Gesinne in sak en as
Een man dood, vyf tuistes in puin gelê
Barend Williams
’n Tragedie het Vrydagoggend (29 Augustus) twee keer in Strand afgespeel nadat twee brande 30 minute uitmekaar die lewe van ’n 39-jarige man in Weltevreden geëis en alles wat sy gesin sowel as ’n Broadlandspark-gesin besit het, vernietig het.
Jermaine Carelse, ’n woordvoerder van die Stad Kaapstad se brand-en-reddingsdiens, sê hulle is om 02:00 in kennis gestel van informele strukture wat in Webbstraat brand. Brandspanne van die Strand- en die Sir Lowry’s Pass-brandweerstasie het op die toneel gereageer en die brand kort ná 03:00 geblus. Drie strukture is vernietig en vier mense is dakloos gelaat.
“Ongelukkig het ’n volwasse man noodlottige brandwonde opgedoen terwyl ’n volwasse vrou eerste- en tweedegraadse brandwonde opgedoen het,” het Carelse gesê. Die vrou is op die toneel behandel voordat sy na ’n nabygeleë hospitaal vir
verdere mediese sorg vervoer is.
Die Strand-polisie het ’n geregtelike doodsondersoek geopen nadat beamptes die lyk van die 39-jarige man binne ’n informele struktuur in Weltevreden gevind het.
In die tweede voorval in Boradlandspark, het polisielede ook ’n 33-jarige man op aanklagte van brandstigting in hegtenis geneem.
Carelse sê brandbestryders van die Somerset-Wes- en Macassar-brandweerstasie het om 02:30 ’n noodoproep oor ’n huisbrand in Finkstraat reageer. Die spanne het daarin geslaag om die brand teen 04:15 te blus. ’n Enkele informele struktuur is vernietig en nege mense is van hul tuiste ontneem. “Een vrou het aan ’n gebrek aan asem gely en is op die toneel behandel,” het Carelse gesê.
Charmaine Meyer (49) se gesin het alles as gevolg van die brand in Broadlandspark verloor. Meyer sê sy het pas klaar televisie gekyk terwyl die hele huishouding geslaap het toe sy krakende geluide uit haar ma se kamer gehoor het. Toe sy die deur oop-
Pick of Spring
Cultivating community, harvesting memories! Locals and members of the Heartlands Baby Sanctuary community came together for the organisation’s pick-your-own-cherry-tomato-and-lemon experience at the Blossoming into Spring event held at the Somerset West facility’s Seeds of Hope Garden this past Saturday (30 August).
maak, het sy vlamme in die kamer gesien. “Ek was verward, maar het daarin geslaag om al nege lede van my gesin wakker te maak en hulle uit die huis uit te jaag,” sê sy. “Ons kon niks uit die huis red nie; ek kon gelukkig my gesin red.”
Die Meyer-gesin woon al 26 jaar in Finkstraat en hulle is verpletter deur die verlies van hul hele wêreld. “My hart breek vir my man, omdat hy hierdie huis met sy eie hande gebou het.”
Sy verduidelik dat haar kinders nou by familielede bly terwyl sy en haar man ’n klein gedeelte van die huis, wat nie heeltemal vernietig is nie, bewoon. Meyer het gevra dat die gemeenskap vir haar en haar gesin bid sodat hulle so gou as moontlik weer verenig kan word. Die gesin het baie hulpbronne nodig om weer op hul voete te kom. Mense wat wil help, kan Meyer by 071 463 6180 of Zorah Motasi by 072 475 9084 bel.
Photo: Jamey Gordon
Eight-yearold Anisha Witbooi was among the eager participants welcoming Spring by picking fresh cherry tomatoes.
Nooddienste wat die brand in Broadlandspark op Vrydag 29 Augustus aangedurf het.
Die skade nadat ’n brand op Vrydag 29 Augustus ’n huis in Broadlandspark deels vernietig het.
Selfless taxi driver mourned
Jamey Gordon
“Reasonable. Kind. Helpful. Always putting others before himself.”
sound of his taxi stopping outside the house. “One didn’t need to check who it was; we knew instantly from the taxi’s distinctive sound.”
Her dad’s legacy of being loving and caring will live on through them.
This is how Kaylin Williams remembers her 56-year-old father, Hilton Williams, who was one of two taxi drivers claimed in the fatal shooting that rocked Macassar last Tuesday (26 August). The incident was one of two shootings that struck in different corners of the Helderberg, as taxi-related violence reached a deadly climax (“Taxi turmoil”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 27 August). The Macassar tragedy came just one day after fatal incidents in Philippi East and Khayelitsha, and preceded another in Strand that left a scholar-transport driver (34) wounded.
Williams is survived by his wife, Ursula (56), two children Kaylin and Kyle (34), five grandchildren and elderly mother, Joan, who is devastated by the loss of her son.
The family of the second victim, Mandla Sitshoni, a 53-year-old taxi driver in greater Lwandle could not be reached.
A joint memorial service for both Sitshoni and Williams will be held at the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) church hall in Ring Avenue, Macassar tonight (Wednesday 3 September) at 18:00.
The escalating violence stems from a deadly feud between rival taxi associations Cata and Codeta over lucrative routes connecting Somerset West, Lwandle, Mfuleni and Khayelitsha. Tuesday’s incidents prompted swift action by authorities, including temporary closure of the Somerset West Public Transport Interchange (PTI).
To protect thousands of commuters the Western Cape High Court granted the Western Cape Mobility Department an urgent interdict on Thursday 28 August.
the rules of their existing operating licences and directs them to act immediately to stop unlawful behaviour. The order will remain in place until Thursday 9 October, when the court will decide whether to make it permanent.
While it’s now business as usual at the PTI two local families are battling with the reality of losing loved ones.
“The family is holding on, trying to keep strong for one another,” Kaylin pointed out. “Losing a loved one who was there every day is difficult; it’s hard, and in such a manner, it’s even unfair.” She appealed to authorities to enhance safety measures for vulnerable taxi drivers facing dangers.
On Monday (1 September) the Mobility Department urged the taxi associations to prioritise commuters and the industry’s collective interests by resuming negotiations. Said Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku: “Commuter safety is my top priority. If this stalemate continues, the industry will force my hand to impose even harsher sanctions.”
Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi condemned the recent violence, emphasising the association was committed to peaceful resolution, although no further discussions are tabled at this point.
The court order addresses multiple aspects of the conflict, specifically prohibiting members of the two taxi associations and its affiliates from interfering with transport services at the Somerset West taxi rank, Somerset West Mall and on four key routes: Khayelitsha to Somerset West; Lwandle to Khayelitsha; Mfuleni to Somerset West; and Nomzamo to Mfuleni.
The 30-year-old recalled last seeing her father alive on Monday night when he had returned home from work, greeted everyone and retired to his room. She was getting her children ready for school when she received a call with the devastating news from another taxi driver.
Additionally, the interdict bans threats, intimidation or interference with other minibus-taxi operators or their drivers, requires minibus taxi associations to follow
“He loved his work very much, besides his family. If he wasn’t at home he was at work. He was so loyal.” Apart from his flou jokes she will especially miss the
Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana expressed satisfaction with the legal action to prioritise public safety, but voiced concerns over income loss and the potential impact of possibly introducing bus services on the affected routes to prioritise the public’s safety. “We appeal to government to seek intervention for the taxi associations and the City of Cape Town as our regulator to resolve this matter.”
A joint memorial service for both Mandla Sitshoni (left) and Hilton Williams will be held at the AFM church hall in Ring Avenue, Macassar, tonight (Wednesday 3 September).
Berné vermaak talle kykers aanlyn
Jamey Gordon
Van kaalvoet skool toe gaan en strategiese windbreking tot sokkie-dansvereistes en padda-lewenshulp; van internasionale middagslaap-noodsaaklikheid en ongeëwenaarde sokkies tot uitstel-superkragte en pizza-teleportasie – dié was slegs enkele van die kreatiewe onderwerpe waarmee Berné Peters van Somerset-Wes rondgespeel het voordat sy op die wenonderwerp besluit het wat haar ’n internet-sensasie gemaak het.
Dié gr.7-leerder aan die Laerskool De Hoop het opslae gemaak nadat ’n video-opname van haar toespraak oor poep sosiale media laat gons het. Die beeldmateriaal het geweldige reaksie ontlok en is reeds meer as ’n miljoen keer gekyk.
Berné vertel haar ma, Renée, het haar voorverlede Saterdag wakker gemaak en gesê: “Oukei Nétjie, jy is viral!” Oor hoe sy oor dié warrelwind-mylpaal voel, het die 13-jarige gedeel: “Oorspronklik, toe die video die miljoen-kerf bereik, kon ek nie regtig begryp hoeveel mense dit is nie. My pa het dit vir my in perspektief gestel: Die DHL-stadion hou 60 000 mense en met 1,2 miljoen kykers sou dit 20 vol stadions wees! Ek voel dit is ’n seëning en die begin van iets groots.”
Berné vertel die reis het in April begin met die landwye Oppi Tong Afredenaarskompetisie, waarin sy regstreeks op Zoom deelgeneem het, en Radikale Redenaars, waarvoor sy ’n video moes instuur. In die laasgenoemde kompetisie het sy deurgedring na die streekseindronde waar sy tweede was. Direk hierna moes sy haar na die Stellenbosch-eisteddfod haas. Haar ma het op die nippertjie gevra of sy ook aan die Helderberg-eisteddfod wou deelneem. Sy het vir al twee ingeskryf, maar die Helderberg-video wat op Saterdag 16 Augustus opgeneem is, het uiteindelik die een geword wat haar beroemd gemaak het.
Sy het met haar ma se hulp in Maart reeds aan die toespraak, navorsing en skryf begin werk. Haar unieke leermetode sluit in om woorde op die spieël te plak en selfs in die stort te oefen en liedjies daarvan te maak. “Ek maak dit werk, of dit nou die moeite werd is of nie,” sê sy.
Haar strategie vir selfvertroue is eenvoudig – goeie voorbereiding en die vertroue dat God lief is vir haar en haar altyd sal help.
Volgens Berné het familie en vriende se reaksies verander nadat die video versprei het. Waar sommige vriende dit voorheen nie indrukwekkend gevind het
nie, kyk hulle dit nou verskeie kere en waardeer dit meer. Hoewel haar ouma van die begin af ’n onwrikbare ondersteuner was wat aan haar talent vir ’n doel glo, is die res van die familie wel trots, maar nie oormatig entoesiasties nie. Sy verklap dat die familie aan haar vaderskant dit “glad nie verkeerd” ag om oor poep te praat nie. “Ons gesin is groot daarop, en ja, dis nogal snaaks om by die Peters-kant oor poep te praat.”
Berné koester haar inherente humorsin, wat sy van kleins af ontgin. Sy deel graag dat sy op vyfjarige ouderdom, toe hulle na die Helderberg verhuis het, “Blinkoogsterretjie” in ’n Kaapse aksent gesing het, wat sy baie snaaks gevind het. Sy en haar ma bring ook gereeld tyd met grappe deur wanneer hulle verveeld raak (wat nogal min gebeur).
“Ek en my ma kompeteer altyd oor wie die beste ‘hasie’-grappe kan vertel. Soos byvoorbeeld: ‘Wat noem jy ’n hasie in die tuimeldroër? ’n Spin-hasie.’ ‘Wat noem jy ’n hasie in die spieël? ’n Inspir-hasie. Wat noem jy ’n hasie wat homself oor alles bekommer? ’n Warryhasie.”
Sy glo haar humorsin, gekombineer met haar liefde vir die verhoog en voordrag, kan wel ’n loopbaan vir haar word.
Berné probeer nederig bly en ondanks die aandag nie te verander nie. Sy gaan voort met haar normale lewe en weier om net oor poep te praat omdat haar video beroemd geword het.
Berné se raad vir jongmense wat bang is om anders te wees: “Wees uniek en probeer om nie altyd net in te pas as jy
gebore is om uit te staan nie. Gebruik jou Godgegewe talente en moenie na stereotiepes luister nie. Moenie net jou drome najaag nie – jy moet hulle vang!” Haar lewensfilosofie is eenvoudig: Die lewe gaan nie net oor wen nie, maar dat jy dit geniet en jou beste doen. “As jy dit gedoen het, het jy jou prys gewen!”
Berné Peters van Somerset-Wes se video het aanlyn opslae gemaak
Herrie oor prokureur
Barend Williams
Twee broers wat aangekla word van die beweerde verkragting van ’n negejarige meisie het verlede Woensdag (27 Augustus) hul borgtogaansoeke vir die tweede keer in die Strand-landdroshof laat vaar.
Die broers het eers hul borgtogaansoeke op 6 Mei laat vaar nadat hulle van die beweerde verkragting van die minderjarige aangekla is. Hulle is op 7 April deur die Strand-polisie in verband met beweerde verkragting oor vier maande tussen Desember 2024 en April 2025 in hegtenis geneem (“Broers laat vaar borgtogaansoek”, DistrikPos & Helderberg Gazette, 14 Mei).
Tussen Mei en Augustus het hulle die hof in kennis gestel dat hulle weer om borgtog sou aansoek doen, maar ’n omstrede hofsitting het alles verander.
Volgens teenwoordiges in die hof het die broers se advokaat tydens die borgtogaansoek op Dinsdag 19 Augustus beswaar gemaak toe die ondersoekbeampte mediese getuienis voorgelê het.
Mense beweer hy het voorgestel die negejarige kon seksuele kontak met iemand anders gehad het of die beserings aan haarself veroorsaak het.
Dít het glo die beweerde slagoffer se ma op haar voete laat spring en die landdros moes die regsman herinner dat hy oor ’n negejarige praat.
“Sy is tog net nege jaar oud!” het Lisa Visser van die Leadership Network opgemerk.
Volgens Visser het die prokureur verder gesê dat minder-
Crime in brief
Somerset West police are investigating a case of culpable homicide following a fatal rollover crash outside Raithby last Wednesday (27 August).
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, the incident occurred on the corner of the R44 and Cordoba Road at 03:50.
“It is believed that the vehicle, with five occupants, was travelling from Strand towards Stellenbosch,” she said. “The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which overturned. One occupant, a 26-year-old Zimbabwean national, died on impact while four others were transported to hospital.”
Jantjies said the cause of the accident remains part of the police investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Sergeant Selwyn de Koker, on 021 850 1302.
Macassar police are investigating a murder case after a 46-year-old man was fatally shot last Tuesday (26 August).
According to a police report the incident occurred at the E1 flats at 23:20. The deceased and a friend were allegedly sitting outside the block of flats when they were approached by two unknown men. One of the suspects opened fire on the victim before both men fled on foot. The deceased sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including three to the head, one to the neck and three to the legs. Police recovered eight spent 9 mm cartridges from the scene. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call
dat die negejarige haarself kon beseer het.
jariges as gevolg van sosiale media “nie meer dieselfde is nie”. Lede van die Vroue in Aksiebeweging en die Leadership Network – plaaslike organisasies wat slagoffers van seksuele geweld ondersteun – het die vermelde verdedigingstrategie as slagofferverwyting veroordeel.
“Die saak het reeds openbare aandag getrek. Nou sal sy opmerkings mense nog meer aan haar laat twyfel,” sê Visser. “Ons wil hê hy moet ’n openbare verskoning maak.”
Ná hierdie kritiek het DistriksPos & Helderberg Gazette die verdedigingsadvokaat se regsfirma genader vir kommentaar oor die beweerde omstrede uitsprake, maar die firma het verkies om geen kommentaar op die bewerings te lewer nie.
’n Regskenner het egter wel gereageer.
Demi Johannisen, ’n prokureur by die Universiteit Stellenbosch se regskliniek, wat in familiereg en kinderhof-aangeleenthede spesialiseer, sê “die verdediging
moet nooit taktiek gebruik wat verdere skade of ontsteltenis kan veroorsaak nie, aangesien dit as onvanpas beskou sal word”. Johannisen, wat ook finalejaar-regstudente begelei en kandidaat-regspraktisyns mentor, het ervaring van sake waarby kinders betrek is.
Sy het verwys na die Suid-Afrikaanse Regspraktyk-gedragskode, wat vereis dat regspraktisyns getuies tydens kruisondervraging met waardigheid behandel en nie ongegronde bewerings maak sonder redelike verwagting van bewyse nie.
Johannisen waarsku dat verdedigingsargumente wat hierdie beginsels ignoreer, moontlik ’n oortreding van die Wet op Regspraktyk kan daarstel en die regsprofessie in onguns kan bring.
Sy glo prokureurs moet eerder die getuie se gemak prioritiseer en gepaste kommunikasie gebruik – veral in sake wat kinders betrek.
Johannisen erken egter die hofstelsel moet kinderbeskerming en die beweerde oortreder se regte balanseer.
Met hierdie etiese vrae nog vars in die gedagte is die borgtogaansoeke ná die omstrede hofsitting tot Maandag 25 Augustus uitgestel, maar is nie aangehoor nie omdat die presiderende beampte siekteverlof geneem het. Ten spyte van die uitstel het albei broers hul borgtogaansoeke vir die tweede keer laat vaar toe die saak Woensdag 27 Augustus weer in die hof gedraai het. Die saak is toe tot Dinsdag 23 September uitgestel en sal in die Strand-streekhof aangehoor word.
Macassar Police Station on 021 857 7100.
Lwandle police arrested two suspects, aged 28 and 37, for possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and prohibited firearms in Nomzamo last Tuesday. According to a police report, officers reacted after being alerted to an incident where a female e-hailing driver was approached by three unknown armed suspects in Nombula Street at 20:05.
The suspects allegedly ordered the woman to get out of her vehicle and they fled the scene in the car. The offi -
cers immediately began searching for the vehicle and spotted it in Ntanga Street with two of the suspects, who proceeded to flee once they noticed the police. The officers gave chase and arrested both men.
One of the suspects was found in possession of 11 rounds of ammunition. On searching the vicinity of the vehicle, officers also found a prohibited Uzi submachine gun next to it and confiscated the weapon.
The two men will appear in the Strand Magistrates’ Court once they have been formally charged.
Lisa Visser van die Leadership Network het skerp kritiek gelewer oor die verdedigingsadvokaat se beweerde voorstel
‘Voice for change’ now forever silent
Tributes have poured in for respected Helderberger, inspirational leader and beloved councillor Neil de Beer, who lost a valiantly-fought battle with cancer.
News of the United Independent Movement (UIM) president’s passing at age 56 was widely shared across social-media platforms on Saturday morning (30 August).
Jacques Taljaard, secretary-general of the UIM, issued a heartfelt statement announcing the passing of their leader and friend. He described the organisation’s collective grief: “Today our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we bid farewell to a truly remarkable soul, a friend whose kindness touched every life and a leader whose vision inspired us all.”
He emphasised the magnitude of the party’s loss: “We have lost not just a guide, but a beacon of hope and love.”
Taljaard reflected on De Beer’s character, noting that “in every word spoken and every action taken, he showed us what it means to care deeply and lead with unwavering integrity”.
He also praised De Beer’s resilience and dedication, stating: “His courage in the face of hardship and relentless dedication to the betterment of others will remain etched in our memories forever.”
Regarding De Beer’s lasting impact, Taljaard observed that “though he has departed from this world, his spirit lives on in the lives he changed, the dreams he ignited and the love he freely gave”.
He added that De Beer’s “legacy is not measured in accolades but in the warmth of the hearts he touched and the strength he gave to those who followed him”.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the movement, Taljaard said: “We are grateful for having walked beside him, for the laughter shared and the lessons learnt.” He acknowledged that while “the void he leaves is undeniable,” there exists “a deep gratitude for the precious gift of his friendship and leadership”.
Taljaard bade his party confrère a poignant farewell: “Rest now, beloved friend. Your journey here may have ended, but your story continues to guide us, reminding us to live with purpose, compassion and courage, just as you did. You will forever remain in our hearts, our inspiration, and our cherished memories. Until we meet again.”
Member of Parliament and leader of the Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen issued a statement mourning De Beer’s loss and expressing sympathy to his bereaved family. “In Neil de Beer’s passing South Africa has lost a powerful voice for change.
“With his uncompromising and often
confrontational style he upset many, but he also spoke for many. His convictions and fearless personality made him a force to be reckoned with and a valuable partner to the Multi-Party Charter. For his role in bringing its charter about, the DA will remember him fondly. Our condolences and prayers go out to his loved ones. In life he was a man of restless energy. May he now find eternal rest.”
Executive mayor of Saldanha Bay
André Truter took to his Facebook page: “A big tree has fallen. My friend Neil de Beer quietly passed away in his sleep last night after a long battle with cancer. I visited him just over a week ago and spent precious final moments with him at his home in Gordon’s Bay.
“He was a true patriot who loved our country, South Africa, with unwavering devotion. I treasured our many discussions and spirited debates. His singular vision was to see our country reach its true potential and our people live safely, prosperously, and in harmony with one another.
“His voice may be silent on Sunday Biznews, but it will live on through all of us who love South Africa as deeply as he did. In the end, he had no regrets, but wished he could have done more. I assured him he had given everything he had, and then some.”
Gayton Mckenzie, on behalf of the Patriotic Alliance, said: “I will never forget your analysis, particularly about the party I lead; you would praise where praise was due and you would critique when you thought we fell short. Your death is a blow; you still had so much to offer SA.”
The late Neil de Beer, who died on Saturday 30 August, following a battle with cancer.
Inwoners nou goed keelvol
Barend Williams
Inwoners van die informele nedersetting Beverly Hills sê hulle het genoeg gehad. Hul betoging op Maandag 18 Augustus was die uitbarsting van jare se woede oor wat hulle beweer die stelselmatige verwaarlosing van basiese dienste is.
Inwoners het bande in Onverwachtstraat in Strand aan die brand gesteek terwyl hulle “Ons wil huise hê” geskree het. Die betoging het die verkeer in Gordonsbaaiweg versteur en die betogers is om 15:30 ná die polisie en die Stad Kaapstad se ingryping uiteengedryf (“‘Gee ons elektrisiteit!’”, DistriksPos & Helderberg Gazette, 20 Augustus).
Caliban Botha, voorsitter van die Beverly Hills-gemeenskapsleiers, het verduidelik dat die betoging begin het nadat sy diensversoek om krag te herstel glo onopgelos gebly het. Hy beweer hy het 10 dae tevore ’n klagte by die Stad aangemeld. “Ek het daardie oggend besluit ek gaan opstaan en bande brand sodat die Stad kan kom en my elektrisiteit herstel,” sê Botha. Die inwoners se griewe strek terug na ’n brand waar agt strukture in Februarie 2021 afgebrand het. Die leierskap beweer dat die Stad die slagoffers om beweerde polities gemotiveerde redes gestrand gelaat het. Volgens aanvanklike ramings is agt strukture vernietig en 28 mense haweloos gelaat. Inwoners het die dag ná die brand (18 Februarie 2021) ook betoog en die pad versper nadat hulle die Stad van stadige reaksie beskuldig het. Dit is ’n beweerde “patroon van verwaarlosing” wat volgens die inwoners in die nedersetting se daaglikse lewensomstandighede herhaal. Dit word beweer Beverly Hills het slegs sewe toilette vir 36 huishoudings, terwyl
die nabygeleë Morkel Cottage net twee toilette vir meer as 20 families het. Albei nedersettings het volgens die leierskap ook onvoldoende waterfasiliteite.
“Die publiek kan hul opinie hê, maar hulle moet hulself in ons skoene plaas. Ons waardigheid is van ons weggeneem omdat die Stad nie kan verbeter nie,” sê Sarah Meyer, sekretaris van die Beverly Hills-gemeenskapsleierskap.
Hierdie infrastruktuurtekorte word volgens die leierskap doelbewus deur politieke manipulasie vererger. Hulle beweer hulle wag al langer as 60 jaar vir behuising en dat die subraad 8-voorsitter Chantal Cerfontein hulle met geweld na Vlakteplaas wil verskuif. “Sy noem dit die Groot Trek en sal ons weg van ons klinieke en ons skole skuif,” sê Meyer.
Sy beweer ook dat Cerfontein slegs help as sy toegelaat word om hulle vir sosiale media “te misbruik” en dat sy foto’s van inwoners sonder toestemming gebruik. “Sy moet ophou lieg oor die mees kwesbare mense in ons gemeenskap,” sê Meyer.
Cerfontein, die raadslid vir Wyk 85, het op die bewerings gereageer deur te verwys na die feit dat sy ’n ANC-geleide wyk geërf het. “Toe ek die wyk in 2021 oorgeneem het, het ek besef dat ek 30 jaar se gemeenskapskade moes herstel. Die feit dat hulle kwessies van voor my tyd as raadslid noem, is onbegryplik,” sê sy.
Cerfontein beweer inwoners was bewus dat die elektrisiteitsafdeling aan die krag sou werk nadat vyf inwoners elektrisiteitsaansluitings verkry het. “Ek het die ‘leierskap’ ingelig en hulle was bewus van die proses, nie net wanneer dit sou wees nie.”
Rakende foto’s op sosiale media het sy verduidelik: “Toe ek die foto’s geneem het, het ek die gemeenskap se toestemming gevra weens die Popia-wet. Toe Sarah Meyer my gevra het om dit te verwyder, het ek
’n Soortgelyke betoging het Donderdag 18 Februarie uitgebreek ná ’n brand wat agt gesinne haweloos gelaat het en inwoners wat beweer die Stad was stadig om op hul versoeke te reageer. Foto: Jamey Gordon/argief
dit onmiddellik gedoen.”
Sy het ook betwis dat sy hulp weier weens politieke affiliasies.
Cerfontein bevestig die Groot Trek-projek, maar het bygevoeg dat Beverly Hills en Morkel Cottage nie verskuif word nie.
“Dit is hartseer dat ons gemeenskappe vergeld wetende dat ek meer as my plig gedoen het,” sê sy. “ ’n Mens kan verstaan dat ons in die aanloop tot die volgende munisipale verkiesing is, maar Rome is nie in een dag gebou nie.”
Xanthea Limberg, burgemeesterkomiteelid vir energie, het inwoners se bewerings oor langdurige kragonderbrekings betwis.
“Daar was geen grootskaalse 10-dag-onderbreking soos beweer nie,” sê Limberg.
Sy sê ’n gebiedsfout is Woensdag 13 Augustus gerapporteer en dieselfde dag herstel. Die voorval wat tot die betoging gelei het, was weens ’n enkele diensverbinding waarvoor geen diensversoek geregistreer is nie.
Die verbinding het vier wonings van krag voorsien, wat voorheen onwettige aansluitings was. Die fout is binne die huis gevind, nie by die Stad se infrastruktuur nie, en die kragtoevoer is om 16:07 dieselfde dag herstel.
Die leierskap van die informele nedersettings Beverly Hills en Morkel Cottage sê hulle het genoeg gehad van jare se leuens en stelselmatige verwaarlosing van hul basiese behoeftes. Van links is die voorsitter Mymoena Latif voorsitter van die Morkel Cottagegemeenskapsleierskap; Sarah Meyer, sekretaris van die Beverly Hills-gemeenskapsleierskap; en Caliban Botha, voorsitter van Beverly Hills-gemeenskapsleierskap. Foto Barend Williams
Zahid Badroodien, burgemeesterkomiteelid vir water en sanitasie, het bevestig Morkel’s Cottage bestaan uit 53 strukture en Beverly Hills uit 31 strukture. Die toiletverhoudingper struktuur in Morkel’s Cottage is 1:4 en in Beverly Hills 1:1.
“Die Stad se standaarde is een toilet per vyf huishoudings. Hierdie verhoudings stem ooreen met die nasionale norme en standaarde,” sê Badroodien.
Carl Pophaim, die burgemeesterkomiteelid vir menslike nedersettings, het ontken dat inwoners van behuisingsprojekte as begunstigdes verwyder is. Die Stad het die behuisingsprojek in Morkel’s Cottage in 2018 voltooi.
“Ongelukkig kon inwoners wat nie aan nasionale kriteria voldoen het nie, nie geakkommodeer word nie,” sê Pophaim. Rakende bewerings dat sommige inwoners 60 jaar vir behuising wag, sê Pophaim daar bestaan geen spesifieke wagtydperk nie. Toewysing hang af van projekbeskikbaarheid wanneer geleenthede ontstaan.
Ten spyte van Cerfontein en die Stad se reaksies, bly die leierskap onwrikbaar dat hulle verwaarloos word.
“Hulle is onakkuraat en nou wil ons uitskop,” sê Meyer.
Treatment-plant spill being probed
Jamey Gordon
The ferric-sulphate spill at Faure Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is being investigated and has been reported to all relevant regulatory authorities.
This according to Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien in response to the incident on Friday 22 August.
Social media sites were abuzz, alerting locals to the spill that had entered the stormwater system, moving through farmland towards a nearby stream, around 20:30.
Badroodien, on enquiry, confirmed the leak was detected during a routine inspection around 16:00 and senior management was notified immediately, with emergency teams mobilised and on site by 17:30.
“The spill was caused by corrosion in one of the ferric sulphate storage tanks at the Faure WTP,” he pointed out.
“Ferric sulphate, which is used in the water-treatment process, has a high concentration of iron and is acidic. Its discharge to environmental water lowers the pH of water, which is harmful to fish and other aquatic lifeforms.”
The City of Cape Town initially communicated via social media and to affected ward councillors, urging residents living along the affected stormwater system to avoid all contact with water in nearby streams, canals, rivers
and dams, which may appear dark-brown or reddish in colour, until further notice. By Sunday 24 August, the City confirmed the spill had been successfully managed.
Emergency teams contained the leak, transferred 100 m³ of spilled material to secure tanks and applied lime to neutralise acidity. Clean-up operations have been completed with ongoing water quality monitoring from the plant to the ocean.
LEAK BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL
Badroodien confirmed the City's Scientific Services has been conducting water quality tests since Friday night, when the leak was brought under control and stopped. “The spill was confined to the Moddergat and Eerste River corridors. Farmers and residents have been advised not to allow animals to drink from these rivers until further notice. No reports of livestock water shortages have been received at this stage.”
The affected areas include Faure, Winery Road Estate, Sitari Village, Firgrove and Macassar.
Warning signs have been erected along affected areas and at the ocean, while residents are advised to avoid contact with the water and prevent animals from drinking from these watercourses.
“Environmental impacts are still being assessed through ongoing water quality sampling and analysis,” Badroodien noted. “Potential long-term impacts, if
any, cannot be quantified at this stage.”
Regarding preventative measures to avoid similar incidents, he said that the remaining three storage tanks would be fitted with newly designed connector flanges and replaced at five-year intervals to reduce the likelihood of future failure.
Badroodien noted all water treatment plants are evaluated annually for treatment performance and reliability, with maintenance schedules determined by operational requirements, manufacturer specifications and regulatory standards.
All treatment facilities have incident response and emergency protocols in place, including
containment, neutralisation and communication measures. Importantly, water security remains unaffected.
“There is no impact on the City’s water security,” Badroodien said. “The Faure Water Treatment Plant was offline for scheduled maintenance before the incident, and supply from other facilities has ensured continuity.”
MONITORING OF WATER COURSES
He added that monitoring of the impacted watercourses will continue until conditions have stabilised and residents will be notified once water quality results are confirmed as safe.
Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement founder Lisa Starr ad-
vocated for stricter maintenance schedules and regular internal tank inspections to prevent future incidents.
She recalled hearing the news on Friday evening and immediately reaching out to residents in Faure to alert them to the situation. “Local organisations monitored the rivers, channels and both river mouths, and fortunately no dead fish were found. Sadly, the Eerste River doesn’t have much life in it due to ongoing pollution and human waste.
“We were told to look out for a reddish stain, though we do get that naturally in the rivers from organic elements. The Pearl Project and Glen Graze Rescue Sanctuary reported back that all was clear on their side. As always Glen Graze volunteers were out ensuring people kept their animals away from the river as a precaution. There was no sign of any residue in the Helderberg Marine Protected Area, and I was informed this would be very unlikely anyway. I also researched ferric sulfate immediately after hearing the news; it's actually used to purify drinking water, so I wasn't overly concerned, especially given the heavy rainfall we had.”
The City’s Environmental Health and Coastal Management teams continue monitoring both rivers and ocean for signs of pollution and possible fish die-offs. Residents who observe dead fish are urged to report it on 0860 103 089 or water@capetown.gov.za.
Warning signs have been
Schools’ sharp-shooters
Somerset West Primary School’s incredible netball goalgetters: (back, from left) Esihle Stimela, Oratile Manganeng, Gemma Dickson and Nery Kouyokela; (centre) Shannon Vermeulen (coach) and Laoise Hector; (front) Anita Nqweniso, Zia Bailey and Lethabo Nooi
Gordon’s Bay Primary School’s shooting stars: (from left) Tatiana Fourie, Claudia Bimenyimana, Zaharah Hendricks, Imaan Bam, Nina-Marie van Rensburg, Dantae du Plessis, Shamica Benjamin and Isabella October
New heart procedure at Busamed
Jamey Gordon
Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital in Somerset West has established itself as a leading cardiology facility, transforming healthcare accessibility for the community through world-class care.
The facility’s latest milestone is the introduction of a specialised electrophysiological service headed by cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Charle Viljoen.
“I’m excited to establish an electrophysiology service at Busamed,” the 42-year-old medical specialist, who is bringing cuttingedge, full spectrum cardiac care to the basin, enthusiastically shared.
He completed his medical training at the University of Pretoria before pursuing his postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town. His specialised training encompassed internal medicine, cardiology and electrophysiology.
The Pretoria-born physician, now proudly identifying as a Capetonian, and a recent addition to the Cape Winelands community, brings five years’ experience as a cardiologist to his new role. His expertise has been further enhanced through recent specialised training in electrophysiology, positioning him to offer advanced cardiac-rhythm management services to Busamed patients.
Asked what gets his blood pumping for the specialised field of cardiology, Viljoen fondly recalled: “My fascination with the heart actually began when I was just seven years old. We went on a hunt ing trip, and afterwards an impala’s heart was shown me.
“I was absolutely captivated watching how the valves could open and close when we poured water through it with a hosepipe. From that moment I knew I wanted to work with the heart one day.”
His childhood wonder evolved into a deeper scientific passion at medical school and eventually living his dream. “From early medical-student days I was captivated by electrocardiograms (ECGs). The notion that the heart’s electrical impulses could produce patterns on paper, and that these patterns could help to diagnose arrhythmias truly amazed me.”
This fascination naturally led him towards electrophysiology, the specialist field that focuses on the heart’s electrical system. “I genuinely
If the heartbeat is too slow, we can implant a pacemaker. If it’s too fast, we investigate the source of the problem. “
Viljoen successfully conducted his first cases at the hospital on Tuesday 26 August, performing a pioneer procedure called pulsed field ablation, a revolutionary advancement in catheter ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats).
Explaining this cardiological phenomenon Viljoen emphasises the importance of understanding electrophysiology itself.
“The heart is essentially a pump that supplies blood to the entire body. For this pump to function effectively it needs not only its own blood supply, but also its own electrical system.
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
“Electrophysiology focuses on ensuring the heart’s electrical system operates correctly. Every heartbeat begins with an electrical impulse that travels from the upper down to the lower chambers, synchronising the entire cardiac cycle. When this electrical system malfunctions various interventions become necessary.
“If the heartbeat is too slow we can im-
plant a pacemaker. If it’s too fast we investigate the source of the problem. Sometimes this requires implanting a device that can shock the heart back into rhythm, or we may need to ablate – essentially eliminate – abnormal electrical pathways or problematic areas.
“Pulsed field ablation specifically targets atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia affecting the general population. Atrial fibrillation poses serious health risks for two primary reasons; it’s a leading cause of stroke and contributes significantly to heart failure. Traditional treatment approaches include blood thinners and medications, but when these prove insufficient ablation offers an alternative solution.
“What makes pulsed field ablation revolutionary is that we don’t burn or freeze the problematic veins. Instead, we deliver precise shock waves at very high frequencies to the affected areas.
“This innovative approach offers distinct advantages; not only do we successfully isolate the triggers causing the arrhythmia but we also protect the surrounding tissues. The procedure is performed with ultrasound, X-ray, and 3D-mapping guidance, ensuring maximum precision and safety.”
Explaining how the procedure differs from a traditional catheter ablation, Viljoen said traditionally atrial fibrillation was treated by either burning the lesions around the pulmonary veins or freezing the pulmonary veins.
However, the problem with thermal methods is that even though the complication rate is very low, there is risk of thermal damage to adjacent structures.
“And in that way pulsed field ablation is considered to be safer because it protects the oesophagus and nerves, which are in the vicinity, and would be at least as effective as these other methods.”
PULSED FIELD ABLATION
Dr Viljoen highlighted that “pulsed field ablation is an exciting new development for cardiology, because it offers a new tool to the toolbox in treating arrhythmias”.
According to Dr Viljoen currently patients with atrial fibrillation are the primary candidates for this procedure. While the technology is being developed for other
arrhythmias, traditional radiofrequency ablation is still used for those conditions.
Asked what patients can expect, Viljoen explained the procedure requires hospital admission and is performed under general anesthesia. It begins with an echocardiogram to ensure there are no blood clots or structural abnormalities that could make the procedure dangerous.
The cardiologist then places specialised catheters in the left atrium to create a 3D map and monitor electrical activity. The pulse field energy is delivered to the four pulmonary veins to electrically isolate them.
As part of the recovery process patients remain in hospital overnight for monitoring of heart rhythm and blood pressure. Most experience no pain after the procedure and can typically return home the next day. Normal activities can usually be resumed within about a week.
Dr Viljoen added that success rates significantly depend on early intervention. “The sooner patients receive treatment, the better the outcomes.”
The availability of the state-of-the-art technology transforms healthcare access for Helderberg residents locally, he reckons.
“This represents a significant advancement for the Helderberg community. We’re delivering world-class, cutting-edge cardiac technology that matches international standards.
“Our patients can now access the most advanced electrophysiology treatments locally, without needing to travel.”
come to work every day feeling fascinated by what I do.”
Dr Charle Viljoen, cardiologist and electrophysiologist, leads Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital’s state-of-the-art specialised electrophysiology service, bringing cutting-edge cardiac care to the Helderberg community.
Viljoen successfully conducted his first cases at the hospital on Tuesday 26 August, performing a pioneer procedure called pulsed field ablation.
The theatre team that was part of the pioneering procedure at Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital last week.
Magdalenahuis is searching for Rodger-Allan Manuel in connection with family matters. Please contact Retha at 021 948 3637.
Ryan mik hoog
Barend Williams
Die sewentienjarige Ryan Ferus se passie vir sport het hom uit die strate van Macassar na die internasionale raakrugbyvelde van Ierland geneem.
Ferus het die SA Touchboks in die gemengde o.18-afdeling by die 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup verteenwoordig, wat van Donderdag 31 Julie tot Sondag 3 Augustus in Limerick, Ierland, plaasgevind het.
Dié inwoner van Macassar het die span gehelp om sesde uit agt deelnemende lande te eindig.
Ryan Ferus (17) van Macassar, wat Suid-Afrika gehelp het om sesde te eindig in die gemengde o.18-afdeling by die 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in Ierland.
Ferus is egter nie ’n oornagsukses nie. Hierdie internasionale prestasie het ná jare se harde werk gekom. Hy het sy passie vir sport op vyfjarige ouderdom ontdek en wou eenvoudig net in sy pa, Timothy, se rugbyvoetspore volg.
“Ek het in die strate van Macassar begin rugby speel en nou verteenwoordig ek my land op televisie,” sê Ferus.
Sy raakrugby-loopbaan het begin toe ’n kerkvriend hom genooi het om saam met die Western Cape Islanders Touch-rugbyspan te oefen. Hy was so groen dat hy in sy eerste oefensessie nie eens geweet het watter soort rugby dit is nie.
“Maar ek het hard gewerk en die spelers rondom my het my baie gehelp om in die rugbystyl te groei,” verduidelik hy.
Vir die volgende 11 maande was dit vir hom heelwat sweet en baie trane om homself te verbeter en hom vir toetse vir die gemengde o.18-span voor te berei.
Sy naam het op Sondag 5 Desember op die keurders se lys verskyn.
“Ek was verstom toe ek my naam sien. My ouers was nog vas aan die slaap, maar ek kon nie wag om die nuus tot die volgende dag te hou nie,” sê hy.
Die toernooi het Ferus se platform geword om sy talent op die wêreldtoneel ten toon te stel. Hy het sewe uit nege wedstryde gespeel, vyf drieë gedruk en as die span se derde hoogste puntemaker geëindig.
Sy uitstaande oomblik het gekom in ’n epiese 3-3gelykop-stryd teen Libanon, waar hy ’n indrukwekkende 60-m-drie gedruk het.
“Dit was ’n ongelooflike ervaring om Suid-Afrika te kon verteenwoordig – van my eerste drie te druk tot saam met nuwe spanmaats te speel, wat my aangespoor het om my uiterste beste in elke wedstryd te lewer,” sê Ferus.
SA se veldtog het twee oorwinnings teen Skotland ingesluit – 7-4 in die rondomtalie-fase en 7-3 in die uitspeelrondes. Hulle het egter swaar nederlae teen Engeland (1-12), België (3-10) en die gasheer, Ierland (4-11), gely.
Die span se hartseerste uitslae was teen Wallis (6-7) en twee keer teen die Kaaimaneilande, waar hulle albei ontmoetings met ’n enkele punt verloor het – 6-7 in die rondomtalie en 6-7 in die vyfde/sesde uitspeelwedstryd.
Noudat Ferus internasionale sukses geproe het, het hy groter drome. “Die Atlantic Youth Touch Cup is vir my net die begin en ek wil my rugbyloopbaan verder neem,” verduidelik hy.
Hy droom daarvan om ná skool professionele vlak te bereik.
Strand karatekas show their mettle at Friendship tourney
Students of Seikikan Goju Ryu dojo in Strand proudly display their medals after competing at the Friendship Tournament on Saturday 9 August. The tournament was a great success as five dojos were represented and 80 students competed. “Our thanks go out to all the sponsors and to Dr GJ Joubert Primary School for the use of their excellent facilities,” said sensei Richard Kloosman. For more details on the club, phone 083 999 9314.
Judokas oorsee
Kadoshi Judokwai se judokas is hard aan die werk ter voorbereiding vir die AfrikaKata-kampioenskap, wat van Woensdag 3 tot Saterdag 6 September in Mauritius plaasvind.
Jean en Charl du Toit, wat by die nasionale kompetisie vroeër vanjaar goud verwerf het, sal die Proteaspan in Goshin-Jutsu kata verteenwoordig. Hulle word tans deur Kadoshi Judokwai se hoofafrigter, sensei Gert Gouws (self ’n 7de-Dan-swartgordel) afgerig.
Ilse Reyneke het die voorreg om die Proteas as spanbestuurder te vergesel. Sy is ook die sensei vir die junior judokas by Kadoshi Judokwai.
Kadoshi is vreeslik trots op die judokas en wens hulle alle sterkte toe vir die komende Afrika-Kata-kampioenskap.
Kom deel die passie vir judo deur self by Kadoshi deel te neem – op die hoek van
vir katastryd
Van links: Ilse Reyneke (die Protea-spanbestuurder) by Jean du Toit (Protea- Kata-spanlid), Charl du Toit (Protea- Kata-spanlid) en Gert Gouws (hoofsensei van Kadoshi Judokwai).
Lourensford- en Cloetenburgstraat elke Maandag- en Woensdagaand. Junior klasse (4 tot 12 jaar oud) is van 17:00 tot 18:00 en senior klasse (12 jaar en ouer) is van 18:15 tot 19:30. Bel 076 905 7380 vir nog inligting.
SPORT
Woensdag, 3 September 2025
Warm-up for looming semi
Olla Boys stumble
The sun shone brightly on Saturday 30 August at Helderzicht Sports Ground during All Saints RFC’s 80th anniversary derby match, providing perfect conditions for a fast-paced and physical friendly against a youthful Macassar RFC side.
Despite the ideal weather, the home team, resting several key players for the upcoming Super League C semi-finals, struggled to contain their Super League B opponents, ultimately falling 7-17.
From the opening whistle, the game was played at a high tempo, with the MC Boys’ youthful energy immediately noticeable. They challenged the Olla Boys’ pack from the first scrum, and their backline launched a series of relentless attacks.
However, All Saints’ defense remained rock solid, holding strong against the onslaught. Despite their strong defensive efforts, the hosts couldn’t put points on the board, and Macassar went into the break with a 0-12 lead.
The second half saw a determined All
Saints team come out stronger. They managed to score a try, but a lack of discipline proved to be their downfall. Several yellow cards hampered their momentum and cost them the game.
While the loss was disappointing, the home team saw standout performances from Eldino Lott, Dylan Manuel and veteran Elroy Christians.
The match served as an important warmup for Olla Boys, who now shift focus to their crucial Super League C semi-final.
The team is currently in practise, prepar-
ing to face a yet-to-be-detemined opponent at City Park on Saturday 13 September. In other results, Raithby Universals pulled off a 19-20 win over Elsies River in the Promotion League, and now prepare for a clash against table-toppers Watsonia Warriors on the road this weekend, while Sir Lowrians face Elsies River at home.
In the Challenger Cup Pool B, Gordon’s Bay Pioneers easily overcame Surburban by 28-0. They will travel to the south for their final league game against Retreat, after which play-offs will take place.
All Saints’ Duane Raubenheimer is stopped by a big hit from a Macassar player. Photos: Peter Bee
Asheeq Finger shows off his speed for All Saints in their derby against Macassar at the Helderzicht Sports Ground.
