TygerBurger MitchellsPlain E-Edition 27 Augustus 2025

WP Media,publisher of TygerBurger,People’s Post and City Vision,and a division of NovusMedia,had a good showing at this year’s AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards,held in Stellenbosch on Friday 22 August Former TygerBurger and People’s Post reporter Samantha Lee-Jacobs featured strongly in several categories,with City Vision reporter Unathi Obose bagging the Vernacular Category.The awards,hosted by the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ),shone the spotlight on the incredible work done by community journalists across the country,awarding them for work done during 2024 TygerBurger Brackenfell,and Eerste – Elsiesrivier Ravensmead editions obtained fourth and seventh positions respectively in the catogory Newspaper of the Year for free publications,and ninth for Back Pages Editor Cecilia Hume ended sixth in the category for Editorial comment,while Lauren O’Connor-May,a newcomer to the TygerBurger team,came third in the same category for work done at her previous publication.Carina Roux came in sixth for General Photography and eighth for Sports Photograpy.Esme Erasmus ended in sixth place for Investigative reporting with Lee-Jacobs clinching second spot In the Mobile Photgraphy category Lee-Jacobs came in third and Jo Fourie in fourth place Lee-Jacobs also obtained third place in the Hard News section,and fourth in the Human Interest category Kaylynne Bantom of sister publication People’s Post finished sixth in the Hard News category,while sports photographer Rashied Isaacs finished in the fifth spot.Pictured are the Novus Media team after the awards. PHOTO: MABORE SEFARA

WHAT’S ON / DIARY

SENDYOURCOMMUNITYEVENTSTO JO.SEKEPANE@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

THURSDAY28AUGUST

. A wine auction will be held from 18:30 at Red Leaf Bistro at Beyerskloof wine farm to raise funds for bursaries to needy learners at Special Needs Adapted Programme (SNAP) Education in Durbanville Tickets at R350 per person include a two-course meal and entertainment Beyers Truter will be the auctioneer and Francois Haasbroek will provide entertainment Send an email to fundraising@snap org.za to buy tickets. Visit http://www.snap org.za or SNAP-Special Needs Adapted Programme on Facebook for more information.

FRIDAY29AUGUST

. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of flavour, fun and local flair at the Kraaifontein Night Market at Kraaifontein Civic Centre on Brighton Road from 16:00 to 21:00 – Entry is free! The Kraaifontein Civic Centre will be transformed into a festive hotspot with loads of amazing local stalls. Contact Garth Gertse on 078 638 1540 for more information.

SATERDAG30AUGUSTUS

. Die Parke-gemeente in Kraaifontein hou basaar met 'n plaastema vanaf 08:30 by die Laerskool Aristea, Kraaifontein. Daar is pret vir die hele gesin: kosstalletjies, speletjies en vermaak, ‘n padstal, geskenke, speelgoed, teetuin met musiek en vele meer Skakel die kerkkantoor by 021 988 5340 vir meer inligting of besoek hulle op Facebook by www facebook.com/ngkparke

SUNDAY31AUGUST

. Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk takes place at the Green Point Common Sports Ground The annual fundraising event, now in its 57th year, continues to inspire thousands of Capetonians to walk for a purpose, raising funds to provide daily nutritious meals to learners in need across the province Entries are now open, with a R100 entry fee which will feed a child both breakfast and lunch for a day Official event

T-shirts are available at R150 Only online entries will be accepted, and participation is limited to 8 000 walkers Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 17 August To register or for more information, more visit www.psfa.org.za

. Die VLV-tak Brackenfell Varings, in samewerking met die NG kerk Bellville-Noord, hou 'n spesiale diens om Bybelsondag te herdenk. Ds. Herman Burger lei die diens en René Nel, sirkelpresident, gaan 'n kers aansteek namens al die VLV-lede Die orrelis by die geleentheid is René Ferreira, lid van die Varingtak. Orelmusiek sal reeds van 08:30 in die kerkgebou weerklink en tee sal agterná in die voorportaal voorsien word

Crèchesstillface uphillbattle

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMED A CO ZA

This was the general consensus that came out of the Early Childhood and Development (ECD) Indaba on Tuesday 18 August at the Frog Centre in Woodlands

Childcare centres from all over the city attended the information session and most had questions relating to compliance and registration

Amanda Mbali, the community engagement activist for the Centre of Early Childhood Development, said the centre currently meets regularly with the mayor to address the problem

“When it comes to registration, there are so many departments involved,” Mbali said Unregistered ECDs don’t qualify for subsidies, training or resources from the City, but the registration process is laborious, requiring multiple compliance certificates, building plans and business portfolios

PROCESS

The process is also often hampered by red tape which Mbali said shows the city has a lack of understanding about how the majority of ECDs actually operate

She made an example of negotiations around ECDs needing traffic compliance certificates that the centre had had with the City

“The impression was that there would be multiple cars coming around the same time for drop offs We explained that most mothers come on foot with their babies strapped to their backs or take taxis or buses to nearby points,” she said to nods of understanding ECDs also frequently incur fines or penalties while trying to get compliance certificates, which deterred many from the process, Mbali said “The City was under the impression that you guys are thriving businesses,” she said, which was met with shocked laughter or grumbles The reality,

Mbali said, was that ECDs operated mostly as non-profits that were born out of a need in the community and many struggled to make ends meet

CENTREADVOCATESFORECDS

Mbali said that the centre met with the mayor’s office every two months to streamline the process and remove unnecessary red tape and have already had some successes, such as the removal of the admin penalty for ECDs that apply for registration after having already been active for some time

The centre is also in discussions with the City for ECDs to no longer pay development charges “We are advocating with the City so that you don’t have to pay that money because it is unaffordable,”

Mbali said

She advised that for the time being, ECDs don’t appeal existing charges but apply for exemptions instead

Also at the Indaba were representatives from various City departments

Kholeka Adonis from the department of social development said that crèches who also had aftercare services attached, needed additional registration

Crèches needed to register with the education department but aftercares needed to register with the department of social development The same compliance certificates were needed for both registrations but the certificates needed to make it clear that both services were being offered

Tahira Kassiem of community arts and culture development said the City Department helped ECDs with compliance “We know that becoming compliant is a journey,” she said “We try to hold your hand through the process ” She advised educares to come directly to their department first

Onediesinshootingoutsidecourt

LAURENO'CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

Two men were shot outside Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates’ Court on Monday 25 August, one of them

fatally

Station commander Brig Brian Muller said that one man died on the scene and the second was taken to hospital Crime Forum chats claim that the men were both gangsters WO Joseph Swartbooi, the liaison officer for the provincial media office, confirmed that the motive for the shootout is suspected to be gang-related

“The provincial anti-gang unit detectives are hard at work pursuing all the available leads at their disposal in a bid to apprehend those responsible Swartbooi said that the two men appeared in court that morning

As they were leaving, at about 11:15, four armed men “surprised them and fired numerous gunshots”

THE ANTI-GANG UNIT ARE HUNTING THE COURT SHOOTING SUSPECTS

“One man did not survive the onslaught on his life whilst another was admitted to a nearby hospital with serious gunshot wounds,” Swartbooi said He asked anyone with information to come forward “The suspects fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested,” he said Witnesses can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the app MySAPS anonymously

ONEARRESTED

Meanwhile, Mitchell’s Plain police have arrested one man in connection with the alleged murder of a young woman whose body was found amid the Wolfgat Nature Reserve dunes in Tafelsig Muller said that three more suspects are

sought in connection with the murder Crime Watch groups say the woman’s naked body was found in the dunes next to a primary school on Thursday morning

According to the post, the woman, whose throat had allegedly been slit, was in her late twenties

On Saturday, in a separate incident, LEAP officers acted on a tip off about a man allegedly threatening people with a firearm in Lentegeur

The 29-year-old man was arrested and found in possession of two imitation firearms, three live rounds of ammunition and half a Mandrax tablet He was detained at Lentegeur Police Station

In response to the incident Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said: "Every week presents more examples of how deep a crisis we find ourselves facing with illicit firearms Handguns are problematic enough as it is, but the increased use and confiscation of assault rifles is a nightmare ”

Provincial MEC for police oversight and community safety, Anroux Marais, on the other hand has commended the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies “for their continued and determined efforts in cracking down on the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition across Cape Town”

She said that in the last week, at least 18 unlicensed firearms had been confiscated

“Cape Town continues to grapple with a surge in gang-related violence,” she said

“The availability of illegal weapons remains one of the most significant contributing factors to the alarming rates of gun violence and loss of life across the province

“I acknowledge the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies who put their lives on the line daily to confront this challenge head-on We must, however, do more Despite limited resources, we will never give in to gangsters and organised crime ”

FROMPAGE1

Bent said residents are "fearful" with the informal settlement so close to a main road

"Residents are fearful when they have to stop at the traffic lights because of highjackings and smash-and-grabs A young man lost his life when a taxi dragged him along Jakes Gerwel," Bent said, referring to an incident when a protest along the arterial road became heated and a taxi tried to force its way through the chaos, killing the protester "How long must our hard working people suffer because of the justice system "

The Western Cape High Court dismissed key parts of a long-running legal battle between Robert Ross, owner of Ross Demolitions, the City of Cape Town, provincial government and national government over the Isiqalo Informal Settlement, privately-owned land in the Philippi Horticultural Area, which has been illegally occupied since 2012, on Tuesday 19 August

Ross, who bought the property in 1992 and ran a sand mining business there, in his court action argued that the City and national government had violated his constitutional right to property by failing to prevent or resolve the occupation He sought orders compelling the authorities to buy the land at market value and compensate him for losses, or evict the residents

CONFLICTINGCONSTITUTIONALRIGHTS

Judges J Slingers and AJ Sipunzi ruled that the court had jurisdiction under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE) and rejected the developer’s attempt to compel the City to buy the land or evict the illegal tenants

The City opposed the application, arguing it had no legal duty to protect private property from unlawful invasions It also maintained that over time the settlement, which now houses thousands of residents, had become part of the City’s broader housing- and informal-settlement planning

The judges noted the case highlighted the tension between competing constitutional rights the right to property and right to housing They found that while the Isiqalo occupation was unlawful the municipality could not be held responsible for compensating the landowner or buying the land

Parts 1-6 of Ross’ application, which sought orders directed at the City and one compelling the state to buy the land, were dismissed, and parts 7 and 8 concerning the evictions postponed indefinitely, leaving the future of the settlement unresolved

The court also ordered Ross to pay all legal costs incurred by the City, provincial government and national government Mayco member for human settlements

Carl Pophaim called the application “opportunism” and said the City welcomed the ruling

EVICTIONORDER

“Ross Construction is further seeking an eviction order for the unlawful occupants, as an alternative to the dismissed relief

The court postponed the eviction aspect as the personal circumstances of the current unlawful occupants is not before the court, and the land owner has taken no steps to provide this ”

TygerBurger called Ross for comment and was referred to the company's lawyers, STBB STBB said that the main counsel for Ross Demolition was on leave

The attorney was still not available for comment by the time TygerBurger went to print

The Isiqalo settlement began in April 2012, when groups of people erected shacks on the land Despite initial attempts by Ross’ private security, the police and the City’s Anti-Land Invasion Unit to stop the influx, the occupation grew rapidly Over the years surveys revealed thousands of households, including children, elderly residents and people with disabilities living in an increasingly established community

The occupied land, which abuts Jakes Gerwel Drive, has been an ongoing bone of contention among residents, the City and demolisher Ross, which has resulted in several demonstrations and violent altercations

AutismConnectexpandsvision

A, , g , even Durban and Port Elizabeth asking us to open centres in their areas ” The Westridge campus will be designed as a multi-faceted hub Alongside the early

ntres, there are plans rary, and workshops woodworking, ls, all of which m the Crete Street

philosophy: “A lot goals come from t to expose them s whether it’s ing or academics rawn to Because g, they can’t always hey enjoy We give nd from there we s ” dy seen success n, who requires has learned to cook, rs thrive socially, only female client, s a “princess and oves showing off needing mobility

companied by d “It can come palsy, ADHD or why we emphasise Yes, they are , y lso young adults with their own desires and personalities ”

LOOKINGAHEAD

The growing demand has prompted

Autism Connect to consider long-term expansion through mobile and satellite centres across South Africa without duplicating the work of Autism South Africa “It’s always been part of our strategic plan to have satellite centres nationally,” said Ripepi “But we’re also looking at the next stage: residential facilities ”

Parents of autistic adults often face heart-wrenching dilemmas, especially as their children reach their mid-twenties Many require extensive support, and families struggle to find or afford permanent placements Government facilities are limited and often only offer temporary stays

“God forbid, I’m a single parent, what happens to Tyler if I am no longer there? That is something that all our parents are fearful of,” said Ripepi

Autism Connect envisions a residential facility that will serve as both respite care and a permanent home for autistic adults who cannot live independently, particularly when parents are ageing or have passed away

Despite its recent strides, Autism Connect remains heavily reliant on community support The thrift shop open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings always needs donations The organisation is also working on launching a barista training programme

Ripepi’s work as a cognitive and life coach adds another dimension, equipping parents with tools to navigate everything from early interventions to adult transitions “I get enquiries all the time,” she said “This is to help parents see what life can look like for our autistic children and adults ”

. For more information, join Autism Connect’s WhatsApp channel on 072 151 3419

Youthvoicestakecentrestage

Bridgetown Theatre Company (BTC) is set to shake things up with the explosive new musical Gen Z.A! Aspire to Inspire, hitting the Artscape Theatre stage on Saturday 30 August, with performances at 15:00 and 19:00

Fast-paced, fearless and bursting with energy, Gen Z.A! is an original production created for and by young South Africans.

Tackling the disillusionment faced by Generations Z and Alpha, the musical takes audiences on an unfiltered journey through the eyes of the youth—complete with comedy, music, dance, and razor-sharp

30AUG

Catch Gen Z.A! Aspire to Inspire on the Artscape Theatre stage at at 15:00 and 19:00

social commentary The show features a vibrant young cast including Zoey Daniels, Thembalethu Zwele, Kai-Kai Ngbobo, Enrique Lameyer, Tiara Hendricks, Unathi Sabisa, and Zunaid Hendricks. Musical direction comes from Graham Harris of Amper Engels fame

Each performer brings a unique voice and story to the stage From Zoey Daniels’ passion for performance shaped by her mother’s support, to Unathi Sabisa’s journey from AFDA to ACT Cape Town with a dream to uplift through art, and Zunaid Hendricks’ mission to amplify the voices of the voiceless through powerful storytelling—Gen Z.A! is as much a celebration of youth talent as it is a call to action.

The production is made possible through the support of Artscape, the HCI Foundation, Golden Arrow Foundation, and the City of Cape Town. . Tickets cost R50 and can be booked at Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores

‘Young’lionroarsinM’Plain

LAURENO’CONNOR-MAY

LAUREN OCONNOR-MAY@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

In the jungle of the retired, a Mitchell’s Plain lion is standing out because of his “youth”

Bevil Lackay, of Portland, has been elected as the new District Governor for the Lion’s Club of District 410W (West), which covers Western Cape Province and Namibia

“I've just turned 50,” Lackay said, adding that he is the youngest person to hold the title Lackay is also from the Lions’ Club of Mitchell’s Plain, which is one of the youngest among the 55 clubs in the district

“It’s a milestone for our club,”

Lackay said, adding that the club is only eight years old

Lackay was installed in his new position last month, along with all the district governors from around the world, at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida

Of the organisation, Lackay said: “Lions has been in Cape Town, or in South Africa, for nearly 70 years We're the largest service organisation in the world

We are nearly 1,4 million Lions in around 49 000 clubs ”

COMMUNITYWORK

Lackay, who works in IT, is no stranger to service

“The reason I wanted to get involved with the organisation was, I was doing community work on my own and it was great, but it was very, very tough because the network is difficult

So getting involved in this club is, you know, the clubs within

Cape Town So I was able to sort of tap into that network ”

Upon joining Lackay soon found like minds albeit somewhat older ones

“What happens is people tend to serve when they are free and that generally happens in retirement age, at around 60 or 70,” he said

However, the club is looking at fostering service leadership among the youth too

“We do have a Leo programme which is for younger members

Some of our clubs have a programme where we do youth empowerment and get younger individuals involved in serving

and that way we create leaders Clubs like our Fish Hoek club have a strong Leo Club ” For his reign, Lackay has several service areas, including hunger alleviation, diabetes awareness and mental wellness which he will be focused on, but he says his theme for the year is “together we change lives”, which is all about collaborating with other service organisations

“We collaborate, first of all, as clubs together and then we collaborate with other organisations because we're all in the same business and that is to help our community ”

CPUT goes green

The City has commended the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) for leading the way in zero-waste-to-landfill

Its Urban Waste Management Directorate applauded the tertiary institution for its bold step in leading and embracing a zero-waste journey in the highereducation sector Its Zero-Waste Initiative was launched at its Bellville campus this week, and how institutions of higher learning can lead the way in creating a sustainable future was showcased

At the event Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, emphasised that universities, businesses and government must all move beyond words and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through action

"Hope is not in what we say, but in what we do If it cannot be reused, recycled or composted then it doesn t belong in our future This kind of campus outreach is vital By engaging directly with students we are helping to grow a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens who understand that every small action – from separating recyclables to refusing single-use plastics – contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable Cape Town

"The City commends CPUT for its separation-at-source system, circular economy practices and leadership in building a culture of sustainability on campus The initiative highlights the critical role universities play in shaping

“Theinitiativehighlights thecriticalroleuniversities playinshapingyoung leaderswhowilldemand better,choosebetterand drivemeaningfulchange.

- Grant Twigg

young leaders who will demand better, choose better and drive meaningful change However, ensuring zero waste to landfills requires broader collaboration

The City urges businesses and other universities across South Africa to re-examine their procurement practices and prioritise products and services that are environmentallyfriendly "

THECITYCALLSON:

. Businesses to shift away from unsustainable suppliers and invest in compostable, biodegradable and recyclable alternatives

. Universities and other institutions to integrate circular economy practices in operations and procurement policies

. Students and communities to demand sustainable options and hold institutions accountable for their choices

"Waste diversion – keeping recyclables, organics, and other recoverable materials out of landfill – is critical to extending the lifespan of Cape Town’s disposal sites and protecting the environment," Twigg said

Wheelchairrepairsbringdignity

There is only one wheelchair repair workshop in the metro, said Ruwayda Hull

“Our clients often sit in broken wheelchairs and that causes other risks and complications,” Hull, the occupational therapist and acting medical therapeutic and support services coordinator in the Klipfontein Mitchells Plain Substructure, said She said it was not feasible for wheelchair bound clients to commute from their homes to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (WCRC) for repairs

Last week Allied Health workers from the substructure hosted two wheelchair repair outreaches in Tafelsig and Gugulethu The aim of the workshop, which was held on Tuesday 12 August, was to equip occupational therapists, physiotherapists and rehab care workers

, g with a wheelchair in desperate need of

THINKING OUT LOUD

How peaceful would we be if we loved others?

Love your neighbour as you love yourself

Most Christians would know that this is a well-known commandment found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible

It compels us to treat others with the same level of care, respect, and kindness that we naturally extend to ourselves

This is a sharp contrast to the reality faced in our beloved country today

Whenever you are watching the news or listening to the radio you need to mentally prepare yourself for the worst All we hear is death, rape, murder, violence and other heinous crimes

The Cape Flats is currently bleeding So many senseless killings Families ripped apart

This begs the question then, is this showing love?

Once again, we have political leaders trying to paint a colourful picture, claiming that police have matters under control And that matters are not as bad as they look

If this is the case, why is our president not calling a family meeting to tell us what steps are being taken to stem the killings?

I fail to understand why, even during a crisis such as this, inequality is still rife

On Tuesday 19 August, the parliamentary police portfolio committee chair, Ian Cameron, and two members of parliament came under attack in an attempted hijacking incident in Philippi

Within 24 hours, two alleged suspects were apprehended for the crime

Police worked throughout the night to catch the criminals All available resources were deployed to apprehend the perpetrators

..

DURING TIMES OF ADVERSITY, IT IS WISE TO NOTE THAT NOT EVERYONE OR EVERYTHING REQUIRES YOUR REACTION OR RESPONSE.

A total of 24 hours, that's all it took to get the perpetrators Yet, hijackings are a lived reality for many Capetonians

Some rape survivors are still awaiting the police to arrest the culprits Some murderers are still roaming the streets

These MPs were not told that there are no police vehicles available They were not turned away and told to provide proof of the incident They were not made to wait for hours or even treated like the perpetrator

This is the service some ordinary South Africans are met with when they set foot at some police stations

I am in no way trying to downplay what these MPs experienced It is horrific, and no one should have to go through that Isn't it time that the police and those in leadership positions sit around the table, admit that they have failed in their mandate and get back to the drawing board?

How many more mass murders should be reported on? How many more communities should live in fear?

Instead of spending on projects that never come to fruition, create more job opportunities Make education more affordable so that young people can obtain degrees and become employable Invest in educational institutions

As we live in hope that the powers that be wake up soon and act Let us start by ourselves Practice more patience and tolerance with one another

How peaceful this nation would be if we obeyed the commandment to love our neighbour as we love yourself?

-KAYLYNNEBANTOM

HDGEWILDE TEKKIE CHALLENGE WEER AANGEBIED

Laatklap tekkiesvir ‘ngoeiedoel

ie Jan Krielinstituut bied op Saterdag 6 September weer die gewilde Tekkie Challenge-padwedlope in Kuilsrivier aan - met trots geborg deur Food Lover’s Market

ierdie jaarlikse byeenkoms vind vroeg in September plaas en is ten bate van kinders met leer- en fisieke gestremdhede by die Jan Krielskool.

Die familie-vriendelike 5km-pretloop is oop vir stappers en stootwaentjies, so bring die kleinspan saam Skryf jou onderneming in vir ’n spanbougeleentheid Beide die 10km en 10 miler (16km) spog met fantastiese kontantpryse en geskenkbewyse Dit is ook die enigste "Battle of the Sexes"-wedloop in Afrika Deelnemers kan ook wonderlike pryse in die gelukstrekking wen Food Lover’s Market glo goeie kos is net die begin en wil graag 'n verskil maak in gemeenskappe Die Jan Kriel Tekkie Challenge is net één van die maniere hoe di i k l k j kt

Die gewilde Tekkie Challenge word in Kuilsrivier aangebied ten bate van kinders met leer- en

gestremdhede by die Jan

ondersteun

Vooraf-inskrywings sluit op Maandag 1 September om middernag Skryf aanlyn in of by die Jan Kriel-instituut se kantoor Inskrywings kan ook op die dag van die wedloop van 06:00 in Jan Kriel se skoolsaal gedoen word Hekke maak 05:30 oop Toegang tot die terrein is slegs vanuit Amandelrylaan beskikbaar Beamptes en verkeerspersoneel sal aan diens wees Volg die aanwysings van die nuwe verkeersirkel by Kerkstraat na Paalkraansstraat vir maklike toegang en parkering . Besoek www tekkiechallenge co.za vir inligting en inskrywings. Rig navrae aan ts@jankriel