River upgrade is on track
The multi-million rand upgrade of the Sir Lowry’s Pass River, a vital project spanning Gordon’s Bay and Strand, has reached its halfway point, signaling significant progress in enhancing the region’s flood mitigation and climate change resilience.
The City of Cape Town project remains on schedule for completion in March 2027.
Early last month (June), Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, joined members of the City’s Water and Sanitation Portfolio Committee for a site visit to assess the ongoing work.
The major capital upgrade, which began in February 2023, is now approaching 50% completion.
This ambitious project is designed to mitigate flood risk in Gordon’s Bay and surrounding areas, increase the river’s conveyance capacity through channel reshaping and the installation of hydraulic control structures, and enhance the City’s climate change resilience and adaptation efforts.
It will also enable future downstream
developments, such as the Vlakteplaas Stormwater and Environmental Upgrade, which will be implemented by the City’s Human Settlements Directorate.
To date, approximately R214 million has been invested in the project.
“Reaching the halfway mark on schedule for such a complex, multi-year project speaks volumes about the City’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure. I commend the teams for the excellent progress made thus far,” Badroodien said.
“This upgrade is a crucial enabler for future development. It not only safeguards our communities from flooding, but also unlocks land for future housing projects, helping us meet the demand for well-located, serviced opportunities.”
The comprehensive upgrade involves several critical components, including the construction of berms to stabilise riverbanks and direct water flow; terrain flattening to level the landscape and improve river alignment and capacity; and river realignment to reconfigure the river’s flow path between the N2 highway and the ocean, including the construction of four drop weirs to manage water flow and
levels.
Furthermore, riprap installation, the strategic placement of rock armouring, is being implemented to prevent erosion along the riverbanks and around hydraulic structures. Infrastructure enhancements are also a key part of the project, covering the building of new bridges, erosion control measures, non-motorised transport pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, relocating services, landscaping, and demolishing obstructive structures.
The upgrade is set to significantly improve the river’s flood resilience.
Prior to the upgrade, the area faced a high flood risk, with flood lines for various event magnitudes (1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, and 1:100-year events) overlapping critical infrastructure, leading to historical damage to homes and disrupted livelihoods.
Upon completion of the project, flood lines are expected to recede significantly due to enhanced channel capacity and flow regulation. The 1:100-year flood line will be contained within engineered berms and upgraded channels, resulting in an overall reduction of flood risk across all return periods.
Progress continues on the Sir Lowry’s Pass River upgrade, a key project to enhance flood protection and enable future development.
Progress continues on the Sir Lowry’s Pass River upgrade, a key project to enhance flood protection and enable future development.
Sir Lowry’s Pass River upgrade is progressing on schedule. On site during a visit (from left) are Wim Els, Annes van Geems, Councillor Gregory Peck, Councillor Colleen Mes, Councillor Carl Punt, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation Zahid Badroodien, Anton Crouse and Wayne Davids.
Wage rift at local store
Jamey Gordon
Staffers of the Strand department store giant Friedman & Cohen have initiated strike action following a deadlock in wage negotiations.
A group of employees have been picketing outside the store in Main Road since Monday (30 June). According to a staff member with over a decade of service, the industrial action stems from a disagreement over proposed wage increases. “Friedman & Cohen is offering only a 2% increase, while we believe 5% is reasonable given current economic conditions.”
According to another employee, union members had originally requested a larger increase but scaled back their expectations. Despite this concession, the company continues to insist on the 2% raise it has offered in previous years. “We are open to negotiation, but it requires give
and take from both sides,” the employee stated.
Store manager Grant Goodwin acknowledged the current impasse in wage negotiations while respecting employees’ right to industrial action.
Providing context, he explained that negotiations reached a deadlock following multiple meetings during the annual wage review process.
Discussions began in April, culminating in a final session at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Monday 23 June. Around 30 employees, predominantly union members, are participating in the strike action. “While it’s unfortunate we couldn’t achieve consensus during negotiations, I’m confident we’ll resolve this matter in the near future,” he added.
Despite the strike, Friedman & Cohen remains open with contingency measures in place.
More charges coming?
Bianca du Plessis
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated additional charges may be filed against the teenager accused of the fatal 2024 stabbing of schoolgirl Deveney Nel.
In response to whether reports of a possible charge being added to the charge sheet are true, Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the NPA in the Western Cape, said: “The child in conflict with the law is currently facing charges of murder and defeating the administration of justice. No other charge has been added.”
He, however, said there is a possibility that more charges against the 18-year-old could be added before the trial commences in the Western Cape High Court. “The investigation is continuing, and we hope to be able to put all the charges to the accused when the matter is transferred to the high court. On the day we will handover the indictment outlining all the charges we are levelling against the accused. But presently he is facing these two charges,” Ntabazalila said.
The accused was found fit to stand trial following a monthlong psychiatric evaluation at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital earlier this year.
He was arrested on 16 August 2024, hours after attending Deveney’s memorial service at Overberg High School in Caledon, where her body was discovered in a storeroom following an extensive search after she went missing on 7 August.
Though now 18, the accused will be tried as a minor under the Child Justice Act, since he was 17 years old at the time of his arrest, which also prevents him from being publicly named.
Initially held at a youth detention centre, he was transferred to a regular prison after his 18th birthday in April.
Last week, the case was post-
poned to Wednesday 23 July for transfer to the high court.
SIGNIFICANT DATE
The accused’s mother was also seen at the Grabouw Magistrates’ Court on Friday (27 June), when the case against two activists of One Billion Rising, an international organisation fighting for the rights of all victims of gender-based violence, was heard.
Tanya Bippert, an activist for One Billion Rising, confirmed she and Lucinda Evans appeared in court to oppose a protection order aimed at prohib iting them from comment ing about the case or making any posts on social media regarding the matter.
Bippert said a trial date for the interdict application had been set for Friday 8 August.
“The date is significant; it is the day after the first anniversary of Deveney’s death and the day before Women’s Day,” Bippert pointed out.
Being dragged to court for being vocal about important issues such as fighting for the rights of gender-based violence victims, is nothing strange for activists, Bippert said.
However, they want to maintain focus on Deveney’s murder while using the case to advocate for amendments to the Child Justice Act. They’re calling for discussions with lawmakers to address legal loopholes and prevent future tragedies, proposing that any resulting changes be named the “Deveney Amendments” in her honour.
Bippert expressed relief that her Facebook account has been unblocked following an interim court order requested by the mother of the murder accused.
The mother had claimed that Bippert’s social media posts, which were shared by One Billion Rising and its leader, Evans,
led to threats against her family, including her murderaccused son.
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Evans said seeing the accused’s mother in court filled her with “rage and hartseer”, but emphasised One Billion Rising’s fight isn’t personal, but rather about preventing future harm.
“Our advocacy never identified her or her son. We’re addressing the Child Justice Act that’s supposed to protect children, but this mother wants to use it to protect her son accused of murder,” Evans explained.
She further criticised the mother for concealing a previous charge and failing to follow court recommendations.
In 2020 the accused, then aged 13, was charged with sexually assaulting a young girl. After psychiatric evaluation found him unfit for trial, the court recommended Children’s Court referral and sex-offender rehabilitation. Reportedly neither happened and the case was withdrawn in June 2023.“If those recommendations were followed Deveney would still be alive,” Evans said.
Staff of the Strand retail powerhouse, Friedman & Cohen, have launched strike action as wage negotiations hit an impasse. Photo: Jamey Gordon
Tanya Bippert appeared in the Grabouw Magistrates’ Court on Friday to oppose an application by the murder-accused teen’s mother to “gag” her and keep her from making comments and posts about the murder case of Deveney Nel (left).
The trial will be heard in the Western Cape High Court. Photo: Mitzi Buys
NM10018085-DP020725
5
Notes:
* Cluster Development Properties registered in the name of a SHRA-accredited Social Housing Institutions and used for social housing are billed at R0 00 for step 1 ** Non Domestic user categories - refer to Chapter 2 section 3 of the Tariff policy for a comprehensive clarification of user categories and applicable % of water consumption used for billing
*** Fixed basic are not charged for the following rate catgories; Accommodation for the Vulnerable, i.e. Homeless shelters, Old age homes / Charities/NPO / Religious institutions / Spring water users / Treated Effluent users /Fire connections
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Director: Commercial (Water and Sanitation Directorate) may adjust the percentages as appropriate to the consumer This is not applicable to the domestic full category
Highlights of amendments for Water and Sanitation
Consumptive Tariffs:
• Implementation of a fixed basic charge for Sanitation
• Refinement of the fixed basic charge for Water
• Differentiation of mechanisms to be used for fixed basic charge calculations between Domestic and Non-Domestic customers.
• Increase to the proportion of the fixed charge as part of overall revenue.
• Adjustment to the variable (volumetric) tariff to allow for the inclusion of the fixed basic charges.
• Upward adjustment of non-domestic fixed basic charge to align with the proportion of domestic users.
• Upward adjustment of step 3 and 4 variable (volumetric) tariffs to further promote water conservation and water efficient practices.
• Higher increases implemented for Level Emergency restrictions tariffs to ensure a revenue-neutral position can be achieved under this volumetric set.
Miscellaneous Tariffs:
• Full cost recovery applied for tariff to shut off supply at stopcock
• Specific tariffs recommended for new connections (50mm and above) to eliminate delays experienced due to quotation methodology
• Penalty of R5 000 will be charged where tampering / interference are identified which allows for unauthorized discharge of stormwater into the sewer system.
Other:
• Inclusion of Advanced Metering Infrastructure definition and impacts in the Tariff Policy
•
• Change in meter sizes to be assessed based on loading factors on case by case basis.
2.2 ELECTRICITY
RESIDENTIAL TARIFFS
of the tariff policy to receive the Lifeline Tariff
• No change in the allocation of free basic electricity except for customers who will forfeit this when moving to the Domestic or Home User Tariff
• All tariffs are subject to a Tariff Reform programme aimed at moving the tariffs towards a more cost reflective structure Note that this is the first year of a multi-year process Actual impact of the tariff changes will therefore depend on the customer ’s individual usage profile
• An Incentive payment is added to all SSEG Feed-in tariffs, which will be applicable to all SSEG Customers for the period
• Investment Incentive Tariffs are discontinued Affected customers will be migrated back to the applicable standard tariff as from 1 July 2025
• An additional Contribution to Rates of 24 08c/kWh is included in the energy charges for Small Power User 1 and Large User Customers
• The tariff for Commercial SSEG feed-in Time-of-Use remains on hold for implementation until the backend systems are in place and tested successfully
• The City intends entering into contracts with electricity SSEG and Wheeling customers to purchase their surplus energy These contracts will impose financial obligation on the City for a period longer than the three (3) financial years covered in the 2025/26 MTREF The City of Cape Town Electricity Surplus Agreements to be signed with the proposed customers will be advertised at a later stage
NOTE: Where relevant, all Service Charges are now quoted as R/month, but may in some cases where necessary be billed on a daily basis
2.3. URBAN WASTE MANAGEMENT
An average increase has been applied on the consumptive tariffs for collections of 7.36% and disposal of 5.28%.
Arend-sportlui skitter
Ná agt jaar se harde werk en deursettingsvermoë het Liam Strydom, ’n gr.8-leerder aan die Hoërskool Strand, sy swart gordel op Saterdag 21 Junie by Funakoshi Karate International SA onder leiding van sensei Birgitt Smit verwerf. Liam was die enigste van 75 deelnemers wat dié prestasie behaal het – ’n besondere mylpaal wat minder as 5% van karatekas behaal. “Ons is trots op jou toewyding, veral met uitdagings soos covid. Welgedaan, Liam!” het die skool gedeel.
Inge Vermeulen het vanjaar aan padfietsrenne begin deelneem. Elke ren strek oor 80 km en Inge was elke keer tweede. Sy is beloon deur in die Westelike Provinsie-span, wat van Maandag 14 Julie tot Vrydag 18 Julie aan die Youth Festival in Oudtshoorn deelneem, ingesluit te word. “Baie geluk, Inge, dis uitnemend en getuig van letterlike en figuurlike ysere dissipline en toewyding. Ons Arende hou jou fietsry-toekoms met belangstelling dop.”
PV speakers bring silver home
Tyra Ross and Anya Rosenstrauch of Parel Vallei High School in Somerset West secured second place in the Senior Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal category at the inaugural Nou Praat Jy! national speech competition. The contest, hosted at Curro Durbanville High School last Wednesday (25 June), challenged learners to present Afrikaans speeches in pairs under the theme “Afrikaans – ’n taal van kleure en klank,” commemorating 100 years of Afrikaans as an official language. The unique duet format emphasised teamwork and natural dialogue, distinguishing it from traditional debate competitions. Against strong competition from across various provinces, Tyra and Anya’s presentation impressed judges with its spontaneity, clarity and meaningful connection to the centenary theme. Pictured (from left) are Marí Lategan (deputy CEO for Curro Holdings), Tyra Ross, Isa Swanepoel (Curro Durbanville High School principal), Anya Rosenstrauch, and Riaan Stroebel (executive head of Curro Durbanville).
Trompoppies op pad na SA’s
Drie plaaslike trompoppieklubs gaan hierdie naweek by die 2025- SuidAfrikaanse trompoppie-en-rasieleier-vereniging (Samca) se nasionale kampioenskap om die louere meeding.
Trompoppies van die Grabouw Senior Majorettes, Saint Michael’s Primêre Skool van Grabouw en Dr. G.J. Joubert Primêre Skool in Strand reis na Oudtshoorn om van Vrydag 4 tot Saterdag 12 Julie teen die beste van die bestes kragte te meet. Die Helderberg-klubs neem deel aan die afdelings sonder pom-poms, die vlaggroep, stafgroep en bastongroep asook die klein en groot dril.
Saint Michael’s Primêr het vinnig van ’n nederige begin tot ’n mededingende krag ontwikkel. Die klub, wat in 2018 as die Elgin Girls-klub gestig is, het tot St. Michael’s Primêr Majorettes gegroei.
Hul toewyding het skouspelagtig vrugte gelewer toe hulle verlede September die vyfde plek in die afdeling vir junior meisies by die internasionale Majorette Sport Wêreldfederasiekompetisie behaal het.
Ten spyte van finansiële beperkings handhaaf die span elite-status by Samca.
“Ouers kan nie altyd hul dogters finansieel ondersteun wanneer dit by oefenkampe en kompetisies kom nie,” sê Robin Benjamin, ’n onderwyser en die trompoppie-afrigter by Saint Michael’s Primêr.
gevorder en die span is sedert 2001 in Samca se Elite-liga.
Die span oorkom egter finansiële swaarkry en toerusting-tekorte terwyl hulle hul elite-status handhaaf.
“Ons wil ons beste doen en die SA kampioene word,” sê Leandra Worship, ’n onderwyser en trompoppie-afrigter by Dr. G.J. Joubert Primêr. Grabouw Senior Majorettes, wat in 2017 gestig is om die gaping wat primêre-skool-gegradueerdes in die gesig staar, aan te durf, het waarskynlik die suksesvolste senior span in die Boland geword. Die groep, wat oorspronklik die Elgin Senior Majorettes genoem is, het opeenvolgende Boland-kampioenskappe sedert 2019 gehaal en elite-status verwerf nadat hulle die tweede plek in die Presidentsliga behaal het.
Hul sukses spreek deur talle atlete wat hul Boland- en SA kleure ontvang het.
“Ons as ’n klub het baie oefenkampe en dit is waar ons bande bou. Vir die meisies is dit regtig ’n susterskap,” verduidelik Benjamin, wat ook die Grabouw-span se afrigter is. Die sport leer onskatbare lewensvaardighede insluitend stiptelikheid, spanwerk, dissipline en respek.
The City of Cape Town invites comment on the draft 2050 Cape Town Long-term Plan (LTP).
The plan outlines a strategic and forward-looking roadmap aimed at shaping the city’s future. Long-term planning is critical to ensure economic growth, enhance infrastructure efficiency, and ensure that the City continues to meet the evolving needs of both current and future generations.
The purpose of the LTP is to provide a structured and forward-thinking framework for the city’s growth, development, and sustainability over an extended period (i.e the next 25 years).
In terms of section 17 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, the public and interested parties or groups are given the opportunity to submit comments to the municipality from 1 July 2025 to 12 September 2025
Comments may be submitted by:
• Email: public.participation@capetown.gov.za
• Written submissions: Delivered to your nearest subcouncil office
• Website: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people living with disabilities who are unable to submit written comments to have their input recorded and submitted to the City Contact the Public Participation Unit on 0800 212 176 to request help to submit your comments.
The draft 2050 Cape Town Long-term Plan will be available for viewing at subcouncil offices, municipal libraries and at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
Contact the Strategic Planning Unit at NTO5YR@capetown.gov.za for more information.
Hoewel hulle hul vir Oudtshoorn voorberei, strek hul doelwit verder as net om die eerste plek te behaal. “Ek wil hê die meisies moet pret hê en die ervaring en nuwe omgewing geniet,” sê Benjamin.
Dr. G.J. Joubert Primêre Skool se trompoppies sit hul oorheersing voort nadat hulle Saterdag (28 Junie) as die kampioene van kampioene by die Boland-trompoppie-en-rasie-leiervereniging gekroon is.
Die skool pronk met die langste trompoppie-erfenis, met hul wortels wat terugstrek na 1989 toe trompoppies die eerste keer by die skool se 80ste verjaardagviering opgetree het.
Hulle het sedertdien van straatoptogte tot mededingende uitnemendheid
Lighting up winter skies
Al drie spanne het egter finansiële uitdagings. Beperkte gemeenskapsbewustheid oor trompoppie-sport beteken ondersteuning bly hoofsaaklik van ouers. Hoewel insameling soos die verkoop van bokkiestokkies by rugbywedstryde help, word meer bystand benodig.
Hierdie spanne het dringend hul gemeenskappe se ondersteuning nodig om te verseker al die talentvolle atlete kan aan die nasionale kampioenskap deelneem. Buitens geldelike bydraes vir reis en verblyf sal skenkings van gesonde versnaperings, energiedrankies en vrugte die atlete aansienlik baat. Namate die kompetisie naderkom, staan die Helderberg en Grabouw agter dié drie spanne. Elkeen dra dekades se tradisie, vasberadenheid en drome na die nasionale verhoog in Oudtshoorn. As jy geld of produkte aan die spanne wil skenk of meer inligting wil hê, kan jy Robin Benjamin by 071 969 2576 of Leandra Worship by 081 855 2046 bel.
not just
and
Dr. G.J. Joubert Primêre Skool se trompoppies tydens die Boland-trompoppie-en-rasieleier-vereniging se Kampioene van kampioene-kompetisie die afgelope Saterdag (28 Junie).
On Saturday 21 June, The Honeybush Collective Primary School in Somerset West hosted its first Bonfire & Midwinter Festival, bringing warmth and light to the longest night of the year. Families gathered on the schoolgrounds for a simple, memorable celebration of the winter solstice, enjoyed warm soup and fresh bread, lit lanterns crafted by learners in class and walked through the trees along a path lit by fairy lights and the stars above. At the heart of the gathering was a large bonfire. For The Honeybush Collective this kind of community-centred celebration is part of what makes the school special. “It was such a wonderful evening,” said teacher Lindy Laros. “It’s lovely to create opportunities where people from our school community —
parents
children, but friends, neighbours and extended family — can spend time together and share in something meaningful. It’s what builds a real sense of belonging.”
Die Vyftigers kom kuier
Neil Sandilands, Schalk Joubert, Gian Groen en Abel Kraamsaal – vier unieke stemme in die Afrikaanse musieklandskap – klim eersdaags saam op een verhoog om hul liefde vir Afrikaans en hul eie halfeeu lange reis te eerbiedig.
Die Vyftigers is ’n musikale viering van die lewe, taal, stories en tyd. Dis ’n produksie wat eerlik, rou en reguit is – vol liriek, lag, melodie en menswees.
Die ontstaan van Die Vyftigers het begin tussen die appelboorde van Grabouw, by Gian Groen se 50ste verjaarsdagpartytjie. Tussen kitare, staalsnare en spontane samesyn, het Sandilands die lig gesien – vier musikale vriende, almal besig om die 50-mylpaal te takseer, in dieselfde jaar wat Afrikaans 100 jaar oud word. Dié kreatiewe toeval kon eenvoudig nie geïgnoreer word nie en met net een oproep na elk, was almal aan boord.
Só is Die Vyftigers gebore – ’n unieke kruispunt tussen taal en tyd. Elkeen bring sy eie storie, instrument en kleur na die verhoog en tussen dié vier se loopbane is daar meer as 200 jaar se kreatiewe gravitas – elke noot en elke sin deurdrenk met betekenis.
Maar dis nie net ’n musiekvertoning nie – dis ’n viering. Aan die hand van liedjies uit elk se repertoire, asook nuwe skeppings, wat
spesifiek vir die produksie ontwikkel is, neem die kunstenaars gehore op ’n reis deur persoonlike stories, taalgeskiedenis en tydlose klanke. Die vertoning is ten volle in Afrikaans – ’n danksegging aan die taal wat dit alles moontlik maak. Of jy nou ’n aanhanger van Afrikaanse musiek is, die kunstenaars self, of eenvoudig net op soek is na iets eg, diep en vermaaklik – hierdie vertoning is ’n moet-sien!
“Wat kry jy as jy vier duidelike persoonlikhede op een verhoog sit, wat elk ’n instrument bespeel, ’n ordentlike liriek kan pen en derms het wat brand,” vra Sandilands.
“Sprankel ’n aweregse Afri-
Lizz nou ’n ‘Housewife’
Die Hoërskool Strand bied op Saterdag 18 Oktober die opvoering van ’n splinternuwe solo-vertoning, Die Real Housewife, aan. Die unieke produksie is geskryf en opgevoer deur Lizz Meiring. Die vertoning begin om 09:00 en word as ’n elegante “Glitter & Glammer High Tea” aangebied. Kaartjies kos R300 en sluit verversings in. Bel
kaanse woordeskat, sprinkel ’n titsel selfnegerende humorsin, ’n spatsel witblitz, ’n slurpie Boere Zen en ’n draggie 50 jaar oue hardehout. Daar het jy dit. Die resep vir ’n aand se eersteklas-vermaak: Die Vyftigers. Amper soos Trompie en die Boksombende. As ek dan nou Trompie is, en Gian is Rooies, Abel is Dawie, Briers Coetzee (ons klankinginieur wat ook kan cajon speel) is Blikkies, dan is Schalk mos Boesman die brak.”
Die Vyftigers is Sondag 13 Julie om 15:00 by The Drama Factory in Strand te sien. Kaartjies, teen R220 (standaard) en R200 (studente en pensioentrekkers), is aanlyn by www.dramafactory.co.za te koop.
Hearty winter pairing
Winter at Spier Wine Farm is a time to slow down, reconnect and savour life’s simple pleasures. This season guests are invited to a celebration of warmth, flavour and farm-fresh ingredients with a comforting wine-and-soup pairing until the end of September. The experience begins with a velvety white bean and truffle soup served alongside a garden mushroom “toastie”, beautifully complemented by the rich, layered Creative Block 5 2021. Next, a charred tomato soup with a parmesan “toastie” is paired with the vibrant Seaward Chardonnay 2024. The tasting concludes with a delicate pumpkin velouté, topped with goat’s cheese foam and pumpkin spice, matched with the bold and expressive 21 Gables Pinotage 2020. As a final indulgence, guests are treated to a chocolate brownie, the perfect sweet note to end a cosy winter tasting. After the tasting, guests can enjoy a self-guided walk along the banks of the Eerste River and explore the contemporary art installations and indigenous gardens of the historic werf. The cost is R180 per person and reservations are essential on www.spier.co.za.
Dagboek | Diary
THURSDAY 3 JULY
Somerset West: The U3A MONEY MATTERS meeting takes place at Somerset West United Church, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Bright streets, from 10:00 to 12:00. Topic: “Digital security in a mobile world”. The presentation will be delivered by Brent Mackay from Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes law firm Cape Town. Members are required to wear their membership cards and contribute R10. The cost for non-members is R15. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available from 09:30. Contact Danie Schoeman on 082 783 9582 or dschoeman2745@gmail.com.
FRIDAY 4 JULY
Somerset West: Experience the enchantment of Sleeping Beauty at THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, a dazzling production perfect for audiences of all ages, where the timeless tale springs to life on stage. When a beautiful princess is cursed by a jealous fairy to fall into eternal slumber after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, an extraordinary adventure unfolds featuring the graceful Princess Aurora, her hilariously lovable feline companion Nine, mischievous good fairies, courageous heroes, and a wickedly captivating villain. Marvel at stunning scenery and elaborate costumes that transport you to a fairytale kingdom while enjoying catchy musical numbers and clever humour. Tickets are limited, so reserve your seats with online bookings through Webtickets. The magical children’s production takes centre stage at the local theatre venue, on the corner of Swalle and Lourensford roads, from Friday to Saturday 12 July, with morning shows at 11:00, afternoon matinées at 15:00 and evening performances at 18:00. Visit www.theplayhouse.org.za.
MAANDAG 7 JULIE
Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS of Christians Against Drugs (Cad) nooi mense wat probleme het met middelafhanklikheid na hul byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NGK Strand Moedergemeente op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Bel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972.
THURSDAY 10 JULY
Strand: SENCIT RESTHAVEN, a
registered NPO, holds its annual general meeting at the old-age home inThomas Street at 18:30. The last audited financial statements are available for interested persons to view at the facility.
SUNDAY 13 JULY
Stellenbosch: Creations Studio presents an elegant “Bridgerton Paint & Sip” experience at THE THIRSTY SCARECROW from 11:00 to 14:00, where guests can paint their own ceramic teacup in a sophisticated setting inspired by the popular Netflix series. Priced at R400, the ticket includes a welcoming drink, workshop materials, live violin music, a theatre performance and an art exhibition. Those attending are encouraged to dress in their finest Regency-inspired attire for “the event of the season”. Tickets are limited and interested participants can secure their place via WhatsApp on 082 549 8800.
WEDNESDAY 16 JULY
Strand: STRAND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH holds its annual general meeting at 3 Masonic Street at 18:00. All welcome.
VRYDAG 25 JULIE
Strand: HOËRSKOOL STRAND bied hul opwindende Mnr. & Mej. Hoërskool Strand 2025-kompetisie aan, met die betowerende tema “Into the Wild”. Belangstellendes word uitgenooi om die glansgeleentheid by te woon, waar styl, selfvertroue en skooltrots saamsmelt. Kom beleef ’n onvergeetlike aand vol talent. Kaartjies kos R60 (standaard) en R80 (Golden Circle-sitplekke), en is by die skool se finansies-kantoor te koop. Bespreek vroegtydig.
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Macassar: Talented bassist Ruben Davids presents a special birthday celebration in the MACASSAR HIGH SCHOOL hall at 18:00. Early-bird tickets at R45 are available through Quicket, while tickets at the door will cost R80. For more information, call 083 591 3167.
FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER
Somerset West: Golfers are invited to gather their four-balls and enter the Summies Golf Day hosted by SOMERSET WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL at the Somerset West Golf Club. The four-ball better ball competition (with preferred drive except on par 3s) costs R2 800 per four-ball with tee-off times between 11:00 and 13:00. A special prize awaits the best dressed four-ball.
Gian Groen, Neil Sandilands, Abel Kraamsaal en Schalk Joubert klim saam op een verhoog om hul liefde vir Afrikaans en hul eie halfeeu lange reis te eerbiedig.
Woensdag, 2 Julie 2025
Two-point defeat against Rangers
It’s touch and go for Strand
In a fiercely contested Super League C club rugby match played in challenging conditions of strong winds and persistent rainfall, Strand RFC fell just short, losing 10-12 to Rangers at Gustrouw Sports Ground on Saturday (28 June).
Despite a determined comeback, the home team couldn’t convert their opportunities into a winning score.
Rangers began the game with an immediate burst, scoring a converted try within the first five minutes to take an early 0-7 lead. Strand, however, steadily found their rhythm and began to claw their way back into the contest.
Despite creating numerous scoring chances, they were unable to convert these into points, and the first half concluded with Rangers still leading 0-7. The second-half saw the hosts make an early impact, scoring to narrow the deficit to 5-7. Rangers quickly responded, extending their lead to 5-12 moments later. With just 10 minutes remaining on the clock, Strand scored in the right corner, pushing the score to a nail-biting 10-12. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt was again unsuccessful, leaving Strand just two points shy of a draw.
Other results:
– Super League B: Franschhoek 23-13 Macassar;
– Super League C: Caledonian Roses vs Strand United (postponed).
Fixtures for Saturday 5 July – Super League A: Villager vs St Georges (Brookside); Super League B: Hamediehs vs Macassar (Vygieskraal); Super League C: Strand United vs Pniël Villagers (Abattoir).
Powerboats to battle it out
Yaseen Gaffar
The waters of False Bay are set to ignite this Saturday (5 July), as the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club hosts the 2025 Powerboat Racing False Bay Offshore Extreme, promising an adrenaline-fueled spectacle for marine motorsport enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
The high-octane event kicks off at 08:00, with racing action commencing at 09:30. This thrilling showdown will feature two exhilarating offshore racing disciplines designed to test both speed and endurance.
The Bikini Beach Offshore Circuit will provide fast-paced, close-quarters action right against the picturesque backdrop of Bikini Beach. Spectators can anticipate non-stop excitement as skilled drivers navigate tight turns, showcasing precision, control, and agility in a race blending strategy and raw speed. For those who crave endurance, the False Bay Offshore Long Haul will push both man and machine to their limits, covering a demanding stretch of open water.
Three powerboat classes – Stocks, Pro Stocks, and Modifieds – will participate in three heats of circuit racing off Bikini Beach, followed by an 80 km long-haul race. All three classes will run together in the long-haul, heading towards Macassar, turning at Steenbras Point, and returning to Gordon’s Bay Harbour.
The yacht club will be open from early Saturday morning to welcome teams and spectators. The anticipation is building, especially with several local teams geared up to compete:
Team S11 (Stock Class): The young guns to watch
This very young team comprises pilot Dylan Bamberger, aged 19, and co-pilot Carien Engelbrecht (15). Despite their
youth, they are already a formidable force. Bamberger boasts an impressive record, having been crowned world champion, national champion, and a twotime Trans Agulhas winner, all in the Stock Class. Engelbrecht, a determined and talented co-pilot, has her sights set on major success in this year’s Trans Agulhas, the 2025 national championships, and on the world stage. This duo is certainly one to watch.
Team S3 (Stock Class): Seasoned competitors
Pilot Nikki du Bois, a former national champion in the Stock Class, is consistently a contender for a podium finish. Joined by new co-pilot Henco Pienaar, who is quickly adapting under Du Bois’s guidance, this team is expected to be a strong presence in the race.
Team M11 (Modified Class): Podium Aspirations
Three-time national champion Marc Gleed will pilot the M11, with his sights firmly set on a podium position at this event.
Team M32 (Modified Class): A team stepping up
The new pairing of pilot Rico Meyer and co-pilot Wynand de Wet have significantly enhanced their performance and equipment this year, with full preparations underway for the 2025 Trans Agulhas. Meyer’s rare passion for the sport and meticulous preparation make this a team definitely worth watching.
Team M17 (Modified Class): Brothers take on premier class Brothers Jacques (pilot) and JP Mouton (co-pilot) have made the bold leap directly from the Stock Class to the premier Modified Class. Following successful outings in the Stock Class last year, they are determined to prove their mettle.
Ethan Becket of Strand is wrapped up in a tackle by a Rangers player. Photo: Peter Bee
