TygerBurger Eersterivier | Elsies | Ravensmead E-Edition 3 September 2025
WHAT’S ON / DIARY
SENDYOURCOMMUNITYEVENTSTO
JO FOURIE@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
WEDNESDAY3SEPTEMBER
. Whispers of Buenos Aires will take place at 19:00 at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, 10 Wellington Rd, Durbanville This intimate concert invites audiences to experience the passion and spirit of Argentina through the music of tango legend Astor Piazzolla. Direct from Buenos Aires, guitarist Alberto and vocalist Silvia will perform an authentic selection of Piazzolla's most celebrated works, from the moving "Oblivion" to the dramatic "La Muerte del Ángel". Set in the beautiful Rust-en-Vrede Gallery this promises to be an unforgettable evening of music and atmosphere Tickets are R150 and available on Quicket Contact Alberto on 083 250 0030 for more information.
VRYDAG5SEPTEMBER
. 'n Kursus oor uitbranding en angs word op Vrydag 5 September van 18:30 tot 21:00 en op Saterdag 6 September van 15:00 tot 21:00, by Doxa Deo by Willowbridge aangebied. Die koste is R250 per persoon en sluit 'n werkboek, verversings en aandete die Saterdagaand in. Registreer voor 2 September by https://login.churchsuite com/?account=doxadeocape Kontak dr Anique Tredoux by anique tredoux@ gmail.com met navrae . Kom geniet die humoristiese konsert Die Begrafnissangers by die NG kerk Bellville-Riebeeck om 19:00 in die De la Haye-kerksaal. Kaartjies kos R50 vir volwassenes en R20 vir kinders (2–10 jaar). Heerlike hamburgers en pannekoek is te koop Bespreek by 021 919 1501 of koop kaartjies by die deur . Philadelphia se gewilde tradisionele boerebasaar vind plaas vanaf 17:00 op die kerkplein in Philadelphia 'n Aand vol kuier, kos en tradisie wag op jonk en oud. Die fees word weer soos altyd, om 18:00 met 'n regte haelgeweerskoot oopgeskiet Toegang is R10 per persoon en gratis vir nie-skoolgaande kinders Kaartfasiliteite sal orals beskikbaar wees. Rig navrae aan Annemart Agenbag by 072 431 2831.
SATERDAG6SEPTEMBER
. Oom Vossie se Vlooimark in Bellville is van 10:00 tot 15:00 by die Voortrekker-spankamers in Disasingel in Blomtuin. Stuur 'n Whatsapp na 084 325 4690 vir meer inligting en besprekings.
. Die Wes-Kaapse Veteraantrekker-en-enjinklub se jaarlikse skou word op 6 en 7 September by die Killarney-renbaan aangebied. Ongeveer 100 ten volle gerestoureerde veteraantrekkers uit die 1920's en 1980's gaan op skou wees met 'n 1939 Duitse Lanz Bulldog-kruiptrekker as die trekpleister Besoekers kan ook uitsien na 'n trekkerresies, 'n "klein erfgoed"-uitstalling, asook 'n donkiebaler, 'n enjin van 'n Russiese spuitvliegtuig en `n versameling weermagvuurwapens. Die skou bied hope vermaak en eetgoed vir jonk en oud. Kaartjies is beskibaar by Webtickets by The Western Cape Vintage Tractor and Engine Club . From 10:00 till 16:00, the Miniaturia Guild of Cape Town will host their annual Miniature Fair Members of the public are invited to step into a world of wonder and join us for a day of artistry, community, and conservation at St Thomas Church Hall, Rondebosch. Entrance Fes are R20 for adults and R10 for children under 18 years. A portion of the entrance fee will be donated to SANCCOB, supporting the critically endangered African penguins, which face potential extinction by 2035
. The Durbanville Craft Market will host its monthly charity market at 5 Louw Street in Durbanville from 09:00 to 14:00 Handmade items by local crafters from afar as Fish Hoek and Somerset West are sold, as well as food, home bakes, sourdough bread, diabetic friendly and gluten free consumables, rare cacti and much more Entrance is free Phone 066 059 7251 or send an email to durbanvillecraftmarket@gmail.com with enquiries about the Durbanville Craft Market . Shoppers, treasure hunters and families are invited to the Goodwood Bargains Market at the Goodwood Sports Club from 09:00 to 13:20 With a lively mix of indoor and outdoor vendors, the market promises unbeatable bargains, unique finds, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a weekend outing Entry and parking are absolutely free at the corner of Alice and Milton Street For more information, email thegoodwoodmarket@gmail.com
SUNDAY7SEPTEMBER
. Edgemead’s Largest Indoor Secondhand Market to be held at the Edgemead Community Hall, 83 Edgemead Drive on Sunday, from 08:00 to 14:00 Bargains galore
THURSDAY11SEPTEMBER
. U3A Tygerberg will host a talk at the Dutch Reformed Church, Cnr Mountain View Drive and Edelweiss Roads, Eversdal. The topic this month is Sanbar deer and the ecology of fynbos, fire and forest on Table Mountain. Doors open at 09:00 for tea and coffee and the talk begins at 10:00 The cost is R10 for members and R20 for visitors. Visitors are most welcome Contact Sarah on 021 976 8310 for more information.
‘Gangsters’sought afterdoublemurder
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The communities next to the Nooiensfontein Road South of the Stellenbosch Arteriel are sick and tired of crime after a recent spike in robberries, hijacking and murders rocked neighbourhoods like Camelot. The Mfuleni police are looking for the murderers of a man and a woman close to Summerville on Wednesday evening Another man was shot in the face but survived in what is described as a gangrelated attack
WO Joseph Swartbooi, police spokesperson, says the Mfuleni
POLICE HUNT KILLERS IN MFULENI
police are following up clues in a bid to apprehend the suspects responsible for the attack that happened at around 21:45
"Upon arrival at the crime scene in Saxdown Road, opposite Summerville, the police met an adult man who indicated that he sustained a gunshot wound to his face He then pointed the police to an open field where they found the body of a man who sustained a gunshot wound and a female who was burned beyond recognition ” Both victims were declared
deceased on the scene by the medical personnel
“The man who sustained a gunshot to his face was transferred to a nearby hospital The motive for this attack is believed to be gang-related The unknown suspects fled and are yet to be arrested," says Swartbooi
. The police appeal to anyone who can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously
Illegal dumping still a big problem
The City of Cape Town's bylaws make provision for the impoundment of vehicles used in the act of dumping and in the last financial year, 106 vehicles were impounded Illegal dumping remains a persistent environmental and public health issue across the city In the last three years, vehicle impounds linked to illegal dumping have remained in triple digit territory, from just 47 in the 2021-'22 financial year In the most recent 12-month period, the law enforcement department impounded 106 vehicles
One team's efforts in particular have stood out - the anti-land invasion unit's B shift impounded 25 trucks along Malibongwe Drive in Dunoon and Old Faure Road in Mfuleni "This team has had particular success because they conducted consistent patrols and monitoring of known and emerging illegal dumping hotspots in their areas
We commend their efforts, but also the department as a whole Illegal
dumping causes environmental degradation, and public health risks and encourages further dumping Also, the increased cost of waste removal operations puts unnecessary pressure on the public purse , " said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith
Fines issued in terms of the integrated waste by-law increased by nearly 60% from 12 825 in 2023'24 to 20 356
COMMONITEMS
According to Smith builders' rubble and general waste are common items that are dumped
"Residents relying on scrap collectors to dispose of garden refuse and builders' rubble, only for it to be dumped in the very area in which the waste generator lives Hotspot areas are found across the metropole, including Atlantis Industrial Area, AZ Berman Road in Mitchells Plain, Blackheath, Blue Downs, Duinefontein Road, Dunoon, Eerste River, Eisleben Road, Elsies River, Kalkfontein, Kuils River,
Muizenberg, Old Lansdowne Road, Parkwood, Philippi East, Retreat, Strandfontein Road, Swartklip Road, Vrygrond, Wallacedene, Wesbank and Wynberg
The fine for illegal dumping is R2 500 and the vehicle impoundment release fee is R8 700 Should the same vehicle be impounded a second time, the release fee is R11 700 and R17 400 for a third offence "We can't tolerate such disregard for the environment and public safety and so our enforcement services will continue their efforts to track down offenders I remind the public that they too can play a role If you witness illegal dumping, take down details of the incident, like time and location, and a description of the vehicle Photographs too can assist in tracking down the perpetrator," said Smith . Illegal dumping in progress can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 Tips for potential reward can be submitted via the City’s 24-hour tip-off line on 0800 110 077
Vrou spring uit Uber om lewe te red
CARINAROUX
CARINA ROUX@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Wat net 'n rit huis toe moes wees, het verlede week in 'n nagmerrie vir 'n jong vrou van Kuilsrivier ontaard Denusha Nicholas (26), 'n onderwyseres by die Laerskool Vlottenburg in Stellenbosch, vertel sy het Donderdag 28 Augustus omstreeks 15:00 'n Uber-rit bespreek wat haar by die skool moes oplaai
Die bestuurder was binne 12 minute daar, sê sy Sy het ingeklim, maar dadelik ongemaklik gevoel "Sy kar was in 'n haglike toestand, baie vuil en het gestinkhyself was ook baie vuil " Nicholas vertel die bestuurder wou eers 'n afrit neem in Eersterivier se rigting Sy moes hom daarop wys dat sy Kuilsrivier toe wou gaan "Ek het my ma in kennis gestel dat ek nie veilig voel nie en my rit toe verander om eerder net tot by Zevenwacht Mall te gaan - die naaste plek waar ek veilig sou wees " Toe sy die bestuurder inlig dat sy eerder net tot by die winkelsentrum wou gaan, het hy blykbaar beweer dat hy nie Engels verstaan nie "Ek en hy het begin stry en hy het toe die deur gesluit Ek het hom gevra hoekom sluit hy dit, toe sê hy: 'You going to see what's going to happen now' " Sy kon die deur self oopsluit, maar die bestuurder het weer die deure en vensters gesluit, vertel sy "Dit is toe dat ek besluit het ek moet spring " Al het sy agter gesit, het die
bestuurder haar aan die been gegryp, vertel sy Op die Polkadraaipad kon sy daarin slaag om uit die motor te spring "Ek was vir 'n paar sekondes uit Toe ek bykom, het ek besef ek moet hardloop " Genadiglik het twee mans wat ook op die pad onderweg was gesien hoe Nicholas uit die voertuig val "Die Uber-man het weggejaag," sê sy Nicholas sê die twee mans het hulp verleen, maar kon haar nie hospitaal toe neem nie "Hulle het my afgelaai by 'n plaastannie se huis, waar my broer my toe kom haal en na Netcare Kuilsrivierhospitaal geneem het " Sy was sowat sewe ure in die hospitaal Buiten haar kop, nek en gewrig wat seergekry het, het sy albei haar kniee nerf-af geval en is haar lyf oortrek met kneusplekke Nicholas het die voorval by Uber aangemeld en 'n klagte van poging tot ontvoering by die Kuilsrivier-polisie ingedien Sy is Vrydag in kennis gestel dat die saak na die Stellenbosch-polisiekantoor oorgeplaas is "Uber het my Saterdag gekontak Hulle het die rit se geld vir my terugbetaal in my rekening en hul wetstoepassingseenheid ondersoek ook die klagte
TygerBurger het Maandag 'n navraag per e-pos aan Stellenbosch-polisie se skakelbeampte gestuur, maar geen antwoord ontvang nie
Wall unveiled to honour victims
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The community of Bonteheuwel opened a Memorial Wall in the centre of Bonteheuwel to remember community members killed in ongoing violence in the neighbourhood
The wall will be a a place where candles can burn, where families can place photos of loved ones taken by senseless gang violence
"It will be a place where our pain can fuel our determination This wall is not just for mourning It is a call to action It is a promise that Bonteheuwel will no longer bow to gangsterism
That we will stand together, united, to end the killings Bonteheuwel will shine
again and when it does, it will be the guiding light for every other community that chooses unity over fear," says Angus McKenzie, local Ward councillor
The idea of the wall came about after the recent killing of the three-month-old Moegsien Isaacs in what was allegedly a gang-shooting Two men burst into their house and fired a shot that hit Moegsien in the head Several attempts to save his life were in vain
"Our hearts remain broken for this little boy that was so senselessly taken away He is but one of the children dying around us on a daily basis, but we will never forget and we will fight until the end to free our community from these killers," says McKenzie
Local Ward councillor Angus McKenzie puts a poster of Moegsien Isaacs on the wall of rememberance
FromDJtoactor
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RU TER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
When Tyrique Williams took a significant risk by enrolling in a free acting class outside his usual area of expertise he didn't expect it to change his life. This leap of faith led him to secure the role of Sebbie de Kock in the light horror thriller film
The Meeting which was written and produced by the award-winning community performing arts film director, Nic Matthee
At just 23 years old, Williams was cast after demonstrating his burgeoning talent in Matthee's acting class at Roosendaal Secondary School in Delft
The school offers a variety of classes in music, academics, and theatre, providing both students and talented community members with transformative, lifechanging opportunities
"Music has always been a part of my family I initially started as a rapper, but my uncle's influence led me to pursue DJing I took a chance by enrolling in an acting class, not realizing that my dedication would impress the director to the extent that I would be cast in my first role an important lead role in a horror film," Williams stated
BACKGROUND
The Meeting narrates the tale of Sebbie de Kock, who experiences a mental breakdown upon uncovering his wife's infidelity, along with the betrayal schemes orchestrated by his sister and friends
This turmoil prompts Sebbie to convene a meeting with his sister, wife, and friends, resulting in dire consequences during a courtroom-like confrontation that leaves Sebbie questioning whether the events are genuine or merely a fabrication of his
TYRIQUE LANDS LEAD ROLE IN FILM
flourishing
mind
The film is set to premiere on 30 October on TUBI TV and on the Red Moon Youtube Channel and will be featured as part of the Zinebi documentary and short film festival, which aims to highlight local talent from around the globe in Spain during 21 to 28 November, this year
Williams shared that he can relate to the character of Sebbie, particularly regarding themes of betrayal by friends and the journey of building oneself from nothing to something His mother, who has always believed in him, serves as his motivation, encouraging him to explore new positive ventures and providing him with the courage to pursue his journey
"My message to the youth is to never give up, no matter how challenging the situation may become," Williams advises
Kidney donation goes high-tech
In a first for South Africa, a surgeon with the provincial department of health has successfully removed a donor kidney using robotic surgery technology at Tygerberg Hospital, marking an advancement in making organ donation less invasive for living donors
The surgery, called a donor nephrectomy, was performed by urologist Dr Danelo du Plessis, a joint staff member with Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University, using the Da Vinci Xi Robotic platform This sophisticated system enables surgeons to operate with exceptional precision through four robotic arms, controlled remotely via an immersive 3D console
“The surgery exceeded our expectations, completed in under 90 minutes,” says Du Plessis, a senior lecturer and medical specialist in the university's division of urology
The procedure involved a 45-year-old mother donating a kidney to her 24-yearold daughter
The robotic platform’s enhanced precision and dexterity enabled the surgical team to take a retroperitoneal approach – a less invasive technique that reduces post-operative pain and allows for faster recovery
The donor was discharged the following day, and the transplanted kidney immediately began producing urine, indicating that the transplanted organ is functional
While nephrectomies to remove diseased or damaged kidneys have been performed robotically in South Africa, donor nephrectomy presents significantly greater complexity
This procedure requires the complete removal of a healthy kidney while preserving the full length of the kidney’s blood vessels, ureter and organ integrity for successful transplantation
MILESTONE
"This milestone demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care
“The successful robotic kidney donor surgery is a first for South Africa and a proud moment for Tygerberg Hospital It reflects the extraordinary skill of our surgical teams and highlights the lifechanging impact of medical innovation for our patients and their families,” said Dr Matodzi Mukosi, chief executive of Tygerberg Hospital
Prof Elmi Muller, dean of Stellenbosch University’s faculty of medicine and health sciences and transplant surgeon, praised the achievement
“Robotic surgery is a new technology that has been used safely in many parts of the world for procedures like nephrectomies and prostatectomies It is great to see that such innovations can also happen in South Africa In a large consensus meeting around the use of robotic surgery in the field of transplantation at the end of 2024, we found that robotic surgery now provides similar results to standard laparoscopic procedures,” said Muller
Robotic surgery is a commonly used alternative from laparoscopic surgery and is regarded as equally effective where the technology is available Since 2022, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University have operated a comprehensive robotic surgery training programme designed to upskill surgeons and senior trainees in advanced surgical techniques Du Plessis has completed 200 robotic procedures, including partial nephrectomies, prostatectomies, and cystectomies
“When operating on perfectly healthy donors, it is essential to have a refined technique,” explained Du Plessis
Tyrique Williams,a DJ,tried his hand at acting and is now
Roosend pledgea
AVRILFILLIES
The first Transnet Adolescent Health Development Programme (TAHDP) held at Kasselsvlei Comprehensive School on Women's Day was a huge success and is now expanding to Saldanha
Marvin Levendal, founder of Mobcow Entertainment that manages the programme in the Western Cape, says for the rest of the year additional programmes will be rolled out at Kasselsvlei and Roosendal High in Delft "At the Kasselsvlei event, the first intervention for 2025, we had approximately 250 learners, educators and community guests and we hope to reach another 300 before the end of the year," says Levendal
The programme includes workshops on bullying, substance abuse, sexual health and gender-based violence Each intervention also provides dignity packs, hot meals, access to support services and exposure to education and career opportunities
"In Bellville we welcomed the attendees with a light breakfast before we engaged in the programme that honoured women's leadership We addressed pressing social issues and empowered the youth Learners of Kasselsvlei and Roosendal made a symbolic pledge against genderbased violence, with both girls and boys participating, as the programme recognises that young men play a vital role in ending abuse The day ended with a communal braai, enforcing the spirit of togetherness and community," says Levendal To further amplify its impact the TAHDP is partnering with NGOs across South Africa to broaden its reach and resources for learners
"Importantly, the programme culminates in the Adolescent Health Leadership Camp, held annually at the end of the year This week-long residential camp brings together learners and educators from across the country, providing intensive leadership training, wellness activities, problem-solving challenges and career development opportunities
As the capstone of the TAHDP, the camp
Return books
fine-free
City library patrons once again have the opportunity to return their outstanding library items without fearing fines Fine Free Week takes place from Monday 1 September to Saturday 6 September at all City libraries
This will be the third Fine Free Week for 2025 During the previous two amnesty periods, more than R1,3 million worth of library items were returned
"This Fine Free Week ends two days before International Literacy Day when we shine a spotlight on the importance of literature and its impact on dignity and human rights," said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
City libraries are home to more than two million items Just over R12 million has been set aside in the current budget to acquire additional material
Libraries are individually responsible for their selections and the focus is on children and teen materials that reflect the diversity of the city as well as the latest and best in publications
Selections also serve to support departmental projects such as the 1 000 Stories Before School, coding and chess Clubs, among others
Allocation of these materials is based on the needs expressed by librarians as well as knowledge of their collections, the gaps within the collections and the need to enhance collections
As Gayton dit regkry, dan kan hy president ook raak
In Junie vanjaar toe breek die nuus -die wêreldbeheerliggaam vir motorsport, die FIA, keur die Graad 1-status opgradering van die Kyalami-renbaan in Midrand, Gauteng goed 'n Besluit wat dié geskiedkundige Suid-Afrikaanse renbaan dan in staat sal stel om 'n Formule Een (F1) Grand Prix-wedren hier aan te bied Die nuus word wyd op sosiale media gedeel deur al wat 'n nuusagentskap is, en ek kan verstaan waarom Ek is self kinderlik opgewonde oor die nuus Hoewel dit 'n stap in die regte rigting is vir ons as 'n land om 'n Grand Prix aan te bied, moet ons ook realisties wees - dit kos miljarde rande
Twintig jaar gelede was daar nie so baie opgewondenheid rondom F1 soos vandag nie Maar sedert die Amerikaanse maatskappy Liberty Media die kommersiële regte van die sport oorgeneem het en dit beter en sterker begin bemark het, is dit vandag dwarsoor die wêreld net so gewild soos krieket, sokker en rugby
Die NetFlix dokumentêr Drive to Survive, is seker nog meer verantwoordelik vir die gewildheid, en met die bekendstelling van Jerry Bruckheimer se fliek F1 The Movie, met Brad Pitt in Junie vanjaar, voorspel ek dat nog miljoene aanhangers en kykers vir dié sport Sondae gaan inskakel Ek kan nou nog onthou waar ek was toe ek die foto van Gayton McKenzie, minister van sport, kuns en kultuur, sien in 'n vergadering met Stefano Domenicali, die grootbaas van F1, en Mohammed Ben Sulayem, die grootbaas van die FIA 'n Politikus wat sy werk doen Ek onthou nog my woorde aan my skoonpa: "As hy F1 Suid-Afrika toe bring, moet hy sommer president word " Ek onthou, daar was jare gelede reeds sprake dat Kaapstad 'n Grand Prix sou aanbied, maar die storie het doodgeloop In 2023 het die Moederstad wel gasheer gespeel vir die Formule E-wedren, die reeks waarin elektriese renmotors deelneem en is daar ten minste bewys dat die Kaap wel in staat is om so iets aan te kan bied Verskeie lande het al voorheen 'n F1 Grand Prix aangebied, wat vandag nie meer op die kalender is nie Gasheerlande kom en gaan, maar die sport hou aan groei 'n Ruk gelede vra 'n motorsport-joernalis aan die sewe-malige wêreldkampioen en huidige Ferrari-renjaer, Lewis Hamilton, waar hy eendag graag 'n F1 Grand Prix sou wou hê, en hy antwoord "Afrika" Daar is vanjaar altesame 24 rondtes in F1, op elke vasteland behalwe Afrika en Antarktika Almal in Suid-Afrika sal soos 'n goed ge-oliede masjien moet saamwerk om 'n Grand Prix hier weer suksesvol aan te kan bied Dit kan gebeur en ons land het bewys dat ons die vermoë het om dit te kán doen Die wilskrag, entoesiasme en belangstelling is oëskynlik daar, so ek wil hoop en glo dat dit wel kan gebeur Daar is natuurlik diegene wat skepties is Die van ons wat al by die 30 jaar lank wag vir 'n F1 Grand Prix om op plaaslike bodem weer plaas te vind soos ek, gaan stilletjies hoop dat Suid-Afrika, net soos met die sokker- en rugby-wêreldbekers, dit sal regkry -RICHARDROBERTS
LETTERS
The deterioration of a community like Oakdale
Communities do not collapse in a single day The deterioration of a place like Oakdale is usually the result of many small cracks that are ignored until they become wide fractures What begins as a little neglect slowly snowballs into visible decay, and if left unchecked, it can completely change the character of a neighbourhood Drugs, litter, and sex work on street corners do not appear overnight they are signs of deeper issues that have been allowed to grow
The first step in the decline of any community is the neglect of basic standards When residents, businesses, and even authorities fail to uphold rules and values, an atmosphere of disorder is created Small offenses such as littering, vandalism, or drinking in public may seem harmless, but they send a message that “anything goes” Once these behaviours are tolerated it becomes harder to stop larger and more destructive activities from taking root
As the sense of order weakens, drugs often make their way into the area The presence of drug dealers and users creates a ripple effect of crime petty theft, violence, and sometimes gang activity Families begin to feel unsafe and young people become especially vulnerable as they are exposed to destructive habits that threaten their future The drug problem is not only a health issue but also a social one eroding trust among neighbours and making it harder to build unity
Physical neglect soon follows social decline Streets covered with litter, drains that remain blocked, and public spaces that are dirty or vandalised reflect a community in distress A dirty environment discourages investment, pushes away visitors, and makes residents feel abandoned Businesses close their doors, properties lose value, and abandoned buildings
become havens for crime When the visible environment falls apart it reinforces the sense that the community itself is falling apart
Alongside these problems, the sex trade often finds a place in deteriorating communities Sex workers, often victims of poverty, addiction, or exploitation, end up on street corners where families once felt safe This not only exposes residents to unsafe and illegal activity but also damages the reputation of the neighbourhood Parents feel uneasy letting their children play outside, and the sense of community pride diminishes further
The most tragic consequence of this decline is when residents themselves lose hope When people begin to accept that drugs, litter, and sex work are just part of everyday life the spirit of the community breaks Some choose to move away, while others stay but feel powerless to make a difference Without collective action, the cycle of deterioration deepens
However, decline does not have to be the final chapter of Oakdale s story Communities can be restored when people refuse to settle for decay Small steps such as cleaning streets reporting crimes and demanding accountability from leaders can spark change A thriving neighbourhood is built when residents work together take ownership of their environment, and choose not to tolerate the things that destroy dignity and safety
The deterioration of Oakdale is a warning, but it can also be a turning point A community that unites against neglect, drugs, and exploitation can break the cycle of decline and restore pride, safety, and hope for generations to come
ANON, Email
Residents demand action as public misconduct continues
What I witnessed recently again in Vlei Park has left me shocked and disturbed sexual activity taking place in broad daylight, out in the open This is yet another troubling sign of how badly our community is deteriorating Many residents feel discouraged, and some are considering leaving Oakdale However, for many of us, this is our home, and we refuse to simply give up I, for one will continue to report what is happening because I cannot and will not settle for a community overtaken by sex houses, illegal buildings, drugs, and litter
Daily, I see street people settling for the night with piles of rubbish in front of businesses Just the other morning, I witnessed individuals openly using drugs on the corner of Canterbury and Barnard Street Every morning it is the same a complete mess This is not something we as residents should be forced to tolerate
I am not one to complain for the sake of complaining, but I believe it is important to raise our frustrations Many of us are doing our very best to save Oakdale, and I truly believe that with the right leadership and the support of the relevant authorities we can restore dignity and safety to our area
I also want to take a moment to thank the CDF security company in Oakdale for responding to calls and offering assistance whenever possible Your efforts are seen and appreciated At the same time, I urge that stronger and more consistent action be taken to ensure that Oakdale does not fall further into decline We, the residents, care about our community And like it has been said over and over again, we want Oakdale back to what it was ANON, Oakdale
Public invited to witness tree destruction in Durbanville
This is an open invitation to the people of Durbanville from a concerned ratepayer I am inviting the residents of Durbanville to come and witness the wholesale destruction of our neighbourhood under the watchful eyes of our City of Cape Town officials - the same city whose logo says: This City works for you
For years we, the Marais’s and our neighbours, have lived back to back to Dr Butler’s smallholding on the corner of Boland Road and Green Pastures Road We even signed an agreement with him to ultimately subdivide the property into 16 plots However, since his demise, his estate has passed on to his children, who have sold to a developer who convinced the City to redevelop the plot into 48 maisonette styled high-density accommodation units
The neighbourhood rejected the proposal due to higher traffic envisaged on Boland Road, the destruction of the Durbanville character, including the hundreds of trees to be removed
The destruction that occurred on the neighbouring Compton Place development on Moraea Road is an example of “checks and balances” that disappears like morning mist before the sun
Even the City’s own environmental management department initially did not support the redevelopment in it’s current design due to the large number of trees required to be cut down The devastation wrecked at 18 Boland Road gave us an example of what lies ahead for us
Then miraculously in December 2024 we were informed that all our concerns were addressed and the development has been approved Even the green scape “ department is now in agreement with this densification of our environment despite the ratepayers objection And the developer promptly renamed the property with the non-sensical name “Le Rhu” Even the traffic department gave their “approval”, after they did a traffic survey in Florida Street, more
than a kilometre away You can’t argue with such logic Now in August the chain saws have started despite no survey document being available which listed the trees earmarked for destruction and despite the City’s own regulations requiring permission to cut 50 to 70 year old trees Many trees must be 100 years old plus This is reminiscent of Durbanville High School cutting down their 80 year old Eucalyptus trees next to the tennis courts to convert it into a parking lot for SUV’s
So my invitation is for Durbanville residents to visit our area between 16:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and see for yourselves how this City works for you The traffic is already backed up to Bergsig Dutch Reformed Church access to this property to be down our street Moraea Road, to a road to be constructed by the developer How is that for transferring costs onto a private developer?
FRANCOIS J MARAIS, Durbanville
SAVE OUR RHINOS: A sand artist,Innocent Mhlaba from KwaZulu-Natal,brought a majestic rhino to life on Small Bay Beach in Bloubergstrand This stunning piece not only highlights the beauty of sand art but also reminds us of the importance of protecting these creatures
The quarter-finals of Super League A, B and C of Western Province Rugby Union will be contested on Saturday 6 September before the semis on Saturday 13 September at City Park
In Super League A, Villager and Durbell are in the semis due to finishing in positions one and two on the log They will wait for the results of the quarter-finals between False Bay against SK-Walmers in Constantia and Hamiltons against Ikeys in Green Point
The finals will be played on Saturday 20 September
In Super League B, Primrose and Kraaifontein are waiting the outcomes of the quarter final matches between Franschhoek and Collegians in Groendal,
and Belhar up against Goodwood at Erica Park in Belhar In Super League C, Young Peoples and All Saints are the log leaders and are in the semis They will come up against winners in the matches between Gardens versus Pniel-Villagers and Violets versus Rangers
The bottom two teams in Super League A - Kuils River and St Georgesautomatically dropped to Super League B, and in Super League B Hands and Heart and Kylemore dropped to Super League C Strand United and Eerste River dropped from Super League C to the Zonal League, a tough league where teams usually stay for two or three seasons
The Zonal Leagues - Northern, Southern and City - are also known as the graveyard of teams
