SENDYOURCOMMUNITYEVENTSTO TYGERBURGER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
THURSDAY4DECEMBER
. Oom Piet’s Christmas Party is back. For the first time since Covid, the Rotary Club of Durbanville is once again hosting the magical fantasy evening for families from Thursday 4 December to Saturday 13 December Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a fabulous, joyous evening. All proceeds go to helping uplift the community Bookings now open on Quicket Call Carol on 083 261 9840 for more information.
. Tygerberg Hospice's annual Tree of Lights event will take place at 19:00 at Jan Kriel School in Kuils River Bring along a picnic blanket and come join a magical evening of remembrance and hope with a tree lit up in honour of loved ones who have passed.
A light in remembrance of a loved one costs R60
Every light dedicated helps Tygerberg Hospice provide home-based care, comfort, and support to families facing life-limiting illness.
Visit www tygerberghospice org or call 021 946 2460 to make your dedication and light purchase
FRIDAY5DECEMBER
. South Africa's leading indie games festival, Playtopia, will bring together over 1 000 gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals for what organisers describe as Africa's premier celebration of video games and interactive arts at the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December This year's festival will transport visitors to "Arcadia", a fantasy-themed library complete with portholes, spell books, potions and magic crystals. Tickets are available at www.playtopiafestival.co.za
. Join the crafters and charities for a magical evening at the traditional annual Gypsy Night Market presented by the Durbanville Craft Market from 17:00 to 21:00 on the corner Louw and Hafele street, Durbanville (behind the Durbanville Police Station) weather permitting. The best-dressed “gypsy” visitor can win a R300 shopping voucher to redeem at the market The winner will be announced at 19:30 Browse through the stalls for handmade gifts, have a meal at one of the food stalls or support the charity fundraising efforts by the charities. Entrance is free and pets are welcome Contact Durbanville Craft Market on 066 059 7251 or durbanvillecraftmarket@gmail.com for more information.
SATERDAG6DESEMBER
. Boston Open Studios 2025 vind van 09:00 tot 17:00 plaas. Die jaarlikse gebeurtenis, wat as 'n hoogtepunt beskou word, bied besoekers die seldsame geleentheid om kunstenaars in hul kreatiewe ruimtes te ontmoet en oorspronklike kunswerke teen studiopryse dikwels 30 to 60% laer as galerypryse te koop Die geleentheid is oop vir die publiek en gratis. Volg Boston Open Studios op sosiale media vir meer inligting.
. Business Support Services bied 'n entrepreneursmark aan by YWC House in Oude Molen, Pinelands, vanaf 09:00 Die geleentheid bring kleinsake-eienaars, produkmakers en diensgebaseerde entrepreneurs bymekaar vir ’n oggend van netwerk, vertoon van produkte en gemeenskapssteun. Toegang vir die publiek is gratis.
. The festive spirit arrives in full song this week as families friends, and neighbours gather for the muchloved Carols in the Park celebration at Jack Muller Park Gates opening at 18:30 and the carols beginning at 19:00 Bring along blankets and a picnic basket, enjoy a relaxed evening of music and celebration. Entry is free
. Oom Vossie Voortrekkers hou van 09:00 tot 15:00 'n vlooimark in die Voortrekkersaal in Disa-singel, Blomtuin. Kontak Salome by 084 325 4690 om staanplek te bespreek of vir meer inligting.
SONDAG7DESEMBER
. Die Geskenke met Kersfees Kersang-optrede met Olga Leonard en Babette Viljoen begin om 09:00 by die NG kerk Bellville (ou NGK Bellville-Noord) plaas Voorsang begin reeds om 08:45. Dié twee vroue wissel hul aanbieding af met duette tussen kerkorrel en klavier; sangduette, dwarsfluit en trekklavier
. Join the magic of the season at Carols in the Park at Ratanga Park, Century City Free tram rides run from 16:00to 18:00 Parking available (cashless) at Century City parkades. No alcohol or camp chairs allowed This outdoor event will take place on the lawns of Ratanga Park.
SATURDAY13DECEMBER
. The world's top supercross riders descends on Cape Town for the ultimate showdown as the FIM World Supercross Championship crowns its 2025 world champions at DHL Stadium The South African GP will feature comprehensive ticket packages catering to all fans, including designated family zones, general admission, premium seating and hospitality options. Tickets and further information are available at www.showtime co.za or www ticketmaster co.za. Hospitality enquiries or for any other information can be directed to contactdhls@circa.co.za
Cityoutstrips othermetros
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said more state-subsidised houses had been handed over in Cape Town than all three Gauteng metros combined over the last five years
Cape Town is also home to the lion’s share of units completed since 1994 – more than 200 000 – far more than in any other metro
This according to a parliamentary reply by Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane
Over the last five years 12 401 units were handed over in Cape Town, more than double the next metro, eThekwini (5 355)
It is also more than all three Gauteng metros combined, with Ekhuruleni (5 167), Joburg (4 932) and Tshwane (1 811) still falling close to 500 units short of Cape Town’s total
“The evidence is clear,” Hill-Lewis said, “no city is putting national housing-grant funding to better use than Cape Town Not only are we spending the money we get, but we’re also ensuring quality completed units are handed to the rightful beneficiaries As national subsidies have dwindled over the years the ‘free’ housing programme has become increasingly reserved for the most vulnerable and poorest Not only does Cape Town lead on this pro-poor delivery, but we are also leading on enabling much more affordable housing delivery by the private sector, through accelerated land release, reducing red tape for micro-developers and a range of incentives to drive affordable rental housing
“We will only ever meet housing demand, not by state-led delivery but by repositioning our cities as key enablers of much more private sector-led housing delivery ”
Cape Town is leading the way nationally with several initiatives, including:
. Land release for affordable housing: the City has released more land for affordable housing in the last three years than in the previous decade combined, with a pipeline of 12 000 well-located
affordable housing units close to the CBD and other important parts of the metro . Land Discount Guidelines allowing City-owned land to be heavily discounted, maximising the number of social housing units developed, a national first . Utility Discounts for Social Housing for water, electricity, and property rates bills for social housing properties, another first
. Municipal Planning Bylaw Amendments to streamline development approvals and reduce red tape, especially by micro-developers building small scale units
. Support for Micro-Developers: including pre-approved building plans and development charge discounts to encourage the safe and compliant construction of small-scale rental units in townships and areas of highest demand
“Besides ensuring that pro-poor grant funding is well spent,” said Carl Pophaim, Mayco member for human settlements “The City also plays an enabling role in state-subsidised housing developments delivered by our partners in the Western Cape Government and national Housing Development Agency, which contributes to Cape Town’s strong performance relative to other cities Our metro also places a big emphasis on home ownership, including the accelerated handover of historical title deeds We have further launched our unique ‘no cost transfer’ programme to turn thousands of tenants into homeowners by transferring the City’s affordable rental units to beneficiaries at no cost ”
Since 1994, significantly more statesubsidised housing units were completed in Cape Town (202 070) despite the metro having a smaller population than Joburg (179 114)
Awareness walk against GBV
The AFM Welfare uMephi Foster Cluster Scheme hosted an event addressing the protection of women and children from violence on Thursday 20 November
The gathering served as a precursor to the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Stakeholders who joined forces for the initiative included the local police, Kuils River traffic department, Sarepta Old Age Home, Ubuntu Baby Home, Susan la Poorta Children's Home, Badisa, and AFM Sarepta Church
The day commenced with a community awareness walk from the Sarepta Sports Grounds to the old age home, with traffic officials ensuring safe passage and staff members from Graceful Care Unlimited on
hand to assist anyone in need of medical attention The programme continued at the church, where speakers delivered valuable insights on combating genderbased violence Speakers included Ronel Higgins from the Department of Social Development (Eerste River) and social auxiliary worker Victorino Manual from uMephi who shared his testimony Sgt Estelle April from Kuils River Police provided practical information on reporting domestic violence
Freddie Stevens, social worker from uMephi, led the candlelight ceremony held in remembrance of victims of violence and abuse Manual, who organised the event, thanked Pastor Denzil Belelie from AFM Sarepta Church for availing the venue
Elsies-oumastort hartopFacebookuit
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RU TER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Die ouma van die driejarige seun wat weke gelede in Elsiesrivier deur 'n vermoedelik dronk bestuurder doodgery is, het haar hart op Facebook uitgestort
TREUR OOR KLEINSEUN
Khy’ree Jordaan het op 9 November op die sypaadjie voor die huis in Alard-weg saam met maatjies op die sypaadjie gesit toe hy deur 'n motor raakgery is Die motor het toe van die toneel af weggejaag 'n Munisipale wetstoepasser het hom ná die voorval aan die polisie oorgegee, maar moet nog in die hof verskyn Jolene Jordaan, Khy'ree se ouma, skryf op Facebook sy kan nie meer nie "My brein weet jy is weg maar my hart wil
‘Skarrelaar’ doodgeskiet, polisie ondersoek moord
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Die polisie ondersoek die moord verlede week op 'n "skarrelaar" nadat hy naby die Bonteheuwel-stasie doodgeskiet is In die volksmond is 'n "skarrelaar" iemand wat skrootmetaal en ander herwinbare goed bymekaarmaak om te verkoop
Volgens sers Samantha Adonis, polisiewoordvoerder, is die polisie Maandag (24 November) omstreeks 15:15 na 'n moordtoneel in Brackenstraat
ontbied "Toe die polisie op die toneel aankom, het hulle 'n 41-jarige man met skietwonde in sy rug gevind Hy is op die toneel dood verklaar Volgens ooggetuies het twee mans op die oorledene afgestap en hom trompop geskiet," sê Adonis Volgens haar is daar geen duidelike bendeverwantskap met die oorledene nie
Die plaaslike raadslid, Angus McKensie, het sy misnoeë met die moord uitgespreek en 'n beroep op die gemeenskap gedoen om met inligting vorendag te kom
Festivelightskick-startholidays
KAYLYNNEBANTOM
KAYLYNNE BANTOM@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Thousands of Capetonians gathered on the Grand Parade for the annual Festive Lights Switch-On event on Sunday 30 November
Over 95 000 people attended what has become the biggest free-concert on Cape Town's event calendar
The event is one of Cape Town's most meaningful traditions and marks the official start of the festive season This year's theme is United in Hope
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis donned his brand-new community designed garment Hill-Lewis said the event unites communities "The event has been running for nearly 60 years It is special when city's have these long-standing traditions
This event really is where Capetonians come together from right across the city and turn the Grand Parade and Adderley Street into one big celebration of lights, music, friendship and everything that makes Cape Town the best city in the world perfectly captured in this year's theme, 'United in Hope' "
Hill-Lewis said the city is ready to welcome visitors
"We will pull out all the stops to make sure that Cape Town is a great place to spend your festive holidays and we want say welcome to everyone who is coming here Have a great time in our city " Ricardo MacKenzi, provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport, encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly this holiday "Be safe There are so many events happening around the City, look after yourself Please get some rest This was a difficult year Mental health around the world is a problem, loneliness is a problem, please spend time with your
Provincial minister for cultural affairs and sport Ricardo MacKenzi,local singer Alistair Izobell,Mayor Geordin
Moneyraisedformobilityscooter
Abilities in Support C
DED isabilityns the c material or blind, learningmong those has a known oliosis, ry failure ong-term esult, limits
g enough ghter tion from ss War Hospital in was just ot sick I hich is this at night, I machine n do ntly, when the I ed a shop ) to get p , aid Cuba, who struggled to breathe when
Kock agreed to pay for the maintenance of the scooter
And when he heard that she failed to secure funding for her post-graduate degree, he offered to wipe away her debt She broke down in tears It is not easy for the 26-year-old to speak about herself or ask for help In fact, for most of her childhood, she would not go outside
“Each time I used to go outside, kids used to laugh at me, and I used to cry, and it hurt But things changed when I began to accept myself I cannot change myself
“This is how I am I used to hide myself I used to stay inside I don't anymore,” said a tearful Cuba, who recounted that most of her childhood was spent at a paediatric intermediate care facility and with an aunt in Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats
She eventually enrolled at Jan Kriel School in Kuils River, where teachers became her family
“She stayed at the school’s hostel and was gifted the scooter, which she still uses today The teachers then looked to UWC to help her fulfil her dreams of advocating for disabled people, who, she said, often fall victim to severe abuse After obtaining her LLB, she was unable to secure
articles at a law firm Instead, she enrolled for her LLM and her research focuses on police corruption in the South African criminal justice system
PERSEVERANCE
“When I was in matric, I told myself I had to pass because my mother died, and I had no one The University had to be my friend I can’t sit in Khayelitsha and do nothing, being a laughing stock Next year, I will be completing my research After that, I don’t know, but I want to start working
“I like to see her prosper in her life, and so it should be for every other student – black students in particular and people who come from disadvantaged positions, which I know because I've been disadvantaged myself, ” said Kock
Singh said the golf day was a “resounding success” It yielded a profit of R 405 000, which included Kock’s donation of R81 000
“We were honoured to host two remarkable student ambassadors, Richie Malonga and Qaqamba (Angel) Cuba, who attended the prize-giving dinner alongside Dr Laetitia Permall, Director of the Centre for Student Support Services Their presence brought heart and purpose to the evening ”
. For more information about the Office for Students with Disabilities, visit: campus-life/sds-departments/ centre-for-student-support-services
Qaqamba Cuba on her mobility scooter
Christmas cheer in a tough economy
There’s something magical about walking into the shops at this time of year The aisles are lined with tinsel, rows of glittering Christmas trees and Mariah Carey’s voice floats across every store like an unofficial national anthem
But somewhere between the sparkling displays and the festive music, a lump grows in my throat one I suspect many South Africans are swallowing this season
Because while Christmas is here in all its commercial glory, the money simply isn’t
I felt it most clearly on Black Friday I walked in with a plan: grab a few bargains, tick off some Christmas gifts early, and stretch my budget as far as humanly possible But even with the bold sale labels screaming at me, the discounts weren’t discounting enough I stood there, staring at a toy I knew my three-year-old would adore, and asked myself the painful question so many parents are asking this year: How are people affording all this?
Everywhere I looked, trolleys were overflowing lights, wrapping paper, gadgets, giant Christmas crackers, treats that only appear once a year And then there was me, holding a calculator in my head like a reluctant accountant, trying to figure out if I could at least get some of the specials
Being a mom during the festive season is its own emotional storm You want to give your child the best Christmas the magic, the memories, the sparkle in their little eyes when they wake up on Christmas Day
My toddler is three now, old enough to understand the excitement, to point at decorations, to believe wholeheartedly in Father Christmas and “presents for good kids” And that makes me want to give him everything, but everything feels out of reach
Toys that were R199 last year are suddenly R349 Christmas pyjamas, which used to be a sweet little extra, now cost as much as a weekly grocery shop Even the basics wrapping paper, gift bags, tape have quietly climbed in price
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing You see other families posting matching outfits, beautifully decorated trees, mountains of gifts; you see influencers doing “Christmas shopping hauls” that cost more than your rent
And you start to wonder: Is everyone else earning something I’m not? Or are we all just pretending?
But here’s the truth I’m holding onto this year: your child won’t remember the price tag They will remember the moment They’ll remember baking cookies with you, even if the sprinkles are the cheap ones They’ll remember dancing to Christmas songs in the lounge while you wrap gifts after bedtime They’ll remember driving around the neighbourhood to look at lights, because that’s still free
We grew up believing Christmas was measured in presents, but maybe this tough economy is forcing us to rediscover what it’s really about Connection
Tradition Time So yes, the shops are beautiful, but they are also brutal reminders of how tight things are And yes, the pressure is real especially when you’re a parent wanting to make magic on a budget that feels like it shrank in the wash But the magic doesn’t come from the shelves It comes from us From the effort, the love, the warmth, the memories we create not the money we spend And maybe that’s the kind of Christmas worth having
Calling out the ‘snakes’ in D’ville
Your article "Reddam House new 2026 academic hub" is a confirming example of several snakes with forked tongues
Interesting how all the glory and praise is now being correctly bestowed on this school and on Klara Anna Fontein, both the highest achievements in their respective areas of offering in the northern suburbs These projects make Durbanville proud and have elevated the entire community into a higher sphere uncompromised But for 18 long and expensive years various bodies purporting to represent Durbanville residents, from one-man crusades to Durbanville Heritage Society, supported on an ongoing basis by your very newspaper We need to remind ourselves of the repeat objections, appeals, false narratives, challenges, court cases The Durbanville Heritage Society spent in excess of R2 5 million in legal fees so did others! Now that Klara Anna Fontein and Reddam House stand proud, there is not one inch of evidence of the insults and accusations that were blasted towards them prior to their developments
It is a sick snake with two tongues who today wishes to stand in the shadow of the success of these developments, but snakes with forked tongues have no shame, now choosing to recognise the impressive success of the educational intuition, its high standards and facilities Equally the housing estate has elevated Durbanville into a bracket higher than ever imagined, attracting the best of everyone into this area Congratulations, actually well done because you stood up to and held firm against these snakes, two tongue snakes who now bite the opposite to what they stood for Sadly, had these two developments stood 18 years early the spin of the elevated property market would not have delayed the growth of our town, and two generations of past young students lost out on an opportunity to have been educated at this prestigious level Durbanville, don't be amused by these self-crusaders, eliminate these snakes from our green pastures, they hide behind their keyboards in burrows of evil it is time these disgraced two-tongued snakes move out of our community, and never return Proudly and loyal Durbanville working to eliminate toxic little sick individuals
the city’s festive lights.Thousands of Capetonians United in Hope
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