Riool stoot in erf op
Yaël Malgas
Vier of vyf keer ’n jaar, sedert hulle by hul woning in Rustenburgweg ingetrek het, kry ’n Idasvallei-gesin ’n onaangename verrassing –rioolwater wat in hul erf opdam.
Volgens die Van Breda’s is hulle moeg van die jarelange onsmaaklikheid wanneer ’n nabye munisipale rioolpyp verstop en toiletwater hul erf, en dié van hul bure, ’n stinkende modderpoel maak.
“Dit is regtig ’n aaklige besigheid. Alles stoot op en kom hier uit. Alles wat mense in hul toilette wegspoel – van sanitere produkte tot die toiletpapier,” sê Aubrian van Breda. Hy sê klagtes aan die Stellenbosch-munisipaliteit lewer nie veel oplossings nie. Van Breda meen die munisipaliteit moet ’n langtermynoplossing vind, aangesien dokterspreekkamers langs sy woning ook aan die onhigieniese toestande blootgestel word.
“Dit was so erg my vrou kon nie eens die wasgoed ophang nie,” het van Breda vandeesweek gekla nadat sy erf weer eens met riool oorpoel is.
By navraag het die munisipaliteit se woordvoerder, Stuart Grobbelaar, gesê daar is planne om die probleem vir eens en altyd op te los.
“Die probleem is ’n uitsondering wat plaasvind wanneer ’n munisipale rooilpyp in Rustenburgweg geblok raak. Die munisipaliteit maak skoon en ontsmet die omgewing wanneer dit gebeur,” sê hy.
Die blokkasie van die rioolpyp word volgens die munisipaliteit veroorsaak deur allerhande voorwerpe wat in die rioolstelsel beland.
Met die pyp wat verstop word, hoop die water op, wat beteken rioolwater stroom dan by die naaste drein op, of vloei terug in huiseienaars se rioolpype.
“Rioollyne wat onder
Rioolwater dam onlangs weer in die agterplaas van inwoners in Rustenburgweg, Idasvallei op
swaartekrag vloei, het ook ’n gradiënt en blokkasies kan in verstoppings eindig of by mangate oorloop.”
Van Breda sê op sy beurt hy moes verlede jaar, ter voorbereiding van ’n moontlike oorstroming, sy nuwe braaihoekie in die agterplaas hoër as die res van die erf bou.
“Ek moes nou al my plante uithaal en weggooi, want die erf is besmet met menslike ontlasting. Ek wat belasting betaal, moet met die onhigiëniese toestande saamleef. Die menslike afval lê in my erf en ek moes uit my sak mense kry om te kom skoonmaak.”
Die munisipaliteit beplan om in Julie te begin om die pyplyn in die pad te vervang.
“Die munisipaliteit se rioolmeesterplan het die Rustenburg-rioolpyplyn geïdentifiseer, wat na ’n lyn met ’n groter deursnee opgegradeer sal word. Dit sal nodig word wanneer die huidige riooluitlaat sy kapasiteit bereik,” verduidelik hy. Inwoners wat soortgelyke probleme met munisipale infrastruktuur het, word versoek om dit deur die Let's Fix It-platform aan te meld.Stuur ’n Whatsapp-boodskap na 076 9510768, of e-pos na engineering.services@ stellenbosch.gov.za. Probleme in Stellenbosch, Klapmuts, Khayamandi, Jamestown en Raithby moet by 0218088215, 021 808 8953 of 021 808 8343 aangemeld word. Skakel 0218088890 of 021 808 8891 ná kantoorure
Challenges
The latest Rector-Mayor Forum, held on Tuesday 4 March, underscored the firm partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Municipality, which enables both parties to tackle a range of pressing issues, from student accommodation and funding concerns to safety, transport and infrastructure development.
The meeting was attended by both the outgoing and incoming SU rectors, emphasising the value of collaboration between the SU and the municipality. Prof Wim de Villiers, SU rector and vice-chancellor who hands the reins to Prof Deresh Ramjugernath from Tuesday 1 April, attributed many of the recent successes on campus to a constructive town-and-gown relationship. “The forum creates an opportunity for collaboration and interaction with the town. Things are humming at the university, and we are in full swing [for the academic year],” he said.
Recent highlights on campus included the welcoming of thousands of new students and several international visits, including a high-level delegation from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands and a 25th anniversary exchange with Northwestern University in the US.
Ramjugernath outlined his vision for SU, which includes fostering closer ties with the private sector and encourage greater collaboration with governments of all spheres. He said such partnerships are vital for advancing innovation, expanding research opportunities, and ensuring that both the town and SU thrive together.
One of the discussion points
Municipality was high on the agenda at the Rector-Mayor Forum earlier this month
was the student accommodation shortages. Dr Leslie van Rooi, SU’s acting senior director of student affairs, highlighted the increasing struggles faced by the so-called “missing middle” students, who are not covered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). While SU continues to support students across various financial backgrounds, the national funding issue remains a significant concern.
Ramjugernath stressed that addressing this gap is critical for SU and the broader Stellenbosch community. He added that while the start to this academic year was smoother because student enrolment was better controlled, a longer-term solution required a joint effort by SU and the town to manage the demand for accommodation.
SAFETYINTOWN
Jeremy Fasser, executive mayor of Stellenbosch, outlined several initiatives designed to improve safety in town. A new safety project recently launched
in Cloetesville aimed to address various factors contributing to safety concerns in the area. The initiative will be extended to other communities.
Nicolette van den Eijkel, SU’s chief director of facilities management, said SU amplified safety awareness for students during the Welcoming Period. Residences on campus held information sessions for students on safety-related issues and many also offered self-defence training. Students were also reminded of the daily shuttle service. Furthermore, SU and the municipality are looking at ways to bring in additional Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officers to bolster security in town. Discussions on the funding of this programme are still underway. Both entities are working together on solutions to address the increased traffic and transport challenges. The new drop-and-go space outside the SU Faculty of Education has been working well.
HOMELESSNESS
Concerned about increased homelessness in town, SU and the municipality are in discussion with U-turn Homeless Ministries about setting up a facility in Stellenbosch.
Underlining the need for community support, De Villiers noted that within its first year of operation, the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Ida’s Valley had helped almost 400 people, of which half were children. The centre, which provides psychosocial, medical, and legal services to victims of gender-based violence, is a collaboration of the National Public Prosecuting Authority, national and provincial government, and others.
New council ushers in a new era
Boland College appointment its new college council members, tise from various sectors, including academia, business and chairperson of the Academic Board), Nomalizo Mpati (deputy
Safety of students in collaborations between Stellenbosch University and Stellenbosch
Jonges vier ook
‘Epic’ in fietspark
Yaël Malgas
Kinders van Stellenbosch het verlede Donderdag (13 Maart) hul eie viering van die Cape Epic-fietstoer gehad toe hulle nuwe bergfietse vir ’n rit in die Polkadraai-fietspark geneem het.
Die plaaslike leerders is deel van die Anna-stigting wat kinders help met “reading, running and righting”. Volgens Anna Brom, wat twee dekades terug die stigting begin het, sal die 49 splinter nuwe fietse vir die kinders van die stigting se 22 programme gebruik word. Die fietse is deur die Iron Man-stigting geskenk en met behulp van die Cape Epic-fietsren, ’n jare lange ondersteuner van die organisasie, oorhandig.
“Sonder ons wonderlike vennote sou ons nie hierdie werk vir 20 jaar kon doen nie,” vertel Brom.
Brom en haar span werk met oorwegend plaaskinders van Stellenbosch en Paarl tot in die Langeberg en so ver as Bonnievale. Jaarliks help hulle sowat 850 kinders met leesprogramme, fiksheid en ontwikkeling. Die programme help ook om 55 vroue werk te gee.
“Die doel is om kinders holisties te help ontwikkel. Benewens die opvoedkundige werk wat ons met hulle doen
hy eers op die baan kom het hy dit baie geniet. Hy sê by die Anna-stigting leer hy en sy maats meer oor respek, hoe om te luister en saam speel hulle speletjies. Veral vir Kiara Barends (10) was dit ’n
SU innovators bag coveted entrepreneurial awards
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its inaugural Academic Innovation Awards earlier this month to celebrate the innovators who are driving economic growth in the Western Cape The event, hosted by MTN South Africa, in partnership with the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), recognised 10 standout academic innovators for their significant progress in 2024. Serving as a testament to its thriving innovation ecosystem, Stellenbosch University (SU) entrepreneurs walked away with five awards, with all five winners being incubatees of the SU LaunchLab, where they continue to receive entrepreneurial support to scale their respective ventures Prof Eugene Cloete, CEO of CHEC, presented the awards to the SU students including Chiedza Vusche, Robin Truter and Alexandra Lutz, who received the University Student Innovation Award The trio were also winners at the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Regional Competition last year Two SU spinout companies, Nanosene and Terraclim, were named University Spin Off Company of the Year, along with two other startups from different academic
Novel explores stark truths
Yaël Malgas
Crime, politics and the human condition in a post-apartheid South African encompasses the latest book from doctor and author Dr Berend Mets.
Mets launched his third novel, Truth & Conciliation, at the Hofmeyr Hall in Stellenbosch last Wednesday (12 March).
The book tells the story of an Afrikaans doctor and an isiXhosa police detective in Cape Town in 1996, during the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings. Both had suffered loss and had been scarred by the violence in South Africa
Together they embark on a relationship and seek the truth about a deadly crime committed during apartheid.
Despite the familiarity many South African readers may have with the period of the book’s setting, Mets says the narrative does’t aim to preach to readers.
“A novelist should never take a decision. You are writing the story as it unfolds; you are not truth signaling or
States, where he now resides, recalling the feeling of the period he wrote about was difficult to recall. “Covid was particularly difficult [to travel to SA] because I couldn't come here, so for the Morality Act I had to reimagine District 6. In comparison I starkly remember the time of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, because I was here. I know what it felt like when we saw Mandela drive along the highway in Paarl; how we felt when he went to the City Hall and everybody was cheering. That is what I'm trying to capture."
Readers at the event praised Mets for his ability to capture the time and place, while others suggested the book may be just what polarised Americans, under the Trump administration, may need to inspire hope.
Truth & Conciliation is published by Naledi. For more information on Mets and where to buy his books, visit berendmets.com.
Author Dr Berend Mets listening to a comment from the audience at the launch of his book “Truth & Conciliation”
Nege-jarige D-handré Pedro, ’n leerder van Weber Gedenk Primêr in Jamestown, stel een van die nuwe fietse op die proef
Kinders betrokke by die Anna-stigting, hier met stigter Anna Brom, spog met die 49 nuwe bergfietse wat aan die stigting geskenk is.
Dorpskalender | Town calendar
DONDERDAG 20 MAART
Stellenbosch: STELLSORG nooi belangstellendes om sy jaarvergadering om 10:00 by te woon Die vergadering vind by die Stellsorg-hoofkantoor in Banhoekstraat plaas Stuur ’n e-pos na childcare@stellcare org za
FRIDAY 21 MARCH TO MONDAY 21 APRIL
Stellenbosch: Spier Light Art returns to the SPIER WINE FARM transforming the working farm into an immersive space of nocturnal adventure Sixteen art installations will activate the landscape and visitors can freely wander, discover and be immersed in the play of light and the story that each artwork tells All the artworks are exhibited outside, so the best time to visit is at dusk and the lights come up from 18:30 Admission is free, but booking on Dineplan is essential Visit www spier co za for more details
TUESDAY 25 MARCH
Stellenbosch: The Mariè Stander School of Art holds its annual Charity Art Auction at MURATIE WINE ESTATE Artwork, inspired by the theme “Music makes the world go round” will go under the hammer in aid of underpriviledged children in and around Stellenbosch There will be beautiful art, lovely wines, canapés and music by The Stander Gang The viewing of the art starts at 17:50 and the auction at 19:00 Tickets, at R300 each, can be bought online through Quicket
WOENSDAG 26 MAART
Stellenbosch: Die volgende konsert van die Unlock the Violin Sonata: Beethoven op 12 nr 2-reeks, word van 18:30 tot 19:30 by die JOHNMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC in Hertestraat aangebied Kom luister hoe die violis Johanna Roos gesels oor die ontwikkeling van die vioolsonate as musikale genre Die pianis Gerhard Joubert Die konsertreeks word elke laaste Woensdag van die maand in Stellenbosch aangebied, sowel as elke laaste
Donderdag van die maand in die Franschhoek NG kerk Kaartjiepryse beloop tussen R100 en R200; kinders 12 jaar en jonger kry gratis toegang, maar moet ’n kaartjie deur Quicket bespreek en deur ’n volwassene vergesel word
VRYDAG 28 MAART
Stellenbosch: ACVV UTOPIA verkoop elke laaste Vrydag van die maand lemoenkoek en sjokolade-brownies Die verkope word by die hoofingang by Dorpstraat 162 om 10:30 gedoen Neem die prag in van die tehuis se bure – die Moederkerk se argitektuur en die Kweekskool se mooi tuin
Faure: Jazz Under the Stars event returns to VERGENOEGD LÖW for an evening of music, food and wine Moonshine, a jazz ensemble, will provide soulful sounds with classics from legends like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Frank Sinatra Chef Drikus Brink and his team at Geuwels and Clara’s Barn will serve up a Cape heritage-inspired harvest menu from the freshest seasonal ingredients The event runs from 18:00 to 22:00 at a cost of R850 per person Visit vergenoegd co za for bookings
SATURDAY 29 MARCH
Ida’s Valley: The Cloete family presents Jazz on the Lawn, in aid of fire victims, at SPEELKRINGfrom 17:00 to 23:00 There will performances by The Band Next Door and DJ Bielie The entry fee is R100 per person and R30 per cooler box Take your own camping chairs, blankets and picnic baskets Call Viola on 076 749 5445 for more
SUNDAY 30 MARCH
Stellenbosch: STELLENBOSCH
HOSPICE invites the community to its remembrance service to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed, at the Stellenbosch-West Dutch Reformed church in Alexander Street at 15:00 Email secretary@stellhospice co za, call 021 886 5994 or WhatsApp 082 787 5727 to RVSP
Tourismexperttakes overVisitStellenbosch
Annemie Liebenberg has been appointed as the new CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. She officially took over the reins on Monday (17 March).
She succeeds Jeanneret Momberg, who served as CEO until last October, and takes over from acting CEO and current marketing manager, Elmarie Rabe, who has skillfully led the organisation during the transition period.
As the official destination marketing organisation for Stellenbosch, Visit Stellenbosch is focused on driving tourism, growing the local economy, creating jobs and celebrating the cultural heritage, culinary excellence, museums, galleries, wineries as well as world-class tourism experiences of South Africa’s second oldest town.
Liebenberg boasts more than 17 years of expertise in strategic tourism marketing, stakeholder collaboration and leadership across SA’s premier tourism destinations.
She has a proven track record in developing commercially successful and sustainable promotional initiatives, supporting local economies and managing crisis-resilient programmes.
Annemie Liebenberg is the new woman in charge
As a former tourism consultant for the City of Cape Town and marketing and communication consultant for Friday Street Club, Liebenberg also previously served as marketing manager of tourism, public relations and customer services, as well as the head of department for tourism, communications and customer services at the V&A Waterfront.
Among her career highlights are leading the development of Cape Town’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which was incorporated into the Western Cape Education Department’s curriculum, and managing programmes and influential partnerships at
local, national and international level. Liebenberg is a former board member of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the precursor to Wesgro.
Michael Ratcliffe, co-founder and chairperson of Visit Stellenbosch, warmly welcomed the appointment: “We are absolutely thrilled that Annemie is joining us, bringing her visionary leadership, innovative approach and impressive track record to Stellenbosch’s tourism promotion. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Jeanneret Momberg for the large footprints that she is leaving, and to Elmarie Rabe for her dedicated leadership, guiding Visit Stellenbosch effectively during a critical phase of transition.”
Commenting on her appointment, Liebenberg said: “It is an honour to lead Visit Stellenbosch into its next exciting chapter. Stellenbosch’s layered heritage, friendly community and world-renowned wine and tourism offerings present enormous opportunities.
“I look forward to collaborating closely with partners, businesses and residents to ensure Stellenbosch continues to grow as a leading global destination, sustainably and inclusively.”
Encounters with nature at Glen Carlou Gallery
Award-winning artist Pauline Gutter’s new exhibition Pastoral Ornaments is currently on show at Glen Carlou Wine Estate near Stellenbosch The exhibition encompasses a travel journal, offering first-hand life experiences. Gutter said the exhibition can be divided into a few significant chapters: The Southern African Foundation for Contemporary Art artist-residency at Lion Sands; the giant (majestic) baboon; and the Drakensberg forests. Pastoral Ornaments feature 74 works, which can be viewed in the main gallery at Glen Carlou Gallery until Sunday 30 March It is being featured alongside Prof Janine Allen’s New World and Keagan Larkin’s Conflict and Currency For more information on the exhibition, send an email to Christa Swart at gallery@glencarlou co za
LOCAL AUTHORITY: STELLENBOSCH MUNICIPALITY
PUBLIC NOTICE CALLING FOR INSPECTION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY VALUATION ROLL 2024/03
No ce is hereby given in terms of Sec on 49(1)(a)(i) read together with sec on 78(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004 (Act 6 of 2004), hereina�er referred to as the 'Act', that the Supplementary Valua on roll for the financial years 2021-07-01 to 2025-06-30 is open for public inspec on at the various municipal offices and at website www.stellenbosch.gov.zafrom2025-03-20to2025-04-29
An invita on is hereby made in terms of Sec on 49(1)(a)(ii) read together withsec on78(2)oftheActthatanyownerofpropertyorotherpersonwho so desires should lodge an ob ec on with the municipal manager in respect ofanyma erreflectedin,oromi edfrom,theSupplementaryValua onroll withintheabove-men onedperiod.
A en on is specifically drawn to the fact that in terms of Sec on 50(2) of the Act an ob ec on must be in rela on to a specific individual property and not againsttheSupplementaryValua onrollassuch.
The prescribed form for the lodging of an ob ec on is obtainable from the websitewww.stellenbosch.gov.zaoratthefollowingMunicipaloffices: PleinStreet,Stellenbosch|HuguenotRoad,Franschhoek|MainRoad,Pniel
Officehoursforenquiries:08h00–15h30(MsEStandaar,0218088515)
The completed forms must be returned via email to: valua�ons.inco e stellenbosch.gov.za or, posted to: Stellenbosch Municipality, Valua on Office, PO Box 17, Stellenbosch, 7599
G Me ler Municipal Manager SAMXXX-EN200325
Redwood Estate progressing well
Redwood Estate, found in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is more than just another security estate
Located 4,5 km from Stellenbosch, this boutique development spans approximately 3 ha, creating a connected living community where residents will live, grow and thrive together
The project draws inspiration from the magnificent Redwood trees of California in the US known for their strength and interconnectedness.
Much like these iconic trees, Redwood Estate aims to build a resilient community where support and collaboration are at its core
STORY BEHIND THE ESTATE
The vision for Redwood Estate began over five years ago when the Steyn family, owners of the wellknown Steyns Nursery, passed on their dream of a thriving, connected community Inspired by the late Tannie Issie Steyn’s vision of a place where families live in harmony, Redwood Estate is set to carry this legacy forward.
In honour of the Steyn family, the road behind Redwood was named Steyn's Road by the neighbouring developers to honour their legacy
PROGRESS AND MOMENTUM
Redwood Estate is currently ap-
proximately 70% sold out, with just 50 units remaining for sale
The development’s sales momentum has been remarkable, with an expected full sell-out by October 2025 to February 2026.
With construction well underway, Redwood Estate continues to build a secure, sustainable community where residents can feel at home
THE FUTURE OF STELLENBOSCH AND THE WESTERN CAPE
Redwood Estates location offers
the best of both worlds – a tranquil community with easy access to the vibrant city life of Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
The Western Cape is poised for continued growth, with Cape Town recently named the best city in the world to live in. This region continues to rapidly become an entrepreneurial and tourism hub, attracting both local and international investors.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The semi-gration trend in the Western Cape has just begun, and Redwood Estate is positioned to benefit from this shift Property values have already shown impressive growth, with investors seeing returns of between R250 000 and R700 000
As the Western Cape continues to thrive and develop, Redwood Estate offers an exceptional opportunity for those looking to invest in the future of this vibrant region.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Looking forward, Redwood Estate is more than just a place to live –it’s part of a broader vision for the province to lead by example and drive change across South Africa. With a commitment to building strong, healthy communities, Redwood Estate is an investment in property and an investment in a better future
at Visit Stellenbosch
Photo: Francois van Vuuren
Redwood
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