TygerBurger | Tygervallei | E-edition | 6 May 2026

Woensdag, 6Mei 2026 |Tel: 021 910 6500 |e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za |Website: www.tygerburger.co.za

Courtdeclares fixedcharges unlawful

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE.RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO.ZA

The Western Cape HighCourthas ruled thatthree fixed charges introduced by the City of Cape Town in its 2025-’26 budgetare unlawful, a significant victory forratepayersand civil rights organisations whochallenged the levies in court.

The chargesatthe centre of the dispute were acity-wide cleaning levy, afixed watercharge, and afixed sewerage charge introducedbythe City lastyear; and subsequently challenged in court by theSouth African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) andlater AfriForum.

The court found thatall three were calculated usingproperty value bands ratherthan beinglinked to actual service consumption,whichdoesnot comply with theConstitution, nationallegislation or theCity’s own tariff policies.

The courtfurther held that theCityhad overstepped its legal authorityinimposing thecharges. All three charges have been setaside with effectfrom 30 June this year.

The City’s counter-applications were dismissed, andthe applicants, which includedSapoa and AfriForum, were

“Therulingisnotonlysignificant forCapeTown,butalsoservesas

guidanceformunicipalitiesacross thecountry.”

—Jurie Ferreira

awarded legal costs.

AfriForum called the ruling, alandmark moment for communities across the country.

“AfriForum welcomes the court’s ruling regarding the City of Cape Town’s tariff structures. Thejudgment provides important clarity that tariffs must be structured in afair, transparent and legally compliant manner, with aclear link to actual service consumption. The ruling is not only significant for Cape Town, but also serves as guidance for municipalities across the country,” said Jurie Ferreira of AfriForum.

PROTECTINGCOMMUNITIES’RIGHTS

“This victory confirms that when communities are organised, informed and determined, the rule of law prevails,” he added.

TOPAGE2

Citytabl

Stationcallsfor volunteers

Bellville police have launched a recruitment drive for volunteers tojoin itsVictim Empowerment Programme (VEP),which offers community members the chance to provide crucial supporttocrime victims and vulnerable individuals

They seekdedicated volunteers to counsel and assist people who have been traumatised by crime, substance abuse, domestic violence, gender-based violence and homelessness.

No formal qualifications are required, making the opportunity accessible to anyone with agenuine desire to help others.

Sgt Charles Neelse, Social Crime

MATRIKULANT VANDIE JAAR-KOMPETISIE

Highlyanticipated‘vintage to be’ unveiled at soiree

talents.

The2026 vintage continues thistradition, featuring premium grapes from a prestigious lineup.

COMMUNITYCOUNSELLORS WILL BE TRAINED TO SUPPORTVICTIMS OF CRIME

PreventionCoordinator at Bellville Police Station, explained that comprehensive training would be provided to all new volunteers.

“We're looking for people who are motivated to makea difference in their community.”

Volunteers will work alongside established partners including the community-policingforum, Mosaic, Safe Space andthe Thuthuzela Care Centre

The programme also involvespublicoutreachactivities, giving volunteersthe opportunity to engage directly withthe community on prevention initiatives.

VEP coordinator Elizma Viljoen emphasised the valuable experience volunteers gain whie serving their community.

The programme offers participantsthe chance to develop skills in victim support andcrisis intervention while making a meaningful contributiontopublic safety

HOWTOAPPLY

Interested volunteers should indicate anypriorexperienceinrelated work and explain their motivation for joiningthe programme. Previous experienceisnot essential,asfull training will be provided.

. Thosewishingtoapplycan email bellvillecomm@saps.gov.zaorcontact Neelse viaWhatsApp on 082301 7661.The Bellville Police Station is locatedinVoortrekkerRoad.

The highly anticipated 2026 Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc —the signature collaborative vintage from Durbanville wine valley’s vineyards, has officially been signed offfor release.

Itsfirst public unveiling takes place at theSauvignon Soirée at Cassia Restaurant on Nitida wine farm on Friday 8May.

FIFTHCONSECUTIVEYEAR

This year marks amajor milestone as theproject celebrates its fifthconsecutive year.

This half-decade of partnership has allowed theregiontoachieve a remarkable consistencyofquality, providing consumers with afamiliar, world-class style they have come to recognise and admire.

By refiningtheir collective craft over five years, the participating winemakers havesolidified Durbanville’sreputation as the home of South Africa’s "Super Sauvignon Blanc".

Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to be amongthe first to sample this exceptionalcreation at the Durbanville Wine Valley’s exclusive Sauvignon Soirée.

Furthermore, every ticket includes theopportunity to taste awinemakers’ selection of aged sauvignon blanc wines, showcasing theageabilityofthis versatile variety.

DOMINANCEINCOOL-CLIMATEVITICULTURE

Hostedbythe 12-winery collective, the experience is theshowcase for the region’s dominance in cool-climateviticulture.

The journey of collaboration for the creation of this blend of the region’sbest began in 2022 with the goal of combining thefinest fruit from across the valley with theregion’s mostformidable winemaking

WINEEMBODIESVALUES

Theresponsibility for the final blend was entrusted to Diemersdal, an estate internationally acclaimed for itsmastery of the variety.

Winemaker Juandré Bruwer oversaw the blending process, while respected veteran winemaker Charles Hopkins of De Grendel led the panel of participating wineries during the preparatory tastings.

It’saparticularly exciting time for the region.

Notonly does the 2026 vintage arrive, backed by ahistory of high-level local and international awards, but, according to Bruwer, the collaboration represents the region’svery heartbeat. He notes that the project is atestament to aprogressive community dedicated to mutual support, resulting in awine that embodies the soils, personalities, and values of Durbanville.

Therelease of the new vintage is timed to coincide with International Sauvignon Blanc Day on May 1, aday when enthusiasts worldwide celebrate the variety.

After five years of meticulous production, the Durbanville collaboration stands as apremier example of what can be achieved through shared vision and a commitment to excellence, he said.

TheSauvignon Soirée will be presented from 17:00 to 20:00. Tickets cost R260 per person.

Each ticket includes unlimited tastings from 12 Durbanville wine farms, three canapés by Cassia Restaurant, and live music by Jan-Hendrik Fourie. . Earlybooking is essential. Book at Quicket.

Wyegeleentheid wagopdié watinskryf

SISKAMARTIN

Vir meer as 40 jaar maak die Matrikulantvan dieJaarkompetisie'nverskil in die lewe vanhonderde jong mense wat hulloopbaan aan dieUniversiteit vandie Vrystaat (UV) begin het.

Vanjaar saldit nieanderswees niemet die45stekompetisiewat vandeesweek begin.

Dit is nienet diebekendstelling vandie 2026-kompetisienie;die UV is ookopgewonde om NovusMedia as nuwe mediavennootvir die kompetisieteverwelkom.

NovusMedia, 'n filiaal vanNovus Holdings, het'n nasionale voetspoor van36 gratis gemeenskapskoerante,'n nasionale koerant, DiePapier, en 'n sterkdigitale en sosialemediateenwoordigheid

Alle artikels oor diekompetisie salinhierdie gedrukte publikasies gepubliseer word,asook op hul webwerwe, bykomend daartoe datdit gratis gelees kanwordop novanews.co.za

Weer kanveelsydige matrikulante vanoor dieland heen hulself inskryf virdie kompetisie, watverlede jaar gewenisdeur KiaraSubramanian,'nvoormalige leerder aan dieEunice High School in Bloemfontein.

Kiarasêsysal altyd dankbaar wees datsydie kompetisiegewen het. "Nie netoor dietitel nie, maar oor diemense watdit in my lewe gebring het," verduidelik sy "Dit hetmyinstaat gestel om metinspirerende, vriendelikeen doelgerigteindividuekontakte maak, waarvan baie nou saam met

Dievisekanselier en rektor vandie UV,prof. Hester Klopper,issaam metKiara Subramanian, die 2025-wenner vandie Matrikulantvan die Jaar-kompetisie

FOTO:CHARL DEVENISH

my diepad vanmediese studie stap."

Virhaar hetdit veel meer betekenisvol as net'nkompetisie geword –dit behelsook vriendskappe, ondersteuningen'n gedeeldebegrip dat"onsalmal na iets groterasonsselfgestreefhet".

"Asekterugkyk, dinkekwat diekompetisie my werklik geleer

het, is diebelangrikheidvan verbondenheidenaanmoediging. "Dit hetmygewys hoe kragtigdit is om omring te wees deurmense watjou ophef en motiveer."

SÓSKRYFJYIN

Matrikulante vanoor dieland heen watleiersenpresteerdersin akademie,kultuur en sportis, en

gekies word,waaruit 14 finalistesal deurdring na dieeindronde van5 tot7Oktober in Bloemfontein.

Diewenner en finalisteontvang prysgeld,beurse en geskenke, terwyl semifinalisteook pryse en beurse ontvang

Inskrywing sluit op 31 Julie. .Skandeerdie QR-kodehierbo, laai dieinskryfvorm af,vul in en stuur terugnaLindaGreyling by greylinl@ufs.ac.za. Kontak haar ook vir meer inligting.

Runningupmilesforschoolshoes

More than 2800 children now have school shoes, thanks to agrowing initiativesparked byafirst-time runner who saw creative possibilities in turning kilometres intoaway to meet abasic educational need.

“My background is in higher education, and Iwas surprised to learn howmany of thestudents walked to school without proper footwear when they were younger When Itook up running last year atthe age of 60, the idea came to me: ‘Whatif every kilometre Iran could put apair of shoesona kid’s feet?’” says Craig Rowe,who leadsCDR Equipping,a nonprofit company focused on community development, leadership training and mentorship, among other community upliftment and ministry-related outreach projects.

MYWALKMADEWITHSOUL

What started as one man’s idea to encourage businesses and friends to sponsor apair of “My Walk Made with Soul” school shoes for each kilometre of his first Two Oceans half marathon has since germinated intoa networkof support that has already donated nearly R100 000 worthofshoes, benefitting almost three thousand children across South Africa so far.

“As Iset out on the Two Oceans Half Marathon, Itripped and faceplanted into the ground. Iwas bleeding, but afellow runner kindly offered me atissue, and I kept going. Iwas determinedtocomplete therace, knowing that those kidsneeded their shoes,” Craig remembers.

Word of Craig’s campaign reached other runners, and more people dedicated their runs to raise funds. Donations were flowingthrough theLove Cities community initiatives, where Craigserves

PROJECTPROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED SCHOOL SHOES TO UNDERPRIVILEDGED LEARNERS

as nationalpartnership lead.

UPCYCLEDSHOES

The shoesthemselves tell an interestingstory. Theinnovative upcycling programme reclaims highquality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from uncontaminated, safe healthcare waste, suchas drip bags and tubing,collected from participating Netcare hospitals in Gauteng andKwaZulu-Natal. This PVC is PVC diverted from landfill andupcycled to make My WalkMade with Soul school shoes that are shiny, comfortable, and durable.

Through partnerships with donors, ranging from individuals such as Craig to religiousand civil organisations and businesses large andsmall, over418 432 pairs of My Walk Made with Soul school shoes have beendonated to children throughout South Africa sincethe innovativeproject started in 2020.

“Withoutproper shoes, children risk cuts, infections, andinjury, and ill-fitting or worn-outshoes can also cause long-term footproblems, affecting their physical development and mobility. This represents amajor obstaclefor children’s education,” saysDelanie Bezuidenhout, general managerofMyWalk Made with Soul.

“You’dbesurprised howmucha pair of shoesaffects achild’seducation.With shoes on their feet, children are more likely to attend school consistently,

concentrate better in class, and participate fully in school life.Wehave seen what a simple pair of shoesmeans for achild in quintile one and two schools,where these necessitiesremainout of reach for many families.”

Over 166 586kg of PVC from drip bags and tubing sorted safely at thesehospitals have been diverted from landfill to date through this circular economy inspired school shoe project, which supportslocal manufacturing and jobcreation alongside social and environmental sustainability.

CSNYtributeat DieBoertheatre

CSNY Experience brings atribute to Crosby,Stills,Nash andYoung on Saturday16May at 20:30 to Die Boer in Durbanville.The setlist drawsfrom the heart of the catalogue: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, Ohio,Teach Your Children,HelplesslyHoping, Southern Cross, OurHouse." Thereisakind of magic that only appearswhen voices meet in the openair of an acoustic space. It is the sound thatonce floated out of Laurel Canyon, whereharmony carried meaning and songswerebuilt to last.Inthis unpluggedperformance,the CSNY Experiencereturnstothat essence, three voices, wood and wire, and songsthat speakplainlyand truthfully

Performed by MattCatto, Nick Cattoand Jono Tait,this is not imitation but devotion. With no spectacletodistract,the music rests on the architectureofthree-part harmonyand the emotional weight of the writing itself

Theconnection between thesemusicians runsdeep.Long before this project hada name,theywereshaping their blend as the founding members of Hatchetman, rehearsing relentlessly, learninghow three voices breathe and move together

TheCatto brothers bringalifelonginheritance of folk musicand shared harmony, whileJono Tait adds avoiceformed by lived experience anda deep relationship with the acoustic song tradition of Cape Town. . Bookatwww.dieboer.com or on 021 9791911. CSNY Experienceismade up of MattCatto,NickCatto andJonoTait

Cape Town Opera to present ‘Carmen’

Cape Town Opera(CTO) willpresent anew productionofGeorgesBizet's Carmen at theArtscape OperaHouse from 19 to 31 May, marking thecompany's return to classic repertoirewith one of opera'smostpopular works.

Theproduction, directed by Steven Stead, willbeset in 1931-'32

Sevilleand features CTO's vocal ensemble, children's chorus,and the Cape Town PhilharmonicOrchestra under conductor TimMurray Theoperatells thestory of passion, freedom andfatethrough Bizet'sscore,which includes wellknown pieces such as the"Habanera"and "Toreador Song".

STELLARCASTLEADSPRODUCTION

Cape Town Operahousesoloist

Nonhlanhla Yende willperform the titlerole, with tenor Lukhanyo Moyake as Don José.Guest artist Vuvu Mpofu takesthe role of Micaëla,whilebaritone Conroy Scottwill play thebullfighter Escamillo. The cast also includes Brittany Smithas Frasquitaand KhayakaziMadlalaas Mercédès.

Thecreativeteamincludes set designer Greg King, costume designer Maritha Visagie,and choreographer Naoline Quinzin, who willwork with professional dancers to incorporate movement intothe production.

Theopening performanceon Tuesday19May coincides with

emotional intensity andcontemporary theatrical vision Carmen,which premiered in 1875, remainsone of theworld's most frequentlyperformed operas,known forits memorablecharacters and melodies.

Six performances arescheduled: eveningshows at 19:00 on 19,21, 27 and29May,withmatinee performances at 14:00on23and 31 May. . Ticketsare available at Webtickets or theArtscapebox office on 021421 7695.Student, pensionerand groupdiscounts areavailable withappropriate identification or minimum booking requirements.

Kommentaar // Comments

Beyond the ballot:Are youngvoters really politically aware enough?

Irecently stumbled upon a Facebook memory that took me back seven years, to an election year,toayounger version of myself, and to amoment Ihave notquite let go of.

Iwas ajournalism studentthen, on the eNCA election bus, and live on television when Iwas asked asimple question: "Are you voting?"

Isaid no. Around me, the answer was almost unanimously yes. My response landed awkwardly, as Iexpected it would. It was not because Idid notunderstand the importance of voting.

Idid. Political awareness was not foreign in my home.

But Ialso understood something else: the framing theory. This is atheory in communication of understandinghow meaning is shaped not only by what is said,but byhow it is presented, interpretedand socially received. At its simplest, framing is the process of selecting certain aspects of reality and making them more prominent in communication, so that a particular interpretation is encouraged. The same issue can therefore produce entirely different reactionsdepending on the frame attached to it

Conversations about politics among young people were, and often still are, uncomfortable terrain.

Speak too earnestly and you risk being labelled "too serious". Push too far and the conversation dissolves into humour.

Deflection or disengagement

Africans navigating politics with adegree ofawareness, but withoutconsistentspaces that nurture, challenge and deepen thatunderstanding.There is curiosity,but not always guidance.

There is exposure, butnot always explanation.

Politics is notanimage.Itisnot public relations

It shapes the costofliving, the safety of our communities, the quality of education andthe opportunities available to young people.

It requires more than following personalities or slogans. It requires lookingatleaders and parties critically, weighing their positions,manifestos andgovernance records, and makingdecisions grounded inunderstanding rather than allegiance.

Now, seven yearslater, as the countryapproachesanother localgovernment election,Ifind myself returningtothatsame question. Notwhether young people will vote, but whether they arebeing preparedtodecide.

Because voting, on its own,is notthe endpoint of democracy.

It is only meaningful when it isinformed. Aballot castwithout clarityis participation in form, but notalways in substance.

We cannotcontinuetomeasure civic engagementpurely by turnout,while ignoring the uneven foundation on whichthat participation rests.

YOUNGPEOPLEARE CONSISTENTLY ENCOURAGEDTOVOTE, BUTNOTALWAYS EQUIPPEDTO UNDERSTANDWHAT

Politics becomes something to joke about, avoid, or reduced to personalities rather than policy. So Ianswered deliberately. Not to reject democracy, but to disrupt the script.

THATPARTICIPATION DEMANDS.

Political understanding remains fragmented. In somespaces it is actively discouraged, treated as divisive or unnecessary. In others, it is reduced toslogans, party loyalty, or surface-level debates thatdo little to build critical thinking

McLaren Circussparkspublic outcry

Thecircus hashit town! Therecentarrival of McLaren Circus, an animal performance outfit,has gotboth Milnerton residents andBeautyWithout Cruelty South Africa up in arms in protest ("Circus opposes claims", TygerBurger 29 April).

Objections, against,among other things, cruelty,confinement, transport andethics.

To that list add the objection to forcing cagedanimal beingstoperform oneor other "trick"for the enjoymentofhuman beings!

McLaren claims to be compliant with the license, transport,permits andinspection requirements of the PerformingAnimal Act, Cape Nature andthe SPCA.

Additionally to the above,inits attempt to defend the indefensible, it trots out a flawed statistical argument.Itsays: “... we had2250 peopleattendour shows.We

countedapproximately43protesters. This is aratio of 52 circus supportersfor every oneprotester”.

Thecynicism in this defencecan be puncturedbythe simplebut probingquestion of :“Have anyofthose 52 really been interviewedtoget their informed view of caged, confined andrestricted animal beingsbeing forced to perform fortheir amusement? Have theybeen given anyinsight into what happens to the sheer spirit andsoul of thesebeautiful wildcreatures whentheyare cagedand confined forthe duration of their livesand many, like lions, areforcedtoperform “under the whip”? They have not.

It might be of interest forMcLaren to note that “Eventhe devil mayquote the biblefor his ownpurposes” LOGANGOVENDER,Milnerton

Bunny rescuer calls forhelp

My name is Genae andIrescue gorgeous fluffybunnies. Recentlytherewas aphoto of me holding aposterinour fighttocombatrabbit dumping in Durbanville Igot 12 postersthankfullysponsored by "Printmet Erika" which we plan to display around Durbanville Forthe last fewyears Ihavebeen focusing on Durbanville to steriliseand re-home as manyasIcan,toget them off the street andout of danger.I come from the southernsuburbs to take anysick or injured rabbits andrehabilitatethem for re-homing.

Ihavecaught,sterilised andre-homed 70 Durbanville rabbits this past year.I will continue to raisefunds to steriliseand remove

Iwanted to see if anyone would pause long enough to ask why.

Very few did.That moment has stayed with me, not because of the answer Igave, but because of the gaps it revealed.

Young people are consistently encouraged to vote, but not always equipped to understand what that participation demands. We are told our voices matter, but seldom guided on how to interrogate manifestos, unpack ideology, or position ourselves within acomplex political landscape. Participation is promoted. Political literacy, far less so. At the time, my answer frustrated people close to me.I was accused of making myself appear uninformed in apublic space. How could Isay that, on live television, during an election cycle? But Iunderstood the power of framing.

Iwas willing to sit with that discomfort because the moment was never about appearing clever. It was about forcing aconversation that toooften remains avoided, even in spaces that are meant to encourage engagement

In many ways, Iwas not standing as an individual in that moment,but as areflection of abroader reality, young South

The result is ageneration expected to participate in a system they are not always fully equipped to navigate.

This is notanargument against voting. It isanargument against shallowengagement.

Importantly, these conversations cannot be confined to formalspaces alone. They must exist in homes, schools, campuses,communities and media platforms. They must be normalised amongpeers, not avoided. Political literacy should notrequire aspecialised interest or professional background. It should be part of howwe understand the world we live in.

The challenge isnot apathy. It is access, to knowledge, to dialogue, to spaces where politicalunderstanding is developed rather than discouraged.

As local elections draw closer, the questionshould notonly be howmanyyoungpeople will showupat the polls.

It shouldbewhether they arearriving there with clarity, confidence and asense of urgency.Whether they understand notjust who they are voting for, but why.

Becauseparticipation without understanding is not enough.

-NAMHLAMONAKALI

Waarommoet dierely

oor mensesegedrag?

Ek stem 100% saam met “Onsisdie oplossing" en "Bunny report misrepresents facts of whatishappening on theground” (TygerBurger 29 April).

Dit is altydsnaakshoe mense veralin die noordelikevoorstede geen verdraagsaamheid teenoor die arme dierehet nie en ook altydiemandvindomdie skuld te geevir alleswat verkeerdgaan.Hoe belaglikdit ook al magwees.

Ek hetinClaremont gewerk en ek was verbaas oor hoedie mense daar alle diere, watter dier dit ook al magwees —hetsy hasies of kolganse,akkommodeer en probeer help.Hier word gedurig gelees van hoedie diere‘nprobleem raak en dan word daar gepraat vanskiet en vergiftig. Tipies, mensewat niesien dat die mens eintlik die probleem is nie. Ek draf elke oggend in Majik Forest en daar wastoevallig ook iemandwat my gevrahet oor hase in daardie omgewing.

Ek hetgenoem dat ek weleen of twee gesien het,maar het gewonder hoekom dit vir my gevrais. Seker om nogdaar vrytelaat.Ekvra altyd, of dit nou‘nhond, katofhaas is. Hoekom kryjydit in die eersteplek? As jy enigedier neem,isdit ‘n commitment om vir daardie dier om te gee. Ons weet almal hoekom die hase daar is; dit is so in die briewe uiteengesit Virdie mensewat in ontkenning is. vat bietjie verantwoordelikheid vir jou besluit om ‘n dier aan te skaf.Daar is weloplossings as daar net bietjie uitgereik en moeite gedoen word.Maar nee, dump die diere en geehulle die skuldvir alles. Hoe leef julle met julself om ‘n dier so seer te maak en te laat ly?Dan wonder ek ook maar netofsulke mensekinders het en watter voorbeeldjulle agterlaat PASSIEVOLLE DIERELIEFHEBBER Philadelphia

If youwould like to help,get involved or have ahome,garden or farm to allow theserabbits to live outtheir lives, please messagemeonsocial media: Instagram, Facebook or Website: TheHouse of Fluffels.

Rabbits arecomplex pets. They canlive up to 14 years.Theyneed space, dailyattention, specialisedfood andsterilisation is essential. Please adopt,don’t shopand be kind andsterilise.

GENAEMAREE, Claremont

Dankie Stad en burgemeester

Ná vele briewe aan die burgemeester van Kaapstad en die Stad Kaapstad aangaande die onwettigeplakkerswat langsdie Kuilsriver-kanaal in Soneikewoon,gaan daar uiteindelik opgetree word ‘n Aansoek om 'n hofbevelvir die uitsetting vanonwettigeplakkersna‘nbeter woonplek is in ‘n gevorderde stadium. Dankie Stad Kaapstad en die burgemeester vanKaapstad vir opsies vir hierdie hawelose mensevir beter blyplek, veralin die komende koue winter JJ CLOETE, Soneike