TygerBurger | Table View | E-edition | 20 May 2026

Woensdag, 20 Mei 2026

|Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

A‘Bobber’to therescue

KAILINDANIELS KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

routine early morning coffee stop at SmallBay turned into adramatic sea rescue when 72-year-old Bloubergstrand resident Peter Rietveld rushed to help afellow seniorcaught in dangerous currents.Itwas the second timeinrecent weeks that Rietveld had assisted the same swimmer from the water.

For most Bloubergstrand “bobbers”, thedaily early morning plunge is about friendship, fresh air andalove for the ocean. But forRietveld, one of those outings quickly became alife-or-death situation when he helped rescue afellow swimmertrapped in rough sea conditions. Rietveld, aresident estate agent for the past 38 years and akeen diver, says the daily ocean plunges began when afew membersofthe local bowls club decided to start swimming together.

“A number of the guys from the bowls club decided to go for an early morning plunge,” he explained. “What started as justa funthingended up becoming a daily occurrence. We started in summer at half-pastsix in the morning and there were anumber of other swimming groups as well.”

Although he no longer considers himself aserious swimmer, Rietveld says he still enjoys theroutineand camaraderie of the ocean mornings.

“I’m part of what they call the bobbers,”

he laughed. “I don’t really swim like I used to in the old days. Ijust go out and have an early morning dip.”

ALIFETIMESPENTAROUNDTHEOCEAN

Growing up in Bloubergstrand gave Rietveld adeep respect for the sea and an understanding of how quickly conditions can change.

“I know the conditions of Blouberg,” he said. “I’ve seen it from dead calm to very harsh conditions.”

He remembers the yearswhen ski boats launched from the beach to fish around Robben Island, often returning through rough surf.

“In thosedays the boats would go out for snoek and sometimes the waves would pick up. Unfortunately, not all of them made it back safely,”herecalled. Rietveld says years of diving, fishing and spending time in the water taught him how to read currents and avoid dangerous situations.

“I’ve never had formal rescue training,” he said. “It’sbasically just experience from diving most of my life and growing up around the sea.”

FROMPAGE1

FIRSTRESCUE EARBLUEPETER

The first rescuehappened when another swimmerbecame trapped in arip current near the BluePeter side of Small Bay. Rietveld explained that awoman from another swimming groupwas actually the first person to notice the manindistress.

“She spotted himcloser towards the BluePeter side where there is often arip current,” he said.

AccordingtoRietveld, the swimmer had become stuckinthe current and was clinging to seaweed while struggling to get back to shore.“Thelady went out and assisted him back towards the shore whereIthen took overand helped him,” he said.

Rietveld stressed thatothersplayed the major role in that rescue. “They did the majority of the first rescue,” he added. “I assistedtowards the end.”

ROUGHCONDITIONSSPARKCONCERN

The second incident unfolded during rough weatherconditions, despite repeatedwarnings from family members not to head down to the beach.

“Mywife and daughter were very antime goingdown to thesea,” he admitted. “Mydaughtertold me,‘Dad, you’re not goingout because the weather conditions were not good’.”

ButRietveld eventually decided to drive down to thebeachfront with his son, taking along coffee while they watched the seafrom inside the car

“We were just sitting there drinking coffee when Sandy came out of the waterand said to me, ‘Peter,Colin is in trouble’.”

The swimmer —the same man involved in theprevious rescue —had become trapped in arocky gully between seaweed and strong currents.

Fortunately, he hadbeen carrying a flotation buoy fitted with awhistle.

“He’d apparently been there for quite a while,” said Rietveld. “When Iheard the whistle,Irealised he was in trouble.”

“There was no hesitation”

Rietveld immediately rushed to help and searched for the emergency number on a nearby sea rescue buoy, but could not find it. At thesame time, he saidhis concern grew as the swimmerbattled in the water “I got more of apanic,not for myself, butbecausehewas in real difficulty,” he explained.

Despite thedangerous conditions, Rietveld said he never hesitated before enteringthe water. “Itwas instinct to go out and rescue him,” he said.

Using theflotation buoy, and assisted by Sandy andlater his son, Rietveld managed to helpbringthe struggling swimmer back to shore. “Whenweeventually managed to gethim outofthe current, Sandy helped me bringhim to shore with the assistance of my son,”hesaid.

Once safely on land, the swimmer appeared disoriented andstruggled to breathe.“We sathim down on the bench and brought him some coffee,” said Rietveld.

Emergency personnel, including NSRI crews, paramedics andcommunity medics,arrived shortly afterwards to continue treatment

Rietveld alsopersonally informed the swimmer’s family thathewas safe. “They were luckytostill have theirfather with

them,” he said.

RESPECTTHESEA

Despite the praise he has received, Rietveld insiststhe real lesson is about ocean safetyand respecting dangerous conditions.”You never tryand fight against arip current,”heexplained. “You either go with it or swim sideways out of it.”

He also urged swimmers never to enter the water alone and to make use of flotation devices. “Never swim alone,” he said. “That’s something Ilearned many years ago.”

Rietveld revealed he was upset to later see the same swimmer back in the water without his buoy.

“I was very cross with him,”he admitted. “I told him, ‘You don’t come into the water without your buoy’.” While he admires the man’s passion and determination to remain active, Rietveld believes people must understand the risks they create for others when ignoring safetyprecautions. “Yes, he loves the sea, and Irespect that,” he said.

“Sandy, who alerted me to Colin standing by to assist. She is the hero of the day. Without her Colin would not be here today,” he said.

DiepRiverburstsits banksafterheavyrains

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

The Diep River in Table Viewburst its banks following twodays of heavy rainfall, causing flooding in surroundingareas including Hopley Road and Gill Road, where residents were urgedtoexercisecaution and avoidaffected sections.

Speaking from Hopley Roadon Wednesday 13 May, Ward councillorSue van der Linde confirmed that the river had reached its peak in the early hours before beginning to slowlyrecede.

“Behind me you can see the Diep River which has now burst itsbanks,”she said. “Quite expected after theamountofrain that we just hadfor thelasttwo days, and obviously all thewater thathas been fallingfurther up has now washed into the river.”

She explained that tidal conditions had contributed to the severity of the flooding overnight.

“We reached apeak at about 02:00 this morning where the river was really high,” van der Linde said. “As the high tide came in justafter midnight it pushed back up and we had avery high level, but we’re now on low tidesoithas dropped again.”

Despitethe improvement in water levels, she warned that the river was stillflowing stronglyand required caution from residents.

“You can see that it’s flowing quite strongly and it’s our hope that hopefully no morerain is added to it and it can actually clear itself,” she said.

RESIDENTSURGEDTOAVOIDHOPLEYROAD

Van der Linde urged motorists and pedestrians to stay away fromHopley Roaddue to ongoing safety risks

“Where I’m standing is Hopley Road in TableView we are advising everybody obviouslynot to come down Hopley,” she said.

She added that emergency access arrangementshad been made for residents in nearby complexes.

“The exit on Blaauwberg Road for Heron

Heavyrain tops up CT dam levels

RESIDENTSURGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION ANDAVOID FLOODED AREAS IN HOPLEY ANDGILL ROADS

Waters isopen, the emergencyexit,” she said. “All of the residents inside of thecomplex can enter andcome backin safely.”

However, she warned motorists to remainalert in the area. “Please be aware when you’re on Blaauwberg Road you will have cars coming outofthatexit and entrance. So give way, let them come in safely.”

GILLROADALSOAFFECTEDBYFLOODING

Vander Linde later confirmed that flooding hadalso occurred on Gill Road neara popular local restaurant, though thebuilding itself was not affected.

She said the restaurant infrastructure remainedsafe but urged visitors to avoid parking in the affected area.

“Ihavecheckedthatthe building is not affected atall, it’s just this part of the road,” she said. “So please people, if you’re comingdown to Macpherson’s, do avoid this area, do not try andpark this far.”

She added thatthe overflowing river system wasvisible nearby. “The sun is out, theriver is flowing, andifyou are there you’ll see howfull the pan actually is,that’s the overflow from the river.”

MONITORINGANDRESPONSECONTINUES

Vander Linde said she would continue assessing affected areas throughout the daybut notedthatconditions appeared improved compared to previous major flooding events.

“It looks likethis is the worst that we’ve hadcomparedto2024. It’s quitean improvement,” she said.

She also praisedmunicipal infrastructure teams for their preventative work ahead of the storm

“I’d like to thankthe roads infrastructure management department, our RIMdepartment, for all the workthey did with cleaning outour storm drains prior to this terrible weather,” she said. “It really has made ahugedifference.” Residents have been urged to report any emergenciesorstorm-related issues to thecouncillor’s office as monitoring continues

Cape Town’srecent heavy rainfall has brought welcome relief to the city’s water supply, with dam levels increasing significantly over the lasttwo weeks.

According to the City of Cape Town, dam levels climbed by 12.4% by Tuesday 12 May, reaching 61.2% following persistent rainfall between Sunday 10 May and Monday 11 May. Officials say levels are expected to continue rising over the coming days as runoff water flows into catchment areas and storage dams.

Despite the improvement,residents are being urged not to become complacent and to continue using water sparingly.

TheCitysaid water conservation remains critical as dam water needs to last until the same time next year.

Mayco member for water and sanitation, ZahidBadroodien, said while the rainfall has brought much-needed relief, Cape Town cannot rely entirely on unpredictable winter weather patterns.

“We cannot depend on unpredictable rainfall to fill our dams. While rainfall is vital, it also has to rain in the right place, in our dam catchments for dam levels to increase,”hesaid.

Alongside the rise in dam levels, the City also recorded adecrease in water consumption. Daily water usage dropped from 874 million litres per day last week to 831 million litres per day —29million litres below the city’swinter usage target of 860 million litres per day.

TheCitysaid thisreduction shows that residentsare responding positively to ongoing calls for responsible water use.

Officials stressed that Cape Town is not currently facing adrought and is not nearing a“Day Zero” scenario. However, the City warned that water restrictions could still be considered later thisyear depending on future rainfall patterns, dam levels and consumption trends.

TheCityalso reminded residentsto report burst municipal pipes and water leaks immediately.

. Residentscan report leaksbycalling 086 0103089, sendinganSMS to 31373, WhatsApping060 0181505oremailing water@capetown.gov.za

Learnerstaught‘stranger danger’safetyatworkshop

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Inspire Africa Hub brought together

learners, community leadersand safety professionals for an engaging“stranger danger”safety workshop aimed at strengthening child protectionawareness and personalsafety skills.

The session, held at the Summer Greens CommunityHall, formed part of an ongoing initiative to equipyoung people with practicalknowledge on how to identifyunsafe situations and respond appropriately when faced with potential danger.

In collaboration with Missing Children South Africa and the police, the workshop provided an interactive learning environment where children were encouraged to participate, askquestions and engage in creative activities designed to reinforcesafety messaging

FOCUSONSTRANGERDANGERAWARENESS

Carmeleeã Pillay from Inspire Africa Hub said the programme was rooted in applied theatre principles, which use performance and interactive learning to help children better understand real-world risks.

“Inspire Africa Hub cannotrely solely on the education system to providethiskind of criticalsafety education,” Pillaysaid.

“Thatiswhy we have takenthe initiative to give back to communitiesby creating meaningfuleducational experiences that empower young people and encourage them to speak up when they feel unsafe.”

Sheadded that early education around personal safety was vital in building confidence and awareness amonglearners, particularly in acontext wheremissing

children cases continue to be aconcern.

Theworkshop included arange of activities such as dancing andmovement exercises,storytelling, interactive discussions andpractical safety demonstrations. These sessions were designed tomake learning accessible, engaging andmemorable for younger audiences.

POLICEENGAGEMENTBUILDSTRUST

Children were taught howtorecognise unsafesituationsand howtoseek help when needed, while alsobeing introduced to trustedcommunity role players, including policeofficers and child protection organisations

Akey highlightofthe day was a practical demonstration led by police officers,who introduced learners to police vans,explainedthe function of sirens and lights, and demonstrated simple hand signalschildrencan use in emergencies.

The experience helped build familiarity between learners andlaw enforcement, reinforcing trust andencouraging open communication with authorities.

EMPOWERINGCHILDREN

To close the session, learners received colouringbooksfrom Inspire AfricaHub as atakeaway educational tool, allowing themtorevisit andreinforcethe safety lessons in acreative way.

Pillaysaidinitiativeslike these also help expose children to positive role models and possible future career paths within community service.

“We believe it is essentialtonot only educate childrenabout safety, but also show themthe positive roles people play in protecting communities,”she said.

Cementtower sitetobecome logisticshub

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

For those wondering whatwill become of the site after the demolition of the iconicPPC cement tower in Montague Gardens, the answer is amajor new logistics development is set to reshape one of Cape Town’s key industrialnodes

Theformerlandmark,demolished in April, will makeway forIndlovu LogisticsPark —a R578 million GrowthpointProperties development aimed at addressingashortage of modern warehousinginthe city.

Construction already started thismonth with thedevelopment expected to be ready for occupation before the third quarter of 2027.

Jason Reeves, Head of Asset Management: Logisticsand Industrial at Growthpoint Properties, said the project responds directly to sustained demand in theCape Town industrial market.

“The Cape Town industrial market, and Montague Gardens in particular, continues to experience apersistent undersupply of new,high-qualitylogistics space,”Reeves said. “Demand from logistics providers, distributors and lightindustrial occupiers consistently outstrips what the existing buildingstock can offer.”

He added that the development has been purpose-built to addressthis gap. “Indlovu LogisticsPark has been purpose-designed to meet this demand, delivering nine maxiunits totalling38600m²ofhigh-quality warehousingand logisticsspace.”

Thesite was unlocked for redevelopment after PPC relocated its cement operations, opening arare opportunityinatightly heldindustrialarea.

“We identifiedasignificant redevelopment opportunity for this site after PPC decided to move itsoperations to its Riebeek Valleyfacility,” Reeves said. “Opportunitiestosecureand repurpose well-located industrial land in Montague Gardens are increasingly scarce.”

He said the location makes it ideal for logistics activity. “Its position within one of Cape Town’s mostestablished industrial precincts—with directaccess to the N7, M5,M8, N1 and N2 —makes it ideally suited to amodern,multi-tenant logistics facility.”

MODERNLOGISTICSDESIGNANDFLEXIBILITY

The developmentwill consist of nine maxi-units rangingfrom approximately 3,900m²to4,600m², designed to accommodatea range of logistics and distribution users.

“The buildings will feature nine-metre eaves height, FM2power-floated floors with a50kPaload-bearingcapacity, highlift sectional dockdoors and heavy-duty dock levellers,” Reeves said. He addedthat flexibility is akey feature of the project. “Units can be combined to

R578M

create larger spaces, with the possibility of asingle unit of up to 38 000m².”

SUSTAINABILITYANDSECURITYBUILTIN Reeves said the parkhas been designed with efficiency and resilience in mind: “Sustainability features include rooftop solar PV, natural daylighting through translucent sheeting, energy-efficient LED high-bay lighting, water backup tanks and water harvesting.”

Securitywill also be akey focus. “The park will have 24-hour precinct security, access control, CCTV, electric fencing and guarded entry and exit points. The construction is being undertaken by Growthpoint’s specialist development team, which has along-standing track record of delivering quality developments on time and within budget,” Reeves said. Indlovu Logistics Parkisexpected to significantly expand modern warehousing capacity in Montague Gardens, reinforcing itsposition as one of Cape Town’smost important industrial hubs.

Help change achild’slifethis MandelaDay

This MandelaDay thepublic is beingencouraged to honour Nelson Mandela’slegacybygiving67 minutesoftheir time or donating R67tosupport vulnerablechildrenand young adults at Home of HopeinTableView.

Theorganisation provides care,education and support to children andyoung people, including thoselivingwithFoetal Alcohol SpectrumDisorder (FASD),helping them buildstability,dignity and opportunityfor thefuture.

HomeofHope says communitysupport plays avital role in ensuring itsbeneficiaries receivethe daily care andresourcestheyneed to thriveinasafe andnurturing environment Thereare severalwaysthe public canget

involved, including donating essential items, sponsoring stationery, helping provide mealsormaking a once-off donation of R67inhonour of Mandela’s67 yearsofservice

Supporters canalsochoose to make alasting impact by signing up foramonthlydebit order,helping to sustain ongoing care andprogrammes forchildren andyoung adults in need.

Theorganisation says no contribution is toosmall, with everyact of kindness helping to bring hope and opportunitytothose who need it most . FormoreinformationonHomeofHope or FASD,ortoget involved in such care, please phone061 2784826oremailadmin@ homeofhope.co.za

LagoonBeach’smassiveclean-up

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Arecent beach clean-upat Lagoon Beach, Milnertonhas resulted in oneofthe most significant single-day litter removals by environmental volunteers, with over1000kgof waste cleared in just over an hour

The initiative, led by Save aFishie, broughtjust over 20 volunteers together, who worked through aheavy load of flotsam that had washed ashore during recent storm-related river andocean turbulence

FounderofSave aFishie Zoë Prinsloo described the scale of the pollutionas both “shocking” and motivating

MASSIVEMILESTONEACHIEVED

Prinsloo said the clean-up quickly exceeded expectations as volunteers uncovered large volumes of waste, including nappies, shoes, clothing,plastic bottles, tyres,stuffed toys,a blanket and even amattress.

“What amorning,” said Prinsloo.

“Today’s beachclean-up at Lagoon Beach, Milnertonwas nothing short of incredible. With just over 20 volunteers we achieved what honestly felt impossible.”

She added that the group had removed more than 200 nappies, possibly closer to 300, during the operation.

FROMTONSTOTRIUMPH

The clean-up marked the organisation’s 520thoperation, amilestonethat reflects years of ongoing coastal protection work.

Prinsloo said the group had also surpassed amajor cumulative target during the effort.

“We absolutely pole-vaulted over it,” she said. “Final total collected: 1009 kg of litter removed in just over anhour.”

SATELLITE IMAGES SHOWED POLLUTEDFLOODWATERS IN CT RIVERS, ESPECIALLY THEBLACK

RIVER

The organisation alsoconfirmedithad removedmore than 57 tons of waste since itsinception.

APOWERFULTEAMEFFORT

Despite the scale of thetaskPrinsloo highlighted the impactofasmall but dedicated team.

“Atleastsix of today’svolunteers were overage 50, while three were over 70 years old. Todayproved once again thatone doesn’t need hundreds of people to make adifference. One just needs people who care.”

Support was alsoacknowledged from Plastics|SAfor providingclean-upbags andaQuellé for supplying hydrationto volunteers

‘RETHINKTHESTINK’WARNSOFUPSTREAM POLLUTIONCRISIS

Environmentalgroup ReThink TheStink hasalsoraised concerns aboutthe broader source of pollution affecting Cape Town’s coastline.

The group highlighted satellite imagery showing heavily pollutedfloodwaters in Cape Town rivers, particularly the Black River, which carries large volumesof litter into the ocean at PaardenEiland. It warned that strong currents redistributethis waste alongkey coastal areas including GrangerBay, the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island andthe West Coast.

“Togetherwith upstream interventions,

theBlackRiver urgently needs an industrial-scale litter interceptor before this waste reaches the ocean.”

Both initiatives highlight the growing pressure on coastal ecosystems and the importanceofbothvolunteer action and long-term infrastructure solutions to prevent pollution from reaching the ocean in thefirst place

‘Diegebed van‘nhalfmens’

Diejongste plekspesifieke drama van die Hertzog-pryswenner Nicola Hanekom is Donderdag 14 Meimet vier Kannas bekroon

Uitnemendheid by die KKNK, wat vanjaarvan 28 Maart tot4April op Oudtshoorn aangebied is, word jaarliks met Kannas beloon.

Hanekom, van Bloubergstrand, se Die gebed van’nhalfmens wat by die KKNK gedebuteer het, is metpryse bekroon vir bestedebuutwerk: toneel, beste aanbieding: toneel, beste ontwerp en/of tegniesebydrae vir HanekomenElanaMarié Snyman se tegniese versorgingen Brendon Daniels as beste manlikespeler in 'n ondersteunende rol.

BESTEVROULIKEHOOFSPELER

Atropa: Die wraak vanvrede,'ndrama deur TomLanoye wat in Afrikaansbydie KKNK gedebuteer het, is mettwee Kannasbekroon.Lanoye,van Kaapstad,het 'nKanna vir uitnemende literêre bydrae vir sy vertaling vandie teks ontvang,en Anna-Martvan derMerwe, van die Breërviervallei, 'n Kannavir beste vroulike spelerin'nhoofrol. Andrew Bucklandisbekroon as beste manlike speler in ’n hoofrol vir sy spel in The Fool’s Guide.Daneel van der Walt is bekroon as beste vroulike speler in ’n ondersteunende rol vir haar spelin ge-gebergtes.Marthinus Bassonontvang die Kanna virbeste regie vir Boklied Garage Dance Ensemble se plekspesifieke dansteater-produksie GAT is bekroon as beste ensemble.

BESTEDEBUUTWERK

Amanda Strydom en Je-AniSwiegelaar se Tillie/Mathilda is bekroon as beste debuutwerk: musiek, terwyl AnnaDavel enThe Melisizwe PlaatjieCollective die Kanna vir beste aanbieding: kontemporêre musiek ontvanghet. Danie Marais se Ek is nie Danie ontvangdie Kanna vir beste aanbieding: Musiekteater. Bestevan alle tye met AnéKoegelenberg en Christievan Niekerk is bekroon as beste aanbieding: komedie. Badtyd met Eldonvan der Merwe het die Kanna vir

kry vier kannas

beste aanbieding: Blitsteater –’naanbod van kort teaterstukke van 20 minute elk –ontvang.

PLEK /PLACE: ’n Geografiese of emosionele ruimte deur kurator Liza Grobler, is bekroon as beste aanbieding: visuele kuns

KINDERPANEEL

Zip ZapCircus se MOYAisdeur die kinderpaneel aangewys as beste aanbieding: kindervermaak en Heinrich Wentzel is bekroon as beste opkomende kunstenaar of nuweling vir sy spel in Akrasia

Hansvan derVeen ontvang diespesiale Kanna vir diensaan die KKNK, met die spesiale Kannapaneel-prys wat aan die tegniese personeel vir hul uitsonderlike oorkoepelende versorging en gehaltetegniese diens by die 30ste KKNKtoegeken is. Ingrid Blumerontvang die Kanna vir uitsonderlike tegniese diens aan die KKNK.

Elke wenner het’nspesiale kunswerk deur Chris Buchner van Calitzdorp ontvang.

Vanjaar se glansgeleentheidisby Leopard’s Leap in Franschhoek aangebied. Nina Swart was die aanbieder, met vermaak deur die Papier Family Band.

BORGE

Die30ste KKNK is geborg deur Absa, met ondersteuningvan die Het Jan Marais Nationale Fonds,NATi, Checkers, Netwerk24, kykNET, ATKV, Oudtshoornmunisipaliteit en die Wes-Kaapse regering.

Kanna-pryseisgeborg deur Absa, die Het Jan Marais Nationale Fonds, NATi, Checkers, ATKV, Wes-Kaapse regering, Castle Lager, Dotsure, Glenwood Travel, Rauten Trust, Ton &Anet Vosloo, Crispin &Lisa Sonn, Franklin &Joan Sonn, asook Wicus Pretorius.

Dieonafhanklike Kannapaneel vir KKNK 2026 wasNaudé van der Merwe (sameroeper), Nolan Africa, Amelda Brand, Felicia Lesch, Wayne Muller, Ilza Roggeband, Tracey Saunders en Fahiem Stellenboom. Op die kinderpaneel was 25 kinders tussen 6en13jaar vanuit

DavelenMelisizwe Plaatjie FOTO’S:NATALIE GABRIELS

Marais

die breë Oudtshoorn-gemeenskap. Die Kannapaneel is ondersteun deur Haddad Viljoen, MargueriteRobinson en Diane de Beer, wat die Kanna vir beste bydrae tot visuele kuns beoordeel het. Die proses van nominasies en wenners is oorsien deur die ouditeursfirma Acker &Malony. Programaansoeke vir dié fees kan vanaf 1Junie by kknk.co.za ingedien word. . Besoek kknk.co.zaofkontakdie KKNK by 044 2038600ofinfo@kknk.co.zaof065 285 2337 (Whatsapp) vir meer inligting.

PoweroutagehitsTableView—again

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

For many residents across Table

View and surrounding communities, last week’s severe storm surge broughtmore than heavy rain and damaging winds —itbrought days of frustration, uncertaintyand prolonged power outages.

Local ward councillor Sue van der Linde said residentswere left without clear communication or realistic timelines from Eskom as homes, complexesand entire neighbourhoods sat withoutelectricity for days

According to Van der Linde, complaints flooded in during the twodays of severe weatherand in the days leading up to the storm.

“Every single complaint received was immediately escalated by me to the joint WhatsApp communication group between councillorsand Eskom management,” she said.

“Unfortunately, despite repeated escalations, all that has beenreceived in return has been generic, Eskom messaging apologising for delays, with very little meaningful feedback ordirect communication to affected residents

“This is simply not good enough.”

Van der Linde said some vulnerable residents, including senior citizens,were left without electricityfor more thansix days

“Residents deserve clear communication, realistictimelines and urgent action during crises such as these,”she said.

“While we understand that severe weather places pressure on infrastructure and response teams, communities cannot simply be left without answersfor days on end.”

Thelatestoutages are not isolated incidents. TygerBurger has reported

HOMES, COMPLEXES AND ENTIRE NEIGHBOURHOODS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY FORDAYS

numerous poweroutagesaffecting communities includingParklands,Table View andsurrounding areas overrecent years

LONGSTANDINGPOWERFRUSTRATIONS

In 2024, residents voiced growing frustration after repeated outages disrupted homes, businesses anddaily life forseveraldays at atime.

At the time,Cape Town MayorGeordin Hill-Lewis said the City was investing R4 billion into upgradingits electricitygrid in an efforttoimprove infrastructureand service delivery.

“This is not just aboutproviding reliable power; it’s aboutfairness andequality amongall Capetonians,”Hill-Lewis said previously.

CALLSFORCITYCONTROLOVER ELECTRICITYSUPPLY

The City has repeatedly expressed its intention to eventually distribute electricity directly to all customers in Cape Town, including those currently supplied by Eskom.

Currently, around two thirds of Cape Town’selectricitycustomers are supplied directly by the City, while Eskom services the remaining third.

Discussions between the City andEskom regarding the transfer of supply areas had reportedly reached an advanced stage before talks were halted.

The Citypreviously stated that such amovecould significantly improve

reliability andservice delivery for residentswho havestruggled with recurring outages for years.

PLANNEDMAINTENANCEALSODREWANGER

Earlierthis year, residents in Table View,Rivergate Business Parkand Parklands were left frustrated after Eskom implemented planned maintenance outageslasting up to 21 hoursover several days in February.

At thetime, manyresidents criticised thetiming and duration of the outages, sayingthe interruptions severely affected work, schooling anddaily routines.

Van derLinde said she has consistently attempted to improve communication between Eskom and residents by arrangingpublic engagements and opportunitiesfor direct interaction with Eskom leadership.

“I haveorganisedEskom pop-up

engagements for residents, created opportunities for direct interaction with Eskom representatives, and even provided aplatform at my Subcouncil for residentstoraise concerns directly with Eskom leadership, the Deputy Minister of Electricity, and the City’s Mayco member for energy, Xanthea Limberg,” she said. Despitethese efforts, she believes residentsare still being failed.

“Table View residentspay for services and deserve far better treatment than what they have experienced thisweek,” said Van der Linde.

“I will continue escalating theseconcerns and pushing for improved accountability, communication and response times from Eskom moving forward.”

At the time of print, Eskom had not responded to TygerBurger’s questions and the publication was still awaiting feedback.

Cape Town’sfour seasons in 48 hours

There is something almost theatricalabout the weather in Cape Town. It doesn’t simply change —itperforms, complete with dramatic lighting, sound effects, and just enough chaos to make everyone briefly question their life choices.

For 48 hours, the city is pushed through an entire weathersystem with verylittle warning.

Gale-force winds arrive first, pushing rain sideways across roads and turning visibility intoagrey blur.Then come the floods, the icy bite in the air, andthe constant roar of wind that makes even solid buildings feel slightly less confident than usual. And then there are the trees. Not just swaying —but uprooted. Entire trees are tornout by their roots, collapsing across roads and open spaces like nature briefly losing an argument with gravity People don’t talk about “badweather”so much as they talkabout getting through it —waiting for the next gust, the next downpour, the next reminder that the storm is still very much in charge. Then, just as suddenly as it arrived,it stops performing.

The wind drops itsintensity. The rain slows. Apatch of blue appears in the sky like someone testing the lighting system And then, almost without ceremony,the storm is gone. And this is where things get truly CapeTown. Because Cape Town has avery specific post-storm personality: complete denial.

THESTORMDOESN’T FADEAWAY—ITGETS SOCIALLYIGNORED.

Within hours, the same city thatwas dealingwith uprooted trees,flooded roads andflying debris begins behaving as if nothing remotely dramaticjust happened As if the previous 48 hours were just a slightly intense dream everyone agreed not to talk about. It is almostimpressive The storm doesn’t fade away —itgets socially ignored. One moment residents are navigating blocked roads and dodging fallen branches. The next, they are discussing weekend plans infull sunlight, with the confidenceofpeople who did not just survive what can only be describedas nature’s aggressive reminder. Lion's Head suddenly becomes apopular suggestion again, as if it wasn’tjust partially hidden behind horizontal rain a day earlier.The coastline follows the same pattern. Beaches refill quickly, even if the sand is still damp and the oceanhasn’t fullyrecovered from itsown moodswing Jackets disappear. Sunglasses return. Iced drinks are ordered with surprising optimism.

Coffee shops reopen their outdoorseating like nothinghappened. Conversations shift from “Did you see that tree comedown”? to “Whatabeautiful day forawalk”. Andthat is the most Cape Town thing of all —not the storm itself, but the speed at which it is mentally deleted.

And yet, within aday or two, it is treated as adistant inconvenience —something that almost happened in another version of the city. Almost like it triedtodo serious damage… and the city politely decided not to remember it thatway

That is thestrange rhythmoflife in Cape Town:extreme weather followed immediately by extreme optimism No slow recovery. No lingering drama. Just areboot. And by Wednesday morning, the same people who were dodging uprooted trees and sandbagging their driveways were posting sunrise selfies from Bloubergstrand beach, acting like the last 48 hours didn’t try to kill us —just briefly interruptedthe weather forecast.

-KAILINDANIELS

Kommentaar // Comments

NEWERA FORSANAVY: Captain ZaneleMadibamade history at NavalBaseSimon’sTownasthe firstwoman to command aValourClass Frigateduring theSAS AmatolaChangeofCommand Parade on Thursday14May.The ceremonymarked the transferofleadership of SASAmatolaand SASKINGShakaZulu,attended by senior navalofficialsand defencerepresentatives.Madiba’sappointmentwas hailed as amajor milestone in thetransformation of the South African Navy.Pictured theSA Navy sailors saluting their Outgoing OfficerCommanding of SASAmatola,Captain Dieter Jones,asasign of respect during theceremony

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