Damleaseclarified
JanaScheepers
An 879-ha stretch of land surrounding the Berg River Dam in Franschhoek has been leased to the Berg River Dam Adventure Tourism Company (BRDATC), which is currently upgrading the area for outdoor recreation
The move sparked public concern, particularly at a meeting held last Monday (3 November), when some residents argued that the land should remain untouched by construction or other interventions
Reghard Goussard, director of the BRDATC, told residents that the lease presented an opportunity to make the area safer, assuring them that access would be monitored and controlled
According to Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the national Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the land surrounding the dam “is registered in the name of the national government of South Africa and is in favour in the DWS”
He said the lease of the land to BRDATC is currently “under re-review by the department to exclude departmental infrastructure such as buildings and operating facilities”
The lease is valid for nine years and 11 months from 28 February 2024, with no extension option or automatic renewal clause
Goussard said BRDATC began its lease application in 2020 and “started executing [their] lease condition in March of this year”
The broader development around the Berg River Dam was branded as the “ARC of Franschhoek”, an acronym for Architectural Regeneration Collective, a creative nod to Noah’s Ark, he explained “The purpose of the lease [to BRDATC] is to provide opportunities for recreational activities to the community and/or visitors in the area concerned, and provide access to the dam for the purpose of picnicking, participation in water sports and recreation,” Mavasa pointed out
DEVELOPMENTPLANS
Goussard said progress is ongoing across multiple fronts on the land around the Berg River Dam
Key activities include:
Berg River Dam set for outdoor fun
•repairing existing fencing and access control infrastructure;
•restoration and repurposing of gates and security installations with CCTV and access management;
•removal of derelict and unsafe structures and signage;
•upgrading of access roads in consultation with the necessary governing bodies;
•preparation for the refurbishment of Bell’s Lodge (pending vacancy);
•implementation of a site-development plan (SDP), including environmental assessments, water-use licensing and approvals for a small-scale sewage treatment system, rock pools, and upgraded slipway access; and
•closure of unauthorised access routes and infrastructure repairs to the dam wall, pending DWS and Department of Public Works assistance
According to Mavasa the lease did not go through a public-participation process, as it was an “unsolicited bid for a tourist lease,” as Goussard described it at the public meeting
At the same meeting additional development plans were shared, including upgrades to the multi-use trails, the possible establishment of a restaurant and the addition of camping or glamping sites as well as a designated area for launching
boats into the dam The site will still be dog-friendly, Goussard added
The BRDATC is yet to finalise entrance fees for the area that is currently being fenced off, he added BRDATC “did not apply for the lease of the land to make profit”, Goussard told locals, adding that accommodation plans would likely help sustain the project financially
Currently access to the area remains unregulated, but this is expected to change as BRDATC is currently finalising access control
COMMUNITYINVOLVEMENT
The project has already created employment for 12 residents of Mooiwater, with the aim of expanding to 20 through the Community Participation Programme this month, as outlined in the lease addendum between DWS and BRDATC, Goussard said
Additionally, a Mooiwater resident has been appointed as a director of the non-profit company (NPC) SA Trails Network, which has been contracted to upgrade the 66 km multi-use trails around the dam Goussard is the founder of the NPC.
“Trail infrastructure such as signage, trailheads, rest points and accessibility
upgrades will also be undertaken, while the trail design will prioritise water-conservation awareness and biodiversity education,” Goussard pointed out
“Alien vegetation clearing and ecological rehabilitation work will also be undertaken Long-term ecological monitoring of the area will be undertaken under CapeNature’s oversight ” SA Trails Network aims to create eight to 15 full-time jobs in trail management and more than 50 seasonal jobs
The upgraded trail system is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026, with the NPC anticipating a 40 to 50% increase in visitation within a year of its launch
Local tourism organisation Franschhoek Wine Valley (FWV) announced its conditional support for the project “FWV supports the foundational principles of the BRDATC project and acknowledges the potential value it holds for the region,” said FWV CEO Ruth Mccourt
“Our support is conditional on mutual agreement and ongoing alignment with community interests, as outlined in our recent communication with the leaseholder FWV has committed to serving as a communications bridge, ensuring clear, consistent messaging and fostering trust across all stakeholder groups ”
The Berg River Dam will soon be home to an area for outdoor recreation
Photo: Reghard Goussard
A sign was recently erected close to the Berg River Dam, marking it a restricted area.
Photo: Stop the Franschhoek Skytram/Facebook
Early start prompts prevention call
Tasmin Cupido
More than 100 firefighters employed by the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CDWM) are geared up to battle blazes in the district during the annual fire season.
But municipal fire service officials are calling on communities to play their part in fire prevention, education and reporting as well.
Fire season officially started in the Western Cape on Saturday 1 November, and will run until 30 April 2026.
However, fire season in the district seemed to have an early onset, with CDWM Fire Services responding to 112 fire calls throughout October alone “Although only three of these were larger fires – in Drakenstein, Witzenberg and on the border of the Langeberg and Overberg – that ran over a few days. The total number of hours worked was 1 099 man hours spent fighting fires and a total of 170 777 km travelled by a variety of fire vehicles,” said CWDM spokesperson JoAnne Otto.
She confirmed no extensive damage to property or crops were reported
HANDSONDECK
the district which people visit for its natural beauty, but there are often no braai facilities. It is illegal to make a fire where no facilities are available, even more so on hot summer days People are advised to rather pack a picnic instead of a braai.”
In the case of venues with braai facilities, Otto said people often do not properly extinguish braai fires or leftover coals, which can lead to embers being picked up by the wind and eventually igniting nearby dry brush. “The braai fire needs to be extinguished using water and sand. There should be no warmth from the braai at all ”
PLAYYOURPART
Otto said another concern experienced last year, is children being left to play with matches without any form of supervision or making a small fire as part of a game in velds near their homes “This is very dangerous as it takes only takes the smallest flame to set alight dry veld.
This mantra is evident in the number of firefighting partnerships in which the
The CDWM Fire Service is responsible for fire prevention and fighting across five municipal areas: Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Breederivier, Langeberg at CWDM, said: “No fire is won by one individual Success and the protection of lives and livelihood is due to the combined efforts made by an integrated team of knowledgeable, well-equipped, suitably trained and dedicated people working together in a disciplined way.”
cial Disaster Risk Management Centre, Winelands Fire Protection Association, local municipalities, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and the Montagu Volunteer Fire Group. “Importantly, besides these partnerships, the CWDM Fire Services are reliant on the services of local and provincial traffic departments and other emergency services as well,” Otto said.
“Parents need inform their children that playing with matches can destroy not only their own, but many other people's homes.”
CWDM called on all residents of the district to assist in fire prevention and mitigation.
Anyone can and must report the blaze in the Cape Winelands around-the-clock by calling 021 887 4446 or sending a WhatsApp message
Photo: Jamey Gordon
Ongeluk eis
jong pa (36)
Yaël Malgas
’n Vriend duisend met ’n liefde vir mense – dis hoe
Lyntin Carstens onthou sal word. Carstens (36) is die afgelope naweek dood nadat hy in ’n botsing op die R44 naby die N1-afrit betrokke was Carstens was welbekend vir sy liefde vir motors en lid van die Stellies Car Enthusiasts Dié liefde het hy van sy werktuigkundige-pa geërf Saam het pa en seun destyds gereeld saam aan motors gewerk
Gheata Oliver, Carstens se jonger suster, sê haar ouboet was ’n staatmaker, vriendelik en was beskermend oor sy geliefdes
Volgens sers Wesley Twigg, ’n provinsiale polisiewoordvoerder, het die botsing tussen die twee voertuie Saterdag (8 November) omstreeks 22:30 gebeur Hy het bevestig albei bestuurders is op die toneel dood verklaar. ’n Saak van manslag word tans ondersoek
Dié botsing volg kort op die motorongeluk op dieselfde pad waarin ’n bejaarde egpaar van Klapmuts – Thomas en Anne-Marié Rossouw – op Saterdag 25 Oktober oorlede is
Wyle Lyntin Carstens
Veiligheid aanlyn bespreek
Yaël Malgas
“Jy sal nooit toelaat dat jou kind met ’n vreemdeling op straat praat nie; hoekom laat ons dit dan toe wanneer dit aanlyn gebeur?”
Jongmense en hul aanlyn gedrag was Vrydag (7 November) die fokus van A21 en plaaslike rolspelers se paneelbespreking in die lig van mensehandel. A21 is ’n internasionale organisasie wat bewusmaking om mensehandel skep en diegene help wat uit die misdryf ontsnap het.
Volgens Melissa Visser, ’n plaaslike koördineerder vir A21, gebeur dit te gereeld dat ouers nie bewus is van wat hul kinders aanlyn doen nie.
“Baie keer dink mense hulle moet op hul hoede wees vir wat hul tieners aanlyn doen, maar die werklikheid is kinders so jonk as drie jaar speel en geb-
ruik die internet,” verduidelik Visser. In studies is bevind jongmense bring tot nege uur per dag aanlyn deur. Dit los die deur oop vir sekspeste om maklik en vinnig met kinders ’n band te vorm.
Volgens A21 gebruik sekspeste alle sosialemediaplatfroms – van WhatsApp tot aanlyn speletjies – om “vriende te maak”. “Sextortion” het die afgelope paar jaar ’n algemene misdryf geword
Kwaaddoeners “maak vriende” met kinders aanlyn en nadat hulle met die kinders vertroue opgebou het, raak die gesels al hoe meer intiem
Die kwaaddoeners oorreed die kinders om naakfoto’s van hulself te stuur en omdat kinders meen hulle praat met iemand van hul eie ouderdom, ’n “vriend”, stuur hulle die foto’s. Nadat hulle die foto’s ontvang het, eis die kwaaddoeners geld en dreig om andersins die foto vir die slagoffers se
ouers of vriende te stuur. Veral seuns word glo met die lokval uitgebuit.
Volgens Carien de Klerk van Good Hope-sielkundige dienste is alle kinders kwesbaar vir aanlyn lokvalle juis omdat jongmense op soek is na vriendskap en ’n groep om aan te behoort. “Ouers moenie dink omdat hulle ’n ‘gelukkige’ gesin is, so iets nie met hulle kan gebeur nie.”
De Klerk, wie se organisasie in Paarl en Stellenbosch werk, sê wanneer ’n jongmens afgepers word, gebruik die kwaaddoeners skaamte om ’n greep op die kinders te hou.
Le-Anne Simon van StellCare sê daarom is bewusmaking die grootste teenwig vir aanlyn-misdrywe. “Hierdie misdrywe gebeur hier in Stellenbosch. Ons as ouers het ’n verantwoordelikheid om onsself met inligting te bemagtig. Ons moet met die kinders praat en ’n veilige ruimte vir hulle skep,” sê Simon.
Kinders en tieners se veiligheid op die internet is die afgelope Vrydag (7 November) deur plaaslike rolspelers by ’n sessie van A21 bespreek Die rolspelers (van links) is Madri Schuch (Youth4Life), Carien de Klerk (Good Hope-sielkudige dienste), Le-Anne Simon (StellCare), Melissa Visser (A21) en Carol van Zyl (Stellenbosch Thuthuzela-sorgsentrum) Foto: Yaël Malgas
Volgens Madri Schuch van die Helderbergse organisasie Youth4Life, is die werklikheid dat indien ouers nie inligting oor hul kinders verskaf nie, jongmense dit op ’n ander plek gaan soek. Enigeen wat meer wil weet oor aanlynveiligheid kan A21.org besoek
NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS
in terms of the National Environmental Management Act 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) as amended (NEMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014, as amended, for the follow ng proposed project: BASICASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR THE PROPOSED REMOVALOF INDIGENOUS VEGETATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OFARESIDENTIALDWELLING ON PORTION 1 OF THE FARM RUSTENBERG NO. 53, STELLENBOSCH REGISTRATION DIVISION, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
DEA&DPReference Number: 16/3/3/6/7/1/B4/45/1370/25
ProjectProposal:TheApplicant,RustenVredeTrust proposestoclearvegetationonPortion1oftheFarmRustenberg No.53,StellenboschRegistrationDivision(RD),towardstheconstructionofaresidentialdwelling.
Applicant:RustenVredeTrust
Location:Portion1ofFarmNo.53,StellenboschRD,islocatedbetweenStellenboschandKylemoreonthesouth-western slopeoftheSimonsbergMountain,itisaccessibleviaexistingfarmroadsontheTokaraEstate.
Application for environmental authorisation to undertake the following activity in terms of the NEMA EIA Regulations,2014,asamended:ListingNotice3(GNNo.R.324):Activity12. Documentsavailableforcomment:ThePre-ApplicationDraftBasicAssessment(BA)Reportwillbeavailableforpublic commentfromThursday,13November2025toTuesday,6January2026.AcopyoftheReportwillbeavailableforpublic review and comment at the Idas Valley Municipal Library 33 Sonnebloem Street Idasvallei Stellenbosch (Tel: 021 808 8394),aswellasonthefollowingwebsite:www.cornerstoneenviro.co.za Pleasenotethatallinformationsubmittedbyinterestedandaffectedparties(I&APs)willbecomepublicinformation. OpportunitytoParticipate:MembersofthepublicareinvitedtoregisterasI&APsand/ortosubmitwrittencommentson the Pre-Application Draft BA Report via e-mail or phone to Cornerstone Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd. Any submissionsbyI&APsshouldpleaseincludetheI&AP’sname,contactdetails(postaladdressande-mailaddress) andan indication of any direct business, financial, personal or other interest, which they may have in the application. Only registeredI&APswillbenotifiedduringtheremainderofthispublicparticipationprocess.
Protection of Personal Information: We assume that you consent to the processing of your personal information as contemplatedintheProtectionofPersonalInformationAct4of2013(POPIA)byCornerstoneEnvironmentalConsultants (Pty) Ltd. as the appointed Environmental Assessment Practitioner for this project if you participate in the Public ParticipationProcessfortheabovementionedproject.Pleasenotifyusifyouarenotinagreement DateofAdvertisement:Thursday,13November2025intheEikestadnuus. Formoreinformation,ortoregisterasanI&AP,and/ortosubmitcomments,pleasefindcontactdetailsbelow
KENNISGEWING VAN ‘N PUBLIEKE DEELNAME PROSES
in terme van die Wet op Nasionale Omgewingsbestuur 1998 (Wet No. 107 van 1998), soos gewysig (“Wet op Nasionale Omgewingsbestuur”) en die Omgewings-impakstudieregulasies van 2014, soos gewysig, van die volgende projek: BASIESEASSESSERINGSPROSES VIR DIE VOORGESTELDE VERWYDERING VAN INHEEMSE PLANTEGROEI VIR DIE BOU VAN 'N WOONHUIS OPGEDEELTE 1 VAN DIE PLAAS RUSTENBERG NO. 53, STELLENBOSCH REGISTRASIE-AFDELING, WES-KAAPPROVINSIE
DOS&OB Verwysingsnommer: 16/3/3/6/7/1/B4/45/1370/25
Projekvoorstel:DieAansoeker RustenVredeTrust,beoogomplantegroeiopGedeelte1vandiePlaasRustenbergNr 53,StellenboschRegistrasie-Afdeling(RA),teverwyder,virdiebouvan'nresidensiëlewoning.
Aansoeker:RustenVredeTrust
Ligging: Gedeelte 1 van Plaas Nr 53, Stellenbosch RA, is geleë tussen Stellenbosch en Kylemore op die suidwestelike hellingvanSimonsberg,enistoeganklikviabestaandeplaaspaaieopdieTokara-landgoed Aansoek vir omgewingsmagtiging om ‘n gelysde aktiwiteit te onderneem in terme van die Wet op Nasionale OmgewingsbestuurendieOmgewingsimpakstudieregulasiesvan2014 soosgewysig:Lystingskennisgewing3(RK No R.324):Aktiwiteit12.
Dokument beskikbaar vir kommentaar: DieVooraansoekKonsepBasieseAssesseringsverslag(Pre-ApplicationDraft Basic Assessment Report) sal beskikbaar wees vir publieke kommentaar vanaf Donderdag, 13 November 2025 tot Dinsdag, 6 Januarie 2026. 'n Afskrif van die Verslag sal beskikbaar wees vir besigtiging by die Idasvallei Munisipale Biblioteek, Sonnebloemstraat 33, Idasvallei, Stellenbosch (Tel: 021 808 8394), asook op die volgende webwerf: www.cornerstoneenviro.co.za
Neem asseblief kennis dat alle inligting/kommentaar wat deur belanghebbende en/of geaffekteerde partye (B&GPe) ingedienword,publiekeinligtingsalword. Geleentheid om deel te neem: Lede van die publiek word uitgenooi om te registreer as B&GPe en/of om skriftelike kommentaarteleweropdiebogenoemdeverslag,pere-posoftelefoonaanCornerstoneOmgewingskonsultante(Edms) Bpk.SkriftelikevoorleggingsdeurB&GPemoetdievolgendeinsluit:dieB&GPsenaam,kontakbesonderhede(posadres en e-pos adres), en ‘n aanduiding van enige direkte besigheids-, finansiële-, persoonlike of ander belange wat hul in die aansoek mag hê. Slegs geregistreerde B&GPe sal in kennis gestel word gedurende die res van die publieke deelnameproses. Beskerming van persoonlike inligting: Ons aanvaar dat u instem tot die verwerking van u persoonlike inligting soos vervat in die Wet op die Beskerming van Persoonlike Inligting van 2013 (POPIA) deur Cornerstone Environmental Consultants (Edms) Bpk., as die aangestelde Omgewingsevalueringspraktisyn vir hierdie projek, indien u deelneem aan dieOpenbareDeelnameprosesvirdiebogenoemdeprojek.Stelonsassebliefinkennisindienuniehiermeesaamstemnie. DatumvanAdvertensie:Donderdag,13November2025indieEikestadnuus.
Vir meer inligting, om te registreer as ‘n B&GP, en/of om kommentaar in te dien, sien kontak-besonderhede hieronder
| Email: mari@cornerstoneenviro.co.za | Web: www.cornerstoneenviro.co.za
Art Mile celebrates one year
The Stellenbosch Art Mile, along the Eerste River’s banks, celebrated its first birthday with cake, individual ones for guests to decorate, and bubbles at Eerste Kafee.
The Art Mile is a collaborative project born from Clara Babette, Ben-Carl Havemann, Andi Norton and Hanlé Hill
An extended space was created on the banks of the Eerste River, between the pedestrian bridge at Krige Street at Markötter up to the Coetzenburg Bridge.
The Art Mile was officially opened to the public on 2 October 2024.
Havemann reminded those present at the celebrations last Thursday (6 November) the aim of the Mile is to create a public experience that’s open, free and shared. Currently the work of 16 artists can be seen and experienced at the 22 sites along the river bank.
The cake and sweet treats were provided by the Cake Canteen.
Estates globally recognised
Four Western Cape wine estates, among them two in Stellenbosch and one in the Franschhoek Valley, have been recognised on the extended World’s 50 Best Vineyards list for 2025, showcasing the region’s excellence in wine tourism Tokara Wine and Olive Estate and Delaire Graff Estate, both in Stellenbosch, La Motte Wine Estate (Franschhoek) and Hamilton Russell Vineyards (Hemel-enAarde) all featured on the coveted global list.
Dr Ivan Meyer, provincial minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, expressed his pride in the province’s achievements, adding his congratulations to Stellenbosch-based Township & Village and the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre in Yzerfontein for their awards at the Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 in London last Monday (3 November).
Township & Village was awarded Silver in the Peace, Understanding & Inclusion category, while the West Coast
Dumas pryk in Paryse museum
Yaël Malgas
Marlene Dumas is een van die grootste skilders van ons tyd... en haar werk word beskou as ’n ruimte om verskillende sensitiwiteite en oorspronge bymekaar te bring.
Haar werk is ’n repertorium van maniere van skilder en teken, sowel as ’n uitnodiging om ons menslikheid te konfronteer.
Só meen Laurence des Cars, president-direkteur van die Louvre-museum in Parys, oor Dumas, wat die eerste kontemporêre vrouekunstenaar geword het wie se werk deel van die Franse museum se permanente versameling geword het.
Dumas (72) se alma mater, die Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, het hul trots oor hul oudleerder gedeel. “Nóg ’n pluimpie vir die meesterlike Marlene Dumas (matriek 1971) – sekerlik ons bekendste oudleerder. Wat ’n inspirasie is sy nie vir alle vroue nie? Welgedaan, Marlene!” het die skool op sy sosiale media laat weet.
Dumas het in Kuilsrivier grootgeword, maar werk en woon die afgelope vier dekades in Nederland. Haar werk
centre received Gold in the Increasing Local Sourcing & Creating Shared Value category (“T&V on global map”, Eikestadnuus, 6 November).
“These accolades underscore the Western Cape’s unwavering commitment to excellence in tourism and wine,” Meyer pointed out.
“They reflect the innovation, resilience, and dedication of our local communities and businesses. We remain committed to driving sustainable growth and inclusivity across the province.”
The esteemed wine estates offer visitors world-class experiences that blend breathtaking landscapes, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality, further cementing the province’s reputation as a premier wine tourism destination
“The Western Cape government extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and looks forward to continued success in positioning the province as a global leader in responsible and wine tourism.”
het vroeër vanjaar opspraak gemaak nadat een van haar skilderye, Miss January, in Mei vir $13,6 miljoen verkoop is – die meeste nog wat aan ’n vroulike, lewende kunstenaar betaal is Dumas se werk vir die Louvre bestaan uit nege portrette en hang teen die muur van die Porte des Lions-atrium. Dumas bieg sy weet nie mooi wie die gesigte is wat sy vir Liaisons geskilder het nie.
“My gesigte is ’n mengsel van die verlede en die hede. Ek kan nie die gruwels van die voortdurende volksmoorde van ons tyd direk skilder nie, maar hul skaduwees het wel die stemming beïnvloed waaronder hierdie gesigte gemaak is Portrette handel oor gelykenis en die herkenning van bekende mense. Gesigte handel oor die naamloses,” het sy luidens ’n verklaring oor haar werk gesê Dumas se uitstalling in die Louvre is veral gepas aangesien sy gereeld in dié Europese museum inspirasie gevind het. Sy weet party mense sal sekerlik vra hoekom juis haar werk in die wêreldbekende galery uitgestal word, maar sy sê haar antwoord is eenvoudig: “Omdat sy my gevra het. Jy wil nie nee sê wanneer Laurence des Cars jou vra nie.”
Die kunstenaar Marlene Dumas.
Maliwa Asiphilele, Simlindile Gomeni, Msophi Ayabonga and Mfazwe Mziwamaoloda of the Stellenbosch Trail Fund, who keep the Art Mile neat, tidy and accessible to visitors had their own cake to decorate for the birthday celebrations.
Cake Canteen co-founder Jandri van Zyl makes sure every cake is ready to be decorated by guests
Photos: Yaël Malgas
Mulanga Khangale, Tarryn Plaatjies, Ruth Benson and Natalia Smit show off their cake creations as part of the birthday celebrations
‘Gesels’ maak Kaapse draai
Ná meer as ses jaar se suksesvolle Gesels-aanbiedinge bring Nataniël dié snelgroeiende projek uiteindelik na die Kaap, met dié leefstylpraatjie wat op Saterdag 22 November by die Drostdy-teater in Stellenbosch aangebied word.
Soos elke vorige jaar het Gesels 2025 ’n unieke tema: “Die ratkas van ’n keuse” Op of af? Reg of verkeerd? Links of regs? Eet ek dit of los ek dit? Loop ek of bly ek?
Met elke keuse is daar ’n masjien met ’n miljoen ratte wat sy werk moet doen – van jou ingebore neigings tot
jou opvoeding, omgewing, oortuigings, invloede en gesondheid, vervul elkeen ’n rol in elke keuse wat gemaak word Kyk hoe lyk ons wêreld – die resultaat van keuses!
Hoe ver strek die gevolge van ’n vinnige besluit? Is alles dan belangrik? Hoe ontspan ek ooit weer?
Hierdie onderskatte daad word van alle kante bekyk met insiggewende, skreeusnaakse en verrassende ontdekkings
Met stories, deernis, vrae, antwoorde, vermaaklikheid, eerlikheid, persoonlike oortuiging en alle erns takel Nataniël weer eens ’n yslike onderwerp
Collab set to delight audiences
Audiences will be transported into a world of nostalgia, rhythm, wonder and connection when Zip Zap Circus teams-up with the iconic Freshlyground (pictured) for Take Me Home, a once-in-a-lifetime stage production that fuses circus artistry with live music The show will light up the Artscape Opera House with five electrifying performances from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November Take Me Home brings the world-class acrobatics and choreography of Zip Zap’s seasoned performers and Freshlyground’s vibrant sound together. Each performance supports the sustainability of the circus. The show will be staged at 19:30 on Friday and Saturday, 17:00 on Sunday, and 14:00 on Saturday and 13:00 on Sunday Book online through Webtickets
Gehoorlede kan vrae vooraf in ’n houer plaas en Nataniël bespreek hierdie kwessies dan van die verhoog af – ’n hoogtepunt vir vele!
Die 90-minute-praatjie begin om 15:30 Geen kinders onder 14 jaar word toegelaat nie ’n Kaalkopwinkel met boeke, keramiek, geskenke, kerse, musiek en kombuisolies sal in die foyer beskikbaar wees Kaartjies kos R310 elk; bespreek jou plek aanlyn deur Webtickets
Nataniël bring vandeesmaand sy gewilde Gesels 2025-leefstylpraatjie na die Drostdy-teater
Dorpskalender | Town calendar
SATURDAY15NOVEMBER
Stellenbosch:Thee’BoschHeritage Project,incollaborationwiththe StellenboschAcademyofSportandCSV Construction,invitespeopleinterestedin developingskillsinsportscoachingtoa sportsandrecreationcoachingandtrainingworkshopatMARKÖTTERINDOOR FACILITY.Successfulcandidateswill beissuedcertificatesafterthepractical assessment,whichwillbecompletedat adatetobeannounced RSVPtoBelinda Fosteronheritage ebosch@gmail com or0834021856(WhatsApp),orLeticia Petersenon0839873597
Stellenbosch:TheKINGDOMFIRE CHURCHwillhostGod’sDesignfor Connectionwiththespeakersprof Vernon, headofinternalmedicineatUniversity Stellenbosch andhiswife physiotherapist HymneLouw Theirteachingon“attachment”isrootedinself-study,neurological
insightand30yearsofmentoring The sessionisfrom14:00to18:00andwill beheldatthechurchinTheWoodmill, VredenburgRoad VisitQuicketformandatorybooking
FRIDAY21NOVEMBER
DevonValley:TheROTARYCLUBOF STELLENBOSCHwillhostawinetasting eventwithapurposeattheDevonValley Hotelat17:00 Theeventisinsupportof educationinStellenbosch,andincludes threetastings,aglassofyourchoiceand snacks TicketsareR275perperson Email Jackieonpr@rotarystellenbosch org zafor moreinformation
DONDERDAG27NOVEMBER
Cloetesville:DieCLOETESVILLEGEMEENSKAPSPOLISIËRINGSFORUM nooidiegemeenskapnasyjaarvergaderingom18:30byStellCare
SATERDAG29NOVEMBER
Stellenbosch:DisweertydvirdiejaarlikseDUITSEKERSMARK,’nuniekegeleentheidvirKersinkopiesmet’nEuropese inslag!HandgemaakteKersfeesversieringsenadventskranse,geskenkartikels, Bratwurstenaartappelslaai,Kersgebak enanderDuitselekkernyesaltekoop wees Ditvindvan09:00tot13:00bydie Evangelies-LutherseGemeenteStellenbosch-Somerset-WesinHofmeyrstraat plaas Toegangisgratis Stuure-posna info@lutheranstellenbosch co zaofskakel 0218875030virnoginligting
SATURDAY13ANDTUESDAY 16DECEMBER
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NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR A BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN RESPECTIVE TO THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT (NEMA), ACT NO. 107 OF 1998, ERF 387, STELLENBOSCH, WESTERN CAPE.
Notice is hereby given of the public participation process in terms of the Nat onal Environmenta Management Act (“NEMA”), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (“NEMA”) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) regulations, 2014 (as amended). SEC has been appointed by the applicant VredenheimPark(Pty)Ltd.Theapplicantproposestodevelop a mixed-use deve opment on a portion of Erf 387 Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The total development footprint of existing facility and assoc ated infrastructure is approximately 10 to 15 Ha in extent and is situated within the StellenboschMunicipalDistrict.
Location: Erf 387, can be located at the following
OVERBERG PERSONNEL
Graduates in Electrical/Chemical and Mechanical Engineering Saudi Arabia based
• Applicantscompletingdegreein2024/2025to apply
• Willingtobetrainedinoil/gaspetrochemical industry
• Abletoworkonsites/shutdownsandplants
• SouthAfricanpassportsonly
Apply with cv to uae@overbergpersonnel.co.za
NM10036829-EN131125
ESTATE LATE NOREEN ROSEMARIE MC LAREN,(Identityno:4307290082085),whowas a widow and resided at 31 Hendricks Street, Raithby Western Cape who died on 5 September 2025atRaithby
ESTATE No 24699/2025
Creditors and Debtors are required to file their claimswithandpaytheirdebtstotheundersigned within30daysofdateofpublicationofthisnotice 14NOVEMBER2025
MORKELDEVILLIERSInc. AgentLyndiLabuschagne 166MainRoad
Stuart’sHill
SOMERSETWEST,7130
POBox43, SOMERSETWEST7129
Tel:021-8509700
LL/IVDM/JM261
Prentjiemooi
“Die sonnetjie breek deur en kleur die aalwyne op die Kanu-wynlandgoed buite Stellenbosch met kwashale in rooi,” skryf die kranige amateurfotograaf Cobus Germishuys Eikestadnuus nooi lesers om hul foto’s van tonele in en om die dorp vir moontlike plasing te stuur. Foto’s moet minstens 500 KG (300 dpi) wees en teen Maandag 14:00 via e-pos na eikestadnuuus@novusmedia co za gestuur word Foto: Cobus Germishuys
Briewe van ons lesers | Letters from our readers
‘Hamlets’-drama vertel
van
nalatenskap tot uitdagings
In antwoord op die brief “Wat sê ander oor US se Hamlets?” deur die oud-Matie Adél (Eikestadnuus, 2 Oktober) deel ek graag my mening: Die toneelspel beeld ’n kaleidoskoop van verskeie tonele in ’n diverse samelewing uit, soos uitgevoer deur die karakters van jong talentvolle studente. Reeds in die openingstoneel word gewys hoe Hamlet die trappe bestyg tot sy hoogste drome, maar tot benede gedruk word deur die negatiewe kant van die lewe. Daarna volg weer ’n spel waar verskeie karakters uitbeeld hoe hul lewens ritmies in hedendaagse uitdagings afgerol word; elk staar die lewe aan in ’n geveg om sukses. Deur die toneel veg twee karakters om beheer van die stoel teen mekaar.
Hier word die gehoor verwys na wie sterker veg en die geveg van die lewe
wen; positief beveg negatief en die aanhouer wen altyd en neem beheer Elke meubelstuk op die verhoog stuur ’n duidelike boodskap aan die gehoor Die hangende stoele verwys na hangende prestasies wat vermag is, ondanks ’n komplekse en uitdagende probleemwêreld. Die wiegende stoel dui op posisies en nalatenskap bereik in komplekse lewensomstandighede Die skoene voor verwys na legendes wat hul merk in hierdie probleem en uitdagende lewe gelaat het, met elk wat ’n storie vertel. Die bewegende skoen dui voetstappe en nalenskappe wat gelaat is ondanks stryde en probleme in die lewe Laastens laat die spel die kyker besef dat die lewe, ondanks uitdagings, gelewe moet word en elke uitdaging oorwin moet word.
Demeri Willemse, E-POS
Rewarded for shoddy work?
This photo of the caving-in walkway opposite Paul Roos Gymnasium was taken recently. It had been repaired last year after the storm had assaulted the embankment it abuts.
It is absolutely atrocious that the contractor did not stabilise the paving that was supposed to last for the next 20 years, and is now also caving in after just one year. The surface isn’t even level, with a very visible hump in the middle
I can’t believe the Engineering Department didn’t set prescriptive parameters to be met and, more damningly, final inspection clearly was not done, or else such structural weaknesses would have been picked up. Is this how our municipality functions now? Accepting shoddy workmanship as other municipalities do?
The question is whether the contractor will be called back to snag the whole area, or has he long since taken the money and run? And, will citizens have to pay for someone else to come around to stabilise the area and redo the section?
It is clear that at least 10 m will have to be recompacted and repaved. And all this in the middle of the Stellenbosch Art Mile the municipality is so proud of and has spent millions promoting Francois Bossert, EMAIL ALGEMEEN
NM10035641-DP121125
WORLD DIABETIC DAY
A winning paddle
Paddlers of the Maties Canoe Club delivered an impressive performance at the Orange Descent Canoe Mararhon this past weekend (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November) showcasing the club’s strength and resilience The highlight of the two-day race was Rachel van Deventer’s exceptional result, finishing second overall and first in the K1 category. She was also the “First Lady” The local club continues to build momentum, with members proudly flying the flag with passion both on and off the water. Here with Van Deveneter are fellow paddlers Dawid Malherbe (left) and Schalk Smit
VDSwenbe
TasminCupido
Die eerste span van die Van der Stel-krieketklub (VDS) is verlede Saterdag (8 November) as die wenner van die Boland-gemeenskapsbeker gekroon ná sy oortuigende oorwinning teen sy eweknieë van die VredenburgSaldanha-krieketklub
Dié spanne het mekaar in die eindstryd van die Premierliga T20-kompetisie op die Penn Basson-veld in Wellington die stryd aangesê, nadat hulle bo-aan die punteleer van hul onderskeie groepe geëindig het.
Die Stellenbossers het algeheel ’n uitstekende vertoning gelewer deur met beide die kolf én die bal uit te blink, asook uitstekende veldwerk op te dis, wat uiteindelik tot hul 88-lopie-sege gelei het
Tog was dit VDS se vertoning met die kolf wat die grondslag vir die oorwinning gelê het, nadat die kaptein Andre Hanekom die loot gewen en besluit het om eerste te kolf
Dit was vir seker die regte besluit, met Hanekom en sy aanvangskolwermaat, Werner Brand, wat uit die staanspoor van die beurt die oorhand gehad het Dié paar het ’n vennootskap van 133 lopies aangeteken, voor Brand (84 van 40 balle) in die 11de boulbeurt sy paaltjie verloor het
Die volgende VDS-kolwer, Connor Batt, het die vinnige tempo van die kolfbeurt voortgesit en sy-aan-sy met sy kaptein deur die beurt gestaan
Klop ervare Krewe m
’n Prag-kapteinsbeurt deur Hanekom (103 van 47 balle) het in die 20ste boulbeurt tot ’n einde gekom, met die telling op 252/2 Batt (54* van 32 balle) en Rickus Brand (8* van 2 balle) het die Van der Stel-beurt afgesluit met die telbord op 260/2 ná 20 boulbeurte Vyf straflopies is aan die einde van die beurt deur die skeidsregters weens trae boulwerk deur Vredenburg-Saldanha by die totaal gevoeg om die VDS-totaal na 265/2 te neem
Dit het maar sukkel-sukkel vir die Weskussers met die bal gegaan, maar Thomas Kannemeyer (1/35) en Leighton Goeida (1/33) het darem elk ’n paaltjie laat kantel
Op hul beurt het die VDS-boulers hul deel gedoen, met veral Werner Brand wat die regte vrae vir die manne van die Weskus gevra het Ná die eerste vyf boulbeurte het die telbord op 50/2 gestaan, met die ervare aanvangskolwer, Giovanni Hulley, en Quinton Kannemeyer wat hul span se lopie-jaagtog voortgesit het
Dié twee het net-net aan die gang begin kom toe Rayyaan Rhode (in die agtste beurt) Kannemeyer (42 van 17 balle) na die kleedkamer teruggestuur het
Daarna het dit gelyk asof die Krewe se hoop op Hulley gerus het, met die lopies wat al hoe meer skaars geword het Hulley (57 van 40 balle) is uiteindelik in die laaste bal van die 14de boulbeurt deur Werner Brand
S’bosch MTB team dominates
Step into summer at Knorhoek
Lace-up and get ready to stride into sunshine at the Blooming Trail Run, presented by Sportsmans Warehouse, at Knorhoek Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch this Sunday (16 November)
Set among rolling vineyards and the forested slopes of Simonsberg, this scenic event is the perfect way to shake off the year and celebrate the start of summer Runners can choose between an 11 km or 6 km route, both showcasing Knorhoek’s legendary trails, comprising flowing single-track, wildflowers, and unbeatable views
Registration is at 07:15, followed by the start of 11 km event at 08:00 and the 6 km event at 08:15
Participants can look forward to a festive post-run atmosphere with refreshments, coffee, food and Knorhoek wine available on the lawns Every finisher will receive a special event medal, and there will be prizes for top finishers, lucky draws for Sportsmans Warehouse vouchers, and samples from PVM Nutrition
Entry for adults cost R165 (6 km) and R195 (11 km), and R65 for under-18s (pre-entry only)
There are only 200 entries available, so runners are encouraged to enter early at www.dirtpass.co.za. Pre-entries close Friday 14 November, with limited late entries available on the day
Three podium places rounded off a successful weekend for the endurance mountain-biking team of Fairtree DP World Cannondale in the 2025 FNB Wines2Whales event
Eight two-rider teams – seven men’s and one women’s – tackled the gruelling 191 km race from Benguela Cove in Hermanus to Lourensford in Somerset West The Shiraz stage race was held from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November
The Stellenbosch-based MTB team claimed first and second place in the men’s Exarro category, with Ziandro Jordaan and Kwazi Mbhamali crossing the line in 8:22:36 to win the category and Lihle Ngidi and Ethan Michaels (8:31:53) taking second place in the hotly contested race In the women’s Exarro race, Yomelela Mfazwe and Winile Majavu pedaled their way to second place with a time of 13:13:38 Furthermore, Jordaan and Mbhamali also finished in fifth place in the amateur men’s category and placed 22nd overall, amazing feats for the talented local riders Ngidi and Michaels placed 23rd overall, while Luyanda Tobigunya and Jan Montshia (8:31:53) placed ninth in the men’s amateur category and 26th overall
“We went in the with the goal of winning the Exarro category and ended up on the podium in both the men’s and ladies’ race,” said team manager Chris Norton “These teams will compete in the Cape Epic 2026 and we are extremely excited about their prospects of winning the Exarro category again Our ladies’ team managed a credible second in the Exarro category and made an hour improvement on last year’s time ”
Norton pointed out that 2025 was the MTB team’s best year in terms of participation, with eight teams entering and successfully crossing the line in Somerset West “A huge thanks to Wines2Whales for
supporting the team with these entries and the incredible effort that went into organising a great event,” he said
“The results of this team keep getting better and better, and we are really excited to see them perform in the Cape Epic and other upcoming races Kwazi and Ziandro formed a formidable new partnership and it will be exciting to watch them develop as a team ”
Norton attributed the team’s success to the growth in rider numbers, appointment of a full-time coach and continuous support of loyal sponsors, DP World, Fairtree Capi-
tal, Cannondale and Biogen
“The team has grown dramatically over a year due to this support and shows no signs of slowing down,” the proud manager said “We are extremely excited by the progress made by many of the riders and look forward to some great results in 2026
“The appointment of CP van Wyk as a full-time coach has definitely made a significant impact on the results and the plan is to now focus on individual MTB skills (single-track and technical prowess) and greater team cohesion and strategy, in stage events ”
The MTB duo of Kwazi Mbhamali (left) and Ziandro Jordaan of Team Fairtree DP World Cannondale celebrating their overall win in the men’s Exarro category of the 2025 WFNB Wines2Whales event at Lourensford in Somerset West.
Yomelela Mfazwe and Winile Majavu (far left) of Team Fairtree DP World Cannondale claimed second place in the women’s Exarro race Tsholofelo Nkosi and Bontle Phepiso of Exxaro Ladies 1 finished at the top of the podium