TygerBurger | Table View | E-edition | 22 April 2026

WHAT’S ON /WAT IS WAAR

WEDNESDAY22APRIL

. Durbanville Heritage Societypresents its annual meeting at 18:30 in the hallofStellenbergDutch ReformedChurchinEdelweiss Way, Eversdal. Theguest speaker, Marius Breytenbach, will discuss the topic "TheearliestTygerberg farmsand their significance" Breytenbach has completed hisPhD research on the earliestTygerbergfarms and willsharethoughtson his experience and findings during the evening. Visit www.durbanvilleheritage.co.za.

THURSDAY23APRIL

. TheR5booksaleatthe DurbanvilleChildren's Homewilltakeplace on Thursday 23 Apriland Friday 24 Aprilfrom09:00 to 15:00 and Saturday 25 April from 09:00 to 13:00atthe receptionarea. Therewill be alarge selectionoffiction, non-fiction, coffee-table andchildren's books, as well as CDs and DVDs.Card facilitieswillbeavailable

FRIDAY24APRIL

. Thepopular Alta du Toit Centregift is hosted at the centrefrom24April to 2May.The autumnmarketwill featureanexpanded rangeofvendorsand products, withall proceeds supportingthe upkeepand running of the Alta du Toit Centrewhilsthelping to uplift the livesofits residents.Visitorscan browse freshly bakedgoodsand confectionery,homemadejamsand preserves,uniquehome and garden décorincluding popularbraaibroeke,artwork,and pet treats. The market willbeopen on weekdays from 10:00to18:00 and weekendsfrom10:00to15:00. Contact Lieze de Wit, market organiser, at 072168 1716 formore information.

SATURDAY25APRIL

. Asecond-hand book sale will be held at the EdgemeadLibraryonSaturday, 25 April.The sale starts at 09:00 until12:00 and is hosted by the Friendsof EdgemeadLibrary. Alarge selection of donatedadult andchildren’s fiction andnon-fictionbooks as well as CDs, DVDs and magazines will be forsale. Prices rangefromR5upwards peritem. Card paymentsare accepted forpurchasesofR50 and over.

.Join Save aFishieand the Cape West GirlGuides foranEarth Daybeach clean-up at Lagoon Beach, Milnerton. Theclean-up will startat09:00,with glovesprovided to volunteers.Organisers encourage communitymembers to bring friends and family.

SUNDAY26APRIL

. Edgemead’slargest indoor second-hand market is taking place thisSunday26April at the Edgemead CommunityHall. Themarket starts at 08:00 until 14:00. Allsorts of second-hand household,collectablesand othergoods willbeonsale, bric-a-brac, prel-ovedclothing items, and much more. Thehallis locatedat83EdgemeadDrive,Edgemead. Fordetails call MaureenWatkins on 083441 0015

TUESDAY28APRIL

. TheEgyptian Society of South Africa willhostits next meeting at St George's GrammarSchool in Mowbray on Tuesday28April at 19:30. Guestspeaker Prof Sebastianvan As will present alecture titled "The NurtureofChildren in Ancient Egypt",offeringinsight intochildhood practicesand upbringing in one of history's oldestcivilisations. Entryisfreefor members, whilevisitors payR30.Refreshments willbeavailable at acostof R10. Booking is not required,and secure parking is available on the schoolgrounds.For more information, contact 021852 7273 or 084774 3972

WOENSDAG29APRIL

. Die gevierde skrywer Réna Rauch se nuutsteroman, Beauty,wordom10:30 in Welgemoedbekendgestel Belangstellendeskan by MarietaNel by 084 511 1931 hulplekbespreek.

SATURDAY2MAY

. TheCapeTownGem and MineralClub'snextopen daytakes placefrom10:00 to 14:00 at 14aGoede HoopSt, Bothasig. Entryisfree. Learnmoreabout the hobbyofcrystals, gems, and mineral specimen collecting, and relatedcraftwork.Plentyofoff-road parking.Food available. Allwelcome,especially children

.Ahisha Samson from Brackenfellwilllaunch her debutpoetrycollection So deur dielewe/Along Life's Path atthe Durbanville Library. In her poetry Ahisha sharesher personaljourneythrough life, socio-economic challenges,her faith and growth as awomanofcolour. Thebooklaunch starts at 10:00 for10:30 ending at 12:00. Contact Ahisha Samson on ahishasamson28@gmail.comwith enquiries

SATURDAY30MAY

. TheDianna JacksonFoundationwillhosta CommunityMarketDay from 10:00to15:00atthe SummerGreens Community Centre, 22 TinkersRoad, SummerGreens. Theevent will featurelocal vendors, food stalls,handmadecrafts, fashion, musicand family-friendlyentertainment. Free entry.For more informationcontactCJJackson on WhatsApp 072 8301966.

Lastcallforschool applications

Parents in the Western Cape who missed the initialdeadlinefor school applications still have time to secure aplace fortheir children in Grade R, 1and 8for next year, butthey need to act fast.

The provincial education department announcedthatlateonline applications will closeonSunday 17 May, giving families who missed the original 14 April deadline afinal opportunity to apply for the2027 school year.

The on-time application window, which closed at midnighton14April, received an impressive 166 144 applications from parents acrossthe province.

Thedepartment hasthanked these familiesfor their responsibility in applyingontime,whichhelps with planning andplacement processes.

Parents whosubmitlateapplications should be aware that these will only be considered after all on-time applications have been processed by schools.

WHATHAPPENSNEXTFORAPPLICANTS?

Schoolsare nowbusy applying their admissionpolicies to all applications received during the on-time window. Parentscan expect to receive outcomes from 28 Mayonwards through the online system.

Those who receive offers have until15 June to confirm theirchoice of school.

Theprovincial education department said parents who receive multiple offers but fail to select one by the deadline will automatically be placed at their highestranked choice.

FROMPAGE1

In additiontocrime,residents have raised concernsabout the expansion of informal settlements nearSiyahlala and Pioneer Valley into theTable Bay Nature Reserve.

The encroachment,particularly along theDiepRiver floodplain, has reportedly resultedinpollution, habitat disruption and increasedsafety risks, with residents claiming thatcriminals are able to use theseareas to evade detection.

Mills confirmed that the City is aware of theissue,noting that acourt interdict hasbeengranted to prevent further occupation of theland.

He said discussions with human settlementsauthorities are ongoing to find longer-term solutions.

The area hasalso seen incidents of theft, including damage to municipal infrastructure suchasfencing along stormwaterfacilitiesbordering the reserve

COMMUNITYDEMANDSACCOUNTABILITY

Residentsare nowcalling for urgent, coordinated action from authorities, including increased police patrols in identified hotspots, stronger engagement

For families needing to transfer children in grades 2to7or9 to 12 due to relocation, aseparate transfer window will open from 3August to 17 August.

IMPORTANTREMINDERS

Theeducation department emphasises the importance of keeping contact details updated throughout the process to ensure parents receive notification of application outcomes.

Thedepartment has praised parents, school management teams and officials for ensuring the on-time admissions process ran smoothly, and will continue to provide reminders of important dates as they approach. Applications can be submitted online through the department’s website until the 17 May deadline.

. Parentswithqueriesabout admissions should contact thedepartment's call centre on 0861819 919.

with the community policing forum and improved collaboration between law enforcement and private security.

Questions have also been directed at local leadership, with residentsseeking clarity on what steps are being taken to address crime in the ward.

“We need visible action, coordination and accountability,” one resident said. While ongoing infrastructure upgrades and long-term development plans have been noted, residentsargue that immediatesafety concerns must take priority.

Parklands remains one of the fastestgrowing areas in Cape Town, but residents warn that without decisive intervention, the area risksfurther decline in safety and stability.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential long-term impact on property values and the overall quality of life.

Despite the challenges, residentssay they remain committed to the area and believe it can be restored to asafer environment —but only if meaningful action is taken.

“Parklands is abeautiful area,”a resident said. “But we cannot pretend everything is fine when it clearly is not.”

MilnertonLagoondredgingplan

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Plans to restore the MilnertonLagoon are gaining momentum, but agrowing concern fromresidents and environmental voices is whether keyinterventions,particularly dredging, could do more harm than good

Whilethe City of Cape Town said its multi-pronged strategy was already improving water quality andreducing odours some locals feared the proposed dredging could permanently alter the lagoon’s character

Gregory Nortje, an architect who lived along the lagoon on Woodbridge Island for three decades, said thecurrent dredging proposal had not been fully thought through.

The City planned to dredge anarrow central channel and depositsludgealong the banks, forming raised mudberms.

Nortjewarned this could transform the lagoon dramatically.

“This beautiful wide body of water will be reducedtoanugly, muddy thing that no-one wants.”

He added that the sludge banks,likely to consist of sewer-contaminated material, couldpose both ahealth risk and an environmental concern.

“The banks will most likely smell and be ahealth hazard as they are full ofbacteria andsewer solid remnants.”

Residents were not opposing the project outright, he said, butare calling foradelay until other infrastructure upgrades are completed andalternative disposal methods for dredged materialare explored.

CALLFORDELAYANDRECONSIDERATION

According to Nortje both residents and

PANORAMA PALMS

ParklandsCollegebeats40schools

Parklands College claimedtop honours at the first-ever Metro Interschools Life Sciences Challenge, hostedbythe Metro Eastand Metro NorthEducation Districts on Saturday, 18 April at De Kuilen HighSchoolin Kuils River.

Teams from 41 schools participated,with Malibu High School finishing second, followed by Melkbosstrand and Stellenberg sharing third place.

The brainchildofJeremy Dietsiso, viceprincipal and life sciences teacher atDe Kuilen, the competition aimed to foster academic excellence among grade 10 to 12 life sciences learners. “The aim ofthe competition is to show that science is fun,”said Dietsiso. “We want to cultivate alove for science amongst our learners.”

Each team consisted of sixlearnersfrom grades 10 to 12, with amaximumoftwo grade12learners per team. Schools held preliminaryassessments in March to select their representatives for Saturday’s finals.

The competition focused on strengthening learners’ competencies in terminology usage, scientific concept analysis, and understandinglife sciences applicationsineveryday lifeand indigenous knowledge.

Team member Alexa-Rose Schreuder described how thecompetitionbegan with arapid-fire round where one learner from each school answered questions on the spot. “When it was our turn, Jenna Simpson, agrade 11 learner,confidently tackled adifficult question, earning us our first points,” Schreuder said.

Teams were later divided into pairs and rotated between stations testing practical skillsand identification abilities.“With

41 TEAMS COMPETE IN INAUGURAL LIFE SCIENCESCHALLENGE

two matricstudents andfourgrade 11s, we paired agrade 11 with amatric at keystations to maximiseour combined knowledge,”Schreudernoted

After the rounds, learnersenjoyed a mealcatered by Gift of the Givers before results wereannounced

Parklands College life sciences teacher

Jolandi Gibson said her learners were extremely proud to compete in thewellexecuted event, particularly excited by the largetrophy and the energy throughout.

“MrDietsiso deserves immense credit fororganisingsucha seamless inaugural competition,providing astimulating environmentthatallowed learners to shine across various testing formats,” Gibson said. “His dedication hasset a high barfor thefuture, leaving thelife sciences community eager for next year’s competition.”

Young talent brings ShakespearetolifeatBaxter

The16th ShakespeareSchools FestivalSouth Africa is settoelectrify the Baxter Theatrefrom6to23 May.

What sets this festival apartisits boldapproach to Shakespeare's timeless works. Learner performers,manysteppingontoa professional stagefor the first time,transform full-length playsintodynamic 30 to 45-minuteproductions. Theresult is fastpaced, inventivetheatrethat keepsShakespeare's spirit alivewhilemaking his stories accessibleand engaging formodern audiences.

"This festival is morethan just ashowcaseof talent,it'sacelebrationofcreativity, courage, and thepowerofyoung voices to inspirechangeand connect communities," says festival founder Kseniya Filinova

DIVERSEVOICESTAKECENTRESTAGE

This year's Cape Town programmefeatures42 schools, each bringing their uniqueinterpretation

andstyle to the stage. Thelineupincludes excitingnewcomers like Italianschool SocietàDante Alighieri,presenting Romeo andJuliet in Italian, alongside PaarlSchool joining thefestivalfamily for thefirst time

Returningparticipants include De La BatSchool, Pioneer School, and VistaNova, creating avibrant communitythat celebrates diversetalents, perspectivesand experiences

Audiences canexpect unexpected twists,modern spinsonclassic tales, andplentyofcreativerisk-taking.

Whetherit'sa contemporary Romeo andJuliet or avisuallystriking Macbeth,these productionsprove Shakespeare is farfromoutdated.

Performancesrun MondaytoSaturday, starting at 19:00. Ticketsrange from R75 to R150 and are availableatWebtickets.

. Visitwww.ssfsa.co.zafor detailed performance dates andparticipating schools.

Indiandanceonstage atSuidoosterfees

Taare, aCape Town-based Indian dance performance troupe,willbring their newest danceproduction, TheBollywood Times,to Artscape on Saturday2May as part of theSuidoosterfees

Foundedbyartistic director Ahneesh Valodia in 2012,Taarewas established to create aplatform forboth emergingand experienced dancers to contribute theirskills to theenrichmentofthe greatercommunity. Taarehas builta reputation for vibrant storytelling throughthe promotionofthe Indian performingarts, blending theatrical concepts with thecolour and energy of Bollywood music and dance.

IMAGINATIVEPRODUCTIONS

Over theyears,the companyhas staged imaginative productionssuchas TheTaare Express When DancersUnite, Kismet, Anjali in Wonderland,and The BollywoodBazaar,eachexploring unique themes throughdance,cross-cultural collaborativework, and theatrical storytelling.

Celebrating 14 yearsofdance,the company continues to foster asupportiveand inclusive environment forits members,encouragingthem to sharetheir unique stories and talents. "The troupe is morethanjustadance group; it is afamilythat nurtures creativity,passion,and lifelong connections," Valodiasaid.

BOLLYWOOD TIMESSET FOR ARTSCAPE STAGEON2 MAY

DANCEGENRES

TheBollywood Times marksTaare’s 12th dance productionand itsfifthcollaboration withthe Suidoosterfees, one of South Africa’s leading arts festivalsthat celebrates diversetheatre,music, anddancewhileshowcasing bothemergingand established artists

Fresh off thepress, TheBollywood Times is an 90-minutedancespectacular staged within a bustling newspaper office.Asheadlines andstories come to life from thepages, audiences aretaken on ajourneythrough different emotions, events, and culturalinfluences.

TheproductionfeaturesTaare’s signaturestorytelling stylewhileincorporating an rangeofdance genres. Alongside traditional Indian andmodern Bollywood dancestyles, audiences willexperience elementsofballet, contemporary, flamenco, African dance, jive,modern, hip-hop,and belly dance, creating avisually rich andhigh-energy theatrical experience.

TheBollywood Times hastwo performanceson Saturday 2May,atArtscape,at17:30 and20:30 . Book at Webtickets

. Krismisvan Map Jacobs is tot24April in die Kunstekaap-teater te sien. Die dramaspeel af ná die gedwongeverskuiwingsuit Kaapstad na dieKaapse Vlakte.Kaartjies kosR80 by Webtickets.

. Nianell: ASong That's YetUnsung is at DieBoer theatre in Durbanville on Friday24April at 20:30. Ticketsare R260. Bookatwww.dieboer.comoron021 9791911.

. YouShouldGoIn is at TheBaxter's Masambe Theatre until 25 April. Amoving newdrama about family, abandonment and the difficult road to forgiveness. Theplayexplores self-worth, broken bondsand whether some wounds ever trulyheal, even when love returns. TicketsatWebtickets.

. mAnJE!MaNJe (an epic)runs at TheBaxter Flipside until 25 April. Astriking and imaginative production thatdraws on the storyofDaedalus to reflect on the human condition in the ageofthe machine,big data and climatecatastrophe.R120early-birdspecialfor performances from 17 to 21 April.TicketsatWebtickets.

. DieRadio Kalahari OrkestreeopSaterdag25April om 20:30enSondag 26 April om 14:00 in DieBoer-teaterrestaurant op.Kaartjies kosR280.Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021979 1911.

. TheBannedperformsthe greatest hitsofCreedenceand Smokie at the Edgemead Bowling Club on Sunday26April from 15:00.Diego De Abreuwillopen the show. Food available and drinksatclubprices. Entrycosts R70. To book your spotfor the show, call 061490 1694

. Thecultmusical TheRockyHorrorShow is at Theatreonthe BayinCampsBay currently until31 May. Theproduction is ratedPG16. Ticketsstart from R200. BookatWebticketsorthe theatre's boxoffice on 021438 3300

. SONDA(StateOfthe National DisAster) is at Black BoxTheatre in DelftonSunday 26 April at 14:00 and 17:00.TicketscostR70 at Webtickets.

. Hatched Ensemble is at TheBaxter'sPam Golding TheatreonWednesday29and Thursday30April. This choreographic piecefeatures 10 ballet-trained dancers from different ethnic backgrounds and interrogatestradition, identityand gender norms. Tickets at Webtickets.

. Demi LeeMoore tree op Donderdag 30 April om 20:30byHeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR220 totR260. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. TolliePartontreeopVrydag1Mei om 20:30by HeroesBrackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR180 totR220. Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Countryrock fusion and blues band Then &Now is launching their newalbum at Woodstock Breweryon Saturday2 Mayat20:00.TicketsR100 at Quicket or R250 at the door

. DieSuidoosterfees word van29April tot3Mei by dieKunstekaap-teater,die Media24-gebou en die Kaapstad-burgersentrumaangebied. Besoek www. suidoosterfees.comvir meer inligting. Krykaartjies by Webtickets.

. TheDrama LabatTable View Primarypresents Annie at the schoolfrom8 to 16 May. TicketsatQuicket . TheHuman League and Blancmangeare live at the Grand Arena,GrandWest on Tuesday12May at 19:00 TicketsatWebtickets.

. Eden tree op Saterdag 16 Mei om 20:30byHeroes Brackenfellop. Kaartjies kosR260tot R300.Bespreek by www.heroeslive.net

. Cape Town OperapresentsGeorges Bizet's Carmen, astory of passion, freedom and jealousyatArtscape from 19 to 31 May. TicketsfromR180 at Webtickets. . Boyz II Men LiveinSouthAfricaTour is at the Grand

Millionsof plantsstripped

KAILINDANIELS

KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA

Abriefing to the Western Cape Standing Committee on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has exposed the alarming scale of plant poaching, with more than 2,5 million indigenous plants seized since 2018,afigurethat reflects only a fraction of the ongoing environmental crime.

“Since 2018, more than 2,5 million poached indigenous plantshave been seized by law enforcement,”saidDave Bryant,MPP and DA Western Cape spokespersononLocal Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, “yet this represents only a fraction of what is being stripped from our landscapebyorganised criminal syndicates

“This industrial-scale theft is driving species to extinction in the wild and demandsurgent, coordinated action.”

The presentation by CapeNature highlightedhow the illegal trade in succulents and other high-value species had escalated into asophisticated internationalcriminal enterprise.

Sevenspecies and two subspeciesof Conophytum had already been lost in their natural habitatsdue to poaching, marking what officials described as anirreversible blow to South Africa’s biodiversity.

FROMCOLLECTORSTOCRIMINALSYNDICATES

What began as small-scale,opportunistic collectingbyinternationalenthusiasts has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Before 2020foreign collectors travelled

PLANT POACHINGCRISIS

SEES 2.5MILLION

Tourism plan to powerjob growth

Cape Town is setting its sights on more than 200 000 tourism-related jobs by 2030, alongside billionsinvisitor spending and asharp rise in international arrivals, the City'sMayco memberfor economicgrowth and tourism, James Vos,announced.

INDIGENOUSPLANTSSEIZED IN WESTERN CAPE

rhino horn, ivory smugglingand drug trafficking,” the briefing revealed.

High-value species suchas Clivia mirabilis are beingsmuggledthroughthe Limpopo borderdisguised as common agricultural products, suchassugar cane, to reach international markets where they canfetch 10 times their local value

“Thesesyndicates operate with precision, often deploying groups of 75 to 150 poachers in asingle night, treating ourprovince’s unique biodiversity as a

Unveilingthe City’s tourism ambitions at theopeningofWorld Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026 in Cape Townrecently, Vos positioned the City’s upcoming Tourism Framework as a"game-changer” that will define Cape Town’s next phase of growth.

The plan, currently being finalised, sets out threemajor targetsfor 2013 being 3.4 million international arrivals; R34billion in visitor spending andadoubling of tourism jobs to over200 000.

These goals, Vos indicated, are not aspirational alone, but built on strong momentum already achieved.

Since 2022, Cape Town has significantly expandedits global connectivity, growing from 184 to more than 230 international flights perweek during peak season. This has supported asteady rise in tourism employment, from just over 89 000 jobs in 2022 to more than106 000in2024, now accounting for close to 7% of the city’s workforce.

Addressingaglobal audience of tourism professionals, Vos stressed that tourism mustbeunderstood as acore economic sector

“Behind every arrival is an economic opportunity, for abusiness, for aworker, and for acommunity,”hesaid, reinforcing thelinkbetween visitor growth and job creation

He alsohighlightedthe City’s aggressive destination marketing strategy, including the“This is Cape Town”campaign, which has taken the city’s brand to 55 cities acrosssix continents. With astrong focus on conversion rather than awareness alone, the campaign hascontributed to recordpassenger numbers, with Cape

Town International Airport surpassing 11 million two-way passengers in the past year

MULTI-YEARAGREEMENT

Vos further emphasised the strategic importance of hosting WTMAfrica, confirming that Cape Town has secured the event through amulti-year agreement. With more than 100 countries represented and 8000 trade professionals actively doing business, he described the event as adirect investment intothe city’s future tourism pipeline, driving bookings, partnerships, and long-term demand. But it was the 2030 outlook that defined the tone of the address.

Vos made it clear that the next phase of tourism growth will focus not only on scale, but on impact,ensuring that more communities benefit from the visitor economy.

Theforthcoming Tourism Framework, he said, will prioritise inclusion, resilience, and sustainability, while accelerating growth across key source markets and strengthening Cape Town’s position as a leading global destination.

Join EarthDay clean-up at Lagoon Beach

Residents are invited to roll up their sleevesfor aclean-up at Lagoon Beachin Milnerton on Saturday 25 April.

HostedbySave aFishie in partnership with the Cape West Girl Guides, the initiative forms part of globalEarthDay efforts to protectthe environment and reduce pollution along the coastline.

The clean-up will start at 09:00,with gloves providedtovolunteers. Bags have been sponsored by PlasticsSA, while refreshments will be available on the day, courtesy of aQuellé.

Organisers encourage community memberstobring friends andfamily and take part in making apositive impact

Kommentaar // Comments

THINKING OUTLOUD SLICEOFLIFE

Socks,storms and stubborn summer vibes

Winter has officially arrived. Youcan feel it in theearly morning chill, see it in the grey skies rolling in,and hear it in the steady rhythm of rain against thewindows. For some, it’s aseasonto endure. For me, it’s one to embrace. There’s something deeply comforting about winter. It invites you to slow down, to trade the rush of summer for quieter moments. To wrap yourself in blankets, cradle awarm cup of coffee,and sitalittle longer beside the fireplace while the world outside turns cold and wet

But this past weekend, winter reminded us that it is not always gentle. Heavy rains battered parts of thecity, leaving floodingand damage in their wake. For many families, the season did not arrive with cosy blankets and warmdrinks, but with risingwater, soaked belongingsand uncertainty. My heart goes out to those who have been affected —especially thosewho havelost their homes or have nowhere to go. It’s astark reminder that while winter can feel magicalfor some, it canbeincredibly harsh for others. It puts things into perspective.

Because while I’mlightingafire and reaching foranotherjersey,thereare people trying to stay dry, trying to stay warm, trying to hold onto whatthey have And inside my home, winterlooks very different. My three-year-old sonisfirmly convinceditisstill summer

Every morning beginswitha negotiation —socks being the main point of contention. To him, they areunnecessary and deeply offensive. To me,they are essential. “Just try them,” Isay,holding

FORMANYFAMILIES,THE SEASONDIDNOTARRIVEWITH COSYBLANKETS...

outasmall pair. “No,” he replies, without hesitation.

Then comes the wardrobe debate. While I’m layering up, he’s pointing atshorts andT-shirts as if the weather outside is merely asuggestion. Explaining winter to atoddler is no easy task.

“It’s cold,” Itell him. “Butthe sun is there,” he says, pointing outthe window. And in his mind, that settles it. Because sun means one thing: beach.

So when Iexplain that we can’tgo, the confusionisreal. Why would anyone not go to the beach if the sun is visible? It’s a fair question —one that logic struggles to answer when you’rethree years old

After one such conversation, he paused, looked up at the sky, and asked, “Is the sun on holiday?” And just like that, winter made perfect sense.

Because that’s exactlywhatitfeels like sometimes —like the sun has taken abreak, leaving clouds, wind andrain behind.Itstill makes the occasional appearance,just enough to remind us it hasn’t disappeared entirely But it doesn’t linger. Itriedtoexplain this to him —that the sun is still there, just not as warm, not as strong.Hewasn’t convinced. In hisworld, things are simple. Warm means outside. Sun means beach. Socks are optional.

The recent flooding has reminded us how vulnerable so many people are when the rains come.And maybe that’s the balance winter asksofus— to find comfort wherewecan, while remaining aware of those who cannot. To be grateful,but not unaware. So whileIsit with mycoffeeand my blanket, and continue the daily battle oversocks, I’m holding space forboth realities. Thecosy and the difficult. The laughter and theloss.

And somewhere in between, asmall voicestill asking whether the sun will be back from holiday tomorrow. Itell him yes. Even if, for now, winterishereto stay.

BRIEWE|LETTERS

Wag togvir jou beurt

-KAILIN DANIELS

Heavyrain bringsback thepotholecrisis

As winter settlesoverCape Town once again, so too doesthe familiar and frustrating problem of potholes returntoour roads.Every year it feelslikethe same story is replayed —heavy rainsarrive, roads deteriorate, and motorists arelefttonavigateanever-growing network of craters anddamagedsurfaces

In some areas, temporary'patchwork fixes' seem to last only afew days before the damage re-emerges, often worsethanbefore. Better planning, more resilientroadmaterials, andfasterresponsetimes couldgo alongway in reducing the impact of winter damage.

ACONCERNEDMOTORIST, Email

Ek is nounet mooi keelvolvan mense se ongedulden selfsugtigheid op die pad, veralinspitsverkeer soggens op Bottelary

Onsmoetalmal ‘n sekere tydbydie werk komen, net soos 'n mensin'nwinkel in 'n ry gaan staan om te betaal,nie net summier voor ander indruk nie.Jykan mosopdie padook jou beurt afwag Die padwerke op Labellewegisnou al sedertdie begin vandie jaar aan die gang. Dit is nie 'n nuweding nie,maar vanoggend staan die ry karreopBottelary watalmal voor wil indruk amper net so lank soos die ry watindie korrekte baan geduldig moetwag —eintlik noglanger, te dankeaan al die selfsugtiges. Elkedag dieselfde storie —dieselfde voertuie wathul neusenet voor joune indruk.

ESTHER,E-pos

FalseBayandVDEintryfest

The second roundofclub rugby matches in Super League Awill be remembered for the cricket score False Bay stacked up against Van der Stel-Evergreens (VDE) in Stellenbosch. False Bay gave VDE arugby lesson by beating them 111-0 and it was acase of kick-off,three passes and atry under the poles.

Given the circumstances VDE finds themselves currentlyin, after playing the first time in Super League Alast year,this will be the trend for the rest of the season. Withanaverage age of 23 yearscombined in the thirds, seconds and firsts, it is a given they will probably drop to Super League Basone of thefour teamsnext year.

They finished seventh on the log last year and everyone was looking forward to what they will bring to the party thisyear.

VDE's record will show how they started in 2017 with the amalgamation between Evergreens from Vlottenburg and adormant Van der Stelwho played in the Grand Challenge and progressing from the Northern League in 2022 to Super League Alas year. VDE is the second teamafterStGeorges, currently playing in Super League B, to achieve this. The playerswho brought VDE to Super League Awere

FALSEBAY STACKS UP CRICKETSCORE AGAINST VANDER STEL-EVERGREENS

discarded last yearand replaced by 45 mercenaries who were contracted. Thisyear the originals preferred toplay in the regions,theirold clubs or in Boland

At the beginning of the season notonly didthe previous executive committee leave the club, the firstteam coaches, the mercenaries and the bulk of theplayers left the club for

greener pasturesaswell. The club consistedthenofonlythe u-20s fromlastyearand afew senior players. To add insult to injury the remaining two senior coaches resigned three days before the first league game against Franschhoek on Saturday 11 April. The clubhas to rebuild from scratch andfrom theretired ex-players from 2023 and2024 are nowcoming back to help

VDE to fulfil theircurrent league commitments

The match was also marred with ared card issued to each team, twoyellow cards which are an automatic red card for VDE for adeliberate knockdown when an interception went wrong, a retaliation, and astraight red for the player of FalseBay who threw the first punch.

In other matches in Super

Other results

SUPERLEAGUEB: Vineyards19-Macassar24 Young Peoples -21Bellville 35 Collegians 31 -Violets 18 AllSaints 24 -StGeorges9 Kraaifontein 20 -CPUT19 Hands &Heart 20 -Belhar30 Hamlets 33 -NTK 14 Hamediehs 26 -Goodwood 26 Super League C: Pniel-Villagers 41 -StrandUnited 5 CaledonianRoses 22 -Rangers 36 Watsonia 35 -Gardens 14 Strand 21 -Atlantis 25 Sir Lowrians 29 BusyBee 31

League AHamiltons overpowered Franschhoek by 59-8, Kuils River and Tygerberg scored the same points over Brackenfell and UWC respectively with wins of 20-16, Maties sent Primrose packing 3412 and Durbell was victorious by 32-20 over Helderberg. Hamiltons are the log leaders.

In Super League BHamediehs and Goodwood drew 26-26 and All Saintsshowed why they are the log leadersbybeating St Georges 24-9. In Super League CPnielVillagers scored the most points by beating Strand United 41-5 and are the log leaders. Busy Bee had to pull out all the stops to narrowly beat Sir Lowrians 31-29.