Newfrontlineagainstcrime
YaseenGaffar
The fight for safer streets received a major reinforcement when the City of Cape Town officially launched its hard-hitting community safety expansion in the Helderberg, deploying a crucial contingent of new Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs)
At a key briefing at the Charles Morkel Stadium last Tuesday (30 September), ward councillors and neighbourhood watch groups met the new frontline workers As part of a massive city-wide drive that has seen over 700 new Metro Police officers trained, the Helderberg region is receiving over 30 dedicated NSOs Senior Superintendent Mark Dearden
Deployment boosts safety efforts
introduced the NSO teams, comprised of Metro Police officers, to the ward councillors of Subcouncil 8 as well as neighbourhood watch groups
Each of the six wards in the subcouncil will now receive five dedicated officers –one sergeant and four constables
Dearden emphasised the NSO’s community-centric approach “These officers will be working along the grassroots, connecting with the community,” he explained Their primary role extends beyond traditional policing; they will serve as direct links, helping residents, especially the elderly, connect to the correct City departments for issues ranging from street
lighting and potholes to general queries “This will make life easier for the community and assist councillors as well,” Dearden added
The comprehensive rollout is part of a City-wide strategy to reduce crime rates, enhance visible policing and improve overall crime response It supplements existing efforts like the LEAP programme and is backed by substantial investments in safety technology
Dearden underscored the importance of building rapport in communities “We have to garner trust with communities,” he said, explaining the strategy to “start with small issues to tackle bigger issues” as a
way of demonstrating consistent support and responsiveness
The NSOs will focus on community engagement, partnering with local safety initiatives, and working with councillors to address recurrent crime complaints
Metro Police director Owen Ntsasa hailed the deployment as a critical gain in resources “This is a huge gain in terms of personnel It closes the gap and allows us to reach all communities,” Ntsasa said He is relieved that Subcouncil 8 is now integrated in the programme: “We have members in every corner; communication with communities is going to improve ” The NSOs will work on traffic, crime prevention, and bylaw enforcement to create safer and more responsive communities
Large illegal alcohol factory raided, shut down in Faure
Police arrested six people and shut down an illegal alcohol factory during a raid on a Faure farm last Thursday (2 October)
The officers discovered a fully operational facility with plastic containers filled with chemicals, hundreds of empty and pre-filled liquor bottles, industrial-grade bottling and capping machinery, and boxes of equipment used to produce counterfeit liquor during the operation
“The operation led to the arrest of five Malawian suspects, aged 26 to 45, and the seizure of large quantities of illicit alcohol and manufacturing equipment,” said provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk
The investigation extended to a storage facility in Woodstock, where a 53-year-old Chinese national was also arrested Police confiscated a substantial quantity of illegal, pre-packaged alcohol, suspected to be ready for distribution
The five Malawian suspects will appear in the Stellenbosch Mag-
istrates’ Court, while the Chinese suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court, all on charges related to contraventions of the Liquor Act
The raids are part of Operation Shanela II, a nationwide police initiative targeting serious and violent crimes in hotspots across the nine provinces Western Cape
provincial police commissioner
Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile commended the members, saying it aligned with the provincial approach to close down illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution to outlets known as shebeens Van Wyk added that the operations will be sustained to eradicate alcohol abuse
Ward councillors of Subcouncil 8 (seated in front) with the group of Neighbourhood Safety Officers who have been deployed around the Helderberg. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
FatalstarttoMonday
Jamey Gordon
The Helderberg faced a sombre start to the week following two fatal incidents in the basin.
Somerset West police are investigating a fatal shooting at a shopping centre located in the Somerset Mall precinct that claimed the life of a young man.
The incident occurred on Monday morning (6 October) at the Melcksloot Village, with authorities and emergency services responding to the scene in the parking area before 09:00
When DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette arrived, a crowd of curious onlookers had gathered around the cordoned-off area in shock and disbelief, with some visibly emotional.
Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, Somerset West police spokesperson, confirmed an inquest docket has been opened into the shooting, which police officers responded to at 08:45.
“Police officers found a 27-year-old man in his motor vehicle in a parking bay. The man was alone in the vehicle,” said Jantjies. “The man died on the scene with an open wound to the head. The circumstances surrounding the shooting will form part of the police investigation.”
The incident was preceded by another tragedy, which prompted Strand police to open an inquest docket for further
investigation.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Warrant Officer
Joseph Swartbooi, officers conducting patrols responded to reports of a scene near the bridge in the vicinity of the N2 highway around 06:30 on Monday
“They found the body of a man [hanging from] a rope tied around his neck on an electric tower. The police officers requested the assistance of the [City of Cape Town’s] Fire and Rescue Service to retrieve the body,” said Swartbooi.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Service, said they responded to an emergency call of an adult man hanging from a pylon on an open field near a fast-food restaurant along Main Road, Strand, around 07:40.
“A crew from the Strand Fire Station responded to the emergency call and had to cut the barbed wire to reach the victim. Just as they finished cutting the wire, the rope around the victim’s neck snapped and he fell to the ground,” said Carelse.
Swartbooi further added: “The 46-year-old Malawian national was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The victim was identified on the scene by a person known to him.”
The circumstances around the incident forms part of the police investigation, Swartbooi explained.
A public appeal is made to anyone with additional information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously
Gardener saves the day after gas stove fire
Yaseen Gaffar
A swift response from a gardener averted a potential disaster when a kitchen fire broke out at a residence on 13 Seascape Crescent in Anchorage Park, Gordon’s Bay, on Monday 29 September.
The incident, which occurred shortly after 14:00, caused damage to the kitchen, back door, and ceiling.
Resident Dennis Brown recounted the terrifying experience: “I made coffee on the gas stove and just turned around for a minute, when there was a small explosion. I turned around and saw the kitchen up in flames,” he said
In a moment of panic, Brown screamed for everyone to get out of the house
Instinctively, his gardener of 12 years, identified only as Macnon, sprang into action “The gardener ran in with a hosepipe and doused the fire,” Brown explained. “He saved the day and our home. We are so grateful for his quick thinking.”
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident, adding that crews from Strand Fire Station attended the scene and found that the fire had been extinguished prior to their arrival
“The fire crew ensured that the kitchen area was safe before handing the scene over to the
owner,” Carelse said, adding that no-one had been injured Firefighters later secured the gas cylinder by placing it in a bin of water. While the quick actions prevented widespread damage, the fire ruined cupboards and impacted the back door and a portion of the ceiling.
The City urges residents to review fire safety guidelines, especially concerning gas appliances For more information on gas safety and general fire safety in the home, visit www capetown.gov.za.
as lewende getuienis
‘Crooked’ cop gets bail
Former police officer Dillon Klaasen has been granted R2 000 bail after being charged with allegedly selling classified police documents.
The Somerset West resident appeared in the East London Magistrates’ Court for a formal bail application on Tuesday 23 September
He was released on condition that he remain within the Somerset West precinct except to attend court proceedings
Klaasen, a former officer at Kleinmond Police Station, faces charges relating to allegations that in 2023, he sold confidential documents for R10 000 to a buyer who has since died He was arrested at his Somerset West home by the Hawks on Wednesday 17 September The case was postponed to Thursday 6 November
Police officers on the scene where a fatal shooting incident occurred at Melcksloot Village centre, Somerset Mall precinct, on Monday 6 October Photo: Jamey Gordon
Dennis Brown stands in the kitchen of his home, which was almost completely destroyed by a gas fire on Monday 29 September Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
Macdrasetussentydsekomiteelede(agtervanlinks)isJoha Stevens,RhodaBazierenCupidoCedras.Voor:CatherineMa ZeldaCedras
Aktiviste Macassar
Die Macassar- en Distrikte-inwonersvereniging (Macdra), wat veral tussen 1990 en 1994 ’n belangrike rol in die daaglikse stryd van Macassar-inwoners gespeel het, is onlangs ná drie dekades van onaktiwiteit hervestig
Plaaslike aktiviste wat verantwoordelik was vir die oorspronklike stigting van hierdie dinamiese organisasie het onlangs byeengekom om Macdra weer lewe te gee Verskeie veteraan-aktiviste is tydens ’n Erfenisdagviering op Woensdag 24 September vereer vir hul rol in die bevrydingstryd, onder wie Vincent Shabangu, David Kennel, Jan Booysen en Rina Manuel Die rugbybekendes Gabriel Noble en Warren
Jonker-gedenkteken
Die Ingrid Jonker-gedenkteken by Gordonsbaai-strand is deur die plaaslike inwoners en Afriforum-Helderberg-lede Hanli Stander en Nellie Meyer gedurende Erfenismaand herstel.
Stander, wat daagliks verby die verweerde monument stap, het die inisiatief begin. “Ek het ter herdenking van Erfenismaand gedink hoekom kan ek nie die monument restoureer nie?” verduidelik sy.
Meyer het die fisieke herstelwerk onderneem – roes afgeskuur, gegalvaniseerde verf gespuit en ’n nuwe plaat gemaak. Sy het haar tevredenheid met die uitkoms uitgespreek: “Ons is in ons noppies en ons sal kyk wat ons nog namens Afriforum kan doen.”
Stander het haar dankbaarheid aan haar handlanger, Grey Reed, vir sy hulp met die projek, wat drie dae geneem en
Die verbleikte letterwerk op die gedenkplaat is noukeurig oorgeverf en gegalvaniseer
R500 gekos het, uitgespreek. Die gedenkteken, ontwerp deur die kunstenaar Tyrone Appollis, beeld ’n driewiel uit – ’n verwysing na Jonker se gedig “Die kind wat deur soldate doodgeskiet is by Nyanga”
Die restourasie verseker en vereer die gevierde digter se nalatenskap.
Afriforum Helderberg-lede, Hanli Stander en Nellie Meyer by die gerestoureerde gedenktening
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Verkragting: 2 sit
JameyGordon
Twee mans ry aan die pen nadat hulle in die Somerset-Wes-streekhof vir ernstige seksuele misdade teen minderjariges gevonnis is
Richard Isaacs is verlede Dinsdag (30September) lewenslange tronkstraf opgelê weens die verkragting van ’n tienermeisie
Die vonnisoplegging het gevolg nadat die 58-jarige van die Knoflokskraal-nedersetting in Grabouw op 15 Julie 2021 in verband met die misdaad, wat in Genadendal teen die destydse 13-jarige gepleeg is, in hegtenis geneem is
Isaacs het verklaar dat hy op 13 Julie saam met sy seun en ’n groep meisies, insluitend die slagoffer, na die Overbergse dorp gegaan het Hy was die enigste volwassene teenwoordig en het alkohol gedrink Hy het beweer hy kan nie onthou wat gedurende die nag gebeur het nie
Hoewel Isaacs op 2 Oktober 2023 skuld ontken het, is hy op 8 Augustus vanjaar op die aanklag van verkragting skuldig bevind nadat die staat geslagsgemeenskap sonder toestemming bewys het deur DNS-getuienis en mediese ondersoekverslae aan die hof voor te lê
Boonop het ’n impakverslag insae gebied oor die trauma se verwoestende en verreikende gevolge vir die slagoffer se sielkundige welstand, emosionele stabiliteit, sosiale verhoudings, onderwysvordering en gesinswerking Isaacs is ná sy inhegtenisneming op borgtog vrygelaat, maar word sedert sy skuldigbevinding in Pollsmoor-gevangenis aangehou
Die taakspanleier van Knoflokskraal, Jochue Samuels, het in die lig van die vonnisoplegging aan die publikasie se susterskoerant Hermanus Times gesê: “Die Knoflokskraal-gemeenskap erken met diepe kommer die onlangse skuldigbevinding van ’n stigterslid op aanklag van ’n seksuele misdryf Hoewel hierdie bevinding ontstellend is, wil ons bevestig dat geen individu se optrede die kollektiewe kultuur, identiteit of integriteit van ons
gemeenskap definieer nie Knoflokskraal is as ’n lewende uitdrukking van inheemse herstel gestig – ’n plek waar kultuur, genesing en selfbeskikking gelei word deur die beginsels van waardigheid, respek, aanspreeklikheid en die beskerming van die kwesbares ” Geregtigheid het ook geskied nadat Riaan Booysen (25) van Macassar op Vrydag 29 Augustus in die Somerset-Wesstreekhof op verskeie aanklagte insluitend verkragting en seksuele uitbuiting van ’n minderjarige gevonnis is Booysen is op 15 November 2022 in verband met misdade, wat tussen 2 en 9 November gepleeg is, in hegtenis geneem Hy het die 13-jarige slagoffer op sosiale media bevriend en gesprekke via boodskappe aangeknoop Hy het haar gevlei en later oortuig om naakfoto’s van haarself aan te stuur Booysen het die slagoffer afgedreig met die verspreiding van die foto’s en het haar tydens ’n ontmoeting verkrag Hy was in aanhouding vir die duur van die hofsaak en het op 29 Augustus skuld beken nadat ’n pleitooreenkoms aangegaan is Hy is soos volg gevonnis:
•Aanklag 1: Verkragting: 25 jaar gevangenisstraf (vyf jaar vir vyf jaar opgeskort);
•Aanklag 2: Seksuele voorbereiding: 10 jaar gevangenisstraf;
•Aanklag 3: Seksuele uitbuiting: Vyf jaar gevangenisstraf;
•Aanklag 4: Besit van kinderpornografie: 10 jaar gevangenisstraf
Die vonnis vir aanklagte 2, 3 en 4 sal tegelykertyd met aanklagte 1 uitgedien word Hy kwalifiseer vir parool ná voltooiing van twee derdes van sy gevangenisstraf
Ada Buys, die bestuurder van Patch, die Helderberg-sentrum vir kinderslagoffers van seksuele mishandeling, het haar tevredenheid met die vonnisopleggings uitgespreek Sy sê dit stuur ’n sterk boodskap aan misdadigers dat sulke misdade teen kwesbare kinders “nie geduld sal word nie en dat oortreders wel gevonnis sal word
“Vir die slagoffers gee dit hoop dat die lewe vir hulle kan voortgaan ná sulke trauma”, het Buys bygevoeg
Geslagsgeweld hier bekyk
Strand-inwoners se luide oproepe vir dringende aksie teen ’n golf van geslagsgebaseerde geweld het op Vrydag 19 September tot ’n gemeenskap-seminaar in die Strand-stadsaal gelei
Die Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS) van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika (Unisa) het die Gender-Based Violence and Femicide-seminaar (GBVF) in vennootskap met plaaslike organisasies soos die Local Network of Care (LNOC), Building Bridges (BB) en die Chrysalisakademie aangebied.
Onder die leuse “saamwerk is beter as alleenwerk om ons gemeenskappe te transformeer en op te bou” wou die seminaar Strand-inwoners mobiliseer om oor hierdie kritieke kwessie na te dink, bewustheid te verskerp en werkbare strategieë teen geslagsgebaseerde geweld te ontwikkel
“Om die seminaar in Strand aan te bied, was simbolies én prakties – dit erken inwoners se werklikhede en plaas hulle binne bereik van oplossings,” sê prof Naiema Taliep van die ISHS “Ons standpunt oor GBVF is duidelik en onwrikbaar – dit is ’n skending van menseregte, waardigheid en veiligheid en kan in geen vorm geduld word nie ” Taliep het die seminaar verwelkom, waarna dr Ghouwa Ismail van ISHS die eerste sessie voortgesit het Seneca James en Nicole Rinquest het insigte gedeel uit hul betrokkenheid by jeugdiges rakende GBVF
Nathan Sass van die Nasionale Vervolgingsgesag het die werk van Thuthuzelasorgsentrums bekendgestel, wat ondersteuning aan slagoffers bied Die naaste sentrum is in Stellenbosch
Kapt Crispian Meyer van die Strandpolisie het ’n oorsig gegee van GBVF- en huishoudelike geweld-gevalle in die Strand-distrik, asook onlangse wysigings
Van links: Ferial Soeker (van die Stad Kaapstad se geslagsgebaseerde-geweld-sektor), Brendyn Alloys (Chrysalis-akademie), adv Veronica da Silva (Strand-landdroshof) en Thelma Malgas (die departement van maatskaplike ontwikkeling) wat uitdagings bespreek en aanbevelings maak om GBVF te bekamp.
aan die GBVF-wet ’n Paneelbespreking het gevolg met Ferial Soeker van die Stad Kaapstad se geslagsgebaseerde geweld-sektor, Brendyn Alloys van die Chrysalis-akademie, adv Veronica da Silva van die Strand-landdroshof en Thelma Malgas van die WesKaapse departement van maatskaplike ontwikkeling
Die paneellede het uitdagings uitgelig, insluitend gefragmenteerde dienste, onvoldoende hulpbronne en misbruik van die stelsel deur kwaadwillige aansoeke Hulle het aanbevelings voorgestel, soos werk op huishoudelike vlak, om seuns en mans by programme te betrek en omstander-ingryping om verantwoordelikheid nie net op die regstelsel te plaas nie
Die departement van maatskaplike ontwikkeling het laat weet hy bedryf tans 26 skuilings en ontplooi GBVF-ambassadeurs binne gemeenskappe Die seminaar het afgesluit deur te beklemtoon dat almal ’n rol het om GBVF te beëindig
Outisme: Hulpgroep staan ouers by
Barend Williams
Die Strand-gemeenskap het Saterdag (4 Oktober) die eerste stap geneem om kinders met outisme beter in te sluit deur ’n bewusmakingsessie wat deur die Autism Parents Support Group aangebied is.
Die sessie is by die Iqra-leersentrum in Hammondstraat gehou, met die doel om deelnemers ’n oorsig van plaaslike ondersteuningsgroepe, terapiedienste en gemeenskapsprogramme te bied. Verteenwoordigers van Autism Western Cape (AWC), Ziyanda Runu en Roshanna Hugo, het ’n inleiding tot outisme gegee en ’n oorsig van die organisasie en hul dienste verskaf AWC poog om ’n samelewing te skep wat individue met outisme aanvaar en insluit deur mense met outisme, hul
families en die samelewing op te voed en te bemagtig
“Maak gerus gebruik van ons dienste by die AWC, want ons is daar om ondersteuning te bied aan diegene wat dit nodig het,” het Runu gesê Shelby Weyer, ’n arbeidsterapeut by Et al Terapie-en-leersentrum in SomersetWes, was daarna aan die beurt. Sy het insig gegee in terapieë, intervensies en ondersteuningstrategieë vir kinders met outisme.
Die sentrum bied terapeutiese dienste aan kinders met outisme en hul families deur middel van ’n interdissiplinêre benadering.
“Ons kan nie verwag dat ons kinders aanpas by ’n wêreld wat nie vir hulle gebou is nie,” het Weyer gesê
Chanel Baumgarten, ’n direkteur by Ernie Els vir Outisme, het onderwerpe soos outisme, gedrag, outisme in die
klaskamer en insluiting behandel. Ernie Els vir Outisme fokus op die transformasie van lewens van mense met outisme deur lewenslange dienste en samewerkende vennootskappe.
“Outistiese kinders pas altyd in ons wêreld in – hoekom kan ons nie in hulle s’n inpas nie?” het Baumgarten gevra Megan Meyer en Lana Newman van die ondersteuningsgroep het die aanbiedings afgesluit. Hulle het oor hul geleefde ervaring as ouers van outistiese kinders gepraat.
Die sessie is deel van die ondersteuningsgroep se missie om ’n platform te skep waar families hul ervarings kan deel. Hulle kan bevestiging en ondersteuning vind en betekenisvolle verhoudings bou.
Rahkeenah Peters het ná haar dogter se diagnose ’n WhatsApp-groep in 2023 gestig Sy het die groep begin omdat sy
ander ouers in die Helderberg, wat op dieselfde lewensveranderende reis is, wou betrek. Dit is ’n platform waar lede veilig en sonder oordeel ervarings, frustrasies en gedagtes kan deel.
Die groep het die afgelope twee jaar uitgebrei In April het hulle hul eerste pretdag vir kinders met outisme in Strand gehou, wat tot hierdie eerste werksessie gelei het.
“Ek het besef dat die ouers baie afgesonder is en selfs in die groep nie met mekaar kommunikeer nie, dus wou ek almal bymekaarkry sodat ons mekaar kan ontmoet,” het Peters verduidelik.
“Hierdie soort werksessies sal help dat die gemeenskap bewus word van outistiese kinders, wat tot meer insluiting sal lei,” sê Peters.
Peters voeg by sy hoop om persepsies oor outisme binne die Helderbergkom te verander.
Sprekers wat by die outisme-bewusmakingsessie in Strand opgetree het Agter, van links, is Megan Meyer (Autism Parents Support Group), Ziyanda Runu (AWC), Lana Newman (Autism Parents Support Group) en Roshanna Hugo (AWC). Voor is Chanel Baumgarten (direkteur, Ernie Els vir Outisme), Rahkeenah Peters (Autism Parents Support Group) en Shelby Weyer (Et al Terapie- en Leersentrum)
Lede van die Autism Parents Support Group wat die bewusmakingsessie georganiseer het, van links, is Lana Newman, Megan Meyer, Rahkeenah Peters, Aqeela Beckett, Mymoena Fanie en Soraya Canterbury
dismith
Concerns over stormwater upgrade
Yaseen Gaffar
The municipality’s Catchment, Stormwater and River Management Branch (CSRM) is advancing plans to upgrade stormwater infrastructure in the Geelsloot catchment, a sub-area of the larger Lourens River catchment in the Helderberg district.
The key focus of the project is the provision of flood attenuation measures to protect the area from various storm intensities.
The proposed intervention, one of 21 potential projects identified in a 2011 Flood Management Report, involves implementing Project 14: three in-line detention ponds at John Rumble Park in Somerset West.
This plan stems from a detailed investigation by consulting engineers, appointed in 2009, which modeled the catchment’s hydrological system, identified flood-prone areas, and recommended remedial measures for accommodating a 1:50 year flood. The City of Cape Town is currently progressing with the environmental and legislative processes required for the upgrades.
While the City presses ahead, residents adjacent to the proposed works have voiced strong concerns, questioning the necessity, design and impact of the project, which is currently in the Draft Basic Assessment
Report (DBAR) phase
Roy Keyser, a Somerset West resident living adjacent to the site, expressed dismay over the proposed changes, stating that the area will be “fundamentally different” and “will not be the same” with the introduction of the three ponds
He highlighted that the project changes the very nature of the public open space.
“Some of the walls are up to 4 m high, which will really ruin a natural space into a very unsightly feature,” Keyser said.
Another resident, Annetjie Robertson, echoed concerns about the character of the area, arguing that the proposed landscaping could create a crime risk and that the project “takes away character and essence” of the space
Keyser challenged the premise of the project, noting that in his 34 years of living in the area, he has “never had a flood”. He believes the City is creating a flood risk by implementing these changes.
OVERCHARGECONCERNS
Concerns were also raised regarding the technical specifications and assumptions, as Keyser questioned the size of the new connection pipe and expressed overcharge concerns related to the system’s capacity
“We understand the need for such projects, but there are many questions and concerns we have and would like to see
addressed,” Keyser said.
Residents, who submitted comments during the first and second comment periods, also feel their input was overlooked, claiming, “no serious alternatives have been considered” by the project team.
Furthermore, questions were raised about the notification process, with Keyser questioning whether all affected persons had been notified, particularly those living down towards Dummer Street, fearing the City is “trying to solve a problem by creating a risk”.
The project has been undergoing a Basic Assessment process since May last year, with the DBAR completing a 30-day public comment period which ended on Wednesday 3 September. This follows an initial comment period and an open-house meeting held in June last year,
where findings were presented and community feedback sought.
Commenting on the project’s progress, Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation provided clarity on the project’s status and timeline
NOBUDGET
“The environmental and legislative processes are currently underway, which will be followed by the detailed design phase in line with the City’s stage-gate process,” he said. Current planning earmarks construction to begin around August 2027, following a procurement process. Badroodien assured that the City’s detailed design phase will focus on integrating public open spaces such as at John Rumble Park.
Regarding the budget, he
reiterated: “Budget allocations related to the project needs to be made by the City within the relevant financial year of implementation Hence, no allocation of budget has been made yet.”
He confirmed that current monetary values are solely based on engineers’ estimates for planning purposes. “The professional team has addressed public concerns regarding berm heights – the design does not include retaining walls, but sloped earth embankments with soft landscaping or plants – in detail during previous engagements. Notably, adjustments have been made in response to community feedback.”
In response to concerns about public access and the change of character, Badroodien stressed the City’s commitment to community welfare. “The City is committed to ensuring that the upgraded facility remains accessible, safe and user-friendly for the community.”
He stated that the design phase will focus on integrating pedestrian pathways, access points and landscaping, in consultation with the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, to balance the technical needs of stormwater management with public use of the park. “The public will have a further opportunity to comment on any updated documentation and to view responses to the comments received, probably in November 2025,” he said
John Rumble Park in Somerset West Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
SoetRiversweetagain
The Department of Social Development, Delft Local Office, is requesting Sindiswa Constance Nyanda last seen in Delft to contact the social worker, Ms. N. Tatsi at 021 483 7718 or at 18 Goulburn Street, Goodwood, during office hours (07H30-16H00) Mon-Fri. She is allegedly a close relative of a female child born during 2018.
The Department of Social Development, Elsies River Local Office, is requesting Verena Mulock Houwer last seen in Goodwood to contact the social worker, Ms. F. Rabie at 021 483 7918 or at 18 Goulburn Street, Goodwood, during office hours (07H30-16H00) Mon-Fri.
She is allegedly a close relative of a male child born during 2018.
A well-established wine farm based in Stellenbosch is looking for a Tractor Driver to expand our Vineyard team. The role entails: Ensuring efficient, timeous, and accurate work related to production tasks The ideal candidate should have:
Grade 12 or equivalent - 5+ years' tractor experience
A valid code B driver's licence will be beneficial - Experience in the Wine or Farming industry will be beneficial - Sober habits
Duties include: -General tractor operator work, including hauling, poloughing, sowing, pre-pruning, spraying and harvesting, and other tractor related duties as operationally required. - performs tractor, trailer, equipment and any other related inspections in accordance with the
Local sisters riding the waves
SistersNinaandKaylaBonefromSomersetWestaremakingasplash inthesurfingworld,securingimpressivesecondandthird-placefinishes,respectively,attheSeaHarvestCapeCrowninKommetjie The BeaumontPrimaryandParelValleiHighschoollearnersarecoached byMikThompsonofSonSurfandaspiretotraintogethermore,with Kayla’sultimategoaltobecomeaprofessionalsurfer
Photo: Lara Bredenkamp
Helderberg’s new rugby jewel unites
Darrin Roman
The Helderberg Community Rugby Cup (CommCup) wrapped up with a thrilling finals day on Saturday (4 October), which delivered top-tier action and community spirit in abundance.
Held over three days as part of Macassar RFC’s 30-year anniversary celebrations, the inaugural tournament exceeded expectations and is already being hailed as a future cornerstone of the Helderberg rugby calendar
Teams competed across three divisions – the Plate, the Challenger, and the prestigious Cup final – providing an action-packed schedule that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The finals showcased the very best of local rugby talent, fierce competition, and sportsmanship, with the following teams walking away victorious: Plate final winners – Eersterivier RFC; Challenger Cup winners – Sir Lowrians RFC; and CommCup champions – Macassar RFC.
The atmosphere on finals day was electric, as supporters from across the region gathered in numbers to cheer on their teams.
From youth to veterans, every match brought out passionate performances, underscoring the depth of talent within the Helderberg rugby community.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, tournament officials reflected on the journey of bringing the CommCup to life.
“There were, as with any new event, teething issues,” one organiser noted.
“But the overwhelming sentiment is pride It was a massive responsibility to launch something of this scale, but seeing it conclude with such stellar rugby across all three days made it incredibly rewarding.”
The success of the event has sparked strong hopes that the Helderberg Community Rugby Cup could grow into one of the flagship tournaments in the Cape Metro.
Club managers from across the region have voiced their support for making it an annual fixture, recognising its potential to unite clubs, elevate the standard of local rugby, and inspire the next generation of players
Macassar RFC’s management team extended its heartfelt thanks to all who contributed: “To every club, player, supporter and volunteer: thank you This event would not have been possible without your energy and commitment. We believe the CommCup will grow into one of the biggest tournaments in the region ”
Adding to the legacy of the tournament, a regional representative squad was selected during the event, recognising outstanding individual performances
The final squad announcement is pending logistical arrangements and is expected in the coming days
As the dust settles on a memorable tournament, one thing is certain – the Helderberg rugby community has found something special in the CommCup.
Woensdag,8Oktober2025
PiratesthrashYankees
Baseball action returns to S-West
Helderberg Pirates delivered a powerful and disciplined performance at Radloff Park on Saturday (4 October), securing a comprehensive 29-1 victory over Westridge Yankees in a spirited local baseball showdown
Despite the lopsided score, the day was marked by infectious enthusiasm and high sportsmanship, particularly from the underdog Yankees Pirates showcased their experience and cohesion right from the start Their offense was clinical, as the managed to rack up all 29 runs without recording a single strikeout against them The impressive statistic
and leadership was Ethan Burgess, who was named man of the match He delivered a stellar performance behind the plate, his composure and defensive prowess guiding his team with precision and keeping Yankees’ sporadic attacks firmly at bay Westridge Yankees, while suffering the heavy defeat, were celebrated for their commitment and heart
“Despite fielding a team of fresh faces – many of whom were stepping onto the diamond for the first time – Yankees brought infectious energy and heart to the game,” read a postmatch statement “Their commitment and passion was evident throughout, earning admiration from both fans and opponents alike ”
Helderberg Pirates next fixture will be an away clash against Varisty Old Boys (VOB) on Saturday 11 October
Ethan Burgess makes it to first base for Helderberg Pirates Photos: Peter Bee
Devon Rolfe ducks under a bad pitch while playing for Helderberg Pirates
Devan Rolfe playing for Helderberg Pirates keeping the Yankee players on their toes.
Ethan Burgess, coaching at first base (left) encourages Pirates’ Zack Crowther to go on reach second base
LENBOSCH