Waterdamagerestricted
Yaël Malgasand HlomlaMdala
The first autumn rains brought destruction from the streets to stores in Stellenbosch this past weekend.
In the Cape Winelands recorded rainfall over thepast weekend ranges from50mmto 80 mm, while mountainousareas in thisdistrictrecordedup to 120 mm of rain over thethree days.Social mediawas abuzz with Stellenbosch residents sharing views of flooded streets from the town’s centrerightto Ida’s Valley and Khayamandi.
Municipal officials, including executive mayor Jeremy Fasser and councilmembers, were out and aboutdelivering sandbags and assessingdamage.
Some homes and businesses were left flooded. Eikestad Mall, the StellenboschUniversity(SU) Library and the Neelsie Student Centre as well as the local bar Aandklas had waterstreaming into its premises. Clean-up crews managed to bring order to most buildings
By Monday (20April) Eikestad Mall management confirmed the shopping centre was back up and running, while SU said its library would be closed until further notice. “The university would like to assure you that the situation is beingactively managed, withdesignated response teams fromCampus Development, Infrastructure and Services (CDIS) were promptly deployed on site,”DrRonel Retief, registrar and actingrector and vice-chancellor,said in a statement.
“Importantly, no injuries have been reportedand we are grateful thatuniversityoperations can continue,despite water damage in places.”
She saidaffected on-campus students were being supported,
including arrangements for alternative accommodation where required
Thestormdidn’t seem to hindersome students, some of whomwere seen intown, clad onlyinshorts, being splashed by passingcars, while others saw it as an opportunity to boogie-board down the street.
StuartGrobbelaar, aspokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality, saidthe rains hadcaused minimal damagetoinfrastructure. “Whereminor disruptions occurred,our teams responded swiftly to ensure services were restored as quicklyaspossible As part of our ongoing Win-
ter Preparedness Programme, municipal teams continuously work to clean andclearstormwater drains of debris and obstructions,” he said.
“However, the sheer volume of rainwater – often carrying leaves, branches, sand, rocks andlitter – can overwhelm systems and lead to temporary blockages.Throughout the weekend our crews were deployed across affected areas to respond to incidents, clear blocked drains andmitigate localised flooding.”
Efforts to upgrade andmaintain stormwater infrastructure areongoing, with teams ac-
tivelyworking across all areas to improve resilience ahead of further winterrainfall,Grobbelaar added.
In Khayamandi the sudden downpour left several homes andresidentsseverely affected.
Videos shared widely on social media showedhomes beingflooded with water, some knee-deep, damaging people’s belongings.For some residents this hasbeendevastating To page 2.
SimnikiweNkohla, standing in front of the nowopen space, whichoncehoused his shack. Photo: HlomlaMdala
Localisedflooding wasalsoreported in Ida’s
From page 1.
Simnikiwe Nkohla’s home in Enkanini informal settlement was washed away by the floods, asituationhedescribedas overwhelming.
“I lost everything; my house is gone, along with everythingI had.Atthis moment Ihave nowheretostay. Iam waiting for any help that Ican get. Iam old and this will affect me badly.”
Ward 12 councillorAyandaTomose and members of hisward commitee conducted awalkabout to engage flood vistims on Monday.
“We are here to engage withthe community and understand the full extentof the damage caused by the rain,”Tomose said.
“We also want to ensure the affected families receive the necessarysupport.”
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers was in Khayamandithisweekto provide immediate relief. Blankets and food were distributed in Enkanini. As the rain had since stopped, locals are rushingtorebuild their homes and their lives.
Tomose said as the recovery efforts continued the main focusisonproviding immediate relief by supporting thosehad losttheir homesand belongings
“We havereached outtothe municipal,provincial andnationalgovernments levelstoassist us andweare awaiting feedback from them,” Tomose said.
Themunicipality urged residents to keep gutters anddownpipes clearofdebris, checkand maintain drains on their properties, move loose outdooritems indoors ahead of the heavy rains, and ensurewater can flow freely away from propertiesinto the stormwater system.
“We urge the public to report emergencies immediately so thatteams can respondwithout delay,” Grobbelaar said. . Residents experiencing flood-related issues or requiringassistance cancontact themunicipalitythrough theLet’s FixItWhatsApp Line on 076951 0768 or by sendinganemail to Engineering.Services@stellenbosch.gov.za. Alternatively, phonethe municipality acallon 021 8088215, 021808 8953 or 021808 8343
nbosch kry eenheid
“Die eenheid was verantwoordelik vir verskeie groot vuurwapen- en dwelmvondse asook ander aksies wattot inhegtenisnemings en vervolging gelei het
“Die eenheid bedien nie net die Swartland-munisipaliteit se wetstoepassingseenheid nie, maar word ook deur SAPD-eenhede in die Weskus gebruik
“Die K9-eenheid word vir die deursoek van mense, persele en voertuie by padblokkades asook in landelike veiligheidsoptredes ingespan. Hierdie optredes vind alles plaas in samewerking met ander veiligheidsrolspelers,” verduidelik Haasbroek.
Die Swartland het tans nege opgeleide honde met nege opgeleide hanteerders.
In Stellenbosch sal die ontplooiingsfasiliteit volgens die plaaslike munisipaliteit op ’n gedeelte van die Mountain Breeze-woonwapark wees, waar die daaglikse aktiwiteite nie met die van die woonwapark sal inmeng nie.
Hondehokke,’nkantoor en opleidingsgebied vir honde van die taktiesereaksiespan sowel as vir dienshonde sal gebou moet word.
Volgens die raadsitem sal die honde-eenheid ook ’n afskrikmiddelvir kwaaddoeners wees wat munisipaleinfrastruktuur wil steel of vandaliseer en diegene wat die woonwapark onwettig wil beset of daar inbreek.
Benewens misdaadbekamping word die opgeleide honde ook gebruik om vermistemense te help opspoor sowel as tydens teen-stroping-optredes.
Fasser weer verkiesbaar
Stellenbosch se eersteburger, Jeremy Fasser, het homweer as burgemeesterskandidaat vir die komendemunisipale verkiesing beskibaar gestel
Hoeweldie datumvir die2026- plaaslike verkiesing nognie amptelikaangekondig is nie, het dieDemokratieseAlliansie (DA)syburgemeesterskandidate vir die Wes-Kaap dieafgelope Dinsdag (21 April)bekendgemaak.
Fasser, ’n Cloetesville-seun, hetin November2024 die leiselsbyGesie van Deventer oorgeneem,náhaarskielike bedankinguit dieamp tweejaargelede. Fasser het tentye van Van Deventer se uitredeashaar onderburgemeester gedien.
Vele van dieDAseburgemeesterskandidate is tansreedsindie posen hoop om beheer van hul verskeie munisipaliteite te behou.
Onder diegene wat weer staan, is Stephen Korabie van Stellenbosch se buur-munisipaliteit, wat salpoog om aan diestuur van dieDrakenstein-munisipaliteit te bly.
Harold Cleophas,burgemeester van dieSwartland-munisipaliteit, sal ook virsyhuidigepos meeding
Die blou-party se anderburgemeesters- kandidate vir die provinsie sluit in Jessica Kamkam (Bitou), Mario Wessels(Bergrivier), RaymondRoss (Cape Agulhas), Marais Kruger (Tuinroete-distrik), BrowenJohnson(George), Richard van Huyssteen (Matzikama), Clinton Lerm (Overstrand)enTrevor Abrahams (Witzenberg). TertiusSimmers, Wes-KaapseDA-leier, het luidens ’n verklaring gesê dieDAsekandidate is deur diestrengstekeurings- proses gesit om dieDA-koukusinsyonderskeie munisipaliteite te lei. Die munisipale verkiesing saltussen Novembervanjaar en Januarie 2027 plaasvind. Intussen, houdie Onafhanklike Verkiesingskommissie op Saterdag 20 en Sondag 21 Junie ’n registrasie-naweek
Members of the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers preparing to hand food and blankets overto the affected communitymembersof Enkanini informalsettlement. Photo: HlomlaMdala
Verkeersman gegroet
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NOTICE OF LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONIN THE STELLENBOSCHMUNICIPAL AREA
The following land useapplication in terms of the Stellenbosch Land UsePlanning Bylaw,2023,refers:
Application Property AddressNo6 and8 Verreweide Street,Stellenbosch
Application Property Number Erven2307and 2308 Stellenbosch
Applicant Emilevan der Merwe Town Planning Consultants OwnerK2022757518 (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd Application ReferenceTP1400/2025
ApplicationTypeRemoval of restrictions,consolidationand departure
Detaileddescriptionoflanduseordevelopmentproposal,includingitsintentandpurpose:
1. Application is made in terms of Section 15 (2)(f) of the StellenboschMunicipal Land UsePlanning Law(2023)for the removalofrestrictivetitledeed conditions -“ConditionsC.(1) &(5)) contained in TitleDeedT28381/2024and T28382/2024,to allow forablock of flats on Erven2307and 2308 (tobeconsolidated)Stellenbosch.
Theconditionstoberemovedreadasfollows:
Paragraph C(1) “The above lotshall be used forresidentialpurposesonly, and onlyonceresidenceshall be erected thereon;provided howeverthat asemi-detachedresidencemay be erectedthereon subjecttoClausethereof Paragraph C(5) “All buildingsshall be erectednot less than20feetfromthe front or street boundaryline of the above lot,and notlessthan 10 feet from the side and back boundary lines of the said lot”
2. Application in terms of Section15(2) (e) of the Stellenbosch MunicipalLand UsePlanning Law(2023)for the consolidation of Erven 2307and 2308 (unregisterederf 19027).
3. Application is made in terms of Section 15(2)(b)ofthe Land UsePlanning By-Law fordeparturetoallow forthe following -Relaxation of the eastern and southern building line on the ground floor from 4,5mto0minrespect of the plantroom and staircases.
-Relaxation of the eastern and southern building line on the first,second and thirdfloor from 4,5mand 6m to 0m and 3.15m in respectofthe staircases
-Toexceed the permissiblebulk from 0.75 to 1,0 -Relaxation of the street building line from 4,5m to 2,5m forthe purpose of aswimming pool.
Noticeisherebygiven in terms of the provisions of Section 46 of the said Bylaw thatthe above-mentionedapplication has been submittedtothe StellenboschMunicipalityfor consideration. The application is availablefor inspection on the Planning Portalofthe StellenboschMunicipal Websitefor the duration of the public participation processatthe following address: https://www.stellenbosch.gov.za/planning/documents/planning-notices/land-use-applicationsadvertisements. If the websiteordocuments cannotbeaccessed, an electronic copy of the application canbe requestedfromthe Applicant
Youare herebyinvited to submit comments and /orobjections on the application in termsofSection 50 of the said bylaw. Writtencomment,which mustinclude the referencetothe application, the name,contactdetailsand physical addressofthe persontosubmit the comments,the reasons forthe comments, and the interestofthe person who submitsthe comment in the application, may be submittedtothe Applicantbyelectronic mail as follows: (Emile van der Merwet/a Emilevan der MerweTownPlanning Consultants (emilevdm@adept.co.za). By lodging an objection, comment or representation, the persondoing so acknowledges thatinformation maybemadeavailable to the public andtothe applicant
The commentsmustbesubmittedwithin 30days from the dateof this noticetobereceived on or before the closing dateof 25May2026
The Municipality, in terms of Section50(5) of the said Bylaw,may refusetoaccept any comments/ objection received afterthe closing date.
KENNISGEWINGVAN GRONDONTWIKKELINGSAANSOEK IN DIESTELLENBOSCHMUNISIPALE GEBIED
Die volgende grondgebruiksaansoek in terme vanStellenboschseVerordeningeopGrondgebruikbeplanning, 2023, verwys:
AdresvanaansoekeiendomVerreweidestraatno6en8
Aansoekeiendombeskrywing Erwe2307and2308Stellenbosch
AansoekerEmilevanderMerweStadsbeplanningskonsultante Eienaar K2022757518(SouthAfrica)(Pty)Ltd
AansoekVerwysing TP1400/2025
TipeAansoek Ophe�ngvanbeperkings,konsolidasieenafwyking
Besonderhedevandiegrondgebruiksaansoek,insluitendediedoelenuitkoms: 1. Aansoek in termevan Artikel 15 (2)(f) vandie StellenboschMunisipaliteit se Verordening op Grondgebruikbeplanning (2023)vir dieophe�ng vanbeperkendetitelvoorwaardes, -“VoorwaardesC.(1) &(5))soosvervatinTransport Aktes T28381/2024and T28382/2024,teneinde dieontwikkeling vanwoonstelleopErwe2307en2308Stellenbosch(te gekonsolideer te word)toe te laat
Dievoorwaardesomopgeheftewordasvolg:
ParagraphC(1) “The above lotshallbeusedfor residential purposesonly, and onlyonceresidenceshall be erected thereon; provided howeverthat asemi-detachedresidencemay be erectedthereon subjecttoClausethereof ParagraphC(5)“All buildingsshall be erectednot less than20feetfromthe frontor street boundarylineofthe above lot, and notlessthan 10 feet from the side and back boundarylines of the said lot”
2. Aansoek in termsofArtikel 15 (2)(e) vandie StellenboschMunisipaliteit se Verordening op Grondgebruikbeplanning (2023)vir diekonsolidasievan Erwe 2307and 2308 (onregistreerdeerf 19027).
3. Aansoek in termevan Artikel 15(2)(b)van dieStellenboschMunisipaliteit se Verordening op Grondgebruikbeplanning (2023)vir afwyking vandie volgende: -Verslapping vandie oostelikeensuidelikeboulyne (grondvlak)vanaf 4,5m na 0m tenopsigte vandie dienskamer en trappe -Verslapping vandie oostelikeensuidelikeboulyne op eerste,tweede en derdevloer vanaf 4,5m en 6m na 0m en 3.15m tenopsigte vandie trappe -Verhoging in die vloerfaktorvanaf 0.75 na 1,0 -Verslapping vandie straatboulynvanaf 4,5m na 2,5 tenopsigte vandie swembad.
Kennis word hiermee gegeeinterme vandie voorskrifte vandie Artikel46van diegenoemdeVerordeningedat bovermelde aansoek by dieStellenboschMunisipaliteit ingedienisvir oorweging. Dieaansoek is beskikbaar virinsae op dieBeplanningsPortaal vandie StellenboschMunisipaliteit se Webtuiste virdie tydsduur vandie publieke deelname proses by dievolgendeadres: https://www stellenbosch.gov.za/planning/documents/planning-notices/land-use-applications-advertisements. Indien diewebtuiste of tersaaklikedokumentenie toeganglik is nie,kan dieAansoeker versoek word om ‘n elektroniese kopievan dieaansoek beskikbaar te stel.
Kommentaar en/ of beswarekan vervolgens gedienwordopdie aansoek in terms vanArtikel 50 vandie tersaaklike Verordening. Skriftelikekommentaar,wat besonderhede tenopsigte vandie verwysingsnommer vandeaansoek, die name,fisiese adresenkontak besonderhede vandie persoon watdie kommentaarlewer,die redesvir diekommentaar,en diebelang vandie persoon watdie kommentaarlewer in dieaansoek, by dieAansoeker ingedienwordbywysevan elektroniese posasvolg: (Emile vander Merwet/a Emile vander MerweTownPlanning Consultants (emilevdm@adept.co.za.)Deur 'n beswaar,kommentaar of vertoë te rig,erkendie persoon watdit doendat inligting aan diepubliek en aandie aansoeker beskikbaar gestelkan word
Die kommentaar moetbinne30dae vanaf diedatum vanhierdie kennisgewing gestuur word en moetontvang word voor of op dielaastedag vandie sluitingsdatum van 25Mei2026.
Daar moetkennis geneemworddat dieMunisipaliteit,interme vanArtikel 50(5) vandie vermeldeVerordeninge, mag weier om enigekommentaar/ beswaarteaanvaar watnadie sluitingsdatum ontvang word
Forany enquiriesonthe Application orthe above requirements, or if youare unable to writeand /orsubmityour commentsasprovided for, youmay contact the Applicant (Emilevan der Merwe)for assistanceatthe e-mailaddress provided or telephonicallyat(0845566461/021-8865050)during normal o�ce hours.
Indien daar enigenavraeopdie aansoek of bovermeldevereistes virdie lewervan kommentaaris, of indiendit nie moontlik is om geskrewekommentaar te lewerofdie kommentaaropdie wyse te lewersoosvoorsienning gemaakisnie kandie Aansoeker geskakel word vir bystandbydie vermeldeelektroniesepos adres of telefoniesby(0845566461/ 886 5050)gedurendenormalekantoor ure.
Ward 16 to head to thepolls
Yaël Malgas
Five candidates are in therunning to represent Stellenbosch’s Ward16in the upcoming municipalby-elections.
The vacancy came after the resignation of Elsabe Vermeulen, who leftthe Democratic Alliance (DA) for the Patriotic Alliance early this year (“Raadslid nou PA-lid”, Eikestadnuus, 26 February.)
Vermeulen is back on the ticket for Cloetesville again, this timeunder the banner of her new party.
Next Wednesday (29 April) voters of the ward,which comprisesthe entire Cloetesvillearea,willhave the chance to make their crosses at the Eikestad Hall in Long Street or at Cloetesville Primary in Curry Street between 07:00 and21:00.
Voters who are alreadyinthe queue at 21:00will stillbeallowed to vote.
Along with Vermeulen the other candidates are Cornelius HenryDu Toit for the African NationalCongress (ANC), Niklaas Willemse, who represents theDemocratic Alliance (DA), Hajiera Arnoldsonbehalf of GOOD, andTanya
AnnaliseDanielsofthe Truthand Solidarity Movement.
All4748 registered voters in the ward maycasttheir votes on election day
TheElectoralCommissionofSouth Africa (IEC)inthe Western Capereminds voters that only those whose names appearonthe voters’ roll for the wardare eligibletovote. Special voteswill be cast next Tuesday (28 April)
Voters who applied andhavebeenapproved for specialvoting by the IECwill cast their votes at the aforementioned voting stations.
Thosevoters whowereapprovedfor home visits as aresult of health-related confinement, will be visitedbyIEC officials on the same day
Special voting takesplace from 08:00 to 17:00.
TheIEC remindedregisteredvoters to take along their greenbarcoded identity documents,smartIDcards or temporary identity certificate (TIC)onvotingday Locals whohaveany voting related queriesisaskedtocontactthe Stellenbosch IECofficeon083 331 6790 during officehours
NEW cashback
‘The Breath Between’shows creative renewal
Atrio of local artistswillshowcase their latest creative explorations when The Breath Between opens at Stellenbosch VoorgelegenMuseum on Thursday 7May, offering visitors aglimpse into what happens when established artists pause to trysomethingdifferent.
The group exhibition,featuringworks by Ros Koch, LilyMaas and Stephen J Quirke, officially opensat18:00 on 7May with wine andlivemusic,and runsuntil Saturday 9May.
The opening promises to beacelebration of both art and communityconnection, offering art enthusiasts the chance to meet the artists and experience their latest creative explorations first-hand.
Theexhibitiontakes its name from the concept of artistic seasons, periods when artists step back fromtheir usual practice to explore new approaches and subjects.Curators describeitascapturing “what happenswhen artists pause andallow asubtle shifttonew approaches,” creating space for them to pursue what they trulylove.
“Here in the Cape, we are blessed withmountains, forests,rivers andthe ocean,” the exhibition statement notes. “It is adream environmentfor artists seeking to paintthe world aroundus.”
Each artist bringsa unique perspectiveand medium to the show. Koch works across multiple media, on paper, board andcanvas, exploringher deep connection to the Cape’slandscapes and seascapes. Herworkoften incorporates figurative elements where human presence addsmeaning to natural scenes.
Maascreates abstract landscapesin charcoal and oilpaint, focusing on the intersection of intuition, nature and spirituality. Herpractice emphasises meditation andcontemplative markmaking, inviting viewersinto moments of stillness andreflection.
Quirke uses watercolours for detailed explorations of form anddesign, creating what he describes as “memories of our yearningtoreturn to the garden”.
Theexhibitioncoincides with the transition from summer to autumn in the Cape, when “autumnal colours emerge momentarily before the winter chillsets in,”aseasonal shift that mirrors the artists’ owncreative transitions.
To viewthe The Breath Between art loverscan visit the museum, at 116 Dorp StreetinStellenbosch, from 09:00 to 16:30 on Thursday andFriday, andonSaturday from 09:00 to 14:00.
. Formoreonthe artistsand theirworks visit www.roskoch.co.za, www.lilymaas.co.zaand sjqwatercolour.com
Op 90 hetEvitanog baie pittigewyshede
Die NATi-teaterfeesprogram by die Suidoosterfeesgaan feesgangers ongetwyfelddaaraan herinnerdat dié fees ’n broeikas vanvernuwing en gehalte in die Suid-Afrikaansekunstewêreldis. Die fees word vanjaar vanWoensdag 29April totSondag3 Mei in die Moederstad aangebied. Die feestema is “Tuiste” en sluit aan by Kaapstad,wat reedslanger as twee dekades die tuistevan die fees is. Onder die produkies watvanjaar te sienis, is Evita@ 90 en In TheEcho of Noise deur Pieter-Dirk Uys. Dié Suid-Afrikaanseteaterikoon bring weer sy teenwoordigheid na die fees met dié twee produksies watwys hoe satireenmedemenslikheid pasmaats is. In Evita@ 90 is die 80-jarige Uystesienasdie 90-jarigeEvitaBezuidenhout (foto) wathaar mond vol hetoor Suid-Afrikaseverlede en haaroor uitleen vir die TikTok-vraevan haar kleinkinders. In TheEcho of Noise deel Uysoomblikkeuit sy lewe met humor en inspirerende wyshede –’nlewensverhaalwat snaaks, hartseer en aangrypend is en die gehoor salmeevoer.Besoek suidoosterfees.comvir die feesprogram en Webtickets vir kaartjies. Foto:Hentie vander Merwe
Dorpskalender |Towncalendar
SUNDAY 3MAY
.Stellenbosch: WorldAccordion Daywillbecelebrated at the DROSTDYTHEATRE with aspecial concertthemed“From Paris to Stellenbosch” at 15:00.This musical journeywillshowcase the accordion alongside otherfreereed instruments, performed by professional accordionists and students. Featured performers include Monika Stuchlik from Zamar,Stanislav Angelov,Loren Ehlers, Andrevan Vuuren and Louis Verwey.Ticketscan be booked via Webtickets.
TUESDAY 5MAY
•Stellenbosch: African Drumming Tuesdays,a programme of the STELLENBOSCHUNIVERSITY MUSEUM,willbeheldfrom13:00to14:00. It aims to enhancewellness and well-being on campus, withsessions free and open to all. Contact Ricky on 021 8083660 or rickyb@sun.ac.zatobook.
THURSDAY 7MAY
•Stellenbosch: TheSUDrama Department presents Tom, Dick and Harry by Rayand Michael Cooneyatthe ADAM SMALLAUDITORIUM.In theold-school farce, Tomand Linda areinthe final stages of adopting ababy, waiting forthe agency to conduct thefinal interviewand inspec-
tion. But Tom’sbrothers pitch to support their brotherwithboxes filledwithcontraband, illegal immigrants and shopping bags with suspicious content.Tom tries to salvagethe situation, but the growing lies and changing explanations may cost Tomand Linda the baby.The cast is directed by Petrus du Preez. Theshowruns from Thursday 7toSaturday9May,and Thursday14toSaturday 16 Mayat19:00, with amatinee at 14:00 on 16 May. TicketscostR110 through Quicket
SATERDAG 9MEI
•Pniël: Die nasionalekrisanteskou word van 09:00 tot15:00 deur die Pniël-Tuinbou- en nywerheidsvereniging en die Pniël-Erfenis- en kultuurtrust in die PNIËL CONGREGATIONAL-kerksaal aangebied. Toegang beloop R50 Skakel 083485 2888
•Stellenbosch: Celebratemothers with afull weekend of memorableexperiences at MIDDELVLEIWINEESTATE thisMother’sDay weekend. Twodelicious occasions willbearelaxed pre-Mother’sDay brunch on 9May,followedby atraditional Mother’sDay offering on Sunday10 May. Thebrunch costs R225 or R155 per person. TheMother’sDay menu costs R375 per person. Book at 021883 2565.
Keenan Boonzaaier,inside centre of Franschhoek RFCpunts the ball upfieldtowin territoryin his side’s Super League Aclash against HamiltonRFC in Fran-
on Saturday18April. The home side suffered a8-59defeat.
Photo: EmileKrotz
Local teams aredivingin
Rugbyisroaring
Tasmin Cupido
The 2026 WesternProvince club rugbyseason is in full swing, with teams fromStellenboschand surrounds doing battle in various leagues.
Three teams are flying theregion’s flag in the union’s toptier of club rugby, withFranschhoek RFC, Van der Stel-Evergreens (VDE) and Maties looking to stamp their authority on Super LeagueA(SLA).
After their gut-wrenching defeatinthe semi-final of the Varsity Cup the students are leading the charge in second place on the SLA log, havingwon two from two matches. Last Saturday (18 April) they hostedPrimrose RFC at the Danie Craven Stadium, securing a36-21 victory.
SLA newcomersFranschhoek haveimpressedsofar, claiming eighth place on the log after a victory and defeat.
The men from the valley were especiallyimpressive in their derby duel against VDE in the season’s openingfixture, thumping their neighbours 17-55 to take the win and bragging rights.
They however stumbled in their home match against Hamilton RFC on 18 April, suffering a 8-59 loss.
Playing in SLA for asecond season seems to be taking its toll on VDE early in the season, the team having suffered two defeats in as many matchesand sitting
inlast place on the log.After their defeat toFranschhoek, they showedlittleto no improvement in their home meeting with False Bay RFClast weekend. After their 0-111 overhaul, the VDE coachingstaff willbefuriously making plans to gettheir charges backtowinningways.
Meanwhile,Pniël Villagersare front runnersinSuper LeagueC, securingtwo victories fromtwo matchessofar. In their season opener against Raithby Universals (RU), the menfromthe Dwarsrivier Valley recorded a 34-22 victory and dominated proceedings intheir match against Strand United, winning 41-5.
Kylemore RFChavealso enjoyeda perfectstart to their SLC season, taking the spoils in their outings againstStrand RFC (3220) and Langa RFC(15-34). ForRU, though,ithas been atough return to SLC, as they bowed the kneeinboth their encounters,losingtoPniël Villagersand narrowly going down to Scottsdene-Central (18-15).
Four weeks ofplayhave already beenrecorded in the Northern League, which features five teams from theStellenbosch region – Blue StarsUnited, Excelsior RFC, Stellenbosch-Coronations,Blakes RFC, Cloetesville RFCand FaureRFC
In thistoughlycontested league,both Blakes andBlue Stars are undefeatedafter four matches,but Blakes’ superior points difference sees them top the log ahead of the menfrom
Klapmuts. Thepastweekend Blakes beat Cloetesville 36-0 in aderby andBlue Stars thumped Gordon’s BayPioneers 17-99.
Corries’ three wins from four outingssees them slotted in third place on the log, their 10-22 victory over Police Blackheath bolstering their spot.
Excelsiorhas hada mixed start to the season, having secured a win anddraw, but suffered two defeats. Last weekend they played to a23-all stalemate with Whistling Wheels,which leaves them in fifth placeonthe log.
Faure hassecured asingle win fromtheir four outings, meaning they aremid-tableinsixth place. At the weekend, they narrowly lost 13-8toMorning Star.
Cloetesville are battling to get going this season, having lost all three of their matches so far.
. Weekdayfixture
– SLA: Maties vs UWC (Wednesday22April – outcome notknown at the timeofgoingtoprint).
. Fixtures forSaturday25April:
– SLA:Primrose vs Franschhoek (Rosmead Sports Ground).
– SLC: Atlantis vs Kylemore (ProteaPark); PniëlVillagers vs Watsonia Warriors (Pniël Sports Ground); RU vs Gardens (Raithby Sports Ground).
– Northern League: Blue Stars vs Whistling Wheels (Kylemore Sports Ground); Excelsiorvs Police Blackheath (Cloetesville Sports Ground); Corries vs Cloetesville (Ida’s Valley Sports Ground)
schhoek
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