‘Demolitiondraggedout’
A derelict, council-owned property in Bridgewater, Somerset West remains a source of frustration for residents two years after it was destroyed by a fire.
The building at 1 Voortrekker Road, formerly known as Island Park and most recently Voortrekker Park, was also damaged by flooding in 2023 and has since been declared a problem building by the City of Cape Town
Locals claim the property has become a hotspot for crime, drug use and prostitution
Despite the Recreation and Parks Department stating its intention to demolish the structure, residents are growing increasingly impatient with the slow pace of action They claim the City’s efforts have been insufficient, leaving the property to decay.
Charyke van Wyk, a resident who has been in repeated contact with City officials, said: “People in the mayor’s office were also made aware since 3 July 2023 Numerous times we’ve been told that parks and recreation is looking into the situation ”
Rundown property raises ire
On enquiry, the recreation and parks department confirmed the building’s status as a problem building and stated it has been conducting site inspections and engaging on a way forward
NO PROOF OF INSPECTIONS
But Van Wyk disputes this, stating that the City never provided residents with any proof that inspections were done
The City claims that the demolition has been stalled by procedural issues with Heritage Western Cape (HWC)
Residents discovered through the minutes of an HWC meeting held on Monday 11 August, that the City’s demolition application was denied due to outstanding fees and missing documentation, including the application form, streetscape photographs, and the title deed
The department attributed the delay to a short payment, explaining that a fee increase was only communicated to the City last month “The balance has now been processed and will be submitted to HWC with any outstanding documentation before the end of September,”
the department stated This explanation has not satisfied Van Wyk, who pointed out that the application was only submitted in May this year, nearly two years after the initial incident “I do not believe for one second that it would take that long to do the work,” she said
While the department claims recent inspections show no signs of vagrants occupancy, those who work with the homeless tell a different story
Susie Pedro from the NPO iThemba, who works closely with the homeless, confirmed there are indeed people living on the property “I’ve worked alongside Oasis in engaging vagrants living inside the property for the past six months at least We sometimes encountered up to 35 homeless living there,” she said The City previously committed to seeking a court interdict to protect the land from invasion, but this appears to have been unsuccessful
Lyal McLachlan, chairperson of the Bridgewater Neighbourhood Watch, has started a petition with over 170 signatures to
have the building removed
The petition calls for the immediate demolition of the building to “reclaim our park, reduce crime and improve community morale”
DUE PROCESS
“We cannot stand by while our community suffers,” McLachlan said “The quickest and most effective solution is to demolish and remove the ruinous building This immediate action is necessary for the well-being of the Bridgewater community ” In response to resident concerns about safety and illegal activities, the department stated that while due process must be followed for the demolition, it is
engaging in temporary measures to secure the site
It said the property will be cordoned off with temporary signage until the demolition is approved
The department confirmed it has submitted a demolition permit and hopes to have the building demolished as soon as approval is obtained Van Wyk responded: “Due process must be followed, but why did they only start doing it now? Why not when they said it should be demolished Why have they not secured it two years back? It cannot possibly take two years to do a site inspection, complete the application and get the ball rolling ”
Yaseen Gaffar
The anticipated demolition of a problem building in Bridgewater, Somerset West, is long overdue, say residents
by Rachel Gemmell for
Photo: Rachel Gemmell
Drivetesterin thespotlight
YaseenGaffar
Driving instructors and learner drivers are raising concerns about the conduct of an examiner at the Gordon’s Bay Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), alleging a pattern of unprofessionalism, rudeness and unfair testing practices
According to multiple complainants, including long-time driving instructors, the issue has become a source of “fear” and stress for both learner drivers and those in the driving-school community
One instructor with nearly seven years’ experience stated that the situation has become a nightmare over the past two years, causing significant frustration for those affected
Complaints were made about a specific examiner, accused of being consistently unfriendly and irritable Learner drivers, who are already nervous on test day, have reportedly been met with a lack of basic etiquette
According to the driving instructor, the examiner speaks softly and then becomes angry, yelling at learners who ask her to repeat instructions
The instructor alleged some of his clients were failed on baseless grounds, specifically for suppos-
edly tyre treads that are “too smooth”
“This occurred on two separate occasions, leading us to have our vehicle inspected by roadworthy centres and four different tyre dealerships, all of which confirmed the tyres were in good condition These actions cause unnecessary expenses and losses for driving schools and learner drivers alike ”
A second driving instructor noted when this particular examiner is on duty the failure rate of learners is disproportionately high
“Many of these same learners pass their tests with a different examiner just days later ”
Another instructor with 18 years’ experience expressed fear for driving students, who “already pay a lot to get driving lessons just to get failed by this woman ”
They also mentioned similar complaints about the examiner from a previous testing centre
Asked for comment, Maxine Bezuidenhout, spokesperson for the City’s Traffic Services, confirmed officials had met with a complainant to discuss the allegations
“The allegations are viewed in a serious light and will be raised with management and addressed," she said
Suspected abalone trader caught red-handed
A 44-year-old man was arrested in Strand on Friday morning (5 September), after public order police allegedly discovered 206 units of abalone being stored illegally at a residence
The arrest followed intelligence reports about an abalone storage facility, which led police officers to conduct an operation in the early hours of Friday morning Acting on information received, officers proceeded to a premises in Botch Street, Southern End, where they conducted a thorough search of the property
The search revealed 206 units of abalone being stored illegally within the residence, resulting in the immediate arrest of the suspect on charges of possession of abalone The suspect was expected to appear in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on Monday (8 September)
Driving instructors are hopeful the issue will be corrected rtunately, vig by ng y pol
Ma en dogter ‘niervriende’
Jamey Gordon
’n Plaaslike ma en dogter het ná ’n lewensveranderende ervaring opnuut besef die lewe is kort, elke dag is ’n seëning van genade en selfs die grootste vrese kan oorkom word deur jou vertroue in God te plaas
Die Gordonsbaaise inwoner Dominique Liebenberg het twee jaar gelede die uiterste opoffering gemaak toe sy ’n nier aan haar oudste van drie dogters, Makayla (18), geskenk het Augustus was Nasionale Orgaan- en Weefselskenking-bewusmakingsmaand en hierdie ma en dogter beplan om hul inspirerende storie te deel om werklik ’n verskil te maak en ander oor die lewensbelangrike waarde van orgaanskenking op te voed “Bewustheid kan beter ondersteun word deur meer daaroor te praat en mense te betrek om bymekaar te kom en mekaar te ondersteun,” sê Dominique, wat bewusmaking belangrik ag juis omdat hulle self fisiek en emosioneel deur hul ervaring geraak is
Die 38-jarige ouer vertel Makayla het verskriklik siek geword weens ’n lugweginfeksie, wat tot die ontdekking gelei het dat sy ’n nieroorplanting nodig gehad het “Sy het talle toetse ondergaan en die uitslae het aangedui dat sy aan nierversaking ly Ek het geweet ek sal haar móét help ” Dominique vertel voorts dat sy vasgevang was in ’n warrelwind van emosies, maar met duidelikheid geweet het dat sy alles in haar vermoë sou doen om haar kind “vir altyd” by haar te hou Sy het baie toetse en skanderings ondergaan in die proses om eerstens vas te stel of sy ’n versoenbare skenker is en dan uiteindelik die uiterste opoffering te kon maak
“Die proses was baie stresvol en emosioneel erg, maar ek as ’n ma sal dit oor en oor doen as ek moet ”
Dominique het uit vrees vir al twee van hulle se lewe en gesondheid vorentoe haar volle vertroue in God geplaas, asook ten spyte van haar aanvanklike bekommernis dat sy dalk nie ’n geskikte skenker sou wees nie
Maar, met dankbaarheid dat sy wel was, het hulle die nierooplanting op 10 Mei 2023 by die Rooikruis-kinderhospitaal ondergaan en ’n pynlike en ongemaklike herstelproses deurgemaak Nou, twee jaar later, spog hulle met ’n gesonder leefstyl
MA SE OPOFFERING
Makayla sê sy voel geëerd oor die wonderwerk van haar ma se opoffering wat haar lewe gered het “Ek is baie dankbaar dat God dit kon laat gebeur dat my ma my kon help,” sê die tiener Sy was ’n tipiese kind voordat sy siek geword het en het drie maande lank aan nierversaking gely
Haar toestand het haar gedwing om sport prys te gee Die lewe het gewis sedert die oorplanting verander – sy koester nou ’n baie meer gesonde lewe en sorg goed vir haar liggaam deur gereeld te oefen Verder het die lewensveranderende ervaring haar reeds hegte verhouding met haar ma nog verder versterk
Op die vraag wat sy aan haar ma oor haar opoffering wil sê, reageer Makayla: “Net: ‘Baie dankie dat Mamma my lewe gered het en dat Mamma altyd aan my kant staan en daar is vir my’ ” Makayla fokus verder daarop om gesond te bly sodat sy voorentoe normaal kan aangaan en ook eendag kan trou en ’n gesin kan hê, en steeds ’n geseënde lewe kan leef
Haar boodskap aan ander jongelinge, wat dieselfde paadjie wandel, is: “Kyk na jouself, kies goeie vriende, hou jou sirkel klein en maak die regte keuses
As jy voel jy kan nie meer aangaan nie, staan vas in die Woord en vertrou Moenie bang wees nie, want alles sal goed gaan ” Saam het hierdie ma-en-dogter-duo die waarde van die lewe besef: Elke oomblik saam met geliefdes is kosbaar,
want enigiets kan gebeur; en om die lewe positief te benader, bymekaar te staan en altyd hul vertroue in God te plaas
Deur hul storie te deel, moedig hulle ander aan om die tekens dop te hou en dit nie te ignoreer nie “Die kleinste siektes kan altyd ’n teken wees van iets ernstiger,” verduidelik Dominique “Pas jouself op ”
TWEEDE KANS OP LEWE
Volgens Samantha Nicholls, uitvoerende direkteur van die Orgaanskenker-stigting van Suid-Afrika, is die doel van nasionale orgaan- en weefselskenking-bewusmaking om bewustheid te verhoog, die behoefte aan skenkers uit te lig en die publiek aan te moedig om te registreer “Augustus is gekies om die lewensreddende waarde van orgaanskenking te beklemtoon en skenkers en hul families, soos hierdie plaaslike gesin, te huldig ” Nicholls sê personeel en vrywilligers voer tydens hierdie maand omvattende bewusmakingsveldtogte uit deur opvoedkundige gesprekke, sosiale media, samewerking met hospitale en die verspreiding van gratis materiaal
“Skenkings van alle organe en weefsels word dringend benodig, maar die grootste behoefte is aan niere, aangesien nierpasiënte die grootste gedeelte van die oorplantingswaglys is Nierpasiënte ontvang dialise, wat tydelik die funksie van die niere vervang Daarenteen het pasiënte wat ander organe benodig – soos harte, lewers of longe – baie min of geen alternatiewe behandelingsopsies nie Sonder ’n oorplanting wat betyds gedoen kan word, sal baie van hierdie pasiënte moontlik nie oorleef nie ” Nicholls voeg by hoewel nierpasiënte tussen vyf tot 12 jaar vir ’n oorplanting kan wag en ander organe se wagtye volgens dringendheid wissel, is die grootste tragedie dat baie pasiënte sterf voordat hulle ’n skenking ontvang “Gesonde lewende skenkers, soos Dominique, kan een nier of stuk lewer ná volledige evaluering, vrywillige toestemming en ministeriële goedkeuring skenk, waarna albei partye nasorg ontvang en normaal kan voortleef,” verduidelik Nicholls
“Ontvangers beskryf die geskenk dikwels as ’n tweede kans op die lewe Baie is diep dankbaar en kies om bewusmaking te bevorder deur hoop, nederigheid en diep waardering teenoor skenkerfamilies uit te spreek ” Vanuit ’n skenker se perspektief sê Dominique: “ ’n Mens kan werklik trots voel om ander ’n tweede kans op die lewe te kan skenk Moenie bang wees nie – as jy dit kan doen, doen dit ” In die lig van Nasionale Nierbewustheidweek (1-5 September) skyn die kollig ook op nierversaking, wat volgens die South African Renal Society van 8 866 in 2021 tot 9 300 gevalle teen 2022 gestyg het – hoofsaaklik as gevolg van voorkombare toestande soos hipertensie en diabetes Kenners beklemtoon vroeë sifting, beter siektebeheer en leefstylveranderings kan tot 80% van kroniese nierversaking en verwante kardiovaskulêre sterftes voorkom
Dominique Liebenberg (regs) en haar dogter Makayla skerts dat hulle nou een mens is nadat die 38-jarige ma ’n nier aan haar tiener geskenk het Foto: Jamey Gordon
the
of
vegetables
as part of a recovery programme, which provides residents with a second chance. From left are Niklaas van Neel, Paul Lewis, Heather Daniels (operations manager), Future Dube and Rowhan Carelse, with the facility’s dogs Annie and Boy Photos: Barend Williams Heather
Omgee a haven of care for many
Barend Williams
The new management of Helderberg Omgee Halfway House is planting new seeds of hope, cultivating second chances for men ready to bloom beyond addiction.
“Second chances are important because they give men an opportunity to reintegrate into society,” said Bevan Alloys, new executive chairperson of the halfway house.
The facility has started a garden of hope where residents can plant vegetables that provide nourishment while also teaching them patience. The garden serves as a living metaphor for recovery and second chances, where growth takes time and careful tending.
Just as dying gardens require replanting to flourish again, the facility faced closure until Alloys stepped in to nur-
ture it back to life.
Omgee provides accommodation for men over 18 who have completed rehabilitation programmes for substance abuse It serves as the crucial step for residents between recovery treatment and returning home to their families and community.
Established by concerned Helderberg community members in 2010, Omgee’s founding members cultivated the programme for 14 years before stepping back. Last October, Alloys (29) brought fresh ideas to transform the facility into a space residents would want to call home.
“I wanted to restore the residents’ dignity and honour so they would want to live again.”
To implement his vision, Alloys brought Heather Daniels in as operations manager. The 58-year-old brings 30 years of corporate financial experience, seeing
this role as her own second chance after she became unemployed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’ve never been close to anyone with substance-abuse issues, so this has been a revelation for me.”
She implemented structure using the existing 16-week Eagle programme, which was initially met with resistance from residents.
“There’s a person in there who just needs a little understanding Once you establish structure, even if they resist initially, they eventually embrace it.”
Daniels points out.
Even when residents push back Daniels maintains a maternal approach.
“If you’ve been rude to your mother, do you think she’s going to throw you out? No, she still puts her arms around you and says, ‘I love you.’ That’s exactly what we do here.”
The Eagle programme has three com-
ponents: mind, body and spirit. The mind develops emotional regulation through counselling and life skills; the body focuses on physical wellness through exercise and activities; and the spirit develops a Christian foundation
“Omgee is a Christian organisation that has the Bible as its anchor,” Daniels added.
Supporting this approach is Smart at Helderberg Care, which provides treatment and after-care services
“Omgee and Smart work together to ensure clients receive the help they require to live a life of recovery,” said Nicola Arendse, executive director of Smart. “It means not judging or blaming the person, but recognising they have a brain disease and need treatment.”
Omgee’s transformation is just beginning The team continues planting seeds that bloom into second chances for men ready to build new lives.
Daniels, Helderberg Omgee operations manager, at the facility’s Garden of Hope.
Kom wees ‘deel’
Die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees vier vanjaar 25 jaar van kuns, kultuur, stories, smaak en vermaak met ’n omvangryke program, winskopies en ’n tema wat jou nooi om “deel” te neem en deel te wees
Met byna 400 aanbiedings in 12 afdelings gaan gesing, gedans, gekyk, gekuier en sommer baie gedeel word Die kaartjies lóóp en is aanlyn by Quicket te koop Die fees word van Saterdag 11 tot Sondag 19 Oktober tydens die ikoniese Stellenbosse lente aangebied Bring jou kampstoel, kom bers en kuiermense vir die Toyotamusiekfees se gewilde opelugkonserte by die Jan Marais-natuurreservaat Die fees bring die vibe en die vibey na die ’Bos met vertonings deur Will Linley, die Soweto String Quartet, Early B, Mandisi Dyantyis en Die Piesangskille
AL DIE OPERAS, KORE EN AKKOORDE
Gehore word weer deur topkore bederf Voces Cordis is terug met ’n boeiende program onder leiding van André van der Merwe, wat ook die alombekende Universiteit Stellenbosch-koor dirigeer Die Tygerbergkinderkoor, Voices+ en lede van die Universiteit van Johannesburg-koor (Miracle Tree) tree ook vanjaar by die fees op Aurum Cantores vier Afrikaanse koorwerk met twee blinknuwe uitvoerings in Sing jou lied Ander kore op die program is Cape Town Camerata, Overberg Women’s Choir (O fire of the Spirit) en die bekroonde Zolani-jeugkoor (New South African Gems)
OP DIE VERHOOG
Die Spier-toneelprogram sluit in die lang verwagte terugkeer van wyle
Breyten Breytenbach se Boklied onder regie van Marthinus Basson, Die ander dogter met Sandra Prinsloo, Liefde, Lafras met Antoinette Kellermann, die wenner van die Reinet Nagtegaal-teksprys vir teater, Huis van sand deur Dianne du Toit Albertze, sowel as die naaswenner, Die kabinet, deur André Gerber
GRATIS EN PENSIOENAFSLAG
Die Woordfees wil almal deel maak van ’n betekenisvolle en gedeelde ervaring met ’n rits gratis- en afslagitems
Die Diskoersprogram is heeltemal gratis met ’n mondvol gespreksreekse oor wetenskap, politiek, kuns, wyn en die groot 100 vir Afrikaans as amptelike taal
Jaco van der Merwe bewys met sy uitstekende Filmfeesprogram – ook heeltemal gratis – daar is steeds behoefte om flieks op die grootskerm te sien
Die Clermont-Ferrand- internasionale kortfilmfees is die wêreld se grootste kortfilmfees – naas Cannes die grootste filmfees in Frankryk ’n Aantal wenners is gratis by die Woordfees te sien
Pensioentrekkers van 65 jaar en ouer kry elke Dinsdag 10% afslag op ’n lys uitgesoekte programitems Besoek die fees se webtuiste vir nog besonderhede
Die Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees bedank graag die volgende maatskappye en instellings, wie se volgehoue ondersteuning die fees moontlik maak: Het Jan Marais Nationale Fonds, Toyota, die Universiteit Stellenbosch, Netwerk24 en Spier-wynlandgoed – om maar net ’n paar te noem Besoek www woordfees co za vir die volledige program en nadere inligting
Church celebrates 180 years
The Methodist church in Raithby, part of the denomination’s Stellenbosch Circuit 127 under the leadership of Reverend Loyiso Molosi, recently held its annual thanksgiving service, marking 180 years of faithful ministry to the community.
As per tradition the congregation’s elderly played a central role. Members aged 80 and above were honoured with special tokens of appreciation in recognition of their lifelong contributions to the church and community
The celebration was attended by various guests, including Jeremy Fasser, executive mayor of Stellenbosch, Councillor Patricia Crawley and guest preacher Marriette van Graan.
Van Graan encouraged the seniors to be like strong trees that remain standing strong because they are rooted in God.
In his address Fasser commended the Raithby community for their invaluable impact locally and within the broader
Stellenbosch region
He further highlighted the importance of learning from the stories, wisdom and lived experiences of the church’s senior members.
Speaking on behalf of the church leadership, Deon Hendricks said: “We need to celebrate our heritage and honour those who labour in ministry and in the community. We, as the current leadership, are standing on the shoulders of these seniors They are our role-models, and we continue to learn from them from time to time.”
The service, well attended by congregants and community members, concluded with a lunch clearly enjoyed by all present. This milestone reflected not only the longevity of the Raithby Methodist church, but also its continuing commitment to service, faith and community life.
The Methodist church in Raithby recently held its annual thanksgiving service, marking 180 years of faithful ministry to the community
Still bringing hope, light 21 years on
Hope and Light Community Welfare NPC celebrated its 21st anniversary on Saturday 6 September by unveiling the new Centre of Hope in the school hall
The organisation marked the milestone with a service that reflected on the past two decades and the journey to reach this point
It all began with one woman’s desire to improve the lives of young people by giving children a sense of purpose and hope After emigrating from Germany, the late Barbara Tofaute started a soup kitchen for needy children in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village in 2004
The kitchen later evolved into an early childhood development (ECD) centre in March that year After five years,
During the service, Bruce Jackman delivered a passionate speech about the organisation’s late founder Barbara Tofaute’s struggles and her immeasurable strength of character, speaking of the adversity she endured to bring Hope and Light to where it is now Tofaute died in June 2021
Tofaute and the Hope and Light ECD team recognised the need to establish a haven for children due to social issues in the area
The Hope and Light Children’s Village emerged in 2009, housing eight children
Seeing the need for another educational facility, as Sir Lowry’s Pass has only one school, the organisation established Hope and Light School in 2011
The school started with mobile classrooms and a Grade 1 class of 25 learners It has since moved to Alpine Crescent in Somerset West after acquiring two hectares of land, reopening in 2019
Today, the school educates 400 learners, Hope and Light’s ECD is home to 120 children, and the village provides shelter for 25 children
Pictured at the unveiling of the school hall are Pastor Christopher Dick (left) and Bruce Jackman
Hope and Light’s four leaders (from left) are Vuyani Jebese (village facility manager), Blackie Swart (school principal), Abrameshia Daniels (ECD principal) and Nonty Magena (deputy school principal)
Hope and Light Community Welfare directors with German partners from Hope and Light Germany, who have supported the project from the start. (Back from left) Deon van Vuuren (non-executive director), Jürgen Bitterhof (Hope and Light Germany) and Niel Immelman (CFO) Front: Judith Hill (CEO) and Stefanie Bitterhof (Hope and Light Germany) Photos: Barend Williams
The current staff at Hope and Light School celebrating the 21st anniversary and two decades of instilling the late Tofaute’s values into learners
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Tourney to build dreams again
CSV Construction is bringing its “Build a Dream Soccer Day” back to the community for the second consecutive year, aiming to use the power of
In addition to corporate support, the event has strong community backing Officials from the City of Cape Town will be in attendance, while ER24 will once
