DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette E-Edition - 19 February 2025
DistrictMail
’n Veldbrand op die terrein van Rusthof Sekondêre Skool het Maandag (17 Februarie) na nabygeleë wonings versprei en verskeie strukture beskadig. Die Stad Kaapstad se brandweer-en-reddingsdienste het volgens die woordvoerder Jermaine Carelse om 11:15 op die noodoproep gereageer. “Brandweerspanne van Strand, Sir Lowry’s Pass en Somerset-Wes, saam met ’n Wildland-intervensiespan, het op die toneel gereageer, wat net langs Broadlands-weg geleë is. Die brand, wat aanvanklik tot plantegroei beperk was, het na aangrensende eiendomme versprei en drie informele strukture en een formele woning gedeeltelik beskadig,” het hy gesê. Die brand is om 13:40 geblus. Twee van die drie informele strukture het ernstige skade opgedoen, wat die verplasing van een slagoffer tot gevolg gehad het. Gelukkig is geen beserings aangemeld nie. Die oorsaak van die brand word tans ondersoek. Foto: Yaseen Gaffar Veldbrand saai
Beloved teacher dies
Jamey Gordon
The Somerset West police have opened an inquest docket following a fatal house fire in the Rome Glen residential area.
The blaze broke out during the early hours of last Wednesday morning (12 February) and claimed the life a well-known teacher.
According to Somerset West police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, members were called to the scene at the residence in Forum Street at 05:28.
“On arrival, firefighters were still busy extinguishing the fire,” she said.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, said firefighting crews
were called into action around 03:30.
He said firefighters from Somerset West and Sir Lowry’s Pass fire stations were dispatched to the scene where the house was alight.
“The raging fire, which caused extensive damage to the residence, was completely extinguished around 05:40.
“The deceased who sustained fatal burn wounds was discovered in the bathroom, around 05:15.
“The cause of the incident is still undetermined, pending an investigation from the local police.”
Jantjies confirmed an inquest docket was opened for further investigation, which remains ongoing.
Station commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann extended her condolences to the family of
the deceased.
Burnt beyond recognition, she was later identified as 59-yearold Ronel Swanepoel, a beloved teacher at the Stellenbosch Waldorf School.
The independent school took to its Facebook page following the tragic loss.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that our beloved Teacher Ronel Swanepoel passed away early this morning [Wednesday],” the post read.
“Ronel was a dedicated and passionate educator at Stellenbosch Waldorf School for the past 13 years.
“She played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of the many students who attended our school, always going the extra mile to ensure their success.
“Known for her impeccable style, warm heart and unwavering dedication to her
students, Teacher Ronel was more than a teacher; she was a friend, a mentor, a guide and a cherished member of our community.
She embraced life fully and cared deeply for her students and colleagues.
“Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. Our thoughts are with all who loved and knew her.”
The deceased’s only child, son Craig Swanepoel (31), expressed his devastation.
“She was an incredible teacher. She was eccentric and stubborn, but just a selfless person who cared deeply.”
He recalled being alerted to the tragedy by local neighbourhood-watch members who were among first responders on scene.
A raging house fire that broke out in the Rome Glen residential area in Somerset West last Wednesday (12 February) tragically claimed the life of beloved teacher and mother Ronel Swanepoel.
Swanepoel said it remained unclear what caused the fire, and relevant reports were still forthcoming.
“To all those who knew her, she loved you dearly. My father, her ex-husband, and I are extremely thankful to the Rome Glen Neighbourhood Watch, the neighbours and everyone who offered their support at this time of bereavement.”
More high schools demanded
Barend J Williams
The Ward 109 Development Forum have announced plans to push for two more high schools in Macassar. However, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it had no plans to build new schools in the area.
The forum, through its education wing, alleges high schools in the ward are overcrowded and understaffed, which is why the area is in desperate need of more schools.
Chairperson Sipho Delani also bemoaned the ratio of five primary schools to two high schools.
“Is the WCED saying our children will only finish primary level?” he asked.
After suggesting pushing for the WCED to reinstate contract teachers at schools in Macassar, the forum went so far as to visit the WCED district office in Kuils River to demand that contracts be allocated. It is now shifting its focus back to the WCED to demand new high schools.
Acting principal at Zandvliet High School, Lester Hendricks, has confirmed that prior to the appointment of contract teachers at the school, he had four classes without an educator.
“It left learners just roaming aimlessly around the corridors,” he said.
Even though the problem of contract teachers has been solved, Hendricks feels that it has only treated the symptom but not the root cause.
Currently, he has been serving as acting principal for more than a year. His two deputies have also been acting in their positions – one of them filling his vice-principal role – along with four heads of department (HODs) who are also acting.
According to Hendricks, this is causing a bottleneck as the WCED considers the school to have too many post-Level 1
teachers (entry-level teachers) due to the six acting positions at the school.
This compounds the fact that the school is overcrowded, with one Grade 9 class having a ratio of 50 learners to one teacher, while the other classes have 45 learners to one teacher.
The WCED’s infrastructure plans to develop new schools does not include Macassar, especially after False Bay Primary School has been successfully established.
“All infrastructure projects that the WCED would undertake would be budget permitting and based on the most pressing needs in areas within the province,” said Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED.
The department’s district office denied that the two high schools in Macassar were overcrowded, adding that primary schools tend to have smaller numbers than the high schools, which is the norm throughout the province.
The WCED also denied that the forum’s protest action resulted in the contract positions being renewed.
Hammond responded to Hendricks’ “bottleneck” claims by stating that the school’s senior management team’s instability caused challenges, especially if they were all new in their positions.
“There were outstanding documents that had to be submitted to head office. Once the submission is finalised it will go to the Head of Department for approval,” she said.
The forum will continue their campaign to address all of the issues they believe are stifling the growth of Ward 109, with high schools in Macassar being their primary target.
“People have taken advantage of our area and we’ve been quiet for far too long,” said Delani. “Now it’s our time to stand up and fight to ensure the right things happen.”
Residents were addressed by relevant representatives from the City and Western Cape Education Department on the new high school planned for Somerset West last Thursday (13 February). An artist’s impression of the proposed school was shared at the gathering.
Engagement on school for S-West
Jamey Gordon
“The last high school built in Somerset West was Parel Vallei High School in 1985, 40 years ago, which highlights the urgent need for another such facility.”
So said member of Provincial Parliament Benedicta van Minnen at a public meeting about the potential new high school in the pipeline for the Somerset West community.
The meeting was held at the proposed school development site, an open parcel of land above the dam located along Steynsrust Road, last Thursday (13 February). She was joined by Ward 15 councillor Gregory Peck and Gerrit Coetzee, director of Physical Resource Planning and Property Management at the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), among other representatives of key role-players.
available on-site and the school will encourage parents to drop-off their children within the school grounds to prevent traffic congestion.”
Coetzee further explained that 101 onsite parking bays are planned and that the parking area design will facilitate vehicle entry, circulation, child drop-off and exit via a thoroughfare allowing for two-way traffic. “Plans have been submitted to the City’s planning and spatial development department. The City’s team consults traffic engineers, who in turn review, assess and approve the plans based on local regulations. If a provincial road is affected the City refers the plans to the provincial traffic department.”
ZONED EDUCATION
Coetzee addressed a large crowd of interested and affected residents, many of whom attended the meeting, confirming that its purpose was to introduce the new school-build project planned. He said the intention is to build a high school with a capacity of just over 1 000 learners, 30 classrooms plus two specialist classrooms, a multi-media room, full admin block, and a hall and sports field.
Addressing questions regarding the proposed location, given that there is a greater demand for a school in surrounding areas like Croydon where housing developments are underway, Coetzee said the site had been designated for educational purposes many years before and was zoned accordingly.
“Zoned education sites are rare. The last one was in Macassar, where a school was recently built.”
While there will be a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Coetzee said the school is intended for academic subjects, not vocational training.
“The school is also intended to be a feepaying government school, similar to other schools in the area. While the district office typically handles the establishment of the school, residents will be involved in setting up a school governing body, which determines the admission policy including the medium of teaching and shapes the school’s character,” he explained.
PLANNED START DATE
According to Peck, a boundary discrepancy, where rates and taxes were being paid to the City of Cape Town for the property (erf 6840) actually being located within the Stellenbosch Municipality, is delaying project document sign-off and potentially pushing back the planned construction start date in March. With construction typically taking about two years, a definite opening date cannot be committed to due to factors beyond control, he added.
Van Minnen said while community input is valued and will be considered as plans progress, the site’s pre-existing educational zoning removed the legal requirement for further public engagement. “The focus now is on moving forward and collaboratively making the project a success.”
A resident in support of the new school, asked whether infrastructure upgrades were planned, specifically around water and sanitation.
Peck replied: “Infrastructure is getting old. There was a time period from the ’90s through to 2018 when pipes were not replaced. The City is currently replacing 150 km of pipe per year.
“There is no problem with the capacity of sewer lines or the capacity of water, but there is a problem with the volume of water when there is a drought. However, this is being managed.”
A staffer of Moffett and Moffett Architects confirmed the design brief, noting the site’s slope and proposing terracing to minimise visual impact. He further noted that all stormwater issues had been resolved.
“The project is part of the department’s rapid build programme, which aims to build high-quality brick-and-mortar classrooms designed to be functional and relatively aesthetically appealing within budgetary restrictions,” he explained.
Construction and learner intake would be implemented in a phased approach. While the traffic impact was a recurring matter leading to numerous questions raised by residents over congestion along an already-busy route, the architect assured those in attendance that a full traffic assessment had been conducted.
“A new traffic circle will be introduced to aid traffic flow. Ample parking will be
The proposed site is a popular recreational spot for, among others, walkers and cyclists, and queries around restricted site access and road-user safety were raised. Officials encouraged the use of the upgraded Poinsettia Park and assured that non-motorised transport will be a key component of a traffic management plan following a successful boundary demarcation in 2028 to incorporate more vineyards and upgrade the road.
“Having taught at Somerset College and observed this site for many years, I’ve long known it was destined for a school, a vision I’m now delighted to see realised with my own grandchildren,” one resident said. “To those whose homes are newer than 20 years, consider yourselves fortunate to live near a school, especially at your age. This is a community school, and its strength will come from the community.”
Earlier this month, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette reported on the project not having received the green light (“No nod yet for new school,” 5 February).
This week WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the department has completed the planning, but is yet to finalise the project due to the boundary discrepancy.
Photo: Jamey Gordon
Cheers to Howard
Cape Wine Master (CWM) Bennie Howard was among the five luminaries of South African wine honoured for exemplary standards at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, hosted at Groot Constantia in the Constantia Wine Valley on Thursday 6 February.
The prestigious gathering has become a cherished tradition within the local wine community, as it encourages excellence and marks the pivotal birth date of South African wine 366 years ago in 1659, when wine was pressed for the first time from Cape grapes.
The 2025 recipients are in keeping with the exceptional leaders that have been acknowledged and praised in previous years. They include Johann Krige, who received the 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership, Praisy Dlamini in the Growing Inclusivity category, Howard in the Wine Advancement category and Jan Booysen in the Viti- and Viniculture category. The inaugural recipient in the new Wine Agri-Worker category was Marcus Lewis.
“This year’s honoured reflect the strength of the SA wine industry and showcase the resilience and adaptability of South African wine in a very competitive global market,” said Clifford van der Venter, chairperson of the Groot Constantia Trust.
“The occasion represents not only the culmination of hard work and dedication, but is also a celebration of the vibrant community that defines our wine heritage.”
Howard’s multi-decade-long commitment to the wine industry has earned him the accolade for Wine Advancement. As an influential wine judge, CWM and deputy chairperson of
S SprinnggTour
Constantia Trust, at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event held earlier this month.
the South African National Wine Show Association, he has crucially enhanced the industry’s global reputation through education, competitions, and cultural promotions.
Howard’s career boasts numerous achievements. Since 2004, he has been the marketing manager at Meerendal in Durbanville. He was also instrumental in getting the Wine of Origin Cape Town approved by the demarcation committee and the Wine and Spirit Board in 2017.
In 2020, Howard became the first recipient of the Dave Hughes Award, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to wine education.
His mentorship of young winemakers and dedication to promoting the cultural heritage of South African wine has left a lasting impact. This has secured his legacy as a champion of the wine industry’s progress.
Howard’s role as a trailblazer has significantly shaped the South African wine industry, making him an admirable recipient of this honour.
Centenarian celebrated
Barend J Williams
Colin Truelove celebrated his 100th birthday at the Helderberg Society for the Aged’s La Rochelle independent living facility on Friday 14 February.
The World War II veteran officially turned a century old on Saturday (15 February), but his neighbour at La Rochelle, Erica Miller, decided to organise a birthday bash on Valentine’s Day as a way for him to socialise with the rest of the community of the independent living facility.
“I am totally bewildered by all these people who have come to wish me today,” he said. “I normally deal only with four or five people, perhaps six at most.”
Truelove has lived at La Rochelle since 2002. He is still wholly independent, as he cleans his own unit and cooks for himself even as he enters his triple digits.
“I usually enjoy my own food,” he said to the laughter of his guests.
Truelove, who is British, retired to South Africa and has lived in the Helderberg for 35 years.
He was born and bred in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and spent most of his life in the former industrial town.
“The one thing I remember about my childhood was seeing my first silent film at the age of five.”
In his late teens Truelove joined the Royal Air Force, and was an air gunner during World War II. He said he accumulated more than 500 hours of operations and flights on four-engine Stirling bombers.
According to the centenarian, when the Nazis began developing an atomic bomb his was one of 10 aircraft sent to
Germany to destroy the facility where the nuke was being built.
“I did a job and I didn’t regret it, let’s just say that,” he said when told he saved the world.
The Englishman has one daughter, two granddaughters and eight grandchildren.“Regrettably, my wife died in 2010 and I miss her dearly. Since then I’ve pretty much had to make my own life.”
Reflecting on his life, Truelove didn’t consider it terribly outstanding, despite such aspects as defending his country and reaching the milestones in age. According to him he simply did what he could. “I’m not saying I’m looking forward to the next 100, because it’s not going to happen,” said Truelove, jokingly.
His advice for young people is simple; they must ensure they get a good education and don’t fight with anyone.
“I don’t like arguments, so be friendly and do what you can. That is as much as I can say.”
Bennie Howard (left), a Somerset West resident, received the accolade for Wine Advancement from Clifford van der Venter, chairperson of the Groot
Christl Riggert joined 100-year-old Colin Truelove in celebrating his remarkable 36 525th day round the sun. Photo: Barend J Williams
Die Stad Kaapstad se afdeling vir wetstoepassing het Sondag (16 Februarie), in samewerking met die Strand-polisie, ’n operasie in wyk 100 in die Strand uitgevoer. Die optrede, wat gemik was teen misdaad en verkeersoortredings in die gebied, het ’n padblokkade op die hoek van Broadway-boulevard en Gustrouwlaan ingesluit. Altesaam 72 voertuie is voorgekeer. Oortredings het ingesluit mense wat sonder ’n rybewys bestuur, ongelisensieerde voertuie, rommelstrooiing en die verontagsaming van stoptekens. Wetstoepassingsbeamptes en polisielede het ook drie brandpuntgebiede besoek, waar op twee wielvellings beslag gelê en dertien lasbriewe beteken is. Daarbenewens is altesaam vyftien mense voorgekeer en deurgesoek. Die wetstoepassers sê die optrede was in reaksie op klagtes en kommer van die inwoners. Op die foto is wetstoepassingbeamptes en polisiebeamptes van die Strand in Petunialaan, Broadlandspark, tydens die afgelope Sondag se optrede. Foto: Barend J. Williams
Alleged fraudster appears in court
Barend J Williams
Somerset West Magistrates’ Court saw the brief appearance of Jonathan Daffue (32) on Thursday 13 February, after he allegedly defrauded a local golf club of more than R17 000.
At the hearing the prosecution opposed bail, citing his previous conviction. The court ruled that a formal bail application would be heard on Friday 21 February.
According to the Somerset West police, between Tuesday 8 and Friday 11 August 2023, Daffue made fraudulent bookings at a golf club in Somerset West for a group. He made two payments, totalling R17 394, both transactions later found to be fraudulent.
This, however, was not Daffue’s first involvement in criminal activity.
Specialised Security Services (SSS), a private investigation firm specialising in cybercrime, serious violent crimes and economic crime, revealed it was first alerted to Daffue’s crimes when hired to investigate a fraud case worth R1,2 million. Its client was allegedly scammed by Daffue in a false cattle sale in George.
“The client was manipulated into paying the money,” said Kobus Neethling, SSS special investigator of
Seun se liggaam in veld gevind
serious economic and violent crimes.
Spokesperson for the Western Cape police, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed a fraud case against Daffue had been opened by the George police.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” said Twigg.
The firm assisted its client in opening a fraud complaint with George police and began monitoring Daffue. Neethling received a tip-off from a journalist after SSS used its national social platforms to gather leads, which allegedly led to Daffue being found in Pretoria.
“Garsfontein police executed a warrant of arrest after it was released by George Police Station,” said Captain Johan van Dyk, police spokesperson for the District of Tshwane in Gauteng.
According to Neethling, after Daffue’s arrest other alleged victims came forward with similar cases against him.
“The fraud case in Somerset West was one such incident,” he said. “Others even contacted SSS directly to assist with their cases.”
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette reached out to the golf club, but was informed it was under a new management and had provided all relevant information to law-enforcement authorities. It declined to comment further.
Die Macassar-polisie ondersoek ’n saak van moord nadat die lewelose liggaam van ’n vermeende tienerseun in die gemeenskap ontdek is. Die gruvonds is verlede Woensdagoggend (12 Februarie) gemaak toe die lyk op ’n oop veld naby Macassarweg aangetref is. Volgens ’n provinsiale polisiewoordvoerder, sersant Wesley Twigg, is die slagoffer met ’n skietwond aan sy liggaam gevind en deur mediese personeel wat op die toneel gereageer het, dood verklaar. “Die omstandighede rakende die voorval word ondersoek. Die verdagte(s) moet nog in hegtenis geneem word,” het Twigg gesê. Luidens ’n verslag is die seun, vermoedelik sowat 15 jaar oud, omstreeks 10:00 met ’n kaal bolyf en in ’n grys broek en wit Niketekkies deur inwoners van die Sandvlei-gemeenskap aangetref. Die vermoede is dat die lyk moontlik in die gemeenskap gestort is. Enigeen met inligting oor die voorval of wat kan help om die liggaam te identifiseer, word vriendelik versoek om Crime Stop by 08600 10111 te kontak.
. Somerset West police arrested two suspects in connection with a business burglary in Sir Lowry’s Pass. According to a police report, a business owner claimed his shop, in Mataung Street, had been burgled between 20:40 on Thursday 13 February and 05:30 on Friday 14 February. On arriving to open the shop on Friday he saw its doors had been forcefully opened and several food items and a gas cylinder had been stolen. Police were alerted to the incident and followed up on information received which led to the apprehension of two suspects in the Rasta Kamp informal settlement. One of the suspects was found in possession of drugs, which led to an additional charge. The alleged burglars, both 22 years old, appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on charges of business burglary, possession of stolen property and drugs on Monday 17 February. The investigation remains ongoing and the police urges anyone with information to contact the Somerset West Detective Branch on 021 850 1302/1325.
. A 33-year-old man appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 February, after allegedly robbing two teenage girls at gunpoint. The incident occurred on Wednesday 12 February, around 18:40, in Van der Stel. The 18-year-old girls were walking to a tuck shop when the suspect threatened them with a
firearm and robbed them of their cellphones. Bystanders from a nearby hair salon, alerted by the girls’ screams, chased down and apprehended the suspect before handing him over to police. The stolen cellphones were recovered. Somerset West Station Commander, Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann, commended the Good Samaritans and confirmed that police will oppose bail.
. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday 15 February in connection with a robbery at a residence in Chris Nissen Park, Somerset West, on Sunday 9 February. According to the police, the victim was walking home in Platinum Street around 00:15 when the minor suspect began following him. The suspect then allegedly entered the victim’s yard, stabbed him on the nose with a knife, and stole his cellphone, bank card, and cash. The minor appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on robbery charges on Monday 17 February.
. Die Strand-polisie het ’n waarskuwing aan die publiek uitgereik nadat diefstal uit motorvoertuie en straatrooftogte die afgelope twee weke erg toegeneem het.
Die polisie vra die gemeenskap om waaksaam te wees, aangesien daar nie ’n vaste brandpunt is waar diefstal uit motorvoertuie plaasvind nie. Die brandpunte vir straatrooftogte sluit in Broadlands Village, Gustrouw- en Broadwayboulevard asook Kusweg en aangrensende strate naby Michau-straat. ’n Beroep word gedoen op Buurtwagpatrolleerders om te help met misdaadvoorkoming.
Owerhede slaan toe in wyk 100
Anns lend a helping hand
The Helderberg Rotary Anns settled the outstanding book accounts of eight Strand High School learners, thanks to a generous donation of a Dutch donor. The total value of the accounts was R7 285. The learners are linked to the Ons Plek-sentrum of Solidariteit Helpende Hand. Pictured (from left) are Helderberg Rotary Anns president Rejane van der Grijp, Ons Plek manager Joey Lotter and Helderberg Rotary Anns past president Mieke MacDonald.
Local writes book about street cat
Somerset West resident, Liezl Russell has self-published her debut children’s book Bart’s Art, after a five-year journey of writing, illustrating and self-discovery. The book, aimed at children up to eight years old, tells the story of a street cat with a creative flair, inspired by the art galleries and feline residents of Clarence in the Free State.
“The initial idea sparked during a visit to Clarence with my dad and sister,” the 42-year-old author related. “The town is brimming with art galleries, and we noticed so many cats lounging around. I envisioned a cat in an art gallery, but the story evolved, and Bart became a sort of ‘Banksy’ figure in his community.”
Russell’s vision for the illustrations was clear, but her initial attempts revealed a need for further training. “I illustrated a few pages and really enjoyed it. But I soon realised I needed to hone my skills. I enrolled in a short course with renowned children’s book illustrator, Samantha van Riet, and she gave me the confidence to pursue it.”
A pivotal moment in the book’s development came when she interviewed an art therapist working with street children. “I assumed their artwork would reflect their hardships. But the therapist told me that the most resilient children, those most likely to overcome their circumstances, painted the lives they wanted. That lesson resonated deeply. It’s so easy to dwell on challenges and hardships, but there’s power in focusing on the good, the hopeful, the things that keep us moving forward.”
This message became particularly poignant for Russell during the book’s creation. “My husband experienced two retrenchments after Covid,” she said. “We sold our home and moved three times in four years. It was a period of immense uncertainty, but the book’s message became my own source of strength.”
The dancers will not only compete’s background in writing is extensive, having worked as a journalist for a Pretoria community newspaper, a health editor for a prominent women’s
Somerset West resident Liezl Russell selfpublished her debut children’s book Bart’s Art, a story about a creative street cat inspired by Clarence, Free State after a five-year journey of writing, illustrating and personal growth.
magazine, and a freelance writer for national publications. Russell worked as a copywriter for a marketing company in Somerset West.
“I’ve wanted to be a journalist since school,” she said. “But my mom always encouraged me to write children’s books. And I’ve truly discovered a passion for it, especially illustrating.”
Russell was working on her second book, about a swallow that finds itself in an unlikely location. “Hopefully, this one won’t take five years,” she laughs.
“But I learnt so much during this process that I expect it to go much more smoothly.”
Bart’s Art is available from the Somerset West Library and can also be ordered directly from Russell on 074 147 6344 or at russell.liezl@gmail.com.
V WIN! WIN! WIN!
Two lucky DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette readers have the chance to win a copy of Bart’s Art. Simply send an email with your name, surname, contact number and a short motivation to jamey.gordon@medi24.com by 12:00 on Friday (21 February).
Skrywer stel nuwe boek in winkel bekend
Maryke Roberts (links) het verlede Woensdag (12 Februarie) die bekende skrywer Constant van der Merwe se nuwe boek, Ontvoer, by Exclusive Books in Somerset Mall bekendgestel. Die geleentheid is deur ’n groot groep boekliefhebbers bygewoon en was ’n groot sukses. Roberts het ’n kort toespraak gelewer oor die boek en die skrywer het van die geleentheid gebruik gemaak om ’n paar brandende vrae uit die gehoor te beantwoord. Foto: Yaseen Gaffar
Sewer repairs underway
Significant progress has been made in repairing the collapsed Trappies Bulk Sewer pipeline in Strand, according to a recent update from the City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate.
It stated that emergency repairs were underway and long-term rehabilitation projects in the pipeline.
Following the initial collapse in Strand, six pumps were deployed to manage wastewater flow and prevent overflows. The City has confirmed no recent overflows directly resulting from the collapse, and affected streets have been cleaned. Shoring boards are now in place, and the emergency contractor has made headway in restoring flow through the damaged section, reducing pressure on the temporary pumps.
Bucket cleaning continues on De Villiers and Munnik streets to facilitate the contractor’s work.
Looking ahead, a R145 million tender has been finalised for the rehabilitation of a 3,1 km section of the Trappies sewer, running from Main Road to the Lourens River sewer pump station. This project, spanning the remainder of this and the next financial year, will address structural deterioration causing frequent pipe bursts and overflows. Specifically, the tender covers Cured-inPlace-Pipe lining for sewer lines ranging from 500 mm to 900 mm in diameter. Further work on the main sewer line from Joubert Street to Main Road is currently being advertised.
The City acknowledged delays due to a contractor appeal and thanked the community for their patience.
The update also states that coastal water quality, impacted by the initial overflow, is showing significant improvement. Health warning signs
Emergency repairs are underway along a collapsed portion of the Trappies pipeline in Strand.
remain in place at several points of Strand Beach, and additional sampling is being conducted twice daily at the swimming and surfing areas for the next two weeks.
A public meeting to discuss Helderberg infrastructure projects, including the sewer refurbishment, will be held in March. Details regarding the date and location will be released soon. The City expressed its appreciation for the community’s cooperation and understanding during the repair process.
. For further information, residents can send enquiries via email to communications.waterandsanitation@capet own.gov.za.
Rommel, karkas lei tot klagtes
Barend J. Williams
’n Macassar-inwoner het ’n klagte oor die storting van ’n dier se karkas in Duneweg, Macassar, aangemeld, en is dankbaar vir die Wyk 109-raadslid, Peter Helfrich, en die Stad Kaapstad vir hul vinnige reaksie om dit te verwyder.
Pastoor Mark Baatjies het Maandag 20 Januarie die karkas by ’n stuk veldrypad gesien en die vonds direk aan die provinsiale department vir omgewingsake en ontwikkelingsbeplanning aangemeld. Hy het ook gewaak oor die groter probleem van onwettige storting en ander “elemente” soos prostitusie in die omgewing.
“Mense stort rommel al langer as ’n jaar in daai pad,” sê Baatjies.
Hoewel Baatjies die vonds reeds aangemeld het, meen Helfrich hy is eers Saterdag 25 Januarie ingelig oor die karkas wat gevind is. “Ek het toe saam met ’n gemeenskapsleier gaan kyk en dadelik opgetree,” sê Helfrich.
Die grondpaadjie
komiteelid vir stedelike mobiliteit, is die betrokke pad ’n grondpad op onbewerkte plaasgrond wat in private besit is. “Hierdie pad behoort nie aan die Stad nie, aangesien dit nie binne ’n amptelik geregistreerde padreserwe geleë is nie.”
Die Stad sê die grondpad is in ’n oop ruimte en ’n ent van enige woongebied. “Indien storting voortduur, kan ’n gesondheidsoorlas egter ontstaan,” voer Quintas aan.
Helfrich is tydens sy besoek deur gemeenskapleiers ingelig dat die pad ’n brandpunt vir prostitusie en onwettige storting is. “Ek het aan die leierskap verduidelik dat ek na die grondeienaar sal uitreik om die sluiting van die pad te bespreek, benewens die Stad se deurlopende pogings,” het hy gesê. Wayne Dyason, ’n woordvoerder vir wetstoepassing, het inwoners aangemoedig om enige gevalle van prostitusie aan te meld.
Two mothers sought
Child Welfare SA needs the public’s help in locating two mothers. Jade Witbooi, who once lived in Strand, and Debrodiste Mau Slabbert, formerly from Somerset West, are wanted for child court proceedings. To give info on their whereabouts, contact social worker Tami Lee Hartogh on 021 852 3126 or at info@childwelfarehelderberg.co.za.
Die betrokke stadsdepartement het die karkas op Maandag 27 Januarie verwyder. Volgens die Stad was daar geen bewyse van onwettige storting nie en hul ondersoek kon geen tekens van slagting vind nie, aangesien die karkas reeds verwyder is. “Die Stad se gesondheidsdepartement het ook geen stortingsklagtes van dié gebied in die verlede ontvang nie,” sê die Stad. Baatjies beweer dit is nie die eerste keer dat ’n geslagte karkas in die pad gestort is nie en het in sy klagte aan die Stad gesê sulke dade hou ’n omgewingsgevaar vir alle inwoners van Sandvlei en Kramat in. “Diere-afval wat gestort word, kan bakterieë, virusse en parasiete bevat asook soönotiese siektes in ons gemeenskap veroorsaak,” het hy aan die Stad geskryf.
Volgens Rob Quintas, burgemeesters-
Helfrich sê hy het ’n aksieplan ingestel en is in kontak met die grondeienaar. “Die eienaar is daartoe verbind om toegang tot die pad af te sluit om enige toekomstige onwettige aktiwiteite te voorkom,” voeg hy by.
City’s biodiversity reviewed
The City of Cape Town is calling on residents to participate in the review and update of its crucial Bioregional Plan (2015), which is being renamed the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Spatial Plan (2025).
This updated policy will guide future planning and development in the city, ensuring the preservation of its rich biodiversity. The public has until Thursday 13 March to submit their comments.
Cape Town, recognised as the most biodiverse city globally, was a pioneer in South Africa by developing and implementing a spatial biodiversity plan. Currently, 22,72% (55 703 ha) of the municipal area is conserved land, managed through a partnership between the City and various conservation organisations. The City itself manages 20 045 ha across 22 nature reserves and 16 Biodiversity Agreement Conservation Areas, many of which are open to the public. These include popular destinations like the Helderberg and Steenbras Nature Reserve, which offer stunning views and opportunities to experience the unique fynbos ecosystem.
“This Biodiversity Spatial Plan encompasses the entire city,” explained Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, “and has been updated to reflect the revised red list of threatened ecosystems, the realities of climate change, and the importance of strategic water source areas and groundwater protection zones.
He emphasised the plan’s alignment with the latest national best practices for spatial biodiversity planning.
The updated plan aims to minimise conflict between environmental concerns and other sectors by providing current
information on biodiversity priorities. This information will guide spatial planning, environmental assessments, natural resource management, protected area expansion, and sustainable development. A key component of the plan is the Cape Town BioNet map, which identifies critical terrestrial and aquatic features essential for conserving native biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem function. “The BioNet map is based on legislation, scientific data, best practice, and expert input,” stated Andrews. “It represents the least landhungry and most sustainable option for meeting national biodiversity targets.” The BioNet map categorises biodiversity areas based on their condition, including Protected Areas, Conservation Areas, Critical Biodiversity Areas (1a, 1b, 1c, and 2), Ecological Support Areas (1 and 2), and Other Natural Areas. This detailed mapping allows for informed decision-making regarding land use and development.
V The City encourages all residents to review the draft Biodiversity Spatial Plan, available at City libraries and on the City’s website, and provide their valuable input.
V Comments can be submitted online at: Comment on the draft Cape Town Biodiversity Spatial Plan 2025, via email to public.participation@capetown.gov.za, or by calling 0800 212 176 for assistance
Steenbras Nature Reserve overlooking False Bay.
waar die karkas na bewering gestort is.
Makhaza scores from boys’ night out
Barend J Williams
A group of Somerset West friends has found a charitable way to enjoy a boys’ night out – donating a container to Sakhikamva Lethu (Hope for Disabled) in Makhaza.
On Wednesday 12 February, Sakhikamva Lethu received the container donated to them by Boys’ Night Project (BNP) in collaboration with Action for Blind and Disabled Children.
The group was started as a way for these guys to break away from work and family stress. It eventually grew to 250 members.
“It just made sense to pull our resources together and raise funds to help local charities,” said Shane McMeeking of BNP. Ian Bottomley, founder of Action for Blind and Disabled Children, was introduced to the group by one of the members. His charity is dedicated to teaching information technology skills to individuals with disabilities, using custom-built
software that caters for their specific requirements.
Bottomley also informed the group that another charity Sakhikamva Lethu was in need of a container to serve as a venue for teaching its beneficiaries computer-related skills.
“Bottomley’s passion for helping the disabled resonated
Contest for start-ups
Applications for the 2025 instalment of #YouthStartCT are open until Sunday 16 March. The accelerator programme for start-ups, now in its ninth year, aims to contribute to skills development, innovation and job creation in Cape Town.
The City of Cape Town is inviting young entrepreneurs with established businesses as well as those in the concept or planning phase to apply now.
The competition aims to give entrepreneurs access to developmental opportunities and resources to unlock opportunities for their business and so stimulate job creation. Competition categories this year are Agriculture and farming, Information Technology, Finance and Business Services, Tourism and Manufacturing.
“The #YouthStartCT competition has attracted hundreds of young business owners and would be entrepreneurs since its launch,” said Mayco member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham, “and we hope to see many more entrants exploiting the opportunity this year.
“This flagship youth development programme offers opportunities for new ideas and collaboration between participants, coaching and mentoring, and seed funding for the top performers.
Thriving businesses need employees and resources, which opens doors for others seeking employment, and ultimately helps stimulate our local economy.”
HOW DOES THE COMPETITION WORK?
. The top 100 participants will be selected from the online applications and divided into ideation phase and existing businesses.
. There will be about eight weeks of training and mentoring, and three elimination rounds to whittle down the group from 100 to the top contenders.
. During June this year, the top three existing businesses winners and the top five business ideas will be announced at a gala event.
HOW CAN YOUTH APPLY?
. The competition is open to people aged 18 to 35 until 16 March.
. All applications must be submitted online (at https:// www.research.net/r/95FV87N).
. Indicate whether you are entering an existing business or a business idea.
. All applicants will be required to create and upload a short video to communicate their proposal and why they think it will succeed.
. Participants are reminded that the City’s Libraries offer SmartCape computer services for submitting their entries.
with our views and values and it was a good fit,” said McMeeking.
“I would like to thank BNP and Action for Blind and Disabled Children for the container,” said Thembisa Vani, founder of Sakhikamva Lethu
“I’m very happy because the pink of the container matches our T-shirts.”
She started Sakhikamva Lethu
in 2016 as a way to empower the disabled community of Makhaza by upskilling them.
“We are learning to knit and sew,” said Vani.
“We will do gardening when the time is right.”
Vani fell ill with poliomyelitis at the age of five. The contagious viral disease left the 53-year-old unable to walk.
She was able to regain her ability to walk, but polio has left her with a limp. It was at school that Vani saw she was not the only person with a disability who had challenges, which largely went unaddressed because their needs were not prioritised.
“I saw so many disabled people and knew it was not right to hold such hurt inside that comes with a disability, so I decided to do something.”
She named her organisation Sakhikamva Lethu because she wanted to give the disabled community hope to overcome the struggles they were facing. But as things stand, hope costs money and Vani said the community organisation struggles with providing groceries and securing equipment needed to upskill its members.
. To support Sakhikamva Lethu through donations or volunteering, contact Thembisa Vani on 073 802 2266 and help empower the disabled community of Makhaza.
Nuwe gesigte, dieselfde helpende hand
Solidariteit Helpende Hand se Helderberg-tak het sy nuwe dagbestuur vir 2025 aangekondig. Die nuwe bestuurslede bestaan uit Yvonne Blom as sekretaris (agter, van links), Audrey du Toit as onder-voorsitter, en Marinda Bishop as voorsitter (voor). Die trio is ywerig om voort te bou op die fondasie wat oor die jare heen reeds in die gemeenskap en omliggende omgewings gelê is. Solidariteit Helpende Hand bied maatskaplike ondersteuning en ontwikkeling aan gemeenskappe met ’n Afrikaner-kultuur. Dit is ’n Christelike welstand-organisasie wat vrywilligers bemagtig om ’n positiewe uitwerking te hê. Gemeenskapslede wat betrokke wil raak by Solidariteit Helpende Hand of die organisasie wil ondersteun, kan ’n epos stuur aan Bishop by marindabishop@icloud.com.
Onnie swot nou medies
Barend J. Williams
Die voormalige onderwyser
Enrico de Bruin van Macassar het besluit om sy hart te volg en sê die skilderagtige roete na sy droom om ’n chirurg te word, was die moeite werd.
De Bruin se pad het van leerder na student na onderwyser en weer terug na student gelei. Hy studeer nou vir ’n baccalaureus-graad in geneeskunde en chirurgie aan die Universiteit Stellenbosch met die doel om ’n dokter te word.
“Dit was my droom vandat ek in graad ses was,” het De Bruin gedeel.
Hy het die moeilike besluit in 2015 geneem om natuurlike medisyne aan die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland te studeer. “Dit was tussen natuurlike medisyne of chirurgie, hoewel my hart uitgeroep het na natuurlike middels, want ek stel nog altyd in plante belang,” meen die oudonderwyser.
Ná vier jaar het hy sy graad ontvang, maar toe moes hy weer ’n moeilike keuse maak – hy was gereed om chirurgie te studeer, maar is deur die volwasse wêreld in die gesig gestaar. Die De Bruinfamilie het in die C-blokke in Macassar gewoon, en al was hulle nie brandarm nie, het die oudonderwyser gevoel dat hy die
enigste een was wat die situasie kon verbeter.
“Ek het toe my nagraadse onderwyssertifikaat verkry en vir my was dit ’n praktiese besluit,” het De Bruin gesê.
Hy het eers by sy alma mater, Macassar Sekondêre Skool, en daarna by Valsbaai Primêre Skool, klasgegee. De Bruin glo hy was ’n goeie onderwyser omdat hy empatie met sy leerders kon hê, want hy het uit dieselfde gemeenskap gekom en woon steeds in Macassar.
“Ek het egter nog altyd gevoel asof ek ’n voël is wat in ’n hok vasgevang is,” het hy gesê.
De Bruin het in 2023 ’n dapper stap geneem om uit sy “hok” te breek en aansoek gedoen om chirurgie te studeer. Ongelukkig vir hom is hy nie aanvaar nie.
“Ek het in 2024 aansoek gedoen om oorsee onderwys te gee asook chirurgie te studeer, en is vir albei aanvaar,” het hy verduidelik.
“Ek het vyf jaar lank prakties gedink, maar dié keer my hart gevolg.”
Vir De Bruin is die ervaring om weer ’n student te wees, nou nog baie vars omdat hy eers Woensdag 5 Februarie met klasse begin het. Die feit dat sy klasmaats nou dieselfde ouderdom as sy eerste gr. 8-klas is, het nie by hom
verbygegaan nie.
“Dis ’n aanpassing om te gaan van voor in die klas staan na in die banke te sit saam met medestudente – en jy is heelwat ouer as hulle. Dit hou ’n mens nederig,” het hy gesê en gelag.
De Bruin hoop sy storie sal ander mense sowel as ander onderwysers inspireer.
“Ek sê nie mense moenie onderwys studeer nie, maar as jy weet jou hart is nie daarin nie, neem die eerste stap,” het die chirurgie-student gesê.
“As jy lief is vir loodgieterswerk en jy moet kies of jy ’n prokureur of ’n loodgieter wil wees, doen wat jou gelukkig gaan maak.”
V As jy De Bruin wil ondersteun om sy drome waar te maak, kan jy ’n skenking in sy Back a Buddy-rekening gee: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ campaign/from-teacher-to-healerhelpfund-mymedical-journey.
Enrico de Bruin, ’n voormalige onderwyser, is terug op die lesingbanke, waar hy sy drome om ’n chirurg te wees najaag.
It was all smiles as Action for Blind and Disabled Children handed over the container. Pictured are Ian Bottomley (founder of Action for Blind and Disabled Children), Nondumiso Kula, Petro le Roux and Thembiso Vani (founder of Sakhikamva Lethu). Photos: Barend J Williams
Thabatha Mellokhule striking a pose inside the new container.
Visit the home of the Witte Wijnappel
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, South Africa’s largest marketer of apples and pears, invites the public to explore its Heritage Orchard of historic apple and pear trees at Oak Valley Estate in Grabouw.
The free guided tour, hosted by TruCape’s quality-assurance manager Henk Griessel and new varietal experts Buks Nel and Jeanne Fourie, will take place on Saturday 1 March from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00.
Tru-Cape’s Heritage Orchard is dedicated to preserving near-lost appleand-pear varieties, ensuring these historical fruits are not forgotten. Visitors will also have the chance to experience and taste historic varieties such as the Newton Apple, Northern Spy, Pomme de Neige, and Cox Orange Pippen, many of which are no longer commercially produced.
In 2019, Tru-Cape, together with Hortgro, replanted the Witte Wijnappel, the first apple picked at the Cape, in its original location at The Company’s Gardens, as well as in the Tru-Cape Heritage Orchard at Oak Valley and at Babylonstoren.
During the tour guests will gain insight into the fascinating history of these heritage fruits, as Griessel and Nel, coauthors of the books Apples in the Early Days at the Cape, The Newcomers and People, and Pears and the stories they share, share their knowledge. The Kroonappel, for instance, is a variety introduced to South Africa in the 17th century. According to Griessel, further research into the Kroonappel revealed its alternate names, including Fyne Kroon,
Tru-Cape’s quality-assurance manager Henk Griessel and new varietal expert Buks Nel.
Aagt-appel, Engelsche Aagt and Lekker Beetje. Described as a medium-sized, round fruit with smooth, green-yellow skin and a pleasant herb-like taste, the Kroonappel offers a glimpse into the rich agricultural history of the Cape.
For Tru-Cape, the protection of these genetic treasures is of great importance.
“If you don’t know where you’ve been you can’t know where you’re going,” said Nel, who is recognised for his work in new varietal development, including the discovery of BigBucks Gala/Flash Gala.
In addition to the tour, the abovementioned books will be available for purchase at the event.
Visitors are advised to wear sensible walking shoes and bring appropriate weather and sun protection, as no seating, bathroom or refreshment facilities are available on-site.
Tickets are free, but places are limited to 40 people per walkabout. Book via Quicket (https://qkt.io/5l1xdI).
Show your moves in support of dancers’ Croatia
dream
BeGraceful Studio is bursting with pride as eight of its dancers, aged 23 to 40, prepare to represent South Africa at the World Dance Masters competition in Croatia this May. The team qualified at the DanceStar Competition Qualifiers in November last year and was excited to showcase their talent on an international level. “It’s so special for us,” said studio owner Leanne de Jager. “We’re a group of senior dancers, many of whom have danced their whole lives. To compete overseas and represent our country and studio is a dream come true. We know we’ll do the Helderberg proud!” The dancers will not only compete, but also participate in workshops led by world-renowned choreographers, gaining invaluable experience and exposure to new dance styles. However, they need some help to get them to Croatia. Join BeGraceful Studio for a fundraising Valentine’s Ball at De Hoop Primary School on Friday 21 February. There will be dinner, live music by Angie Mitchell, a DJ and dancing. Tickets cost R250 per person or R2 300 for a table of 10 and includes dinner; bring your own beverages for the evening. Tickets are available on Quicket. For more, email begracefultours@gmail.com.
Summer art unveiled at Broadlands Manor
Broadlands Manor House is currently hosting the eighth opening of its Art4Seasons art exhibition, and officially launched the Summer collection on Sunday 16 February. Art lovers, investors and interior designers were invited to view the diverse collection on display until May. The exhibition is open to the public this week from 10:00 to 17:00, and after Saturday 22 February viewing will be by appointment only. To schedule a viewing, call Willie van der Westhuizen (pictured above) on 082 894 9792 or Merissa Slingerland on 084 548 5441.
Photos: Yaseen Gaffar
Dagboek | Diary
SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY
) Somerset West: Visit the COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET at Southey’s Vines, 186 Main Road, for a relaxing day, shopping under the trees from 09:00 to 14:00. The pet-friendly market is unique in offering hand-made crafts at every stall, which visitors really appreciate. Weary shoppers can enjoy a light meal and/or craft beer, while being entertained by a live musician. There is plenty of safe parking behind Southey’s Vines. For more information, contact Lesley on 021 843 5002.
MAANDAG 24 FEBRUARIE
vermaak vir die dag sluit in musiekoptredes deur verskeie musikante en die Hoërskool Parel Vallei se musiekstudente, karnavalritte, ’n bokskryt met professionele titelgevegte, hondevertonings, stalletjies en ’n biertuin. Besoekers kan uitsien na ’n groot makietie in ware Afrikaner-gees! Vir meer inligting, besoek www.hartevents.co.za.
) Somerset West: A charity book sale will be held at ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH from 09:00 to 12:00. Excellent quality books (including fantasy, fiction and non-fiction, children’s books) will be up for grabs. There will also be a kids’ reading corner with snacks. Card facilities are available and tea, coffee and cake will be on sale. For enquiries, contact Carole on 084 299 2023.
DINSDAG 4 MAART
) Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS OF CHRISTIANS AGAINST DRUGS (CAD) nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het, na sy byeenkoms wat om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Strand Moedergemeente, op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat, plaasvind. Skakel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972 vir enige navrae.
WOENSDAG 26 FEBRUARIE
) Strand: Die NG KERK LOURENSRIVIERSTRAND hou vanaf 11:30 ’n snuffelmark. Daar sal wonderlike tweedehandse winskopies wees en artikels is beskikbaar teen sakpaspryse. Vir meer inligting, skakel 021 853 5991.
SATERDAG 1 MAART
) Strand: Die HART VAN DIE HELDERBERGFEES vind van 10:00 by die Helderberg-rugbyklub op die Charles Morkel-sportterrein plaas. Die
) Somerset-Wes: Die HELDERBERG SENIORKLUB kom om 09:00 vir tee en verversings en om 09:30 vir samesang en ’n program by die NG kerk Hottentots-Holland-gemeente in Gordonweg byeen. Die koor van Altena-aftreeoord tree ook op. Voordrag word deur Erna Kruger behartig. Alle afgetredenes is welkom. Koste: R10 vir lede en R20 vir besoekers. Vir navrae, bel vir Apolonia Maritz by 021 853 7560 of 082 507 7091.
FRIDAY 7 MARCH
) Somerset West: A WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE will be held at the Somerset West United church at 10:00. This will be the 95th celebration of this service to be held in South Africa, and the theme this year is “I have made you wonderfully”. The writer country is Cook Islands. The message will be given by the Reverend Kim Brown. It is very special knowing women throughout the world of all denominations will be worshipping together using the same theme for their service.
Lindie Grobler and Antoni Decarmo were all smiles.
Dirk and Jennifer Kotze showed their support.
We salute you, dear Mr Street Sweeper
We see him every Tuesday and Thursday, patiently sweeping the streets in our small community with smooth strokes of the broom. He greets everyone he meets with a smile and politely asks about their wellbeing.
He is an elderly man, supposed to be retired, but here he is toiling away in sweltering dry heat from the sun, clothes soaking wet from days of endless raindrops peltering his weather-beaten face, and freezing cold days, diligently doing his bit to make our lives a little more bearable.
Mr Street Sweeper sweeps and picks trash up that is strewn everywhere by taxi commuters and pedestrians, who mindlessly discard their trash wherever they walk. Nevertheless, without so much as a whisper of disdain under his breath, he just bends over and collects heaps of garbage dumped since his last tour of duty by inconsiderate people on our pavements, all the while softly whistling a song only known to him.
How clueless and oblivious can human beings be to such poetry of service? We salute you, dear Mr Street Sweeper.
Emmy Holliday, SOMERSET WEST
CONTACT US/KONTAK ONS 021 853 0211
Helderberg Media behou die kopiereg op alle materiaal gepubliseer in DistriksPos & Helderberg Gazette en niks mag sonder die skriftelike toestemming van die redakteur gebruik word nie.
Letters may by edited for clarity and style. We cannot supply reasons for non-publication. Shorter letters are preferred. Briewe kan geredigeer en verkort word. Redes word nie verskaf hoekom ’n bepaalde brief nie geplaas word nie. Korter briewe kry voorkeur.
Briewe van ons lesers
Kliniek het pasiënt se rekords glo ‘verloor’
Ek, Jeffrey Hendricks, ’n inwoner van Macassar, is nog nooit so behandel deur die personeel, leierskap en Sassa-dokter van die Macassar-gemeenskap-daghospitaal (CDC) nie.
In 2015 is makulêre degenerasie met ’n besoek aan Tygerberg-hospitaal by my gediagnoseer – ’n ongeneeslike siekte wat my sig stadig aftakel. Ek het in 2022 met retinale siftings en diabetiese oogtoetse begin. Die uitslae is op pienk vorms ingevul en na my lêer by die Macassar CDC gestuur vir veilige bewaring.
Toe ek die dokter versoek om vir permanente ongeskiktheidsvoordele aansoek te doen, was daar geen mediese dokumente van my oogtoetse in my lêer nie. My aansoek is op 23 Mei 2024 geweier omdat daar glo geen mediese bewyse vir my toestand was nie.
Ek het op 30 September 2024 weer na die dokter gegaan en sy kon slegs my ou Tygerberg-dokumente opspoor.
Sy het aanbeveel dat ek nie ’n motor bestuur nie. Dit sou my R450 gekos het om my eie kopieë van die dokumente te bekom.
Ek het op 30 Oktober 2024 ’n klagte by die daghospitaal ingedien. Kort daarna is ek ingelig dat ek op 16 en 23 Oktober 2024 ’n nuwe retinale sifting moes doen. Maar toe ek op 22 Januarie 2025 my lêer ondersoek, ontdek ek dat my dokumente vir die tweede keer weg was. Die dokter kon weer nie my ongeskiktheidsvoordele goedkeur nie.
Hy het net in my oë gekyk en gesê dat ek baie stories het en moet gaan werk. Dit is uiters onprofessioneel en nalatig – hy het geen reg om ’n besluit sonder ’n deeglike mediese ondersoek te neem nie.
My ervaring is dat pasiënte by die Macassar CDC swak diens kry.
Ek het langer as 10 jaar as ’n versorger gewerk en menslikehulpbronnebestuur studeer.
My passie vir verpleging het my gemotiveer om die beste diens moontlik aan bejaardes en my gemeenskap te lewer.
Ek het selfs aangebied om gratis leêrordening te doen om die orde te
herstel, maar my voorstel is heeltemal geïgnoreer.
J.J. Hendricks
Abulele Dyasi, ’n woordvoerder vir die Wes-Kaapse departement van gesondheid en welsyn, reageer: Die departement bevestig dat mnr. Hendricks se lêer en alle relevante dokumente, insluitend kliniese inligting, nie weg is nie. Pasiëntdokumente word beide fisiek en elektronies bewaar. Macassar CDC volg die toepaslike rekordbestuursprosedures.
Ons ondersoek tans waarom Hendricks se dokumente nie in sy lêer was nie, ten spyte van die feit dat sy rekords elektronies opgeneem en gestoor is. Ons versoek pasiënte om afsprake te maak, die datums by die klerke te bevestig en ons in kennis te stel indien hulle wil herskeduleer.
Die Sassa-dokter is nie ’n permanente werknemer van die departement nie, maar ’n agentskapspersoneellid wat namens Sassa verkry is. Sassa skeduleer pasiënte en verskaf ’n lys aan die daghospitaal twee tot drie dae voor die besoekdatum van die dokter, sodat lêers vooraf voorberei kan word.
Ons klerke is opgelei in mediese rekordbestuur en volg bepaalde beleide en riglyne. ’n Personeelprestasiebestuurstelsel is ingestel en prestasiebeoordelings word kwartaalliks gedoen. Pasiënte moet versoeke by die fasiliteit indien. Ons het nie ’n toegewyde mediese regsafdeling of mediese regsklerk by die fasiliteite nie.
Ons neem terugvoer ernstig op en gebruik dit om ons sorg te verbeter. Indien daar enige verdere bekommernisse of voorstelle is, moedig ons pasiënte aan om ons deur die toepaslike kanale te kontak, sodat ons dit spoedig kan aanpak.
Enigeen wat wel met die departement kontak wil maak, kan 0860 142 142 skakel, ’n “Please call me” na 079 769 1207 stuur, of via epos (service@westerncape.gov.za) uitreik. Alternatief, kan ’n afspraak om met die fasiliteitbestuurder te praat gemaak word. .
‘Logo is not G’Bay!’
It is with dismay that we have recently noted a cap in a local shop depicting the G-anchor-B as Gordon’s Bay. This is far from the truth.
We have also noted a local wine label and a shopping mall using the mountain logo, again with some irritation.
One should research one’s facts before purloining an historical icon.
The mountain logo depicts the South African Nautical College General Botha, which was the successor of the worldrenowned South African Training Ship (SATS) General Botha and the precursor of the South African Nautical Academy General Botha, located on a ship. It should not be appropriated to stand for the area’s name. Botha was a South African Prime Minister who died in office in 1919.
The mountain logo was created by cadets of the Nautical College in November 1949. This was supervised by officers stationed on the parade ground of the college who communicated with the cadets on the mountain by means of semaphore. The cadets would maintain and paint the mountain logo regularly, at least once a year.
The present-day premises are the South African Naval College and their navy midshipmen maintain the logo.
Today there is a plaque positioned on the Gordon’s Bay beachfront depicting the origins and meaning of the mountain logo.
It would be appreciated if this misnomer was corrected to the public and tourism operators.
Tony Nicholas, CHAIRPERSON OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN TRAINING SHIP GENERAL BOTHA OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
Making changes where they count is crucial
places and to remove cigarette-vending machines. The prevalence of smoking has diminished worldwide, but there is still work to do.
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Back to basics
Dr Dave Glass
How many of you can remember when cigarette-vending machines could be found in hospital corridors, and when doctor’s fingers were stained with tobacco smoke while they told you to stop smoking?
I remember only 35 years ago washing half the windows and walls in the nurses’ or doctors’ tea room at Mowbray Maternity Hospital down, to demonstrate visually the amount of smoke pollution that had accumulated. Nobody noticed until I pointed it out. But I doubt it made any difference in the smoking practices of the staff.
Thankfully, Dr Nkosazana Zuma left us a lasting legacy by challenging the might of tobacco companies through legislation to ban smoking in public
However, another more challenging issue these days is the rapidly expanding pandemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Up to 80% of doctors’ consultations are for NCDs – obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, auto-immune diseases, cancer and dementia. These are all strongly linked to lifestyle factors – poor diet, stress, physical inactivity, poor sleeping habits, addictions and insufficient social connections. How can we address these underlying causes to prevent and manage NCDs effectively? It will need enormous energy and work to turn the “ship” around. We need people with the strength and will of Dr Nkosazana Zuma to legislate needed laws preventing the rampant marketing of harmful and addictive foods, especially to our children. Much robust scientific evidence shows that ultra- and highly processed foods are the major cause of NCDs.
To that end, just as hospitals stopped selling cigarettes in their corridors, isn’t it time now that hospitals set the standard for nutrition? How about banning the vending machines that sell ultra-processed foods, like sugarsweetened beverages, snacks loaded with saturated fats, salt and sugar, and other sugar-rich foods? How about mandating that the kiosks and hospital kitchens stop selling processed meats (like
sausages, polonies, and cold meats), that are recognised carcinogens?
How about if catering companies servicing the hospitals (both private and state) provide whole food plant-rich options as the default diets? There is more than adequate evidence that plantrich diets (like the Mediterranean, DASH and whole-food plant-based diets) are powerful in preventing, managing, and even reversing NCDs.
In 2017, both the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology passed a recommendation that hospitals throughout the USA should incorporate more plant-rich diets. Many hospitals have done that. New York City led the way. All hospitals, schools and prisons there now provide plant-based as the standard diet, and patients have to specifically request fast foods or ultra-processed foods if they want them. Fast-food outlets have been removed from hospitals. Statistics show that the policy is making a difference, with 95% of patients accepting and 90% satisfied with the diets. Interestingly, with more than 500 000 meals served, there was a 17% cost saving. That should make hospital managers happy!
Hospitals in Somerset West, how about leading the way in South Africa?
V This health column is written by Dr Dave Glass, a retired obstetrician/ gynaecologist living in Somerset West. He is chairperson of the South
Medicine Association (SALMA).
African Lifestyle
The chairperson of the General Botha Old Boys’ Association, Tony Nicholas, objects to the misrepresentation of its mountain logo as a symbol of Gordon’s Bay and calls for its true history to be made known.
Homeowners Association, Kylemore, Stellenbosch, hereby invite interested Garden Services to tender for a contract.
geimplimenteer, bied ‘n fantastiese geleentheid vir ‘n spesialis diens aan besighedeenboere
Gevolglik is daar nou 6 posisies beskikbaar vir konsultante in ons Somerset Wes kantoor. Suksesvolle kandidate moet onmiddelik diens kanaanvaar
Stuur CV’s aan Lianè by receptionsw@serr.co.za, en jy sal gekontak word vir ‘n onderhoud indien jou CV ditregverdig.
to erect steel work and other jobs. Must have reference of previous employment.
Ons is ‘n Nasionale Maatskappy wat as gevolg van ‘n fenomenale groei ons bemarkingspan in Somerset Wes uitbrei. Ons is opsoek na nuwe talent om telefoniese afsprake met besighede en boere te maak vir ons bemarkings konsultante teneinde ons diens te bemark.
Ondervinding is nie ‘n vereiste nie aangesien behoorlike in-huis opleiding verskafword.
Belangstellendes kan hul CV’s stuur na reception-sw@serr.co.za
Jysalgekontakwordvir‘nonderhoud.
Saddle up, test your mettle
The vibrant streets and fields of Khayamandi are set to come alive on Wednesday 12 March as the community hosts the 10th edition of the songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime™️.
This spectacular urban mountain-bike event, held on the Wednesday between the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Absa Cape Epic, has become a highlight on the cycling calendar, attracting world-class athletes and passionate fans alike.
Over the past decade the race has witnessed victories from cycling luminaries such as Alan Hatherly, Jaroslav Kulhavy, Sam Gaze, Anna van der Breggen, Annika Langvad, Anne Terpstra, and even songo.info founder, Christoph Sauser. This year promises another thrilling competition, with a star-studded field of elite riders expected to test their mettle ahead of the gruelling Absa Cape Epic.
The 2,5 km course, situated on the Khayamandi Sports Fields below the songo.info Clubhouse, offers a challenging mix of single-track, BMX track sections, and urban riding on roads and footpaths. The day’s racing kicks off with an open race at 16:30, providing an opportunity for juniors and amateurs to experience the same course as the pros. The excitement continues with the E-MTB race at 17:00, followed by the women’s elite race at 17:30, and culminating in the men’s elite race at 18:00. All races follow a 20minute-plus-one lap format.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Khayamandi and giving my all to try
to defend my songo.info Champions Race title,” said 2024 winner, Matt Beers. “It’s always an exciting event, with so much going on. And it’s a great opportunity to represent the sponsors, and support songo.info ahead of the Absa Cape Epic.”
Spectator entry to the event is free, with donations to songo.info gratefully accepted. Amateur and age-group riders can enter the Open or E-MTB races via Quicket for a R350 donation.
Elite riders with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) certified licences should contact the songo.info team for entries. Prize giving will take place at
18:30 after the final race.
For those unable to attend in person the races will be broadcast live on the fibertime.tv YouTube channel. The event is made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor fibertime™️, along with INEOS Grenadier and Ninety One asset management. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ninety One’s title sponsorship of songo.info, a partnership that began in 2015 when Sauser and Kulhavy won the Absa Cape Epic in Investec songo Specialised colours. . For more information visit www.songo.info.
Berge te sterk vir Safcol
Neels du Toit
Dit het Saterdag 15 Februarie in die Charles Morkel-stadion drieë gereën en 13 drieë is in ’n 45-36-sege vir die tuisspan aangeteken. Helderberg-rugbyklub se skitterflank Blaine Skelton het die openingsdrie in die sewende minuut in die hoekie gaan druk (5-0). In die 14de minuut het haker Mauritz Swart van ’n lynstaan af oorgeval waarna sy kaptein en skrumskakel, Michael Visser, verdoel het (12-0). In die 34ste minuut het heelagter Jeandre Lukas sy linkervleuel Jayden Daniels gevoer om agter die pale te druk vir ’n maklike Michael Visser-doelskop (19-0). In dié stadium het dit vir Berge maklik begin lyk, maar toe kom Safcol sterk terug met twee goeie drieë voor rustyd. Die driedrukkers was die stut Corne Stemmet en regtervleuel JJ Sauls. Die rustydtelling was 19-12. Net ná die hervatting het plaasvervangerlosskakel Brendan Venter ’n beweging begin, by die regtervleuel, Ovain Engelbrecht, aangesluit, wat op sy beurt sy binnesenter, Quinn Visser, in besit stel om in die hoekie oor te duik. (24-12). Drie minute later was dit die beurt van Pieter Kemp, die plaasvervangerflank, om te druk. Visser het verdoel (31-12). In die 50ste minuut het Safcol se linkervleuel, Waden Nel, ’n opportunistiese drie in die hoekie gaan druk (31-17). Tien minute later het Quinn Visser sy tweede drie aangeteken, wat sy ouboet, Michael, verdoel het (3817). In die 65ste minuut het Safcol se slot Elmer Demas gedruk en sy losskakel, Jurich Claasen, verdoel (38-24). Vyf minute later het die besoekers die voorsprong met nog ’n Sauls-drie verkort, wat ook deur Claasen (38-31) verdoel is. Net hierna het Nel weer deurgebars vir sy tweede drie (nie verdoel nie) en die stryd het op ’n opwindende einde (38-36) afgestuur. In die laaste minuut van die wedstryd het Swart sy tweede en sy span se sewende drie gaan druk. Visser het verdoel en sodoende ’n 45-36-oorwinning beklink. Die spanne het die skare met ’n applous bedank vir die puik ondersteuning. . Berge se volgende vriendskaplike wedstryd is op Saterdag 1 Maart teen Valsbaai in Constantia.
The songo.info Champions Race, presented by fibertime™, is back for its 10th edition and will take place in Khayamandi on Wednesday 12 March, a week ahead of the Absa Cape Epic.
Photo: Max Sullivan
Two top players from the Somerset West Croquet Club, Judith Hanekom and William Louw, are en route to Tasmania to represent South Africa at the WCF PFC Mallets GC World Team Championships, from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 February. They will join Reginald Bamford and Andrew Hobbs, now resident in the UK but remain country members of Rondebosch and Somerset West respectively. The team will compete for the Openshaw Shield at the Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre in St Leonards.
Heading to world champs
Nadine Valentine (left) and Morné Hendricks of Zandvliet High School in Macassar proudly represented their school at the False Bay Zonal Athletics Championships held at Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone on Saturday (15 February). Nadine powered her way to victory in the 100 m sprint for u-17 girls, while Morné soared over hurdles
boys. Photos: Rashied Isaacs
SPORT
Woensdag, 19 Februarie 2025
Aweekend ofvictories
Local lads dominate the pitch
Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bonteheuwel CC in a First Division B match at Radloff Park’s Alan Olsen Oval on Saturday (15 February).
Bonteheuwel CC batted first and posted a total of 224/8 in their 50 overs. Ghaulied van Schalkwyk (3/31) was the pick of the SWCC bowlers, while Jason Josephs (3/54) also contributed.
SWCC chased down the target with ease, reaching 225/3 in just 36.3 overs. The chase was spearheaded by a brilliant innings from Jean de Wet, who smashed 81 runs off just 59 balls. Larry Morkel (67*) provided solid support, while Matthew Dickson (42) also contributed with the willow.
This weekend, SWCC will be on the road for a match against Vikings.
In First Division A, Hottentots Holland Cricket Club (HHCC) emerged victorious in their two outings at the weekend. The club demonstrated resilience with the bat and dominance with the ball against Strandfontein on Saturday. They batted first, but their innings got off to a disastrous start as Strandfontein’s bowlers wreaked havoc to have the home side reeling at a precarious 19/4 after 12 overs. The wickets continued to tumble, and by the 19th over, HHCC slumped to
Just when all hope seemed lost, Waleed Smith (130) and Abdul Aziz Temoor (22) forged a steady 83-run partnership to rescue their team from the brink. Their
combined efforts propelled HHCC to a respectable 209/10.
With a defendable total, its players took to the field determined to make amends for their batting woes. Their bowlers delivered a heroic performance as Strandfontein’s batsmen struggled to cope and regularly lost wickets. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 101 runs in the 33rd over, handing HHCC a crucial bonus-point victory.
On Sunday HHCC faced fourth-placed Pinelands CC and defied the odds to claim a crucial bonus-point victory. HHCC again won the toss and chose to bat, but despite a solid start (48/1) after 17 overs, their batting woes resurfaced. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and they were eventually bowled out for just 125 runs. Smith (21) and Shakoer Baderoen (20) were the only batsmen to provide some resistance.
Defending a low total on a challenging pitch, HHCC set out to deliver a special performance, with the bowlers producing an exceptional display to bamboozle the Pinelands batsmen and bowled them out for a paltry 67 to claim a 58-run victory. Marwaan Wanza (4/37) was the hero with the ball, while Yaaseen Smith (3/19) provided excellent support.
HHCC face another double-header this weekend, travelling to face Tygerberg on Saturday and Rylands on Sunday.
In First Division D, Strand CC (SCC) triumphed over Seacrest CC and secured a bonus point. Seacrest CC batted first, but faced immediate pressure from SCC’s opening bowlers, Gasant Moller (2/23) and Johan Cyster (1/36).
By the drinks break, Seacrest were struggling on 49/4 and SCC’s bowlers continued their dominant performance, with Ebrahim Latief (3/28) leading the charge with the support of Adeeb Bailey (2/9). Seacrest were all bowled out for 133 in the 43rd over.
SCC’s chase began well, but they had a mini-collapse, losing wickets in quick succession. However, a vital 90-run partnership between Sharwaan Naidoo (50) and Wayne Cloete (29) steadied the ship, and guided SCC to 137/8 and victory. SCC will want to carry this momentum into their away-match against Pollsmoor CC this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Helderberg CC (HCC) emerged victorious in their match against Pollsmoor, securing a 34-run win.
HCC won the toss and batted first, posting a total of 208/9 in 50 overs thanks to contributions by Jody Sylvester (80) and Gregan Mouers (28*).
Pollsmoor were bowled out in the 41st over, with the score on 174 runs. HCC’s chief destroyers were Mouers (3/28), Sylvester (3/22) and Salie (3/18).
HCC will host Nyanga CC at Helderzicht this weekend.
In the Second Division, Macassar CC (MCC) continued their unbeaten run, thrashing Wesbank CC on Saturday. Wesbank batted first, scoring 149/10. Morton Jantjies (3/13) was the pick of the bowlers.
In turn, MCC made light work of the chase, crossing the line in 23 overs. David Sebastiaan (58*) was the top run-scorer. They next face Peninsula CC at Riverside Park.
Yaseen Gaffar
SWCC wicketkeeper George Hlazo and a teammate made a big appeal during Saturday’s home First Division B match against Bonteheuwel CC. Photos: Peter Bee
SWCC’s Jean de Wet gave a full stretch effort to get his hands on the ball.
WE DELIVER: MACASSAR, FIRGROVE, CROYDON, SITARI, STRAND, SOMERSET WEST, GORDON’S BAY, STELLENBOSCH AND EERSTE RIVER
