Driver rescued
Barend Williams
A dramatic rescue unfolded in Somerset West’s CBD when emergency services deployed the mechanical “jaws of life” to free a trapped driver from his vehicle after a collision on Monday (28 July).
According to a Somerset West police report, the incident occurred just after 11:00 at the intersection of Andries Pretorius Street and Bizweni Road. An eyewitness claimed the driver of a silver Toyota Hilux jumped the red traffic light at the intersection and collided with a white BMW SUV, resulting in both drivers being transported to hospital.
Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services, said traffic officers responded to an emergency call, arriving at the scene at 11:40. “There were two [relatively] slight injuries, and Metro Rescue and ER24 were also on scene.” He said the roadway was cleared at 12:27.
When DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette arrived on the scene the driver of the BMW was still trapped inside the wrecked vehicle due to door damage.
Emergency services used hydraulic extrication equipment to prise it open and safely extract the driver later identified as Chris Dicks. The 50-year-old pastor of Dwelling Place Ministries in Somerset West explained that he was turning onto
Main Road from Andries Pretorius Street when the bakkie came at full speed and crashed into the right side of his vehicle, trapping him inside. “It was frightening because I couldn’t move,” Dicks recalled.
An on-scene video posted by the publication’s Facebook page, gauged comment from Dicks’ spouse Sally-Anne, who stated: “[It is] a pure miracle [he is] doing okay.”
She also divulged that her husband was to undergo shoulder surgery yesterday (Tuesday 29 July) to repair a collarbone fracture sustained in the incident.
Dicks thanked the community for their support, both for helping at the accident scene and for their continued prayers during his recovery.
Die gemeenskap van Sir Lowry’s Pass het Saterdagmiddag (26 Julie) in spontane feesvreugde en trots uitgebars toe hul rugbyheld, die Junior Springbok Gino Cupido, ’n roerende heldeverwelkoming ontvang het. Die geleentheid volg ná Suid-Afrika se historiese oorwinning teen hul aartsvyande Nieu-Seeland in die Wêreldbeker-o.20-eindstryd in Rovigo, Italië, op Saterdag 19 Julie. Honderde opgewonde gemeenskapslede het saamgedrom om hul plaaslike rugbysensasie, wat vanjaar ook vir die Blitzbokke uitgedraf het, te vier. Gino het saam met sy pa, Gordon, op ’n bakkie deur die strate te midde van ’n gejuig, gefladder van Suid-Afrikaanse vlae en ’n oorweldigende vertoning van gemeenskapstrots, wat die hele dorp laat dreun het, gery. Geniet nog foto-oomblikke op bl.8. Foto: Jamey Gordon
Fire and Rescue Services personnel using hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate trapped driver Chris Dicks from his damaged BMW SUV.
Photo: Barend Williams
Somerset
Traffic officers in the dock
Jamey Gordon
Two provincial traffic officers appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on corruption charges on Friday (25 July), after allegedly attempting to extort money from an e-hailing driver.
who is based in Hermanus, subsequently transferred to him.”
PLAN ABANDONED
After appearing in court, both officers received R1 000 bail each and the matter was postponed to Thursday 2 October.
CURBING CORRUPTION
According to a Macassar police spokesperson the court appearance took place after the officers were apprehended in connection with the incident, which occurred on Saturday 24 May.
The spokesperson said the officers allegedly stopped the driver as his vehicle was travelling along Macassar Road.
The group allegedly agreed to drive to a nearby shopping centre, where the driver could withdraw the money from an ATM. Around 17:20 at a shopping centre along the R102, the driver decided to evade the officers by abandoning the plan and fleeing into a supermarket.
The driver allegedly escaped from the store and made his way to Macassar Police Station, where he reported the incident. A case of extortion was initially opened for further investigation.
Muneera Allie, spokesperson for the Western Cape mobility department, confirmed the department was aware of the incident. However, she was not in a position to comment on details of the matter as the police investigation is ongoing.
“The department has instituted an internal investigation process in line with our disciplinary procedures. The department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
“The 38-year-old driver was allegedly asked to present his driver’s licence. When he produced his Zimbabwean licence the officers allegedly declared it fake and demanded he pay an on-thespot fine of R2 000 or face arrest.
“When the driver said he didn’t have the money they allegedly reduced the amount to R1 500, which his mother,
According to the police spokesperson security footage obtained from the shopping centre helped trace and apprehend the traffic officers. The driver participated in a formal identification process on Thursday 19 June. The suspects, Sakhele Joni (33) from Eerste River and Lunga Kana (39) from Khayelitsha, were charged with corruption and arrested on Thursday (24 July).
“Continuous anti-corruption awareness campaigns are conducted and members of the public are encouraged to report any allegations of corruption. Both offering and accepting a bribe are criminal offences, and will be dealt with decisively.”
Police probe double-murder in Pholile
Two people died and two others, including a teenager, were wounded in a shooting in Pholile informal settlement, Lwandle on Sunday (27 July).
projectile next to the body.
dent may be a professional hit.
According to the police report, the incident occurred at 21:39, when Lwandle police officers responded to a shooting in area.
On their arrival, officers found the body of a 41-year-old man, with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body, lying in a pool of blood. The officers also found three cartridges and one
Further investigation of the scene led police to three other victims, who were transported to a nearby medical facility for medical treatment.
One, a 33-year-old man shot in the upper body, died on arrival while the other two, a 15-year-old boy shot in the left leg and a 38-year-old man shot in the torso, received treatment.
The motive for the shootings is still under investigation, while police are also investigationg whether the inci -
Lwandle police opened a double-murder and double-attempted-murder case docket, which were being investigated by Lwandle detectives.
No arrests had been made at the time of publication.
Lwandle police urged the public to come forward with any information relating to the case. Anyone with information can call the investigating officer, detective Warrant Officer Randall van Schalkwyk, on 082 522 1953 or 021 845 2060.
Bumpy ride on local roads
Yaseen Gaffar
The Helderberg has experienced a significant increase in pothole repair requests over the past couple of months, with reports surging by 28% compared to the same period from May to July last year.
In Strand alone, 605 potholes have been reported between Thursday 1 May and Tuesday 22 July this year.
This marked increase is largely attributed to recent heavy winter rains, which have exacerbated existing road weaknesses and even caused new potholes to form in areas where repairs were seemingly just completed, such as Broadlands Road in Strand.
Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, acknowledged the extent of the challenge and outlined the City of Cape Town’s ongoing efforts.
Asked to elaborate on a spate of potholes across Strand, Somerset West and Gordon’s Bay, Quintas explained that heavy and continuous rainfall is a major culprit, causing water to seep into road cracks, even those in recently patched areas.
“This often leads to the formation of new potholes and further deterioration of previous repairs,” he noted, adding that overall weather patterns significantly influence road network maintenance.
The City adapts its work programme to suit drier conditions where possible.
Addressing concerns about recurring potholes, especially on roads like Broadlands Road, Broadway Boulevard and several across residential suburbs, Quintas clarified the City’s approach.
“The City uses various methods to address pothole repairs during wet weather. Some potholes, particularly those mentioned, were initially filled temporarily with reclaimed asphalt material and cold mix asphalt,” he said.
PUBLIC SERVICE REQUESTS
These temporary fixes aim to minimise traffic disruptions during wet conditions until more favourable weather allows for permanent repairs using hot-mix asphalt where selected patches are filled.
Regarding prioritisation, the City uses a public service request tool for residents to report potholes. Additionally, depot teams conduct route patrols on high-traffic and critical routes, including Broadlands Road, to proactively identify issues.
“For lower trafficked roads, the City relies on public reports to identify hazards,” Quintas explained.
The aim is for depot staff to respond swiftly, with a 30-day timeframe set for repairs once notifications are received.
While the estimated budget for pothole repairs is adjusted as needed, with opportunities for increases during the adjustment budget period, Quintas’s primary message to frustrated residents is to “report potholes to assist the City so that we can identify potholes that cause
disruptions to traffic and are potential hazards for road users”.
He reassured locals that the City is prioritising making the road network safer through temporary repairs, with permanent solutions to follow as weather permits.
“For roads in severely deteriorated condition, resurfacing and rehabilitation projects are scheduled during the drier summer months,” Quintas added.
“Residents can be assured that our reactive teams remain on high alert and are ready to promptly respond to reports of surface failures.”
He concluded by emphasising the municipality’s commitment to reducing repair backlogs despite challenges.
When approached for comment, Andrew Jansen van Vuuren, chairperson of the Helderberg Ratepayers’ Association,, claimed recurring potholes are the result of shoddy workmanship and severely affects businesses and residents alike.
“Infrastructure is critical to the local economy and proper planning ahead of the winter rains, coupled with quality workmanship, will make a huge difference in providing services to the community,” he said.
Residents can report potholes via the City’s mobile app, call centre on 0860 103 089, or log a service request online at www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
Recently repaired, Broadlands Road has once again developed potholes.
Bejaarde tehuis besteel
Barend Williams
Sr. Charlotte Smith, die bestuurder van SenCIT Resthaven-tehuis vir bejaardes, vra meer beskerming vir die tehuis nadat inbrekers verlede week klere wat vir die mees behoeftige bejaardes bedoel was, gesteel het.
Volgens ’n verslag van die Strandpolisie het ’n inbraak tussen Vrydag 18 en Woensdag 23 Julie by die tehuis in Thomasstraat, Rusthof plaasgevind waar sakke klere, kruideniersware, ’n hark en skilderye gesteel is. Die verdagtes is onbekend en die polisie ondersoek die saak.
“Dis ’n skande om van minder bevoorregde bejaardes te steel,” sê Smith.
Sy is geskok deur die misdaad en sê die inbrekers het toegeslaan nadat die sentrum klere uit die gemeenskap ingesamel het. Die klere is eers gesorteer en onder inwoners verdeel, en dit wat oorgebly het, is buite in ’n stoorhuisie op die fasiliteit se perseel bewaar.
“Ons samel gereeld klere in en dis baie belangrik vir ons inwoners, want sommige van die oumense is baie minder bevoorreg. Dit wat oorbly, verkoop ons om geld in te samel,” sê Smith.
Sy verduidelik die inbraak het plaasgevind nadat twee van die sentrum se vrywilligers die klere wat verkoop sou word, op Donderdag 17 Julie in die stoorhuisie geberg en dit toegesluit het.
Smith het die inbraak eers Woensdag 23 Julie ontdek toe sy iemand gestuur het om iets uit die stoorhuisie te kry. Sy het toe eers gesien die ketting van die slot aan die deur
is afgesny. Dit het gevolg ná ’n week waarin die bejaardesentrum Mandeladag op 18 Julie gevier en baie vrywilligers verwelkom het wat die sentrum se tuin skoongemaak het.
Die misdaad is onmiddellik daarna by die Strand-polisie aangemeld en danksy die sentrum se CCTV-kameras kon hulle vasstel wanneer die inbraak plaasgevind het.
“Ons weet nie wie dit gedoen het nie, maar die inbraak bewys net die veiligheidsprobleem waarmee ons worstel,” beklemtoon Smith.
Die ironie is dat die opbrengs van die gesteelde klere juis vir die opgradering van die sentrum se verouderde veiligheidskameras bestem was.
“Veiligheid is ’n groot bekommernis vir ons en ons doen ’n beroep op die polisie en private veiligheidsmaatskappye om meer patrollies by die sentrum te doen om die kwesbare inwoners te help beskerm,” sê Smith.
AO Nico Beukes, ’n woordvoerder vir die Strand-polisie, het verduidelik dat patrollies volgens misdaadpatrone geskeduleer word en Sektor 1, waar SenCIT geleë is, is ’n problematiese gebied en dra by tot kontakmisdade.
Beukes het bygevoeg ’n ander rede vir minder sigbare patrollies in die gebied is omdat die plaaslike buurtwag tans nie aktief is nie, maar die polisie is besig om die probleem op te volg.
“Ons raai ook sakeondernemings en instellings aan om by veiligheidsmaatskappye aan te sluit wat kan help met reaksietyd en kritieke voorvalle,” sê Beukes.
Vir nou vra Smith die hulp van die gemeenskap om te herwin wat hulle verloor het deur skenkings en donasies.
Vir donasies of skenkings aan SenCIT Resthaven-tehuis vir bejaardes of vir meer inligting oor hoe jy betrokke kan raak, kontak Smith by 081 420 4626 of die sentrum by 021 845 850 bel.
Skenking vir Gordonsbaai-polisie
Die Helderbergkom-tak van AfriForum in Gordonsbaai het vandeesmaand ’n hernieude gevoel van trots op die voorkoms van die Gordonsbaai-polisiekantoor by dié beamptes ingeboesem. Die tak het op sy eie onkoste tuindienste gekry om die grasperk by die polisiekantoor te sny, asook skoonmaakmiddels oorhandig sodat die kantoor vir die gemeenskap skoon en netjies gehou kan word. Die polisiebeamptes het onderneem om hul meubels en kantore met dié middels in stand te hou. Deon Goosen van AfriForum se Helderberg-tak het die skenking aan sers. Jeremiah Naidoo oorhandig. “Die publiek se vertroue in wetstoepassers se vermoëns begin dikwels by die sigbare toestand van die polisiekantoor. ’n Netjiese, goedversorgde omgewing is een van die maniere om hierdie vertroue in te boesem,” sê Marique van Dalen, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Boland. Besoek www.wordlid.co.za vir inligting om by die burgerregteorganisasie betrokke te raak.
Sr. Charlotte Smith, bestuurder van die SenCIT Resthaven-tehuis vir bejaardes, langs die stoorhuisie waar klere tussen Vrydag 18 en Woensdag 23 Julie gesteel is. Foto: Barend Williams
NSRI to the rescue
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gordon’s Bay volunteer crew had a busy weekend, successfully assisting two different vessels in distress off the coast.
In the first incident, the NSRI Gordon’s Bay duty crew was activated following a distress call from a local fishing craft experiencing motor mechanical failure at 09:30 on Sunday (27 July).
Brian Gosling, NSRI Gordon’s Bay duty coxswain, said the situation quickly escalated when the fishermen reported that their craft was taking on water.
The NSRI Gordon’s Bay rescue craft, Spirit of Surfski, was launched. “We rendezvoused with the boat, finding all five fishermen concerned but safe, all in good spirits and secured in their life-jackets and relieved to have the NSRI at their side.”
The crew successfully towed the fishing craft into the harbour slipway, where it was recovered onto its trailer. The operation concluded at 12:16.
On Friday (25 July), NSRI Gordon’s Bay was also instrumental in assisting a sailing yacht grounded near Gordon’s Bay Harbour.
Duty crew of the NSRI Gordon’s Bay assisted in two rescues at the weekend.
Ryan Holmes, NSRI Gordon’s Bay station commander, said crew noticed the yacht offshore in the early hours of Friday. By daylight, it appeared to be attempting to enter the harbour, but grounded in shallow surf just offshore of the naval college.
Rescuers rigged a towline and went onboard the sailing yacht to assist, with the crew towing the yacht into the harbour, where it was safely moored at the NSRI rescue base for repairs. The operation was completed at 15:09.
Two lost hikers rescued on lower West Peak
Two hikers were assisted by rescue personnel after losing their way while descending West Peak in the Helderberg Nature Reserve above Somerset West on the eveninf of Saturday 19 July.
According to a report by Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), the two stranded hikers, aged 34 and 49, realised that they would not be able to find their way back before the reserve gates closed, and the
pair contacted the emergency number –021 937 0300 – for help. Rangers were dispatched to locate the two women.
“The hikers, who were uninjured, were found in good spirits and safely guided back down to the entrance,” the report stated.
The incident was concluded at 19:28, when everybody was confirmed off the mountain.
Concrete mixer truck overturns on Main Road
Traffic was delayed last Wednesday (23 July) when a concrete mixer truck overturned on Main Road in Somerset West. According to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, emergency services responded to the incident at the intersection of Main and Old Stellenbosch Road in Somerset West at 11:20, where a Mercedes-Benz concrete mixer truck had overturned. “It seems the truck collided with an electrical pole as well,” Carelse added. No injuries are reported, including to the truck driver. A Fire and Rescue Services crew from the Somerset West Fire Station and a rescue vehicle from the Strand Fire Station were dispatched to the scene. Metro police officers, City Traffic Services, and personnel from GBMed also attended to the scene. The overturned truck spilled diesel onto the road surface, and the left lane on Main Road toward the Somerset West CBD was temporarily closed due to the truck obstructing it.
Towing services arrived at the scene at 12:38 to remove the truck, while the City’s municipal roads department are in the process of cleaning up the oil and diesel spillage.
Williams
Beeste ’n bedreiging
Jamey Gordon
’n Botsing in Ou Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad in Somerset-Wes het ’n dringende behoefte beklemtoon om loslopende beeste wat na bewering ’n toenemende bedreiging vir gemeenskapsveiligheid inhou, te verhinder.
Twee insittendes het die dood net-net vrygespring toe hul voertuig Dinsdag 15 Julie in die vroeë oggendure ’n bees op die swak beligte roete getref het.
Die middeljarige bestuurder het vertel hy en sy 27-jarige passasier het op die roete van Sir Lowry’s Pass na Somerset-Wes gereis toe die botsing omstreeks 05:45 gebeur het.
“ ’n Motor het op die Ou Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad van voor aangekom. Ek het dus my hoofligte gedompel. Toe die kar verby is, het ek weer my hoofligte aangeskakel en dis toe dat die groot, swart koei voor my kar verskyn het,” het hy herroep.
“Alles het so vinnig afgespeel. Ek het my oë toegemaak, die stuurwiel vasgeklou en my gereed gemaak vir die impak.”
Die bestuurder het voorts vertel dat toe hy sy oë weer oopgemaak het, hy met dankbaarheid oorweldig is dat hulle die voorval wonderbaarlik oorleef het, ten spyte van geringe beserings en sny- en kneusplekke.
Volgens Kevin Jacobs, ’n woordvoerder vir die Stad Kaapstad se verkeersdienste, is beamptes om 05:49 na die toneel uitgestuur. Dit
’n Botsing teen ’n bees op Ou Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad Dinsdag 15 Julie het twee motoriste se lewe in gevaar gestel en die kollig weer op die Sir Lowry’s Pass-gemeenskap se jare lange stryd teen losloperdiere – veral beeste – en swak padbeligting geplaas.
was net nadat die brand-en-reddingsdienste reeds om 05:46 op die voorval gereageer het.
“Die regterstrook in die rigting van Sir Lowry’s Pass was versper. Die ryvlak is teen 07:02 opgeruim,” het Jacobs gesê. Hoewel die ongelukslagoffer die koerant meegedeel het dat die eienaar van die vermoedelik dragtige koei opgespoor is, het Jacobs dit ontken. Volgens hom is die eienaar nie geïdentifiseer nie.
Hy het inwoners aangespoor om noodgevalle by die Stad se Openbare Noodkommunikasiesentrum aan te meld – skakel 021 480 7700 van ’n selfoon of 107 van ’n landlyn
af. Hy het verder gesê dat die Stad se dierebeheereenheid op klagtes reageer en diere sal geskut word sodra dit aangemeld word.
Die slagoffer het verder sy misnoeë uitgespreek oor troppe beeste wat dikwels vrylik rondbeweeg oor paaie in en rondom die Sir Lowry’s Pass-gemeenskap en die gevaar wat dit vir motoriste inhou. Volgens hom meld inwoners gereeld aan dat hulle loslopende beeste teëkom wat deur die gebied loop en potensieel dodelike gevare vir motoriste skep.
Dit is nie net tot die gemeenskap en Ou Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad beperk nie, maar strek ook na die nabygeleë N2-snelweg waar soortgelyke gevaarlike voorvalle dikwels plaasvind.
Die situasie word verder vererger deur die gebrek aan behoorlike beligting op die Ou Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad, tussen die brandweerstasie en die gemeenskap, wat ’n ernstige veiligheidsgevaar bly –veral vroeg soggens en in die nag.
“Die gemeenskap bring die probleem al jare lank onder die Stad en raadslede se aandag, maar tevergeefs,” het die slagoffer gesê.
DistrikPos & Helderberg Gazette het by die Stad navraag gedoen oor die huidige status van verbeteringe aan beligting op Ou Sir Lowry’s Pass-pad, maar dié vraag het onbeantwoord gebly.
Geen terugvoer is teen die koerant se druktyd Dinsdagoggend (29 Julie) van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Padagentskap of die Wes-Kaapse departement van mobiliteit ontvang nie.
Photo: Barend
Gino Cupido trots terug verwelkom
Die baba-Bok Gino Cupido is Saterdag (26 Julie) met joligheid en groot trots terug by die huis verwelkom! Die Sir Lowry’s Pass-gemeenskapslede het gejubel en gedans en hul hande in die lug geswaai ter viering van hul rugbyster wat teruggekeer het ná die Junior Springbokke se oorwinning teen hul aartsvyande Nieu-Seeland in die Wêreldrugby-onder-20-kampioenskap in Italië. Cupido het in ’n ware heldeontvangs, wat deur gemeenskapslede gereël is, saam met van sy geliefdes op ’n voertuig bedek met foto’s deur die strate gery sodat hy die liefde van sy ondersteunende gemeenskapslede kon ervaar. Dié rugbysensasie is van die Blue Rock-oord na buite die polisiekantoor geneem, waar ’n kort seremonie plaasgevind het waartydens gemeenskapslede die geleentheid gehad het om met die inspirerende ster kennis te maak. Foto’s: Jamey Gordon
Fritz Visser, die president van Sir Lowrians RFC, het Cupido met hartlike woorde van bemoediging verwelkom.
Cupido is vereer met proteas, ’n rugbytrui en ’n boek oor Sir Lowry’s Pass – wat sy diep wortels in die gemeenskap simboliseer.
Talle opgewonde gemeenskapslede het om die rugbyheld saamgedrom om selfies saam met hom te neem.
Bo is Cupido saam met sy geliefde familielede. Van link is sy ma, Zelna, sy susters Edith Etson en Gaynor Welman, en sy pa, Gordon.
Lieza leaves a lasting legacy
† 11 April 1969 – 14 July 2025
“She was bubbly, possessed a sharp sense of humour, embodied a spirited zest for life and loved fiercely.”
This is how family, friends and colleagues of Lieza Pannewitz remembered her at a celebration-of-life service held in her honour at the Helderberg Dutch Reformed church on Saturday (26 July). The 56-year-old died at Mediclinic Vergelegen following a brief illness on Monday 14 July.
Her children, Liseke and Nicholas, lovingly refer to her as a “lioness who was always there to protect her cubs”.
“She was our anchor, our confidant, our motivator and our safe place; in her we always found safety,” Liseke said.
“She was always there, no matter the circumstances. She was selfless, caring and hardworking. She had a zest for life, a bubbly personality and a sharp sense of humour, which describes who our mom was to a tee.”
At the time of her passing she was employed as a key account manager at DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette , overseeing key clients such as Food Lover’s Market, Morkel & De Villiers, Samsung, Stodels and Crazy Plastics, among others.
Born in Johannesburg, the youngest of five children to Philip and Elise Versfeld, Lie -
za grew up in the City of Gold and briefly lived in Stellenbosch before the start of her primary school career. She attended Randburg High School before the family’s relocation to the Cape, more specifically the Helderberg, after her matric year.
She obtained a diploma from Isa Carstens Academy in Stellenbosch, then went on to complete a business diploma at the then Cape Technikon.
With her outgoing personality Lieza comfortably fit into the role of sales representative at various businesses in and around Cape Town, effortlessly and diligently serving clients as a member of the sales departments of Panasonic and Office National before taking a leap and starting her own business.
Towards the end of 2014 she joined the sales team at DistrictMail , quickly cementing her place as a force to be reckoned with in the local print-media industry.
“Lieza was a ray of sunshine in the office,” said Tasmin Cupido, editorial publisher of DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette . “She radiated light and brought barrels of laughs to every room she entered. Lieza went above and beyond all requirements to serve her clients with diligence and determination.
“In the nearly 11 years as part of our team she was one
of our star performers, constantly exceeding expectations and claiming several regional awards along the way.”
She will be remembered for the relationships she forged
and nurtured with clients and colleagues alike, Cupido added. “She had a never-say-die attitude and conquered challenges head-on. Lieza exuded friendliness and professionalism, her wit and humour sparkled, her laughter was infectious and her determination and courage were endless. She will be greatly missed and always be remembered by every member of the team.”
The publication’s sales manager, Muhammad Brinkhuis, remembered Lieza as an energetic and enthusiastic salesperson, who was often the glue of the sales team – a constant and reassuring presence. “Her relentlessness was a driving force that often encouraged her colleagues to push harder in tough times. This persistence shone through in both her professional and personal life, more so during her brief illness, when she truly fought valiantly.”
Liseke described her mother as “resilient, strong, and a true fighter”. “She was the strongest person I knew, maintaining her sense of humour right to the end, keeping her spirits up and fighting the good fight with God by her side. She truly is my hero.”
Lieza leaves behind a remarkable legacy, along with her two children, sister and three brothers, as well as her beloved cat Pixie and two Yorkies, Charlie and Oliver.
Are we living in ‘bubble’ of fake safety?
While doing my weekly shopping on a warm tranquil Monday morning recently my day was turned upside down by a force of emotional freight pulsing through my mind and body, that even even thinking about it now leaves me out of breath!
Walking home using my fourwheel walker, two young men walked towards me, all the while loudly talking to each other in the unique AfriKaaps.
As they reached me one of them stopped me with an outstretched hand and, looking me in the eye, said: “I feel like killing an old white person today.” The other chuckled, saying, “It is time.”
How does one respond in such a moment? The thought flashed through my mind not to engage them and just keep on walking, listening for signs that they were following me.
Amid all the trials and tribulations currently gripping South Africa hatred and disillusionment are a feature of daily life. But did it ever occur to us, living on the outskirts of a metro, that we are busy changing from a sense of relative safety to the profoundly unsettling thought that we are now living in a bubble of fake safety?
Emmy Holliday SOMERSET WEST
Lieza Pannewitz
Learners do their bit
Learners of Helderberg High School spent a day reaching out to those less fortunate at Morkel Cottage Crèche in Strand recently, when they beautified and enhanced the facility’s play area.
“This outreach project definitely gave a sense of purpose and fulfilment to each of our learners, knowing they made a positive difference in the lives of others,” the school said in a statement.
“Serving others can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, empathy and a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by others. It is a value we encourage in our learners.”
The project had four main focus areas – painting the jungle gym, installing a new sandpit, creating a fairy garden and painting a hop-scotch grid for the children of the crèche.
“We would like to thank TimBuild Somerset West as well as Sand and Stone for their generous contributions in making this project possible,” the statement read.
“Lastly, but by no means least, thank you to the wonderful parents and learners of Helderberg High School who donated food and joined in in this project. You are truly amazing.”
The Helderberg High School team at the upgraded playpark. At the top (from left) are Jordan Snyman, Sivuyile Ngcwangu, Hailey Gallant and Seth Williams. Below: Michelle Mukahiwa, Shimei Jakavula, Cristone Bloemstein, Liyema Gcwabe, Savannah Sylvester, Owethu Tibini and Mindi Kriek.
Nate Drew, Mieke de Wilde and Gianna Cordeiro at the new hop scotch grid.
Learners at the newly created fairy garden at Morkel Cottage Crèche, are Alex Jamieson, Ziyanda Bovana, Tyler Jansen and Kamogelo Sokupa.
NOTICE
RECEIPT OF AN APPLICATION FOR SITE LICENCES
In terms of the provisions of Section 32(2) of the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act, 1996 (Act 4 of 1996), as amended, the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (“the Board”) hereby gives notice that an
DETAILS OF APPLICANT
WRITTEN COMMENTS AND
hereby encouraged to read the Act and learn more about the Board’s powers and the matters pursuant to which objections may be lodged These are outlined in Sections 28, 30, 31 and 35 of the Act Members of the public can obtain a copy of the objections guidelines, which is an explanator y guide through the legal framework governing the lodgement of objections and the Board’s adjudication procedures The objections guidelines are accessible from the Board’s website at www wcgrb.co za and copies can also be made available on request The Board will consider all comments and objections lodged on or before the closing date during the adjudication of the application In the case of written objections to an application, the grounds on which such objections are founded, must be furnished Where comment in respect of application is furnished full par ticulars and facts to substantiate such comment must be provided The name address and telephone number of the person submitting the objection or offering the comment must also be provided Comments or objections must reach the Board by no later than 16:00 on Friday, 15 August 2025
In terms of Regulation 24(2) of the National Gambling Regulations the Board will schedule a public hearing in respect of an application only if it receives written objections relating to: (a) the probity or suitability for licensing of any of the persons to be involved in the operation of the
If a public hearing is scheduled, the date of such hearing will
African silver for local athlete
Somerset West’s own Francois Pietersen has brought home a silver medal from the third Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Under-18/Under-20 Athletics Championships at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria from Wednesday 16 to Sunday 20 July. The 17-year-old former Hendrik Louw Primary School learner, represented South Africa in the under-18 boys’ hammer throw, achieving an impressive distance of 64,72m. His outstanding performance secured him a well-deserved second place at the prestigious continental event.
SW dancers make their mark
Three talented young dancers from Outline Dance Centre in Somerset West have returned home as international award winners, bringing with them prestigious scholarships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Sisters Storme (15) and Heike (13) Africa-Sylvester, along with Kristina van Wyk (13), proudly flew the South African flag at the prestigious World Dance Movement (WDM) Festival in Italy during the recent school holidays.
The trio earned their place at this elite international event after qualifying through the TIME dance competition in 2024, where they were handpicked by renowned dance professional Vivian Pullin.
The dancers spent an intensive week immersed in world-class workshops led by some of the globe’s most acclaimed dance teachers and choreographers. This extraordinary opportunity allowed them to refine their technique, push beyond their comfort zones, build confidence and forge connections with dancers from around the world.
Their dedication, energy and remarkable growth throughout the week did not go unnoticed. Heike was awarded five complimentary classes at the prestigious
Broadway Dance Center in New York City, plus one month of unlimited access to online classes via Space TV. Storme secured a scholarship towards WDM 2026 and a month of unlimited Space TV classes. Meanwhile, Kristina earned a 50% scholarship to join the exclusive viaggio DANZA tour in October.
The dancers concluded their week with an unforgettable gala performance before competing successfully, with Kristina and Heike claiming second place in the duet category and Heike achieving solo scores of 94% and 93%, all under choreography of their teacher Verné Krige.
Judokas bring home the medals
Kadoshi Judokwai Somerset West judokas shone bright at the South African Schools and National Open Judo Championships held at the University of Pretoria from Monday 30 June to Saturday 5 July.
Charl and Jean du Toit bagged gold medals for their Goshin-Jutsu kata. They attained a 70% score, which qualifies them to join the national judo kata team.
The pair will next compete at the African Judo Kata Championships in Mauritius in September. They also qualified to participate in the World Judo Kata Championships, set to held in Paris, France in November. The duo also competed in the Nage-No-kata and achieved a bronze medal.
Anja de Villiers and Tuvya Hough competed in the Group 2 Nage-No-kata and
brought home the gold in the SA Schools kata competition.
Hough also competed in the SA Schools novice group 2 under 46kg fighting category, where he won a gold medal in the division. Jean du Toit competed in the national veteran and senior (group 6) fighting divisions, winning a gold medal in the veterans’ division and ending fourth in the senior (group 6) division.
“We are enormously proud of all our judokas who represented the Cape Town Judo Association and Kadoshi Judokwai Somerset West at the national event. [Locals can] see our judokas in action on Mondays and Wednesdays at Lourensford and Cloetenburg roads, Somerset West,” the club said in a statement.
The junior class is held from 17:00 to 18:00, while the senior class takes place 18:15 to 19:30.
Bringing home the gold (from left) are Charl du Toit, Anja de Villiers, Tuvya Hough and Jean du Toit.
Talented dancers Storme and Heike Africa-Sylvester, and Kristina van Wyk.
SPORT
Woensdag, 30 Julie 2025
Brakke kou Berge fyn
Neels du Toit
Die Helderberg-rugbyklub se eerste span – baie dun weens talle beserings – het Saterdag (26 Julie) sy grootste pak slae (12-31) nog op sy tuisveld in sy wedstryd teen Brackenfell, 10de op die Superliga Apunteleer, gekry.
Ironies genoeg was Berge eerste op die telbord in die 10de minuut ná ’n mooi drie van die belowende veelsydige agterspeler G-Jay Fortuin, wat sy 17de drie vir die seisoen gedruk het (5-0).
Hierna het die Brakkies oorgeneem en die telling met drie drieë voor rustyd na 5-17 omgeswaai.
In die 51ste minuut het Berge se heelagter, Jayden Daniels, van sy eie 22-meter-lyn af met ’n kronkellopie dwarsdeur Brackenfell gehardloop en onder die pale oorgeduik. Michael Visser se doelskop het dit 12-17 gemaak en dit het gelyk asof lig in Berge se donker tonnel skyn. Brackenfell was egter nog nie klaar nie en het nog twee verdoelde drieë bygevoeg – eindtelling 12-31.
Buiten Fortuin en Daniels het die agtsteman, Duan Koen, en die flank Blaine Skeleton skitterspel opgelewer.
Met Berge se uitgedunde spelertal is Woensdagaand se ligabepaling in die Charles Morkel-stadion teen die gedugte Ikeys ’n berg van ’n vooruitsig.
Ander uitslae:
– SLA: St George’s 33-55 UWC;
– SLB: Macassar 17-8 KSUT;
– SLC: Strand United 3-10 Langa;
– Promosieliga: Blue Stars 17-10 Sir Lowrians; en Morning Star United 26-22
Raithby Universals.
Wedstryd vir Woensdag 30 Julie:
– SLA: Helderberg t. UCT (Charles Morkel).
Wedstryde vir Saterdag 2 Augustus:
– SLB: Macassar t. NTK (Riverside Park);
– SLC: Strand t. All Saints (Gustrouw), Busy Bees t. Strand United (Langa); en
– Promosieliga: Raithby Universals t. Blue Stars United (Raithby).
Brackenfell teken grootste wentelling aan
Dit verg ’n paar spelers om Helderberg se sterkman
Dian Maritz Koen te keer.
Die Helderberg-kaptein Michael Visser soek ondersteuning terwyl hy betrap word.
Die Helderberg-losskakel Marthinus Carstens loop in ’n Brackenfell-muur vas. Foto’s: Peter Bee
