Warriorwomanawarded
RICHARDROBERTS
R CHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Plattekloof businesswoman was one of the winners at this year's Good Hope FM Warrior Women Awards
an award ceremony honouring inspiring women in various fields
One of them was Aditi
Radhakrishna, a Plattekloof resident, who was honoured for being a Pioneer in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Radhakrishna is the co-founder of the company Ruby Rose Feminine Hygiene SA, a South African manufacturer of feminine hygiene products that are safe,
environmentally friendly and affordable Their factory is based in Charleston Hill, Paarl
“Our work, however, reaches communities across the country
PANORAMA PALMS
and into Africa through our non-government organisations partnerships, school programmes and distribution initiatives,”
Radhakrishna said
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it shines a light on a cause I am deeply passionate about,” she said
CapeTowneyes railcontrol
DESIRÉERORKE
RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA
DESIREE
Cape Town is gearing up for a major transport revolution that could fundamentally change how millions of residents move around the Mother City Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has thrown down the gauntlet to national government, announcing the City will push for complete control of passenger rail services after council last week backed an ambitious business plan that promises to resurrect the metro's beleaguered train network
With Cape Town's rail system having collapsed from carrying over 600 000 passengers daily in 2012 to a fraction of that today due to vandalism, theft and poor maintenance under Prasa, the City's bold takeover bid represents perhaps the most significant transport initiative in decades – one that could see private operators running sleek new services under municipal oversight
The rail business plan looked at nine different handover scenarios and narrowed it down to three workable options Each involves the City taking control of rail services, assets and infrastructure, with private companies running the actual services under contract
The plan also knocked out weaker options where Prasa would keep owning the infrastructure or where the City would run trains directly instead of bringing in private operators
According to the City, passenger rail takeover is essential to improving integrated public transport across the metro, one of several key means to achieving its broader long-term plan target of 110% GDP growth by 2050
NATIONALFUNDING
Crucially, the plan concludes that devolution is only possible with funding from the national fiscus, with no room within the rates base of the City to cross subsidise rail
The City also needs to have authority over fare-setting, access to long-term national grant funding, and to generate local revenue through public-private partnerships and commercialisation
RAIL TAKEOVER PLAN AIMS TO RESTORE 620 000 DAILY PASSENGER TRIPS
This is in line with the City’s constitutional mandate for integrated transport planning across different public transport modes
Hill-Lewis said that the National White Paper on Rail and the Constitution both recognise that local government is best positioned to deliver integrated, affordable, and accountable public transport through coordinated planning across transport modes
"Today is an historic milestone as Council adopts both a business plan for passenger rail takeover in the short-term, as well as our City’s overall long-term plan until 2050, which sets out our strategic goals over the next 25 years," said HillLewis in his address to council
"In the Cape Town of 2050, we’ll mostly use affordable public transport to get around, our streets will be much safer due to smart policing Capetonians urgently need an expanded, affordable, and reliable rail service that is integrated with other forms of transport via one ticketing system The rail business plan will now inform our engagements with national government to devolve passenger rail to the City "
The City's Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said that to ensure a viable devolution handover, it is necessary for Prasa and national government to restore the rail network and operations to 2012 levels of 620 000 daily passenger trips, which existed prior to the steady collapse of rail over the last decade
He explained that the City would then work to further expand the rail service, with most scenarios including a new Blue Downs rail link and potentially further expansion dependent on the national fiscus The City’s rail business plan follows the inception phase of the rail feasibility study, followed by a baseline analysis in October 2023 that assessed the current state of rail operations and infrastructure in Cape Town
Sarel Burger vir sy diens vereer
Die 1973- matrikulante van die Hoërskool Bellville het onlangs 'n spesiale feestelike ontbyt gehou om hul geliefde rugbyafrigter en Afrikaans-onderwyser, Sarel Burger, te vereer
Sarel Burger, nou 85 jaar oud, het sy loopbaan in 1965 by die Hoërskool Bellville begin en het merkwaardige sukses as rugby-afrigter behaal
Gedurende sy bloeitydperk van 1972 tot 1973 het hy drie uitstaande spelers ontwikkel: John Villet (Springboksenter), Theo Grünewald (nasionale Namibiese losskakel en kaptein) en Frank Greeff (Cravenweek en WP-agsteman en -spankaptein) Burger is ook 'n aktiewe
sportjoernalis wat al 59 jaar lank sportverslaggewing doen
Die byeenkoms op 4 Desember by 'n hotel in Bellville het begin met doedelsakmusiek deur Tony Reis terwyl ou spanlede 'n erewag gevorm het Spesiale geskenke is oorhandig, insluitend 'n lewensgrootte skildery deur Dawid Toua en persoonlike gedenkartikels Die hele span het "rooi kaarte" gekry omdat hul ou truie nie meer gepas het nie
Voormalige spanlede het van Nederland, Windhoek en Ierland gereis om hierdie unieke huldeblyk by te woon, wat die blywende impak van Burger se mentorskap demonstreer
Voor van links is Vidius Archer,Frank Greeff (kaptein),Sarel Burger (afrigter),John Villet en Johan Raats Agter: Wouter Coetzer,Hannes Oosthuizen,Theo Grunewald,Nollies Villet,George Treunicht,Dries van der Merwe,Japie Lerm,Dries Mouton,Monty Montgomery en Brian Scheepers
Familyin courtonfraud charges
Three members of the same family appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court this week for allegedly defrauding a company out of millions of rands
The accused, Nicole Robyn April (35), a former bookkeeper at Lifttech Lift and Hoist Services, Kayla Catherine Amos (31) and Robert Gabriel Amos (57) briefly appeared on Thursday 4 December and is expected to reappear in the Parow Regional Court on 4 February next year after being granted bail of R20 000 each, along with stringent bail conditions
The trio are charged with fraud, theft, and money laundering, says Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, spokesperson for the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation who apprehended the suspects
The alleged fraud and theft occurred between 2019 and 2022, and discrepancies were identified during the audit The matter was referred to the Hawks for further investigation, Hani says “It is alleged that April as a bookkeeper had access and control of the company’s bank accounts Investigations revealed
FROMPAGE1
TRIO ACCUSED OF DEFRAUDING EMPLOYER
that during the said period she siphoned approximately R5 million from the bank account of the company to her personal bank account, from her account to the account of her sister and her father The funds were used for personal gain,” Hani says Further investigations showed that she disguised the purpose of the funds transfers by making false entries on the banking records Furthermore, without authorisation, gave herself a salary increase amounting to R138 000 over the period, and fraudulently applied for a petrol card, Hani explains
As a result of their actions, the company was prejudiced in the amount of R5 million, Hani says Lifttech Lift and Hoist Services, based in Link Circle in Montague Gardens, Cape Town, services and upgrades all makes of passenger elevators and goods hoists
TygerBurger asked Radhakrishna, chartered accountant, finance and technology leader and social entrepreneur, about the work that Ruby Rose does; the products that they manufacture and how they go about educating young women on menstrual health
Q:Tell us a bit more about the work you do, and how the company started?
“Over the past few years, women around the world have increasingly raised concerns about the harmful side effects of traditional sanitary pads, not only in terms of personal safety, but also their long-term environmental impact What surprised me and ultimately concerned me most, was realising that there is no universal standard regulating the safety of these essential products In response to this gap, the South African Bureau of Standards introduced SANS 1043 to regulate sanitary pad safety locally
“At the same time, the silent crisis of period poverty became impossible to ignore For me, those two realities, lack of regulation and lack of access, were the catalyst behind Ruby Rose I wanted to create a product that women could trust; one that is safe, sustainable and genuinely accessible We have built a self-sustaining model that enables us to support girls and women who cannot afford essential menstrual products ”
Q:Can you also share more information about the eco-friendly products you produce, and how you educate young women on menstrual health?
“Our products are made using biodegradable materials and packaging, which means they break down significantly faster than traditional plastic-based pads They are free from harmful chemicals and designed with comfort, safety and sustainability in mind
“Education is a key pillar of our work We run menstrual health workshops in schools and communities through partnerships with non-government organisations and community-based organisations These sessions cover the fundamentals of menstrual health, product safety and environmental awareness
“We believe that education is
Groups unite against GBV
A large number of people gathered in Edgemead, outside Cape Town, this past weekend to make their voices heard and take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV)
A group of about 100 to 180 local residents, private security firms, neighbourhood watches, community policing forums (CPFs), the ward councillor and local police gatherered at the Bosmansdam Road-Edgemead Drive intersection on Saturday morning, just after 09:00, to make their voices heard in support of GBV victims and survivors
Leone Pretorius, secretary of the Monte Vista Plattekloof Glen Neighbourhood Watch, said multiple entities took a public stand against gender-based violence Also present were the private-security firms Precinct Response, Fidelity ADT and District Group The Edgemead and Bothasig neighbourhood
empowerment – when young women understand their bodies and their choices, it transforms the way they participate in school, sport and everyday life
“Importantly, we have also seen a growing need to extend this education to boys Creating informed, respectful boys is essential to creating supportive and stigma-free environments for girls ”
Q:How important is the work you do?
“The work is not just important – it is essential Menstrual health is a fundamental part of human dignity When girls do not have access to safe menstrual products, the consequences ripple far beyond their monthly cycle It affects school attendance, academic performance, mental well-being and future economic participation
“Through our initiatives, we have seen measurable impact, reduced absenteeism among girl learners, improved matric pass rates, and increased sports participation among girls supported through our programmes These are not small shifts; they change life trajectories In a country as unequal as South Africa, ensuring access to menstrual products is a direct investment in gender equity and in the future of our communities ”
Radhakrishna said looking ahead, their goal is to scale production, expand their footprint across Africa, and deepen their educational and accessibility programmes
“We are already supplying sanitary pads to organisations in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana and we will be listed in a leading South African retailer in the second quarter of 2026 ”
watches, and the Goodwood and Bothasig CPF as well as the Bothasig police were also there Other organisations and companies who joined include Rough Terrain Adventures, HarleyhavenSA, Ubuntu Social Awareness, Angel Community Outreach and the Edgemead Community Improvement District
The event was organised and convened by Michelle Stanford, a member of the Monte Vista Plattekloof Neighbourhood Watch
Placards were also held high for passing motorists, sporting slogans such as “Hoot if you hate abuse,” and “Real men don’t abuse”
Ward councillor Cheryl Visser described the protest as peaceful and well-organised “I appreciate that residents can express their concerns in a responsible manner There was
good cooperation between the organisers and the authorities, and everything went down well ”
She described the protest as a huge success, adding that organisations came from far and near to show their support Mario Borchards, chair of the Bothasig CPF, said it and other organisations wanted to deliver a strong united message, “Not in our homes and not in our community” He said the demonstration formed part of the national 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December annually, with participants raising awareness of the ongoing abuse of women and children
“The Bothasig CPF reaffirmed its commitment to standing with survivors and working towards safer, violence-free neighbourhoods ”
Aditi Radhakrishna
A large group of people took part in the peaceful protest on Saturday to take a stand against gender-based violence.
CapeTowndamlevelsdrop
Capetonians have been encouraged to use water sparingly as we enter the hot summer season
According to the City of Cape Town dam levels are currently 15% lower than at the same time last year
This is because Cape Town experienced below-average rainfall this year, the municipality said in a statement issued on Thursday (4 December)
The Department of Water and Sanitation were asking people to be water-wise this summer, and requests that the water usage be kept below 975 million litres per day
"As we head into hot summer days, we have already seen a spike in water use at certain points," said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for Water and Sanitation
"Consumption recently reached 1 000 million litres of water used in a day, compared to the average 850 million litres
"The main driver of peak water demand, based on previous years, is outdoor use particularly for garden irrigation and topping up swimming pools The proactive water savings target is published weekly as a way of keeping us all accountable to use water wisely "
He said wise outdoor use of water, fixing leaks and complying with permanent regulations are key ways to save water
“City teams will also continue to action
RESIDENTS ASKED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY
our own programmes to ensure we save water too with our infrastructure ”
Currently, the main dams supplying Cape Town are about 79,4%
While there is no immediate reason for concern, it is vital for all of us to proactively monitor and manage our water use over the coming months, the City says This is particularly important for Cape Town this summer, in the face of unpredictable rainfall in 2026
Badroodien said in October this year the City’s weekly water dashboard shifted to an "early drought caution"
This does not mean a drought is confirmed, but it indicates signals of a possible drought cycle emerging
It allows the City to prepare early by activating internal response committees, prioritising repairs and maintenance and working closely with the national department of water and sanitation to ensure that the water system remains well balanced, Badroodien said . To manage water use proactively the City is urging residents and businesses to all help keep the collective water usage below 975 million litres per day
Hundreds donated toToy Run at Killarney
RICHARDROBERTS
RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Hundreds of motorcycles revved up to the Killarney International Raceway for the annual Toy Run a campaign run by motorcycle clubs across the country to collect and donate toys to charities and non-profit organisations ahead of Christmas
This year's event took place on Sunday 31 November
Bobby McGee, vice chair of the National Toy Run Trust and member of the Cape Town Motorcycle Club, says the Cape Town Toy Run is one of 19 Toy Runs held nationally on the last weekend of November
Vsitors to the event were also treated to a variety of stalls and a play area There was also a live band performing
The Toy Run Cape Town also thanked all the bikers and everyone who supported the event on Sunday Three trucks were filled with toys, they say The toys were sorted out the following Monday
The Killarney International Raceway posted on social media that thousands of bikers donated toys to underprivileged kids during this year's Toy Run The bikers left from the N1 City Mall and the Athlone Stadium to Killarney
On Friday 29 November the Cape Town
Motorcycle Club collected over 1000 toys from the Edgemead Primary School and the St George’s Grammar School in Mowbray
“The biggest thing for me this year was getting the school initiative going and I am hoping that next year we can approach all of the primary schools, as many as we can reach out to,” says McGee
He says the initiative is run by the biking community, but that it is not necessarily for the biking community
“This was a biker initiative way back in the 1970s Everybody would like to give and donate, but they do not know how to The Toy Run is actually a fantastic conduit to provide the public's generosity to the underprivileged out there, especially at Christmas time, because we want to bring a little bit of joy into their lives ”
McGee says the Toy Run is growing and that it is reaching far and wide
“I hope next year to be able to get 40 000 toys I think we are going to reach that target with the number of toys we collected this year, but next year we are hoping for more All the kids in town have toys that are just lying there, unused toys, and this time of the year is a perfect time for moms and dads to clear out three- or four-year-old toys, to make way for new things in those households,” says McGee
Santa delivers festive cheer to community
The PWP Neighbourhood Watch held its annual Santa Drive this past weekend, spreading festive cheer across the community and bringing joy and excitement to families ahead of the holiday season
The event was held on Saturday 29 November PWP covers Plattekloof, Welgelegen, Panorama and Kleinbosch
Mark Buttner, PWP chair, says the drive was organised by committed committee members and volunteer patrollers The annual event saw Santa Claus touring the neighbourhood atop a brightly decorated vehicle Children and adults gathered along the route, waving as Santa passed by and enjoying moments of festive magic, Buttner says
“The smiles on the children’s faces said it all,” he says He adds: “Their joy made every bit of planning worthwhile We are incredibly grateful to our committee members and
patrollers, whose dedication and service made this special event possible ”
The Santa Drive reflects the neighbourhood watch’s commitment, not only to community safety, but also to building unity and a strong sense of belonging, Buttner says, adding that the event once again demonstrated how simple acts of kindness can bring people together, and create lasting seasonal memories
The organisation says it extends a heartfelt thanks to Santa for his spirited appearance and to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s drive
. For more information about the Santa Drive or other PWP Neighbourhood Watch initiatives, email Chairperson@pwpwatch.org.za
Santa hands out gifts to kids during this year’s annual Santa Drive
The City of Cape Town is asking the public to be water-wise to preserve available resources
winter rain cycle,especially
Thousands of toys were collected at this year’s annual Toy Run which took place at the Killarney
Clubrake
Members of the De Grendel Lions Club were pleasantly surprised when they attended the Lions International District 410W midyear conference in Paarl where the club received five awards for the 2024 to 2025 Lions year. The honours were bestowed on them by the previous District Governor, José Braga Borges
The club received the following awards: . Top 6 Club; . Top 6 President Lion president, Glenda Hon; . Top 6 Secretary Lion secretary, Yolanda de Jager; . Most Improved Club, and . Membership Chairperson Award Lion Malcolm McCallum Hon, Lion president, and the members attending were totally bowled over as they did not expect it at all
She mentioned that the awards, a combination of individual and club awards, were as a result of members’ positivity and preparedness to roll up their sleeves and assist in the community when needed to do so She also mentioned that three members from the club are currently serving on the District 410W Cabinet De Jager (District chair for the Lions Peace Poster programme), McCallum (Zone chair for Zone 9) and fellow club member Jacques Mostert (District chair for specialty clubs)
de Hon (Top 6
She thanked the community and organisations for their continuou that incre would en out more to contact Facebook
Beware and report water scams
The City of Cape Town has warned residents to be alert and aware of scammers posing as City water and sanitation staff, soliciting payments from customers to avoid supposed water restrictions and disconnections.
The City will never request payment via cash send or e-wallet to settle municipal bills, they warned in a statement issued on Tuesday
According to the City the scam has been ongoing since last year and involves a scammer contacting a City customer via telephone or WhatsApp claiming to be from the City's water and sanitation directorate They then provide the relevant property details and advise the resident that the water to the property will be disconnected immediately due to the municipal account being in arrears The customer is then told to pay a reconnection fee via cash send or e-wallet, they say
The City says it most recently became aware of an incident, which involved a customer whose municipal account was up to date "We urge residents to remain extra vigilant and to verify any suspicious correspondence directly with the City before taking any action. Our concern is especially for customers who may be in arrears on their municipal accounts, as they could be more vulnerable to scams promising to prevent water disconnections or restrictions," says Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for water and sanitation.
FACTS
. The City will ever request payment via cash send or e-wallet
. Property owners should check their monthly municipal bills for the status of their accounts They are welcome to call the City's Call Centre should they have queries
. Residents who are in arrears with their municipal account will receive direct notices from the City via email or post on an official City of Cape Town letterhead.
. Report any suspicious behaviour to the City's law enforcement agencies, the City fraud hotline on 0800 110 077 or to the police
. Customers are also encouraged to make use of the various City communication channels to verify any communication they receive from the City. Call the City on 0860 103 089, SMS 31373, WhatsApp 060 018 1505 or email water@ capetown.gov.za
Lions raise awareness about diabetes
The De Grendel Lions Club hosted a diabetes awareness project last weekend Visitors to the Edgemead Village Centre were offerred a free blood sugar level test
Diabetes, the club says, is one of the eight Lions Clubs International Pillars of Service
“As the event was a collaboration with Gordons Bay Lions Club and Diabetes SA, the tests were conducted by a retired pharmacist from Gordons Bay Lions Club,” says Jacques Mostert, spokesperson
On Saturday 29 November, clients were tested and, when necessary, advised to visit their doctor, he said Glenda Hon, Lion president elect, said the club members were pleasantly surprised by the positivity of the centre's visitors
By the end of the event a total of 90 people were tested
“The club is also considering a similar event next year as many visitors indicated that they would like to undergo a test at a later stage,” says Mostert Hon also thanked Diabetes SA's national manager, Margot McCumisky, for partnering with the club Visitors that were tested left armed with information packs provided by Diabetes SA, McCumisky was very complementary regarding the project, mentioning that the health of our community is very important and that partnerships highlighting diabetes help to inform the broader community, says Mostert McCumisky also suggested that people visit Diabetes SA's website for more information
Yolanda
Members of the De Grendel Lions Club gear up for the diabetes awareness project on Saturday 29 November
Severalobjectionsagainstairport
Alate appeal against the Environmental Authorisation (EA) granted to Cape Winelands Airport was received and condoned by Anton Bredell, provincial minister of local government, environmental affairs and development planning last week
Cape Winelands Airport was granted EA from the provincial department of environmental affairs and development planning (DEADP) on 27 October
A total of six appeals were lodged, among which two from poultry farmers one of which County Fair, the developer Garden Cities, a nearby airfield, Morningstar Flyers Association, as well as five airport tenants who have jointly appealed They are Cape Town Flight Training Centre; Diepkloof Aircraft Maintenance; 4 Aviators; Helivate Helicopter Services and WCMS CC T/A AeroSport The late appeal was received on 24 November and condoned by Bredell’s office on 1 December
POULTRYCONCERNS
In the appeal by the Darson Trust, trading as Aberfeldy Farm in Klipheuwel, it is stated that they have already received approval for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for new poultry houses to expand their farming operations on their farm Kliprug, which is adjacent to the land on which the airport is
proposed
“A poultry farm should not be next to an airport due to potential biosecurity risks, disease transmission from wildlife and noise pollution that could stress the birds,” is stated
MAJORMILESTONE
In response to the appeals
Cape Winelands Airport says it welcomes the appeal process
“The approval of the EA marked a major milestone in the progression of the Cape Winelands Airport expansion project and followed an extensive environmental assessment and consultation process undertaken in full compliance with the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
The authorisation was the culmination of more than two years of dedicated environmental planning and public participation, including four rounds of public consultation, two open days, a town hall meeting and over 40 specialist studies assessing environmental, social and technical factors, says Deidre Davids, spokesperson for Cape Winelands Airport
ONLYSIXAPPEALS
Of the about 1 500 registered interested and affected parties, only six appeals were received
“Cape Winelands Airport maintains that there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the planned airport expansion, as can be seen by multiple letters
of support,” Davids says
“The grounds for appeal differ for each of the appellants and range from concerns about impact of noise; impact on birdlife; impact on continued operations once the airport goes into construction and socioeconomic impacts ”
Other grounds for appeal include sustainability and climate change, carbon emissions and impact on traffic
“The concerns raised are largely a repeat of what has been raised previously Throughout the four public participation process inputs were taken from interested and affected parties and specialist reports were reviewed and updated to take into account comments and inputs raised,” she says
RESPONSIBLEDEVELOPMENT
“We welcome the appeal process as an additional opportunity to provide clarity, to strengthen understanding, and to demonstrate our commitment to a responsible and sustainable development
“We value every concern raised and have taken every technical concern seriously from noise modelling to aviation safety to transport planning and each has been addressed through detailed, specialist-led studies,” Davids says The proposed project entails the expansion of the existing Cape Winelands Airport in a phased development approach
The development will also include comprehensive airside infrastructure such as taxiways, aircraft parking stands, refuelling systems and cargo facilities
The expansion plans include a new boutique terminal building with modern facilities
NOISEPOLLUTION
One of the objectors, Dr Leonard Heydenrych, says in his appeal “the constant noise created by the airport will have a profoundly negative impact on the surrounding community, but in particular on the children of Fisantekraal High School, which is situated only 1,4 km from the proposed airport”
“This will have a profoundly negative impact on their health and study abilities,” he states
“Several factors could be identified that may endanger the surrounding community, passengers and crewm including several geographical mountainous elevations within close proximity to the proposed runways ”
County Fair poultry farming operation states in its appeal the landside developments will be immediately adjacent to and in very close proximity to the nearest chicken houses and that it will not be possible for the expanded airport and its poultry operations to coexist due to noise disturbance and dust pollution
Light pollution was identified as a major concern for its laying stock
The grounds of appeal of Morningstar Flyers Association is that there is inadequate assessment of safety impacts of the flight activities from Cape Winelands Airport on surrounding commercial and recreational aviation activities that make use of the uncontrolled airspace currently in existence for the purpose of, among others, flight training and fire and rescue operations
“The public participation process is defective and noninclusive as it excluded key aviation authorities and stakeholders and withheld essential information,” is stated
CORRECTION
TygerBurger incorrectly reported on this last week (3 December) and apologises for the mistakes
Some of the mistakes include that Stellenbosch Flying Club has appealed, although they have not There were also no appeals from the wine industry, Birdlife South Africa or Paardeberg Conservancy, as well as no groups representing local communities The school community of Fisantekraal High School has also not raised concerns about noise pollution
“It is also not correct that business groups and farmers fear negative effects on their operations If anything, we have strong support from farmers and the local businesses,” Davids says
Give thanks for all the little things
At this time of the year, we usually complain about everything and how tired we are every day Everyone is patiently waiting for the clock to strike just to go on holiday, even if it is just for a few days or a week
We all feel tired every morning and struggle to get up every day, looking for that courage to go to work and do our things It's not even funny when I say every friend of mine complains about the struggle to get up in the morning I also feel exhausted and see the 80km I must drive every day as a mission to get to work and back home
But when I pause, sink into the quiet corners of my mind, and truly reflect on the tapestry of this year behind me, I can't help but feel guilty about why I'm even complaining I realised that we tend to complain every day about minor things So much so that we forget about all the blessings and little things we can be thankful for We usually look past the small wins
Personally, as bittersweet as it was, I got to spend quality time with my mom, which I never knew I needed I've always been an independent person, away from my family since a young age, and never thought I would come to a point where I could go out with my mom like we're friends, having fun and just enjoying ourselves
I also got a new job, which I had prayed for quite a while It came at a time when I really needed it I also received the gift of love again, meeting someone I've been waiting for a long time now Someone
WESHOULDALWAYSTRYTOBE MORETHANKFUL...
who ticks all my boxes and shows me that what I wanted is still out there After many disappointments, I get to experience the "soft life" and "princess treatment" I deserve There was a time when I thought I would never get to experience it
My eldest and only sister finally got married after all the odds, and I got to experience every step of planning with her, making sure she had the perfect fairytale wedding We also welcomed a new bundle of joy to the family Now this, for me, is more than enough to be thankful for So, I just want to express that besides complaining this time of year while fighting the year-end blues, we should look back and see how far we've come We should also try to be more thankful and give thanks for all we've achieved this year
The fact that you can still see the end of the year creeping up on us means you've achieved something The beauty of being at the end of a calendar year is that very soon we'll have a chance to start over again, making better decisions, facing and overcoming new challenges, setting boundaries and deciding how we are going to face the new year head-on
For now, give thanks and appreciate every little thing that has come our way
Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus "
I know it's not always easy giving thanks while dealing with so much happening, not only in your personal and work life but also in the world we live in Having to navigate the weakened economy, gender-based violence and child killings on a daily basis but appreciating the little things around us can make this all feel a little comforting, even if it is just for a moment or two We'll try again next year!
-MAURICIAPETERSEN
BRIEWE|LETTERS
Renewed discussion on Uitkamp development
The letter by so-called Prof Bats Yaku, under the heading “Calling out the snakes in D’ville” (TygerBurger 3 December) reminds one of the battle that took place some 10 to 15 years ago to save the environmentally sensitive game farm of Uitkamp, now Clara Anna Fontein from development
His letter focused mostly on the controversy surrounding the development of the Uitkamp game farm, and had little to do with Reddam House’s recent achievements, which are noteworthy and commendable
HEADLINEARTICLES
A simple Google search of “Uitkamp controversial development” brings up the following headline articles: “Row over Cape housing project” (Property24) “Development punted prior to court ruling”, (l2b), Cape Town passes development buck , (Netwerk24), “Court battle looms over bid to build 700 houses on farm land” (PressReader) and so forth
Some quotes from the articles are as follows: “The homes are due to be built in the Clara Anna Fontein game reserve” “Western Cape premier Helen Zille asked to intervene to stop the development”, “The D Urbanvale Residents Forum has reacted strongly, claiming that they feel betrayed by the council and accused the mayoral committee of ignoring the
unprecedented and overwhelming response from the community to prevent the development”, “Letters of complaint from the Far South Peninsula Community Forum, the Glencairn Action Group, the Simon s Town Civic Association and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa” “The leader of the ANC in council also weighed in saying his party was concerned about good arable land being used for private development We believe the meeting where this decision was taken was unconstitutional" and “Construction of a 348-unit residential site with a retirement village on yet another tract of agricultural land in the suburb has residents in fear that a growing trend to develop outside of the city's urban edge will turn the picturesque region into a concrete jungle”
IMPACTNEGATIVELY
Perhaps a response to the Property24 article of 22 December 2010 sums it up the best: “As a passionate Durbanviller I do know that this 650-home development on the current farm would impact negatively on the visual attractiveness of the area Me as well as hundreds of fellow hikers bikers and runners use the scenic Vissershok Road on a weekly basis We select to live here because of the beauty of the area Within minutes you are out of the town and into the country between the vineyards and
Justice system battles gang violence daily
Brett Herron, from the Good Party, gave alarming statistics on the ongoing slaugther on the Cape Flats ("The Western Cape Killing Fields" 3 December) Being a politician it is no surprise that he aimed a cheap shot at the Western Cape Provincial Government and blamed them for a lack of political will to address and resolve these tragic deaths
After a 37 years career as a prosecutor ( of which 31 years at the office of the director of public prosecutions), I must perhaps draw Herron's attention to just some of the realities that face the criminal justice system when dealing with gang-related murders
At any given time will you find a number of people either in the street or outside in their yard in these gang-ridden areas, but as soon as there is a murder in
broad daylight, potential witnesses disappear in thin air You can hardly blame them because the intimidation of and even killing of witnesses is a grim reality Do you succeed to convince a witness to testify, that witness will have to be prepared to spend months and even years in the witness protection programme at great personal sacrifices, a daunting prospect for most people?
This is a very complex situation which do not need politicians that try to score cheap political points, but the cooperation of all role players, especially the communities in which these tragic events unfold on a daily basis
ADV CHRISTHÉNUS VAN DER VIJVER (RETIRED), Kuils River
renosterbos farmland Remove this and swop it for 650 close-built small homes which each look the same as the other, and this whole rationale goes out the window The same is happening in the Winelands area Beautiful vineyards are being swopped for housing estates The very reason why people value these areas, are because of its natural beauty “Please stop this development from happening Marnus” Thanks for reminding us of the controversy Prof, but it seems that there was overwhelming opposition to the development for reasons stated in the articles – you can get the full context if you care to Google it yourself
COURTCASE
Oh and just one other thing the court case was fought by non-profit organisations on behalf of the community and funded by members thereof If each person donated an average of R100 (not unusual), it would take 25 000 donations to raise the R2 5 million which you stated as being the cost of the court case That’s more than half the population of Durbanville at the time Fortunately there are more people who care about protecting our rich heritage and the environment than those who do not, and the internet has a good memory!
G S GHOSTOF, Durbanville
Goodwood needs peace
It was with irritation that I read about gang activity in Goodwood where a shoot-out resulted in the death of somebody
Goodwood is and always will be a place where residents can walk in the street mothers can push their kids in prams and youngsters can play in the park
Many of us living in Goodwood are of a senior age and have done our time in the military fighting real soldiers
We want to live in peace , and enjoy our remaining years Those who want to disrupt this, all I can say to you is "Don't pull the lion's tail"
Let us all keep Goodwood safe and enjoy each others company
EX SADF PARATROOPER, Goodwood
GRANDMASTERS MAKE A SPLASH: The first-ever Freestyle Diving Chess Championship saw two world-renowned chess grandmasters take each other on under water in the rooftop pool of the Silo Hotel in Cape Town last Thursday.In the end Hans Niemann (USA) dived his way to victory beating Fabiano Caruana (USA).The Diving Chess competition was the first of several side events that are part of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals taking place at Grootbos near Gansbaai this week, featuring some of the world’s best chess grandmasters
PHOTO: STEV BONHAGE / FREESTYLE CHESS
AANDAG ALMAL kontant vir enige huis-houdelike goed klere, skoene, beddegoed, gordyne, speelgoed, oudhede, juweliersware - goud, breekgoed, potte, elektroniese ware. MEUBELS yskaste, beddens, Sitkamerstelle, tv's (en baie meer) Johan 074 474 4275
and regas from R180. Cathy / Francois 079 838 1851 All areas
Gutters, Downpipes & Carports 061 502 2191
Back-to-backwinners
THULANIMAGAZI
THULAN MAGAZI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The Blitzboks made history on Sunday 7 December when they claimed this year's HSBC Cape Town Seven crowns after defeating Argentina in front of a packed Cape Town Stadium, thus becoming the first side to win successive crowns in the Mother City
The Springboks Sevens came into the Cape Town tournament at the back of a disappointing Dubai tour and were eager to redeem themselves in front of their home supporters
They made their intentions clear with a flawless group stage
wins against Fiji (24-21), New Zealand (19-14) and Great Britain (41-7) to book a semi-final spot against France
Phillip Snayman's charges went into their encounter against the French with guns blazing, backed by the vociferous Cape Town crowd They won the match by 22-17 for a final spot against Argentina With some of their key players, including semi-final star Tristan Leyds missing for the final due to injuries, the Blitzboks made a poor start They conceded a converted try in the second minute through Luciano González Rizzoni
In the fourth minute of the
game, following a turnover in their 22-metre area, Donovan Don scored for the Blitzboks
From the resultant restart, Argentina obtained possession to score their second try in the sixth minute of the game through Marcos Moneta
Efforts to equalise before half-time drew a blank as the Springboks Sevens made some silly handling mistakes
The half ended 14-7 to Argentina
In the first minute of the
second half, Moneta crossed the whitewash for the second time, putting Argentina 19-7 up
However, the Blitzboks refused to give up and continued to push hard at the start of the second half
They were rewarded in the second minute when tournament debutant Sonwabo Sokoyi, who scored his first try for the team in the match against France, sprinted to the tryline after sleek footwork in front of the Argentine players
The Springboks continued to push hard, forcing Argentina to concede penalties in their 22-metre area
With defeat looming, Shilton van Wyk broke the Argentine line and made a delicate pass to Christie Grobbelaar to score the final try and level the scores in the final minute of the game
A conversion ensured the boys retained the trophy by registering a 21-19 victory
The win elevated the Springboks to the top of the HSBC log after two rounds
The Blitzboks will look to carry their winning formula to Singapore in January next year
The boys retained the trophy by registering a 21-19 victory. PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
Matteo Graziano of Argentina shows a face of determination to stop Christie Grobbelaar of the Blitzboks crossing the try line during the final of the HSBC sevens tournament at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday 7 December The Blitzboks won 21-19 to win back-to-back at tournament on home.
