Skoolprogram soek ’n nuwe tuiste
Jamey Gordon
Die Helderberg-gemeenskap se
Basiese Onderwys en Opleiding vir Volwassenes (BOOV)-program, wat ’n jare lange instelling by Strand Sekondêre Skool was, is op soek na ’n nuwe, permanente plek vir onderrig.
Shakoor Vallie, die dryfkrag agter die plaaslike tak en ’n stem vir die gemeenskap, het sy ontsteltenis uitgespreek oor die skool se onlangse besluit om “sy deure vir die aandskool te sluit”. Vallie het verduidelik dat die program ses jaar gelede uit ’n behoefte wat deur onderwysers in die gemeenskap geïdentifiseer is by Strand Sekondêre Skool ontstaan het.
“Ná verskeie pogings, veral die afgelope ses weke, om ’n dispuut tussen die gemeenskap en die skoolbeheerliggaam (SBL) oor ’n beweerde wanbetaling deur die Departement van Hoër Onderwys en Opleiding op te los, het die SBL besluit om die program te staak. Die SBL kon nie die oorspronklike kontrak met die departement, wat ses jaar gelede aangegaan is, verskaf nie. Hierdie besluit het teleurstelling in die gemeenskap veroorsaak, en vrae ontstaan oor die motivering daarvan en of die gemeenskap behoorlik in ag geneem is,” het Vallie aan die koerant geskryf.
“Dit is belangrik dat integriteit gehandhaaf word wanneer sulke drastiese besluite geneem word. ’n Gemeenskap kan nie sommer van ’n openbare instelling geskei word, terwyl daar terselfdertyd beweer word dat besluite in die belang van die skoolgemeenskap geneem word nie. Dit kom neer op die misbruik van mag onder die dekmantel van gemeenskapsbelang. ’n Deurdagte,
kollektiewe besluitnemingsproses, wat alle rolspelers in ag neem, is ’n vereiste. Die WKOD moet ’n indringende ondersoek begin na die werklike stand van sake by ons skole en die bevoegdheid van skoolbeheerliggame om kontraktuele ooreenkomste te bestuur, evalueer ”
Volgens Vallie is die program sedert sy ontstaan ’n reusesukses en het dit met die eerste jaar ’n rekordinskrywing van 350 matrikulante besorg. Weens beperkte onderwysertoekenning kon daar egter slegs 150 studente geakkommodeer word Vanjaar het die program 20 matrikulante wat aandklasse bywoon, maar het meer as 50 navrae ontvang voordat verwarring weens die verandering van die onderrigplek ontstaan het. Vallie het verder verduidelik dat die sluiting van die program ’n groot leemte vir volwassenes en skoolverlaters sou laat.
GEENKONTRAK
Volgens ’n verteenwoordiger van die skool se SBL is ’n formele vergadering met Vallie en alle relevante belanghebbendes gehou, waar die SBL sy bekommernisse uitgespreek het. “Dit is van kardinale belang om daarop te let dat Strand Sekondêre Skool nie ’n formele kontrak met die program het nie, aangesien hul ooreenkoms in 2020 beëindig is Sedertdien is die program op die skoolterrein bedryf sonder die nodige dokumentasie,” het die verteenwoordiger gesê.
“As ’n skoolgemeenskap is ons nie verplig om gemeenskapsorganisasies sonder behoorlike kontrakte te akkommodeer nie, aangesien hierdie reëling nie koste-effektief is nie. Ons prioriteit is om te fokus op die bou van die karakter en infrastruktuur van die skool, wat beduidende finansiële verliese gely het.
Ons het voldoende kennis gegee rakende hierdie kwessies en die skool se algehele ontwikkeling.”
Die verteenwoordiger het verder gesê dat die SBL leerderwelstand en -onderwys as prioriteit gestel het, en sekuriteitsrisiko’s as rede aangevoer wat voortspruit uit onbeheerde toegang gedurende die aandskool. Nog meer, het die SBL die finansiële reëling met die program as ongunstig beskou.
“Die SBL vra ook dat mnr Vallie die besluite wat geneem is, respekteer,” het die verteenwoordiger bygevoeg
Volgens Millicent Merton, woordvoerder vir die WKOD, het die skool ’n kontraktuele ooreenkoms gehad vir die gebruik van sy fasiliteite vir die program van 2020 tot 2022. Volgens die ooreenkoms het die skool ’n maandelikse toelaag wat toegeken is vir opsigterdienste en nutsuitgawes, ontvang.
“Die skool het egter onvoorsiene finansiële verliese gely as gevolg van skade wat tydens aandklasse opgedoen is, wat gelei het tot addisionele herstelkoste.” Verder was die maandelikse fooi onvoldoende om nutsuitgawes te dek, en agterstallige bedrae is ook opgeloop, het Merton gesê
“Na die verstryking van die aanvanklike kontrak het die SBL ’n hersiene ooreenkoms voorgestel, maar die aanbod van ’n verminderde maandelikse toekenning is deur die skool as onvolhoubaar beskou.”
Hoewel die program steeds ’n tuiste benodig, word aandklasse vir tyd en wyl in die Eagle-gebou aangebied. Dit, volgens Vallie, danksy die gewaardeerde ondersteuning van Attie Phillips en sy vrou “wat meer insig toon rondom die dilemma wat die gemeenskap tans ervaar”
Kids’ transport demanded
Barend J Williams
Parents in Chris Nissen Park and Nomzamo are outraged after their children were refused access to scholar transport due to a ticket issue.
However, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is urging patience as the department is finalising approvals for the transport service.
Chaos ensued in Chris Nissen Park on Monday 2 March as learners hurled stones at the Overland Tours bus after being told they could not board, as they were not ticketholders Across the N2, township parents boycotted the transport service by preventing learners, with or without tickets, to board the bus until the WCED provided access to all
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso said the problem affected learners from Chris Nissen Park, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Nomzamo and Lwandle, who are enrolled at Danie Ackermann and Somerset West Methodist primary schools as well as Gordon High School.
Diniso said it is alleged Gordon High and Danie Ackermann Primary applied for more than 800 tickets, but only 400 were apparently approved.
Judith Mbolambi, a parent, expressed dismay as her eight-year-old son was forced to walk to their Chris Nissen Park home from the school last year.
“This all because he did not have a ticket. Now, the whole saga is repeating itself again this year.”
She kept her child at home last Tuesday (24 February), fearing the Grade 3 learner would either be hit by a car on the N2 highway or kidnapped. Mbolambi further expressed her frustration at the WCED’s problematic ticket issuing, claiming it is slow and confusing.
“The WCED is failing our children Why don’t they communicate what the problem is by addressing the affected parents?”
Overland Tours, the transport company contracted by the WCED, acknowledged parents’ frustration but, on enquiry, said tickets ensure learner safety.
Apparently, 142 learners from Ward 86 (Lwandle and Nomzamo) were affected by the ticket issue, prompting Diniso to call an emergency meeting with the schools.
“We were informed that the schools want the learners in attendance, but they are subject to the WCED authorisation procedure,” said Diniso.
Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said officials were processing the learners’ applications and clarified that the reason unauthorised learners were not permitted onto the buses was due to the priority of learner safety and auditing concerns
According to WCED’s Circular 0013 of 2024, 4.2, the system is a monitoring method.
“This will allow bus monitors to identify learners who are authorised to board a vehicle at the school in the afternoons quite easily. Should a learner not be in possession of a form of identification, the bus monitor must report this to the principal or delegated official, who must promptly arrange for the submission of an online Learner Transport Scheme application for the inclusion of the learners on the route, should the learners qualify to be transported.”
Hammond confirmed that the principals of the local schools submitted their lists of learners “The department’s bus committee is reviewing the lists.”
She, however, pointed out that the department needed time to complete the necessary approvals and documentation, as required by law “Many of the new applications are of learners who applied for the first time this year.”
Hammond noted the WCED was in contact with Diniso as the representative of the community.
At a meeting held with all the relevant role-players last Wednesday (25 February), Overland Tours agreed to allow all learners to board the busses until Friday 28 February.
However, the ticket system was reinstated on Monday 3 March, leaving parents fuming and demanding that the WCED provided all learners with the scholar transport tickets.
An Overland Tours bus departed with fewer than half its seats occupied from its pick-up at Chris Nissen Park, transporting only learners with tickets to Danie Ackerman Primary School, while the rest had to return home, leaving parents fuming
Photo: Barend J Williams
Rebuilt False Bay Primary re-opens
Barend J Williams
The doors of the newly transformed False Bay Primary School were officially opened after an inauguration ceremony held in the Macassar school’s hall on Saturday 1 March.
Guests attended to celebrate the school’s transformation from prefabricated classrooms to becoming a mega school with brick-and-mortar buildings. The school was operated from mobile classrooms but is now able to provide state-of-the-art facilities to the community of Macassar. The milestone was marked with a commemorative event attended by Western Cape Education Department (WCED) officials, teachers, community leaders, and business partners.
Founding principal Vernon Hendricks recalled the school’s humble beginnings with no access to water, temporary toilets, and tarred areas as playgrounds “By 10:00, our children had no more learning left in them due to the conditions,” recounted Hendricks
Despite the challenges, he expressed immense gratitude for dedicated staff, parents, and the school’s governing body for their valued endurance and patience. Those at the event were welcomed by Macassar local and programme director Duncan Masiwa, and were treated to a three-course lunch as a heartfelt “thankyou” from the school. Speakers included the WCED's chief director of districts, Heather van Ster, director for the Metro East Education District Landeka
mances by the school’s drum majorettes and a poem recital by learner Chevanie Louw, showcasing the school’s burgeoning talent. The teachers rendered a fitting item of the song “The Future Begins With Us”, reinforcing their commitment to the children.
Tabata expressed his high hopes for the school and thanked the WCED and current principal, Desmond Engelbrecht, for their dedication.
Engelbrecht highlighted that they are already putting the new facilities to
good use, highlighting that the school had achieved a 20% improvement on the academic front last year and a Grade 3 class boasting a 91,1% pass rate in mathematics.
On the sports front, the school also upped its extracurricular game, with three of the drummies who performed at the ceremony having earned their South African colours and 12 others their Western Province (WP) colours.
What’s more, two rugby players at the school also received their WP colours.
“When I started here, my goal was for this school to become the school of choice in the area. I am proud to say we have achieved that,” Engelbrecht said. “Now, I want the school to be a beacon of hope.”
As the school enters its new chapter, it will be led by the words emboldened on its inauguration plaque, “Achieve Greatness and Academic Excellence”
Principal of False Bay Primary School, Desmond Engelbrecht, shakes hands with WCED chief director of districts, Heather van Ster, to officially open the school’s building on Saturday 1 March
e-Learning advisor for the WCED’s Metro East Education District, Jaco Joseph, greets False Bay Primary School’s founding principal, Vernon Hendricks, as the guest of honour enters the school hall
Photos: Barend J Williams
‘Swarms’ spark health concerns
Jamey Gordon
Relentless swarms of a biting insect species are plaguing communities in Strand and frustrated residents are itching to raise concerns over the problem which has been labelled as yet another symptom of the overgrown, stagnant Soet River canal and its appalling state.
Turning to DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette to bemoan a mosquito plague which is making summer days and nights unbearable, is Noorul Smith, who out of desperation is calling on council to better address the problem by prioritising regular clean-ups of the canal and monitoring the tributary’s state.
“Residents of the Weltevreden residential areas have been complaining about the ongoing problem without resolve or remedial action,” said Smith.
“Apart from the foul stench and litter-ridden canal, we are forced to close our windows around 16:00 daily to prevent mosquitoes from entering our homes and pestering us throughout the night.”
Fellow resident Fatima Noor said amid the problem residents have been battling sleepless and restless nights. “Never before did we have this problem,” she said “If you drive past the canal at sunset, you will see dark clouds of mosquito swarms above the stagnant water in the canal. The mosquitoes seem to be immune to any preventative measures we take. Pensioners are forking out grocery money for insect repellant.”
Fellow resident Sedick Crombie said residents living in areas bordered by Hammond, Nolte and Oosterlig streets, extending from Fifth Street in Rusthof and beyond, are extremely frustrated and annoyed by the unacceptable situation due to the state of the canal and the associated problems. “The canal and its catchment area are neglected and mismanaged, resulting in numerous issues that significantly inconvenience neighbourhoods. The City of Cape Town bears the sole responsibility and authority for the management of the canal and its surrounding areas. Council’s mismanagement has led to severe consequences for the local community,” he said Among the issues residents endure, as detailed by Crombie, are the overwhelming and unbearable foul stench emanating from the canal, which prevents them from opening their windows during hot summer days, and stagnant water, primarily due to the lack of canal cleaning and removal of overgrown reeds
Crombie explained that the stagnant water creates a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes, which, in addition to causing frustration, has resulted in sleep deprivation for many residents.
“The stench and mosquito infestation pose significant health hazards, which, despite our persistent service requests to council, remain unresolved Our area is progressively degrading due to these
issues and other factors, including the lack of law enforcement presence, poorly maintained drainage systems, and frequent sewage overflows that persist for days without adequate response from the responsible authorities.”
Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee member for Water and Sanitation, said the build-up of solid waste and sludge in the river contributes to blockages, resulting in stagnant water that is also responsible for the mosquito problem and foul smells.
For context, Badroodien stated that the Soet River and its tributaries run through informal settlements of Nomzamo, Pholile Park and Masakhane where the majority of littering occurs. The waste emanating from these areas end up in the rivers and streams and, while attempts are made to remove the solid waste, a lot ends up flowing down the river.
“To bolster its existing cleaning interventions, the City has collated the Soet River Pollution Abatement Strategy and Action Plan (Pasap), which outlines multipronged efforts to help tackle chronic waste in a section of the river flowing through Lwandle and Nomzamo Due to ongoing illegal dumping, this section of the river unfortunately remains filled with solid waste despite cleaning interventions by the City,” said Badroodien.
He added that planned pollution interventions includes education, improved waste disposal, increased cleanups, illegal dumping monitoring, bioremediation, appointing river wardens, and toilet relocation.
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, as guided by Pasap, the City plans to invest in the installation of litter interceptors in the river to capture waste and debris before it reaches the ocean.
Badroodien also noted that the Soet River Catchment Management Forum (SRCMF), established last year, serves as an interactive multi-stakeholder team aimed at tackling the pollution in the river and improve its water quality. “We encourage the local community to get involved by attending forum meetings and becoming part of the change that we all want to see along the Soet River,” he urged
Badroodien further encouraged residents to log service requests via the City’s website or the call centre on 0860 103 089.
Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health, said the department takes note of the residents’ complaints and are busy investigating “Due to seasonal changes there is an increase in mosquitoes within the entire city,” she added “The City’s Environmental Health Pesticide Controls are currently not suitable for aquatic applications. Nature Conservation and Environmental Management must be consulted when environmentally sensitive areas are involved ”
The dirty, litter-ridden and alleged mosquito-infested stagnant waters of the smelly Soet River canal on the corner of Onverwacht Road and Broadway Boulevard in Strand. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
A token of appreciation
The Boland Islamic Council Women’s League (BICWL) hosted a “Thanksgiving” lunch at the Voortrekker Park Resort hall in Strand on Wednesday 26 February, where sponsors, volunteers and supporters of the annual Pink Walk for Cancer were acknowledged and appreciated through the handing over of certificates Members of the BICWL were proud to announce that R55 000 was raised at the Pink Walk for Cancer in aid of the Tygerberg Hospital Oncology Department Pictured (from left) are the proud Pink Ladies Amina Rhoda, Fozia Davids, Sumaya Gabier, Jaa-mee-lah Wessels, Nadia Henry and Julaigha Jackson Photos: Yaseen Gaffar
Sumaya Gabier with the news editor of DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette,
Old Sassa cards will work
Jamey Gordon
While many vulnerable community members continue to persevere amid the card migration crisis, there appears to have been some positive development for grant beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).
Following last week’s article highlighting the plight of Helderberg senior and disabled grant beneficiaries embarking on the process and experiencing system challenges, inadequate resources and inhumane conditions at the overburdened local service point for Sassa gold card to Postbank black card replacements (“Sassa ‘a disgrace’, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 26 February), the social security services leader has commenced with a programme to support Postbank with the problematic migration.
“Stemming from numerous recent site visits by Nokuzola Tolashe, national minister of Social Development, Sassa has commenced with a programme to support Postbank. This includes availing Sassa staff to assist at Postbank card replacement sites and arranging Method of Payment (MOP) outreach programmes that is scheduled until the cut-off date. Postbank and all other banks are invited to the outreaches for beneficiaries to either replace their current gold card with a black card or arrange with the banks to have their grants paid into their bank accounts,” stated Sassa spokesperson Clive Jansen. He acknowledged the reported problems at the local service point, further noting that, despite Postbank’s communication efforts, further communication with Sassa beneficiaries was necessary
Jansen also confirmed that Shoprite Strand is listed by Postbank as a live card replacement site in the Helderberg area, one among 21 operating in the province.
Asked how many beneficiaries in the Helderberg form part of the migration, Jansen responded: “According to Sassa records there were around 39 700 beneficiaries that required a card replacement at the beginning of the project.”
On the other hand, Jaco Londt, provincial minister of Social Development, welcomed Postbank’s proposed commitment to increasing the number of sites in the province to 70 within the next three weeks, as announced in a presentation to the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee, and in response to the severe issues at its initial Western Cape service points.
An image inserted in a media statement issued by Londt, depicted that 15 of a planned 36 sites are operational in the City of Cape Town.
“We have been repeatedly calling for a rapid expansion of services after seeing chaos across the province as Sassa grant beneficiaries desperately tried to get their cards replaced before the first deadline,” said Londt.
“[Previously], I said that we were
fighting for our fair share of increased service points. This was because Western Cape’s grant beneficiaries make up roughly 11% of total Sassa beneficiaries in the country, but the province was only allocated 7% of the Postbank service points.”
He explained that the disparity resulted in a disproportionately high number of outstanding card migrations, with every Western Cape service point expected to serve nearly three times the national average of beneficiaries.
While welcoming Postbank’s plan to increase service points and staff, Londt further expressed concern that the timeline may leave vulnerable residents without card replacements before the deadline (Thursday 20 March), possibly necessitating guaranteed outreach to these groups
Furthermore, beneficiaries who are yet to migrate to the new Postbank black card, can still use their Sassa gold cards for transactions during the grant payments run scheduled from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 March.
The gold cards will reportedly be disabled at 17:00 on Thursday 20 March, which the initial deadline of Friday 28 February was extended to.
Beneficiaries queuing at Shoprite Strand, the Postbank card replacement site in the Helderberg. Photo: Jamey Gordon/DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette
Julaigha Jackson of BICWL handed over a certificate of appreciation to Carl Gersbach of Strand Neighbourhood Watch
Jamey Gordon.
Connecting the H’berg community
Yaseen Gaffar
The Helderberg has a new voice on the airwaves with the launch of Radio Melkbaai.
Born from community discussions and a desire for a positive local platform, the station aims to serve both the Muslim and broader communities of the Helderberg area, including Sir Lowry’s Pass, Kramat, Sandvlei, and Macassar.
The idea for Radio Melkbaai arose from community leaders recognising the need for a station that authentically represented the “image” of the community. After months of planning, the vision became a reality about six months ago.
“The idea of a radio station came about by virtue of countless discussions from within the community, at various levels, by various community leaders, based on a sincere concern for the need of a positive voice from
the community to the community,” executive member of Radio Melkbaai, Abdullah Gabier, said The station, currently operating online at www melkbaai. co.za, is temporarily located in First Street, Strand, with plans to move to a permanent studio in Main Road, opposite the Friedman & Cohen building. While currently online, the station aspires to secure an FM frequency
Radio Melkbaai boasts a dedicated team, including founders Naym Daniels and Nur-Ali Baderoen, and a management team comprising Sheikh Naasiegh Latief, Ashfak Abrahams, Moulana Ghaliel Brinkhuis, Zaheer Bagus, Tahier Gabier, Rashaad Haynie, and Fadia, and Abdullah Gabier. Notably, the station has also trained 16 local youths in various radio skills, from presenting to engineering and journalism.
What sets Radio Melkbaai apart, according to its man-
agement, is its commitment to serving the Helderberg communities by broadcasting local news and engaging directly with residents.
“This radio station is unique in that it aims to serve the communities of Helderberg and the surrounding communities, through broadcasting perti-
Long-term, they plan to build revenue through advertising and project partnerships, aiming to stimulate the local economy.
Radio Melkbaai emphasises community involvement, with programming focused on local stories, events, and issues. They recently broadcasted live from events such as the Bo-
nity in order to take the radio and voice of the community to the community,” Gabier said. While enthusiastic about their mission, the station acknowledges challenges, particularly securing an FM license and maintaining financial stability. They invite community members and businesses to partner with them through advertising, projects, or contributions
Radio Melkbaai aims to be a vehicle for positive change, focusing on issues like youth unemployment, substance dependency, and gender-based violence They hope to connect the community with decision-makers and provide opportunities for local talent.
“We are exceptionally proud of what Radio Melkbaai has achieved already, and particularly on our youth colleagues in their progress, and contribution to something very special,” they said “To the community of Helderberg, we encourage you to commit to Radio Melkbaai’s success and the success of our
The Radio Melkbaai team comprises (back, from left) Suhayl Hassiem, Waseem Karan, Riezaan Thomas, Rizqah Fisher, Rifqah Fisher, Hamza Green, Adeeb Cassiem, Faghmie Wanza and Mischqa Thomas; (front) Shuaib Hanekom, Lateefa Tambala, Nur-Ayni Latief and Rafeeqah Daniels Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
vVBar ’n Februarie hegtenis beweerde plaasgevind Luidens beweerde Valentynsdag ’n nedersetting, Die ’n dwelms uitgebreek dagte het. bendeverbinte weldig haar was “Die die van dule-6-oortredi het
die The City of Cape Town invites residents and affected stakeholders to comment on the Draft Fares Policy
The Fares Policy for contracted road-based public transport (2015) sets out principles for structuring and implementing the City’s public transport fares for services under its control. The City currently operates the MyCiTi and Dial-a-Ride services.
The Fares Policy has been reviewed to investigate the appropriate fares structure for the City of Cape Town into the future A key outcome of the update to the Fares Policy is to consider changing from the current distance band-based fares structure to a zonal fares structure for all road-based public transport modes under the City’s jurisdiction.
The Draft Fares Policy aims to adjust the Fares Policy in order to:
• Simplify the fares system for passengers.
• Improve access to public transport by increasing the number of loading and payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, mobile phone payment apps, MyCiTi cards.
• Create a cheaper, simpler and more flexible fares system to operate, manage and maintain.
• Improve integration between public transport modes and services
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, recommendations or input to the municipality from 7 March 2025 to 7 April 2025
Comments, recommendations and input may be submitted by:
• E-mail: urbanmobility.CT@capetown.gov.za (stating ‘Draft Fares Policy’ in the subject line)
• Written submission: To all subcouncil offices and City libraries (marked Attention: ED: Urban Mobility, Draft Fares Policy)
• Digital submission at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people who cannot read or write people living with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups who are unable to submit written comments to have their objections recorded and submitted to the City Contact Zandile Mahlasela on Zandile.Mahlasela@capetown.gov.za or call 021 400 5501
The Draft Fares Policy is available on the City of Cape Town website: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
An executive summary will be available at subcouncil offices and libraries. Email Kapil.Singh@capetown gov za for technical queries or contact Kapil Singh on 021 400 9138 for further information.
LUNGELO MBANDAZAYO CITY MANAGER
CTA38/2025
HAVE YOUR SAY! DRAFT FARES POLICY
Seniorplayersrediscoveryourgame!
Jamey Gordon
There's a new kid on the block, aimed at bringing back netball to the basin (at senior level) in a big way!
Somerset Netball Club and Academy, operating from Curro Somerset West at Sitari Estate, provides a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels, fostering athletic excellence, personal growth, and lasting friendships
The trio comprising Johane du Plessis, Melanie Smith and Stella Scholtz, who not only played a key role in the establishment of the institution but are at the helm of operations too, noticed a gap in the Helderberg's netball scene to provide a formalised, structured club where senior players (16 years and older) could either enhance or continue their netball careers after school
The club's aims and objectives in a nutshell includes to develop players' skills and sportsmanship, promote healthy lifestyles, empower youth, engage with the broader community, and offer competitive playing opportunities through structured training and programmes
Beyond typical sports clubs, Somerset Netball Club distinguishes itself through its commitment to community, holistic player development, youth empowerment via accredited programmes, and provision of diverse competitive opportunities What's more, the club has partnered with Curro Somerset West to support the school's netball development for senior players enrolled at the school
The club's training programme encompasses two key areas, strength and conditioning to ensure team members meet required fitness levels, and gameplay training, which focuses on enhancing individual and team strategic abilities on the court
Bringing her expertise to the netball court is Du Plessis, a qualified personal
trainer and a Netball South Africa (NSA) accredited umpire, who heads up the team's strength and conditioning training The seasoned coach boasts years of player experience and has represented Namibia at both a national and international level at various tournaments
Spearheading the development of players' gameplay skills is fellow coach
Lauren van Dyk, who sports with regional and provincial playing experience in both outdoor and indoor netball
Furthermore, the club aims to stays relevant through ensuring that coaches regularly engage in upskilling themselves by attending the latest NSA accredited courses
Players, on the other hand, have two main modes through which they can compete, either by joining the team that plays in the Cape Winelands league or
joining the social netball team comprising members of a local social league once a week
"We are proud to be a vibrant and inclusive netball club, dedicated to developing players of all ages and skill levels
Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced player, our club fosters a supportive environment where everyone can grow, compete, and thrive Join us in building a strong, connected community through teamwork, respect, and passion for the game Together, we can achieve great things both on and off the court!" extends the club trio
As a growing institution, the recently established club currently boasts 15 members and welcomes any aspirant netball players aged 16 years and older
To join, simply contact the club on 083 736 4753 to obtain the registration forms
Locals dominate this time around
Somerset West Cricket Club (SWCC) delivered a dominant performance against Edgemead CC in their First Division B clash, securing a comfortable eight-wicket victory thanks to a magnificent unbeaten century from Jean de Wet.
Edgemead, batting first, posted a competitive 265/10 in 49.4 overs. For SWCC, Nigel Dirkse, Jaco Venter and Jean de Wet each picked up two wickets. In response, SWCC’s batting line-up proved too strong for Edgemead’s bowlers. De Wet anchored the innings with a masterful 120* including a flurry of boundaries. He was ably supported by Scott Innes (73*) and Paul Castignani (27).
SWCC chased the target of 266 down with ease, reaching 269 for the loss of just two wickets in
46.5 overs. SWCC play a double-header this weekend as they face Bishop Lavis CC at Radloff Park on Saturday and travel to UCT on Sunday.
In first Division D, Helderberg CC (HCC) snatched a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Mitchells Plain CC in an away-encounter. Helderberg’s attack, spearheaded by Gary-Jon Sylvester (3/17) and Aidan Salie (3/18), restricted Mitchells Plain to 119 in 43.1 overs
Chasing 120 for victory, Sylvester top-scored with a crucial 38 as HCC eventually scrambled over the line, reaching 120/9 in 39.2 overs. HCC will be on the road this weekend, taking on Fish Hoek CC Fellow First Division D outfit Strand CC will play also be in action against Bellville South CC at Gustrouw.
Sokkerklub vir vroue bekengestel
Die Excelsior Ladies Football Academy is Saterdagoggend, 1 Maart, by die Gustrouw-sportgrond in die Strand bekendgestel. Die akademie is ‘n lewenslange droom van voorsitter, Megan Meyer, wat weer tot lewe gekom het nadat die jong, Gia Debiparsard, gevra het waarom daar nie ‘n sokkerspan vir meisies in die Strand is nie Meyer, ’n voormalige speler, was moeg daarvoor dat vrouesokker steeds ’n agterste sitplek teenoor hul manlike eweknieë inneem. Sy sê die span het ten doel om nie net spelers se vaardighede op die veld te verbeter nie, maar ook hul indiensneembaarheid en lewensvaardighede te bevorder Sy het nou ‘n groot droom vir die akademie en hoop om die span in die Hollywoodbets Superliga, die hoogste vlak van vroueverenigingsokker in Suid-Afrika, te sien speel Die akademie is oop vir alle vroue en meisies tussen agt en vyf-en-veertig jaar oud wat belangstel in die sport Hulle fokus op spelers- en afrigterontwikkeling volgens hul leuse: Streef na uitnemendheid, deur hul kernwaardes van professionaliteit, respek, en integriteit.
Die akademie se junior span se uitrusting is ook tydens die bekendstelling onthul deur Gia Debiparsad, die inspirasie agter die klub, en Megan Meyer
Show your mettle and develop your skill as part of the vibrant Somerset West Netball Club and Academy team.
Show your mettle and develop your skill as part of
SPORT
Woensdag,5Maart2025
Masters tennis action
The 2025 SA Masters Tennis Nationals is well underway at the Strand Tennis Club and Recreation Tennis Club, having started on Saturday 1 March It finishes on Wednesday 5 March with an array of finals that were yet undetermined at the time of going to print
Overcomingobstacles
Yaseen Gaffar
A team of six athletes from Cape Town, including two from the Helderberg, recently made history when they competed in the “Battle of the Cities” category of the prestigious Dubai Games.
Conrad Herbst of Strand and Trevor Lagerwey of Somerset West joined Jan de Beer, Sabrina Daolio, Richard Fraser, and Ashley Benatar, to face off against 50 teams from around the globe.
Herbst (29), who grew up in Strand and runs a local bakery while training hybrid athletes, described the experience as ‘incredible.’
With over 10 years of experience in obstacle course racing (OCR) and multiple national podium finishes, Herbst was thrilled to represent South Africa.
“The chance to represent South Africa on such a prestigious international stage was an incredible motivator,” Herbst said.
The South African team aimed for a top-four finish, and while the competition was fierce, the camaraderie among the athletes was a highlight.
Herbst emphasised the honour of being part of the first South African team to compete in the Dubai Games. “It’s exciting to think that we’ve set a precedent,” he said. His training focused on strength, agility, endurance, and obstacle technique, both physically and mentally.
The most challenging aspect was adapting to unfamiliar obstacles, requiring adaptability and resilience The highlight for Herbst was the Burj Khalifa
Team SA flies the flag in Dubai
climb, where teams of five, tethered together and wearing 10 kg vests, ascended 160 floors.
“It was an exhilarating challenge,” he said Herbst learned the universality of athlete drive and determination, and stressed the importance of mental toughness. He hopes their participation will inspire more South African athletes to pursue OCR. The team has already been invited to
next year’s games, with plans to refine techniques and improve their Burj Khalifa time.
excelling in OCR, winning the South African championships twice, and more recently was the winner on SABC3’s reality TV show Tropica Island of Treasure on the island of Curacao, as well as the Toyota 4x4 Fortuner Challenge on SuperSport.
Lagerwey was inspired to participate due to his long-standing involvement in the OCR community. Despite a severe ankle injury eight weeks before the event, he felt honoured to be part of the pioneering South African team.
“Being an OCR athlete, you prepare yourself in training for the unexpected,” Lagerwey said, focusing on grip strength, power-to-weight training, and cardiovascular fitness. For him, the most challenging aspect was the high-level teamwork required.
The athlete hotel, where teams from around the world mingled, was a highlight for Lagerwey. He learned the importance of not judging a book by its cover and witnessed incredible human talent.
Due to his injury, he sat out the Burj Khalifa climb but plans to participate next year
“IT’S EXCITING TO THINK THAT WE HAVE SET A PRESIDENT”
“Stay consistent, train hard, and never lose sight of your goals,” Herbst advised aspiring athletes Lagerwey (39), head of Athletic Training at the Virgin Active national head office, also shared his experiences. Growing up in White River, Mpumalanga, Lagerwey competed in hockey and tennis before
Lagerwey emphasised the team’s ability and teamwork, but noted they could improve on urgency and risk-taking. He hopes to compete again, stressing the need for a rigorous selection process to form the best team.
“Don’t give up on your dream,” Lagerwey advised, highlighting the importance of clear focus and hard work. He hopes the exposure from the Dubai Games will revitalise OCR in South Africa after the challenges of Covid-19.
The SA team in Dubai are Richard Fraser, Trevor Lagerwey, Sabrina Daolio, Ashley Benatar, Conrad Herbst, and Jan De Beer (team captain)
Pictured left is Carla Botha in action. Photos: Peter Bee Strand local Renier le Roux shows off his backhand.