Storm strands studenthiker
ChantélleHartebeest
AStellenbosch University student was rescued after adramatic24-hour operation along the Elandspad River in Du Toits Kloof, wherehewas left stranded following flash flooding.
According to Wilderness Searchand Rescue (WSAR) the incident unfolded on Sunday 19 April, when agroup of four young hikers attemptedtoreturn after turning back due to worsening weather conditions. By the time they reached ariver crossing heavy run-off had caused water levels to surge,transforming the river into afast-moving and dangerous stream.
Threemembers of the group managed to cross before conditionsbecame toohazardous.Realising the risk theydid not attempt to return for their friend, instead seeking higher ground to get cellphone reception and calling for help
The fourth hiker remained stranded on the opposite bank for nearly 24 hours,cold, wet and exposed to the elements.
Rescueteams, including WSAR, CapeNatureand police Search andRescue,were dispatched to the scene. On arrivalrescuerswere met with extreme conditions.
The river had risen to suchanextent that sections of the trailwere completely submerged,forcingteamstonavigateexposedterrain and scramble over abuttress to avoidthe powerful current.
Rescuers assessed various options but, due to the force of the water and fading light, madethe decisiontodelay crossing attemptsand wait forconditions to improve. Asmall team, including anEMS medic from Western Cape Government Health and Wellness,remainedonsite overnight, maintainingvisual contactwith the stranded hiker.
In the earlyhours of Monday 20 April water levels began to subside, allowing rescuers to throw aline across theriver.
Essential supplies, including warm clothing, hot drinks andatwo-way radio, were sent across to the hiker.
“Thatearly-morning breakthrough, getting vital supplies andcommunication across the river, was aturning point,” said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.
“It stabilised arapidly evolving situation and gave the patient renewed reassurance that help was notonly close, but actively closing in.”
Withimproving conditions arescue helicopter fromthe Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS/Air Mercy Service was deployed. Arescuer was lowered tohelp airlift the hiker safely to nearby Du Kloof Lodge.
He was then transported by ambulance to hospital forfurther assessment.
“Rivers are dynamic systems,”Nel warned. “What looks manageable in the morning can become life-threatening within minutes after rainfall. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, avoid activities near rivers during and after rainfall,and never attempt to crossswollen or fast-flowing water.”
WSAR thanked the various partner agencies involved in the operation as well as Du KloofLodge for providingsupport to rescue crews during the mission.
U-draai oor park
Yaël Malgas
DieStellenbosch-munisipaliteithet ’n U-draai gemaak oor sy planne om die Mountain Breeze-woonwapark te verkoop en soeknou na ’n huurder vir dié terrein.
Dieraadhet op die mees onlangse raadsvergadering vandie Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit verlede Woensdag (22April) besluitomnie voorttegaan metdie verkoop vandie munisipalebate nie. Dit volg nadat’nopenbaredeelnameproses vir die verkoop gehou is
Die vorigehuurder van die woonwapark, op plaas528 en plaas 529C, hetdie huurooreenkoms in 2021 verbreeken sedertdien was die woonwaparkgrootliksvakant. Voorstelle vir wat om met die terrein te doen, is in September 2021 geïn.Stellenbossers het onder meer voorgestel dat die woonwapark ingerig word vir fietsry, stapgroepe asook’n opvoedkundige en avontuur-sentrum.
Die munisipaliteit het egter in Oktober 2024 bevind om Mountain Breeze só om te skep, is nie haalbaarnie en die raad het destyds besluitomdie moontlike verkoopvan die terrein te adverteer
Deel vandie uitdagingmet diewoon-
waperkseontwikkelingisdat agtgesinnehulle op diegrond tuisgemaak het.
Diegesinne woonininformele strukture wat niedeurdie munisipaliteit goedgekeurisnie.Die bewoners het, volgensdie munisipaliteit, aangeduidat hulle bereid is om huur te betaal, maar diemunisipaliteit was van meningom diégeldteaanvaar, saldie bewoning wettig verklaar. Die moontlikheidvan aanspreeklikheid is ookdestyds uitgelig aangesien diemunisipaliteitaanspreeklikheid virenige ongelukke op die perseel soumoesaanvaar.
Nog’nopenbaredeelnameprosesisin Desember2024 gehou
Hierdie keerhet Stellenbossers onder meer voorgestel dat die gedeelte beskermede bos moet bly, metdie woonwapark wat virbehuising,’nopvoedkundige en eko-toerisme- sentrum of landboudoeleindes gebruik moet word.
Dieperseel is tansaslandbou gesoneer.
Nuwe aanbevelingsistydens dievergadering aanvaarendie munisipaliteit sal nou, soos deur dieraadgoedgekeur,nie meer dieeiendom op veilingplaas nie ’n Tender salnou opgestel wordvir die huur van MountainBreeze-woonwa-park vir20jaar
Rescue teams during the operation.
PhotoWildernessSearchand Rescue (WSAR)
Komleer speel-speel sake doen
Yaël Malgas
Speel-speel is die kragtigste manier om te leerendie manierwat Porchia Carstens gevind hetomalmal, van kinders tot werklosevroue, van geldsake te leer.
Dié Stellenbosserisself ’n entrepreneur en danksy die LEARN Games-entrepreneurspeletjie wys sy ander wat die fundamentele konsepteis, wat nodig is om ’n ondernemingte bestuur.
VolgensCarstens is dit verbasend hoeveel jongmensesesakevernuf na vore kom wanneer hulle eers aan die speel raak
“Daar is ’n digitale en papier-weergawe van diespeletjie. Ditisongelooflik hoe maklik dit virleerdersisom sakekonsepte te verstaan wanneer hulle met die papiergeld en bloublokkies hul ondernemings begin “Hoeweldie speletjie ontwikkelisvir kinders, hetekgedink dit souook goed wees virmense wat dalk eersdaagsuit die tronk ontslaanword. Ditgee hulle vaardighede om op terug te val,want ditisnie altyd maklik om ’n werk te kry wanneer jy uit die gevangenis kom nie,” verduidelik sy.
LEARN Games is deur dieNederlander, Henk Roelofs, stigtervan die LE-Network, ontwikkel. Carstens en Roelofshet in Pniël ontmoet tydens een van sy vele besoeke aan Suid-Afrika.
Die twee het aan diegesels geraak en Carstens, met Roelofs se hulp, het beginomdie opvoedkundigespeletjie by verskeie plaaslike skoleaan te bied. Volgens Roelofs is daar heelwat verkeerd met die huidige onderwysstelsel
Kinders, besig met die LEARNGames-speletjie,leer terselfdertyd waardevollesakevaardighede.
“HOEWEL DIESPELETJIE ONTWIKKEL IS VIR KINDERS HETEKGEDINK DIT SOUOOK GOED WEESVIR PERSONE WATDALK EERSDAAGS UIT DIE TRONK KOM.
–nie net in Suid-Afrika nie, maar ook in Nederland, waar hy dekades lank navorsing oor dieonderwys doen.
“Die fokus virleer is op die uitslae in plaasvan om werklik kennis op te doen,”meenRoelofs Hy is ’n voorstander van playful learning en meen skoolstelsels, ook hierinSuid-Afrika, moet dieklem van onderrig na bruikbare vaardighede verskuif.
Roelofs sê dieLEARN Games-speletjie is aan vrouevan oorloggeteisterde
lande soos Rwanda gegee en die bevindingewas verblydend. “Dievroue het die vaardighede geneem wat hulle deur die speletjie geleer het en gebruik om ’n koöperasie te stig.
“Deur diespeletjie het hulle geleer om saam te werk en hul finansiële hulpbronne gesamentlik aan te wend om hul leweteverbeter. Die 17 vroue het saam besluit wat om met hul geld te doen en het besluit hulle wil gaan dans en uiteet.”
Carstens se hoop is om meer jongmense en werkloses te bemagtigen dat die wiskundige, sake- en entrepreneursvaardighede wat die speletjie help aanwakker, vir almal beskikbaar sal wees.
Porchia Carstens en HenkRoelofstydens’nuitreikmet die LEARN Games-speletjie
Die ‘spin-koning’van Jamestown
Mauricia Petersen
Tyler Newman van Jamestownhet sy tuisdorp mettrots vervul toehyas relatiewe nuweling die eindstryd van die toonaangewende 2026 Red Bull Shay’ iMoto-kompetisie bereik het.
Die 21-jarige spinner,wat bekend staan as “King Tyler”, hettweedeuit 16 van dieland se beste spinners gekwalifiseer voordat hy sy plek in die eindronde verdien het.
Vir Tyler hetalles begin met sy pa se passie en ’n seuntjie se drome.“My belangstellingin spinning hetbegin toe ek nog baie jonk was. Mypahet my daaraan blootgestel, en van daardie oomblik af hetdit ietsinmywakker gemaak,” vertel hy Maar spinning was vir Tyler veel meer as net ’n stokperdjie –dit het’n reddingsboei geword. “Spinning het my ook op die regte pad gehou –dit het my weggehou van dinge soos dwelms en alkohol. Vir my het dit ’n positiewe addiction geword, iets waarvoorekalles gee en waarinekmyselfkan uitleef. Dis meer as net ’n sport vir my,dis deel van wieekis.”
In die klein,hegte gemeenskap van Jamestown was nie almal aanvanklik bewus van spinning se gewildheid nie. “Aan die begin het nie baie menseregtig geweet wat spinning is of hoe grootdie sport is nie,”sêTyler. “Toehulle hoor dat KingTylerbyRed BullShay’iMoto gaan deelneem, was daar baie opgewondenheid.”
Vandag staan sy gemeenskap trots agter hom. “My gemeenskap staan vandag sterk agter my, en hulleis ongelooflik trots. Om Jamestown op so ’ngroot platform te verteenwoordig, beteken vir
my baie.Dis ’n groot eer om te wysdat iemandvan ’n klein dorpie ookgroot drome kannastreef en bereik.”
DIEPADNADIEEINDRONDE
Tyler se tweede plek in die kwalifiserende ronde uit 16 deelnemerswas ’n emosionele oomblik. “Ek het daar ingegaan metdie fokus om net my beste te gee,enomsohoogteeindig het baie beteken,” vertel hy. “Dit het net vir my gewysdat alles waarvoor ek gewerk het, uiteindelik begin vrugte afwerp.”
Diehalfeindstrydhet ’n dramatiese wending geneem toesyteenstanderAustin Kruger se motor vlam gevathet. “As ’n deelnemer is jy altyd in fight mode, maar in daardiesekonde verander jou fokusdadelik. My eerste reaksie was nie oor die battle nie, maar oorveiligheid,” onthouTyler.
Tyler se BMW E30 met ’n 2JZ-enjinis
die hart vansysukses. “My BMWE30 is vir my baie meer as net ’n kar –dit is deel vanmyidentiteit in spinning.Wat homnog meer spesiaal maak, is dat hy ’n 2JZ-enjin het. Daardieenjinhet my naam regtig in die game laatgroei,want dit is baie betroubaar en sterk.”
Die vennootskap metsy stuntman Kabelo“KB” Maleka,wat dieTop Stuntman-toekenning gewenhet,isook vankritieke belang. “Om homasmy stuntman te hê is ’n groot verantwoordelikheid, want hy plaassyleweletterlik in my hande, wanneer ons die stunts doen.”
DROMEVIRDIETOEKOMS
Tylersevisie strek ver buiteJamestown se grense. “Ek wil spinning regtig oral in Suid-Afrika sien groei, nienet in die townships nie. Baie menseverstaan dit nognie heeltemalnie, maar vir onsis
dit’nsportmet baie skill,fokusenharde werk daaragter.”
Sy boodskapvir ander jongmense in klein gemeenskappe is kragtig: “Moenie dink jy is te klein of jouplekisteklein virgroot drome nie. Jy begin net waar jy is.Selfs al kyk niemand nounie,hou aan. Want eendaggaandieselfde mense vra‘hoehet jy ditgedoen?’.”
Metsyoog op internasionale uitbreiding wilTyler spinning as ’n erkende sportvestig: “Die volgende droom is om spinning noggrotertemaak; nienet hier nie, maar wêreldwyd. Ek wilhêmense moet ditregtigbegin sien as ’n sport en nienet iets wat ‘lekkerisomtekyk’ nie.”
Tylerwoondeesdae in Johannesburg, maar sê hy salnooit vergeet waarvandaanhykom nie. Die gemeenskap van Jamestownenhul ondersteuning sal altydnaaan sy hart lê
RedBull Shay’ iMoto 2026 is Saterdag 18 April by Suncoast Casino in Durban gehou,waarTyler tweede geëindighet in dieeindstryd teendie verdedigende kampioen, Jean “Panjaro” Kruger
21-jarigeplaaslike spinning-ster,Tyler het die finaal bereik en sy klein dorpie op dienasionalekaartgeplaas.
TylerNewman is trots op sy prestasie so ver.
From ‘coconut’ to theDean’sList
For years, Siphelele Sinawe Oniwe was told she didn’t belong.
Despite speaking isiXhosa at home, the 24-year-old from Montevideo, near Montana in Cape Town, and now aMaster’s studentinAfrican Language Studies, was labelled a“coconut”–aderogatory term used to describe black people perceived to hold “white” valuesand to be out of touch with their language or culture.
After formally learning the language only in Grade 10, the former RhenishGirls’ High School pupil remembershow she struggled with reading and writing isiXhosa. Her marks were so poor that her teacher called her parents in for ameeting, encouraging them to speak the language at home to support her learning.
“My teacher couldn’t understand why Icouldn’t read or write the language, not considering that Ihad never formally studied isiXhosa at school.After that meeting, Ididn’t want anything to do withisiXhosa, but my mom keptpushing and arranged tutors to support me,” said Oniwe.
Thismonth, Oniwerewrote her story when she walked across the stage at UWC’s Jakes Gerwel Hall to receiveher honours degree in isiXhosa, graduatingwith outstanding marksand earning aplace on the Dean’s List for heracademic
achievement. Aftervowingto abandon the language beyond high school,she says her turning pointcame at university when hermother, Jennifer, insistedshe continue with isiXhosa at UWC She credits herrenewed drive tothe university’s flexible, inclusiveteaching approach, which allowedstudents to engage with isiXhosa at their own proficiencylevel, including the option to writeexams in
English. “Oneofthe first things ourprofessorasked waswhat we were comfortable with,”she said. “Thatmade allthe difference.”
COMPLEXITIESOFLANGUAGE
Aparticularly influential figure was her lecturer, Prof Russell Kaschula,fromthe DepartmentofAfrican Language Studies, who used innovative teaching methods, including a documentary showing white
children learningisiXhosa,to highlight the complexities of language acquisition
Freedfromthe rigid methodsatschool andexposed to a more adaptive approach, Oniwe thrived, even achieving 100% in some isiXhosatests as an undergraduate student. “I started to enjoy it…I finally understood it,” she said Heracademicjourneyhas since inspiredher Master’s research, whichinterrogates
the widespreadassumption thatall isiXhosa speakers share the same level of proficiency. “There’s abig difference between speaking alanguage and beingacademically literate in it. We need to recognise that, especiallyinour education system.” Herstoryhighlightswider systemic challenges in many formerModel Cschools,where African languagesare introduced too late,leaving learners at adisadvantage Hermother,a formerteacher, nowworks with the Western CapeEducation Department’s IncrementalIntroduction of African Languages(IIAL) programme, mentoring teachersto better support these learners. For Jennifer,seeing her daughter excel in hermother tongue is adream come true “Although my children attended formerModel Cschools, we were intentional about preservingisiXhosaathome. Many families feel pressured to prioritise English to help their childrengainconfidence quickly, butthatoftencomes at the cost of losingproficiency in their home language –something we were determinedto avoid,”she said Lookingahead, Oniwe hopes to become an isiXhosaprofessor, usingher own journeyto inspireand support others. “I wanttocreatethe kind of environment thathelpedme succeed… wherestudents aren’t judged, butguided.”
Siphelele Sinawe Oniwehas attributed hersuccess in isiXhosa to UWC’sflexibleand inclusive teaching approach
‘Staan op virjou mense’
MauriciaPetersen
’n Eenvoudige gesprek by ’n markie was die vonk wat dievuuraangesteek en ’n plaaslike leerder sepassievir gemeenskapsdiens en jeugleierskap laat ontbrand het.
Die 16-jarigeDaniellaSmitvan die Hoërskool Stellenbosch,wat nou ’n lid van die Stellenbosch Junior Stadsraad en die Wes-Kaapse Jeugparlementis, vertel van die lewensveranderendeontmoeting wat haartot aksie aangespoor het. “Ek het in 2024 ’n maatskaplike werker by ’n markie ontmoet. Ons hetaan die gesels geraak en sy hetmyvertelvan die daaglikse uitdagings wat sy in haar gemeenskap ervaar,” sê sy
“Ek was geskok; ek het netdaar besef hoe naïef ek was om te glo dat onsin ’n perfekte wêreld leef. Dit was die mees ontnugterende gesprekwat ek nog ooit gevoerhet.”
Hierdie ervaring het daartoe gelei dat sy na dieburgemeester vanKaapstad, GeordinHill-Lewis, vir ’n dagbesoek uitgereik het. “Ek hethul vergaderings bygewoon, met die burgemeester self gepraat en my standpunteoorgedra. Dit
is waar alles begin het,”vertel sy.
Danielle het in 2025 by die Stellenbosch Junior Stadsraad aangesluitendaarna by die Wes-Kaapse Jeugparlement –“’n stap watvir my baie opwindend is”.
As leerder wat noghaar matriekjaar moet voltooi, erken sy datdie balans tussenskool en leierskap uitdagend kan wees
“Ekprobeer so goed as moontlik byhou en my prioriteite in lynhou.Dit raak soms’n uitdaging,maar ek werk elke dag hardenprobeer alles op die mees produktiewe manier in my dag inpas.”
Smit beklemtoon datdie uitdagings, waardeurStellenbosch in die gesiggestaarword, nie in afsondering opgelos kan word nie.
“Baie probleme watons in die dorp ervaar, gaan hand aanhandmet die uitdagings wat in die landelike gebiede ervaarword. Dus kan onsnie een in afsonderingoplos nie.”
Vandie belangrikste problemewat sy identifiseer, sluit in betroubareenveilige vervoer na en van skole af,veilige en skoon skoolomgewings en algehele gemeenskapsveiligheid
Hoewel die Universiteit Stellenbosch naby is,beteken dit nie dattoegang tot
Kinders met outisme geniet Stellenbosseviering
Kinders met outisme het verlede Saterdag (25April) lekker gelagengespeel terwyl hulfamilies by die Speelgoed-museum in Stellenboschdie einde vanOutisme-bewustheidsmaandgevier het.Die springkasteel het hul domein geword,terwylouersvir die eerstekeer in maande konontspan. Dieondersteuningsgroepisin2023 deur Rahkeenah Peters begin,nadat haar dogterasoutisties gediagnoseer is. Watas10 lede begin het,het tot40gegroei. “Dit helpnie net ouersomhul kindersbeter te verstaan nie,maar ook vir hulbroers en susters,”verduidelikPeters. Dr. Monique de Witvan die Universiteit Stellenboschbeklemtoon sulkegeleenthede: “Jykan families ondersteun watreis nádiagnose.” Outisme is ’n lewenslange ontwikkelingsgestremdheid. Tekens kanvan driejarigeouderdom af herken word,soosdat ’n kind nie oogkontak maak nie en nie wil speel nie. Foto’s:BarendWilliams
tersiêre onderwysoutomaties is nie. “Onsmoetdie omgewingskep viralle leerders om akademies te kan presteer sodathierdie geleenthede virhulle ’n moontlikheid is,” sê sy.
Haar betrokkenheid by gemeenskapsprojekte het klein begin. “Ekhet my reis begin deur geldinsamelingvir songo. info in Khayamandi te doen, en daardie kinders het diep spore in my hart getrap.”
Sy het ookmet die Pebbles Projectse vakansieprojek saamgewerk, waarsy verskillende plaseseVKO-projekte besoek en vakansie-aktiwiteite metkinders gefasiliteer het.
Een vandie opwindendste inisiatiewe wat voorlê,isdie Junior Stadsraadse beplanning vir deelname aandie One YoungWorld Summit in November
“Dit sal blootstelling aanwêreldleiers bied,ons kundigheid toets en onsvan nuwe maniere om beleid te ontwikkel, leer,” verduidelik Daniella.
Vir die Jeugparlementsittingsidentifiseer sy driekernprioriteite: Die gehalte vanskole en die ongelyke verspreiding vanhulpbronne;die verskaffing van sanitêre produkte vir meisiesinarm gemeenskappe; en die daarstelling van
ADVERTENSIE-ARTIKEL
veiligheidsnetwerkebyskole in ekonomies gemarginaliseerde gebiede. Daniella se raad aanjongmense is eenvoudig,maarkragtig: “Elke klein aksie maak ’n verskil; dit hoef nie grootoferg te wees nie. Beginnet,wantasjydit eers doen, is daargeenomdraai nie.” Sy moedigjongmense aanomna plaaslikeNGO’s uittereik. “Moenie bangweesnie,wantvrees is jougrootste vyand. As jy voeliets in jougemeenskap pla,moetjynie bangweesomopte staan en joumense te verteenwoordig nie.”Haarslotboodskapis’noproeptot aksie:“Ditisnoodsaaklikvir onsdorp om jong leiers te ontwikkel wat SuidAfrika eendagvorentoe gaan vat.”
JannieLouwrencesluit by Blue CraneFunerals aan
’n Bekende en betroubarenaam in Stellenboschhet onlangs by dieBlueCrane Funerals-familieaangesluit en is gereed om weer sy gemeenskaptedien Diebegrafnisondernemer JannieLouwrencewerknou onder dieBlueCrane Funerals-vaandel. Danksy sy meer as vier dekades se ervaring in diebedryfkan kliënte verseker wees dathulle diebeste moontlike diens salontvang Louwrencebeskousywerkas’nroeping: “Elkegeval is netsobelangriksoos die ander –ekhanteer elkeenasof ditmyeie geliefde is.”
Blue CraneFunerals hethul vlerke vanuit Strand na dieEikestaduitgestrek,endie vennootskap tussen Louwrenceenhierdiegevestigdebegrafnisonderneming is nommerpas,aangesien professionaliteiten uitmuntendediens virbeide ’n gegewe is.
OMVATTENDE DIENSMET DEERNIS
Blue CraneFunerals is ’n geregistreerde begrafnisondernemingwat volledig toegerusismet alle nodigefasiliteiteom kliënte metdeernis en waardigheidvan hul geliefde te laat afskeidneem.
Blue CraneFunerals spesialiseer in uitstekendediens teen ’n bekostigbareprys.
Dieonderneming is in 2013 deur dieEbersohn-familiegestig.
Diedood van’ngeliefde kaneen vandie mees traumatieseervarings wees watenigeenkan meemaak,maar in diebekwame handevan LouwrenceenBlueCrane Funeralswordkliënte aandie hand gevatendeur elkeoomblik ondersteun
van40gegroei het Capturing ascene in hues of amber and rose at firstlight Dawn breaks overthe majestic SimonsbergMountains, painting the skyinhues of amber and rose as the firstlight touches the peaks, outside Stellenbosch. Amateur photographer CobusGermishuyscaptured this moment on Tuesday22April. Eikestadnuus readerscan send their photographs of scenes in andaroundvia email to eikestadnuus@novusmedia.co.za. Photos must
Diebegrafnisondernemersseomvattendediens betekendat kliënte metalles gehelpword– vandie kies van’nkis en die drukvan programme totblommerykers en verassings
TROTSOPDIE UITBREIDING
“Ons is opgewondeomJannie by dieBlue CraneFunerals-familieteverwelkom. Met sy jarelangeervaring,professionaliteit en integriteit weet ons hy sal’naanwinswees
–nie netvir ons as onderneming nie, maar ook virdie breë Stellenbosch-gemeenskap, wathyreeds dekades lank mettoewyding dien,”sêFredEbersohn, dieeienaar Blue CraneFuneralsis24uur perdag beskikbaar en is ’n geregistreerdeinstelling watbegrafnispolisseonderskryf. Kliënte kantot sewe familielede dek en met gemoedsrus vangeliefdesafskeid neem. Louwrencesêdit is ’n eervir hom en sy dogter,Bernadette, om dieStellenbosch-gemeenskap te dien. “Ons hetbykansons hele lewe aanhierdie roepinggewyenwas te alle tyebeskikbaar,”sêLouwrence. Wanneer jy professionelebegrafnisdiensteindie breërStellenboschbenodig, vertrou op dieervaringvan JannieLouwrence en dieBlueCrane Funerals-span.“Onsis 24/7 beskikbaar om jouenjou familiedeur hierdiemoeiliketyd te ondersteun. Ons familiekan ook helpomjou familiemet ons diensteenbegrafnispolissetebeskerm.” Kontak diespanper e-posbylindsay@ bluecranefunerals.co.za.SkakelJannie Louwrenceby0218533952ofbesoek die webbladbyhttps://bluecranefunerals.co.za om meer uit te vind
Rahkeenah Peters, Miska Emeran, Taskeen Ontong, VanessaMalawa, Cherilene Jonkers-Eksteen en Lauren Mortlock-Davids wystrots die WhatsApp-groep watvan 10 lede tot’ngemeenskap
Die ervarebegrafnisondernemer,Jannie Louwrenceisnou deel vanBlueCrane Funerals
DaniellaSmit en ByronScheepersvan Groendal, wat ook in die Wes-Kaapse Jeugparlementdien.
Animal-welfare body needsfunds
TheAnimal WelfareSociety Stellenbosch (AWSS)iscalling on the community to dig into their pockets to continue delivering essential services to pets in need.
The NPO initiated acommunity-driven campaign designed to create sustainablefunding in response to the growing demand for its services. The campaign comes at acritical time for AWSS, which
is experiencing anotable surgeinanimal intakesdue to economic pressures on petownerswho are forced to surrender their pets alongside increased instances of abandonment. Despite these challenges AWSS remainsdedicated to caring for animals in needbyproviding medicaltreatment, vaccinations, sterilisationand rehabilitation, helping preparecatsand dogs for their future, forever-loving homes.
Driving Microsoft
Ikamva
Digital at Boland College
Boland Collegehostedthe Microsoft IkamvaDigital Roadshowatits Stellenboschcampus on Wednesday 22 April, reinforcing its commitmenttodigital transformation in education and equipping studentswith the skills needed to thriveinarapidlyevolving, technology-driven economy.The roadshow formed part of a national initiativetointroduceand integrateIkamvaDigital into teaching andlearning environments. The platform provides students andlecturers with access to digital tools, learning resourcesand career development opportunities aimed to improve academic success and workplacereadiness. Theevent featured interactiveactivation stations, on-the-spot student registrations and engagement sessions with lecturers and management,focusing on practical ways to embed digitaltoolsintothe curriculum. Adedicated session with academic leadershipand lecturers explored howIkamvaDigital canenhanceteaching efficiency, streamline assignment management and improve themonitoring of student performance.Atthe roadshow (from left) areRhonwenFrancke(academic content creator),Sha-Marievan Oordt (acting campus manager: Stellenbosch), NomalizoMpati (deputy principal: Academic Services), Sohail Dhoda (co-founder and CEOofPhilanthrosoft) and Amierah Allie(programme manager: AcademicSupport).
The1000 Life Changers Clubaims to bring together 1000 individuals,each contributing R100 per month to support the shelter. Small,regularcontributions frommanypeoplecan collectively create areliablesource of funding, enabling AWSS to plan aheadand continuedelivering essentialcare.
Funds raised willcoverthe costsfor vital veterinary services, including life-saving treatment, preventativecare,
andemergency interventions.“Amonthly donation of R100 mayseem small, but togetheritenablesustoprovide consistent care andrespond when animals need us most,”explainedJessisa Perrins, general managerofAWSS.
. Those interested in contributing canvisit www.awss.co.zaand clickonthe 1000Life Changers banner on thehomepage. Formore informationonhow to getinvolvedemail Carolynonfundraiser@awss.co.za.
Not even thefirst seasonal cold fronts couldstopa group of around 100 road runners from lacing-upand taking to thestreets of Stellenboschfor the inauguralMostertsdrift Marathon, which washeldonSunday 19 April. Despitethe cold andwet conditions participantsbravedthe chilland flooded streets, allinthe name of charity. According to the organisers the event raised morethan R25 000 fortwo localcharities, YouthOutreach andGreen Door in
Participantshad their pick of distances, getting to sign up to take on distances from 3kmto21km, and theywere creativeintheir choiceof running gear,asseenhere. Organisers said the event was asuccess and theyare already looking forwardtothe next instalment setfor April next year
Jamestown and Stellenbosch.
Dorpskalender |Towncalendar
SUNDAY3MAY
Stellenbosch:WorldAccordionDaywillbecelebratedattheDROSTDYTHEATREwithaspecial concertthemed“FromParistoStellenbosch”at15:00 Thismusicaljourneywillshowcasetheaccordion alongsideotherfreereedinstruments,performedby professionalaccordionistsandstudents.Featured performersincludeMonikaStuchlikfromZamar, StanislavAngelov,LorenEhlers,AndrevanVuuren, andLouisVerwey.BookthroughWebtickets
TUESDAY5MAY
Stellenbosch:AfricanDrummingTuesdays,a programmeoftheSTELLENBOSCHUNIVERSITY MUSEUM,willbeheldfrom13:00to14:00.Itaims toenhancewellnessandwell-beingoncampus, withsessionsfreeandopentoall.ContactRickyon 021808 3660orrickyb@sun.ac.zatobook.
THURSDAY7MAY
Stellenbosch:TheStellenboschUniversityDrama DepartmentpresentsTom,DickandHarrybyRayand MichaelCooneyattheADAMSMALLAUDITORIUM Intheold-schoolfarce,TomandLindaareinthefinal stagesofadoptingababy,waitingfortheagencyto conductthefinalinterviewandinspection.ButTom’s brotherspitchtosupporttheirbrotherwithboxes filledwithcontraband,illegalimmigrantsandshoppingbagswithsuspiciouscontent.Thecastisdirected byPetrusduPreez.TheshowrunsfromThursday7to Saturday9May,andThursday14toSaturday16May at19:00,withamatineeat14:00on16May.Tickets costR110throughQuicket
Stellenbosch:TheBreathBetween,anartexhibitionbyaatriooflocalartists,opensatVOORGELEGENMUSEUMinDorpStreetwithwineandlive musicat18:00.Thegroupexhibitionfeaturesworks byRosKoch,LilyMaasandStephenJQuirke,andruns untilSaturday9May.Theopeningisacelebration ofbothartandcommunityconnection,offeringart enthusiaststhechancetomeettheartistsandexperiencetheirlatestcreativeexplorations.Theexhibition coincideswiththetransitionfromsummer,when “autumnalcoloursemergemomentarilybeforethe winterchill,”aseasonalshiftthatmirrorstheartists’ owncreativetransitions.Formoreinformatononthe
artistsandtheirwork,visitwww.roskoch.co.za, www.lilymaas.co.zaandsjqwatercolour.com.
SATERDAG9MEI
Pniël:Dienasionalekrisanteskouwordvan09:00 tot15:00deurdiePniël-Tuinbou-ennywerheidsverenigingendiePniël-Erfenis-enkultuurtrustbydie PNIËLCONGREGATIONAL-kerksaalaangebied. ToegangbeloopR50.Skakel083 485 2888virmeer inligting.
Stellenbosch:Familiesareinvitedtocelebratethe specialwomenintheirlivesatMIDDELVLEIWINE ESTATEthisMother’sDayweekend.Theestatewill honourmomswithtwodeliciousoccasions:arelaxed pre-Mother’sDaybrunchonSaturday9May,followed byatraditionalMother’sDayofferingonSunday10 May.ThecostforthebrunchmenuisR225perperson (includingbubbly)orR155perpersonwithoutthe bubbles.TheMother’sDaymenufeaturesstokbrood servedwithBokkomButter(starter);aspreadof curriedlambsosatieswithmintyoghurt,boerewors, BBQspicedchickenwings,Capresesaladwithcocktail tomatoes,fiordelatteandbasil,athree-beansalad, braaiedcornonthecob,andcheesygarlicbread baked(main);andmilktartmille-feuille(dessert)at R375perperson.Pre-bookingisessentialon 0218832565oremailinfo@middelvlei.co.za.
FRIDAY15MAY
Franschhoek:TheFRANSCHHOEKLITERARY FESTIVALbringstogetheracclaimedauthors,thinkersandreadersforaweekendcelebratingthepower ofstorytellinginallitsformsuntilSunday17May.The programmespanscurrentaffairs,fiction,memoir,art, food,historyandchildren’sliterature. Thisline-upfeaturesbothinternationalauthorsandleadingSouth Africanvoices.Amajorhighlightistheexpanded children’sprogrammeonSaturday16May.Sessions includestorytellingwithRefiloeMoahloliandGcina Mhlophe,adventuretalesfromRiaanManser,and liveillustrationwithAlexLatimer.Parentscanalso attendadiscussiononmodernparenting.Formore informationandtickets,visitwww.flf.co.za.
Stuurallekalender-inskrywingspere-posna eikestadnuus@novusmedia.co.za.
Conservancysays ‘WalkfortheWild’
The Greater Simonsberg Conservancy (GSC) invites thepublic to its Walk for the Wild, a10kmtrail run or hike at DelheimWineEstate on Saturday 9 May.
Hosted on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, the event aims to combine outdoor recreation with tangibleconservation impact. All proceeds will go towardsprotecting leopards andtheir fragile mountain habitat in the Stellenbosch area.
TheGSC works in close partnership with the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT), aleading conservationorganisation focused on research, education andpromoting coexistence between humans andwildlife in the Western Cape and beyond. Together, the two bodies are working to strengthen longterm conservationefforts on privateand protected land in and around Simonsberg.
The conservancy forms part of abroader landscape approachtoconservation, in which landowners collaboratetosafeguard critically important renosterveld and fynbos ecosystems, while maintaining ecologicalcorridors thatenable wildlifetomove freely across the mountain landscape.
Research conducted by the CLT,including extensive leopard monitoring across the Boland Mountain Complex, has confirmed that leopards continue to inhabit the Simonsberg area.
Camera trap data gathered on GSC member properties such as Boschendal, Plaisir andDelheim underscores thecrucial role private land plays in sustaining leopard populations.
The CLT also runs environmental education programmes and snare awareness initiatives, while also developing practical conservation solutions such as predator-proof livestock enclosures through its Mobi-kraal project
Participants will enjoy exclusive access to Delheim’s Leopard Trail,which offers sweeping views. Organisers also encourage participants to dress in leopard-themed outfitsfor a“Best Dressed Leopard” competition, withprizes on offer forthe most creative entries.
Trail runners willstart at 08:00, while hikers may begin at any timebetween 08:00 and 10:00.
Entries are limited and available via Quicket. Tickets cost R450 per person and includes aDelheim wine tasting, adonationtothe CLT, acontribution to ongoing conservation effortsand access to thetrail
The GSC haveurged interested participantstobook early.
TheGreater SimonsbergConservancy(GSC) has invited the public to take part in awalk in support of Cape leopardconservation.
Gymnast’sperseverancepaysoff
While most five-year-oldsstruggle with basic coordinationTravis Giles couldn’t evencomplete abackroll after six monthsofgymnastics training.
But today the 20-year-old stands as thefirst Western Cape gymnast to be selected to the South African men’sartistic gymnastics team in twodecades,a testament to perseverance overphysical limitations.
Starting gymnastics wasn’t achoice born from natural talent, but anecessity. Diagnosed withboth ADHD and low muscle tone, the Durbanvillenativewas enrolledingymnastics as therapeutic intervention. Those early dayswere challenging; he was“abit of anightmare to teach” as hyperactivity madefocus impossible and low muscle tone meant even basic skills felt insurmountable.
“I was really bad,” Giles recalled of that first display ceremony, where others received ribbons while he couldn’tdoa simple back roll.
His mother still treasuresthat humbling video, now areminder of how far determinationcan take one.
ACCELERATEDTRAININGPAYS
As training hours increased gymnastics began addressing both challenges. The physical demands helpedchannel his energy, while repetitivepractice gradually built muscle strength.Though he still wandered in frontof older gymnasts duringfloor routines, age and experiencetaught himself-control.
Giles’ competitive journey in thesport began in earnest in 2013 with district and provincial competitions. By 2015 he
Members of StellenboschCricket Club (SCC)gathered forthe annual clubprize giving at St Ida’sPrimarySchool hall on Friday17April. Theevent sawthe club’s topperformers of the 2025-’26 season honoured forthe hardwork and dedication on and off the pitch. Among the night’sinvited guests were Cricket Boland president Cecil Fielies and Stellenbosch mayorJeremyFasser.ChristenHanekom (right) washonoured as ladies’ batter of the year.SCC head coach Taheer Fredericks(left) handed the award to her.
NdipiweOlayi,MayoralCommitteemember forSport,Youthand Culture,with Peter Minnis,who received the players’player of the season award.He also received the award forthe best first team batsman.
was competing nationally in both artistic gymnastics andtumbling.The breakthrough came in 2016 with selection for theSAteam competing in Zimbabwe, whereheplaced second overall
Now pursuing aBSc Computer Science degree at Stellenbosch University –following in his sister’s footsteps and proximity to his training facility at StellenboschGymnastics –Giles faces the demanding balancing actofelite athleticsand academics. His first year proved manageable thanks to his Maths Olympiad background, but the second year’s intensity coinciding with apackedcompetitionschedule from JulytoDecember
decades.
created significant challenges.
“It’stough,” he admitted,sharinghe intends to spread his third year overtwo years to focus on gymnastics while rewriting somesubjects.The Maties Gymnastics Club provides additional training flexibility when universitycommitments interfere with his regularschedule.
Under coaches Gerhard Swieggersand Tabo MkandawireatStellenboschGymnastics –housed in world-classfacilities at Spier –Giles trains alongside five other JuniorOlympic gymnasts.Mkandawire, aformerAfrican Championships gold medallist and recentGymnastics South Africa (GSA) senior coach of the
StellenboschCricket Club honours topperformers
Ruan Arnolds (right) wonthe awardfor best bowler in the thirdteam. Gemau Adamspresentedthe award.Ruanwas also namedthe club’s youngplayerofthe season.
Meyer
JustinSchreuder (right)receivedthe award forSCC’s best batsman in the second team as well most improved player.JacoKotze, owner of thelocal Puma Service Station andloyal club sponsor, presented one of the awards to him.
year, understands high-performance demands.
Hiscurrent preparation involves six training daysweekly when possible, though university commitments have reduced this to fourdaysatthe club plus two evening sessions at the university gym
NATIONALSELECTION
Learning about his national team selection through aGSA circular while training,the momentbrought Gilesnervousexcitement andrelief.Thishistoric selection carriesweightbeyond personal achievement; it represents hope for WesternCapegymnastics,where costly travel to Pretoria-basedtrialsand competitions haslongcreated barriers.
As he preparedfor thismonth’s AfricanChampionships in Cameroon,Giles’ goals remained realisticyet ambitious: reaching pommel horseand rings finals, or achieving personalbests underpressure would demonstrate growth Throughouthis gymnastics journey family support hasproveninvaluable, from daily training transport untilhe could drive himself,tofinancial commitment andtravellingtocompetitionsas his“photographers,videographers and administrators”.
For young athletesfacing similar challenges,Giles’adviceissimple:“With anything in life as longasyou don’t give up andworkhardyou cangofar.”
Beyond2026, hisdreamsinclude World Cups, Commonwealth Games andperhaps the ultimate goal, Olympic competition,supportedbycomputerscience’s career flexibility.
Travis Giles demonstrates hispommel-horse mastery. The20-year-oldhas made historyasthe first Western Cape gymnasttoearna spot on theSouthAfrican men’sartisticgymnasticsteamintwo
Teagen
wonthe covetedsportswomanof the year award. Cecil Fielies, president of Cricket Boland, wasonhand to congratulate her.
Dominic Walburg(centre)won theprestigious sportsman of theyearaward.He is flanked by Stellenboschmayor Jeremy Fasser and SCCchairperson Brian Minnis.
Thecaptain’saward went to chairperson Brian Minnis. He is flanked by firstteam leaders PeterMinnis (left) and Curt Oliver
Thechairperson’saward wasgiven to staunch club supportersOlgaand MarioRandelhoff.Atthe presentation (from left)are Mario Randelhoff,Brian Minnis (chairperson), deputychairperson ShirleCornelissen and Olga Randelhoff
