Church marks 175 years
A weekend of celebrations marked the 175th anniversary of Rusthof Methodist church in Strand.
Celebrations began with a youth-led games evening on Friday (25 April) and a fun-filled morning bazaar at the Third Street premises on Saturday (26 April), culminating in a thanksgiving service at the church’s original site followed by a special commemoration service on Sunday (27 April). The latter was attended by special guests including District Bishop Reverend Yvette Moses and former ministers like reverends Mike Brown, William Simons and Pete Grassouw.
Former minister Reverend Emmanuel Gabriel’s historical research highlighted the significant 175 years of Methodist witness in Strand.
Highlighting some of the pivotal moments that shaped the early years of the congregation, William Botha, pastoral assistant and chairperson of the 175th-anniversary organising committee, shared that the church’s origins trace back to a small group of mostly fishermen Methodists residing in Mostert’s Bay (later Strand).
Initially worshipping in Somerset West, they established their own congregation in 1849 and moved into a small thatchedroof building in 1850, marking the church’s foundation. A significant early milestone was the first baptisms on 21 September 1851. In 1853, the church started a school in its building for all “children of colour” including Muslim children, highlighting an early embrace of inclusivity.
As the area evolved with the arrival of white residents who joined the congregation, and with the Dutch Reformed church and Muslim community also using the building, the need for a larger space grew. This led to the construction of a prominent Gothic church on the corner of Main Road
and Wesley Street in 1905. The building’s steeple served as a vital navigation aid for returning fishermen, deeply connecting the church to the local maritime community.
CONGREGATION DIVIDED
The church’s commitment to education continued with the building of a new classroom in 1912, where the late Mr CR Rhoda began his influential teaching career. The church later built a large new school, which eventually became Lochnerhof Primary School.
Later the learners and teachers were forcibly removed from the building and made to walk to the CR Rhoda School in Main Road.
In 1945 white parishioners moved to establish their own church in Church Street, reflecting the racial segregation of
the time. With the implementation of the Group Areas Act declaring Strand CBD a “whites only” area in 1954, the congregation adapted, with members in Halfway beginning to worship in the school’s Jubilee Hall. Simultaneously, families relocated to Rusthof started worshipping in the Wesley Hall in Hammond Street, which was later purchased by the Muslim community and renamed Iqra Hall, showcasing the evolving demographics and interfaith interactions.
Finally, 1969 marked the opening of the current church building on the corner of Broadlands Road and Third Street in Rusthof, signifying a new chapter and location for the enduring congregation.
“It has grown significantly and continues to do so, having fully established itself as a responsible and caring member of
not just the Christian community, but the wider community as a whole,” said Botha, highlighting the church’s growth since its humble beginnings and its commitment to the Methodist mission of proclaiming the Gospel for healing and transformation, aligned with the church’s vision of a Christ-healed Africa.
OLD-AGE HOME STARTED
Sharing a story as testament to the church’s rich history of serving the community, Botha noted the establishment of the Sencit Resthaven Old-Age Home in 1976. “It started when an elderly couple was evicted from a farm where they had worked and a concerned church member picked them up and took them to the minister at the time. The couple was then housed in a vacant property owned by the church. This initiative grew into a fully-fledged old-age home catering for 35 elderly persons,” said Botha.
Although Sencit is now registered as an NPO, it still occupies the church property free of charge and is still managed and supported by members of the congregation.
In addition, the church also runs a soup kitchen that provides a hearty meal for around 150 people per week. Previously, the church also collected school shoes for needy children for distribution at schools in disadvantaged areas of the basin. It also hosted an organisation called Helping Hands that taught people skills such as sewing, and served as a hub for the collection and handing out of preloved clothing.
Apart from these outreach initiatives, the church hall serves as a dojo where avid karateka kick up their skills with classes held twice a week.
The church fosters spiritual growth and discipleship among parishioners with a well-attended Sunday school, youth group, brass band, a recently-introduced Alpha course initiated by the current minister Reverend Ralph Afghan.
Jamey Gordon
These proud Rusthof Methodist parishioners attended an early morning thanksgiving service which was held at the original site on the corner of Wesley Street and Main Road in Strand ahead of the Sunday service.
Photo: Jamey Gordon
Sportreus laat leemte
Barend Williams
deelname in hoogspring,” het Machelm gesê.
DIEP GERAAK
Die Helderberg betreur die verlies van ’n fenomenale onderwyser en legendariese sportman, Alvino Isaacs.
Die geliefde en welbekende Hoërskool Gordon-opvoeder is Sondag 20 April weens siekte in die hospitaal oorlede. Die 55-jarige het oomblikke nadat hy sy kleindogter, Zarah, met ’n knipoog gegroet het, sy laaste asem uitgeblaas.
Volgens medeonderwyser Noel Hendricks het Isaacs se dood die skoolgemeenskap diep geraak en ’n groot leemte gelaat, aangesien hulle nie net kollegas was nie, maar vir 21 jaar sedert 2004 ook vriende.
Nadat die nuus van Isaacs se tragiese heengaan op sosiale media gedeel is, stroom hartroerende boodskappe van medelye en herinneringe aan sy ryk nalatenskap steeds in. “Ek dink elkeen het sy eie spesiale, persoonlike herinnering aan my pa,” het sy dogter, Kaylin, gesê. Isaacs is in 1970 gebore en is deur sy ma, Anetta Isaacs, as enkelouer in Firgrove grootgemaak. Hy het sy skoolloopbaan aan die Danie Ackermann Primêre Skool voortgesit, waar sy naam steeds in die skool se geskiedenis op hul provinsiale sporttoekennings pryk. Sy sekondêreskoolreis het sy verbintenis met die Hoërskool Gordon begin, wat tot die einde geduur het.
PUIK ATLEET EN SPORTMAN
Wanneer hy nie op die baan was nie, was Isaacs die grapjas wat talle met sy sê-goed vermaak het, het Machelm voorts gedeel. Hoewel Machelm as landloopatleet vir Macassar Sekondêre Skool uitgeblink het, en Isaacs die hoogspring-sensasie van die Hoërskool Gordon was, het hulle mekaar as mede-atlete gerespekteer. Hul band is verder versterk omdat hulle albei boorlinge van Firgrove is. “Hy’t ’n groot sporterfenis gelaat en ek sal hom mis,” het hy gesê.
Volgens Machelm is Isaacs se lewe ’n voorbeeld vir kinders met drome; hulle moet altyd hul doelwitte nastreef en nie toelaat dat omstandighede hul lewe bepaal nie.
Isaacs was ook ’n rugbyfanatikus en het as kranige hoërskoolspeler vir Gordon uitgedraf, en later ook as lid van plaaslike rugbyklubs insluitend Helderberg en Raithby Universals. Isaacs het aan die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland sy onderwyskwalifikasie bekom. Nadat hy sy studies voltooi het, het hy by Rusthof Sekondêr, Eersterivier Sekondêr en Marvin Park Primêr klasgegee. Dit voordat hy as onderwyser by sy alma mater aangesluit het.
Hendricks sal Isaacs veral onthou vir sy betrokkenheid by verskeie sportsoorte, veral die skool se atletiek. Hy vertel dat die skool geen rugby gehad het toe hy daar begin het nie en dat hy en Isaacs saam die rugbykultuur en huidige spanstrukture daar gevestig het.
Binne hierdie rugby-omgewing het Isaacs die Macassar-vrouerugbyspeler Kimico Manuel ontmoet, wat ’n atleet in sy atletiekspan was. “Hy het my gevra om rugby te probeer, maar ek het net gegiggel en gesê ‘Ja, Meneer’,” het Manuel gedeel.
Vir haar was Isaacs een van haar grootste ondersteuners in haar sportloopbaan en sy glo as hy haar nie gevra het om te speel nie, sou sy nooit die eerste vroulike Suid-Afrikaanse rugbyspeler geword het wat in Duitsland speel nie.
Toe hy in die laat jare tagtig in die Hoërskool Gordon was, was Isaacs ’n uitsonderlike hoogspringatleet. Hy het verskeie rekords opgestel en sy talente het daartoe gelei dat hy sy provinsiale en nasionale kleure in die sport verwerf. Die legendariese Macassar-langafstandatleet Owen Machelm het in die lig van Isaacs se verlies sy herinneringe van hul ontmoeting op die atletiekbaan gedeel. Die twee was toe lede van die WP-span. “Hy was ’n baie beskeie atleet, maar die toonbeeld van fokus met sy
“Hy was nie net ’n kollega nie, maar ’n ware inspirasie en vriend,” het Lizette Visser, die hoof van die Hoërskool Gordon, gesê.
Sy het Isaacs beskryf as ’n toegewyde en pligsgetroue onderwyser wie se hand verder as die klaskamer gestrek het, terwyl hy opregte medemenslikheid behou het en ’n blywende indruk op almal in die skoolgemeenskap gelaat het.
“Sy leerders was sy alles. Hy het hulle altyd eerste geplaas – soms bo sy eie belange,” het Visser bygevoeg.
“Mnr. Isaacs was nie net ’n afrigter nie – hy was soos ’n pa vir my,” het sy gesê. Isaacs se dogters voel dit was ’n eer om hul pa, die “sagte reus”, met die gemeenskap te deel en is oorweldig deur die reaksie op sy heengaan. Vir hulle was hy egter bloot hul liefdevolle en betroubare pa en ’n man wat van kos gehou het. Hy het homself ten volle deur opvoeding en sport uitgeleef. Isaacs word oorleef deur sy dogters, Leigh en Kaylin, ’n kleindogter Zarah, sy ouers, en twee susters en twee broers. Die begrafnisdiens word Sondag (4 Mei) by die Hoërskool Gordon gehou.
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Alvino Isaacs
Bester paddles to glory
The past long weekend was a golden one for Strand paddler Kira Bester, as she claimed top spot in the women’s race of the South African SS1 Ocean Racing Championships on Friday 25 April as well as first place with partner Melanie van Niekerk in the South African SS2 Ocean Racing Championship in the prestigious Prescient Freedom Challenge on Sunday 27 April.
In the first race the Peninsula Canoe Club member was crowned the new national women’s champion in flat con -
ditions in False Bay. The local paddler dominated the race from Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek in benign surf conditions and fog to cross the line in a time of 1:38:26.
Bester, on her home course, made great use of the swells on the run in to the finish to power away to a convincing three-minute victory over Eastern Cape’s Jade Wilson (1:41:12), while Georgia Singe (1:43:12), Nix Birkett (1:43:14) and Saskia Hockly (1:43:50) completed the top five.
The men’s race saw another victory for Peninsula Canoe Club, as Nic Not -
ten led home a Peninsula Canoe Club 1-2-3 to claim the national SS1 ocean racing title. Notten finished 18 seconds ahead of clubmate, doubles partner and fellow former world champion Kenny Rice, with defending SA champion Uli Hart ending third, 37 seconds further back.
On Sunday, partial defending champion Bester and Van Niekerk commandingly took home the women’s title in the Prescient Freedom Challenge in what paddlers described as “perfect” conditions – sunny, virtually no swell and a gentle breeze to cool them down on the homeward stretch. The KwaZulu-Natal crew of Hockly and last year’s winner with Bester, Pippa McGregor, claimed second place.
A total of 179 boats carrying 312 paddlers participated in the popular 27 km event from the Oceana Powerboat Club in Green Point, around the iconic Robben Island and back to the boat club. The event also included a shorter 10 km challenge.
Bester and Van Niekerk enthused about the racing conditions, with Bester saying they had been paddling with a bunch until near Robben Island, “but then it broke up and spread out”.
Both said paddling on Freedom Day had been significant for them. Bester said the day symbolised the “freedom to do something extraordinary for her”, while Van Niekerk said it was an “iconic” day and “to paddle on it with one of my best mates was fantastic”.
The Peninsula pair of Notten and Rice surged to a convincing victory in the men’s race, followed by the young paddling pair of Wayne Jacobs and Matthew Coetzer in second place.
Kira Bester (front) and Melanie van Niekerk paddle past the famous wreck on Robben Island during the annual Prescient Freedom Paddle on Sunday.
Kira Bester, a Strand local, powers her way to victory at the South African SS1 Championships from Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek on Friday. Photo: Graham Daniel/Gameplan Media
Vroue ruk op na hof
Barend Williams
’n Groot groep vroue het op Dinsdag 22 April buite die Strand-landdroshof saamgedrom om petisies teen die borgtog vir twee van die beweerde verkragters van ’n negejarige meisie te oorhandig.
Distrikspos & Helderberg Gazette het voorheen oor die inhegtenisneming van die twee beskuldigdes, onderskeidelik 19 en 17 jaar oud, berig (“Broers vas vir gruwelike dade”, 16 April).
Die sibbe is op Maandag 7 April op aanklagte van verkragting in Gustrouw in hegtenis geneem nadat daar beweer is dat hulle die minderjarige tussen Desember verlede jaar en Saterdag 5 April seksueel aangerand het. Die sibbe het op Dinsdag 9 April vir die eerste keer in die Strand-landdroshof verskyn, waarna die saak tot (die afgelope) Dinsdag uitgestel is.
“Ons is gatvol dat mans wat nie hul seksuele begeertes kan beheer nie, ons kinders slagoffers maak,” het Zorah Motasi,
die stigter van die Vroue in Aksie-beweging, toe in die lig van die voorval aan die publikasie gesê.
Motasi en mede-gemeenskapsleiers Jacky Kordom, Lisa Visser, Rosa Galant, Drusilla Beukes, Tracy Williams, Gavin James, Donna Gertze, Lizel Myburgh, Ronel Paulse en Felicity Ndzule het oor die Paasnaweek kragte saamgespan om te help verseker dat die hof die gemeenskap se stemme hoor voor die verdagtes se volgende verskyning.
Hulle het begin deur die “Leaders Network” te stig, met die eerste doelwit om in elke gebied in die Strand van deur tot deur te gaan en handtekeninge te werf vir petisies wat eis dat die broers nie borgtog moet kry nie.
Volgens die lede van die nuutgestigte netwerk is hulle goed deur inwoners ontvang en het hulle meer as 2 000 handtekeninge vir die een petisie ontvang en net minder as 2 000 vir die ander.
“Ons is trots op die Strand-gemeenskap dat hulle ter ondersteuning van die negejarige slagoffer en haar gesin
verenig het,” het Motasi gesê. Met die hofverskyning het die Leaders Network-lede, die slagoffer se familie asook baie ander vroue uit die gemeenskap die petisies aan die Strand-landdroshof se senior staatsaanklaer, Marlene van Heerden, oorhandig.
Hulle sê hul boodskap is duidelik: “Ons wil geregtigheid vir ons kind hê. Ons wil nie mense in die gemeenskap hê wat ons jong dogters in enige ander konteks behalwe as onskuldige kinders sien nie!” het Motasi beklemtoon.
Die Strand-gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum (GPF) het die verdagtes en hul beweerde misdade ook op die dag van hul verskyning aan die kaak gestel. Brent Louis, ’n woordvoeder vir die GPF, het in ’n Facebook-inskrywing gedeel: “Misdaad teen kinders is ’n gruwel wat nie geduld kan word nie.”
Louis het verder versoek dat die gemeenskap kalm bly terwyl hulle hoop dat geregtigheid geskied en dat enigiemand met inligting oor die beweerde misdaad dit by die Strand-polisiekantoor aanmeld.
All’s well that ends well on leak
Yaseen Gaffar
A Somerset Ridge resident, Chris Fourie, has expressed growing frustration over a prolonged and seemingly mismanaged service request to the City of Cape Town.
A burst pipe at Waterbosch Estate in Somerset West was finally fixed on Thursday 24 April, but only after two months of repeated wranglings and closures despite reportedly not being worked on or completed.
Fourie’s records indicate multiple attempts to resolve the matter, with numerous reference numbers and interactions with various municipal departments and individuals. Initial contact was made on Tuesday 11 February with follow-up attempts on Thursday 27 February and eventually again on Tuesday 4 March, when he was told by a local councillor to be patient.
Another two follow-ups over the next month, together with new reference numbers, again yielded little to no action. “The water is flowing into a stormwater drain and I would estimate that hundreds of litres of water are being wasted daily,” Fourie said.
He visited the council offices in Somerset West on Wednesday 26 March, when an official informed him the job was “closed” and subsequently “re-processed”, but could not indicate when the job would actually receive attention.
According to Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien the department is currently working through a city-wide backlog of
Municipal workers at the site of a burst pipe in Somerset West, two months after it was logged and just 24 hours after reporting it to the newspaper.
reported leaks – particularly smaller or lower-pressure leaks – which have grown due to teams prioritising high-volume pipe bursts that pose greater risks to water losses, property and traffic flow.
“We have, however, recently approved additional overtime resources to fasttrack outstanding leak repairs,” he said, “including work over weekends and after-hours shifts. This measure is already making a difference and will allow us to address smaller, but persistent issues like this one with more speed.
“In this particular case a maintenance team has now been assigned and the repair is scheduled to be attended to on Thursday 24 April, barring any unforeseen emergencies that may require urgent reprioritisation. We also acknowledge resident concerns regarding references being marked as ‘closed’. Duplicate service requests are closed on the service request system to ensure efficient planning of job cards.”
Just two hours after a media enquiry was submitted to the City last Thursday, Fourie said municipal teams arrived and began addressing the problem, with the work completed later that same day.
Onverwacht Rd main fixed
Residents in several Helderberg communities faced temporary water-supply disruptions due to an urgent repair on a recently-fixed 600 mm-diameter water main in Onverwacht Road, Nomzamo.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate issued several alerts informing affected communities of the planned shutdown from Tuesday 22 April until Thursday 24 April.
The department stated that to ensure the safety of repair teams and facilitate the necessary work the water-supply disruptions affected Asanda Village, Lwandle, Nomzamo, Strand, Rusthof, Gustrouw, Broadlands Park, the Helderberg Industrial Area, Chris Nissen Park and Somerset
Lakes.
Residents in these areas were advised to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers in advance of the shutdown.
On Thursday 24 April, site assessments were completed and maintenance teams brought in the necessary pumps and excavation equipment. This while residents in Somerset West and Sir Lowry’s Pass Village were also strongly urged to reduce their water usage in this period.
The water supply to all areas was restored late during the evening.
The City apologised for any inconvenience caused by the water-supply disruptions and further implored residents seeking further information to call on 0860 103 089.
Boekkarakters kry lewe
Die Hoërskool Grabouw het Vrydag 25 April Boekedag gevier en die leerders en onderwysers kon soos hul gunsteling-storieboekkarakters, soos dié sewe dwergies in die sprokiesverhaal van Sneeuwitjie, aantrek. Op Boekedag leer die leerders meer oor boeke en die belangrikheid daarvan om te lees.
Raadslid help verfraai
Dit verg net ’n paar inwoners om ’n verskil in die omgewing te maak.
Dit is die afgelope tyd bewys toe die gestremde raadslid Denzil Jacobs van Grabouw ’n verfraaiingsprojek in die dorp begin het.
“My wyk, wyk 11, lê my na aan die hart en ons gemeenskap is so na aan mekaar dat ek besluit het om die dorp te verfraai. Ek kan egter eerlik sê ek kan dit nie sonder die steun van die inwoners doen nie. Hulle staan my by en ons is ’n baie hegte gemeenskap,” het Jacobs gesê.
Niks kry dié raadslid onder nie. Hy is in 2013 in sy huis aangeval en het byna sy lewe verloor, maar het opgestaan.
“Niemand het vir my hoop gehad nie en ek ’n lang pad gestap. Al het ek die gebruik van my bene verloor, het ek my hoop in die Here en in Sy planne gehad. Hy het my hierdeur gehelp en vandag wil ek graag terugploeg in die gemeenskap,” het Jacobs gesê. Een van die maniere waarop hy wil terugploeg, is om die dorp, wat so baie vir hom beteken, op te hef. “Ons het begin om die eiland by Ou Kaapseweg te verfraai en plante daar te plant. Ek sou dit nie sonder die span van Grow Strong reggekry het nie. Die inwoners van die aangrensende buurt het ook aangebied om die plante water te gee, maar verder maak ons staat op ‘genadewater van Bo’.”
Leerders van Grow Strong besig met die voorbereiding om die plante by die ingang van Grabouw te plant.
Sy volgende projek was om die ingang van Grabouw, waar ’n kruis staan, op te kikker. “Die kruis is onlangs afgesaag, maar pastoor Tsewu, wat elke oggend vir die dorp daar bid, het saam met ander godsdienstige leiers in die dorp weer ’n kruis opgerig.
“En weer het Grow Strong ons gehelp om die plante rondom die kruis te plant.”
Volgens hom moet die inwoners maar almal ’n ogie oor die plante hou aangesien baie rondloperdiere soos beeste en varke in die dorp kom. “Hulle kan nogal ’n tuin verwoes en ons vra inwoners om ons oë en ore te wees sodat ons ons dorp mooi kan hou. As iemand die diere in die dorp sien, moet hulle so gou as moontlik die wetstoepassingsafdeling kontak sodat hulle die diere kan verwyder. Die nommer is 0800 214 730.”
Grow Strong is ’n Christengegronde vaardigheid- en
mentorprogram wat deur Mark en Brigit Oudejans bestuur word. “Ons het ’n passie om tieners te help om nuwe vaardighede te leer en veral om hulle op die volwasse lewe voor te berei,” het Brigit gesê.
Die organisasie se doelwit is om veral tieners tussen 16 en 19 jaar oud te help. “Die ander vaardigheidskole is vol en het nie meer plek vir almal nie. Ons fokus op leerders wat nie hul akademiese skoolloopbaan kan voltooi nie.” Hulle bied ook gereeld werksessies aan vir die tieners om hulle meer oor praktiese vaardighede te leer. Verder glo hulle daaraan om die jeugdiges se selfbeeld op te bou. Hulle werk nou saam met hul fasiliteerders en die onderwysdepartement om ’n positiewe impak op tieners te hê.
“Grabouw met sy groot werkloosheidsyfer en mense wat van oral af hier kom woon, het nie genoeg skole nie en van die skole het tot 50 leerders in ’n klas,” het sy aangevoer.
“Ons wil graag die leerders help wat nie die druk van die groot klasse kan hanteer nie en wat dan nie hul skoolloopbaan kan voltooi nie. Ons kan dit saam met die Wes-Kaapse onderwysdepartement doen en ons help om hierdie kinders ander vaardighede te leer.”
Kry nog inligting oor Grow Strong by 074 158 9988 of 068 070 9340; of stuur ’n e-pos na info@grow-strong.co.za
Inspireer met positiewe uitkyk
lewe was toe hy in 2019 sy eerste boek, Inspiration to Construct the New You, bekendgestel het.
Anthony September se positiewe uitkyk op die lewe is aansteeklik. Anthony woon in Grabouw, waar hy sy eie lewensafrigtingonderneming, AWS Inspiration, bedryf. “Ek is meer as net ’n lewensafrigter; ek is ook ’n fasiliteerder, ’n skrywer en ek hou motiveringspraatjies. Verder doen ek inspirerende programme by skole en organisasies om mense ’n vars uitkyk op die lewe te gee en hul uitdagings deur middel van lewensafrigting uit te skakel,” vertel hy. Met sy kalmerende stem, fyn sin vir humor en liefde vir mense het ’n plaaslike radiostasie hom opgeraap en hy het vyf jaar daar gewerk. “Die ervaring het my ’n hupstoot gegee. Dit het my gehelp om met groter groepe mense te praat.”
Volgens Anthony sou hy nie mense kon inspireer of help as dit
nie vir sy Christenskap was nie. “My geloof in God dra groot krag in my lewe. Die feit dat Jesus vir my gesterf het, is iets wat ek nie verdien nie, maar uit genade ontvang het. Daar was tye in my lewe toe dinge meer as donker gelyk het. Ek het gesukkel met my gesondheid. Ek het baie jare van my lewe en die vermoë om te lees en skryf verloor, en in ’n kwessie van drie jaar twee keer TB opgedoen.
“Ek het weer geleer lees en skryf, die bul by die horings gepak en verder studeer. Ek het as skoonmaker by ’n skool se voedingskema gewerk en toe as klasassistent. Nadat ek my studies as ’n lewensafrigter en fasiliteerder voltooi het, het ek my passie om mense te help en te ontwikkel, begin uitleef. Die Here het my in al Sy glorie genees en gerestoureer; daarvoor is ek oneindig dankbaar.”
Een van die hoogtepunte in sy
“Om daardie eerste boek in jou hande te hou, is ’n onbeskryflike gevoel. Die boek is ’n handleiding om jou gereed te kry vir die lewe na sukses en bevat riglyne oor wat jy moet doen.” Anthony het al geleer dat die enigste ding wat jou beperk in die lewe dit is wat jy vir jouself stel. “Moet nooit vaskyk teen dit wat jou wil onderkry nie; dit is jou verantwoordelikheid om sukses na te jaag,” bemoedig hy. Hy sluit af: “Bou altyd ’n brug oor jou probleme. Niks is onmoontlik nie.” Enigeen wat Anthony vir ’n motiveringspraatjie wil kontak, kan hom by 081 249 1347 bel.
Anthony September is altyd gereed om mense te inspireer.
SENIORS BYEEN: Die Helderberg-seniorklub vergader Dinsdag 6 Mei by die NG-gemeente Helderberg in Firmountweg, Somerset-Wes.
Belangstellendes kan uitsien na tee en verversings om 09:00
gevolg deur samesang en die program om 09:30. Edie Henn en haar seun, Edu, sal sorg vir die musiek. Lede betaal R10; besoekers betaal R20 by die deur. Vir navrae, bel Apolonia Maritz by 082 507 7091.
Assess your lifestyle
May is Global Lifestyle Medicine emphasis month.
I live in one of the prettiest parts of our country, a few kilometres from the Helderberg Nature Reserve with its 600-plus species of plants. The fynbos is the smallest but most diverse of the Floral Kingdoms. But even this gem is threatened by alien-plant invasion, severe weather events from climate change, and, in many places, the destruction of natural areas with housing development and farming. How can an ancient natural biome be threatened by such recent events?
The human species has survived and thrived in its natural environment for thousands of years. Modern medicines and therapies have helped to prolong life with antibiotics, surgical interventions and chemotherapies/radiotherapies for infectious diseases, trauma and cancer. However, these gains are threatened by the onslaught of the Western lifestyle. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia are growing at alarming rates. We need to understand what unnatural behaviours are causing these diseases and effectively address
BACK TO BASICS
Dr Dave Glass
them.
Lifestyle-medicine experts have identified six pillars – healthy nutrition, adequate physical activity, restorative sleep, avoidance of harmful substances and behaviours, stress management, and wholesome relationships. Although these interventions seem so simple they provide powerful therapeutic effects to prevent, manage, and often reverse disease. There is abundant scientific evidence confirming their benefits. It is one of the most rewarding experiences in clinical medicine to see high blood pressure coming down, diabetes
going into remission, blood cholesterol reverting to normal levels, excess weight melting off, angina disappearing, and aches and pains subsiding. These benefits are dose-dependent, though sometimes the diseases have been around for too long to expect full restoration. However, the feeling of well-being and increased vitality is sufficiently common to make the changes worthwhile. Lifestyle-medicine associations or societies are found in most countries in the world, including South Africa. There is much one can learn about the power of lifestyle behaviour change to improve health by checking their official websites for looking up the scientific resources found or on various official social-media platforms. If ancient floral kingdoms like the fynbos can be adversely affected by modern pressures, how much more can the globalisation of harmful Western lifestyle behaviours impact our normally resilient body?
Providing simple, natural internal and external interventions can facilitate the incredible healing properties found in our bodies and dramatically improve the quality of our lives.
U3A talk by Strand chronicler
Join the University of the Third Age (U3A) Helderberg for its monthly meeting on Wednesday 7 May at the Helderberg Dutch Reformed church, where lifelong Strand resident, writer and architect Danie Pienaar will journey through the rich history and unique identity of the town. His family moved to Strand in 1955, so their roots there are intractable, and he was among the first Grade 1 students at the newly-established Lochnerhof
Primary School, and later in the first Grade 8 class of the new Strand High School building. Pienaar’s diverse professional background, spanning town planning, architecture, business and journalism, provides a unique lens on Strand’s story. His book, History of the Strand in South Africa, captures the essence of the coastal town. Together, Pienaar and wife Susan, his high-school sweetheart, with whom he has two daughters,
share a love for hiking (including the Camino in Spain). He is a practising architect of 40 years standing and has a pilot’s licence. Buy Pienaar’s book for R340. Members of U3A are welcome to the talk free of charge; visitors pay R20 at the door. Membership cards can be collected between 09:00 and 09:50.
Danie Pienaar
Howdy, let’s go riding!
Yaseen Gaffar
The Helderberg Pony Club is abuzz with excitement as they prepare to host their upcoming May Day Fundraising Show at Firlands Equestrian Park tomorrow (Thursday 1 May).
The initiative aims to bolster the club’s funds, ensuring that all their enthusiastic young members can participate in the prestigious Western Cape Interbranch Competition in September.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the event, Miranda Holtrop, marketing and communications head at the local club, explained: “It started as a means to allow more of our members to take part in our yearly interbranch without concerns about entry costs. The funds raised from this year’s May Day show will all go towards the 2025 Interbranch entry and stabling fees. Any surplus will be allocated to enriching outings for our members.”
The Helderberg Pony Club plays a vital role in the local community, fostering a love for horses and equestrian activities among young people.
“Our purpose is to encourage young people to ride and learn to enjoy all kinds of activities connected with ponies, horses, and riding,” Holtrop elaborated. “We aim to enrich their experience and teach them about all things equestrian and the environment.”
The club offers monthly rallies covering a diverse range of topics, some requiring access to a horse or pony, while others focus on broader equestrian knowledge. It provides guidance and instruction in riding and horsemanship, emphasising the proper care of these majestic animals.
Helderberg Pony Club is currently led by district commissioner Donne Pywell, secretary and head of lectures Kai van der Riet,
Holtrop, and treasurer Alecia Botha.
The upcoming May Day show serves a dual purpose: fundraising and providing valuable experience for the riders.
“With very limited local practise shows in our area, our May Day show gives people an opportunity to gain experience in their discipline in a fun show environment,” said Holtrop. “Our emphasis is on the youth and rising stars, but all are welcome to join!”
As an NPO, the Helderberg Pony Club relies heavily on the generosity of sponsors to provide the best possible experience for participants.
“Due to us being non-profit, sponsors are very important to give every participant the most positive experience and ensure that nobody leaves empty-handed,” Holtrop emphasised.
The club extends its sincere gratitude to the following sponsors for their invaluable support of the May Day show: Tack Shack; Hello Quality Equestrian; Westernne Shoppe; Arco360: Equine Culture; Tack & Tail; SPAR Mountain View; Caroline Hartley Photography; and Dune Savannah Multimedia; among other key contributors.
Looking ahead, the Helderberg Pony Club has more equestrian events on the horizon.
Helderberg Pony Club will host its May Day show in Firlands this Thursday (1 May). Chloé Holtrop and Haley Botha are looking forward to the event.
Diary | Dagboek
SATURDAY 3 MAY
Somerset West: The SOUTHEY’S CAR BOOT SALE (Southey’s Thrift & Second-hand Market) returns to Southey’s Vines at 186 Main Road, weather permitting from 08:30 to 14:00. Locals can enjoy an exciting day of bargain hunting for treasures at over 100 stalls. To book a stall, WhatsApp Hayley on 076 335 5116.
Somerset West: Vendors are wanted for the Community Market hosted at SERENITY AT THE JADE from 10:00 to 13:00. Local arts and crafts, face-painting, pre-loved items, gifts and homeware, clothing, unique finds, delicious treats and more will be available. Stalls are R150 and vendors must bring their own tables. To book, contact Dereck on 083 226 9568.
Strand: ST PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Van der Merwe Street holds a Food and Potjiekos Fair for the entire family from 09:00 to 16:00. Enjoy delicious food, yummy desserts and treats. Loads of children's activities are available while the parents enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch and support their favourite potjiekos team as they “bring the gees from around the world”. For more information, call Merle on 082 558 4919.
Strand: Sê Jou Sê NPC bied aan ’n elegante High Tea in die DR. G.J. JOUBERT PRIMÊRE SKOOLSAAL . Sê Jou Sê NPC, ’n gemeenskapsorganisasie wat in Desember gestig is, werk hard om die Strand-gemeenskap te verbeter. Hul skoolklere-inisiatief in Januarie, waardeur 300 kinders gehelp is, is ’n bewys hiervan. Hierdie Saterdag se teegeselligheid word aangebied om geld in te samel vir toekomstige gemeenskapsontwikkelingsprojekte.
Soos Brent Louis, voorsitter, tereg sê: “Elke rand wat ingesamel word, gaan
direk terug in ons gemeenskap.” Vir kaartjies of navrae, bel vir Louis by 063 847 9425.
Somerset West: Roux Malan will offer a Zen-style meditation session at the meeting room of VONKE HOUSE (at 121 Lourensford Road) from 09:00 to 09:45. All are welcome!
The session is succeeded by a Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship meeting at the same venue at 10:00. Malan, who is also a reverend, will share the history of the fellowship as well as the values that Unitarians aspire to. Those interested are warmly invited to discover a spiritual community that values open minds and hearts. For additional information, call Malan on 084 679 5466.
MAANDAG 5 MEI
Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS of Christians against Drugs (CAD) nooi mense wat probleme het met middelafhanklikheid na ’n byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NGK Strand-Moedergemeente, op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Vir navrae, bel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972.
THURSDAY 8 MAY
Somerset West: Don’t miss the next U3A MONEY MATTERS meeting at the Somerset West United Church, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Bright Street, from 10:00 to 12:00. Jaco Pienaar, Senior Business Development Manager for JUST South Africa, presents an informative session on “Tailored retirement income solutions”. Refreshments will be served at 09:30. Members are required to bring along their U3A membership cards and pay R10; the cost for non-members is R15. For any enquiries, contact Danie Schoeman on 082 783 9582 or dschoeman2745@gmail.com.
SATURDAY 10 MAY
Somerset West: The COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET provides a calm, tranquil experience to be enjoyed by the whole family while shopping for unique handcrafts at Southey’s Vines at 186 Main Road, from 09:00 to 14:00. The Country Kitchen stall, for instance, offers food and drinks, including craft beer, and gives weary visitors a chance to sit and relax while listening to live music. Well-behaved pooches on leashes are welcome. For more, contact Lesley on 021 843 5002 or info@countrycraftmarket. org.
Stellenbosch: e’Bosch Heritage Project, in collaboration with Stellenbosch Academy of Sport and CSV Construction, invites people who would like to develop skills in sports coaching to its Sports & Recreation Coaching and Training Workshop at the MARKÖTTER INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY from 09:00 to 12:00. Certificates will be issued to successful participants on completion of the practical assessment (date to be announced). For more information or to RSVP, contact Belinda Foster on heritage.ebosch@gmail.com or 061 595 4085 (WhatsApp), or Leticia Petersen on 083 987 3597.
SONDAG 11 TOT SONDAG 18 MEI
Lynedoch: Die drie susters Konstanze Harms, Maia Beyers en Cornelia Holm (almal neé Holm) stal saam in die Bornholm-uitstalruimte op BRANDWAG-PLAAS uit. Konstanze is ’n pottebakker, Maia skep juweliersware en Cornelia is ’n digter en skilderkunstenaar. Drie individuele kunstenaars-handskrifte, verenig deur ’n liefde vir harmonie, kleur, handwerk en die skoonheid van die alledaagse. Vir hulle is kuns ’n lewenswyse, nie net ’n tydverdryf nie. Die Bornholm Driesusters-uitstalling is daagliks oop van 10:00 tot 18:00. Almal is welkom.
Pantomime at the Baxter
KickstArt Theatre’s magical pantomime tradition comes to Cape Town this winter for the very first time, with Jack and the Beanstalk set to light up the Baxter Theatre stage in Rondebosch in July.
The delightful production, which is suitable for the whole family, will be staged from Thursday 3 to Sunday 27 July.
After enchanting Durban audiences for nearly three decades, KickstArt Theatre is ready to spark a new family tradition in the Mother City. From the award-winning creative team behind South Africa’s productions of My Fair Lady and Beauty and the Beast, and the director of The Sound of Music, this year’s production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is written and directed by Steven Stead and designed by three-time Fleur du Cap winner Greg King.
The Cape Town cast stars Waterfront Theatre School graduate William Young as the plucky Jack, with Roshanda Lewis as the golden-voiced Princess Jill, and Blessing Xaba of Spud fame as Jack’s long-suffering mother, Dame Flora Flatbroke.
They’re joined by a stellar ensemble, including Bryan
Hiles, Brent Palmer, Liesl Coppin, Lyle Buxton and Samantha Landers.
In a rare treat for Baxter audiences, Jack and the Beanstalk will include Sunday shows, giving busy families more flexibility this winter.
Blending classic storytelling with toe-tapping music, comedy, romance, masses of audience participation, outrageous costumes and magical sets, this theatre show is a giant adventure for all ages on stage. Tickets, starting at R210 each, can be booked online through Webtickets or at Pick n Pay stores.
Blessing Xaba brings the sass as Dame Flora Flatbroke, with William Young as the plucky Jack, in KickstArt Theatre’s magical pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, coming to the Baxter Theatre this winter. Photo: Val Adamson
EX30: pocket rocket
Wallace du Plessis
The Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance is an amazing little car I had the privilege of driving recently. Volvo has generally made really good cars over the years, even classic cars. Think of the 120 series in the ’60s, some of which were even assembled in Durban.
In the ’70s the 240 was the large family car and later the 440, before the S series in recent years. The classic Volvo SUV is the XC60, built since 2008 and interestingly related to the Land Rover Freelander. The latest version is one of Volvo’s best sellers of all time and top seller at the moment. In 1976, Volvo developed small battery-powered delivery vehicles, but at the time it was not viable to develop a car. Things changed and in 1992 an electric car was designed, but not produced.
It was only in 2011 that the Volvo C30 Electric saw the light of day. Today Volvo has built eight fully electric cars.
BATTERY-POWERED BEAUTY
The EX30, the car we recently drove, is Volvo’s smallest and most affordable electric vehicle. However, at around R1 million it is not cheap, but is one of the top-selling electric cars in Europe.
The first models were delivered in December 2023 and during its first year Volvo sold nearly 100 000 EX30s worldwide.
So what is the EX30?
This model is Volvo’s baby battery-powered (BEV) crossover vehicle. It is positioned below its electric siblings, the C40 and XC40.
It seats four adults in luxurious comfort with all the amenities and has a decent boot. The ride height is higher than a normal car, but it is not an off-road vehicle. It is rather a super rapidly (some would say stupidly fast) accelerating, decently priced sporty four-seat (raised hatchback) car - considering what you get.
It is a beauty, both inside and out. I could not fault it, but some older people may find a few of the interior finishes a little... sudden.
The EX30 line-up consists of single-motor, rear-wheel-driveand dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variants. The standard single-motor version produces 200 kWh/343 Nm, has a 51 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and a claimed range of 343 km (based on the WLTP cycle). It is also available in Single Motor Extended Range guise, with a 69-kWh battery and a stated range of 480 km.
The range-topping Twin Motor Performance derivatives (available in Plus and Ultra trim grades) have peak outputs of 315 kWh/543 Nm, a stated range of 460 km and a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 3,6 seconds. That means the all-wheel-drive battery-electric two-motor version is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating new car priced under R1 million on the local market.
I would not let a new driver
behind the wheel of a Twin Motor car as the acceleration is actually dangerously rapid, quicker than many super cars costing millions – 3,6 seconds to 100 km/h. The normal EX30 does zero to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds, which is plenty fast enough in reality. It is a great-looking car. The lines and proportions are just so right – to me anyway.
The cabin is typically “Scandi” and Volvo, minimalist and beautifully crafted. There are four interior options. It has a Harmon Kardon sound bar system in the top-spec models, which is almost too powerful with a full deep bass. Decor panels are of recycled materials, yet the cabin has a premium yet distinctly Volvo ambience.
What I did not like was the lack of a small instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and most controls are via the large touch screen. You have to glance to your left to see the instruments.
The seats are highly adjustable and seriously comfortable.
Although I liked, nay loved, the squared-off steering wheel, some reviewers have not approved. There is a large Google-powered touchscreen in the centre of the dash through which you control the functions of the car, many of which can be done by saying “Hey Google” and telling her what you want, for example switching on the radio or aircon.
DRIVER’S DELIGHT
The key fob is button-free, so if you want to unlock the car
manually you must hold the key on a specific spot on the B-pillar. Normally it triggers unlocking at about 5 m.
Knee room at the back is average, better suited to children for the long road. There are loads of nooks and crannies in the cabin, but the storage bin in the front is almost silly and boot space fairly average.
This car is a pleasure to drive, especially on a long and winding road. With around 400 km and rapid charging my range anxiety has all but dissipated.
The EX30 is the first battery car I can recommend without a ton of reservations. For example, I used 18% of its power on a spirited drive along Clarence Drive to Rooiels and back. Driving normally, I reckon I would have used 15% or less quite easily.
My trip used 12,42 units, so R86,94 total cost of energy. I did a quick top up earlier at the charge point at Somerset Mall and bought 6,6 kWh in 7:36 minutes, charging at a rate of 45,6 kWh and at a cost of R7/kWh. In the Helderberg there are six charging stations, although not all are rapid chargers.
Ashley Oldfield of cars.co.za reckons it is the best EV on our roads. He recommends the single motor-plus or extended range model. I can’t really argue with him, because as a package, the EX 30’s performance, styling, build quality, and technology are unmatched in our market at its price point.
Prices start at R835 500 for the Core, R968 400 for the plus and tops out at R1 080 200 for the Ultra. I think the Plus hits the sweet spot as the extra torque of the Ultra is not essential, but the safety and other kit on the Plus is worth it.
Other cars in this bracket include the cheaper but plainer Ora 03 from GWM, Mercedes-Benz EQA and marginally bigger BMW iX1. The EX30 feels and looks like the most complete design. The all-new Volvo electric vehicle gets a home-charging Wallbox plus installation included in the price. You will also receive two years of free public charging and three years of in-car data. The XC30 has a three-year factory warranty and extended battery warranty valid for eight years or 160 000 km.
The Volvo EX30 looks quite at home among the smart beach houses in Rooiels. Photo: Wallace du Plessis
INSTALLER REQUIRED Company, located in Somerset West, has a position open for a male person to join our team. You need to have a good work track record of at least 10 YEARS. Experience of installing products such as Aluminium Doors & Windows, Shutters, Louvre Awnings and Roofing will be an advantage. 5 Day working week from 08h00 - 17h00. The minimum basic salary offered is R15 000 p/m negotiable upwards depending on experience & qualifications. You require your own transport to and from our offices. Please send your CV to: installer-jobgmail.com
hys i c a l Ad d re ss : 1 Wat s o n i a St re e t , G ra b o u w
A p p l i c at i o n to re g i ste r fo r te m p o ra r y s a fe c a re o f 3 0 p ro fo u n d d i s a b l e d c h i l d re n u p to a g e 1 8 ye a r s o f t h e C h i l d re n ’ s Ac t 3 8 o f 2 0 0 5 , S
Strand se Varsitybeker-kampioen
Barend Williams
’n Talentvolle rugbyspeler van Strand het ’n deurslaggewende rol gespeel om die FNB- UCT Ikey Tigers se 11-jaar-droogte in die FNBVarsitybeker te beëindig.
Monray “Nonie” Daars van Broadlandspark het Maandag 14 April sy span se laaste drie in die eindstryd voor ’n vol Danie Craven-stadion in Stellenbosch gedruk en verseker dat die Kaapse studente die trofee lig. Die Ikeys, wat in die eindstryd teen sy aartsvyand en die gunsteling, die FNB-Maties, te staan gekom het, het die wedstryd 21-44 gewen.
Daars, wat as skrumskakel vir die Universiteit van Kaapstad aangetree het, het met sy span se laaste drie nie net die harte van die Maties-spelers en -ondersteuners gebreek nie, maar ook die 150ste bestaansjaarvierings van die US versuur. Dié 20-jarige is in Strand gebore en getoë. Hy het sy laerskoolloopbaan aan Dr. G.J. Joubert Primêre Skool begin en die eerste paar jaar van sy hoërskoolloopbaan by die Hoërskool Strand deurgebring voordat hy in 2020 met ’n beurs na die Hoërskool Durbanville gelok is.
Monray Daars,
Foto: Luigi Bennett/Varsity
Die Strand-gemeenskap het ’n belangrike rol in die vormingsjare van sy rugbyloopbaan vervul en dis in dié Helderbergse dorp waar sy liefde vir die sport gekweek is, vertel Daars.
“Strand en sy mense is die rede waarom ek op die toppunt van universiteitsrugby kan speel en ek bo-op die berg as ’n kampioen kan staan,” sê hy. “Om rugby te speel, is die beste
gevoel, veral as ons ’n wedstryd gewen het.”
Dié kranige sportman het slegs ’n paar weke voor die eindstryd sy buiging vir die Ikeys gemaak toe hy op 31 Maart in ’n oorwinning oor FNB UJ vir dié span uitgedraf het. Die volgende Maandag (7 April) is dié tweedejaar- sosiale wetenskappe-student weer vir die UCT-beginspan gekies, wat
Boland vet’s stellar innings
Quinton Bowman, a 46-year-old all-rounder of Macassar Cricket Club and the Helderberg Vikings Veterans team, has earned a coveted spot in the Boland Veterans Over 40s squad for the upcoming Inter Provincial Tournament (IPT) in East London and Gqeberha from Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 May.
Bowman, a right-handed batsman and right-arm spin bowler, joined the Vikings in the 2023-’24 season, but faced limited game time due to work commitments.
However, the 2024-’25 season has seen Bowman snatch a new opportunity with both hands. Promoted to open the batting, he has impressed with consistent run-scoring, highlighted by a highest score of 53 against the Paarl Heat Veterans from Wellington.
His bowling prowess was also on display, notably against the Stellenbosch Strikers Veterans where he claimed two wickets for just 16 runs in three overs.
This stellar performance has not gone unnoticed, culminating in his selection for the Boland Veterans Over 40s team. Bowman expressed his excitement about participating in the IPT.
“I’m looking forward to the tournament and playing against opponents of the same age. It’s a good test of our cricketing abilities against the best out there. I hope to get a few runs, catches and a few wickets
when the opportunity arises,” he said.
Adding to his pride, Bowman acknowledged the legacy of fellow Helderberg Vikings players who represented Boland in the 2023 IPTs.
“I’m honoured to be able follow in footsteps of James Albany, Gasant Moller, Thomas Smith, Abdul Aziz Temoor and Robin Matthews, who represented Boland in the 2023 IPTs.”
False Bay 50 this weekend
The Balwin Properties False Bay 50, known as “the most beautiful coastal drive in the world on foot”, is set to take place along the breathtaking scenic route starting in Kleinmond, winding its way past the picturesque towns of Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els and Kogel Bay, before culminating in Gordon’s Bay, on Sunday 4 May.
To ensure the safety of all participants, temporary partial road closures will be in effect between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay during the marathon. Motorists are advised to plan their travelling accordingly.
A dedicated fleet of sweep vehicles will diligently follow the back runners, providing support and collecting participants from designated cut-off points.
For runners seeking hassle-free transport to the starting line in Kleinmond, bus tickets are available for purchase online during the entry process at a cost of R120.
Parking will be available at the naval grounds, located across from the finish line in Gordon’s Bay, and Gordon’s Bay Primary for those using the bus service from there to the start.
Buses to the start in Kleinmond will commence their service from 04:00, with the final departure scheduled for 05:00 sharp.
The 2025 False Bay 50 km Ultra Marathon is a qualifier race for the 2025 Comrades Marathon.
The race must be completed in six hours and 10 minutes.
in die halfeindstryd teen FNBUP-Tuks in Pretoria gewen het.
Benewens die wendrie, het Daars ook ’n hand in die Ikeys se openingsdrie gehad. “Ek was net dankbaar om in die eindstryd te speel; ek het nie verwag dat ek ’n drie sou druk nie,” het hy nederig gesê.
Hy beskou dié twee oomblikke as sy hoogtepunte van die eindstryd, maar noem ook dat hy so hittete in die tweede helfte af was, toe sy laagvat op Maties-speler in ’n suksesvolle strafskop geëindig het.
“Ek was gebroke toe hulle op die witkaart besluit het, want ek het nie bedoel om ’n hoë duikslag deur te voer nie; almal kon dit ook sien,” sê Daars.
Tog het hy in die 74ste minuut vir sy fout opgemaak toe hy die wendrie onder die pale gedruk het. Dié vyf punte en die doelskop het die oorwinning vir die Ikeys beklink. “Ek het nie gevoel dat ek met die drie vir die fout opgemaak het nie, maar wel met my spel in geheel. ’n Mens moet onthou dis net ’n wedstryd en almal maak foute; die manier wat jy daarop reageer en aanbeweeg, is wat tel.”
Sy trotse ma, Mary, het ’n video van die wendrie op die Broadlandspark-gemeenskap
se Facebookblad gedeel, met die onderskrif, “Tarriekind”, ’n verwysing na haar seun se herkoms. Lede van dié groep het hul gelukwense en trots oor die plaaslike rugbyheld se prestasties gedeel. “So trots op die kind; ons eie Nonie,” het een geskryf. Nog een het gesê: “Ons toekomstige Bok”.
As tjokkertjie het Daars met trots vir die Strand-rugbyklub uitgedraf en hy meen die klub het steeds ’n invloed op due tipe rugby wat hy speel. “As jong speler by die Strand-rugbyklub, is vir my gesê ‘jy kan nie bang wees om te duik nie’,” onthou Daars, wat teen 1,66 m en slegs 75 kg nie die grootse speler op die veld is nie. “Met hierdie woorde het coach Ali Harris en die ouer spelers my hard gemaak.”
Daars is dankbaar vir die ondersteuning wat hy wat inwoners van Strand ontvang, en skryf sy sukses toe aan die Hemelse Vader. Hoewel hy rugby ten volle geniet, het hy nie juis planne om ’n loopbaan in die sport na te streef nie. “Ek wil net my rugby geniet en my beste elke dag lewer,” vertel hy. “Ek sal voortgaan om Superliga A-rugby te speel en sal steeds harde rugby speel, want Strand vloei deur my are.”
Howzat, mister umpire?
Strand resident and seasoned cricket umpire Chris Roos was appointed umpire of the International Masters Over-60s Cricket Tournament, held in Cape Town in March. Currently serving his 26th season in the Premier League of Western Province, he is also executive member of the Western Province Cricket Umpires’ Association and chairperson of the Helderberg Vikings veterans’ team. He is pictured at the opening ceremony of the International Masters tournament.
Gearing-up for winter angling
It’s that time of the year again, when holiday vibes are what’s on the menu for most people. The sun has started to rise later in the mornings, the dew lies thick on the open fields and green grass of our homes, and we can feel that distinct crispness in the air as we start to leave summer behind and head into late autumn and early winter.
For most people this is a sign to pack away the fishing rods, although I have never understood why.
This time of year marks the beginning of the fishing season for myself and many other anglers, and I would rate it as the best time to be next to the water. Yes, it’s a little colder and wetter for us as anglers, but the fish really don't care.
For those who love edible fishing, there are so many more opportunities for anglers. Galjoen, white steenbras, musselcracker, geelbek, big elf, wildeperd and many more species are what’s on the top of my mind.
I would also like to mention that this is also when the Gordon’s Bay Boat Angling Club hosts its annual offshore classic competition, because it’s tuna time now!
So for those who are keen boat anglers, get out there while you still can; just this week there were some great catches of tuna, including some big eye in the 120 kg range and some big yellowfin pushing the magic 100 kg mark.
We have also seen big schools of mackeral in the bay over the past two weeks. Guys have been chasing these shoals of bait fish around and finding some really good yellowtail feeding on them, so we should also see the catches of geelbek improve with the influx of mackeral in the water.
I, for one, am busy doing the changeover from summer to winter angling, and I cannot wait. I am changing my set-ups – leader set-ups, traces and hook sizes and, also very importantly, preparing my winter baits like red bait, white mussel and all the natural baits one needs to target winter edibles. So what does one need for winter fishing in terms of tackle? That’s the beauty of winter fishing and fishing for edibles in general; I would suggest a 12- or 13-ft rod, something that can throw up to a 4 oz would be more than perfect, like the assassin-bluefish special – an amazing rod that can handle all situations. There’s also the range of loomis rods, specifically the archipeligo 12 ft, one that throws a 3 oz beautifully; it is light and easy to cast, with its slow, soft action, perfect for beach fishing or scratching for smaller edible species.
Match it with a 6 000-size reel loaded with 20 lb or 30 lb braid for all your steenbras and belman fishing on the sand, and 50 lb braid for the bricks for targeting galjoen and other
HOOK, LINE & SINKER
rock dwelling species like wildeperd and cracker.
If I were to choose one hook for the entire winter it would be a 2/0 circle hook, gamakatsu and vmc, which make brilliant hooks (although mustard eagle claw and the more affordable adrenalin hooks will also do). Yes, you may think a 2/0 is small, but I have landed big steenbras and many musselcracker on one, the perfect-size hook for winter species. One should also pay careful attention to hook snoots and leader thickness and lengths. For steenbras and belman or beach fishing, I like to fish a long 12,5 kg leader, and then my hooksnoot will vary between 10 kg and 12,5 kg and sometimes a little thicker if there is scattered rock or bamboos in the water. When I fish for galjoen or between the bricks I will drastically increase my leader to 30 kg or more. I have also found that galjoen and cracker don’t care about a thicker hook snoot. I fish anything from 0,60 mm up to 0, 90 mm for the rocks.
The thicker leader and hook snoot just leads to far fewer break-offs, and you end up breaking off your sinker nine out of 10 times, which is exactly what you want. You don't want to get stuck and break your entire trace off. Make sure your sinker line is lighter than the rest of your set-up, and rather lose 10 sinkers than the fish of your lifetime.
We know many guys and girls are looking to learn, so please feel free to pop into Fishing Republic, Shop 6, Helderberg Centre in Beach Road, Strand, to pick our brains about local fishing, baits, traces and so on.
We’re more than willing to assist those who care about conservation and fish stocks, as well as those who love nature and want to make a difference in our sport.
’n inwoner van Strand, agter die oond vir die UCT Ikey Tigers tydens die Varsitybeker-eindstryd teen Maties in die Danie Craven-stadion in Stellenbosch.
Cup
Quinton Bowman has been selected for the Boland Veterans Over 40s squad. Photo: Peter Bee
Kegan Mattheys
Woensdag, 30 April 2025
SLC derby duel delivers
In a highly-anticipated and extremely entertaining Super League C derby match on Saturday 26 April, the spoils were shared when Strand United clashed with Strand RFC at the Abattoir Sports Ground.
The game started at a ferocious pace with Strand RFC displaying their entire attacking artillery in launching waves of attack with driving mauls and backs running
from various angles.
However, United’s defense was of equal measure, led by inspirational vice-captain Zain Daniels.
Liga was the first to score following sustained pressure applied by the forwards and the backs rounding off in the corner. The conversion was successful (0-7).
The try ignited the fire within United’s pack of forwards, which slowly began to apply a stranglehold on the visitors. Captain
Tyronne Jones and Yusuf Arnold lead from the front as United crawled their way back into the encounter. They were rewarded with a penalty, which Rizaa Collins converted (3-7).
The home side maintained this stranglehold with aggressive forward play and were rewarded when Arnold dotted down; Collins again converted (10-7).
Just before the break, United were awarded another penalty, which Collins converted to take his side to a 13-7 break at halftime.
The match had all the ingredients of a classic derby, and the spectators could not wait for the second half to begin.
Liga scored just after half-time, and it was clear the substitutions made were spot on, as the tide slowly started to turn in their favour. They scored another three tries, mainly through rolling mauls, but unfortunately they couldn’t convert any of the tries.
United were kept in the contest through the boot of Collins, who slotted a late penalty to tie the score at 22-22.
The try-scorers for Strand RFC were Reagan Bosman, Ebrahiem Fortuin, Nathan Hugo and Fadiel
Harris, while Nathan Fransman slotted a conversion.
In Super League A, Helderberg Rugby Club was in good form at against hosts Unimil.
After a good first half with a 26-15 lead, they ultimately triumphed with a score of 50-27. Berge scored eight tries against the five of their opponents.
However, the home team was first on the scoreboard (5-0) in the 11th minute, but Helderberg’s hooker, Mauritz Swart, equalised with a try in the corner (5-5) three minutes later.
Then flanker Blaine Skelton went over for a try, which captain Michael Visser converted (5-12).
Three minutes later again, Visser kicked a ball forward, followed up and dotted down. His successful conversion made it 5-19. Unimil responded with two unconverted tries (15-19).
Just before half-time, right wing, Ovain Engelbrecht, set off on a strong run before cutting inside to his left wing Jeandre Lukas, who was too quick for the defenders and scored in the corner. Visser converted (HT: 15-26).
On resumption, Engelbrecht was full of running and applied good pressure to score twice in
the corner (15-36).
The home side showed they were still in the game with two tries, one of which was converted (27-36).
However, Unimil’s energy was depleted, and Helderberg finished strongly with a brilliant 40-meter run Lukas, who scored a converted try.
This was followed by Helderberg’s eighth try by Visser, who also converted his own try, bringing the final score to 27-50. Other results:
Super League B: Collegians 3132 Macassar; Super League C: All Saints 2410 Caledonian Roses; Northern League: Raithby 40- 24 Albions, Excelsior 39-19 Gordon’s Bay Pioneers, Sir Lowrians 26-17 Blue Stars United. Fixtures Saturday 3 May: SLA: St George’s vs UCT (away);
SLB: All Saints vs Strand United (Abattoir), Strand RFC vs Young Peoples (Gustrouw); SLC: Macassar vs Primrose RFC (Riverside Park); Northern League: Raithby Universals vs Stellenbosch-Coronations (away), Sir Lowrians vs Windmeul United (SLP).
Playing for Strand United, veteran lock Yusuf Arnold protects the ball as he heads into Strand Rugby Club’s defensive line during a Super League C derby encounter at the Abattoir Sports Ground on Saturday 26 April. Photos: Peter Bee.
With teammate support, nothing is going to stop Strand Rugby Club’s Kurt Sylvester making valuable metres on attack.
DELIVER: MACASSAR, FIRGROVE, CROYDON, SITARI, STRAND,
