Jail‘smuggler’caughtred-handed
Police are investigating a case of dealing in drugs after a prisoner was found in possession of Mandrax and dagga at Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (25 November). According to police, officials were loading prisoners into a vehicle to be transported to Pollsmoor Prison around 13:40, when they noticed a prisoner carrying a bag When asked about the contents of the prohibited bag, he claimed it was toilet paper given to him by his
The festive season is here, but so are those looking to take advantage of Stellenbosch residents and visitors
Local police share some safety tips with the community to reduce crime and help all stay safe this holiday season
Personalsafety
•be aware of your surroundings at all times; avoid displaying cash, expensive jewellery or gadgets in public;
•walk in well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts;
•inform someone you trust about your travel plans; and
•keep emergency numbers saved on your phone
Homesafety
•lock all doors, gates and windows before leaving home;
•don’t leave valuables visible;
•use timers for lights if you will be away;
•notify trusted neighbours when travelling; and
•don’t post travel plans on social media
Roadsafety
•don’t drink and drive;
•keep to speed limits and obey road rules;
•ensure your vehicle is roadworthy;
•take regular breaks on long trips to avoid fatigue; and
•keep valuables locked in the boot
Shoppingcentresafety
•park in well-lit areas and lock your vehicle properly;
•don’t leave bags, gifts or valuables visible in the car;
•keep your handbag and wallet secure; be alert at ATMs, shield your pin and avoid assistance from strangers; and
•watch your children closely in crowded areas
Cyberandbankingsafety
•never share your pin, password or OTP with anyone;
•beware of phishing messages or holiday promotions that seem too good to be true;
•use only secure websites; and
•log out of banking apps after use
Alcoholandsocialgatherings
•drink responsibly and know your limits;
•never leave your drink unattended;
•use a designated driver or ride service; and
•avoid conflict
Toreportallincidents,callStellenboschpolice’s OperationsRoomon0218090121/5or 0825221912
Yaël Malgas
A crime allegedly committed on the West Coast had a dramatic and tragic end in Stellenbosch, when a suspect ended up dead on the Helshoogte Road outside Ida’s Valley last Thursday (27 November).
A part of the busy road was closed for hours after the driver of a blue Volkswagen T-Roc crashed into a tree at high speed near Simonsrust Centre. Debris littered the road with some fragments of the vehicle strewn on the open field adjacent to the road in Ida’s Valley.
Jaco Meintjies (49) was flung from the vehicle and declared dead on the scene by medical personnel Traffic officials were on the scene to divert traffic to alternative routes.
Cloetesville police spokesperson Warrant Officer Zenobia Sedeman confirmed Meintjies had been a suspect in an alleged highjacking in Porterville He was apparently still on the run when the crash occurred early Thursday morning.
“The highjacking took place in the Porterville area when the woman victim was on her way to work,” Sedeman said.
“She stopped for a person known to her, who was looking for a lift. During the drive, the suspect pulled out a screwdriver and held it to her neck.”
According to the police report the victim was taken to Gouda, where they stopped at an ATM and the victim was instructed to withdraw money.
She apparently called out for help from passersby, “but the suspect started the car and fled”.
Making his way to the Cape Winelands, Meintjies picked up two hitchhikers, which caught the attention of patrolling Paarl police, after which a high-speed chase ensued.
The hitchhikers were panicked by the chase and Meintjies slowed down so the two could jump out. The chase continued on the “Agter Paarl” road in the direction of Klapmuts.
The SUV sped through Pniël on the Helshoogte Road and crashed into two vehicles before rolling and crashed into the tree.
The incident is being investigated by Porterville police.
Groepe staan saam teen geslagsgeweld
Die Groot Drakenstein-polisie, in samewerking met die plaaslike gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum, lede van die Slagofferbemagtigingsprogram (VEP) en ander belanghebbendes, het onlangs ’n bewusmakingsinisiatief in die Simondium-gemeenskap begin as deel van die internasionale veldtog vir 16 dae van aktivisme vir geen geweld teen vroue en kinders. Die veldtog is daarop gemik om bewustheid te verhoog oor geweld teen vroue en kinders Die rolspelers het met plakkate deur die Simondium-gemeenskap beweeg en inwoners oor geslagsgeweld ingelig en opgevoed
Yaël Malgas
Hoewel die Stellenbosch-sokkerklub (FC) voortgaan met sy planne om ’n wêreldklas- “Field of Dreams” by die Van der Stel-sportkompleks te skep, sê die plaaslike sportraad hulle gaan nêrens sonder ’n nuwe heenkome nie.
Die Van der Stel-sportraad (VDS), wat meer as 20 sportsoorte verteenwoordig, het onlangs gehoor hulle moet teen 31Maart 2026 uit. Pieter Lotz, die voorsitter van die raad, sê buiten die verpligting wat die premier-sokkerklub het om die sportsoorte met ’n nuwe heenkome te help, bestaan baie redes hoekom hulle nie teen volgende Maart uit sal wees nie.
Teenkanting teen die Stellenboschmunisipaliteit se 30-jaar-huurooreenkoms met die sokkerklub was duidelik tydens die openbaredeelnameproses vir die multimiljoenrand-ontwikkeling. Onder die teenkanters was die talle klubs, skole en besoekers wat die multi-gebruik-sportterrein benut.
Ten spyte van petisies en kommentaar van die publiek het die Stellenboschmunisipale raad die ontwikkeling in Julie goedgekeur Volgens Stellenbosch FC se planne sal die eeu oue sportterrein gelyk gemaak word om onder meer ’n 5000-sitplek-stadion, vier professionele sokkervelde en later selfs ’n hoërskool vir atlete te bou.
Teenkanters wil weet presies hoe die premierligaspan die fasiliteit met die gemeenskap en ander sportsoorte sal deel, maar geen duidelik antwoorde is hierop gegee nie.
Volgens Lotz is die VDS-fasiliteit deel van die hele Stellenbosch se geskiedenis en erfenis. Benewens krieket, rugby en sokker, wat op die VDS-sportterrein gespeel word, is daar ook sportsoorte wat spesifieke fasiliteite benodig. Opknapping is oor die jare gedoen om die VDS-gimnastiekklub in die saal en die honde-opleidingsklub, Vineyard Dog Agility, te akkommodeer.
“Van der Stel is sentraal vir die hele Stellenbosch-gemeenskap. Van der Stel is vir 106 jaar die tuiste van verskeie sporte. Verskeie sporte het hulle reeds vir komende seisoene in Februarie toegewy, wat tot in die winter strek,” vertel Lotz. Hy sê die klubs bly daartoe verbind om met hul bedrywighede op die VDS-sportterrein voort te gaan. Een van die voorwaardes vir die tender-ooreenkoms was dat Stellenbosch FC binne ses maande alternatiewe huisvesting aan sportsoorte moet verskaf Die ses maande het verskryk en Lotz sê die raad het nog geen plan ontvang nie.
“Deel van die probeem is dat Stellenbosch FC slegs vyf sportsoorte erken
rugby, sokker, krieket, muurbal en hokkie. Hokkie maak vir jare nie meer gebruik van die VDS-geriewe nie, hoewel hulle steeds onder die VDS-vaandel is,” verduidelik hy. Sportsoorte soos gimnastiek sal dus self nuwe geriewe moet vind Annette Nel, ’n mede-stigter van die gimnastiekklub, sê hulle het talle vrae oor hul toekoms. “Sal gimnastiekgeriewe voldoende ondersteuning geniet? Sal die diverse sportsoorte wat tans daardie terrein gebruik, dit steeds billik deel? Dit is nie net tegniese of burokratiese vrae nie, maar vrae oor waardes – gemeenskap, inklusiwiteit en erfenis. Die Van der Stel-gimnastiekklub is meer as ’n plek om te flip, te balanseer en te spring – dit is ’n plek waar begin nederig is, maar drome groot is; waar klein hande vir die eerste keer stokke vasgryp en later wen daardie hande medaljes; waar nederlaag net nog ’n les is, oorwinning net nog ’n stap; waar groei in liggaam en gees plaasvind,” meen sy.
Volgens die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit is die hervestigingsplanne vir die vyf hoofsportsoorte steeds in wording.
“Hoewel ons steeds besig is om die amptelike huurooreenkoms tussen Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit en die Stellenbosch FC te finaliseer, is ons deeglik bewus daarvan dat u klublede vir hul toekoms moet beplan,” het die munisipaliteit in ’n skrywe gesê.
Volgens die munisipaliteit is Maart 2026 juis gekies sodat die krieketklub sy seisoen by die VDS-sportkompleks kan voltooi Indien die hervestigingsplan teen einde Maart nie voltooi is nie, “bly die munisipaliteit daartoe verbind om te verseker dat oefen- en wedstrydvelde by alternatiewe lokale in Stellenbosch aan die [vyf] buitesportsoorte toegeken sal word sodat hulle ten volle voorbereid kan wees om gedurende 2026 mee te ding”
Eikestadnuus het na die munisipaliteit uitgereik vir kommentaar, maar teen druktyd is geen terugvoer ontvang nie.
Hoewel Stellenbosch FC geen van Eikestadnuus se vrae beantwoord het nie, het Liam Bekker, ’n klubwoordvoerder, gesê: “Binne die raamwerk wat deur die munisipaliteit gestel is, bly Stellenbosch FC verbind tot die belegging in en die transformasie van die Van der Stel-sportkompleks in ’n vooraanstaande sport- en onderwysfasiliteit, wat inklusiewe ekonomiese groei sal ondersteun en ongekende geleenthede vir talentvolle sportlui sal skep.”
Bekker sê die klub se visie vir Stellenbosch se “Field of Dreams” is op dreef
A Grade 10 learner of Paul Roos Gymnasium is preparing to showcase his pioneering agricultural research on the world stage as he joins three fellow South African learners at the prestigious World Innovative Science Project Olympiad in Bali next week.
Albertus Willem van Niekerk, known as Wium, will present his award-winning study on sustainable citrus farming at the international competition, which takes place from Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 December The young scientist’s research project, entitled “In vitro growth inhibition of Penicillium digitatum by lavender oil”, investigates whether lavender essential oil could serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides in citrus production Van Niekerk’s controlled experiments demonstrated that higher concentrations of lavender oil deliver antifungal results comparable to imidazole, a conventional
chemical treatment His findings offer a promising solution for sustainable postharvest disease management, addressing growing concerns about chemical residues in food production while maintaining crop protection efficacy
The selectors praised Van Niekerk’s work for its scientific rigour, agricultural relevance and practical application in South Africa’s vital citrus industry
The Stellenbosch learner will be joined by three other Gold medallists from the Eskom Expo International Science Fair: Dzunisa Chauke from Khanyisa Education Centre, who developed an AI voice-classification system; Milla Vorster from Curro Durbanville, whose work focuses on 3D bioprinting of vascularised organs; and Ismaail Hassen from Greenside High School, who created an assistive navigation device for visually impaired individuals
The delegation, led by Jane Wasonga, Eskom Expo Johannesburg Regional Science Fair director, will represent SA
at the annual competition organised by the Indonesia Scientific Society The event brings together young scientists from around the globe to present their research and innovations
Mologadi Motshele, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, emphasised the importance of encouraging young people’s participation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) fields “By developing a strong pathway of skilled and enthusiastic scientists and innovators through the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we can build a more promising future for South Africa ”
Parthy Chetty, Eskom Expo executive director, expressed pride in the delegation’s achievements “SA proudly sends four exceptional learners to the International Science Fair in Indonesia Their achievement reflects strong mentorship, community support and the power of science education to transform lives ”
A Stellenbosch-based training organisation has celebrated a remarkable milestone, honouring 100 graduates who successfully completed their first year of sustained employment with prizes exceeding R85 000 Bergzicht Training and Development held its seventh annual Celebration Day on Wednesday 12 November, recognising alumni whose determination and “I can” spirit exemplify the NGO’s mission to transform lives through skills training
The standout achiever was Bongile Mbola, a food-service assistant graduate now working as demi chef at Arum restaurant at Boschendal, who received the top prize worth R12 000 “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, as well as the challenges I’ve overcome and the people who supported me every step of the way,” he said on receiving his award, sponsored by Global CEO Reenen Kok and The Commodore Hotel Executive chef Stella Delport of The Werf restaurant at Boschendal praised Mbola’s success: “He was a star from day one, consistently showing interest, strong work ethic and dedication in every part of the kitchen ” Bergzicht CEO Michele Walker told the graduates: “Your tenacity, hard work and resilience remind us why we do the work we do. We reached all our targets, exceeded our fundraising budget and retained a 95% ‘throughput’
rate during 2024 ” Keynote speaker Councillor Ndipiwe Olayi, Mayoral Committee member for Sport, Youth and Culture, delivered an inspiring address centred on the event’s theme “Today’s theme ‘I CAN’ is not just a phrase; it is a declaration, a mindset You are the embodiment of possibility You have taken the knowledge, values and resilience gained at Bergzicht and turned them into careers that inspire ”
Two runners-up received smartphones donated by John and Alet Morgan, Tashnovan Lourens, a child-care graduate at Froggies Aftercare, and Bridgette Stoffels, who works in health and frailcare at Geluksoord
“This prize will remind me of what we can achieve through hard work, dedication and teamwork,” said Stoffels
Programme category winners
Adrian Denyssen (demi chef de partie at Babel), Melissa Apollis (ward hostess at Careserv) and Zimbini Manini (frail-care worker at Azaleahof) each received microwaves from private donors
The celebration drew significant support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Remgro and various industry partners
Kathy Harris, chairperson of the Bergzicht’s board, emphasised the collaborative nature of the organisation’s success “Together with funders, training partners, employers and the friends of Bergzicht, we form a formidable team We remain committed to empowering individuals through basic skills training ” Bergzichtofferstraininginfrail-care, hospitalityandchild-care Callstudent supportcoordinatorCorineManson 0218833525.
On Sunday 23 November uniformed personnel from across Stellenbosch gathered at the Volkskerk van Afrika in Ida’s Valley for the 20th annual special thanksgiving service honouring God’s goodness and protection throughout the year
The service, led by Dr Daniel Solomons of Chaplains Alert South Africa, had a deeply emotional component, with candles lit in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
A special tribute was paid to Derick Damons, fire chief of the Drakenstein Municipality who died in August, for his dedicated service to the Drakenstein community. A certificate of appreciation was presented to his brothers in his honour
The ceremony continued with the traditional bell ringing, con-
ducted by Commander Heinrich Louw of the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services.
Recognition was also given to assistant chief fire officer Tasso Steyn of Stellenbosch Municipality, who will soon retire after an outstanding 45 years’ devoted service, a true testament to loyalty and commitment.
The service concluded with an inspiring message from Dr Eben Mouriës, chaplain at the Department of Correctional Services. This year’s theme, “By His grace we remain standing,” was rooted in 1 Corinthians 15:10 –“I am who I am by the grace of God.”
After the service all attendees enjoyed a time of fellowship and refreshments, celebrating unity, gratitude and the strength found in serving their communities.
Stellenboschborn pianist and composer David Earl is returning to his roots to join the panel of adjudicators for the National Youth Music Competition (NYMC).
At 17, Earl made his professional concerto debut with the then Cape Town Symphony Orchestra.
The competition, now in its 41st year, started on Monday (1 December) and the final round is determined at a gala concert at the Endler Hall on Saturday (6 December). It is determined over four rounds in five categories: piano; string instruments, woodwind instruments, brass instruments, and other orchestral instruments such as harp, percussion, and marimba.
DIVISION
Stellenbosch Division to Portion 28; and · A rising sewer main (pump line) of approximately 4km with peak wet weather flow 14 019 l/s in a 160mm Class 34 uPVC pipes from Portion 28 along the public roads to the northeastern corner of Portion 2 of Farm No. 491, under the railway line on Portion 4 of Farm No. 491 and then along the Baden Powell Road reserve to the southwestern corner of Portion 4 of Farm No. 387, where it connects to the existing sewer main leading to the Blaauwklippen Pump Station.
Two stream crossings with the water pipeline and one with the sewer line trigger the water use license application: · Water: On the boundary between Ptn 2 Farm 394 and Ptn 2 Farm 491; · Water: On the boundary between Ptn 1 Farm 489 and Ptn 14 Farm 491; and · Sewer Stream crossing inside the Baden Powell road reserve on Ptn 18 Farm 390. A maintenance management plan (MMP) is also proposed for the proposed crossings. Maintenance activities will occur at the following places:
Dupré Lombaard (Mobile: +27 82 895 6362 only WhatsApp // Email: dupre.lombaard@virdus com) of Virdus Works (Pty) Ltd has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the authorisation process on behalf of the applicant (Uniqon Developers (Pty) Ltd). Any person wishing to register or participate in the process, or submit comment on the matter may submit written comment by email to the EAP All correspondence must refer to the subject and WULA case reference number, and must contain the name, address, preferred contact details, and sufficient details regarding the subject matter to allow for a rational response.
The Section 21 Water Use License Application, inclusive of specialist reports, and the proposed Maintenance Management Plan (MMP) can be accessed on the Virdus website: https://www.virdus com. If alternative access to the application is required, then special arrangements can be made with the EAP or Nico Williams (Mobile: +27 76 564 8569 // Email: nico.williams@virdus.com). The document will be available for a period of 30 days for public access and comment,
agree that their names, limited details, and comments may be made available in the public domain.
This year 11 pianists, five cellists, three saxophonists, two violinists, a flautist, a marimba player, and an oboist will take part. Over the five days of the NYMC, the panel will listen to nearly 200 works with a total duration of 25.25 hours They will individually score the 24 contestants, who compete for the coveted title, R180 000 prize money, and gold, silver, and bronze medals It is the only competition in South Africa where the six finalists compete for top honours, accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO). Entrance to the first three rounds is free Tickets from R110 for the final round's gala concert are available from Quicket.
PO Box 247, Wolseley, 6830, SOUTH AFRICA Mobile: +27 76 564 8569 Email: nico.williams@virdus.com
KENNISGEWING VAN OPENBARE DEELNAME PROSES: EKSTERNE DIENSTE VIR DIE VOORGESTELDE ONTWIKKELING VAN GEDEELTE 28 VAN PLAAS WELMOED LANDGOED NR. 468, STELLENBOSCH-AFDELING (WULA-VERWYSING: WU41806)
Kennis word hiermee gegee van 'n openbare deelname proses rakende 'n watergebruik lisensie aansoek ingevolge Artikel 21 van die Nasionale Waterwet, 1999, Wet 36 van 1998 (NWA) vir die installering van eksterne dienste vir die voorgestelde Welmoed Village-ontwikkeling op Gedeelte 28 van Plaas Welmoed Landgoed Nr 468, Stellenbosch-afdeling.
Die eksterne dienste-infrastruktuur bestaan uit die volgende:
· 'n Grootmaat drinkwater lyn van ongeveer 2,3 km met 'n kapasiteit van 20,47 kl/d en 'n piekvloei tempo van 17 415 l/s (brand vloei vereiste 25 l/s) vanaf die Skilpadvlei-reservoir oor Gedeelte 2 van Plaas Nr 394, Gedeelte 2 van Plaas Nr 491, en Gedeelte 1 van Plaas Nr 489, Stellenbosch-afdeling na Gedeelte 28; en
· 'n Stygende riool stygleiding (pomp lyn) van ongeveer 4 km met 'n piek natweer vloei van 14 019 l/s in 'n 160 mm Klas 34 uPVC-pyp vanaf Gedeelte 28 langs die openbare paaie tot die noordoostelike hoek van Gedeelte 2 van Plaas Nr 491, onder die spoorlyn op Gedeelte 4 van Plaas Nr 491 en dan langs die Baden Powellrylaan padreserwe tot die suidwestelike hoek van Gedeelte 4 van Plaas Nr 387, waar dit aansluit by die bestaande riool gravitasie lyn wat na die Blaauwklippen-pompstasie lei.
Twee stroom oorgange met die waterpyplyn en een met die riool pyplyn aktiveer die aansoek om watergebruik lisensie:
· Water: Op die grens tussen Gedeelte 2 Plaas 394 en Gedeelte 2 Plaas 491;
· Water: Op die grens tussen Gedeelte 1 Plaas 489 en Gedeelte 14 Plaas 491; en
· Riool: Stroom oorgang binne die Baden Powell padreserwe op Ptn 18 Plaas 390.
'n Onderhoud bestuursplan (MMP) word ook vir die voorgestelde oorgange voorgestel. Onderhoud aktiwiteite sa op die volgende plekke stroom op en af van die oorgang plaasvind:
Dupré Lombaard (Selfoon: +27 82 895 6362 alleen WhatsApp // E-pos: dupre.lombaard@virdus com) van Virdus Works (Edms) Bpk is aangestel as die onafhanklike Omgewings Assessering Praktisyn (OAP) om die magtigings proses namens die aansoeker (Uniqon Developers (Edms) Bpk) uit te voer Enige persoon wat wil registreer aan die proses wil deelneem, of kommentaar oor die saak wil indien, kan skriftelike kommentaar per e-pos aan die OAP indien Alle korrespondensie moet na die onderwerp en WULA saak verwysingsnommer verwys, en moet die naam, adres, voorkeur kontakbesonderhede en voldoende besonderhede rakende die onderwerp bevat om 'n rasionele reaksie moontlik te maak
Die Artikel 21 Watergebruik lisensie-aansoek insluitend spesialis verslae, en die voorgestelde Onderhoud bestuursplan (MMP) kan verkry word op die Virdus-webwerf: https://www.virdus com. Indien alternatiewe toegang tot die aansoek benodig word, kan spesiale reëlings met die OAP of Nico Williams getref word (Selfoon: +27 76 564 8569 // E-pos: nico.williams@virdus com). Die dokument sal vir 'n tydperk van 30 dae beskikbaar wees vir publieke toegang en kommentaar van 08 Desember 2025 tot 30 Januarie 2026. Virdus Works respekteer die reg op privaatheid van alle B&GP's en sal voldoen aan die vereistes van die Wet op die Beskerming van Persoonlike Inligting, 2013, Wet 4 van 2013. Deur as 'n B&GP te registreer en aan die proses deel te neem, stem B&GP's in dat hul name, beperkte besonderhede en kommentaar in die publieke domein beskikbaar gestel mag word.
South Africa will field its strongest modern pentathlon contingent in years when the UIPM Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run World Championships is held at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 December.
Leading the charge is Paul Roos Gymnasium, the Stellenbosch school renowned for producing multi-sport champions since 1984. It will achieve a significant milestone by sending its largest-ever modern pentathlon representation to a world championship
The championships showcase three demanding disciplines: biathle (runswim-run); triathle (run-swim-shoot); and laser run (shooting and sprint running) Each requires exceptional versatility, mental fortitude and physical conditioning, hallmarks of modern pentathlon’s classical ideal of the complete athlete
PRG athletes have demonstrated remarkable dedication through rigorous training and mastering multiple sporting disciplines simultaneously Their presence on home soil represents the culmination of the school’s four-decade
commitment to pentathlon excellence.
The athletes set compete on the world stage are Christiaan de Waard, Hunter Krynauw, Jacques Pienaar, Alexander Southwood and Ruhann Slabber
Adding particular significance is the recognition of Coenraad Janse van Vuuren, beloved pentathlon coach and retired PRG teacher. At the South African championships in Nelspruit, Janse van Vuuren received the inaugural Honourary Lifetime Member Award, acknowledging decades of developing the sport as well as generations of athletes.
The advantage of competing on SA soil presents unique opportunities. Santos Beach provides ideal conditions, armed with enthusiastic local support.
These young athletes carry personal ambitions alongside proud institutional and national traditions. Their journey from school training grounds to world competition exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated coaching
The stage is set for the SA modern pentathlon to show its mettle on a global stage
A five-a-side football tournament held at the Lavanda, Aurora and Phyllaria flats in Stellenbosch on Sunday (30 November) has demonstrated the power of sport to unite communities and inspire local youth development.
The event, organised by residents Luqmaan Manuel and Mickyle Joshua, attracted enthusiastic participants and spectators from across the neighbourhood, successfully achieving its aim of fostering hope, upliftment and empowerment among young people while bridging generational gaps.
The tournament’s significance was underscored by the attendance of prominent figures from local football, including Garth le Roux of Stellenbosch United and Ashley Davidse, head of competition for the Stellenbosch Local Football Association.
“Bringing young players and elders from our flats together through sport creates a sense of unity and positive energy that is essential for our community,” said Manuel “We wanted to show football is more than entertainment; it is a tool for connection, healing and pride in where we live.”
Joshua emphasised the broader vision of the initiative: “Our aim is to build a safer, more uplifting environment where teamwork and respect are celebrated. This tournament represents a step towards that future.”
The five-a-side format proved particularly engaging, encouraging fast-paced action and numerous goals that kept spectators captivated. All participating teams demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and enthusiasm, contributing to the event’s positive atmosphere
Beyond the competitive matches, the day provided opportunities for informal discussions on youth empowerment, mentorship programmes and plans for future sporting events in the area.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all contributors and supporters, acknowledging the vital role played by participants, volunteers, local businesses and community members whose enthusiasm enabled the event’s success.
Preparations are already underway for the tournament’s next edition, with organisers hoping to expand participation and further strengthen the community bonds forged through sport.