Murder M probeat pr b delicate del stage s ge
Police continue investigating the murder of 43-year-old Nicolette Overbeek, who was fatally shot outside her Somerset West home off Winery Road on Tuesday 28 October
Overbeek was found dead in her vehicle in her driveway around 08:00 with two gunshot wounds to the driver’s side, confirmed police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies “She died on the scene,” Jantjies stated
A neighbour who witnessed the aftermath initially mistook the gunshots for Overbeek’s usual practice of firing a pellet gun to deter strangers at night
When another neighbour called with concerns about bullet holes visible in the car window, they decided to investigate together “We saw the car, walked in and looked, and saw the window shattered We saw her in the car bleeding from her head,” the neighbour said She immediately called police and security services
Overbeek’s mother described her daughter as “somebody who was loved by everyone” and “a God-fearing person who didn’t deserve this”
She learned of the tragedy through a devastating phone call from her son: “He said,
‘Sheknewthisdaywascoming’
‘Mommy, there’s been a shooting by Nicolette’s house’ I asked whether she is all right and he said, ‘No, Mommy, she’s dead’ ”
The deceased’s sister-in-law shared: “She was jovial; she didn’t have a hateful heart She loved everybody She kept the family together ”
The family member revealed they had recently celebrated together as a family:
“Just on Saturday, we had a family gathering I celebrated my birthday and her son we were all together ”
Family members revealed that Overbeek had been living in fear due to ongoing safety concerns “She knew that this day was coming,” a relative said
It has since emerged that Overbeek had laid domestic violence charges against her estranged husband at Somerset West Police Station in February last year, allegedly enduring ongoing threats, intimidation and trauma since opening the case
Police sources confirmed her case and several related cases opened by family members Overbeek’s next court appearance had been scheduled for 3 December. Jantjies said the investigation remains in a “sensitive” stage, with police working
to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting Video footage of the incident has been obtained
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette initially withheld the victim’s identity out of respect for her family
Overbeek’s father was among distraught family and friends who gathered at the scene
Photo: Jamey Gordon
Photo: Facebook
Police on the scene where the fatal shooting incident claimed Nicolette Overbeek in the driveway of her residence located off Winery Road in Somerset West on Tuesday 28 October
Photo: Jamey Gordon
Keep your distance from fur seals
Yaseen Gaffar
As the summer holiday season approaches, authorities are issuing a strong warning to the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid any engagement with Cape fur seals along the coast
Recent reports indicate that rabies cases have been confirmed in seal populations, coupled with the inherent risks seals pose due to their potential to carry other diseases and their sharp teeth.
A press release issued this week from CapeNature, explicitly states that disturbing seals is illegal – this includes petting them, which disrupts their natural behaviour and exposes humans to dangers like bites, scratches, infections, and disease. Even in cases where a seal pup is found on a beach, the public is advised to avoid interaction and contact authorities who are trained and equipped for rescue and care.
While it is normal for seals to rest on beaches, beachgoers must be vigilant for signs of distress or abnormal behaviour. Seals may display aggression if they feel threatened, injured, or, critically, if infected with rabies.
Rabies is a fatal disease for both humans and unvaccinated animals, and can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or direct contact with saliva.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said: “As we approach the busy summer season, I remind everyone that Cape fur seals are wild animals. Even well-intentioned interactions can have serious consequences for both people and the animals. We urge the public to act responsibly, avoid contact, and immediately report any abnormal or aggressive seal behaviour to the authorities.”
TRAGICINCIDENT
Swimmers and surfers are advised to be extra vigilant and exit the water immediately if a
seal is spotted. Suspected rabies cases must be reported to lifeguards or municipal authorities.
This warning comes after a tragic incident reported more than two years ago concerning “Freddy”, a seal that frequented Strand Beach (“Seal succumbs to stress”, District Mail and Helderberg Gazette, 25 October 2023).
Freddy, despite gaining community affection, died from stress due to public harassment. The City of Cape Town reported that after enduring stones, sticks, dog attacks, and teasing, Freddy eventually bit a visitor.
The City closed a portion of the beach to safely remove him, but he succumbed to stress during his transportation to the Two Oceans Aquarium
Lisa Starr of Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (HOAM) expressed devastation over Freddy’s death, noting the community’s anger at the harassment. “Please be conscious of your surroundings on the beach and never approach a resting seal,” Starr urged.
“If you want to take a photo then use your zoom from 15 to 20 m away. Never chase a seal back into the water; they want to rest. They don’t want water poured on them either Please see a seal as a wild animal.”
RABIESRARE
She further clarified that seals are 70% land animals, coming ashore to rest, and advised staying at least 30 m away.
Starr, who monitors seals on local shores, noted that while rabies exists in the seal population, it appears rare, with very little research available. She also highlighted the issue of underweight or malnourished sealife due to food scarcity, which can lead to aggression as hypoglycemia sets in.
“If you are a water user, it’s advisable to get your rabies injection,” Starr recommended.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to harm or interfere with a seal. If a seal is exhibiting unusual behaviour like
head shaking, eating stones, or aggression, contact the City on 021 480 7700, who will dispatch Coastal Management.”
According to CapeNature, in the event of a seal bite, scratch, or lick, immediate and stringent protocols must be followed:
– Beach closure: If a person is bitten or scratched in the water, the beach will be closed, marked by a shark siren and shark flag.
– Notification: Shark Spotters or lifeguards will inform CapeNature and the State veterinarian for guidance. Municipal Disaster Management and Marine Stranding Networks will also be alerted.
– Medical Attention: Anyone bitten, scratched, or licked by a suspect rabid seal must seek urgent medical care. The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes immediately. Inform hospital personnel that the injury is from a potentially rabid seal to ensure post-exposure prophylactic treatment against rabies.
– Reporting: Capture a video of the seal’s behaviour if possible and send it to CapeNature on 083 236 2924 with a location pin – For pets bitten or scratched by a seal, owners must consult their local vet, provide incident details and vaccination history Pets should also undergo the same wound-cleaning protocol as humans Rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats is a legal requirement.
The public is advised to avoid interaction with Cape fur seals this summer
Photo: Scott Ramsay
Deurbraak vir akteur van Macassar
Barend Williams
Dit het Dean Marais meer as ’n dekade geneem om sy droom te verwesenlik. Nou het sy deurbraak-rol hom van kerktoneelstukke in Macassar tot ’n benoeming vir ’n gesogte Nasionale Rolprent- en TV-toekenning (NFTA) geneem.
“Ek was 17 jaar oud toe ek besluit het ek wil ’n akteur word. Dit het my nog 17 jaar geneem om tot hier te kom,” sê Marais.
Dié 36-jarige akteur is Woensdag 15 Oktober vir sy rol in sy eerste rolprent, The Heart is a Muscle, vir die toekenning as beste ondersteunende akteur benoem.
Die fliek – ’n riller wat op die Kaapse Vlakte afspeel – handel oor die hoofkarakter, Ryan, wie se seun tydens ’n braai vermis raak. Ryan se gewelddadige reaksie plaas hom op ’n reis van selfontdekking om transgenerasie-trauma te oorkom.
Marais gee die karakter André lewe –’n enkelouer wat sy kind ’n beter lewe wil bied.
“Daar is baie enkelouer-huishoudings, maar ons is nie altyd bewus van pa’s wat kinders alleen grootm k nie. Ek
Dean Marais van Macassar is vir ’n NFTA-toekenning vir beste ondersteunende akteur vir sy rol as Andre in The Heart is a Muscle benoem.
Agter die skerms met Marais op die stel van The Heart is a Muscle Dean Marais en Lincoln van Wyk, wat sy filmseun in The Heart is a Muscle speel. Marais het intussen
Nine decades of tradition march through Somerset West streets
Members of the 1st Somerset West Company Boys’ Brigade marched through Somerset West on Sunday 27 October, celebrating their 90th anniversary Eight Western Cape units joined the celebration, proceeding through town in blue uniforms with drums and horns before a commemorative service at Coronation Avenue Methodist church The milestone also honoured founder William Alexander Smith, who established the Boys’ Brigade in Scotland in 1883
Drummer
Joshua Titus of the 1st Blue Downs Company performs during the Boys’ Brigade commemorative march through Somerset West
Teamstoworldgames
The Helderberg Robotics Club has achieved a remarkable feat, claiming double gold at the South African leg of the World Robot Olympiad in September and securing their place to represent the country at the world championships in Singapore
The RoboSport competition challenged teams to design autonomous robots capable of playing “double tennis”, using computer vision to track balls and strategically kick them over barriers without human control Team Titans, comprising Connor Crotz and Eben Gelderblom, claimed the gold medal in a thrilling final match, while teammates Daniel and Benjamin Lavies secured bronze with their Team Misery
Business entry
The Future Engineers category proved even more spectacular for the Helderberg contingent, with local teams achieving a clean sweep of all three podium positions This challenge required participants to design self-driving vehicles capable of navigating complex racing circuits, detecting and avoiding obstacles in real-
time, and executing precise parallel parking maneuvers Team NullPointException, featuring Michael Shepstone and Siobhan Kennedy, took the gold medal, followed by Team TMFE’s Raaid Fajandar and Josua Bezuidenhout claiming silver, and Team Viper’s Jadon Steele and Pieter Erasmus earning bronze Both gold medal-winning teams, Team Titans
and Team NullPointException, will represent SA at the World Robot Olympiad International finals in Singapore from Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 November
The teams often worked with second-hand Raspberry Pi boards and modified cameras, relying on determination and creativity rather than high-tech equipment or major sponsorships
Mieke dans al die pad tot in New York
Mieke Carr, ’n gr 10-leerder aan die Hoërskool Strand, het in Oktober as deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse span aan die UDC Grand Championship in Dundalk, Ierland, deelgeneem Dié talentvolle danser het talle pryse in die kompetisie gewen, waaronder goud in die 16-en-jonger- gevorderde jazz-afdeling; wenner van die senior improvisasie-afdeling; Showstopperwenner (ontvanger van die Golden Buzzer-prys); en die senior gevorderde danser wat die meeste punte aangeteken het
Mieke is ook as die kompetisie se al-
gehele wenner – UDC Advanced Grand Champion – aangewys, met haar prys wat geborgde opleiding by die Broadway Dance Centre in New York insluit Op plaaslike bodem het Mieke tydens die onlangse skoolvakansie aan die Elements of Dance- nasionale kompetisie in Sasolburg deelgeneem en daar ook die pryse ingeryg Sy het in die ouderdomsgroep vir 15- tot 17-jariges eerste geëindig en goud in elke moontlike styl – van akrobaat tot hip-hop en jazz – gewen Sy is ook as die algehele nasionale Grand-kampioen aangewys en het die Oakfield’s College Next Gen-
prys ontvang
Mieke is by die Huisgenoot-eisteddfod as die algehele wenner in die dansafdeling vir gr 8- tot gr 10-leerders aangewys
Dié bondeltjie ritme het ook in die Move- nasionale kompetisie, die AIDT-kompetisie, die Conquerer-kompetisie en die Revibe Dance-kompetisie skoonskip gemaak met titels soos Danser van die Jaar, Beste Tienersolo en Conquerer van die Jaar
Die Hoërskool Strand se danssensasie Mieke Carr is as die UDC Grand Champion in Ierland aangewys
Helderberg Robotics Club chairperson Dr Tony Williams emphasised the potential these young innovators represent for SA’s technological future The club is actively seeking community support and sponsorship Tosupportorlearnmore,visit www.helderbergrobotics.co.za.Alternatively,contactWilliamsviaemailon helderberg robotics@gmail com
Facelift for SW roads
Commuters in the greater Somerset West area may be experiencing a change in traffic, as the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate commenced a major road resurfacing project in the area last Monday (28 October).
A number of roads in Somerset West are slated for maintenance, including: Bizweni Avenue; Schapenberg Road; New Street; Myburgh Road; Morkel Street; St George Street; Drama Street; Angus Street; Cloetenberg Road; Swalle Street; Parel Vallei Road; Birkenhead Street; Helderzicht Road; Waterford Street; Van der Merwe Road; Hillcrest Road; Upper Mountain Road; Jakaranda Street; Nassau Avenue; and Barlinka Avenue.
Road users are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling through the work zones. Drivers are asked to lower their speed, pay close attention to all road signs, be vigilant for uneven road surfaces, and be mindful of the construction workers on site.
The essential maintenance work is scheduled to continue until Thursday 18 December, aiming to significantly improve road quality across various segments.
The work will be carried out Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 17:00, weather permitting and subject to unforeseen delays
During working hours, road users should anticipate delays as only one lane will be open to traffic in each direction on the affected roads.
Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, emphasised the importance
of the project. “This road resurfacing project will also include the removal of damaged kerbs and installing new kerbs, as well as the reinstatement of all road markings removed during the process,” he related.
“I would like to thank all residents and road users for their patience during this maintenance work, that aims to keep Cape Town moving on good quality roads.”
A festive celebration
Cape Town will once again light up the summer sky as thousands gather on the Grand Parade and along Adderley Street for the 56th edition of the Festive Lights Switch-On (FLSO) on Sunday 30 November
The free, family-friendly celebration takes place on this year’s theme, “United in Hope” Building on the success of recent hope-themed editions, the event takes that message one step further, recognising hope not simply as an emotion, but as a unifying civic value that connects us all
More than just a seasonal celebration, the Festive Lights Switch-On has grown into one of Cape Town’s most beloved traditions and a symbol of Cape Town’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit
This year’s campaign and main event will feature not only a bright culturally diverse line-up of entertainers and the much-anticipated light switch-on moment, but also two exciting community-driven initiatives, the FLSO “Move and Melody” Competition and Wear the Hope – Share the Light.
The FLSO “Move and Melody” competition is a cross-discipline dance and vocal showcase that will see emerging local talent compete for a chance to perform live on the Festive Lights stage
Entries went live on Wednesday 1 October
Wear the Hope – Share the Light is a new creative project that invited Capetonians of all ages, from fashion students to sewing clubs and elders, youth to design and create a festive top for mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
The winning creation – upcycled, sewn, bedazzled, crocheted or hand-knitted – will debut at the annual test switch-on drive and will be worn on stage by the mayor The winner was Somerset West resident Marnus Botha
The event offers something rare and vital in this digital-driven world – the chance to connect face to face, dance and laugh with one another and celebrate Cape Town’s unique culture It is a gathering where neighbours meet, families bond and visitors experience the warmth and energy of the Mother City at its most joyful
The concert programme builds up to the switch-on moment of the festive lights, a lighting display of lasers, lights and pyrotechnics It will be followed by a highlight of a colourful video mapping display on the façade of the City Hall
The artist line-up and the competitions will be announce in the coming weeks Formoreinformation,see@CYFestiveLightsonsocialmedia.
City fosters youth leaders
The City of Cape Town has launched applications for the 2026 Junior City Council (JCC), a flagship youth leadership programme designed to empower learners to lead, learn, and serve their communities
Operating on the theme “Rolling Up Your Sleeves and Serve”, the initiative encourages young Capetonians to become civic-minded leaders driving positive change.
The JCC is a non-political, Cityrun initiative that provides hands-on experience in governance, budgeting, communication and community impact through workshops, debates and community-leadership projects The programme develops skills and values for serving the City with integrity and purpose
Councillor Donovan Nelson, custodian of the Junior City Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for young people to see themselves in public service or leading in the private sector The JCC challenges them to become better leaders and to lead from their position We have seen so many young people step up and lead after coming on the programme ” Speaker Alderman Felicity Purchase added: “The City of Cape Town Junior City Council continues to play a vital role in inspiring and developing active young citizens For those considering this opportunity, the programme offers invaluable insight into the workings of local government and the responsibilities of public leadership It equips participants with the knowledge, experience, and networks needed to serve their communities with integrity and purpose ”
The programme is open to learners who will be in Grade 10 or 11 in 2026 and who reside within the City of Cape Town Parents and schools are encouraged to motivate learners to apply for this life-changing opportunity
Applications close on Friday 21 November, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for in-person interviews at Cape Town Civic Centre
The section of Bizweni Avenue that will be resurfaced as part of the project
SaleBLACK
VIA hou tee-dag
Die Vroue in Aksie-beweging (VIA) het Saterdag (1 November) ’n elegante middagtee-geselligheid by die Casablanca-gemeenskapsaal gehou waar talle ondersteuners in pragtige pienk die geldinsamelingsgeleentheid bygewoon het Die stylvolle middagtee was ten bate van die beweging se Krismisprojek, wat daarop gemik is om ’n helpende hand aan onbevoorregte kinders in die breër Strand-gemeenskap uit te reik. FOTO BO: Die VIA-lede Jacqueline Kordom en Vernita van Wyk het hul gaste hartlik verwelkom en die gees van gee en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid beklemtoon Foto s: Jamey Gordon
HesterLeukes,VidaArnolds,MornettePetersen,SantieFebruaryenLeonieRevellhetmekaarsegeselskapgeniet
Uitstekende ervaring vir liggaam, gees en siel gehou
Die Lady Gracious-vrouenaweek wat onlangs in Strand aangebied is, het vroue uit verskillende gemeenskappe vir ’n lewensveranderende ervaring van refleksie, genesing en bemagtiging saamgebind Die stigter en bekende spreker Suret Stroh het die naweek beplan om vroue op te hef en te inspireer. “Elke vrou wat dit bygewoon het, is diep geraak Die gemeenskap se groot hart en gee-gesindheid het hierdie naweek besonders gemaak ” Die deelnemer Angeline Daniels het die fyn aandag aan detail waardeer: “Elke vrou is soos ’n koningin behandel. Ek het genesing en hernude geloof gevind.” Eleri Lee beskryf dit as “ ’n uitstekende ervaring vir liggaam, gees en siel “Ek het huis toe gegaan met die boodskap dat ek genoeg is, ek is koninklik en my storie is nog lank nie verby nie ” Suret beplan om die inisiatief uit te brei met twee tot drie jaarlikse naweke in verskillende dorpe en stede Skakel 0810899992 vir nog inligting
Somerset Oaks celebrates golden oldies
Somerset Oaks hosted a special celebration tea on Saturday 11 October to honour community members who have reached the remarkable milestone of 90 years and older. The following residents were celebrated for this reason: Amy Cottrell, David Gray, Yvonne Gray, Barbara Gusé, Daphne Immelman, Anne Manners, Sigrid Menges, Patricia Miles, Helen Newlands, Sam Rossiter, Georgina Swanepoel, Cathy White (pictured), Val Erfman and Margaret Poole. Among the celebrants, White holds a particularly special distinction as she prepares to turn 100 years old this month
Twee ‘eie’ skrywers vereer
Meer as 123 skrywers van oor die land heen is Saterdag 25Oktober by die tweede Cape Flats Literary Awards vereer.
Dié glansryke geleentheid het by die luukse Krystal Beach-hotel in Gordonsbaai plaasgevind.
Twee plaaslike skrywers van die Helderberg-omgewing, Romanie Davids en Judith Vollmer, het die streek trots gemaak deur gesogte pryse los te skryf.
Die prysuitdeling het skrywers van verskillende genres en agtergronde bymekaargebring om literêre prestasies te vier.
Davids is vir haar inspirerende boek Ek is genoeg vereer. Die erkenning was ’n dubbele prestasie vir haar, aangesien haar boek ook op dieselfde oggend as die prysuitdeling amptelik bekend gestel is
Judy-Ann Stevens, Felicia Solomns en Dorcas Shopane het die geleentheid ondersteun
Onder gaste was Celeste Petersen, Getruida Strauss, Patricia September, Elka Petersen en Harot van Wyk.
Horticulturist to share insights in GB
Multi-award-winning landscaper and botanist Leon Kluge will present a talk at the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club at 18:30 on Wednesday 20 November
He will discuss South African wildflowers and their pollinators.
South Africa’s wildflower landscapes are celebrated for their diversity and the remarkable relationships between plants and their pollinators
In this talk, Kluge will reveal how bees, birds, rodents and even reptiles contribute to the intricate dance of pollination, and how these interactions have shaped some of the world’s most extraordinary floral adaptations
He will also highlight the beauty and ecological importance of the Cape Floristic Region, which is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on Earth
Kluge is an internationally acclaimed horticulturist whose creative designs and botanical insight have earned him Gold Medals at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in 2024 and 2025 He also claimed top honours at this year’s Singapore Garden Festival
Coming from a family deeply rooted in botany, Kluge’s work celebrates the intersection of art, ecology, and cultural storytelling through plants
The talk forms part of the SmallTalX series of public lectures, which aims to bring expert naturalists and scientists into contact with the public in a relaxed setting
With a special focus on honing ecological awareness and supporting conservation efforts by naturalists and scientists, SmallTalX seeks to inspire curiosity and care for the natural world
The event is open to all
Tickets cost R125 per person
The bar and restaurant will be open, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a meal and the sunset before the talk begins
Booking is essential, as seats are limited
Reservations can be made online at www.smalltalx.info, by email at smalltalx.info@gmail.com, or via WhatsApp at 076 469 6485
Leon Kluge poses with his 2024 Gold Medal from the Chelsea Flower Show. In 2025 he repeated his success at the event with a second Gold Medal
The winecup flower, Geisssorhiza radians, is a highly threatened local wildflower One of the last remaining outcrops of the flower is in the area of Gordon’s Bay
Photo: Andreas Fleischmann
ESTATELATEBEATRIXMARIABESTER(Identity No:3907200001082)whowasawidowandresiding atSerenitasRetirementVillage,AltenaRoad,Strand, 7140andwhodiedinStrandon01October2024
ESTATE No 008035/2025
CreditorsandDebtorsarerequiredtofiletheirclaims withandpaytheirdebtstotheundersignedwithin30 daysofdateofpublicationofthisnotice. 07November2025
MORKELDEVILLIERSInc Agent
166MainRoad Stuart’sHill POBox43 SOMERSETWEST 7129 Tel:0218509700 REF:LL/SA/JB303
NM10035601-DP051125
S-West swimmer breaking barriers
Yaseen Gaffar
Somerset West teenage swimmer Kate Allwood is set to compete on the international stage after qualifying to represent South Africa at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan.
The Somerset College Grade 11 learner and newly elected head girl was born profoundly deaf and is the youngest member and only female swimmer on the team.
Kate Allwood at the South African nationals in Gqeberha, where she qualified for the Deaflympics
The 17-year-old received life-changing cochlear implants at the age of six months, and again at 11 months old
She initially took up swimming to address significant balance challenges, but the activity soon evolved into a competitive passion, motivated in part by her grandmother, who also swam for SA.
Her trajectory includes multiple para national medals and an international debut at the World Deaf Swimming Championships in São Paulo, Brazil, earlier this year.
Kate’s dream of Deaflympic qualification was cemented after an “eye-opening experience” at the Deaf Youth Games in Brazil in January. (“Somerset West teen a stroke above the rest”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 20 December 2023).
According to her coach, Clint le Seuer of Aqua Sharks, Kate’s commitment has been unwavering, even after her preparation was hampered by illness, which saw her unable to train for a total of 31 days between last December and early February.
Despite the setback, her time improvements over the past year have been extraordinary, including shaving over 20 seconds off her 200m breaststroke
time (from 3:34.71 to 3:14.44) and nearly four seconds off her 100m breaststroke time (from 1:37.42 to 1:33.10).
“The adjustment to the qualifying times has not deterred her – it has focused her resolve in representing SA to the best of her ability,” Le Seuer said.
Kate will fly out to Japan on Monday 10 November, arriving in time to prepare for the opening ceremony on Saturday 15 November. She faces a demanding schedule at the Deaflympics, competing in seven events: freestyle – 50m, 100m, 200m; breaststroke – 50m, 100m, 200m; and the 200m individual medley
Kate’s main goals for the competition are clear: achieve personal bests, represent SA with pride, and use her experience to mentor and inspire younger deaf athletes back home
“Being deaf presented me with obstacles, but it also opened doors I never expected,” said Kate, who credits Nelson Mandela as her biggest role model for his resilience.
“I want them to see that being deaf doesn’t limit what you can achieve.”
Kate is currently balancing her academics with an intensive training schedule that includes increased time in the pool and three gym sessions per week. She is actively exploring fundraising options to cover the costs of her journey to Tokyo.
As Kate prepares to compete on the world stage, her message to young people facing challenges echoes her own journey: “Find something you’re passionate about, work hard at it, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.”
Successful pedal for charity
Somerset West was buzzing with energy on the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October, as Distance For Difference (D4D) hosted the seventh edition of THE500 24-hour Cycling and Spinning Challenge at De Hoop Primary School
For 24 hours straight, cyclists, spinners and even virtual riders on the Zwift platform pushed their limits, all to raise funds for children in need
Highlights included 14 solo cyclists and one “team of two” attempting a gruelling 500 km in 24 hours, 30 spin bikes running through 24 consecutive sessions, and two incredible individuals who completed all 24 sessions.
For the first time Zwifters joined at the
venue and from across the globe, with one rider even flying from the UK to participate in the charity ride!
On Sunday morning professional cyclist Kim le Court-Pienaar joined the cyclists, calling it “a beautiful reminder of how powerful sport can be when it’s driven by purpose and heart”.
The event raised nearly R490000 after expenses, bringing the total raised by THE500 since 2013 to more R4 million for children’s charities. The organisers thanked all sponsors, partners and volunteers for making it possible.
To learn more or to support D4D, visit www d4dsa.co.za or follow the organisation on social media.
Gordon’sBaymadeasplashonFriday31Octoberasdozensoflocalbravemendonnedpurplespeedosand sneakersfortheannualHollardDaredevilRun,anationalinitiativeraisingawarenessaboutprostateand testicularcancer Thefun-filledeventstartedatKrystalBeachHotelandsawparticipantstakingtothestreets, showcasingtheirsupportformen’shealthandgeneratingvitalfundsforthecause.
StrandAthleticsClubmembersCarlleRoux,CharlBothma,StiaanBotha(cancersurvivorgoing11yearsstrong), StephanDienerandsons,LianandEstianDiener,FransKotzeandTheunsMatteelacedupfortheworthycause
TheAnimalWelfareSocietyHelderberg’sClareBezwithFinnGellersen(German volunteer)andkennelcarers,LeonPedzisa,AbrahamSebota,EmilioMalay,Obey KadyaandIsaacTsoenewhorepresentedtheorganisationwithpurpleprideatthe cancerrun
FurryfriendKoppe broughttail-wagging enthusiasmtotheevent, picturedherewithAWS managerJuliaEvans
Photos: Jamey Gordon
Woensdag,5November2025
HHCCslumptoCravenby
Local cricket round-up
Yaseen Gaffar
Hottentots Holland Cricket Club (HHCC) suffered a disappointing defeat, falling to First Division A newcomers Cravenby CC in a rain-affected match at the Navy Sports Ground in Gordon’s Bay on Saturday 1 November.
Overnight rain led to a portion of the pitch being wet, forcing the 50-over game to be reduced to 32 overs per side HHCC won the toss and elected to field.
Cravenby started their innings strongly, racing to a commanding position of 96/1 after 17 overs. However, a display of disciplined bowling from the HHCC attack hauled the home team back into the match. Key performances came from Shameel Abels (2/16), Yaaseen Smith (2/25) and Yusri Jabodien (2/35), successfully restricting Cravenby to 169/9 in their allotted 32 overs.
In reply, HHCC’s chase got off to a difficult start when they slumped to 20/3. They were unable to recover from the early trouble and were eventually bowled out for just 83 runs to lose by 86 runs.
In First Division C, Helderberg Cricket Club (HCC) claimed a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Hanover Park CC in another reduced-overs encounter. The match was shortened to 35 overs per side and saw HCC’s disci
plined bowling and strong batting performance shine through.
Hanover Park won the toss and elected to bat, setting a target of 153/8 wickets in 35 overs.
Helderberg’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Aiden Salie (2/27) leading the attack. Waqar Josephs (2/29) also contributed significantly, while Jody Sylvester (1/16) was particularly economical
In response, HCC successfully chased down the target with 6 wickets in hand, finishing on 155/4 in 32.3 overs. The chase was anchored by a superb half-century from Brandon Williams, who scored a vital 60 runs off 86 balls He was well supported by Sylvester (37) and Junaid Daniels (25)
In First Division D, Strand Cricket Club (SCC) secured another convincing bonus-point victory, this time triumphing over South Peninsula CC.
Due to a wet pitch, the game at Gustrouw Sports Ground commenced at 12:30, with each side allocated 35 overs. SCC won the toss and elected to field, a decision that quickly paid dividends as their disciplined opening bowlers kept the visiting South Peninsula batsmen under pressure.
The attack was spearheaded by veteran Johan Cyster (4/19), who was ably supported by Winston Isaacs (3/12). Their combined efforts saw South Peninsula restricted to a low total of just 102 runs.
After lunch, SCC’s youthful batting lineup confidently chased down the target. Young Dyron Malapa led the charge with a solid 30 runs. He was well supported by Sharwaan Naidoo (27) Strand comfortably reached the target in just 21.3 overs, securing a valuable bonus-point win.
The First Division B fixture between Somerset West Cricket Club and Avendale was called off due to a wet pitch and the teams shared the points.
Fixtures for Saturday 8 November:
– Hottentots-Holland vs Tygerberg (Gordon’s Bay);
– Somerset West vs Kuils River (away);
– Helderberg vs Sherwood-Manenberg (Helderzicht);
– Macassar vs South Peninsula (Parkwood)
– Strand CC vs Montrose CC (Gustrouw)
Yaaseen Smith of HHCC comes storming in with a fast delivery against Cravenby CC He was one of the team’s star performers with the ball Photos: Peter Bee
Veteran HHCC player Abdul Aziz Temoor in full flight after a delivery.