TygerBurger | Mitchells Plain | E-Edition | 28 January 2026

Woman’sbody foundinshack

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

Awoman’s body was foundbypassers by near ashopping centre in Lentegeur last week.

Lentegeur Police Station spokesperson, Const Navon van Houten, said the woman’s body was found in ashack near DevlandHyper shopping centre, late on Tuesday20January, which is alongside therailway line

Drug paraphernalia nearthe body led passers by to believe that the woman had diedofadrugoverdose but van Houten said that paramedics who attended the scene confirmed thatthe woman was being treatedfor tuberculosis and said that she had died of natural causes.

DevlandHypernight shift security guard, RogerPaulsewas on duty when the body was found.

He said he knew the woman, who was about middle aged, andthat her family livednear his home in Lentegeur. He said she used to fetch water at the store regularly buthad notdonesofor aweek or more. AccordingtoPaulse, the woman is aknowndrug user andher body was discovered by otherusers who frequent her shack

The men hadapproached him and asked himtocall the police, he said, after they had discoveredher body in the shack.He suspected thatthe woman had been dead for quite some time because her face had been partially eaten away by rats.

“The guy just askedmetocontact the policebecausethey found the body in the hokkie and shewas dead already. Maybe a week,two days, three days, Idon't know,” he said.

Paulse says that this is not the first timethat awoman’s body had been found in the shacks but nothing comes of theinvestigations into the deaths and thepeople who are living in the small informal settlement never come forward with information.

“Early last year awoman’s body was found burnt out.She was alone in one of thoseshacks,”Paulsesaid. “But nobody knows anything. When something happens then nobodyknows nothing about what’s goingonthere.She could have been dead thewholeweek already but nobody knows

“Shecouldhavebeendeadthe wholeweekalready”

—Roger Paulse

or they knew but didn’t make contact with anybody.”

He added that most of the people who live in the small settlement are “heavily on drugs”.

“I didn’t even know she was dead because last week she still came to fetch water by us,”hesaid.

“That’s the lasttime Isaw her.”

SHOOTINGINPORTLAND

Afatal shooting in Mitchells’ Plain recently has resulted in murder and attempted-murder charges being registered for investigation, with three suspectsnow in custody.

Theincident occurred in Baakens Street, Portlands at approximately 22:00 on 21 January.

Sgt Wesley Twigg, provincial police media spokesperson said officers attending the crime scene discovered two victims with gunshot wounds.

A36-year-old man was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel, while a32-year-old man was transported to a hospital.

Mitchell’sPlain police have registered both murder and attempted-murder cases following the shooting incident

Three men were arrested by members of the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP)inconnection with the shooting.

“They apprehended asuspect in possession of afirearm and live ammunition, and alerted Emergency Medical Services to attend to the second shooting victim,” said Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason. “Officers handed the suspect and confiscated firearm over at the Mitchell’sPlain Police Station.”

Thesuspects were expected to appear in the Mitchell’sPlain Magistrates'Court once they had been formally charged, Twigg said, adding that the investigation intothe circumstances surrounding the shooting continued.

Trafficcameras catcharsonist

Cape Town's traffic-enforcement technology provedits worth thisweekend when CCTV cameras helped police arrest asuspected arsonistwho was allegedly settingfire to vegetationalong amajor highway.

The suspect was detained just after midnightonSaturday 17 January, after Traffic CommunicationsCentre operators workingwith FreewayManagement Systemcameras spotted someone setting vegetation alightonthe M5 northbound, before Berkeley Road.

Acoordinated effort among the Traffic Communications dispatcher, FMSoperator and Highway Patrol led to the suspect's arrest by Highway Patrol officers.

The individual was detained at the Maitland PoliceStation, where acase of arson was subsequently opened.

TECHNOLOGYPROVESCRUCIALINCRIME FIGHTING

Maycomember for safety and security

JP Smith said the arrest highlighted the value of technology in combating crime when used effectively.

“We shared statistics just afew days ago aboutthe pressure our services have absorbedtodeal with the increase in vegetation and residentialfires.

“Tohave individuals who deliberately setout to cause more pain and potential harm in this manner, is incredibly frustrating.”

He noted there hadbeen numerous fires

along the M5 stretch in the pastweek, and expressed hope that the investigation would include athorough assessment of all theseincidents.

WEEKENDENFORCEMENTSTATISTICS

Thearson arrest was one of 375 arrests made by the City's enforcement agencies during the past week.

Traffic officers recorded 73 225 offences, impounded 143 publictransport vehicles and executed 1410 warrantsofarrest. They made 63 arrests, including 50 for driving under the influence of alcohol, five for reckless and negligent driving and eight for various other offences.

Metro police officers made 110 arrests, issued 3577 traffic and bylaw fines, and recovered various quantities of drugs, one pistol and 432 crayfish tails

Law enforcement officers made 202 arrests and issued 6877 notices.

ThePublic Emergency Communication Centre received 1211 calls for assistance over the weekend, including 429 calls for medical assistance, 46 cases of assault, 29 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, 171 noise complaints and 23 reports of domestic violence.

Thepublic is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and criminal activities to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centreon021 480 7700, providing detailed information, including the time, exact address and a short description.

ShootinghaltsMyCiTiproject A

FR 282 residential, community

Goo Mitchells and portfolio rather auction formal the particip needs mo to Strandfontei

“Limited developments, community developers. co drive with process.

Councillorsdiscuss‘safehaven’

LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN.OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Subcouncil12discussedanambitious substance-abuse“safe-haven” planatits first meeting of the year

ChairSolomon Philander announced the proposed programme at the meeting on Thursday 22 January at the Lentegeur administrativeoffices.

He said the programme, to be undertaken in conjunction with the City’s outpatient recovery system currently running from Tafelsig Clinic,will see ward offices serving as gateways for basicassessments andreferrals to the Matrix Programme.

“This Subcouncil will spearhead asafe havenfor people on substances who want to stop the abuse. This is theheartbeat of ourSubcouncil, to make surethatwealso createanopportunity for ourcommunity to live abetter life.”

Philander added that substance abuse affected everyone.

“Whether one is acouncillor ornot we allknow of someone who hasa substanceabuseproblem.”

MATRIXCLINIC

Philander’s announcement was the foreword toapresentation by YolaniTyam of theTafelsig Matrix Clinic. Tyamsaidthe free substance abuse treatment programme is showing improved results.

The Matrix Programme,whichprovides evidence-based outpatient treatment, had shown improvedretentionrates and high negative drug-test results.

“The mostcommon question is, how do youtreat substanceabuse?” Tyam said, adding that the City's centre treated substanceabuse as achronic illness

Tyam outlinedthe service'ssix-week intensive treatment approach,which includes relapse prevention, family education, random drug testing and ongoingsupport groups, all providedfree of chargetoparticipants.

“To avoidrelapse we alsoadvise family education,” Tyam said.

He welcomed“engagement and support" from theSubcouncil andsaid pamphlets and a20-questionself-screening questionnairealready existed andcould be

SUBCOUNCILPLANS TO USE WARD OFFICESAS ASSESSMENT CENTRES

used for community screening.

CURRENTCHALLENGES

Despite its successes, the programme alsofaces severaloperational challenges, including limitedofficeand waiting space, limitedfamily involvement, and transport issues.

“Being theonlyMatrix Clinic in Mitchells Plainmeans the entire Mitchells Plainisreliant on the Tafelsig centre,” Tyam said, addingthat the sparsityof City centresmeantTafelsig also got referrals from areas further afield, such as Philippi and Samora Machel. Tyamsaid this created transport challenges, which means some clientsdonot complete the programme Outpatient treatment, he said, also sufferedlack of support from families and communities owingtostigma.

“Substance abuse does put astrain on relationships in families,” he said. Furthermore, participants needed ongoing help from support groups, “where addicts help other addicts.”These support groups, which are provided by fellowships such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and religious organisations, are few and far between in Mitchell's Plain, “due to gang violence and distance.”

SAFEHAVENS

Philander thanked Tyam for his presentation.

“Substance abuse is amajor, major issue in our communities. And through our life skills programme we identify more and more the realityofthe impact of substance abuse in our communities.

“Substance abuse is something that breaks our community completely. The sad realityis, thereare users sitting openly with aneedle injecting themselves. Idon't think we should get used to that. We need to make sure we can raise our kids in an environment that is asafe haven.”

Education andvandalism takescentrestage at meeting

LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY

Councillorsreflected on thefestive season and the opening of schools during Subcouncil 17’s first meeting ofthe year.

Ward 33 councillor Lungisa Somdaka congratulated the matriculants of2025 for amarked improvement in results at the meetingonMonday 19 January, atthe Lentegeur administrative office.

Somdaka was broad in histhanks and congratulations, commendingpupils, spheres of government, principals and parents alike for the good matricresults

Subcouncil chair, Elton Jansen, agreed that the success of the matric classof 2025 was thanks to a“whole society partnership”. He added however that the governmentneeds to step in and help when parts of the partnership fail.

“I was very saddened when Itook my daughter to school.Afterwards when my wife and Iwent somewhere, we saw children there. My wife asked: ‘Arethey not supposed to be in school?’” he said. “We've got all the laws, and we need to hold parents accountable for not putting their children in schools. And when there's achallenge, the government must come and help.”

CHILDRENNEEDINGPLACEMENTATSCHOOLS

Ward 88 councillor Zukisani Sophazi expressedconcern about thelargenumber of children that were not getting placed at schools.

“We must do something as a Subcouncil,” he said. “We need to havea session with the department in Lentegeur

“Thecouncillorsmustengagewith theeducationdepartmenttofind outwhat’shappening.Wecansee howwecanworktogether...”

-Elton Jansen

sothatthey can takeusthroughwhat the mainproblem that is causing children to notbeaccommodated at schools.”

Jansenreplied that it was not aproblem that the Subcouncilcould address unless parents approached ward councillors personally.

“It can'tbea Subcouncil thing.Each councillormustdealwith issueswithin their wards and casebycasebecause I agree withyou, there'sa lot of childrenon the streets.“

He added thatinthe past councillors hadassisted parents who couldnot apply online.

“The councillors must engage with the educationdepartment to find outwhat's happening. We can see howwecan work togetherand assist each other when we get casesofchildren notbeing placed.”

CHRISTMASLIGHTS

Proportional CouncillorGeorge Paige praised the return of the Christmas lights to Mitchell’s Plain last year butnoted that therewere very few lights featuring religious icons.

“It wasa bit disappointing, especially as aChristian. We used to have quite alot of

Christian symbols but this year we only had one road with Christian symbols. You know, Jesus is thereasonfor the season,” he said.

Jansen replied: “I do have my personal commentsand views on it, and Idon't wanttoimpressmypersonal views, unless Ienter into adebate.”

He wentontoadd that vandalism had been one of the biggest problems with getting thefestive lights back in Mitchells Plain.

“It was really alarmingtoreceive the report from officials in previous years on how thelights were vandalised,” he said. “There wasa long debate on location and so forth and it was rebutted every timewhen alocation was given because of hundreds of thousands of incidentsof vandalism that had happened in previous years where lights had been erected. It’sa difficult one because vandalism is making it difficult for us. Butlet'sbeappreciative of theattempt to bring it back and we'll havetodoapostmortem and see how we can makesure thatitisagain extended to other areas.”

PUBLICPOOLSCLOSING

Ward81councillor Ashley Potts expressed hisdisappointment that the public pools had closed as soon as schools reopened. Jansen replied that this decision was alsotaken because of vandalism.

“I'm personally of the opinion that our pools should be openright through the year,” Jansensaid. “And Iwill personally engage theMayco members but again,

sadly, it’s vandalism that has caused the pools to be closed.”

50THANNIVERSARY

Mitchell’sPlain’s 50th anniversary was another topicofdiscussion. Potts expressed his concern at the number of events that wereall being planned as “official” events.

Jansen clarified that Mitchell’sPlain Subcouncils, 12 and 17, wereplanning one event jointly.

“It does not stop any organisation from arranging an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mitchell’sPlain,” he said. He cautioned though that the City would not be able to fully fund theseevents. “There's aprocess when you have an event, whether you are achurch and whether you are aMuslim society, or whoever you are. If you have an event, you must apply to the events office,”he said.

He explained that theseapplications must be accompanied by all the details of the event, especially how many people it is catering for.

“The City cannot fund your entire event. It's unheard of. It's not done. So all organisations can organise an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mitchells Plainand the city contributes towards your funding for your event but obviously, the city's branding will be present at these events."

Subcouncil 12's next meeting will be Monday 16 February. All Subcouncil meetings are open to the public.

Cityamendspools’openinghours

The City will pilot extendedweekdayoperating hours at its31 community swimming pools, with pools reopening from Wednesdays to Sundays from28January to 6April this year.

The City's 31 outdoor community swimming pools reverted to weekend operations from Monday 19 January but will soon reopen again forextended weekday operations on apilot basis.

Duetothe drop in demandonce schools reopen, and to ensure the effective management of operational costs, the standard operating procedure until now has been to revert to weekend-only operations during these periods.

TheCity has received requests over time from within communities to retainsome midweekoperations once schools reopen.

This will be piloted at all swimming pools for the rest of the season, ending 6 April, to assess demand andviability.

“This pilot is made possible by the extensive repairs and upgrades to pools in recent years, which means many more pools can open for extended periods. We are pleased to confirm thatfrom Wednesday 28 January, ourcommunity poolswill be open from Wednesday to Sunday each week.

After an incredibly busy summer season during which pools were open seven days aweek, we are retaining Mondaysand Tuesdays for essential maintenance and to maintain staff well-being. The usage results of this pilot will inform what happens in yearstocome, andwhether it is feasible to operate these facilities seven days aweek throughout the summer months,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.

OPERATIONALHOURS

From Wednesday until 22 March, outdoor community swimming pools will be operational during the following hours: . Monday –Tuesday: Closed . Wednesday –Sunday:10:00 -18:00

From 23 Marchuntil 6April, community swimming pools will operatedaily again

for theschool holidays, andclose for the seasononTuesday7April.

Six community pools will be closing to the publicfrom early February to undergo major infrastructure repairs requiredto ensure they are fully operational for the 2026-'27 summerseason. These include Manenberg, Langa, Lentegeur, Goodwood, Bellville South andDelft.

Residents are also advisedthatrepairs at Retreat SwimmingPool have been completed andthe pool reopened to the public on Friday 23 January.

And so, residents can continue to enjoy daily access to fourindoor swimming pools–Retreat, Blue Downs, LongStreet andStrand, as well as the Sea Point swimmingpool.

Over the pastthree financial years, the City invested approximately R113,5 million in swimmingpool upgradesand maintenance across the metropole. As a result of this phased investment, 36 of the City's 37 pools are openthis summer –comparedto26inthe 2022-'23season.

Additional investment is in progress.

Once the adjustments budget is finalised, thetotal capitalbudget for swimming pools in this financial year will increase by morethan double,from just under R12,5 million to nearly R29,7 million Swimmingpools set to benefit from the additional funding include those mentionedfor February closure namely Bellville South, Delft, Langa, Lentegeur, Goodwood and Manenberg.

“Ourswimming pools are more than recreational spaces–they are safe, inclusive placesthatsupport physical health, mental well-being andsocial connection.For young people, pools provide positive,supervised spaces during the summer months, andfor older residents they offeraccessible opportunities to stay active and connected,”said Higham.

AVBOBlaunches fifth year of mobile trolleylibrary literacycampaign

AVBOB has opened nominations for the fifth year of its Road to Literacy campaign, partneringwith Oxford University Press Southern Africa (Oupsa) to donatea record 2000 trolley librariestoprimary schools and education-focused non-profit organisations across SouthAfrica.

The 2026 campaign, running from19 January to 31 March, invites the public to nominate schools and educationNPOs that would benefit from mobile trolley libraries, eachcontaining 500 Caps-aligned books designed to foster alifelong loveof reading among young learners.

“Year five is our most ambitious to date. Two thousand trolley libraries mean additional one million books in the hands of young readers,” says Nakedi Pilane, executive director of business development and financial services at AVBOB. “We have seen how asingle trolley can change the energy of aclassroom andthe confidence of alearner.”

The initiativerepresentsadoubling of the 2025commitment, which saw 1000 trolley libraries distributed. This expansion constitutes an investment of R115 million, with each library valued at approximately R57 500.

Karen Simpson, managing directorat Oupsa expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign's continued growth. “Speaking to educators who'vereceivedtrolleyshas shownmejust how transformativethis initiative is.

“We're committed to publishing inall 11 official written languages, and this

The2026 campaign,running from 19 January to 31 March,invites membersofthe publictonominate schoolsand education NPOs that wouldbenefitfrom mobiletrolley libraries.

campaign helps us getthose books directly intothe hands of learnerswho needthem most.”

FOURYEARSOFIMPACT

Since itslaunch in 2022, the AVBOB Road to Literacycampaign hasmade substantialinroadsinto addressing South Africa's literacychallenges.

The programme supports early-grade reading by providing mobile trolley librariesthat align with the Caps curriculum, offeringteachers versatile, ready-to-useclassroom resources whilst giving learners regular access to ageappropriate books.

To date, the initiative hasachieved significant milestones: approximately 4000 trolley librarieshave been donated to schools andeducation NPOs nationwide, distributing 1966 000 books through29525 nominations submitted by communities. Thetotal investmenthas reached R227 million

The nomination process, dubbed “NominatetoEducate”, welcomes participation from parents, teachers, principals, learners, alumni, community members,and NPOs. Eligible nominees include under-serviced public primary schoolsand education-focused NPOs that demonstratebothneed andcommitment to improving literacy in their communities.

“Accesstobooksinalearner's mother tongue improvesreading for meaningat formative stages, classroom engagement andcontributes towards retention of learners through their school career. This initiative gives the public aunique opportunity to help address South Africa's literacy crisis and support their local schoolsbysimply spending afew minutes submitting anomination,” adds Simpson. Each nomination undergoes careful review toensure fair and impactful selection, with full eligibility criteria and timelines available on the AVBOB Road To Literacy website.

BROADERLITERACYINVESTMENT

The Road to Literacy campaign forms part of AVBOB's wider literacy investments, including the AVBOB Container Library programme,which converts shippingcontainers into fully equipped libraries serving learners and communities. “Our commitment to literacy extends beyond donation. It's about creatingalasting change through initiatives that work,” adds Pilane.

“Throughthe AVBOB Road To Literacy campaign,weare able to reach schools thatoften lack resources, helping to nurture agenerationofreaders whocan imagine and achieve more.”

. Nominations canbesubmittedathttps://bit ly/4sJLVZ2until 31 March2026.

Bookfestivalbrings together‘twoworlds’

The fifth Cape Flats Book Festival will bring together more than 90 speakers and 50 sessionstoWest End PrimarySchool thisweekend.

The freefestival, theonlyone on the Cape Flats, is hosted by literacy NGO Read to Rise, whichwrites, prints and donates books to learners at underprivileged schools

Read to Rise founder Athol Williams explained thefestival’sbroader mission: “TheCape FlatsBook Festival is rewriting thenarrative of the Cape Flats by bringing stories, ideas anddreams to life. We are recastingliterary festivals as events relevant and accessible to everyone. We arebuilding bridges between communities. Our missionistoexplicitlybring SA’s authors and publishers to the Cape Flats and to showcasethe Cape Flats’authors.”

The festival has secured sponsorship from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture,the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs andSports, the National ArtsCouncil andWest End Primary School andbrings together authors, including some of the best-selling authors in thecountry, booksellers, publishersand poets.

Thefestivaltakes place across six stages; adults, youngadults, children, workshops, poetry andAfrikaans poetry —with literacyevents, including workshops, readings andlive performances taking placeonevery stage, every hour.

Booksellers big andsmall will also host sale stalls in the main courtyard and food will alsobeonsale

Read to Rise Executive Director Taryn Lock said: “Weare grateful to our wonderful supporters as so many people benefit from this book festival –itbrings together children, adults, aspiring, new and award-winning writers and experts from all walksoflife to celebrate literature.”

This year’s festivalwill feature authors, poets, moderators andperformers across programmes designed for children, young adultsand adults. Activities will include writing workshops,apuppet show, giveaways, books, food and exhibitors.

FEATUREDSPEAKERSANDWORKSHOPS

The programme will include notable authorssuchasAnwarMcKay, Mandy

Wiener, Julian Jansen, FEHMZ, Patric Taariq Mellet,Nicole Engelbrecht, political cartoonist Zapiro, Brandan Reynolds, former Mitchells Plainpolice station commander Jeremy Vearey, bestselling author Deon Meyer, Craig Japhta, Nadia Cassim, Qaanitah Hunter and Kim Bagley.

Poets appearing at the festival include Sarah Uheida, Jadrick Pedro, Koobus Moolman, Chantal Stewart, Thabo Leholo, Ryan Pedro, Mengelmoes Digtersand Cape Cultural Collective.

Children will enjoy storytelling sessions with authors Bianca Flanders, Diana Ferris, Sibu, Bosa, Samantha Adams, Lulu Fellowes, Lauren O’Connor-May and Paulvin Webster. Young visitors can also attend the OAKY Puppet Show, meet the OAKY mascot and receive free face painting.

Aspiring writers can participate in specialised workshops including aMemoir Workshop by author and publisher Melinda Ferguson, aromance writing workshop by Sarah Bullen, atruecrime writing workshop by Nicole Engelbrecht, and apublishing workshop by author and publisher Liezel Snyman. Williams said the festival brings together “two worlds, so often structurally divided” whilst facilitating economic opportunities for book sellers, publishers, food sellers and authors.

FESTIVALDETAILS

Sessions will run from 09:30 to 16:00 on Saturday 31 January and from 10:00 to 14:30 on Sunday 1February at West End Primary School on Merrydale Avenue, Lentegeur.

Attendees who participate in morethan three sessions and get theirprogramme punched can receive agoodie bag with a book from the Read to Rise stand, whilst stocks last. Lucky draws with prizes will be held at 12:30 each day.

. Formoreinformation,visit www.capeflatsbookfestival.co.za or email info@readtorise.co.za

Everystory buildsthe worldwewant to see

Hey partner. Breathe withme. Icall you partner because Idon’t see youasjust areader —Isee youas someone walkingwithme. We’ve done so successfullythis past year; we might as well keep walking. When Iask you to breathewith me, it’s an invitation to pause,not to perform. Rightnow, that pausefeels more important than ever Welcome to 2026. This is my first column for the year, and Ihope to share many “hey partner” moments with you. When asked where I’m from,Ijokingly say I’m acitizen of the world. December proved just that —Ispent mostofitonthe road betweencommunities:Zwelethemba in Worcester, Mdantsane in East London, New Brighton in Port Elizabeth, and KwaNokuthula in Plettenberg Bay

The roads blurred under the wheels, townsand townships passing like pages in abook Icouldn’t put down. As I travelled, Irealised that not everystory has aheadline. Some just make the heart lighter.

In many homes and streets, people would keep quiet in the face of injustice or share their thoughts, frustrations and hopes in hushed tones, carefully, as if testing whether it was safe to be heard. People aren’t silent becausethey don’t care.They’re often silent because, over generations, they’ve been taught that their voices don’t matter. Taught to doubt their worth, to normalise being ignored, to survive quietly. But in some spaces,

NOTICETHESMALL VICTORIESAROUNDYOU. SPEAKUPWHENYOUMUST. CELEBRATEWHENYOUCAN.

I’ve seen something different —something quietlyrevolutionary. People speaking up, insisting to be seen, heard, to matter In Zwelethemba, Imet agrandmother tendingacommunitygarden. Her hands were darkened by soil and sunlight, her voice soft but firm. She’d started the garden as asafe place for children. It wasn’t on the news. It didn’t go viral.Yet watching children harvest vegetables, their laughter spilling over fences —the power of small victories.

In Mdantsane, neighbours had cleaned the streets for Christmas —not because anyone asked them to, but becauseit mattered to their sense of dignity. One picked up aplastic bottle,another swept, others planted flowers. By afternoon, a street thathad felt forgotten looked alive again—care is contagious.

In New Brighton, Iwitnessed ayoung lady startareading circle in her yard. It began with three childrenand afew books. The children’s eyes light up with stories. —Small acts can ripple further than we imagine.

In KwaNokuthula, young, loud, and unapologetically joyful artists revitalised homes for low-income residents. With each brushstroke, houses told newstories of hope, colour and possibility. Thesemoments are everywhere —in gardens, streets, yards, neighbourhoods and kitchens. They’re about connection, resilience and humanity. They’reeveryday victories that don’t make headlines but remind us that healing begins when we speak, act, and notice each other. Your voice matters too. You don’t have to shout to be heard. If something feels wrong in your community, to speakto ajournalist, share your storybecause injustice thrives in silence, and everyday victories thrive when acknowledged.So partner, Iinvite you to breathe with me. Notice the small victories around you Speak up when you must. Celebratewhen you can. Connect when it matters.

—NAMHLA MONAKALI

Kommentaar // Comments

ONTPLOFFINGVAN KLEUR:‘n Leservan Durbanville hethierdie kleurvollefotovan die pragtige bougainvilleaopdie hoek vanDurbanwegenTindalestraat in Durbanville geneem–“sommeruit my motorbydie rooi verkeerslig”! FOTO:WYNANDTHERON

School’s rugbyinshambles

DF Malan High School's rugbyhas been nothing short of disastrous. Theschool that once prided itself on excellence andplayerdevelopmenthas allowedits rugby culturetocrumbleintoinconsistency,frustration,and outright unfairness.

Howisitpossiblethatsenior players —those who have invested years into this sport,attended every practise with dedication,and maintained peak fitness —are stilldenied agenuineopportunityto competefor aplace in thefirst team?

Howmanyseasons must pass before someone finally acknowledges the obvious?

Everyyearbrings newcoaches, newpromises, new “visions”, andyet the result remains the same: seniors pushed aside,notransparency,nostability, and no real progress. Insteadofbuilding astrongerprogramme, the constant turnoverhas draggedthe team from bad to worse.

Playerswho have proven their commitment areleft watching from the sidelines whilevague,inconsistent, andunexplained selection decisions arequietlymade

Inwonermoeg van plakkers se dinge

Ek hetallemoontlikhede probeer om die onwettige plakkersopdie munisipaliteit se erf 2465 in Soneike, Kuilsrivier, te verwyder Stad Kaapstad,wetstoepassers en die burgemeester vanKaapstad ignoreer my maandelikse pleidooie vanaf2018 toedie plakkers daar begin plak het.

Watuitersontstellend, frustrerend, onaanvaarbaar en onbillikis, is die feit dat ek hoëmunisipalebelasting en diensgeldemoet betaal,terwyl dieStadKaapstad dieplakkerstoelaat om onwettig langsmyerf te plak Hulle verwyder ook niedie vullis watdie plakkers onwettiglik rondstrooi nie.

My pleidooi oor die veiligheid, gesondheid en brandgevaar watmyelkedag in die gesig staar,wordblatant deurdie Stad geïgnoreer

Myverwysingsnommers vir klagteshelp niejuis baie nie

Onwettigeplakkers vermeerder onder die aandag vandie Stad en wetstoepassingsbeamptes

Ek daagdie Stad en die burgermeester uit om hierdie feitlike skrewe te komtoets.

J.J.CLOETE ,Soneike

.TygerBurgerhet die briefaan die Stad Kaapstad gerigvir kommentaar,maar hetteen druktydnog geen terugvoering ontvang nie

behind closed doors, tolerating negativeinfluences of parents which shouldbeentertained. It is beyond unfair —itisdemoralising.

What messagedoes this send to the young athletes who have proudlycarried the school’s colours?That hard work counts fornothing? That showing up,stayingfit, andgivingyour allmakes no difference? That politics outweigh performance?

Theschool owes theseboys—and the entirerugby community—far better.

Theschool cannotcontinue to project apolished public image while ignoringthe growing frustration amongplayers andsupporters.

Tr is tial. Co ist yi ential.

Bejaardes waarsku teen

e-taxi’s

Wees versigtig vir e-taxi’s! Vandeesweek is twee 80-jarigemensenadie Bellville-gemeenskapskliniek met’ne-taxidiens vervoer.

Die man het sy selfoon in die motor vergeet.Hyhet dit nie teruggekrynie Hulle is latermet ‘n ander e-taxihuis toe. By navraaghet die bestuurder beweer hulle het nie betaal virdie reis nie!

KARIN VOLLENSTEE, Boston

Homeaffairsguard removedfrombranch

TMinisterpushesfor total drinkingand driving ban

REVEALALARMINGTRENDS

,sodon’tfallfor

HomeAffairs warned people about scammers who claimstomake bookings.

ere upsetting and regret for the trauma andmembers of the the incident or saw experienceorwitness seeking government

INTMENTSCAMUNCOVERED

rtmentalrecords the video did nothave a the official DHA department believed purchasing an athird party.

llegal andexploitative,” addingthatits Unit is actively responsible for the phasised all DHA are freeand issued irst-served basis through rned people about omakebookings. rs trying to get your revious post. “Home free, so don’t fall for

OPREVENTFUTURE INCIDENTS

Home Affairs was stances surrounding similaroccurrences future.

The DepartmentofTransport is moving to implementa total ban on drinking and driving whilst breathalysers are set to be installed in taxi vehicles to prevent intoxicated drivers from operating their vehicles.

Transport MinisterBarbara Creecy announcedplans to amendSection 65 of theNational Road Traffic Act to introduce azero-tolerancepolicy that would prohibit any alcohol consumptionbefore driving.

"The timehas come for us to amend thelaw so we havea clear-cut, easy-tounderstand andunambiguous policy that says drinkingand driving is not allowed," Creecy said at amedia briefing on the2025/26 festive season road safety performance.

Theminister described the current law, whichallows regular drivers up to 0.05g per100mlofblood andprofessional drivers up to 0.02g,as"totally unacceptable".

"Ourdrivingand drinking policy was formulatedalmost 30 years ago.

“In today'sSouth Africa it is totally unacceptable thatthere is alaw that allows people to drink andthen drive," Creecystated.

"I have never understood this, Icannot explain this to anyonewho has lost a parent, abrother, asister, achild as a result of aroad accident."

BREATHALYSERSFORTAXIINDUSTRY

The South African National Taxi Council(Santaco) President Abnar Tsebe announcedthatbreathalysersare to be installedintaxi vehicles "immediately", with thefocusonlong-distance taxis "for now", especially aheadofthe Easter holidays.

Before ataxi driver takes atrip, they mustcomplete abreathalyser test which will be linked to the vehicle. If it shows thedriverhas been drinking alcohol, the vehiclewill not start.

Tsebe said drivers must complete another breathalyser test after driving a certain number of kilometres and there are camera systems in vehicles "soweare able to monitor thatthey aredoing the right thing".

He addedthat whilst it will take a lengthy period to install breathalysers in all taxi vehicles, Santaco will be starting at thetaxi ranks with its marshalls in collaboration withits taxi associations.

Preliminary data indicates a5% reduction in fatalities and accidents during the latestfestive season compared to the previous year, with 1427 fatalities recorded from 1172 road accidents. However, roadblocksduring the festive season revealed concerning statistics. Officers conducted 1632 roadblocksand checked 1.8 million vehicles, with 173 695 drivers tested for alcohol consumption. Of these, 8561 tested positive, marking a 144% increase from the same period the previous year.

Thehighest recorded blood-alcohol reading was in KwaZulu-Natal, where one driver tested 14 times above the legal limit.

Creecy noted that 40% of accidents occurred between 15 and 28 December and involved private vehicles on back routes in the evenings.

SUPPORTFORPOLICYCHANGES

Theproposed changes have received backing from various quarters. Kashifa Ancer, campaign manager of the Rethink Your Drink campaign, welcomed the announcement.

Thecampaign noted that each unitof alcohol consumed within an hour raises blood alcohol concentration by about 0.02g%, with additional units consumed quickly further increasing injury risk GOOD councillor and mayco member for economic development and spatial planning in Tshwane, Sarah Mabotsa, also expressed support for the proposed amendment.

Mabotsa highlighted that with 11 418 road deaths in 2025 and over 8500 drivers testing positive for alcohol during the festive season, stronger measures are needed.

"This amendment would bring South Africa's road safetystandards in line with those of Australia and many other countries where driving under the influence of alcohol is totally prohibited," she added.

TheRethink Your Drink campaign stressed that zero tolerance must be part of broader alcohol reform, including progress on the Draft Liquor Amendment Bill and stronger pricing and availability policies.

TO ADVERTISEIN

CO

GUR NZE

Stopping advertising to save money islikestopping the clock to save time.Let's work together toget your business noticed!

HOPE IN THE HUNT FORLEAGUE

Keenan Charles of Junction Rovers FootballClub(FC)clears theballahead of achallengebyCraig Martin of Hope FC during an ABC Motsepe Second Division league game played in front of apacked Heideveld Sports Complex on Friday evening 23 January.Hope wonthe match 3-0 to keep their league titleaspirations alive. PHOTOS:

VERBETER JOUFIKSHEID

Stofjo afvir

Stappers kan beginstrek vir die volgende Weg-stapfeesinsamewerking met Salomon en Cape Union Mart. Die fees word van 20 tot 22 Februarie op Meerendal buite Durbanville aangebied. Die Weg-stapfees is 'n lekker bederf vir stappers. Dis 'n naweek waar jy jou fiksheid vir die Vis-, die Otterof die Amatolaroete in dieveld kan toets en sommer lekkerkan gesels metander mense wat versot is op stap. Dit werksoos'n pretloop, maar jy stap.

Die eerste twee Weg-stapfeeste in 2024 en verlede jaar was albei baie suksesvol en is deur duisende stappers bygewoon.

AFSTANDEBYDIESTAPFEES

. Vrydag 20 Februarie: 'n 6kmstap om 18:00(geskikvir diehele gesin); . Saterdag 21 Februarie: Kies of jy aan die 6km-, 12 km- of 21 km-stap wil deelneem. Die verskillende pretstappe spring op

verskillende is . sta gra en kossta ook verlei Salo nuut ook mani v Sondagro Saterda v en tot Slegs gs tyge rg ry