Massiveindustrialfireprevented
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Afierce warehouse fire in Montague Gardens on Thursday 13 November nearly escalated into a large-scale industrial catastrophe, but swift action by City firefighters halted the blaze before it could spread to neighbouring factories Multiple fire engines, water tankers and an aerial platform were dispatched after a distress call reported a factory fire in the busy industrial area
City Mayco member for Safety and Security JP Smith praised the crews for their rapid and coordinated response “Our firefighters knew they had to get on top of things quickly Their actions prevented what would have been a devastating economic setback for the area ”
FASTRESPONSESTOPSFIREFROMSPREADING
When the first firefighting crews arrived they found a warehouse “well alight”, with flames towering behind high structural walls and neighbouring businesses directly at risk Firefighters immediately began their attack while calling for additional resources, including water tankers and one of the City’s specialised aerial platform trucks
After the aerial platform arrived firefighters were lifted above the burning structure Thousands of litres of water were blasted into the blaze using the powerful mounted turret, helping to contain the fire from above At the same time teams attacked the flames from six different sides at ground level
Smith said the combined approach was critical “Having the capacity to fight from both the ground and the sky gives us an enormous advantage in situations such
FIREFIGHTERS PREVENT FLAMES FROM SPREADING TO NEIGHBOURING FACTORIES
as these It’s exactly why our continual investment in specialised fire equipment matters ”
OVERNIGHTBATTLESAVESANENTIREINDUSTRIALBLOCK
Despite the scale of the blaze firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to any neighbouring factories Crews worked throughout the night, continuing dampening-down operations until first light to prevent flare-ups
According to Smith the stakes were high “The economic impact of losing a factory goes far beyond the immediate damage Jobs, livelihoods and long-term stability are all at risk Keeping those businesses safe helps keep Cape Town working ”
He added that the City’s focus on ensuring adequate fire engines, water tankers and advanced tools like aerial platforms has been crucial to protecting the local economy “Our investments in fire and rescue directly support Cape Town’s position as the metro with the lowest unemployment rate in the country ”
BUSINESSOWNERSPRAISEFIREFIGHTERS’ ACTIONS
Several business owners in the area expressed relief and gratitude after firefighters stopped the fire from engulfing nearby properties
“We honestly thought we were going to lose everything,” said Mark Cummings, who owns a neighbouring warehouse
“The firefighters arrived fast and fought
like champions If that fire had spread just a few metres more, my workshop would be gone Their teamwork saved our livelihoods ”
“The aerial platform was incredible to watch in action,” said Herman Pieters, whose business is nearby “Without it I think the whole block would have been wiped out ”
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service continued to monitor the site for any flareups last week while investigators assessed the cause of the blaze
Flames rise high above the walls of the warehouse
Firefighters battle a massive warehouse blaze in
Antivenomisbackinstock
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO
ZA
South Africa has taken a major step towards resolving its antivenom crisis, with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) announcing the release of the first newly-produced batch of snake antivenom after more than a year of critically-low supplies Antivenom reserves have been depleted since mid-2024, with the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) confirming in October that it was unable to manufacture any doses The shortage stemmed from electricity supply challenges and necessary
infrastructure upgrades at the SAVP facility South Africa’s sole antivenom producer
The NHLS restarted production in early September and has since produced 435 units of polyvalent antivenom, which is effective against multiple snake toxins This first batch marks a positive shift after months of strained emergency care resources
WHYANTIVENOMMATTERS
Producing antivenom is a highly specialised, time-intensive process that requires meticulous quality control to ensure the safety and efficacy of every vial According to the African Snakebite Institute (ASI), South Africa records around 4 000 snakebites each year, leading to approximately 900 hospitalisations Only about 3% of victims require antivenom
but for those who do, it is often lifesaving Without access to antivenom, severe envenomation can rapidly result in organ failure or death, making reliable supply crucial for both rural and urban healthcare facilities
As temperatures rise, the country enters peak snake season a time when encounters with snakes become far more common Warmer weather draws snakes out to hunt, bask and search for water, increasing the likelihood of crossings with hikers, gardeners and residents in suburban areas Experts urge the public to stay alert, keep pets close, and avoid attempting to handle or kill snakes, as most bites occur when people try to
DrivebringsIDstothecommunity
KAILINDANIELS
KA LIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Melkbosstrand residents have finally regained access to vital social grants thanks to a collaborative drive led by the local police, the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, and Home Affairs, which brought mobile ID units directly to the community
Over the past week, the Melkbosstrand police, in partnership with the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum and the Department of Home Affairs, worked together to help residents obtain IDs a vital step in allowing many to access their South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants and other essential services
According to the Melkbosstrand Community Police Forum (CPF) the initiative was born from community feedback highlighting that several residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, were struggling to collect their social grants because they did not have valid IDs
In response, the police and the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum reached out to Home Affairs, who swiftly deployed two mobile offices to the area Over a two-day
period, nearly 220 residents were assisted with new or replacement ID applications an outcome that has made a tangible difference in the lives of many COMMUNITYSERVICE
Trevor Courtney, chair of the Melkbosstrand CPF, praised the initiative, describing it as “an inspiring example of proactive community service and interdepartmental cooperation”
“We extend our utmost gratitude to Melkbosstrand police and the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum for their outstanding initiative in addressing a pressing issue affecting our community,”
Courtney said “Through their collaboration with Home Affairs, hundreds of residents many of whom were previously unable to access their rightful Sassa grants have now been empowered to do so This initiative has also benefited our youth, with several students taking the opportunity to obtain their first IDs ”
Courtney also expressed appreciation to members of the HumanityHeal Foundation, who stepped in to assist residents without bank accounts by offering the use of their cards to facilitate grant payments
“Their kindness ensured that no one was left behind,” he added “This is what community spirit looks like people coming together to help one another in practical, meaningful ways ”
COMMUNITYUPLIFTMENTINACTION
The initiative, held at a local venue in Melkbosstrand, saw long queues of residents patiently waiting to be assisted by Home Affairs staff
Many expressed relief and gratitude for finally being able to take this crucial administrative step
Local organisations have hailed the effort as an example of what can be achieved when law enforcement, faith-based groups, and government departments work hand-in-hand The CPF said it hopes to build on this momentum to address other social challenges facing the area, including unemployment and youth support
“The success of this initiative shows the power of unity,” Courtney said “When we work together with compassion and purpose, we can truly uplift our community ”
RESIDENTSAREGRATEFUL
Martha van der Merwe (68), a resident, said: "I’ve been waiting for months to get my ID replaced Without it, I couldn’t collect my grant I’m so thankful to
“I’vebeenwaitingformonthstoget myIDreplaced”
- Martha van der Merwe
everyone who made this possible now I can finally breathe easier "
Lorraine Davids (45) said: "It’s good to see the police and CPF involved in more than just policing they really care about people here It shows that they want to help us live better lives "
Pieter van der Westhuizen (72) said: "Home Affairs coming to us made such a difference Many of us can’t travel far or afford transport, so this meant everything It’s a blessing for our community "
THINKING OUT LOUD
Ek ‘like’ my job
Dit was nooit my droom om ‘n joernalis te word nie Hoewel lees en skryf altyd deel van ons familie-gene was, het ek dit nooit oorweeg om ‘n nuusskrywer te word nie In ons huis was koerante en tydskrifte lees verpligtend, maar dit was nie ‘n beroepskeuse nie My mense was mynwerkers Ek onthou hoe my pa elke Sondag die Rapport se verskillende afdelings aan ons uitgedeel het My een broer lees eers die sport, ek die tydskrif, my pa die sake en my ander broer die Kaap Rapport ens As jy klaar is dan gee jy maar aan Een van ons vriende, Romeo, het nie gehou van lees nie Hy het Sondae gesit en televisie kyk terwyl ons lees Wanneer ons klaar is, het hy altyd gevra: “Wat sê die papers?”
Nou dwaal ek af, want ek wou eintlik praat oor hoe ek nie eintlik ‘n joernalis wou word nie Ek wou ‘n skrywer word, want dit was die ding wat die maklikste vir my gekom het Maar ek wou nie nuus skryf nie Ek wou stories vertel met helde in en gelukkige eindes en mooi meisies Stories waarin net die bad guys seerkry en kinders kan speel sonder die vrees om seergemaak te word Waar mense in vrede saam lewe Toe beland ek in die joernalistiek Omdat ek van ‘n klein dorpie af kom, was ek baie beskerm teen die wreedheid van die lewe Toe ek vir koerante begin werk het ek, ‘n arme protestante laaitie, besef boosheid is oral rondom ons En dit is so algemeen dat sommige koerante nie eens meer daaroor wil skryf nie
DIEJOERNALISTIEKHETMYSO BAIEDIEAFGELOPE24JAAR GELEER,MAAREENVANEEN VANDIEGROOTSTELESSEIS DATEKBITTERMINMENSE MOETVERTROU.ENDAARIN LÊMYPROBLEEM.
Ek kan nie eens meer onthou hoeveel stories ek al oor moorde en verkragtings geskryf het nie Daar is maklik niks waaroor ek nog nie berig het nie, maar steeds voel ek iets gaan binne-in my dood as ek hoor van ‘n kind wat leed aangedoen is Dan wonder ek hoe boos moet jy wees om ‘n weerlose kind skade aan te doen? Deesdae as ek ‘n man en ‘n jong kind saam sien, kyk ek na die kleinste detail Watter kleur klere het hulle aan Hoe lyk die man? Hoe stap hy? Het die kind kenmerke waaraan sy uitgeken kan word? Ek doen al hierdie dinge omdat my kop vir my sê dat ek binnekort oor hierdie kind moet skryf
Die joernalistiek het my so baie die afgelope 24 jaar geleer, maar een van die grootste lesse is dat ek bitter min mense moet vertrou En daarin lê my probleem Ek wil nie so wees nie, want ek hou baie van mense My vrou sê altyd sy weet wanneer ek lanklaas ander mense gesien het, want ek begin kriewelrig raak Maar my vertroue in die mensdom is geskaad Ek kry onlangs ‘n oproep van iemand wat my liederlik uittrap en sê joernaliste is die skuim van die aarde Hy was nie tevrede met iets wat ek geskryf het nie Nadat hy al sy woede uitgeskel het, vra ek hom: “Hou jy van mense?”
Hy aarsel aan die ander kant van die lyn en sê: “Ek hou baie van mense, maar joernaliste is mos nie mense nie ” Ons albei raak toe vir ‘n oomblik stil en ek bars uit van die lag Die volgende oomblik toe lag die oom ook En toe lag ons saam Toe besef ek, ek like nogal my job - BRENDEN RUITER
kontant vir enige huis-houdelike goed klere, skoene, beddegoed, gordyne, speelgoed, oudhede, juweliersware - goud, breekgoed, potte, elektroniese ware. MEUBELS yskaste, beddens, Sitkamerstelle, tv's (en
ygerburger co za
Action heats up ahead of SA20
If the cricket played over the weekend by the local franchises and the Proteas is an indication of what cricket lovers can expect when the SA20 starts on Friday 26 December, they are not only in for incredible action but for chills, thrills and sitting on the edge of their seats at the different venues.
The Proteas under the leadership of Temba Bavuma beat India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata by 30 runs and broke a 15-year drought in the first of two tests in India.
Bavuma's 55* and his partnership with Corbin Bosch (bowler) laid the foundation for the historic win.
Simon Harmer's off-spin bowling helped him to pocket four wickets in each innings to finish with 8/51 runs.
He was assisted by Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen, who both took two wickets each.
Locally, Western Province and Boland were victorious in their respective T20 Challenge matches against the Dolphins.
Boland took on the side from Durban on Friday 14 November and WP played hosts to them on Sunday 16 November
At Newlands it was a double-header as the ladies were also in action and both
WP sides pocketed the wins
WP men won by five wickets and the best bowler was Mbulelo Dube who claimed 4/26 in his four overs to lead the attack.
By accumalating 43 runs Joshua van Heerden's bat did the talking by dispatching balls to all corners of Newlands In the Women Pro20 match WP won by 27 runs.
Faye Tunnicliffe (83) and Dane van Niekerk (51) combined to post and imposing 187/3 in their 20 overs.
Despite a valiant effort from Alex Candler, who top-scored with 89, the Dolphins Ladies fell short and could only score 160 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
On Friday, dramatic scenes unfolded at Boland Park as Boland and Dolphins required a second Super Over to separate them. Both teams finished on 134 after their 20 overs, and remained deadlock with seven runs a piece in the first Super Over Cricket lovers will be spoiled for choice when the Proteas return to their different franchises for the SA20, when MI Cape Town will defend their title . Tickets for the season four of SA20 are available at Ticketpro.
Durbanville en Bellville is kampioene
Die junior krieketspanne van die Hoërskole Durbanville en Bellville is ná verlede week se eindstryde vanjaar se kampioene in die WP se noordelikle stadsgebiede Durbanville (110/4) was met ses paaltjies die meerdere van Stellenberg (109) in die o 15-eindstryd nadat Francois Hugo (52*) nie genoegsame steun van Stellenberg se ander kolwers gekry het nie
Die boulers het die botoon gevoer in die o 14-eindstryd waar HS Bellville (73/7) mooi moes walgooi om Durbanville (70) te klop Vroegdag het Hendrico Viljoen (5/14) die Durbie-kolwers laat kleitrap en in Bellville se kolfbeurt was dit Herman Malherbe (4/17) wat Bellville se kolwers laat skarrel het -SARELBURGER
Krieketspan moes kophou
Durbanville se Premierligakrieketspan moes die afgelope Saterdag mooi kop hou om sy segetog voort te sit Nadat die Durbies net 134 lopies teen Victoria-klub bymekaar kon skraap, het hulle deur middel van die boulers Benjamin Ward (4/42) en Bradley Peterson (3/20) teruggeveg en Victoria vir net 100 lopies uuitgeboender Vroeër was Ruben Senekal (44) Durbanville se beste kolwer
Cody Nieuwoudt (98) en Denver Kleu (56) was aan die voorpunt van Brackenfell (227/4) se sespaaltjie-sege oor die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland (226) vir wie Kai Curran (83) vroegdag mooi op stryk was Rushdi Jappie (4/42) was die Brakke se suksesvolste bouler Bellville (186) het die onderspit gedelf teen Rondebosch (235) nadat Marcus Fourie (46) en Leon van Vuuren (44*) se spanmaats hulle in die steek gelaat het -SARELBURGER
