TygerBurger | Parow | E-edition | 15 July 2026

ensdag, 15 Julie 2026

e2026 |Tel: 021910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

TRONDEBOSCHCOMMON CIRCLEDFOR EVERYYEARMANDELAWAS

Runforhope

RICHARDROBERTS

RICHARD.ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

he long-awaited Mandela Day Run on Sunday 12 July by Denver van der Bergh, an athlete and drug addict in recovery,was an overwhelming success.

Van derBergh, who overcame his addiction withthe help of theRamot Treatment Centre for Substance Abuse in Parow, says his runaroundRondebosch Common was in commemoration of late formerPresident Nelson Mandela. He ran 27 laps, onefor each of the 27 years Mandela was in prisonwhichequated to 67 km, thenumber of years he dedicated to theserviceofothers.

The biggest highlightfor him, he says, wasthat outofall 27 laps, he did not run asingle lap alone,hesays.“Friends, family, members of Celtic Harriers, runnersfrom Khayelitsha Athletics, Langa Athletics, RecoveryWalk Cape Town, and manyothers took turns joining me throughout the day. Young and old came together to share thejourney, and that’sexactly what Ihad hoped the event would become.”

CHALLENGE

Van derBerghsays the first 20 km flew by as he caughtupwith old friends,met newpeople, and listenedtoeveryone’s stories. “Around the 50km mark,though,

RUNNERPREPARESFOR CAPE TOWN TO NAMIBIA

it becameincredibly tough. The heat started taking its toll, and running67kmaround the same flat loop is mentally challenging becauseyou’re constantly using thesame muscles.”

Thencame the moment he’ll never forget. “I was relieved to hear Ionly had one lap left, only to discover therehad been a miscalculation —itwas actually two.Ithonestly felt like apunch to thestomach. But in many ways, that became the perfect metaphor for life. Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges yourway, and all you can do is keep putting one foot in front of theother.”

My CelticHarriers teammates, family, friends, and fellow runnersrallied around me and joined me for thosefinal two laps, he says. “They quite literally carriedmetothe finish, and that summedupeverything Serenity StridesFoundation stands for: we are stronger together than we are alone,” he says.

The Serenity Strides Foundation was started to help preventaddiction before it starts, and alsosupports recovery when it happens by inspiring hope through lived experience, mentorship, wellnessand endurance running.

Van der Bergh says the event

on Sunday was about far more than running. “It was about bringing people together, getting them outdoors, celebrating healthy living, and creating conversations around hope, recovery, and community. It was also my way of honouring Nelson Mandela’slegacy of service and encouraging more people to become positive leaders within their own communities.”

SUPPORT

He adds: “I’m incredibly grateful to all the organisations that made the day possible, including Falke SouthAfrica, TopEvents, The SiloHotel, Bootlegger, Peninsula Beverages, Crocs, and many other generous sponsors who donated prizes and support.” He also thanked the individual running clubs for their support,and Ramot, Recovery Walk Cape Town and TSIBA Business School.

Therun thisweekend forms part of Van der Bergh’s preparation for his 2000km challenge from Cape Town to Namibia in 2027. Furthermore, he is also trying to set aGuinness world record for the fastest journey from Cape Town to Cairo, Egypt at alater stage. . Visitwww. serenitystridesfoundation.org.

Vergaderingoor pensioenfonds

Politieke inmengingendie plundering vandie Regeringspensioenfonds, beter bekend as die Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), kom op Donderdag 23 Julie onder die loep op 'n vergadering van die Associationfor Monitoring and Advocacy for Government Pensions (AMAGP),'n waghond oor diefonds.

Ditisdie eerste keer dat AMAGP in die Wes-Kaap vergader. Die vergadering dienook as die stigtingsvergadering van die Wes-Kaapse struktuur van AMAGP. Provinsiale strukture is reeds in KwazuluNata en die Oos-Kaap gestig.

BEDREIGINGVANPENSIOENFONDS

"Derduisende GEPF-pensioenarisse en staatsdienswerkers is onbewus van die geweldige omvangvan die bedreiging van hulpensioenfonds,"sêAlbin Bowler, die Wes-Kaapse koördineerder van die AMAGP.

"Volgens verskeie mediaberigte verloor die pensioenfonds jaarliks miljarde rande metswak beleggings weens politieke besluite.Soisdaar in die 2023-'24-boekjaar meer as R100 miljard verloor weens plundering, asook verlore geleentheidskostes metdié swak besluite.

"Alhoeweldie GEPF-bestuur gereeld spogdat dit die grootstepensioenfonds in Afrikais, is die opbrengs op belegging van die swakstes onder SuidAfrikaanse beleggingsfondse. Selfs die Vereniging van Staatsamptenare het in 'n verklaringop2 Julie sy ernstige kommerenontsteltenis uitgespreek oor die plundering en swakopbrengsteweens 'ongelyste ondernemings',ofsogenaamde transformasieprojekte," sê Bowler.

OOGLOPENDEONGELYKHEID

"Daar is sistemiese onreg, ooglopende ongelykheid en diskriminasie as die GEPF se jaarlikse verhogings vergelyk word met die pensioenfonds vir politici, die Political Office-Bearers PensionFund (POBPF) "Vir die 2023-'24-boekjaar was die beleggingsopbrengs van die GEPF 'n powere 4,9% teenoor die POBPFse10%. So gaan dit elke jaar.

"'nRedevir die GEPF se swak prestasie is dat geld in ongenoteerde projekte belê word. Hierdie sogenaamde transformasie-projekte presteer swak en vereis gereeld finansiële reddingsboeie. So het GEPF-pensioenarisse miljarde randverloor netmet Ayo Technology Solutions. Laasgenoemde se oorspronklike kapitaalontvangs was R4 miljard. 'n Ander onderneming, Daybreak Foods,het in 2025 drie reddingsboeie ontvang. Die eerste tweehet meer as R400 miljoen beloop," sê hy "Hierdie kontras is moreel problematies,

aangesien albei pensioenfondse deur dieselfde parlementêre prosesse geskep en goedgekeur is.

“Hoe kan politici dit regverdig om hul eie aftrede deur wetgewing goed te verseker, maar dan 'n wet maak vir diegene wat daagliks die staat se werk doen, wat hul belegging jaarliks koopkrag laat verloor," vra Bowler.

"Die GEPF se jaarlikse pensioenverhogings word beperk tot die inflasiekoers —spesifiek 75% van die vorige jaar se inflasiekoers. Oor tyd het hierdie beleid ’n kumulatiewe negatiewe effek. In skrille kontras hiermee het die POBPF geen soortgelyke plafon nie. Sy pensioenverhogings oorskrydie inflasiekoers gewoonlik met meer as dubbeld soveel,"gaan hy voort.

‘ONGELYSTEONDERNEMINGS’

"Die GEPF se Raad van Trustees het die diskresie om groter verhogings toe te staan: gelyk aan en selfs bietjie meer as die inflasiekoers. Wanneer pensioenverhogings gelyk is aan die inflasiekoers of selfs effens meer,word dit verkondig as ’n ‘buitengewone prestasie’.

"Diegene wat hierdie 'ongelyste ondernemings' stig, wil geld hê. Hulle wil nie kapitaal of reddingsboeie by banke of nywerheidsbeleggingskorporasies leen nie, want sulkelenings moet met rente terugbetaal word.

"Die politieke invloed en die oorheersing van vakbond-verteenwoordigers in die GEPF se Raad van Trustees —waarvan 13 van die16trustees lede van die ANC en Cosatu is —dra by tot swak bestuur, swak beleggingsbesluite en lei tot finansiële verliese wat GEPFpensioenarisse benadeel. Boonop glo sommige polities aangestelde raadslede die GEPF is ‘n staatsbate waarmee paaie en munisipaliteite en so meer gefinansier moet word," sê hy.

"AMAGP veg namens GEPFpensioenarisse vir waardigheid en regverdigheid. Staatsamptenare wat aftree se armoede-siklus skop ná 15 jaar van aftrede in en hulle moet finansieel deur hul kinders ondersteun word of hulle moet 'n tweede inkomste verkry." Die vergadering begin om 11:00 by die NG kerkStellenberg.

Onder die sprekers is Zirk Gous, voorsitter van AMAGP, en Strini Govendor, koördineerder: massamobilisasie van AMAGP. . Kontak AlbinBowlerbyalbinbowler@gmail comombywoning te bevestig.

Call forstaff escortstriples as City services targeted

The City’s law enforcement facilitated 10 700 security escortrequestsinthe past year, as demand for protection of staff and serviceproviders continues to outstrip available resources.

Thesurgerepresents is abig jump from last year, when the unit averaged 275 escorts per month.This year, the monthly average climbed to 890, saidtoaCity spokesperson.

Ayear ago, the City availed an additional R100 million for enforcement escortsamid increased attacksonstaff and serviceproviders. Keydirectorates of the escortunitinclude water and sanitation, energy, urban mobility, urban waste management, human settlements, and communityservices andhealth.

Accordingtothe City, service requests are prioritised based on the risk rating

of an area, with 16 policing precincts currently prioritised where risksinclude violent crime threats such as gang violence, hijacking, robbery, and extortion. TheCityistracking attacks on staff, vehicle hijackings and extortion attempts daily through itsSafety and Security Information Management Services. TheSafety and SecurityInvestigation Unit has registered 292 extortion-related cases between 12 June 2017 and 22 April thisyear.

Mayco member for safetyand security JP Smithcalled for urgent reform and greater cooperation from law enforcement agencies. “So apart from investingin human resources for escorts, we are also trying to worksmarter to end this threat, but the toll on the directorate is significant,” he says.

VanlinksisFrancoisBoyce,MusaJakuja,Rikus vanRooy,Ernie de MeyerenGeraldPetersen.

RadioTygerberg vereervirrol

Kaapstad se grootste Christelike radiostasie, Radio Tygerberg 104FM in Parow, is onlangs deur die Vereniging virChristelike Media met die "Faiththat Counts"-toekenning vereer.

Dit is aan Radio Tygerberg toegeken vir sy Healing the City/MightyMen Kaapse Vlakte-inisiatief verlede jaar.

Dié inisiatief is reeds in 2024 gebore nadat 'n Kaapse dagblad berighet dat120 mense binnenet ses dae op die Kaapse Vlakte dood is. Die berighet op bladsy 9verskyn, wat dit laat lyk het asofso 'n tragedie normaal geword het, sê'n woordvoerder.

In reaksie daarop is pastore en gemeenskapsleiers na die stasie genooi om te bepaal hoe die radiostasie betekenisvol op hierdiekrisis konreageer Daar het twee duidelike prioriteite na vore gekom: die behoefte aan traumaopleiding om daardie gesinne en

gemeenskappe wat deur bendegeweld geraak word, toe te rus, en 'n Mighty Men-byeenkoms om mansopteroep om op te staan en verantwoordelikheid in hul huis en gemeenskapteneem Vandaardie oomblik af is 'n beweging gebore—toegewy daaraan om hoop, genesingentransformasie na die Kaapse Vlakte te bring, sê Rikus van Rooy, stasiebestuurder.

"Die MightyMen-byeenkoms, op 1 Novemberverlede jaar, was 'n dapperen dringende reaksie op 'n gemeenskapin'n krisis," sê Van Rooy. “Ons is dankbaar datdie Healing the City-inisiatief steeds voortgaan deur trauma-opleiding wat gratisingemeenskappe aangebied word."

Retailer recallsselectedyoghurt products

TheNational Consumer Commission (NCC) has alerted consumerstoasafetyrecallofselectedSPAR yoghurt products following amachine malfunction during production. Therecallcovers fiveproduct lines: SPAR FatFree Yoghurt,SPARLow FatYoghurt,SPARDouble Cream Yoghurt,SPARIndulge DoubleCream Yoghurt and SPAR ActiveDrinking Yoghurt.The affectedproducts carryasell-by dateof9August 2026 and ause-by dateof12August 2026.Theyweresoldnationally through SPAR stores from 15 June 2026

SPAR informed the NCCthat amachine malfunctionduring production caused product blowing, which mayresultinchanges to the taste, smelland appearanceofthe affectedproducts. Consumption maycause stomach upset. Consumers who have purchased anyofthe affectedproducts shouldnot consume them. Return the products to your nearestSPARstore forafull refundorexchange.

. Visitwww.novanews.co.za/tygerburgerfor exact barcodes of allaffectedproducts

Skryfinvir Lapa se jeugromankompetisie

Droom jy daarvanomjou naamopdie voorbladvan ’n jeugromantesien?

DieLAPA-jeugromankompetisie met prysgeld ter waarde vanR80 000 bied 'n geleentheidvir nuwe én gevestigde storievertellers. Die algehelewenner ontvang R40 000,terwyl tweenaaswenners elk R20

000 ontvang.Selfs as jy nie onder dietopdrie eindig nie, kanjou manuskrip steedsgepubliseerword. Jy het ’n vollejaar om joustorie te skryf,slypenjou karakters lewe te gee. . Besoek: https://loom.ly/X2WAwzc virmeer inligting.

City steps up pressureon Parklands drug trade

MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis and Mayco member for safety andsecurityJPSmith joinedametro policeneighbourhood safety officers operation in Parklands last Tuesday evening, responding to mounting drug-related complaints from residents —and left with nine arrests and several impounded vehicles.

Theoperation comes against the backdrop of 133 drug-related crimes recorded between January and March, astark reminder of the reach of an enterprisethat has long cast itsshadow acrossthe northern suburbs.

“In Cape Town you will often find ‘crypto’ and‘forex’ traders driving fancy carswith fake registrations or none at all,” said Hill-Lewis in avideo posted to hissocial media pages—anapparent referencetodrug dealers operating in the area.

“Tonight we impounded cars in Parklands without valid registrations,” he said. “In one case, abrand new silver Merc GLE was registered as awhite BMW, now impounded for further criminal investigation.”

In thesaid video while acar was being searched Hill-Lewis confronts one man saying, “What areyou really trading in? Becauseyou are trading in something.”

Smith was equally direct, posting on his own social media: “You drive aR2,6 million vehicle,yet you’re supposedly ‘studying’ in South Africa. You paid cash. Youcan’t explain where the money came from or howyou fundyour lifestyle.”

TheCity confirmedthatnine persons were arrested in termsofthe Immigration Act,and the matter handed to the police for further investigation andaction.

Smith noted thatthe City participates in ongoingmulti-agencyoperations in response to crime

“In respect of illegal immigration, police and the Department of Home Affairs are the leadagencies, whereas the City’s metro policedepartment acts in a supportive role. Where officers do come acrossundocumented foreign nationals, they arehandedover to the relevant agencies for further investigation and processing,” he said.

‘ASUBSTANTIALFAILUREOF CRIMEINTELLIGENCE’

Smith did notmincehis words about what the operation revealed. “Clearly thereisa substantialfailure of crime intelligence and meaningful investigation,” he said, adding that the City would pursue thematterfurther, starting with vehicle impoundmentsand charging persons for fraudulent licences

When askedwhether therewere operational plans in place to address drugdealinginParklands Smithtold TygerBurger that theCity’s enforcement agencies conduct ongoingoperations, either autonomously or in conjunction with thepolice.“Theinterventions include roadblocks, vehiclecheckpoints and general proactive patrols, where resources allow,” he said, adding that while the City had increased its resources in recent years,they remainedafraction of those available to thepolice

Smith alsoconfirmed that engaging theactingpolice commissioner about cooperation in addressing Parklands’ drug problemwas firmly on theagenda.

“Thisisdefinitely on the list,” he said.

Asked what proactive steps the City was willingtotaketoaddress illegal immigration —a concernraised by Parklandsresidents —Smith said the City participatesinongoing multi-agency operationsand that metro police play a supportive role to thenational police and theDepartment of Home Affairs, which are thelead agencies in this regard.

Whereofficers encounter undocumented foreign nationals, he said, they are handed over to therelevantagencies for further investigation andprocessing.

METROPOLICEDETECTIVESUNITANNOUNCED Hill-Lewis used the operation to announce planstoestablishadedicated Cape Town Metro PoliceDetectives Unit,

amove aimed at strengthening local investigative capacity.

“South Africa needs stronger policing, that’s why we need to investigatecrimes ourselves,” he said.

Smithnoted that SouthAfrica’s Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) already provides powerful tools to investigatemoney laundering, drug trafficking and asset forfeiture, but that following the money trail requires skilled investigators that the national police service, overwhelmed by violent crime dockets, simply does not have enough of.

“South Africa already has robust legislation. The problem isn’talways a lack of laws—it’s alack of capacity to enforce them.

“Unfortunately, our detectives in the national police service are already overwhelmed by mountains of case dockets involving violent crime, gang violence, murder and firearm offences. Financial investigations are complex and resource-intensive, and too often they don’t receive the attention they deserve,” he said.

“Criminals should not be able to hide behind an overburdened criminal justice system,”hesaid. “If we are serious about tackling organised crime, we must not only arrest offenders, we must follow the money, dismantle theircriminal enterprises and deprive them of the profits that fuel further crime.”

Smithsaid the solution had already been proposed: empower competent municipalities with the legal authority to conduct investigations intooffences within theirmandate and compile court-ready dockets. Municipal enforcement agencies, he argued, had demonstrated the expertise, technology and commitment to make a meaningful contribution.

SHAREDRESPONSIBILITY

Acting Western Cape Police Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi told TygerBurger that the police appreciates the City’s involvement, saying the operation was aligned with the existing cooperation agreement between the police, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government

“This partnership is founded on ashared responsibilitytocreatesafer communities and to combat criminality through a coordinated approach.

“The police are aware of the drug-related challenges in the Parklands area and has various intelligence-driven operational interventions in place to address them,” said Damoyi, adding that these operations regularly result in arrests, drug confiscations and the disruption of criminal activities.

He pushed back gently on Smith’s comments about intelligence failures, saying it would be inappropriateto publicly discuss operational methodologies as doing so could compromise ongoing policing efforts.

“However, the police remain committed to identifying and apprehending those involved in the drug trade and related crimes. As operational successes are achieved, the police continues to inform the publicthrough media statements and other communication platforms. Theorganisation remains committed to working with all law enforcement partners to enhance safety and security in Parklands and across the Western Cape.”

SwanLakein Stellenbosch

Cape Town CityBalletwillpresent an evening of classicalballetatthe Adam SmallTheatre in StellenboschonFriday31Julyand Saturday 1August,featuring highlightsfrom Swan Lake and Raymonda

Theprogramme opens with the iconic second act of Swan Lake,set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's celebrated score. On amoonlitlakeside,the storyof Odette,the Swan Queen, unfolds through some of classical ballet's most recognisablechoreography including the corpsdeballet of swans,the White Swan pasdedeux and the timelessimage of dancers in whitetutus that has come to symboliseclassical ballet around the world.

Thesecond half features highlights from Raymonda,set to Alexander Glazunov's richlyorchestrated score. Knownfor its demanding choreography and elegantclassical style, Raymonda showcases virtuoso dancing and intricateensemblework in sumptuous period costumes.Together, these excerpts celebratethe enduring appeal of classical ballet,combining twolandmark scores withsome of the art form's most memorablechoreographyand traditions.

Established in 1934,Cape Town CityBalletis South Africa's longest-running professionalballet company, presenting worksfromthe greatclassics alongside newproductions

Performances: Friday31July: 19:00; Saturday 1 August: 14:30 and 18:00

Tickets cost R225 to R350 (105discountfor pensioners). Students payR175(at Pick 'n Payonly) . Book at Webtickets and Pick'nPay stores. Ad ebooking is nded.

EVENING OF CLASSICAL BALLET TOFEATUREHIGHLIGHTSFROM SWANLAKEAND RAYMONDA

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman unite on stagefor thefirsttime

Luna Paigeand Hugo Veldsman willshare astage in a RootsRetrospective,fromWednesday22July at theGallowayTheatreofthe Waterfront Theatre School. Theduo willalsoperform at TheKraal Restaurant, JoostenbergWineEstate, on Thursday 30 July.

Roots Retrospective is alivecollaboration ledby Paige, piano-drivenand song-focused, rooted in folk, blues andjazztraditions.Grounded in storytelling andshaped througha South Africanlens, theshow features expressive pianoand acoustic-guitar textures accompanying herdistinctive soulful voice.

Paige'scatalogue spansmorethan two decades of Americana-inspiredmaterial across folk,folkrock, countryand blues, blending blues sensibility with roots-drivenwarmth andpoetic depth.

Joining her is singer-songwriter andguitarist Veldsman,whose acousticminimalism, finger-style

guitar work andatmosphericplaying bring arich counterpointtothe set. Drawing on Americana,folk andblues traditions, andgrounded in classical-guitartraining, he is known forexpressive,technically refinedplaying, from intricate fingerpicking to soulful lapsteel,often described as “tasty andlanguid” in feel.Veldsman also performs aselectionofhis ownsimilarly styled songsaspartofthe show. Together,the twocreateanimmersive musical journeythat reimagines Americana-inspiredmusic throughapersonaland collaborativeSouth African lens.

. Ticketsfor theWaterfrontshowstart from R180 andare available at Quicket.Ticketsfor TheKraal cost R580 andincludesarrival wine tasting, theshowand afarm supper. Book via Dineplan on 079641 1430 or kraalrestaurant@ joostenberg.co.za

Juniorchesschampsbattleitout

Cape Town hosted one of the largest editions of the nationalopenin the country's chesshistory, drawing more than 500 players from across South Africa and beyond.

The 2026 South African Open Chess Championships concluded on Sunday 5July at DF Akademie in Bellville, following nine days of competition.

Organised by the Western Cape Chess Association (WCCA) in partnershipwith ChessSouth Africa, and supported by the provincial department of cultural affairs andsport, the tournament was held from 27 June to 5July and offeredatotal prize fund of R159 100across all sections

The eventfeatured four mainopen sections alongside 12 junior age group categories,with the host province, Western Cape, well represented among the final standingsacross all sections

OPENCHAMPIONSHIP

Charlton Mnyasta from Elsies River claimedthe 2026 SouthAfrican Open Chess Championship, finishing on seven points fromnine rounds. Mnyasta was joinedonseven pointsbyTezihano Mnyasta, with the title decided in Charlton's favourona tiebreak —aresult that placed two members of the same family at the top of the finalstandings.

The top five finishers in the championship section were(in orderfrom firstposition) Charlton Mnyasta,Tezihano Mnyasta, Matfey Rogov, Calvin Klaasen andCraig Willenberg,withplacingsfrom second onwards determined by atiebreak. Special prizeswere awarded to Luke Bell, whofinished ninth overall and claimed the Best Junior Award, and to Lyndon Bouah, who received the Best Senior Award. DefendingchampionJames Dinham concluded the tournament in14th position on five points.

500 PLAYERS TAKE PART IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BELLVILLE

(3rd),SenzoMsimango (4th) andConnor Opperman (5th), with placingsfrom third onwards determined by atiebreak

INTERMEDIATESECTION

Harrison Abrahams won the Intermediate Section with eight points from nine rounds, finishing afull point clear of thefield.

The top five finishers in the Intermediate Sectionwere: Harrison Abrahams,Kopa Lesetedi, Andile Siyali, Christian Maxwell andKarlFreeks, with secondthrough fifth determined by atiebreak.

WORLDANDAFRICANINDIVIDUALSCHOOL CHESSCHAMPIONSHIPSQUALIFIERS

Atotal of 12 juniorsections were contested overseven rounds, covering age groups fromu-7 to u-17 for boys and girls

The topthree finishers in each section qualify torepresent South Africa at the World Individual School Chess Championships, while the top five finishers in each sectionqualify for the AfricanIndividualSchool Chess Championships.

The confirmedqualifiers (school name in bracketsiffrom theCape Town region) arelisted below.

. U-7 Boys:JannesStrydom(1st); Jeremiah Jobin (2nd, Table View Primary);Noah Pieters (3rd); Roger Schwalb (4th,Somerset College) and Adriaan Louw (5th).

. U-7 Girls: Nadeema Naidoo(1st); Jemma Erica Lee (2nd, PlumsteadPreparatory); Olivia Lamb (3rd); Diane Stander (4th) and

GenerationsImhoff);Cade Ruiters (4th, BrackenfellPrimary) andEthan D'Souza (5th).

. U-13Girls: Haojia Sun (1st,Pinelands North Primary); Ciara Adams (2nd); Dene Cilliers (3rd, HuguenotPrimary); Mari Greeff (4th) and Nizibone Xabadiya (5th, Hazeldene Primary).

. U-15Boys:Micah JohnFredericks(1st); Feraydo Adolf(2nd, Parel ValleiHigh School); Chezhaan Ethan Adams (3rd); BenjaminBanda (4th) andZion Smith(5th, Parel Vallei High School)

. U-15Girls: Mila Marie Snyman (1st, Curro Durbanville); Sophia Hagen (2nd, PaarlGirls High School);LienkaViljoen (3rd, Worcester Gymnasium); DanielleAnn Stevens(4th, Curro Hermanus) and Hannah Osborne (5th, Teneo Education, Durbanville).

. U-17Boys:Juan-Louis Combrink (1st); Prince Ngombo (2nd, President High

ImkhitaJoya, alearner at Curro Durbanville, is theSA Open Ladies Champion.

School); Mohammed Zayan Khan (3rd, SouthPeninsula High School); Sayed Ridha Booley (4th, Westerford High School) and Malesela Moja(5th, Bergvliet High School).

. U-17 Girls: Maya Monteiro Correia (1st, Reddam House Bedfordview); Hannah Deysel (2nd); KaraCoetzee (3rd, Bellville High School); Viha Beecum (4th) and Nina van Niekerk (5th).

Pride and prejudice seems to cloud our society

“Imagine allthe people, living life in peace.” Perhapstheselyrics have sparkedafamiliar melody forwhoever’sreading.

This evergreen seventies tune,“Imagine”, from former Beatles band leader John Lennon, has become an anti-waranthem forpeace,justice,equalityand most importantlyempathy, awordwhich seemstobe deafened and bludgeoned in this “age of outrage”we find ourselvesnavigating.

He wasshot four times in theback by a“fan” afterhe autographed his album anddied afew metresfromhis hotel in ManhattanonDecember 8, 1980

Thesong “Imagine”, released during the Vietnam war, which killedoverthree million youngmen,children mothers and fathers, is accompanied by asoftpiano and gentlemelody and sounds like aprayerorpleafor understanding in atimeofsenselessbloodshed.

During the war, despitethe news reports commenting on the latest batchofdeaths anddestruction, many young men were drafted and sent in droveslikebullets in an assemblyline

Tragically the song has become anidylliclament fora societywherewecan allrespect andcarefor each other regardless of skin colour,cultureorcreed

Luther King Jnr,who preachedpeace and non-violenceinhis quest to fight race segregation and inequality,was assassinated along with Malcolm X.

As if the call forbasic dignity and equalrights is so outrageous it couldleadtodeath.

Ironically the authorofUtopia, Sir ThomasMore, also lost his head forhis visions forafuture society He wasbeheaded in 1535 fortreason, afterherefused to accept King HenryVIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

THEPOPULARITYOF ‘RAGE-BAITING’ISALSO SADTOWITNESS

Thenovelcriticised greed, powerand supported women’srights and religious freedom, during aconservativetime in the 16th-century under the king’sreign. Even musical legend Bob Marley whose protest songs supported peace, freedom and “One Love”, wasshot but survived apolitically motivated assassination attempt ahead of the 1976 general election in Jamaica. This act howeveronlyfueled hisdesiretocontinue singing about the struggle to love in an unsympathetic world.

Thesedaysapathyand cynicism have become a popular camouflagetoendurethe widespread hate, violence, intoleranceand propaganda infiltrating our psyches wherever we go

Whether doom-scrolling on our cellphones, listening to the news on our car-radiosorevenstoppingfor a quickcatch-up at work, we’reflooded with the latest tragic news

Onceagain we’llhearabout the latest airmissile strikeinthe MiddleEast,the priceofpetrol and goods skyrocketing again, the unrestricted plagiarismof AI modelsregurgitating artworksand voices,all forthe sake of profit

Thesedaysthe integrity of the newsroom hasalso been moreimportant in the wake of variousinfluencers reporting on news and publishing their pieces, often with their ownagendas, without much considerationfor verifying information in the hopes of increasing followers and monetising theircontent.

Lately,the popularityof“rage-baiting” is also sad to witness too, you’veprobablyseen many videos of peoplemanipulating each other until an argument or violent fight occurs.

Research shows algorithms financiallyrewardanger whichcreates cognitiveurgency, compelling usersto comment,correct,orshareinreal-time,which all boosts engagement and virality.

Ireadthat the primitiveparts of ourbrain, the amygdala, scan the environment forthreats and process negativeinformation significantlyfasterthan positive experiences.

Pride and prejudiceseems to cloudour society even moresothesedays, whilethesealgorithms,these heartless systems capitaliseand advertiseonany content that canshackle the viewers in an endless loop that keepstheir profits high and ourattention spans low.

And so “Imagine”, asong of hope,remains more relevant than ever in 2026

-KEANAN HARMSE

LEWENSKIEKIE

BRIEWE/LETTERS

Firefighter

smoke inhalation articlewas misleading

With referencetothe articlethatappeared on your websiteon6Julywith theheadline “Exposure to smokeistaking atollonCape Town’sfirefighters”: It is unfortunate that the articlepublished on the UWC websitemisrepresented the findingsofthe study.The headline,for example, wasquitesimplymisleading. TheCityreached out to the researchers andthe headline hasnow been corrected.

Basedonthe study’s ownresults, only 278firefightersparticipated, with 53%showing some symptoms that included coughing,running nosesand headaches. That represents less than15% of firefighters within the CityofCape Town anditmustbenoted the study wasconducted while staff were on duty

Also to notethat97,8% of participants hadnormal lung function, which the research foundissignificantly higherthanthatreported in comparablestudies conducted in other countries.

To note, the Cape Town Fireand Rescue Service conducts afunctional abilitytest on aquarterlybasis,

which measures firefighters’ respiratoryrate.

In addition,firefighters undergo in-housemedical screeningbeforeevery physical abilitytest.Should theyhaveabnormal screeningresults, theyare referred to either their privatemedical provider or to the City’s occupational health department. Staff who driveand operateappliances andequipment must undergo compulsory medical testing everytwo years. TheFire Servicealsohas very strict medical screening in place forthose joiningits ranks. In addition, staff arerequired to follow fitnessprogrammes on their on dutydays.

Our staff aretrained to perform under allhazardous conditions andrespiratoryprotectionequipment is provided on everyfire enginetoensurestaff remain safe

We take the health andsafetyofour firefighters very seriouslyand we provide thehighest levelof respiratoryprotection in the form of aSelf-Contained Breathing Apparatus Set

JP SMITH, Maycomember forsafetyand security

Recent events arealesson we shouldn’t ignore

Much has beensaid about illegalimmigrantsand the fact that manyhavenow returned to their home countries.Whether oneagrees with thatornot is a separate debate. What shouldnot be ignored is that manyemployers foundthese workers dependable. They arrived forwork, wanted to earn awage, followed instructions,and often communicated effectively becausetheycouldreadand speak English. Those qualities matterinevery workplace. This is not about praisingillegal immigration.The lawisthe law. It is about askinganuncomfortable question: whydid so manyemployers valuethese workers?

South Africahas thousands of hardworkinglocal employees, and theydeserve recognition. Butwealso

knowthattoo manybusinessesstruggle with absenteeism, poor punctuality, lack of initiativeand weak communication. Thoseproblems hurtproductivity andmakeitharder forbusinessestogrowand employ morepeople.

Perhapsinsteadofsimplycelebratingthe removal of illegalworkers, we should also askwhatmade manyofthemsuccessful in theworkplace. If ourown workforceadopted the same attitude towardsreliability, communication, punctualityand commitment everyone wouldbenefit. Thelesson is simple. Good work habits have no nationality. They areachoice. And the more people who make that choice, the stronger our economywillbecome GREG, E-mail

Warm somer op pad

Na aanleiding vanverlede week se brief"Kapenaar watdie wolkemis" (1/7/2026) geeekmymening. Die bestemanier om enigeplekinAfrikaseweer te verstaan,isomopDStvkanaal 400BBC in te skakel om 13:25 en 19:25 (ons tyd).

Dit fokusopAfrikamet satellietwaarnemings. Daarin kanduidelik gesien word watverkeerdismet die Kaapse weer Normaalwegdraai die wind wesofnoordwes in die winter.Vir maande al waai dit egtersuid en suidwes. Dit stoot die tollende stelselindie middel vandie AtlantieseOseaan watmet koue fronte reën moet bring, wegvan die Kaap af

Die gebrek aan koue fronte beïnvloed ook die OosKaap en KwaZulu-Natalmet oorstromings,omdat die westewind dit nie bereik nie,enhulle kryreën uit die Stille Oseaan watook blytol

Die opbouende El Ninowes vanAmerika raak al sterker; dit beïnvloed die jetstroom en het die gevaarlike hitte in AmerikaenEuropaveroorsaak 'n Baie warm someriswaarskynlik op pad. Hou dus op om drinkwaterinutoilet af te spoel, vang stortwateropin'nemmerengebruik dit vir die toilet WAARNEMER,Bellville

Parking needed near Athlone stadium

Iwonder what happened to the grandplans at Athlonepower station site, after having spent afew thousand(millions perhaps) on the project. Nowthe Citywants to re-developthe parking area at Athlonestadium forhousing andcommercial purposes, whilestadium visitors fear theymight find themselveswithout aparking facility. So whynot buildabig commercial andresidential centreonthe parking lotwith adequateparking under or above?But as forresidential, Iwould notwant to live therewith allthatnoisefromtrafficand the stadium.

PETER SMULIK,

Rugby

Showrespect to thepolicewho put their livesatrisk to keep us safe

We live in atimewhenithas become fashionableto criticise those in uniform.

Social media is flooded with videos of what went wrong, rarely with footageofwhatwentright. And yet, dayafter day, men andwomen in the policeshowup, oftenunderstaffed, underresourced, andunderappreciated to do ajob that most of us couldnever do They respond to callsinthe earlyhours of the

morning when the rest of us areasleep.Theywalkinto situationsthatothers run awayfrom. They deal with trauma, violence, andheartbreakona dailybasis, and thengohome to their ownfamilies andtry to leaveit allatthe door

Most of the time,noone says thank you. Iamnot naive. Iknowthatthere arethose within the service who have letcommunities down, andaccountability

matters.But it wouldbedeeplyunfair to allowthe actions of afew to overshadowthe quiet dedication of the manywho servewith integrityand honour To everyofficerwho hasstood between acommunityand harm, your servicedoesnot go unnoticed by allofus. South Africaisnot an easy countrytopolice. Thankyou fortrying anyway THANKFULL, Brackenfell

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