TygerBurger | Mitchells Plain | E-edition | 27 May 2026

ensdag, 27 Mei2026

Tel: 021910 6500

s: nuus@tygerburger.co.za

ite: www.tygerburger.co.za

MCrimeis

itchells Plain Police Station has dropped into secondplaceinthe country fromlast quarter for drug-related crime.

This was revealed on Friday 22 Maywhen police minister Firoz Cachalia released the fourth quarter’s national crime statistics.

Nationally, serious crime is down, Cachalia announced.

“I must also be clear; the levels of violence and criminality in South Africa remain far toohigh. Adecrease in crime is not the same as achieving safety. The levels of crime are still unacceptably high, with 58 murders per day on average during this quarter,” Cachalia said.

HOWLOCALSTATIONSCOMPARE

Atotal of 1648 drug-related cases were reported in Mitchells Plainfor January to March. This is aslight decrease of 44 cases, or 2,6%, compared with the same quarter the year before.

The station also ranked second nationally for community-

reported serious crime overall (1 861 cases), contact-related crime (190 cases), malicious damage to property (218 cases), common assault, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition (43cases and 7 counts lower) while placing third for contact crimes (868 cases). Lentegeur Police Station retained itsfifth-place national ranking in the fourth quarter for crimes detected as aresult of police action, recording 751 cases, which is up by 34 cases, or 4,7%, for the same quarter last year. Strandfontein did not feature in the top rankings for any crime category.

NATIONALSTATS

Nationally, community-reported serious crime fell by 4,4% during the fourth quarter. TOPAGE2

THURSDAY28MAY

. Theimportanceand challenges of agriculturein SouthAfrica—specificallyinthe WesternCape— will be discussed at the annual meeting of Durbanville Business. JannieStrydom,chief executiveofficerof AgriWestern Cape,and Aubrey Terblanche,managing directorofGideonMilling,willleadthe discussion. The meeting willstart at 18:00 at Stone Shed in Adderley Road,Durbanville.EntranceisR100 formembersand associatemembers, and R220 fornon-members, including dinner and drinks. Confirm attendanceat info@durbanvillesakekamer.co.za

. TheR5booksaleatthe Durbanville Children's Homewilltakeplace from Thursday 28 Mayto Saturday 30 May. Thesalewillbepresented at the reception area on Thursday and Fridayfrom09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday 30 Mayfrom09:00 to 13:00. CDs,DVDsand books,including children'sbooks and coffee-table books, willbeonsale. Bring your own bags or boxes. Card facilitieswillbeavailable

VRYDAG29MEI

. Die NG kerk Sonstraalhou basaar op vanaf12:00 by diekerk op diehoekvan Hebron- en Tulipstraatin AmandaGlen, Durbanville.Bring joufamilie en vriende en komgenietjou Vrydagaandete in diegeselligheid vandie kuiertent.Trakteerjouself op produkte en heerlikeetesby'nverskeidenheidstalletjies —van 'n witolifanttafel, boeke, naaldwerk,kinderaktiwitee, lekkergoed,plaasprodukte en gebaktot koffie, braaivleis,jaffels, roosterkoek, hamburgers,potjiekos en pannekoek.Kontak Belinda by kommunikasie@ sonstraal.org.zaof021 9761236 metnavrae.

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarket Dayfrom10:00 to 15:00 at the Summer Greens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, Summer Greens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmade crafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment.For moreinformation aboutthe market day, contact CJ Jacksonon072 830 1966 (WhatsApp)

. Die Alta du Toit-sentrumbied'ngala-eteom18:30 by Lincolnstraat 80,Boston, Bellville,aan.Gastekan uitsien na 'n driegang-ete,lewendigevermaak en 'n veiling, asook 'n geheime geskenk. Die bekende seremoniemeesterAnrich Herbst salversekerdat alles vlot en gesellig verloop. Kaartjiesisbeskikbaar teen R850 perpersoon. Bespreekper e-posnadonation@ altadutoit.org.za.

. TheDurbanville CatholicChurch is holding aFood Fair,aspartofits fundraisingactivitiesat7 TheCrescent,Durbanville.Taking placefrom11:00 to 16:00, thisannual community event is acelebration of food and life.Choose from avarietyofdelicious food and drinkstalls, including Portuguese, Korean, American, SouthAfrican,Indian and French- Italian-Mediterraneanoptions.Foodvouchersare on sale.CallIrene on 082783 9869

SUNDAY31MAY

. Discoverthe hidden secretsand relics of an abandonedWW2 Military BaseinLlandudno,during aspecial "TOP SECRET" Heritage Tunneland Bunker Tour forTourism Month. Thetrail starts at the bigGun inApostlesBattery Llandudno at 10:30, and willend in thesamespot. Explorersneedtobewalking fit,as there aresteps and obstaclestohurdleand laddersto climb. Childrenneedtobeaccompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 20.Ticketsare R295 per person. Email Matta at mattweisse@mweb.co.za to book or formoreinformation.

. Edgemead’sLargest Indoor Secondhand Market willbeheldatthe Edgemead Community Hall, 83 EdgemeadDrive from 08:00to14:00.Bargains galore

TUESDAY2JUNE

. FCDSkills Centre'spopular pop-up sale fundraiser is back —combining bargainshopping with abigger purpose—2to5 June at the Durbanville Town Hall. Thesalewillbeopen on 2June from 11:00 to 18:00 on 3and 4Junefrom08:30 to 17:30, and on 5June from08:30to13:30.The four-day sale raises funds forFCD's sponsored skillsprogrammesthat equip unemployedindividuals, especiallyyouth,toenter the job marketorstart amicroenterprise.

. TheParkinson'sDisease Support GroupBloubergstrands meetsat10:00for 10:30 in thehallofthe Bloubergstrand Dutch Reformed Church, 3Batavia Street.For moreinformation call Doreen Viljoenon 082410 0783 or Martin vanNiekerk on 083443 8443.

SATURDAY6JUNE

. Bellville Senior Sentrum by Chrismar Villas nooi ‘n ieder en ‘n elk uit na hul plaaswerffunksievan 16:00- 18:00 te Jessiestraat 25, Chrismar.Smullekker eetgoed watbesoekers kanverwagsluit in kerrie en rys, lewerkoekies, pampoenkoekies, roosterkoeke, gebakte poeding met vla, sop, patats en tuisgebakte brood,asook vetkoek, jaffels, en melkkos.Kaartjies kanvooraf by diekassier gekoop word tussen 08:00– 12:00 Maandagtot Vrydag.Skakel021 910 1250 met navrae

City warns of likelyMyCiTi fare hikefromJuly

The City has urgedMyCiTi commuters to prepare for apossible fare increase from July as risingdieselcosts place increasing pressure on thepublic transport system.

Accordingtothe City, the intention is to give households early notice so they can budget, as fuel price volatility continues to affect operatingcosts.

The City hasconfirmedthat it has been absorbingthe impact of high diesel prices since Marchand shielding commuters from increases for several months.

Commuters will continue to be protected in June, despite ongoingpressure from sustained fuel price increases but officials warn that if dieselprices remain at current elevated levels, afare adjustment will become unavoidable from July.

Thesituation is driven by sustained high international oil prices,withadditional uncertainty linked to global geopolitical tensions.

MyCiTi fares may increase by at least32%, depending on diesel price adjustments announced by national government in early June.

Thenew fare framework already approvedbythe Portfolio Committee on Urban Mobility makes provision for diesel pricesofuptoR40,75 per litre.

The recommendation willstill be tabled

beforeCouncil for approval at itsmeeting on 27 May. Officials have emphasised that commuters will only receive final confirmation once the national fuel price adjustments are announced on 3June. If approved, the fare increase will also apply to the Dial-a-Ride service.

BUDGETINGAHEADFORHOUSEHOLDS

Rob Quintas, Mayco member for urban mobility, said the City has done everything possible to shield commuters from rising costs.

“We have tried our utmost best to protect our MyCiTi commuters for as long as possible against the sky-high diesel prices,” he said.

He added that the City is now at apoint where it can no longer absorb increases indefinitely, but stressed that MyCiTi would still remain one of the most affordable transport options in Cape Town. TheCitysays it will continue to monitor diesel price developments closely and will provide commuterswith updated information once the national announcement has been made.

Officials are encouraging commuters to plan ahead for the possibilityofhigher fares from July, depending on global fuel market conditions.

seriously,

Free maths workshop for Grade 11s

Awqaf SA has launched its 11th annual Maths Workshop series and will offer assistance to Grade 11s at Portland High School this weekend.

The community-based organisation’s workshops are designed to help learners who struggle with maths, as well as those who show promise in the subject.

“The high numbersofattendance over the pastdecade shows that the workshops are making their mark,” said Awqaf SA’s CEO, Mickaeel Collier.

“Our role is to fill the gapswhen the system is under pressure.”

TACKLINGTHEGROWINGSKILLSGAP

Collier said Maths skills are vitalfor thecareers of the future. “Careers of the futures such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) all requiremaths. Despite SouthAfrica’s economic potential poor learner performance widensthe country’s skills gap and the growing high youth unemployment rate.”

Maths facilitator MohammadKhota described by Collier as the driving force behind theprogramme, said the workshops are built to give learnersthe tools they need to succeed. “AwqafSA’s workshop series confronts thischallenge by giving learners the strategy and confidence to approach their exams likea ‘War room’,” he said. “This life changing experience laysawell-planned foundation for the learners’futures.”

Collier added that Khota’s unique sense of humour has helped thousands of learners change the way they think about maths, grasp complexconcepts and developagenuine liking forthe subject. In 2025 85 000 learners took part in the workshop series, with arecord 700 attending at Spine Road High School. The 2026 series aims to match or surpassthat reach.

An annual competition measures theeffect of the programme.Grade 12 le rArmani Rahman red 97%

Addictionputshealthcare pressureonMPhospital

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The psychiatric ward at Mitchells Plain District Hospital is managing more patients thanitwas built tohold, with drug-related admissions making up asignificant share of its daily caseload.

Thatwas thepicture presented to Subcouncil 17 on Monday18May, where the provincial department of health officials calledoncouncillors to set up of a localdrug action committee.

Pauline Perez, asocial workerwiththe department, said substance use is one of themaindrivers of violence in Mitchells Plain and organisationsworking in isolation, withoutfirst understanding the specific dynamics of the community, may notbeeffective.

“Communities are notthe same,” she said.“It has to be areaspecific.”

Perez calledfor abroad coalition, including liquor authorities, housing officials, substance treatment facilities, the Department of Social Development, and theCity, tobuild ashared local response.

AWARDBUILTFOR30NOWHOLDSFARMORE

Grant Remmitz, operational manager of thehospital’s psychiatric ward said the hospitalopened in 2013 andserves roughly amillion people. Itsbed count hasgrown from260 to about415, though on any given dayitaccommodatesbetween 460 and 470 patients acrossall wards.

There wasnopsychiatric ward whenthe hospitalopened. A30-bed unit formale andfemale patients was addedlater.

Asecond, off-siteward nowhouses female patients. The female ward has14 beds but regularly holds 20 patients. The male ward has32beds andruns to 40 or beyond. Average bed occupancy sitsabove 100% most of thetime, with the female ward at 125%.

The hospital is the busiest trauma

HEALTH AND WELLNESS OFFICIALS PITCH AREA-BASEDSOLUTION

unitinthe Western Cape, seeing about 160 patients aday. Of those, roughly 30 present with mentalhealth or substancerelatedconditions. Between 8and 10 patients are admitted aday, and at least 30% of all admissions are drug-related.

In 2023, the hospitalrecorded 2715 mental healthadmissions, compared with 793 at Helderberg and800 at Khayelitsha.

Between25% and 30% of mental health patients return to the hospital after discharge

Remmitzdescribed this as the “revolving door phenomenon”.

“We contain them,westarttreatment… but thereality is that these clients or patients go back to the same community, thesame conditions. So they often relapse and come back to ourdoors,” he said.

He added thatrepeated substance use can lead to lasting psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia andbipolar mood disorder.

Most rehabs are voluntary, meaning patients must choosetoattend. Without acourt orderfor compulsory treatment, many do notgo. The72-hour observation period set out in the Mental Health Care Act stretches to an average of 10 days —and sometimes closetotwo weeks becausebedsare notavailable to transfer patients to

“Therevolvingdoor phenomenon reflectsa deeper societal failure,”Remmitz said, citing poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, trauma, and alack of opportunity for young people.

IMPACTONSTAFFANDOTHERPATIENTS

Patientsarrivingwith drug-induced psychosis require additional staff attention

and can disrupt care for other patients in the wardand trauma unit.

Other patients being treated for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, and heart disease are affected.

“Patients recovering from illness require calm and atherapeutic environment,” Remmitz said. “With repeated disturbances, this compromises healing, sleep and emotional stability.”

Staff experience burnout and are, at times, physically assaulted. Additional security, trained staff, and faster emergency responses all carry acost.

NOHOSPITALCANFIXTHISALONE

Therecommendations put to the subcouncil included alocal drug action committee, school-based prevention, community rehabilitation centres, recreational and sportsfacilities, job creation, visible law enforcement, community reporting systems for drug hotspots, and expanded psychiatric services.

“Ultimately, the revolving door phenomenon is not only ahealthcare issue, it is asocial, economic, psychological, and acommunity crisis,” Remmitzsaid.

“Without acoordinated interventionat community level, hospitals, as well as our emergency centres will continue to carry unsustainable burdens while our patients and our families, healthcare workers and communities continue to suffer the devastating consequences of substance abuse and drug-induced psychosis.”

TheSubcouncil chair thanked the presenters and noted that membersneeded to consider theirown roles in addressing the issue. They named Westridge councillor Ashley Potts,who has ahistory in addiction treatment and recovery advocacy, the champion to get the local drug action committee started.

Localmodelsshineoneliterunway

Models from Mitchells Plain have produced winners two years in a rowataprestigious competition.

Jadevan Heerden, originally from the Northern Cape but now based in Mitchells Plain, was crowned among the winners of this years’ Look In Lens 2026 Feature Models at the inaugural LILRunwayElite Fashion Show

Heldatthe Rooftop on Bree, she shared the stage with fellow winners Mikhail Manasse fromHanover Park and Duwayne Lombaardt from Eerste River asthe evening’s top three.

It was the second consecutive yearthat Mitchells Plain had produced awinner. In 2025,K-Ci Delacruz, from Portland,was namedone of Look In Lens’s first-ever Feature Models alongside Tyrone Clayton from Ottery

ACOMMUNITYFINDINGITSVOICE

ONTHERUNWAY

For Delacruz, now 23, the journey began during the 2020 lockdown, when she picked up an interest in being in frontof the camera.

That same year, alocal agency, which is now defunct, Kenji Productions CPT, opened in Portland. Throughafriend alreadysigned with them, shegot her chance, and has been modelling for six years since.

Delacruz said the win opened doors for her in the industry.

“I got the opportunity to workwith thetalented and amazing Alexander Photography with Alexander MacDonald and Moving Matter Videography with Riccarda MacDonald. As wellassome amazingdesignerssuch as RochJ Swimwear, Robin Snyders, Erique’s Designs, Denzil Pillay and Nadia Block Designs.”

THESHOWBEHINDTHESTORY

The sold-out event was thefirstofits kindfor Look In Lens, avisual media companyfounded by photographers and directors Alexander andRiccarda MacDonald.

Built on amission to give models from

MITCHELLSPLAIN PRODUCES RAMPS WINNERSTWO YEARS IN AROW

Cape Town’s diverse communitiesafair shot at an industry thathas historically shut them out, the companyprovides training,mentorship, andasafe creative spacefor aspiringtalent.

The selectionprocess was demanding. From85hopefuls drawn from Mitchells Plain, Bellville,Kuils River, Strand, Athlone, andthe Northern Cape, just 20 were chosen at theLook In LensCasting. Aswimwear shoot andanactivewear shoot followed, whittlingthe group down to atop 12.

Judges, which includedthe MacDonalds, Craig Turner, andKayla Petersen then selected afinal six, who completed afull glamour fashion photoshoot andintensive runwayrehearsals before the big night.

DESIGNERSBRINGTHEGLAMOUR

The finalists walkedthe catwalk in show-stoppingpiecesfeaturing hand-sewn couture, intricatetulle, andrhinestone detailing from local designers, Denzil Pillay, RochJ,Robin Snyders, Nadia Block andErique Contemporary Designs.

Each of the three2026 Feature Models received aprize package to support their professional growth,including afullmodel portfolio,ayear-long development contract withongoingmentorship andtraining, fragrances,grooming sessions andan exclusive brand photoshoot.

“Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between raw talentand industry opportunity,” said founderAlexander MacDonald.

“Tonight,these models didn’t justwalk a runway —theyclaimed their space in the fashion world.”

nitiative encourages individuals, teams,and communities to host theirown events and raise funds organisation. cipants are invited to plunge in the sea, tidal wimming pools, dams, through an ice bucket challenge. oreinformation on the lungeand thetax breaks romyourdonation, neeon021 4344011or arescue.org.za

Free legal session postponed

ENS and ProBono. Orgwill postpone the free session on the Eviction Process, orginally scheduled for tomorrow, 28 May until Monday 4June due to accommodate Eid celebrations. The session will take place from 10:00 until 12:00 at 1 Naboom Street, Eastridge. . Formore information email wdiener@ensafrica. comorcall 021410 6602

ChristelHouseplangetsbacking

LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Ward councillor Elton Jansen has given his support for an application by Christel House South Africatobuildano-fee school on apiece of City-owned land in Strandfontein.

The non-profit school grouphas appliedtobuy the remainder of Erf 43996, a5,64-hectare property behind Strandfontein Police Station thatiscurrently zoned for utility use. If approved, the site would be used foraschool serving children from Grade R through to Grade 12,catering to families from impoverished communities in Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas.

Jansen confirmed in writing that he has met with Christel House ChiefExecutive Adri Marais and given his supportin principle.

In an email to TygerBurger,his office wrote:“Icannot refusean opportunity where economically disadvantaged learners can have an opportunity forabrighter future through education.”

He had earlier considered usingthe site for commercial development, and withthisin mind had initiallyencouraged Christel House to apply for an adjacent piece of land instead.

“We will look at other landfor commercial purposes,” he wrote. “Butthis is an opportunityfor thepoorest of the poor.”

Jansen also visited the school in

SUBCOUNCIL GIVES THUMBSUPTONO-FEE PRIVATESCHOOL IN STRANDFONTEIN

person.

“Christel House looks after the children fromGrade Rright throughto university andbeyond andhas aholistic approachto dealing with the child andthe family,”hewrote

SLOW-MOVINGPROCESS

At the Subcouncil meeting on Monday 18 MayJansen confirmedthatthe public participation process —a required step before anyCityownedpropertycan be sold —is currently under way.

Jansen said he hadrevised his earlier stance onthe land.

“I'm nowsupporting the disposal application in favour of education,” he told the meeting, adding thatthe project would give peopleinthe ward “an opportunity to abrighter future”

He explained that applying for theland he hadoriginally recommended,which is directly opposite, ownedbythe province andzonedfor education, would take too long and delay the process unduly.

WHATTHECITYSAYS

James Vos, the Mayco member for economicgrowth, confirmed thatChristel House has

submitted aformal application to purchasethe property, and that it is currently at the early investigation stage.

TheCity is assessing whether thelandisneeded for municipal purposes. If it is not,and if the application meets the required criteria, theCity's Property TransactionsDepartmentwill begin theformal sale process. Final approval to sell any City-owned property lieswith theCity's full council, in line with Section 14 of the Municipal Finance ManagementAct and Regulation 5ofthe Municipal AssetTransferRegulations.

BACKGROUND

Christel HouseSouth Africa is anon-profit organisation that runs no-fee private schools and supports learners from disadvantaged communities. Its modelcovers achild'seducation from Grade RthroughtoGrade 12, and includes up to five years of support after school. The organisation alsoprovides transport andtakesa broad approach to supporting both children and their families. Theproposedschool would addressa shortage of high-school facilitiesinthe Strandfontein area. Jansen said he intends to engage furtherwith Christel House to explore howchildren from thelocal areawho meet theschool's entry criteria can be givenpriority access.

“I am hopeful that our children whoqualify for the support will benefit from thisproject,”he said.

CHRISTELHOUSE'DELIGHTED'

Christel House CEO Adri Marais said that the non-profit was “delighted” by the news of theSubcouncil’ssupport.

“We are hoping that thisis goingtogoquickly now –we are so appreciative of all the support.”

Marais said the City's processes needed to be completed, including sign-offs from the City Manager

and the Council, beforethey would be allowed to start building. “If we get ownership in the next few months, which is ambitious, we can apply for Education Zoning and get started. Of course, we would want sign-off as soon as possible as thisalso allows us to start the critical fundraising process,” she said.

Thenon-profit is hoping to fill the school through an “annual pipeline”, she said.

“Ultimately, we will have Grade RR-12 at acapacity between 800 and 1300, with 30 learners per class.”

Culturalcentrehostsfirstartexpo

The Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain will open itsfirst-ever art exhibition on Saturday 30 May, giving two local Portland artists aplatform to show their work. Entry is free. The show, titled Portland’s Own—Eltie Arts &NJB Art and DesignCPT,opens at 11:30 and runs until14:00 at the centre’s premisesat18Wall Street.

It will remain on display until 30 June, with works by both artists availablefor purchase throughout therun

AFIRSTFORTHEINSTITUTION

The exhibition is the first timethe Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain has givenits gallery wallsentirely to artists from the local Portland community

The two featured artists —Elton Arendse, who works under the name Eltie Arts, and Noeraan Jordan Bardien, known as NJB Art and Design CPT—are both Portland residents.

“Mitchells Plain has always been a community of extraordinary creative talent. What it has historically lacked is not the artists —they have always been here —but the stages andgalleries to give that talent its rightful visibility. This exhibitionisa declaration: that the Alliance Française de Mitchell’sPlain intends to be oneofthose stages. We are not waiting for the world to discover our community’s artists. We are introducing them ourselves,”saidDrAlicia English, boardpresident, Alliance Française de Mitchell’s Plain.

MORETHANALANGUAGESCHOOL

The Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain is part of aglobal networkof 832 institutions in 131 countries, but the Mitchells Plain branchisfirmly rootedin its local community.

PORTLAND ARTISTS’WORK FEATURED AT INAUGURAL EXHIBITION

Alongside Frenchlanguage classes,it offers cultural events, film screenings, music sessions, and nowavisual art programme.

Earlier this year, the French Ambassador to South Africa, David Martinon,visited the centre together withthe Consul-GeneralofFrancein Cape Town, Sophie Bel, andJeanSpiri of theInstitut Françaisd’Afrique du Sud. The visit drewattentiontothe centre’s standing as aFrenchculturalinstitution operating within one of South Africa’s most historically overlooked communities. The exhibition will also open up asecond galleryspace inside the Alliance’s training room.

MEETTHEARTISTS

EltonArendse paints bold, emotionally charged works in acrylic on canvas,rooted in the tradition of AbstractExpressionism andthe livedexperienceofthe Cape Flats. Hispaintingsare felt before they are fully understood “Throughevery piece,” he says, “I aim to create art thatspeaks beyond words andconnects deeply with people.”His long-held dream is to one day fill an entire show withhis own work —and the30 May exhibition brings him asignificant step closer View hisportfolio at eltieartwork. my.canva.site or follow him on Instagram @eltiearts

NoeraanJordan Bardienworksacross

painting, illustration, anddesign.

Her practice is drawn to what others tend to pass by: everydaymoments, small details, andquiet, overlooked spaces.

“I believe beautycan be found in the smallestdetails, ordinary moments, and overlooked spaces,”she says,“and Iuse my art to bring those perspectives to life.”

Herwork asks viewers to slow down and look more carefully —a quality that feels

especially meaningful in acommunity like Portland.

Follow her on Instagram @ NJBARTANDDESIGNCPT

ACOMMUNITYWITHDEEPCREATIVEROOTS

Mitchells Plainhas along and largely unrecognised artistic history.

Theinternationally known street artist Falko One began painting his distinctive murals in the area in the late 1980s;they now appear worldwide.

TheMitchells PlainArt Group, founded in 1988, produced artists who went on to exhibit at international venues, including the Grand PalaisinParis.

TheAlliance Française de Mitchells Plainplaces itself deliberately within that tradition —and places Arendse and Bardien within it too.

“Creative expression is not aluxury —itisalanguage. And every person in Mitchells Plaindeserves to speak it, to see it reflected back at them, and to have it valued. That is what this exhibition stands for. We celebrate Elton and Noeraan not simply as talented individuals, but as representatives of acommunity that has always had more to say than the world has been willing to hear,”said Dr Alicia English, board president.

EXHIBITIONDETAILS:

. Opening event: Saturday 30 May 11:30 to 14:00

. Exhibition runs: 30 May to 30 June

. Venue: Alliance Française de Mitchells Plain, 18 Wall Street

. Entry: Free. All welcome. Artworks by both artists are available for purchase at the opening and throughout the exhibition.

. Formoreinformation, call 069957 8853or emailalliancefrancaisemplain@gmail.com

Stormresponsetopssubcouncilagenda

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Elton Jansen counted down the hourstothe November local government elections at the Subcouncil 17 meeting on Monday 18 May.

“We are 169 days, 13 hours, 40 minutes and counting before the 4th of November’s local government election,” the Subcouncil 17 said to chuckles at the Lentegeur Administrative Offices.

He urged members to focus on service delivery rather than mudslinging.

“Bad-mouthing one another is not going to help your campaign,” he said, adding that councillors who had done their work since 2021 had nothingto fear. He noted that Subcouncil 17 had,across partylines —the ANC, ACDP, NCCand GOOD —enjoyed agood working relationship in the previous term.

“Let us remain focused,” he said. “It is now official. So now you are going to see people taking the gloves off and people sayingstuff about you. But if you have worked and if you’ve done what you’re supposed to do since the election of 2021, then my personal opinion is you havegot nothingtoworryabout.”

STORMSBATTERMITCHELLSPLAIN

Jansen also gaveanupdate on the area’s damages after a ferociousstorm two weeks ago.

He said that the area had suffered from mature trees blocking roads and homes losing

roofs and carports. He praised councillors who were out on the ground during the storm, helping toclearguttersand stormwater drains.

Ward 75 councillor Joan Woodmanconfirmedthatthe

Colorado Park mosque hadbeen severelyflooded, and that aclaim of R225 000 hadbeen receivedfor damagedcarpets.

“The water justdrained notfast enough,” shesaid, noting that an hourafter the rain stopped, the drain hadcleared. She thanked Recreation andParks for responding quickly to fallen trees

Ward 79 councillor Daniel Christians urged the city to have at least 5000 sandbags ready for future storms,notingthatcatch pits wereeither blocked or too smalltohandle the volumes of water. He described visitingan elderly resident who hadbeen waist-deep in floodwater, with all her furniture destroyed.

Jansen clarified that while the stormswere devastating for those affected, the events did nottechnically meet the City’s definitionofa disaster.

“Forthatperson, it is a disaster,”hesaid, “but in the bigger schemeofthings, it’s not categorised as adisaster.”

He proposed an ad hoc online meetingwithParks, Urban Mobility, disaster risk management, and other relevant departments to discuss better winter readiness.

Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts praised Park Avenue Hardware

in Westridgefor donating multiple loads of sand for sandbags during theflooding. Jansenalso recognised Strandfontein NPOHands and Feet,whichused its own funds to help 30 familiesininformal settlementsrebuild their homes after thestorm,aswell as assistingfive families who had lost theirhomesina fire weeks earlier.

ROADREINSTATEMENTS AGROWINGCONCERN

Jansen highlightedthatthere was asignificantbacklog in road reinstatements following water andsanitation pipe repairs, with some outstanding since 2024. He said he hadengagedthe mayor and would continue to

engage the mayoral committee members for water and sanitation and urban mobility to speed up thework.

Potts highlighted two specific problem areas: SheikhYusuf Road and another road that had been closed for close to 1000 days, as well as apipe burst at Jupiter and Aquarius that had been creating agrowing hole since the first and second of January

VANDALISMATCOASTAL FACILITIESCONDEMNED

Christians raised serious concerns about three consecutive break-ins at Mnandi Beach. Jansen linked the problem to Fisherman’s Lane, where street lights had been stolen after a

recent upgrade costing several million rands.

Christians said that on Good Friday, criminals broke into the law enforcement building at Fisherman’sLane, stealing five night-vision binoculars, floodlights, and fishing and safety equipment.Heplanned on tabling amotion at the next meeting proposing aco-management structure, allowing community organisations to take shared responsibilityfor city facilities.

“I indicated right at the beginning when they inaugurated Fisherman’sLane that those braai facilities —it’s like putting something down for babies,” he said. “People are going to vandalise it.”

Almost R300 million is being invested in upgrading Strandfontein Pavilion, and Jansen said it was unacceptable that facilities just down the beach were being repeatedly targeted.

LANECLOSURESAND COMMUNITYRESISTANCE

Potts raised concern about residentsopposing lane closures that had been put in place to address crime. He said police had been called to allow acontractor to continue work, and noted that the project had been motivated by community safetyconcerns years earlier.

Jansen said he had asitevisit planned to engage with residents and stressed that the project had gone through council with full funding.

“It’sunacceptable,”hesaid.

THINKING OUTLOUD

8 Confessions of achildhood fartgun

When Iwas nine, my mother accidentally turned me into afartgun. Iamnot exaggerating.

Ididn’t understand the mechanics ofit at thetime but years later,wonderinghow muchpotential damage had been doneto my internal organs, Ilooked it up and was unpleasantly surprised.

But before we get to that, let meexplain WhenIwas little, my eczema was very bad and nothing that the talented doctors at RedCross Hospital didatthe timewas abletoget it under control.

My mother, who was very traditionalist, God rest her soul, tried everyhome remedyand old wives’ tale suggested This meant that most nights, beforebed my mother would give me atrustydose of Scotts Emulsion along with whatever homeremedy we were trying at the time. When Iwas nine, someonerecommended blomswael,orflowers of sulphur as it is calledinEnglish. Now, just an aside, flowers of sulphur is indeedagood remedyfor itching when used topically, but whoever advised my mother forgot to tellher that footnote.

So for at least aweek,every night, my mom gave me atable spoon of Scotts Emulsion and aglass of blomswael swirled in warm milk to drink. It didn’t quite dissolvesoitwas clumpyand grainy.It also tasted foul andsmelled like rotten eggs.

MYMOTHERHADACCIDENTALLY HELPEDMECREATETOXICFARTS

But what was far worse waswhatitdid to my insides.

The next day Iwould sit in classand try my hardest to subdue my gurgling tummy. Eventually Iwould fail and out would slip an SBD (silent but deadly) fart.

Normally the term SBDis tongue-incheek but with me, at the time, it was literal. My classmates would gag and groan as the rotten egg smell hung in the small classroom, clinging to the walls

If you were one of my classmates, I apologise. And I’m also sorrythatthis apology came decades late, but Iwas too embarrassed to admitthat it was meatthe time.

When one of the learners nearest me vomited after Ifarted, Iwenthome at the end of the week and stoically refused to keepdrinking the foul junk –which had had zero impact on my inflamed skin. Ilearned, many years later, that while not dangerous to my innards —thankfully blomswael causes agut reaction that releaseshydrogen sulphide. Besides smelling rotten, it is toxic inlargedoses. Put another way, my mother had accidentally helped me create toxicfarts thatcould have been weaponised

No learners were harmed in the misguided attempts to heal myitchy skin, but years later, when my daughter was bornand Icarried on the Scotts Emulsion tradition, Igave it ataste for old times’ sake. The next day my skin was inflamed Iread the label and discovered that the tonic was madefrom cod liver oil—and had triggered my fish allergy. It hadbeen the villaininmychildhood health dramas allalong.

So what is the point of this you mayask? Well, Idon’t have one. The most Igot out of that experience is asmall nugget of wisdom and avery funny story —and by writing this, along overdue apology —but Ihave no strong political or economic point to make today.

At the very least, Ihope thisstinky story brightened yourday.

Kommentaar // Comments

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Stad

se inwonersmoetgordel styf knoop

Die DA beskou homselfasdie partywat die Wes-Kaap diebestebestuur

Infrastruktuur in vergelyking met ander provinsies is vangoeie gehalte.Netjiesepaaie,meestemense het toegangtot skoon drinkwater, minimalekragonderbrekingsen skoon dorpe

Beleggersbakleiomhier te kanbelê, maarkom onskyk dieper.Hoë munisipalerekeninge forseer baie menseomhul huiseteverkoop en alternatiewe akkommodasie te soek waar hulslegs verantwoordelik isvir krag en watergebruik.

Dieres vandie munisipalerekeningisdan die huiseienaar se verantwoordelikheid. Om elkeaand te kanbad, het 'n luukse geword.Baie mense badslegs drieuit sewe dae.Die oorblywende vierdae word daar uit'nskotteltjie gewasomskoon te kom. Geisers word dan net aangesit vir ongeveer 'n uur en almalmoet vinnig badofstort voor die waterkoud word Elektriesestowe is verkoop om plek te maakvir gasstofies.Kos word niemeer daagliksvoorberei nie. Inwoners vind hullekan gasspaar deurvir twee tot

drie dae kosopeen slag te maak.Etesin'nrestaurant is gestaak

Mensehou die groot supermarkte se pamflette dop vir spesialeaanbiedingeomdie nodigetekoop.Met Shopritewat voorsieningmaak vir die laeinkomstegroep,kry ‘n mens gereeld'ntrollie metafgemerkte pryseopvrugtevan goeie gehalte, koppies sop, brood en vele ander items watmense koop om geld te spaar Voertuie staan en stof opgaar of word verkoop.Met die verhogings in brandstof hetuitstappies onbekostigbaar geword.Om'nUber of taxibuitespitstyd te gebruik, is heelwatgoedkoper.Risikovir smash and grab carjacking en hijacking hetteen 'n ongelooflike spoed toegeneem. Om te stap,het 'n risikogeword. Leegleërs en kriminelewag om elkehoek en draai om jou te beroof.Bankkaarteenselfone word in klereversteek, juweliersware en beursies word by die huis gelos. Uitlanders koop oral eiendom en omskepdit in bordeleensmokkelhuiseofsogenaamde studenteverblyf waar misdaad floreer.Skape word aangekoop watin die strateloop en geslag word in woonbuurte waar

Almal is nie so bevoorreg dat

Graagwil ek reageer op Elsa le Grange vanWelgelegen se brief “Houopdie sentetel”(TygerBurger 20 Mei). Nie almal is so bevooreg soos jy om niesente te tel nie.Ons asmiddelklasgemeenskap word letterlik gemelk om nie eens te kanspaar vir enigiets anders nie. Ek verwys ook na persoonlike belasting en nouook deesdae meterfbelasting. Almal praat so gemaklik oordie woordspaar,maar hoekan ‘n mens met al die kostes watopgaan?

lewende hawe onwettig is.

Plakkerskampe word toegelaat om oral opgerig te word.Tenteenhokke is oral sigbaar in die dorpe, parkies, langssnelweëenonder bruê,wat ‘n probleem word vir omliggende inwonersweens diefstalen inbrake. Die DA-bestuur vanStadKaapstad gloaan kruissubsidie waar die middelklasenmeer gegoede belastingbetalersvir die minderbevoorregtesmoet sorg deur hoëmunisipaletariewe te hef. Maar,asjy deur die plakkerskampe beweeg, sien jy onwettige krag en waterverbindings, duur karreenTV-skottels in oorvloed. Stad Kaapstad is besig om die belastingbetalers metsyhoë tarieweteverarm en hul lewensstandaardteverlaag om voorsiening te maak vir hul projekte, agendas en hoësalarisse vir diegene watdie besluitenamensinwonersmaak.Belastingbetalers se hulpkreteenversoekevir laer tariewe word ignoreer en inwonerswordgedwing om al hoemeer skuldtemaak om te oorleef. Dit is die ware realiteit om 'n inwoner vanStadKaapstad te wees.

LIZELLE STRYDOM, Chrismar

hulle nie sentemoettel om te oorleefnie

Onshet ongelukkig'ngemeenskap van“sponsors” geword en die gelukkige wenneromdit te wees, is onsasmiddelklas. Ons het nie 'n probleem om vir dienste(watwerk)tebetaal nie, maar hoekom moet netsekeremense meer betaal vir dieselfde diens wat gebruik word?

Dit gaan nieoor waar jy blyofhoe groot jou huis is nie; dit behoort te gaan oor hoeveelgebruik word

Ek weet vanmense watomtrent niksvir dienste

betaal nie,oor waar hulle bly, maar gebruik selfsmeer waterasons omdat daar meer menseindie huis woon

Dink jy dit is regverdig?

Ek voel baie jammervir die mensewat afgetree is en wathul eiendom al jaregelede gekoop het toedit nog nie 'n gesogtebuurtwas nie,maar nousobaie virdienste moetbetaal dat dit amper onmoontlik vir hulle is om methul pensioen uit te kom.

SENTETELLER,E-pos

Hoop skolefokus netsoernstig op akademie as op sportprestasies

Ek hetnou al 'n paar keer lesersbriewe opgemerk waarin die skrywers klaoor die toestandvan rugbyby sekere skole— soos oor DF,enTygerberg. Vanwanneer af troefsport akademie?

Ek stuur my kinders skool toeomteleer,nie om bal te skop,slaan of gooi nie. Dit is belaglikdat kinders "gekoop"word, of duur sportafrigters aangestel word

sodat die eerstespan Saterdag kanwen. Om nie eens te praat vandie spesiale diëteendrukwat op die kinders geplaas word om op die veld te presteer nie, terwyl sommigeseakademieseprestasies daaronder ly.Ekhoop die skolemet die duur afrigters het ooknet die beste toerustinginhul wiskunde- en wetenskapklasse

Ja, buitemuurse aktiwiteiteisbelangrik vir emosionele, fisiekeengeestelikegroei en deelnamemoet aangemoedig word.Maar koester die metnatuurlike sporttalent en houdie fokusopakademieseprestasie Nie almal kaneendagSpringbokkeofProteas word nie.Wat daarvanasjou span Saterdag verloorhet! ESTHER,Durbanville