Stellenbosch Art Mile members and Stellenbosch Trail Fund custodians celebrate the installation of the bronze ‘Stellenbosch Explorer’s Map’ by artists Jacques and Lee Buys at the Landbousaal bridge. The bridge also displays Strijdom van der Merwe’s artwork, ‘Journey’, cementing the idea of hiking the trails as also being an artistic journey.
The Stellenbosch Art Mile, the acclaimed mile-long outdoor art route along the scenic Eerste River, unveiled its latest significant addition, the Stellenbosch Explorer’s Map, sculpted in bronze, last Friday (25 April).
Crafted by the esteemed artistic pairing of Jacques and Lee Buys and strategically positioned at the Landbousaal bridge, it offers more than just artistic merit. In frieze form, the installation stands as a compelling tribute and practical guide to the extensive network of hiking and cycling trails that define Stellenbosch as a premier destination for outdoor adventure and tourism.
It has been hailed as a milestone in the collaboration among civic, artistic and environmental communities in Stellenbosch. The work also highlights a selection of the finest routes around the City of Oaks, inviting visitors to embark on their
own adventures, while also serving as a valuable resource for hikers, bikers and tourists intent on discovering the natural beauty surrounding the vibrant town.
“This installation captures so much of what Stellenbosch represents,” Geraldine Mettler, municipal manager, pointed out.
“It instils pride in our remarkable trail offering and enriches the Stellenbosch Art Mile with a unique work that anyone, seasoned hiker or casual stroller, can enjoy. It symbolises the power of collaboration among local government, creatives, funders and the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF) in sculpting a space where art and nature co-exist beautifully.”
The Stellenbosch Art Mile, which opened last October, is a 1,6 km outdoor art exhibition that transforms the scenic route along the Eerste River, stretching from the Krige
Street Bridge to Coetzenburg Bridge, into a dynamic gallery. Founded by Charite Mouton and managed by a dedicated steering committee in partnership with the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust, Stellenbosch Municipality, STF and Stellenbosch University, the walk offers a unique and accessible cultural experience.
This year’s theme, “Tapestry of Time,” encourages reflection on the geological history of the river landscape and the recently unveiled sculpture complements the theme by connecting the enduring presence of the natural landscape with human exploration and enjoyment over time.
The Stellenbosch Explorer’s Map is the result of a compelling artistic collaboration. Jacques, a local master craftsman with a distinguished reputation in foundry technology and art restoration, brings his
profound understanding of materials and artistic vision to the piece. His passion has inspired his son Lee, founder of Stellenbosch Art Foundry, who produces worldclass bronzes, educates the public about the intricate casting process and fosters job creation and skills development. Ernst Gouws, STF director, complimented the project for reflecting a shared vision. “Our STF trail-building team maintains more than 50 km of MTB trails across the region, and seeing this sculpture come to life has been incredibly rewarding, and it reflects a shared commitment to protecting and celebrating Stellenbosch’s natural landscape. This wonderful sculpture gives a glimpse of the astonishing 13 000 km of MTB trails on offer across the Cape Winelands.”
The Stellenbosch Art Mile is free and open to all. Visitors can discover its evolving collection of contemporary and sensory installations. To download the map or book a tour, visit www.artmile.co.za.
Yaël Malgas
In ’n poging om die voortslepende verkeersprobleme in die Eikestad op te los, is ’n voorstel ingedien om Piet Retief- en Kochstraat in eenrigtingstrate te verander.
Die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit se raad het gister (Woensdag 30 April) die raadsitem aangehoor nadat die voorstel uit die gemeenskap gekom het. ’n Verkeerstudie is in 2023 deur die munisipaliteit aangevra om data in te win oor die lewensvatbaarheid van die voorstel.
Volgens die verkeerstudie sal die verandering van die twee strate na eenrigtingverkeer egter die verkeer in die gebied eerder vererger. Die twee strate is veral besig – nie net omdat dit as ingang vir die Brandwacht- en Dalsig- woongebiede dien nie, maar ook weens die nabye Rhenish hoër- en laerskole, Paul Roos Gimnasium sowel as die Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof.
Die studie het onder meer bevind die bottelnek wat daagliks by die Piet Retiefstraat- en Suidwalweg-kruising plaasvind, sal nie deur die voorgestelde verandering verbeter nie. Padgebruikers beweeg grootliks van Piet Retiefstraat na Vrede- en
Van Rheede-weg met tussen 1 000 en 1 500 voertuie wat die roete in spitstye gebruik. “Laer-Kochweg het toegang tot Rhenish en Bloemhof en direk na eiendom. ’n Skakel-volume van 400 voertuie per uur is soggens tydens die piektye in die noordelike rigting waargeneem,” lui die studie. Volgens Mpamot, die konsultant vir die projek, sal ’n eenrigting-pad die volume van verkeer meer as verdubbel. Ten spyte van die bevindinge, stel die konsultant voor dat die kapasiteit van die verkeersirkel by Piet Retiegstraat en Suidwalweg verbeter word.
’n Plan wat ’n groot uitwerking op die verkeerproblem kan hê, is die oostelike skakelweg. Dié skakelweg volg die die MR0169provinsiale pad en behels die verlenging van Wildeboschweg van die R44 na Van Rheedeweg en ’n verbinding met Pastorieweg by die Universiteit Stellenbosch se teologiese fakulteit met ’n nuwe voorgestelde brug oor die Eersterivier. ’n Voorgestelde alternatief is die verbreding van die Coetzenburg-brug.
Implementering van dié projek sal egter jare neem. Volgens die bevindinge sal dit goed wees om private vervoer te ontmoedig deur beter infrastruktuur vir fietsryers en stappers en parkeer-en-rygeriewe te skep.
On Tuesday 15 April at around 13:00 police officers working at the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court went into the court cell to give food to the prisoners. A police officer asked the prisoners to come and stand outside the cell and searched the cell. He saw a black Nike bag in one of the corners and asked the prisoners who the owner of the bag is. One of the prisoners put up his hand and identified himself as the owner of the bag. Inside the bag was 30 zolle dagga in white plastic, 180 Mandrax tablets and four lighters. The prisoner was arrested for dealing in and the possession of Mandrax and dagga.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) in the Western Cape will conduct a by-election, scheduled for Wednesday 14 May, in Ward 9 of the Stellenbosch municipality.
The registered residents in the ward are reminded and encouraged to participate in the by-election to make their vote count.
Applications for Special Votes in the by-election are currently open and will close on Friday 2 May at 17:00.
There are two types of Special Votes. The first is a registered voter who is unable to vote at their voting station on Election Day and can apply for a Special Vote, to enable them to cast their vote before Election Day
at the voting station where they are registered to vote.
The second is a registered voter, who is sick or disabled and unable to travel to their voting station. They may apply for a home visit at their residence, which must be situated in their voting district in the ward.
To apply for a Special Vote visit www.elections.org.za to complete your application online or, in the case of a Voting Station Special Vote, send an SMS (at a cost of R1,00) to 32249.
Alternatively, residents can complete applications manually by downloading the Special Vote Application form (MEC35 form) at www.elections.org.za or by collecting the application form
from the local IEC office. Do not forget to return the completed application form to your local office when applying manually.
Manual submissions of the MEC35 form at the IEC office can be made at the local office: Unit 1 Bosmanshuis, 135 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch.
Special Votes at voting stations and Special Votes for home visits will take place on Tuesday 13 May between 08:00 and 17:00, the day prior to the by-election day.
Voters must present either a green barcoded ID book, a Smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identification Certificate in order to vote.
Jana Scheepers
Roughly a year later the proposed Franschhoek cable car, or “skytram” as it will be called, is no closer to being constructed as Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants, employed by the Franschhoek Cableway Company to handle the environmental impact assessment, is still sifting through public comments received during the public participation process.
This process closed last month (March). The skytram is proposed to start at Haute Cabrière and follow a 1 km cable line up the valley to the Mount Rochelle Nature Reserve. In February 2024, Alwyn Laubscher of Alwyn Laubscher & Asssociates, project manager of the cable car project, told Eikestadnuus that construction is planned to start at the beginning of 2025, with the first visitors welcomed at the end of 2026. These dates will not realise as the process is currently at a pause, according to Adél Groenewald, an environmental consultant at Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants.
“At this stage, we are not in a position to provide any comment, as the specialists are still in the process of evaluating all comments received as part of the pre-application public participation process. The way forward will be commu-
nicated once their evaluation has been completed,” Groenewald said.
Barry Phillips, co-chairperson of the Franschhoek Heritage and Ratepayer’s Association (FHRA), who is also heavily involved in the opposition to the proposed cable car, told Eikestadnuus that he believes this “pause” is due to the vast volume of public input Doug Jeffery received. “I am only speculating, but I think [Doug Jeffery] is surprised by the extent and volume of the [public’s] response and how to proceed from here,” Phillips said.
According to a Facebook post on the Stop the Franschhoek Skytram’s Facebook page, Professor David Venter from the Vlerick Business School in Belgium, focussing on negotiation, conflict resolution and leadership, was appointed by the Franschhoek Cableway Company for three months to engage with both supporters and opposers of the project.
His visit was met with scepticism from opponents, including the FHRA, which criticised Venter in an open letter to Die Burger in November 2024 for failing to seek common ground or pursue a solution that would, ideally, benefit all parties or at least prevent further conflict between the Franschhoek Cableway Company and its opponents.
According to the Facebook post, a recent WhatsApp message from Venter to Skytram opposers reads: “the entire
Yaël Malgas
Van Suid-Afrika tot Amerika – daar is maar min roetes wat die Suid-Afrikaanse langasem Sidney Cleophas nie sal aanpak nie.
Dié Pniël-boorling het vanjaar die bekende Bostonmaraton in die VSA aangepak. Cleophas het reeds verskeie marathons en ultra-marathons afgelê, met sy gunsteling die Twee Oseane-wedloop.
“Ek het op hoërskool begin hardloop en in die 1970’s aan die 800 m- en 1 500 m-wedlope begin deelneem. Ná skool het ek as ’n tegnikus by Telkom gewerk waar ek ’n kollega gehad wat my aan die Pinelands-atletiekklub bekendgestel het,” verduidelik hy.
Die 68-jarige atleet is steeds lid van dié klub.
Die Boston-marathon, wat jaarliks op die derde Maandag van April plaasvind, was nog altyd op Cleophas se marathon-lys en om verlede maand deel te neem was ’n droom wat bewaarheid is.
“Die marathon was regtig next level Daar is nie ’n gelykstaande wedloop in Suid-Afrika nie – alles van die manier hoe dit georganiseer is tot die skare langs die roete was regtig ’n besonderse ervaring.
“Die oggend vroeg klim jy op ’n bus – die
geel busse wat jy altyd op die televisie sien – om na die beginpunt van die wedloop te gaan. Hier is ons in groepe verdeel, met die eerste atlete – die top-atlete – wat om 09:00 weggespring het.”
Cleophas het om 11:00 weggespring en in die great grand master-afdeling deelgeneem.
“Ek is baie tevrede met my tyd – drie ure en 50 minute. Dit was verskriklik koud op die dag, hoewel dit reeds lente daar was. Ek het drie lae klere aangehad toe ek by die beginpunt was. Hoewel dit nie meer gesneeu het nie, was dit koud.
“Daar was egter geen punt langs die roete waar daar nie skare was nie en daar was ook baie toeriste in die skare.
“Een verskil van plaaslike wedlope is dat jy niks koeldrank kry nie. Daar was water en sap, maar nie ’n glasie Coke, soos jy altyd hier kry nie. En dit is altyd so lekker om die bietjie suiker ná ’n wedloop in te kry,” meen hy.
Hy sê ten spyte van jare se ervaring word wedlope nie makliker nie, want elke jaar word jy as atleet ouer.
Noudat hy sy Amerikaanse droom bewaarheid het, wil hy nog graag die Londonse marathon of ander oorsese wedlope aanpak. “Indien ek die geld gehad het, sou ek hulle almal gedoen het,” sê hy skertsend.
cableway process has since been suspended, pending the outcome of a community involvement process to determine whether the process should go forward as initially presented or whether consensus is reached on a community agreed way forward”. Groenewald did not disclose information regarding Venter’s statement. Furthermore, it remains unclear when the outcomes of the public participation process will be made available to the public.
Besides the environmental risks the Skytram may hold, such as loss to fauna and flora, some of the main critiques from opposers include the suitability of Franschhoek’s power grid for this project, the lack of socio-economic benefits to an already marginalised Groendal community as only 37 post-construction jobs will be created and the fact that the Groendal community was not sufficiently addressed during public participation meetings.
According to Phillips one public participation meeting, was, however, scheduled by Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants at the Lord’s Acre Christian Community Centre in Groendal during 2024.
An additional group opposing the project also delivered a presentation to the Groen-dal community in July 2024, comprising more than 2 000 pages, prepared by Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants.
Sidney Cleophas met sy medalje ná die wêreldberoemde wedloop.
“Dit is die mense wat die sport genotvol maak. Ek het al so baie mense oor die jare ontmoet. Soos in die geval van die Comrades, het ek ’n vriend gemaak, en wanneer ek in Durban is, bly ek by hom, en wanneer hy Kaap toe kom om die Twee Oseane te hardloop, gaan hy by my tuis. Daar is regtig ’n kame- raadskap onder die atlete.”
Intussen hou hy aan met sy oefeningprogram – drie keer per week. Sondag (4 Mei) sal hy die 50 km van Kleinmond na Gordonsbaai vir die False Bay 50 aanpak.
The Western Cape government is calling on motorists in the province to comment on the proposed increase in motor-vehicle licence fees, published in the Provincial Gazette, Extraordinary 9057, on Thursday 17 April.
The proposed increases are scheduled to take effect on Friday 1 August.
According to the provincial mobility department, these fees are primarily used to build, upgrade and maintain the road network, assist municipalities in maintaining strategic roads and ensure safe mobility for all road users.
The public has until Saturday 17 May to comment on the proposed increase.
The province is home to over 2 million registered vehicles. According to the department, local roads are consistently rated the best in the country.
“Paying your vehicle-licence fees is not just a legal requirement, but an important contribution to keeping our roads safe, efficient and reliable for everyone,” it said in a statement. “These fees are directly reinvested in the Western Cape’s road infrastructure, helping to build and maintain roads that connect our communities, support economic activity, and enable daily life.”
The road network is a vital provincial asset that supports commerce, tourism, service delivery, and job creation.
By ensuring roads remain in optimal condition, government safeguards economic competitiveness and enhances quality of life.
The draft regulation is available on the provincial Department of Mobility’s website.
Comments can be sent via email to Robyn.Titus@westerncape.gov.za or posted to Darryl Jacobs, Head of Department, Att: Robyn Titus, Western Cape Mobility Department, PO Box 2603, Cape Town 8000. Alternatively hand-deliver it to Darryl Jacobs, Head of Department, Att: Robyn Titus, Western Cape Mobility Department, Ground Floor, 34 Roeland Street, Cape Town.
Yaël Malgas
Stellenbosch se mooistes het die afgelope naweek na Johannesburg gereis om aan die Pageant-fees deel te neem.
Dié nasionale skoonheidskompetisie het van Vrydag 25 tot Sondag 27 April plaasvind en hier het die deelnemers van en jaar oud tot “mevrou” meedgeding.
Vir Johnica Daniels, ’n gr. 9leerder aan die Hoërskool Cloetesville, was dit haar eerste keer op ’n vliegtuig vir die geleentheid, en hoewel dit haar eerste kompetisie was, sal dit gewis nie haar laaste wees nie, vertel Hajiera Arnolds.
Arnolds, ’n kenner van alles oor skoonheid en die aanbieder van verskeie skoonheidskompetisies, verduidelik Johnica en Inga Nmatawani, van Klapmuts, moes twee uitrustings – temadrag en aanddrag – vir die kompetisie gehad het. Saam met hul werk op die loopplank moes die twee ook hul talent met hul liefdadigheidswerk ten toon stel.
Die Pageant-fees is ’n hoogtepunt van die nasionale skoonheidskompetisie-kalender met deelenemers van al nege provinsies. “Albei meisies doen vir die afgelope twee jaar modelwerk en die gogga het hulle verlede jaar behoorlik gebyt om hoër te mik,” vertel Arnolds.
Johnica het in die 14 tot 15-jaarafdeling deelgeneem en Inga in die 16 tot 18-jaar-afdeling.
Johnica het behoorlik skoonskip gemaak en was die wenner in die Wes-Kaapse afdeling, beste deelnemer-geskenk, Jewel of SA en die eerste prinses in die afdelings
Ultimate Royal-koningin, nasionale skoonheid en globale skoonheidskoningin. Sy was ook tweede prinses in die Royal-skoonheidsafdeling.
Volgens Arnolds sal sy enigeen aanraai om modelwerk te doen om hul karakter op te bou en selfversekerd te raak.
Die meisies se volgende deelname is op 5 Julie in Stellenbosch in die Face of Autism-kompetisie.
The Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra (SYO) will present an unforgettable afternoon of music in the serene St Matthew’s Chapel at Somerset College on Saturday 11 May at 14:00.
The concert is a fundraiser for SYO’s first-ever tour to George later this year, an important milestone for the orchestra, which has grown rapidly since its founding in 2023.
What began as a social-impact project of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Music Department, led by Mario Nel and Pamela Kierman, has blossomed into a vibrant ensemble of 47 passionate young musicians under the dynamic leadership of acclaimed conductor Reghardt Kühn.
With such career highlights as conducting the SU Medical Orchestra and teaching brass at Paarl Boys’ High School, he has been the driving force behind the orchestra’s growth and ambition.
(muhammad.brinkhuis@novusmedia.co.za)
“The goal is one day to play in The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, but for now we start small and build step-by-step to the future we want,” Kühn said.
This spirit is captured in the orchestra’s motto, “The Sound of Tomorrow”. Beyond musical aspirations, SYO is committed to youth development and community engagement.
Students are deeply involved in the day-to-day running of the orchestra, helping build leadership and organisational skills alongside their musical talent.
Since its inception, SYO has proudly hosted the annual HearUs concert at Endler Hall, in support of Hear Us, an NPO that assists individuals with cochlear implants and supports the Cochlear Implant Unit at Tygerberg Hospital. This partnership reflects SYO’s dedication to making a difference both on and off the stage.
After the 11 May concert the orchestra will also participate in the Prestige Concert at the Cape Town City Hall on Sunday 25 May at 15:00, sharing the stage with the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and others, in collaboration with the Choral Celebration Network Foundation.
Tickets to the Somerset College event are available via Tixsa and Webtickets at R150 each. The SYO invites local music lovers to support their journey and sharing in the magic of young South African talent.
Jeraldene Menon
Some of the best business ideas come from solving everyday problems.
For Desmond Mogodi, co-founder of iWashCars, that problem was the traditional car wash – tedious, inconvenient, and wasteful.
The iWashCars solution is a smart, on-demand car wash service that brings eco-friendly cleaning directly to customers. Mogodi and his co-founders, Brighton Maharela and Lesedi Dikhoba, launched iWashCars in 2023 after recognising the need for a more flexible and sustainable car-wash experience.
“People want convenience,” said Mogodi. “We bring the car wash to them, use less water and deliver a fast, high-quality service. We’re like the ‘Uber’ of car washes.”
The idea took shape in Stellenbosch, where the trio held many brainstorming sessions. At first their entrepreneurial journey started with an e-commerce venture before pivoting to car care.
This shift proved to be the right move for the entrepreneurial trio.
Since its launch iWashCars has evolved from a purely mobile service to a hybrid model, offering both mobile and fixed-location services.
Its expansion into Fish Hoek marked a major milestone, culminating in the launch of a permanent location at a service station early this year.
Building the business wasn’t without challenges. Initially bootstrapped, the founders started by finding customers and washing cars on foot; afterwards they moved to bicycles and later relied on e-hailing services before securing a
physical space. Having a physical space allowed the start-up to offer hybrid services and save on storage space.
Through perseverance and smart partnerships it has washed more than 500 cars in just a few short months.
iWashCars has earned industry recognition through several entrepreneurship competitions and incubator programmes, including being crowned regional winner of the YouthX Nedbank Competition in 2024.
Additionally, a partnership with law firm Michaelsons strengthened its legal footing in the tech-driven space.
Reflecting on this journey, Mogodi shared an inspiring message to student entrepreneurs. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.”
The young businessman urged young entrepreneurs to embrace their potential, stay true to their vision and persist through challenges.
With its extraordinary growth and innovative approach, iWashCars is redefining car care in Stellenbosch and beyond.
Renowned marine biologist Dr Simon Elwen will explore one of the most fascinating and elusive predators, Orcinus orca, during a public talk at the Franschhoek Theatre next Wednesday (7 May).
Elwen, founding director of Sea Search and a research associate in Stellenbosch University’s Department of Botany and Zoology, will share insights from his latest research into the lives of killer whales. From their hunting strategies to the mysteries of their varied diets (which in some cases famously include shark livers), his talk promises to uncover what is known and as yet unknown about these apex predators.
A leading figure in South African marine science, Elwen has dedicated his career to understanding how cetaceans adapt their behaviour to different environments.
His work stretches beyond South Africa, with projects such as the Namibian Dolphin Project furthering research on
marine mammals across southern Africa.
The talk forms part of the SmallTalX series of public lectures, hosted by the Franschhoek Theatre, which brings experts and the public together in an informal setting. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speaker while enjoying snacks and wine.
Previous events have featured discussions on a range of topics, including the politics of both ancient Rome and South Africa, the MeerKAT radio telescope and rotating neutron stars, soil biodiversity, artificial intelligence, shark behaviour, the evolution of pollen and Cape Town’s caracal population. The last event of 2024 featured award-winning horticulturalist Leon Kluge.
The talk starts at 18:30. A ticket, at R250, includes wine, snacks and the Q&A session.
Book your place online at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za or by sending an email to smalltalx.info@gmail.com.
For years, traffic congestion has plagued Stellenbosch, threatening mobility, the quality of life, economic vitality, and the heritage character of this historic town.
Despite years of community input, policy commitments and detailed planning, little meaningful action has been taken. One of the most promising solutionsthe Adam Tas Corridor (ATC) - remains stalled in the planning phase. The council must show leadership and prioritise implementing this critical project.
The ATC, first identified as a catalytic project in the 2019 Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF), is a visionary urban development initiative designed to address many of the challenges of urban sprawl and traffic congestion. Stretching along major transport routes (the R44 and R310), the corridor covers over 400 ha and includes areas like Cape Sawmills, Khayamandi, Cloetesville, and Ida's Valley.
With 13 500 housing opportunities planned for a projected population of over 50 000, the ATC is central to a more compact, sustainable Stellenbosch.
But in the face of mounting traffic woes, one must ask: Why has the ATC not moved beyond vision into visible bigscale implementation? The answer lies in a lack of political will.
Year after year, community members list park-and-ride facilities, reduced vehicle traffic in the Stellenbosch central business district, and public transport improvements as Integrated Development Plan (IDP) priorities - yet there's little to no follow-through.
The IDP and Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan both acknowledge the need to curb car dependence. Still,
the municipality continues to approve low-density developments on the outskirts, intensifying sprawl and traffic.
The ATC is built on sound urban planning principles. Prioritising higher-density housing close to places of work aims to reduce the number of daily commuters.
A transport link to Stellenbosch University (SU) would improve connectivity and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Most notably, the ATC proposes non-motorised transport infrastructure - walkable, bikeable environments that encourage people to live and work within the same urban fabric.
Yet here we are - still waiting.
Stellenbosch residents deserve clarity and action. The ATC has widespread support from community organisations to academic institutions like SU and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study as well as multiple tiers of government.
Without visible leadership and a published implementation timeline, the ATC risks becoming just another unfulfilled vision. Meanwhile, congestion worsens, infrastructure strains and community frustration grow.
We are at a crossroads. Stellenbosch can either continue down the path of unmanaged sprawl and worsening congestion with a parking garage behind the Stellenbosch Town Hall or choose a future rooted in sustainable, inclusive urban development.
The ATC is not a silver bullet, but it is a well-planned, community-supported solution waiting to be activated. It's time for the council to stop talking about it and make it happen.
Concerned citizen, EMAIL
Ek verwys na die berig “App è l kom oor gat in Birdstraat” ( Eikestadnuus , 24 April).
koste verloor het. Dít beteken ons as belastingbetalers moet ’n aansienlike bedrag opdok.
Die berig is eensydig soos talle ander berigte wat al geplaas is. Wat die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit nie verklaar nie, is dat hy die saak met
Het dit nie tyd geword dat ons die amptenare verantwoordelik hou vir hul oordeelsfoute nie?
Anoniem, CLOETESVILLE
Strand Athletics Club, with the assistance of the Hangklip Athletics Club, will host the iconic point-to-point ultra road race, the False Bay 50, from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay along the scenic Clarence Drive, on Sunday 4 May.
While the race could not take place as a result of much-needed roadworks last year, the 2025 edition has been given the green light, with Balwin Properties taking up the role of title sponsor of this much-loved event.
The Balwin Properties False Bay 50 km road race is one of the most scenic road races in South Africa. “Balwin Properties don’t just offer you a home, we offer you a lifestyle, an experience if you like. The False Bay 50 km is just that – an
experience which we hope will be a most memorable one for all runners taking part,” said Ryan Kalk, joint managing director of the Balwin Foundation.
“The vision of Balwin Sport is to promote a healthier lifestyle among clients, staff and all South Africans. The False Bay 50 km Ultra is not only a perfectly timed last long run in your Comrades preparation, but also offers an opportunity for runners to improve their seeding."
The Comrades Marathon Association announced that the 2025 False Bay 50 km Ultra Marathon will be accepted as a Comrades Marathon qualifier race with a time cut-off of six hours, 10 minutes.
The race will culminate at the race village at Gordon’s Bay Primary School, where the prize-giving and club gazebos will be housed, as well as local food, bev-
erage and sportswear vendors. The official prize-giving will be at 12:30, where the category winners will receive their prize money. There will also be some amazing lucky draw prizes at 13:00.
There will be partial, mountain side, road closures on the R44 from 06:30 to 13:30 between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay on the morning of the race to ensure the safety of the runners, water table volunteers and marshals.
The road will be open to motorists traveling from Rooi Els towards Gordon’s Bay.
Motorists and other road users are asked to use the alternative route when travelling from the Helderberg to the Overberg during this time.
For more information on the race, visit falsebay50.co.za.
Die Excelsior-rugbyklub het die span van Gordonsbaai Pioneers Saterdag (26 April) met skitterende hardlooprugby met die kous oor die kop huis toe gestuur toe hy met 39-19 geseëvier het.
Die Noordelikeligawedstryd is in snikwarm hitte op die Cloetesville-sportterrein gespeel.
Die besoekers het soos ’n patroon uit ’n geweer begin toe hulle binne die eerste paar sekondes van die afskop ’n drie aangeteken het (0-5).
Direk ná die afskop het die Excelsior-vleul Chad Fernandez die bal uit die lug gepluk en regdeur die Pioneersverdediging gehardloop, maar hy is reg onder die pale met ’n hoogvat platgetrek. Die skeidsregter het ’n strafskop toegeken en die losskakel, Nazmie Cornelson, het seker gemaak dat sy span
hul eerste punte aanteken (3-5).
Die groot slot Johan Wentzel was volgende om punte aan te teken. ’n
Beplande stukkie taktiek is mooi deur Wentzel afgerond en Cornelson het uit die hoekie verdoel (10-5). Hierna het die tuisspan verwoed aangeval, maar klein foutjies het hom verhoed om voor halftyd nog punte aan te teken.
Met die omdraaislag het die wedstryd in replika begin toe Gordonsbaai se buitesenter ’n losbal opgetel en regdeur genael het om langs die pale vir ’n verdoelde drie oor te duik (10-12).
’n Fout deur die tuisspan het tot ’n strafdoel gelei. Die Pioneers-heelagter het die bal by ’n losskrum opgetel en onder die pale gedruk. Die doelskop was oor en die telling het 10-19 geword.
Die vlugvoetige Fernandez het die
gaping laat krimp toe hy ’n onverdoelde drie, ná ’n puik spanbeweging, afgerond het (15-19.)
Met vars manne op die veld het die tuisspan se tempo verander en die senter Cole du Toit het in die hoek gedruk. Die plaasvervanger-losskakel, Morgen Wentzel, het uit die hoek geslaag (22-19).
Daarna is die krane oopgedraai en Du Toit het sy tweede drie in die hoek gedruk. Wentzel het verdoel (29-19) om sy span aan die stuur van sake te plaas. Minute later het hy met ’n allemintige strafskop (32-19) geslaag.
Die agtsteman, Jeraldo Willemse, het die sout verder in die wonde van Pioneers gevryf toe hy langs die pale oor is. Xylon Wanza, Excelsior se plaasvervanger-heelagter, het verdoel om sy span met 39-19 te laat seëvier.
Avril Fillies
Maties en Van der Stel-Evergreens (VDE) het albei Saterdag (26 April) in Superliga A-kragmetings die knie gebuig toe hulle onderskeidelik 46-35 teen Brackenfell en 52-24 teen Durbell vasgeval het.
Dit was Maties se tweede verloorslag en VDE se eerste nadat hy voor die Paasnaweek met St. George’s afgereken het. In sy eerste wedstryd het Maties teen Unimil vasgeval en dis die einste span teen wie VDE Saterdag op Bergzicht kragte gaan meet.
Tot rustyd het VDE in Durbanville goeie rekenskap gegee en hy was rustyd 19-12 agter, maar daarna het Durbell die krane oopgedraai en die punte ingeryg. Op grond van Durbell se vertoning Saterdag is hy oorgehaal om Hamiltons vanjaar te onttroon.
Die ligpunt vir Stellenbosse toeskouers is die goeie vertonings wat ander spanne in hul onderskeie ligas gelewer het.
In Superliga B het Franschhoek met 27-20 teen Primrose geseëvier, en Kylemore het 29-20 teen Hands & Heart verloor. In Superliga C het Pniël Villagers 24-21 met Rangers van Athlone afgereken.
Die Noordelike liga se kompetisie is straf met Raithby Universals, Stellenbosch-Coronations en Blue Stars, wat onder die top-vier lê, en spanne voor hulle platvee.
Raithby Universals gee die toon aan, gevolg deur Corries, dan Sir Lowrians en dan Blue Stars op die punteleer. Saterdag (3 Mei) ontvang Corries besoek van die voorlopers Raithby Universals en kan die volgorde op die punteleer verander. Corries het Saterdag Whistling Wheels met 32-16, Raithby Universals vir Albions met 40-34, Sir Lowrians vir Blue Stars met 26-17 en Excelsior vir Gordonsbaai Pioneers met 39-19 geklop.
Die wedstrydbepalings van plaaslike spanne vir Saterdag 3 Mei is soos volg:
• Superliga A: VDE t. Unimil; Valsbaai t. Maties
• Superliga B: Kylemore t. Vineyards; Franschhoek (loslootjie)
• Superliga C: Pniël Villagers t. Eersterivier
• Noordelike liga: Stellenbosch-Coronations t. Raithby Universals; Blue Stars t. Whistling Wheels; Albions t. Excelsior.
