller exposing chemical warfare; . Thus Spake Zolani (South Africa) – An experimental thriller exploring violent spiritual delusion;
SAIFF BRINGS GENRE CINEMA BACK TO THE LABIA FOR ITS EIGHTH YEAR
. Three (UAE) – The UAE's first female filmmaker Nayla Al Khajaa debut in which a mother turns to ancient rituals to save her son;
. Ebony & Ivory (UK) – Two eccentric musicians clash in this surreal comedy;
. Bark (Germany) – Horror thriller by Schölermann Marc.
NETWORKING
Festival-goers can expect post-screening Q&As, workshops with industry heavyweights including Jenna Bass, a short pitching competition with guaranteed 2026 festival inclusion, and networking opportunities culminating in an awards ceremony "Opportunities for local filmmakers improve when you build a credible platform," says managing director David Franciscus.
. Tickets for the film festival are R90 and available at Webtickets
Spier wine farm's annual festive-season outdoor spectacle, A Summer Dream, returns from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 December for a magical family-friendly experience
This enchanting performance follows a band of whimsical characters as they discover the power of imagination in a surreal, dreamlike world – an evening designed to delight audiences aged one to 100 Now in its fourth year and again directed by Brett Bailey, A Summer Dream moves to the amphitheatre venue for the first time
Set to an original score by Cape Town composer Jak Tomas, it features a troupe of masked dancers
actors and musicians alongside moths, sheep, alligators, unicorns and the occasional human being. "It's like being inside a music video about a dream," says Bailey, "or a dream about a music video, under the stars, with an incredible soundtrack "
The hour-long production perfectly pairs performance with acclaimed wines and seasonal farm-totable fare
The evening begins on the Werf at 18:00 with al fresco dining options ranging from farm picnics to braaied burgers, before audiences take a short walk to the amphitheatre for the 19:30 performance
. Tickets from R70 to R500 at Webtickets.
