‘Softening’of tariffsnotsosoft, saysratepayers
esnot multiplesof te(4,5%) singby.”
income threshold
27 000 monthly ioners to qualify, clear how elief will be lations made the City's now culator, under erty owners now more, while hose above R1,5 expectations NFLATION all increases to still above the e and in the plus, she says e four fixed anitation, and intact and are o property values ortional reflection No attention is irement by law harges have to be he City's actual were among ed at a meeting several isations held Wednesday isibly unhappy,
and the possibility of civil action was raised, according to a feedback report In closing she states that the changes offer no serious solutions, limited alternatives, and no real empathy for the financial burden placed on homeowners struggling to keep up "The (Mayor's statement) ignores the fundamentally unfair system of charging fixed fees based on property values which the City determines and control This approach punishes those who have made genuine efforts to reduce consumption by installing solar panels and water-saving devices This mean nothing when your bill is dictated by your home’s market price "
In a separate statement City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo, said an extensive public participation process has been conducted in excess of the 30-day period specified in the Municipal Property Rates Act "Following the closure of the public comment period on 2 May, comments received via public participation processes will be collated, considered and responded to “Council is bound by legislation to adopt a new financial year budget along strict timeframes of no less than 30 days before the starts of the new financial year on 1 July as per Section 24(1) of the Municipal Financial Management Act Council will consider the adoption of the City’s budget at its meeting of 29 May "
ws a crowd
ters’Day was celebrated recently
th our ring time of are on the fire and property efighters' Day not opportunity to ese brave men also gives the chance to see up s to put on the mith and Rescue ed to 20 349 ast seven a slight increase corresponding year an average of cidents daily
Our firefighters are exceptional and dedicated, and they make the job look easy Join us not only in tipping our hats to their service, but come and find out why they have the right stuff," added Smith One of the highlights at the event was a competition between fire officers’ vehicle extrication teams, replicating the challenges set at the International World Rescue Challenge The City’s Fire and Rescue Service gets invited to the challenge each year During the World Rescue Challenge, participants have to race against time to safely extract and rescue a victim from a simulated vehicle accident scene
LEWENSKIEKIE
The constant search for ‘me time’ in today’s busy world
It’s 5:30 the house is quiet - and my phone has already begun its daily barrage of emails and news alerts As a journalist, staying on top of news is part of the job, but as a mom, I’ve learned that peace and quiet are often a luxury that doesn’t come easily
If you’d asked me a few years ago what “me time” meant to me, I would have said something like “a morning coffee and uninterrupted reading” or “an evening bath with a good book ” Simple, right? In reality, though, “me time” has become a distant dream, one that I chase like a mirage in the desert, only to have it disappear as soon as I get close
Being a mom and working full-time as a journalist means juggling everythingnews deadlines, writing articles, attending events, and making sure the washing is done and meals are served, all while navigating the unpredictable nature of toddlerhood Finding moments to recharge? Well, that’s like trying to catch a breath during a marathon
Some days I wonder if I’ll ever see the end of the to-do list The one that somehow multiplies as I cross things off And in between writing up stories, interviewing sources, and editing copy, then there’s the never-ending cycle of being a present parent But here’s the thing: I’ve come to realise that “me time” doesn’t always look the way I once envisioned it Sure, I’d love to get an hour of solitude, a long walk or a spa day, but let’s be real that’s not always possible So, I’ve learned to redefine what “me time” means It’s not
.. BUTTHENIREMINDMYSELFTHATTAKING CAREOFMYSELFISNOTSELFISH.IT’SNECESSARY.IT’STHEKEYTOSHOWINGUPASMYBEST SELF,BOTHASAMOMANDASAJOURNALIST
always a luxurious escape from the chaos, it’s about taking small moments of peace wherever I can find them
It might be a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, just before the demands of the day begin That quiet sip in the midst of the whirlwind feels like a mini-vacation It might be listening to a podcast while folding laundry yes, that’s how I sneak in a few moments of learning while doing chores It might be five minutes in the car, waiting for my next interview to begin, breathing deeply, and reminding myself that I’m allowed to exist outside of my roles as “mom” and “journalist ” I’ve also learned to embrace the quiet moments that are often forced upon me The commute to the office, where I can listen to music or simply enjoy the silence in my car
I’ve realised that I can’t pour from an empty cup, no matter how many deadlines are looming Being a mom and a journalist means being constantly on the go, but I’m learning that the more I prioritise my own mental and emotional well-being, the more I can give to my family and my work It’s not easy It’s not always glamorous But slowly, I’m learning that “me time” is about the small moments, the ones that don’t necessarily require grand gestures, but instead allow me to catch my breath in the middle of the madness
And yes, sometimes I feel guilty for taking a break Sometimes I wonder if I should be doing more, or if I’m letting people down by not being constantly available But then I remind myself that taking care of myself is not selfish It’s necessary It’s the key to showing up as my best self, both as a mom and as a journalist
So, if you’re like me, caught in the whirlwind of family life and work commitments, take heart “Me time” doesn’t have to be a day at the spa (although that would be nice) After all, it’s those small moments that make all the difference in the end -KAILINDANIELS
Kyk net hoe die wêreld verander
Daar kom 'n oomblik wanneer enige mens terugsit met sy blik op die wêreld vandag en dink: "Sjoe! Wat nou?"
Die pendulum swaai van die verre links tot die middeweg van besinning
Die ANC se mag glip eweredig met die groot vraag oor wie (of wat) die bevolking se stem sal swaai
Die pous se dood lok nog altyd koninklikes, staatshoofde en invloedrykes na sy begrafnis in die Vatikaanstad
Nou wonder 'n mens wie die nuwe pous tog sal wees, en watter tradisies of veranderings die uwe sal poog om te versterk?
Supersterre soos Beyoncé en Katy Perry (selfs as 'n sogenaamde ruimtevaarder) sukkel glo om kaartjies vir hul konserttoere te verkoop
En die Amerikaanse president Donald Trump gaan na verwagting in Junie vir president Cyril Ramaphosa
kom toespreek oor die lande se versuurde verhouding
Dit, terwyl die einste Ramaphosa se kop glo geëis gaan word op die ANC se nasionale konferensie later vanjaar Wat dan?
Dit kom ook nie voor of daar 'n gesogte plaasvervanger vir die party tans te voorskyn kom nie Hoe nou?
Ek sit beslis met meer vrae as antwoorde
Maar my hoopvolle versigtigheid en wens is dat dié wat wel weet, wel mag het en reeds planne beraam om geregtigheid vir die mense voor oë te hou
Die status quo die wêreld oor word beslis bevraagteken en 'n dringende ommekeer is onderweg
Ons kan net bid dat al die owerhede se kompasse tot die toekoms bepaal word deur die duur lesse uit die geskiedenis
HOOPVOL, Table View
Dankbaar vir ons brandweermanne
Die brand op Tafelberg naby Tokai, Simonstad, Westlake en Noordhoek, waarin sommige mense hul huise moes ontruim het, het weereens die naweek gewys hoe gevaarlik dinge kan uitdraai en hoe brawe brandweermanne en -vroue hul lewens op die spel moet sit om lewens te red
Die rookwolk kon ons in Table View duidelik sien en op pad terug huis toe op die N1 naby Plattekloof, was die vlamme Saterdagaand nog duidelik sigbaar
Sanparke het aangedui dat dit dalk brandstigting
kan wees en dat die polisie die voorval gaan ondersoek
As 'n lid van die publiek, wil ek my dankbaarheid teenoor die manne en vroue wat die vlamme trotseer en die moeilike uitdaging aanpak om ander veilig te hou, uitspreek
Ook vir die brawe helikoptervlieëniers wat tonne water skep en dit oral langs die brandlyne neerlaat
INWONER, Kaapstad
Honour loved ones without harming nature
While walking along one of our iconic local beaches recently I came across what appeared to be a makeshift memorial or shrine There were artificial flowers, candle remains, melted wax, and various bits of packaging left in the sand As someone who also marks the anniversary of a loved one - our late son -I understand how meaningful these moments can be That said, what was left behind felt less like a tribute and more like deliberate litter The site included burnt plastic, wrappers, and synthetic decorations - all of which pose a risk to the environment and detract
from the natural beauty of our beaches
We are fortunate to live near some of the most stunning coastal areas in the world, and it's disheartening to see them treated without care Grieving in nature can be deeply healing, but it must be done responsibly If people choose to honour loved ones in public spaces, it’s only fair to ensure all items are cleaned up afterwards I hope others who visit these special places for personal reasons will be mindful of the impact they leave behind A CONCERNED RESIDENT, E-mail
Elderly feel the crunch of Council’s tariff hikes
I agree wholeheartedly with Jo Roberts and her complaint about the tariff hikes hitting the elderly so hard ("Elderly crushed by tariff hikes", TygerBurger 30 April)
We are on fixed pensions, mostly we are literally living on our savings, which diminish every day!
Because of the huge hikes in the property valuations, raised by the council, we are priced out of receiving Sassa grants; we are totally unable to afford to move into retirement accommodation - again because of the excessive costs of these places
We saved and worked hard, (going without all of the modern “necessities” that the young people of today seem to need), to enable us to buy our homes
We worked, paid our taxes and provided for ourselves, never dreaming that we would be thrust into the chaos that is today It seems to me that the Council particularly target those people that obey the law and pay their taxes – we are easy meat!
DISGUSTED PENSIONER, Durbanville
Begroting bekommer inwoners
Saam met duisende ander inwoners van die Stad Kaapstad wil ons ook ons misnoeë uitspreek oor die voorgestelde begroting wat beslis nie ‘n "Begroting van Hoop" vir derduisende belastingbetalers is nie
Daar word veral klem gelê op die hulp aan die laeinkomste-groepe, maar dit is ten koste van die middelklas en “low usage end users”
Ons sal graag wil weet of daar al vasgestel is hoeveel van hierdie laeinkomste-groepe kom van ander provinsies en ander Afrikalande af en wat is hul bydrae tot die inkomste van die Stad Kaapstad Van hierdie mense het huise hier in die Wes-Kaap, asook in hul tuisprovinsie Waaraan word die begroting van daardie provinsie bestee as soveel duisende van hul inwoners hier is?
Gedurende 2012 het ons ‘n huishulp gehad wat ‘n huis in Khayelitsha gehad het, sowel as ‘n familiehuis in die Oos-Kaap waarvandaan sy gekom het Sy het ons meegedeel dat sy vir haar n splinternuwe LG bolaaier-wasmasjien gekoop het en toe ons aan haar noem dat dit baie water verbruik was haar antwoord dat haar waterrekening reeds duisende rande beloop, maar sy gaan dit nie betaal nie ‘n Sakevrou van Soweto het aan haar mede-inwoners gesê: “Julle kan ontwerpersklere dra, maar julle kan nie jul elektrisiteitsrekening betaal nie Nou word die elektrisiteit na my besigheid afgesny” Hierdie is beslis ook van toepassing op die Wes-Kaap ‘n Man het op Youtube aan sy volgelinge gesê: “Julle kan in die sjebiens gaan sit en drink, maar julle kan nie jul elektrisiteit betaal nie ”
En so kan 'n mens aangaan oor die besoedeling van ons riviere, bv Milnerton-strandmeer Ons stad word besoedel deur mense wat nie ‘n sent bydra tot die ontwikkeling van en skoonhou van die Stad nie maar nou word beplan om nog ‘n belasting (dis blykbaar nie ‘n heffing nie) op die belastingbetalers te plaas om die stad skoon te maak en skoon te hou
Ons sien geen voorgestelde plan om die onbeheersde toevloei van ander provinsies en ander Afrikalande te stop nie Waar gaan ons eindig?
Soos die raadslid van die Good party, Anton Louw, gesê het: This is not a budget invested in hope, it is full of despair and concern for Cape Town residents who are struggling to make ends meet Cape Town is becoming unaffordable to Capetonians ” S VAN DIE SUBURBS, Parow
Die helder verligte kruise by Aurora (Durbanville) en op Tygerberg staan die afgelope ses weke weer as teken van hoop vir 'n chaotiese wêreld Dankie aan diegene wat dit moontlik maak
GIDEONTREDOUX,Durbanville
DAAR’S LIG AAN DIE EINDE VAN DIE TONNEL: Stappers nader die einde van die treintonnel naby die bopunt van Sir Lowryspas. FOTO:CARINA ROUX
Turningfynbos flowersintoLegos
KAILINDANIELS
KAILIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Table View resident and Lego enthusiast Christoff van Wyk, known in the Lego community as "SuperstofBricks", is making waves with his latest project a striking floral creation called Fynbos Flowers inspired by the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom
The meticulously designed set features iconic South African flora, including the Bot River Protea, Splendid Pagoda, Green Tree Pincushion, Button Bush, Chincherinchee, Gousblomme, and Erica Blenna
Van Wyk has used clever techniques and imaginative parts from surfboards and bananas to sailor’s hats to capture the detail and vibrancy of each flower
The Fynbos Flowers project is currently live on the Lego Ideas platform, where it is gathering support from fans around the world If the design reaches 10 000 supporters, it will be reviewed by the Lego Group for possible production as an official set, available in stores globally
WHEREITALLSTARTED
“This all started with my desire to create
VAN
WYK’S FYNBOS FLOWERS IS LIVE ON LEGO IDEAS, GATHERING GLOBAL SUPPORT. REACHING 10 000 WILL TURN IT INTO A GAME
the Protea our national flower in Lego,” says Van Wyk “From there, the rest of the flowers just came naturally
The Erica Blenna reminds me of my hometown, Riversdale; the Green Tree Pincushions I used to spot while hiking Table Mountain; and the wildflowers of the West Coast are always unforgettable in spring ”
This isn’t Van Wyk’s first major build His first Lego MOC (My Own Creation) was a detailed replica of the Cape Town City Hall façade a massive undertaking that used over 8 000 Lego pieces His dream is to continue creating sets that celebrate South African heritage and natural beauty .To support van Wyk’s Lego dream visit https://ideas.lego com/projects/606437b3487e-4b69-9f48-fa57ccd56b0a
Lego Cape Town City Hall by SuperstofBricks
Christoff van Wyk with Lego protea flower
A display of Lego Fynbos flowers
