TygerBurger | Tygervalley| E-Edition | 5 November 2025

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA

One of the women who fell victim to a man who exposed himself to her at a popular local dam last week is speaking out, urging other women to stay vigilant in public spaces

The man was apprehended on Thursday after two incidents were reported one on Saturday and one on Tuesday where the suspect masturbated in front of the women

As a regular dog walker, he suddenly opened his pants an started masturbating in front of

WHAT’S ON/DIARY

SENDYOURCOMMUNITYEVENTSTO

TYGERBURGER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

FRIDAY17OCTOBER

. Tygerberg Garden and Flower Club meeting at NGK Parow Welgelegen (47 La Provence Street, Welgelegen), 09:30 for 10:00 Odette Paxton will speak on “Demonstration: Contemporary Inspiration” while Lilly Mulder’s topic is “Air Plants” The theme for the floral art competition is: “Sustainability: Arranging without an oasis ” Tea will be provided from 09:30 Contact Beatrix Lambert-Bestbier at 082 873 9864 for more information.

SATURDAY18OCTOBER

. The Elvis Club meets at 14:00 at 61 Postma Street, Bellville Anyone welcome Admission members free, visitors R30 (refreshments included), first visit free Whatsapp Annemarie at 083 442 6750 for more information.

. Tanwir Learning Centre a non-profit organisation that runs various forums including youth, women, disability, feeding and senior citizen forums, will be hosting a karaoke event at the Old Woodlands Community Hall from 14:00 to 18:00 Tickets cost R50 and refreshments will be on sale All proceeds will go towards the centre’s annual Senior Citizens Lunch and Tea. Contact Zakieyah on 084 210 1701, Nazeem on 067 835 5983, Fatiema on 066 170 9869, Mus’ab on 061 197 3870 or Whasila on 072 523 6781 for more information.

SATURDAY25OCTOBER

. The Cape Town International Kite Festival, a beacon for mental health awareness will return this year with renewed spirit and a powerful theme, #CourageToFly For the first time since the pandemic, the festival will once again take place over two full days on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October marking a joyful return to the festival's much-loved extended format The festival will be hosted at a brand-new venue, the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, where the skies will come alive with colour, creativity and courage For more information, visit https://capementalhealth.co.za/couragetofly

. STADIO Higher Education will be hosting its Durbanville Campus Open Day Prospective students and parents are invited to explore the new campus facilities, meet academic staff, and learn more about the qualifications on offer For details or to register, visit www.stadio.ac.za

. If you love craftsmanship creativity and things made with real skill, then make sure to visit the Cape Knife Show at Tygervalley’s Arena on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October from 09:00 to 15:00 Hosted by the Cape Knife Club, this annual event promises to be a showcase of some of the finest handcrafted knives South Africa has to offer Entry is R50 per person and includes a lucky draw entry to win a R3 000 handmade folder by Andre Viviers. Visit www capeknifeclub co.za for more information.

FRIDAY31OCTOBER

The Alta du Toit Centre, under the auspices of Badisa, is hosting a charity golf at the prestigious Parow Golf Club Teams of four can register for R2 600 per team, with every rand raised going directly to support the residents of the Alta du Toit Centre Email Lionel at donation@altadutoit org.za for more information and registration,

WEDNESDAY5NOVEMBER

. Kraaifontein Library is hosting World Kindness Day at 10:00 Their knitting group will be donating handmade items to Huis Magdalena, and a representative from the organisation will join in on the day

WEDNESDAY12NOVEMBER

. The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence will be hosting a Drug Testing Workshop This one-day workshop will run from 09:00 to 15:00 and carries 5.5 CPD points. The cost is R1 200 per person, and the venue will be confirmed closer to the time

THURSDAY20NOVEMBER

. Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre will host its annual golf day this year again at Durbanville Golf Club The 4BBB Stableford will start at 11:00 The entry fee is R2 800 per four-ball or R700 per golfer Sponsorships are R700 per wet hole (snacks and drinks are welcome). All fees should be paid by Thursday 28 October to secure your booking Contact Rosabelle Riese on 081 497 4044 or 072 521 1160 (WhatsApp only) or by email to riese2608@gmail. com with enquiries.

SUNDAY30NOVEMBER

. Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On from 16:00 This free, family-friendly celebration takes place this year under the theme “United in Hope” For more information visit www capetown.gov.za/general/festive-lights-switch-on

Mentalhealth prioritesedatclinics

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA

Over the past year, a mental health screening tool has been successfully implemented at 13 community clinics in Cape Town, with plans underway to expand it to all City clinics

As result of this, there has been a 145% increase in the number of patients seen for suicide attempts in the past year, as mental health services expanded from three City Health sub-districts to all eight During the previous year 68 such patients were seen compared to this year's 167, while in total 30 230 mental health screenings were done, whereas last year 8 616 were done, indicating a 251% increase

"City Health is placing mental health firmly at the heart of its strategic priorities, ensuring that preventative care, early detection, and community support are central to its services," said City of Cape Town Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham

Aligned with the 2025 World Mental Health Day theme, "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies", City Health emphasised its commitment to building resilient communities by addressing mental well-being before crises occur Higham encourages residents to look after their mental health, seek support when needed, and engage in conversations that break discrimination and stigma "City Health psychologists are leading innovative awareness initiatives at community level, making mental health information accessible, culturally sensitive, and easy to understand in all three official languages Preventing mental health challenges before they escalate is just as important as treating physical illnesses," she added

STRONGERSUPPORTNEEDED

In South Africa, up to nine out of ten patients with mental health disorders do not receive treatment or have access to mental healthcare programmes Primary healthcare (PHC) practitioners are working to fill this gap, but they are not getting the support they need

This according to researchers from the department of family and emergency medicine at Stellenbosch University

They explored the perceptions and experiences of PHC practitioners in managing common mental health disorders at clinics and district hospitals' out-patient departments in the Garden Route District in the Western Cape the province with the highest rate of mental health conditions in South Africa

They focused on nurse practitioners, lay and registered counsellors, medical doctors sessional and permanent medical officers (MOs), community service MOs, medical intern doctors and registrars in family medicine and social workers

Their findings were published recently in the African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine

The researchers say that even though PHC practitioners play an important role in identifying, diagnosing and managing

FROMPAGE1

While she managed to get away, the emotional impact of the incident has been lasting

“Beyond the immediate shock, it left me feeling incredibly vulnerable,” she said “It was a real eye-opener As women, we often underestimate how at risk we are You can be sitting at a dam, doing something as normal as walking your dog, and still become a target ”

She also expressed regret about not having anything with her for self-defence

“I felt even more exposed knowing I had nothing to protect myself with,” she added “I can only imagine how much more traumatising it would have been for the young girl who fell victim to the same man "

The perpetrator was arrested on

There has been a major increase in the number of patients seen for suicide attempts 167 in the past year, while 68 such patients were seen during the previous year

patients with common mental health disorders, they often lack the required resources and available support structures remain underutilised

“Part of the problem is that less than 3% of the national health budget goes to mental health services and only 7,9% of the mental healthcare budget is allocated to primary healthcare,” says Prof Louis Jenkins from the department

The researchers add that because specialist practitioners were scarce, PHC practitioners had heavy workloads, which made referrals difficult They point out that there are just 0,31 public service psychiatrists for every 100 000 people far below the recommended 1,03 psychiatrists and 10,36 nurses needed per 100 000 people to provide adequate mental health services

“This workload shift to PHC is not supported by sufficient resources, particularly in the public health sector and especially in rural areas, resulting in overworked and insufficiently trained staff to manage both the high burden of disease and patients requiring specialist care Just under half of participants (46,9%) said the workload was too heavy to allow effective mental health screening ”

They also highlight the importance of strengthening undergraduate programmes to better prepare practitioners to identify and manage mental health disorders effectively

“Staff require additional training in mental health disorders, and managers need to emphasise and monitor the use of guidelines provided to assist in managing mental health disorders

GOODMENTALHEALTHISAJOURNEY

Good mental health and emotional wellbeing can be easy to take for granted, but keeping this balance through life’s ups and downs can be a struggle for anyone World Mental Health Day, commemorated on Friday 10 October, reminds us that mental health is a constant work in progress, not something that can ever be finally achieved This according to Megan Gonsalves, Netcare Akeso 24-hour Crisis Line Manager

“It is helpful to think of it as a journey, not a destination; mental health requires us to invest in self-care on an ongoing basis not only in times of crisis Our mental well-being should be nurtured as part of our ordinary routine to set ourselves up for coping successfully in the ever-changing situations life throws our way To maintain our mental health and well-being, we need to keep building our coping skills, maintain healthy habits, and nurture the social connections and activities that bring us fulfilment in different spheres of life,” she says

Thursday when armed CDF security response members spotted him at the dam while on their way to respond to an alarm call

“We identified him by his clothing and the description shared by residents on local neighbourhood watch groups,” said a CDF security spokesperson “He was later identified by one of the victims " The response members took the man to the Durbanville Police Station where he was charged

A provincial police spokesperson confirmed that the 29 year-old-man was arrested for public indecency

"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation," said Sgt Wesley Twigg The suspect will make his court appearance in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court "

Swing into action for Alta duToit Centre

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAUR CIA PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The local community is invited to support vulnerable residents through fun-filled golf day The Alta du Toit Centre, under the auspices of Badisa, is hosting a charity golf tournament that promises both excitement on the greens and meaningful impact off them Mark your calendars for Friday 31 October at the prestigious Parow Golf Club for a day of golf, camaraderie, and charitable giving

TOURNAMENTDETAILS

The charity golf tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11:30 for 12:00, ensuring all participants begin their rounds simultaneously across the course Teams of four can register for R2 600 per team, with every rand raised going directly to support the residents of the Alta du Toit Centre

“This is more than just a golf tournament,” explains the organisers “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together and make a real difference in the lives of those who need our support most ”

The day doesn’t end when the last putt drops Participants and supporters are invited to join the prize-giving ceremony and dinner at the clubhouse, starting at 18:30 for 19:00

A cash bar will be available, providing the perfect setting to

celebrate the day’s achievements and network with fellow community members

What sets this tournament apart is its commitment to the cause - 100% of all proceeds will go directly to supporting the residents of Alta du Toit Centre

Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to get involved through hole sponsorships, offering valuable brand visibility while supporting a meaningful cause “Sponsor a Hole - Make Your Mark!” the organisers invite, highlighting how businesses can gain community recognition while contributing to this worthy cause

HOWTOGETINVOLVED

Registration: Contact Lionel at donation@altadutoit org za to secure your team spot Golf Cart Hire: Available directly through Parow Golf Club Hole Sponsorships: Contact Lionel for branding and sponsorship opportunities The tournament operates under the theme “Tee Off, Give Back” and “Swing into Action: Auction & Raffle for a Purpose”, emphasising the dual nature of competitive fun and charitable impact For more information and registration, contact Lionel at donation@altadutoit org za Join them on October 31st at Parow Golf Club - where every stroke counts for a great cause

Vermaak // Entertainment

WCcelebratesculturalexcellence

KAYLYNNEBANTOM

KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The red carpet was rolled out at the Artscape Theatre on Tuesday 7 October, as the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport honoured the province's top talent in arts, culture and heritage

Under the theme "Journey from Darkness into Light: Thrive", the evening was a celebration of creativity and contribution, recognising artists, linguists, librarians, and heritage custodians for their lasting impact across the Western Cape (WC).

Winners were crowned across a range of categories, including Excellence in Performing Arts Award, a project that promotes South African Sign Language or the marginalised indigenous languages of the Western Cape, The Best Friends of the Public Library and Ministerial Commendations.

Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was one of the recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, while Dr Isaac Balie was one among those who received a Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong contribution in his field.

Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, was also recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts.

Jabaar Mohamed, provincial director of DeafSA Western Cape, won the Project that Promotes South African Sign Language or the Marginalised Indigenous Languages of the Western Cape category for his TV show called Accessibility with Jabaar Speaking to People's Post, Mohamed said the award is more than just a "trophy".

"It's a recognition of years of advocacy, passion, and belief in my media platform Accessibility with Jabaar TV talk show on Cape Town TV

“It represents the roots of inclusivity for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disability communities be-

THROUGH CULTURE WE ALL MOVE TOGETHER

cause that's where true community begins."

Mohamed said it's a powerful reminder that accessibility matters, and that voices expressed through South African Sign Language (SASL) are "finally being seen and valued".

"I dedicate this award to everyone who continues to break barriers and create equal opportunities for all. I'm especially proud that this recognition comes from the Western Cape, my home, all the way from Elsies River."

He said this fuels him to do more

"Being deaf is not an obstacle It's part of who I am and what drives me to do more This award doesn't mean I'm done; it's just the beginning. There's still so much I'm planning."

The Best Friends of the Public Library award went to the Friends of the Central Library

Mike Klink, chair of the Friends of Central Library, said: "It takes a lot of work to build relationships in the library ecosystem. This win is not just about my leadership but about my team and everyone contributing.

“We encourage people to come to the Central Library to see what the friends of the library are doing. They are welcome to partner with us to create more creative and innovative ideas."

Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, said art is the mirror and heartbeat of society

"It captures our shared struggles and triumphs, reminding us that creativity is both our refuge and renewal. The theme speaks to the spirit of our province a spirit that refuses to be defeated by hardship and instead transforms it into hope, beauty, and understanding.

"When we celebrate our artists, we celebrate resilience, imagination, and the belief that through culture, we move forward."

Danie“Reënwolf”du Toit stel op Woensdag 22 Oktober om 20:30 sy vyfde digbundel by Die Boerteaterrestaurant in Durbanville bekend Hy vertel stories,sing,dans en lees gedigte Kaartjies kos R290.Bespreek by www.dieboer.com of by 021 979 1911

MESmarksWorldHomelessDay

MAURICIAPETERSEN

MAUR CIA PETERSEN@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

The non-profit organiation MES

held a World Homeless Day event on Friday 10 October at their Durbanville Centre

The event was for the community to come together to raise awareness about homelessness, highlight challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, and explore ways they can work collectively toward meaningful solutions Many homeless people mostly struggle with drug abuse The event was attended by the police, hospice and other members of the community MES is a registered not-for-profit company (NPC) that has been changing the hearts of the inner cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Kempton Park, South Africa since 1986

They are building thriving urban communities with access to effective and efficient pathways out of poverty and homelessness

ENCOURAGINGOTHERS

They drive essential social change aimed at solving systemic poverty and homelessness Anita Momberg, a finalist for Mrs South Africa 2025, following her appearance as a finalist in the 2023 competition, was one of the guest speakers at the event

Anita is a real estate and bond origination entrepreneur from Kuils River who is also a foster mother and advocate for foster care and breast cancer awareness The children she's fostering is her brother's children This happened after he and his partner were struggling with drug abuse and became homeless She shared the testimony of Natasha

Swanepoel, her sister-in-law, and her road to recovery Anita mentioned that Natasha was part of a programme similar to the one of MES She emphasised how important these programmes are For her these programmes are amazing as she describes Natasha as a beacon of hope Anita believes in second chances, as for herself who entered the beauty pageant now for the second time For someone who was once a drug addict and homeless, Natasha is now thriving in her environment, and also being the prime example of a mother, according to Anita Natasha is now rehabilitated, working full time and applied for custody over her children

"She is living proof that your past does

“It’sallaboutnotgivingup.Noone wasbornhomeless.”

- Earle Jansen

not define your future,'' added Anita

CHANCES

Earle Jansen, Safe Space manager, as well as centre manager, mentioned that some of their clients came back for more than one or two occasions He highlighted that their purpose is all about giving people second changes

"It's all about not giving up No one was born homeless Each and every one that is currently on the street did have a home, a

family and loved ones that cared for them It's just unfortunate that circumstances happened "

Another testimonial was that of Nazeem Davids, recovering drug addict He shared the story of how his father's abuse caused him to use drugs since the age of 16 In 2023 he found himself homeless in the streets of Bellville and said he died a spiritual death He shared how these programmes changed his life and how he committed himself to God Nazeem is now a caretaker at MES

. If you have any questions or require any information about MES, reach out to them at 074 542 2457 or 068 124 3239

Kommentaar // Comments

VOTE CAPE TOWN TO THE TOP: The Mother City once again captured the spotlight with its nomination one of the world’s top destinations,this time at Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards 2025,where it is shortlisted in the International Destinations – Best City category.This year’s awards,themed“Art of Discovery”,celebrate places that inspire exploration and connection.Cape Town is in distinguished company,nominated alongside cities including Cairns (Queensland),Lisbon (Portugal),Perth (Western Australia),Riyadh (Saudi Arabia),San Francisco (USA),Tbilisi (Georgia),and Tokyo (Japan) The awards are entirely audience-led,with travellers voting for their favourite experiences over a two-month period Now it’s over to Capetonians: visit https://awards travelandleisureasia com/iba-2025/international-destinations/best-city to cast your vote

Jo Fourie groet TygerBurger met dankbare hart

1 April 2022 ek onthou die datum soos gister Dit was die dag toe ek by die TygerBurger ingestap het as die nuutste lid van die span

My hande het gebewe van opgewondenheid

Om vir Media24 te werk was nog altyd my droom vandat ek ‘n pen kon vashou en my eerste storietjie op papier neergeskryf het Ek het pas klaar studeer en om sommer dadelik ‘n permanente pos by ‘n koerant te kry waarmee ek grootgeword het, was vir my ‘n seën sonder gelyke Dit was immers die koerant wat elke Woensdag in my ouerhuis afgelewer is; die koerant wat my liefde vir gemeenskapsnuus en menseverhale gevoed het Nou, meer as drie jaar later, is dit tyd om totsiens te sê En ek sê dit met ‘n hart vol dankbaarheid, herinneringe en groei Ek onthou my eerste storie soos gister Ek het daar gesit met my notaboek en my selfoon, nie seker waar om te begin of met wie om te praat nie Ek was die jong joernalis wat almal miskyk tot ek begin praat En dan, skielik, weerklink my stem oor myle heen

By die TygerBurger het ek soveel geleer oor mense, oor geduld, oor die krag van woorde en oor myself Ek het ongelooflike mense ontmoet, stories vertel wat my diep geraak het, en 'n wêreld van insig en wysheid betree wat geen handboek my kon leer nie

EKWASDIEJONG JOERNALISWAT

ALMALMISKYK—TOT EKBEGINPRAAT.

ENDAN,SKIELIK, WEERKLINKMYSTEM OORMYLEHEEN.

My lewe het ook hier gegroei Ek het begin as ‘n ongetroude jong vrou met groot drome Intussen het ek verloof geraak, getrou, en nou wag verwag ons ons eerste baba ‘n nuwe hoofstuk vol belofte en liefde

My kollegas het saam met my die groot oomblikke beplan: van hoe my man my sou vra om te trou, tot die dag toe ons die eerste keer van die baba vertel het En nou, soos elke storie, kom hierdie een tot ‘n mooi einde Ek keer terug na my boeke om my doktorsgraad klaar te maak en uiteindelik ‘n dosent te word by die universiteit waar ek die eerste keer geïnspireer is om te doen wat ek doenDankie, TygerBurger, dat julle die begin van my storie was die plek waar die jong meisie met ‘n pen haar stem gevind het -JOFOURIE

The light that’s you

You don’t need crowns or silver rings, To prove the glow your soul can bring, For even quiet hearts can shine, And turn the dark to something divine You’ve carried pain, yet softly smiled, Held broken dreams but still stayed kind, The world may never truly see How rare your heart was meant to be In moments small, you change the air, A gentle word, a loving stare, You lift the lost, you calm the fear, You re warmth itself when hope feels near So never doubt the light you give, The love that teaches hearts to live For in this world of many hue, There’ll never be another you ShariqBasardien(16),EASTRIDGE

Urineer elders

Ek vind die gedrag van sommige van die taxi-bestuurders wat studente na hul kollege in Panorama vervoer totaal onaanvaarbaar Hulle gebruik die oop stuk grond tussen Plattekloofweg en die Plattekloof-winkelsentrum as toilet ten aanskoue van die mense - insluitende oorsese besoekers - wat die koffiewinkel by die sentrum besoek om 'n koppie koffie daar en die panoramiese uitsig oor die Kaapse Skiereiland te geniet Hierdie gedrag in 'n openbare ruimte behoort nie geduld te word nie en die Stad Kaapstad sal derhalwe dringend aan hierdie saak aandag moet gee My voorstel sal wees, indien daar geen ander alternatief is nie om draagbare toilette daar te laat oprig en hierdie mense te beboet indien hulle nie daarvan gebruik maak nie

GerritHorn,E-POS

Hou asseblief honde op leiband

Insake "Hou aggresiewe honde op leibande" - dankie vir jou skrywe in TygerBurger gedateer 8 Oktober

Sandra Basson

Ek was ook in Boland Park die spesifieke dag toe jou hond aangeval is Die arme onskuldige Jack Russel het nie verdien om so wreed aangeval te word nie

Daar is menige honde liefhebbers wat nie die erns besef van watter ras gepas is by hul persoonlikheid en omstandighede nie Diesulkes dink ook hulle is hondekenners

Daar is n groot verskil tussen hondeliefhebbers en

hondekenners Die eienaar moet volle verantwoordelikheid aanvaar Die spesifieke eienaar moes wel bewus daarvan gewees het van sy hond se aggressie Waarom anders het hy sy ma gevra of sy dink hy kan die hond van sy leiband afhaal?

My pleidooi dus aan alle eienaars van honde wat nie sosiaal aangepas is nie om hulle op leiband te hou Hondeparke is vir nie-aggresiewe honde Versoek aan die staffie se eienaar: gaan stap asseblief met jou hond elders en hou hom op sy leiband MarijkeMarais,BRACKENFELL

Butler property tree felling sparks debate over City spending

On Thursday 9 October the chain saws fell silent on the Butler property on Bolandweg, leaving a scene of devastation reminiscent of the Deville Wood area during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 For me it reminds us of the 1918 poem from WW I: And Then the Guns Fell Silent “And then the guns fell silent, Smoke and death were in the air, The sounds of echoed silence ” For three weeks we have been listening to the chain saws cutting down majestic trees in our neighbourhood some 50- to 80-year-old giants, all in the name of development but we know it’s about an improvement of the City of Cape Town’s finances, the same City “that works for

you”

At the same time The Argus front page of Tuesday 6 October displays the details of the court application by CTCRA (City of Cape Town Collective Ratepayers Association) challenging the City's budget of 2025/26 Without going into detail about this court action it remains a travesty that rate payers, people who pay the City official’s wages and the political echelons salaries, must turn to the courts to force this cabal to listen to our concerns Reference the City’s defence of these various levies, to wit; water, electricity and now cleaning, I cannot find any evidence that there is a concerted effort from the City’s side to reduce their expenditure

From the Free Market Foundation (Cape Town’s budget: A departure from the rule of law | Free Market Foundation): By linking service fees to property values rather than actual usage, the City shifts from a cost-recovery model toward wealth redistribution Somewhere is a research piece from 2015 about the City’s unsustainable wage bill warning about an unfolding disaster Now in 2025 this where we are with a City wage bill climbing at an unsustainable rate and I quote: "Staff-related costs continue to increase, now set for R20,758 billion Although salary increases are reflected as 5 1% 'cost to company', the actual increase is 7 5% The budget appears

to hide behind centrally negotiated SALGA salary increases " This from the Western Cape Property Development Forum’s letter dated 2 May 2025 addressed to the mayor and his team Did they listen? Not on your Nellie Currently the public sector wage bill stands at an eye-watering R750 billion on top of national debt costs of R1,1 billion per day As a concerned citizen I would have thought that our young vibrant mayor would take note of this financial cliff we are approaching But Sunday we will have our small Malawian gardener, who works two jobs to feed his family in Malawi, on duty here at our house Cleaning and planting new shoots to offset the carbon footprint lost

on the Butler property on top of cleaning the street Yes, cleaning the street, as do all the neighbours using garden services, which begs the question: Those of us, including the “gated developments”, that fund this function with after-tax money can we submit an invoice to the City for “services rendered”? Or can we apply to have these levies discounted on our municipal account? In the 30 plus years we have been living at this address the City has never had to clean our street, why are we now required to fund a mythical activity? Will we end up funding a mythical unicorn run by the City? Let’s unite and stop this FrancoisJMarais,DURBANVILLE

Jointheannual

lk

Support group for bereaved parents

The support group The Compassionate Friends will meet on Tuesday 4 November at 18:00 at a venue in Durbanville for the second time

The group was started by three mothers who have lost children - Mel Lowe from Durbanville, who lost all four of her young children in a car accident, along with Maria Bottcher and Linda Whitmore who both lost daughters

The support group had its founder meeting on Tuesday 7 October and will meet on the first Tuesday of the month going forward.

They invite bereaved parents in the area to the support group meeting. "If you are a parent, newly bereaved and looking for support or if you have worked through your grief and are able to give support to others, we would love you to join us,"

invites Bottcher "One of the saddest deaths is that of a child. One expects to bury one’s parents, then a spouse, but not a child. Parents who have lost one or more children, find it very difficult to deal with it "This is not a pleasant topic and so people avoid it, thinking that the bereaved parents must do so too In fact they are advised to put it behind them and get on with their lives. This is very dangerous advice indeed as repressed grief is very destructive and can lead to physical, as well as emotional illnesses. The answer is to work through one’s grief thoroughly, however long it takes by talking and crying it out, thus releasing the pain,” she says. . Phone Mel Lowe on 082 552 5909 or Maria Bottcher on 072 754 0351 for more information about the venue