Some of the world’s greatest chess grandmasters landed in Cape Town last week for the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Finals taking place at Grootbos near Gansbaai this week Last Thursday four participants of the Finals visited the University of the Western Cape (UWC) where they met with about 200 fans of all ages, most of them players from local chess clubs for a simultaneous exhibition organised by Freestyle Chess in partnership with Chess South Africa Magnus Carlsen (Norway) and Levon Aronian (USA) played a tandem simul, alternating moves against 20 boards, winning 15,drawing one and losing four games while Vincent Keymer (Germany) and coach/commentator Peter Leko (Hungary) stayed undefeated,drawing two games and winning 18 Here Carlson (left) and Aronian chats with a young chess player during the UWC visit
Mangesteekengebrand
Die man wat Maandagoggend op 'n brandende slagoffer van geweld in Bishop Lavis afgekom het en sodoende sy lewe gered het, voel dankbaar maar is steeds geskok oor die gebeure Marlon Bates (skuilnaam) was omstreeks 05:00 onderweg huis toe nadat hy kliënte by
die lughawe afgelaai het Hy ry toergroepe rond en sy volgende groep sou eers omstreeks 10:00 opdaag en daarom was hy weer op pad huis toe "Toe ek naby die huis kom het ek hierdie bondeltjie klere sien brand, maar toe ek nader kom, het ek gesien dit is 'n mens wat daar lê Hy kon nie beweeg nie Toe ek naderkom
om die vuur rondom en aan hom te blus, het ek gesien hy is gesteek ook Ek het 'n boodskap op die misdaadvoorkomingsgroep gestuur en by hom gewaak, want ek wou nie aan hom raak nie omdat ek nie geweet het waar hy nog seergekry het nie," sê Bates
Terwyl hy gewag het, het die man begin skree van die pyn en om hulp geroep "Ek het probeer om hom kalm te hou en het gevra wie hom seergemaak het Hy het gesê hy is uit 'n taxi gegooi en het vertel saam met wie hy was ” NABLADSY2
BoybeatsTBwith world-classcare
When seven-year-old Hayden (surname withheld) was admitted to St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care in March this year, his prognosis was touch-and-go Tuberculous meningitis meant he could not walk and had resulted in severe malnutrition He was in severe pain and could hardly bear to be touched But six months later, this once-quiet little boy walks, laughs, sings and eats up a storm and is testament to both his fighting spirit and the world-class care provided at St Joseph’s, which has cared for more than 30 000 children over its 90year existence
St Joseph’s is a 175-bed facility that provides free, transitional care to children from vulnerable communities across the Western Cape Referred by hospitals and healthcare providers throughout the Cape Metropole, these young patients face chronic conditions such as cerebral palsy, infectious diseases, brain injuries, neurological disorders, and cancer At St Joseph’s, they receive expert multidisciplinary, rehabilitative, and restorative care bridging the critical gap between hospital and home
According to Daniel Roodt, spokesperson, when Hayden arrived from Caledon, he was fragile, fearful, and unable to swallow "All his nutrition had to be given through a nasogastric tube For the first few months, progress was slow He underwent six months of intensive TB treatment, and although improvement was minimal in the beginning, his care team remained steady and focused, prioritising comfort, nutrition, and gentle stimulation "Slowly, there was positive change His appetite returned, and once he completed his TB treatment, he was able to eat fully by mouth This shift marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation that touched every part of his life In physiotherapy, Hayden has shown extraordinary courage The little boy who once cried when touched now greets his therapists with smiles and hugs His strength, balance, and confidence continue to grow, and he no longer requires chronic pain medication," says Roodt Hayden has also reached new milestones in occupational therapy “He can sit without support, feed himself with a builtup spoon, dress with assistance, and use both hands to reach, grasp, and explore
“Everycontributionplaysa meaningfulrole”
- Daniel Roodt
His visual perception has improved, and he recently began attending the St Joseph’s school, a meaningful step toward greater independence,” according to Roodt The nursing team describes his progress with deep pride “From a child who once pushed us away, Hayden now calls us by name He loves getting ready for school each morning, singing and chatting to everyone who comes into the ward He even takes his medication happily, saying ‘ooh, lekker!’ when it tastes sweet He walks short distances with assistance and spends the rest of his day in his wheelchair, always smiling and talking ” Hayden has also found his voice again “His cheerful singing fills the ward and therapy rooms, and when asked about his favourite things, he beams and says, ‘Ek het lekker kossies gehad, my beste is hot chips en vis Ek het skool toe gegaan, dit is baie lekker ’ (‘I had such nice food; my favourite is hot chips and fish I went to school, and it’s so much fun ’)”
His recovery is one of many healing stories at St Joseph’s Each year, the facility supports hundreds of children who arrive with complex health challenges and nowhere else to turn Many cannot be adequately cared for at home and lack the resources to find help elsewhere At St Joseph’s, they receive the care they need, without the burden of cost Every aspect of treatment at St Joseph’s is offered completely free, regardless of the severity of a child’s condition Patients stay for an average of six months to one year and receive daily clinical, therapeutic, and nutritional support Each meal is prepared with care, and each treatment session helps children move another step toward recovery “The work of the St Joseph’s team is only possible because of the generosity of the facility’s benefactors Every contribution plays a meaningful role in ensuring that young patients continue receiving the care they need Each donation helps create moments of hope and healing that allow hundreds of children like Hayden to experience their very own healing miracles,” says Roodt
Gunmen still at large
RICHARDROBERTS
It has been two weeks since the brutal murder of a 20-year-old male victim in Goodwood and still no arrests have been made
The victim and three other men were attacked in broad daylight in Van Riebeek Road, Goodwood on Sunday 23 November
The vehicle they were in then apparently crashed into a tree before coming to a halt in the middle of the road Goodwood police responded to an alert and arrived on the scene where they found four men with gunshot wounds The 20-year-old was declared dead on the scene and the other three, also in their 20s, were transported to hospital The police were investigating a murder and attempted murders, but no arrests had yet been made Sgt Wesley
VANAFBLADSY1
“Ek kon nie uitmaak wie dit was nie Intussen het bure uitgekom en iemand het uitgewys waar sy ma bly en sy het haar na die toneel gehaas," sê Bates Volgens Bates moet hy nie as 'n held beskou word nie, want hy glo dit was die Here se wil om hom op daardie oomblik daar te laat verby ry "Ek dank die Here dat ek op die regte tyd op die regte plek kon wees As ek daaraan dink, is ek net bly ek kon een ouer die trane spaar," sê
Twigg, police spokesperson, said the matter is being investigated by the detectives of the Anti-Gang Unit
hy Amanda Davids van die Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum (BLCPF) sê dit is hartseer dat sulke dinge in hul gemeenskap gebeur "Hoe kan mense sulke dinge aan mekaar doen? Ek wens die slagoffer word gou gesond en doen 'n beroep op die gemeenskap om die polisie met inligting oor die voorval te kontak," sê Davids Die polisie het bevestig dat 'n saak van poging tot moord ondersoek word
The police on the scene of the crime on Sunday 23 November
wndamlevelsdrop
RESIDENTS ASKED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY
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 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 in a media release
. 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
Citylightsupresidents’lives
The City’s Energy Directorate recently visited Delft to assess public lighting challenges and to investigate additional measures to improve public lighting in the community
Between 26 September and 25 October, the City attended to 7 423 streetlightrelated requests across the metro Public lighting plays a critical role in all communities and the City continues to prioritise repairs, upgrades, and proactive maintenance across Cape Town
“The City continues to face significant challenges in parts of Delft, as criminal elements target and damage community infrastructure, as detailed in our reports Our teams on the ground frequently report that once repairs are completed, the infrastructure is often damaged shortly thereafter
“This repetitive cycle of damage and repair places an enormous strain on municipal resources that could otherwise be allocated to improving and expanding services,” says the City’s Mayco member for energy, Xanthea Limberg
“During our visit, our teams also observed some servitude encroachments, where household extensions or boundary walls have been built very close to streetlight infrastructure Encroachment also increases the time taken to restore lighting when faults occur, directly impacting on the service for residents Despite these challenges, the City is dedicating additional resources to accelerate the response to vandalised and damaged infrastructure and we maintain a close working relationship with the community to find sustainable solutions,”
CARINAROUX
CARINA ROUX@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Tygerberg Hospice held its annual Tree of Lights event on Thursday 4 December on the premises of Jan Kriel School
Tree of Lights is a remembrance and fundraising event where families gather to remember and honour loved ones who have passed Anyone can honour people who have touched their lives through a memorial or light dedication Funds raised support Tygerberg Hospice’s invaluable work providing holistic palliative care to terminal patients and supporting families
The evening featured performances by the Nelson Mandela Artillery Pipes and Drums, Fortissimo Musicales, Vezz, and Salome
Guest speaker actress Khadija Heeger shared a moving reflection on finding God in ordinary spaces She discovers God “95% of the time outside church” – in shared cups of tea, coffee brought to bed, and the first bloom of a cactus “What’s the use of going to church every Sunday if you’re not being ‘church’ every other day?” she asked God is “closer to us than our jugular” and exists in “the miracle of everyday things”
She read a powerful poem dedicated to her late mother and all who deserve to be remembered: “I will say your name so loud the earth will split her tiny lips,” vowing to “make you a monument beyond any stone”
IMPOSSIBILITIESVANISH
Bevan Botha from Parow shared his account of caring for Kenny, an 86-year-old man with cancer who considered him “the son he never had”
When Kenny asked to spend his final days at Botha’s home, Botha felt overwhelmed “I had absolutely no idea how to handle the situation ” He contacted Tygerberg Hospice
and reached Jackie, who immediately reassured him: “It’s going to be okay ”
The situation was complicated by Kenny’s refusal to take morphine despite severe pain
When three palliative care sisters arrived, despite being gravely ill, Kenny’s demeanour transformed completely “He sits up in his bed and goes, ‘Oh hello everybody!’ as if nothing was wrong,”
Botha recalled Kenny, who had lived alone for 15 years, excitedly asked if the nurses would bathe him
With the hospice team’s support, Kenny’s decline was successfully managed
“That demonstration of effort was so comforting to both Kenny and me that it changed our entire view of palliative care,” Botha said Kenny passed away peacefully with a smile Botha expressed profound gratitude to the hospice team – “people who lay down their time and selves for a calling greater than themselves”
Referencing French poet Jean de La Fontaine’s words: “Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish,” he concluded: “Hospice, because of you, impossibilities vanish ”
Caitlin Crowster paid tribute to volunteer Lozetta Belinfante, who dedicated over eight years of loving service to Tygerberg Hospice before her passing in September “She was never just a volunteer, she became family – her spirit remains within our hospice,” Crowster said
COMFORTTHROUGHFAITH
Rev Stephen Nicholson thanked everyone involved with Tygerberg Hospice, ensuring “people never die alone”
He opened with Psalm 23, reminding attendees that “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”
Drawing parallels to biblical grief, he emphasised that faith provides comfort during loss “Jesus gets our frustration, our anger, our bitterness at losing someone we love ”
He referenced Alcoholics Anonymous’s concept of a “higher power”, noting that statistics show people with spiritual beliefs handle recovery better than those
ENERGY DIRECTORATE ASSESSES PUBLIC LIGHTING INFRASTRUCTURE IN DELFT
she says The City thanks the Delft community for their ongoing support and reaffirms the commitment to improving public lighting in the area
“Overall between 26 September and 25 October, the City attended to 7 423 streetlight-related requests across the metro Most outages are driven by vandalism, theft and illegal connections and the City continues to roll out
innovative and law enforcement-based approaches to curb the scourge The total electricity-related service requests resolved over this period was 23 483,” says Limberg
The City has spent approximately R62 million in the past financial year on electricity infrastructure maintenance and replacement Protect Your Power is a first of a kind campaign which highlights the massive impact of vandalism, theft, and illegal connections that leave communities, neighbourhoods, and roadways in the dark
The City is calling on all residents to help them Protect Your Power and build safer, brighter communities by reporting any suspicious activity anonymously to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC)
Mourners recount moving stories atTree of Lights event
without He encouraged attendees to “run to whoever can bring you comfort – not the bottle, tablets, or holiday, but to the God who understands”
Quoting Kahlil Gibran, he explained that “the deeper sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain” He concluded: “Grief is love with nowhere to go Well, now we do have somewhere to go That’s God ” Nicholson’s closing prayer reminded attendees that whilst loved ones may be physically absent, “their light continues to shine, even though at times it feels dark”
As KFC se kolonel Sanders dít moes
Wat kom eerste, die hoender of die rommel?
Dit kan die vraag wees wat klante van 'n KFC-eetplek in Belhar vra nadat 'n video wat wys hoe vuil die kombuis is, omtrent soos 'n virus versprei het
Die video is Sondagaand geneem deur 'n man wat kos wou koop nadat hy honger uit die middestad gekom het, waar
Kaapstad se Kersliggies aangeskakel is Hy het uiteindelik R300 spandeer, maar hy en sy vrou het nie die kos geëet nie Die TikTok-gebruiker naldo85685 het
die video gelaai waarin gesien kan word hoe rommel op die kombuisvloer van die eetplek lê, terwyl werkers nonchalant daaroor loop In die video kan gehoor word hoe 'n mansstem sê: "Kyk hoe lyk dit hier binne Die mense werk hier met kos "
In die kommentaar-afdelings van die plasings het verskeie lesers hul skok en verontwaardiging oor die toestand van die eetplek uitgespreek Sommige het verklaar dat hulle gereeld die genoemde KFC, die een naby Modderdamweg in Belhar, besoek het en
nou hul swaarverdiende geld elders gaan spandeer Ander weer het vir die werkers probeer skerm deur te sê die gewraakte video is dalk gemaak terwyl die personeel besig was om skoon te maak KFC het in 'n verklaring gesê hy is bewus van die video wat aanlyn die ronde doen "KFC verwag dat alle restaurante streng hou by standaarde oor voedselveiligheid, higiëne en netheid, en ons keer glad nie die gedrag in die video goed nie," lui die verklaring
Guest speaker Khadija Heeger.
Nelson Mandela Artillery Pipes and Drums
Jenna Pinto and Shannon Abrahams from Tygerberg Hospice.
Organisation shocked at stabbing
BRENDENRUITER
The family of the late Kerwin Burt (20) who was stabbed to death early on Sunday morning are urging the media to stop spreading untruths about the death of their loved one
The media have reported that he was stabbed with a pair of scissors by a “friend” after a “drunken argument” at a party
Through the Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum (BLCPF) the family called on the media to stop putting fake news out in public without verifying it first with the family “According to the family their son and the perpetrator were not friends and neither did he drink,” Graham Lindhorst, spokesperson for BLCPF, said
The alleged killer was arrested on Sunday after his mother had handed him over to the police “We can further confirm the alleged perpetrator appeared
in court, where he was given bail set at R1 000,” said Lindhorst “As a community, together with the family we express our disgust at the way the justice system has failed the family The family was further traumatised at court when bail was set at such a low amount for someone who showed no remorse according to the family What further shocked them was when the alleged perpetrator was asked how much he can give This is an insult to the family as in their own words they now need to arrange a funeral that will cost much more than R1 000, while the alleged murderer walk out of jail The court by granting bail at such an amount is sending a message that their son's life is worth almost nothing while it further entrenched the notion that murder is not a serious crime in our communities ”
He calls on the justice system to show the community that they care about the victim
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
Colouredlivesmatter
BRENDENRUITER
BRENDEN RUITER@NOVUSMEDIA COZA
About 50 people from Eerste River and surrounding areas protested earlier this week at the traffic lights at Zevenwacht Mall to make their voices heard about the dangers people experience in their communities.
The protest took place under the banner of “Coloured Lives Matter”
According to Richard Jacobs from Eerste River, one of the organisers, the response was amazing “The majority of people in vehicles passing acknowledged us, some even stopping to thank us People walking past also asked questions ”
He said communities were living in fear “There are shootings all over the Cape Flats that are killing our people on a daily basis Every day we hear or read
in social media of our coloured people being murdered It is mostly young men, but innocent lives are being caught in the crossfires as well We are saying enough is enough and we want the President to deploy the army The army was deployed during Covid to help stop the spread of the disease, but can't be deployed to prevent the daily killings In our community we face gang warfare I am not saying the police are not doing their job, because some of them are doing so with little to no resources, to the best of their ability, so they need assistance ”
The “Coloured Lives Matter” campaign was started by the Patriotic Alliance, and many communities from across the country took part in peaceful protests
“Coloured Lives Matters”protesters made themselves heard
‘n Boodskap wat op die pad geskryf na die dood van Kerwin Burt
Smartis‘iconofAfrica’
B“This is a profound honour,” said Smart, a celebrated PhD holder in Wine Biotechnology from Stellenbosch University “But every accolade I receive is just a testament to the community that raised me This is for Blackheath ”
At the Professional Provident Society (PPS), the only mutual financial-services company in South Africa that provides tailor-made insurance, investment and healthcare solutions to graduate professionals, where he's a technical development specialist and data analyst, he is admired not only for his intellect but also for his commitment to serving the community
Residents of Blackheath recall Smart's dedicated work providing free mathematics classes and professional development programmes locally at the Evergreen Resource Centre in Austinville (Blackheath) as well as in his role as executive committee leader for the Golden Key International Honour Society at Stellenbosch University He also taught free mathematics classes to ABET learners in Stellenbosch, proving his motto that “education is the key to innovation ”
A beacon for youth, Smart’s transition from a microbiology lab to the corporate environment saw him recognised as one of Africa’s Top 100 Brightest Young Minds, with a clear message to the youth of Blackheath: “We need to show our children that a boy from Blackheath can become a Doctor of Science, a corporate leader and an Icon of Africa The challenges we face locally build the resilience we need to succeed globally "
As he heads to Gauteng to accept this latest honour, Smart carries the hopes and congratulations of an entire community, having shown that with hard work, education and a spirit of service the sky's the limit
Human Settlements check up on projects
Members of the City of Cape Town's Human Settlements Portfolio Committee recently conducted oversight visits to several housing projects across the metro to monitor progress and service delivery
Led by Chairperson Albert Ntsodo, the committee visited three key developments like the Gugulethu Infill Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing project, Mfuleni Extension 1 Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) project, and Enkanini South UISP project
The Mfuleni and Enkanini South projects form part of the innovative Managed
Settlements Program (MSP), which tackles unlawful land occupation through gradual settlement development
The program starts by providing secure land tenure and basic services, allowing residents to move into their homes faster than traditional housing projects
“The MSP works alongside existing government programs like the UISP, providing serviced plots to residents on undeveloped land,” explained Ntsodo
“We are grateful for the opportunity to see this type of service delivery in action and thank all stakeholders for a fruitful
oversight visit ” The City emphasises that housing project beneficiaries are selected according to strict criteria The Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Needs Register ensure opportunities are allocated fairly and transparently, preventing queue-jumping while ensuring only qualifying applicants receive assistance in line with South African legislation Importantly, political office bearers have no access to or influence over the register and cannot interfere with beneficiary selection
Blue Downs Festival is back in 2026
The highly anticipated Blue Downs Festival returns for its second season on 3 January 2026, to be held again at the Blue Downs (Malibu) Sportsfield
Following a groundbreaking debut in 2024 the open-air family-friendly music festival is back, bigger, better and more focused than ever on empowering the local community
Despite limited resources in its first year the festival made a measurable impact Two local artists went on to record their material showcased at the festival recorded and promoted, gaining widespread attention on YouTube and TikTok
According to festival director Brilynn van Rooyen this year the event is expanding its impact by offering employment opportunities for locals, paid gigs for artists and service providers as well as funding for youth-led stall ideas from the Western Cape
“We re not just organising a music event," said Van Rooyen, "we’re creating a platform for real opportunity The youth are hungry for hope, and we’re here to deliver it through music, business support and community collaboration ” . For more information on the festival and to get information on how to get involved send an email to info@bluedownsfest.co.za or visit www.bluedownsfest co.za.
Youth fine free week
City Libraries will have a Children and Teen Fine-Free Week from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 December but libraries will be closed on Reconciliation Day, Tuesday 16 December All youngsters under 17 can return overdue library materials with no fines payable This is a great opportunity to promote reading without worries and end the year on a positive note
Outstanding fines on previously returned materials will still be payable
Intaka Island launches SpongeBob-inspired holiday programme
Summer is here and it’s time to get outdoors! Join Century City’s SpongeBobinspired educational adventure this December at Intaka Island, aka Bikini Bottom from 17 to 19 December (09:00 to 12:00)
They will have a jam-packed lineup of activities that are both fun and educational, which in includes:
. Search for micro-critters and go on an adventurous treasure hunt
.Find out how the wetlands naturally clean and filter water in Bikini Bottom
.Get involved in hands-on themed activities that teach about conservation in playful ways
.Enjoy boat rides and outdoor exploration to make the most of the sunshine
The school-holiday programme welcomes kids aged 6-12 years old Spaces are limited Cost is R165 per day per child (Kids Club members get 20% off) If you book all three days you only pay R450 This includes all activities including a boat ride It excludes drinks, lunch and/ or snacks Kindly pack your own lunchbox for the day
“You can book per day or book for all three days, but just make sure you select each day as a separate ticket, or select the ticket for all three days
“Parents are welcome to relax at the Eco-Centre or explore the island, but this experience is just for the kiddies! Indemnity forms are to be signed on arrival ” . Have any questions? Get in touch with via info@intaka.co.za or 021 552 6889
Dr Ricardo Smart is receiving another reward.
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
Vermaak // Entertainment
Anightofmusical splendoratStGeorge’s
St George's Cathedral will resonate with the golden sounds of the Baroque era on Friday 19 December at 19:00, when Opera UCT singers and a baroque ensemble present Enchanted Baroque under the direction of Prof Jeremy Silver The luminous hour of musical masterworks marks a groundbreaking collaboration between the KT Wong Foundation, fashion icon Gavin Rajah, and Opera UCT, all united in supporting South Africa's emerging operatic talent
19DECEMBER
"Opera UCT represents the very best of South Africa's emerging talent," says Lady Linda Wong Davies, founder of the internationally respected KT Wong Foundation.
"This concert is more than a performance; it is an investment in creativity, collaboration and the global future of South African voices."
The foundation, known for fostering artistic exchange between East, West, and Africa, recently took Cape Town Opera's Porgy and Bess to Beijing and presented the first African photographic exhibition in China.
ATMOSPHERE
Silver, Opera UCT's director and evening conductor, describes the concert as both an artistic milestone and meaningful cause
"Bringing Baroque music to life in the heart of St George's Cathedral is something truly special. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the architecture, everything lends itself to the beauty and intimacy of this repertoire."
The evening promises an immersive journey into Baroque music's emotional richness and expressive elegance, featuring the finest young voices alongside specialist instrumentalists Acclaimed designer Gavin Rajah, who recently supported Opera UCT's successful Die Fledermaus production, adds his vision to frame the concert as one of Cape Town's must-attend year-end artistic experiences.
Discounted tickets are available for under-18s and senior citizens.
. Tickets start from R150 at Quicket
DAGBOEK / DIARY
. Danie Reënwolf: Songs en Stories is op Woensdag 10 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell. Kaartjies kos van R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www brackenfell.net of iTickets.
. Cats the musical runs at Artscape Opera House from 10 December to 11 January Tickets from R180 to R580 at Webtickets.
. Kurt Darren tree op Donderdag 11 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell op Kaartjies kos van R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www.brackenfell.net of by iTickets.
. Hidden Giants runs from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 December at The Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre (District Six) A visual and emotionally charged journey through black holes, human curiosity, and the wonder of the cosmos. Tickets from R260 at Webtickets.
. Cape Town City Ballet's Alice in Wonderland runs at Artscape from 12 to 28 December Tickets R200 to R400 at Webtickets.
. Zaan Sonnekus tree op Vrydag 12 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell op Kaartjies kos van R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www.brackenfell.net of iTickets.
. Cape Open Air is at Muizenberg Park on Saturday 13 December from 12:00 A one-day open-air music experience featuring local musician Jeremy Loops and other artists. Tickets from R250 at Webtickets
. The Tribal Union Choir presents The Journey an inspiring evening of praise and worship on Sunday 14 December at 18:00 at the Kraaifontein Civic Centre Advance tickets cost R100, or pay R150 at the door Contact Dealin Pierang on 076 537 3651.
. Dis Kersfees! met Jannie Moolman en Petronel Baard is op Sondag 14 Desember om 15:00 in die NG kerk Stellenbosch. Kaartjies kos R200 by Quicket
. Intimate Christmas with Vezz and Friends is at Zevenwacht Wine Estate on Tuesday 16 December from 17:00 to late Bring camp chairs or blanket Food and beverage on sale Tickets cost R120 Call 073 471 9590 to book.
. Sarajevo runs at the Avalon Auditorium, Homecoming Centre from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 December A play about love, friendship and the war that tried to erase them. Tickets R250 at Webtickets
. Early B tree op Woensdag 17 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell op Kaartjies kos van R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www.brackenfell.net of iTickets
. Alan Committie's new show Av-a-laugh-ta runs at Theatre on the Bay from 17 December to 7 February Tickets from R200 at Webtickets
. Barto tree op Donderdag 18 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell op Kaartjies kos van R180 tot R220 Bespreek by www.brackenfell.net of iTickets
. Cape Town Carols at Kirstenbosch runs from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 December at 18:00 Gates open at 17:00 Tickets cost R125 at Webtickets
. Nik Rabinowitz – Geriatric Millennial runs at The Baxter Concert Hall now until 20 December Tickets from R225 at Webtickets
. Schalk Bezuidenhout's Krismis Bonanza runs at The Baxter Studio now until 20 December Tickets cost R300 at Webtickets
. Jeremy Loops is at Zevenwacht Wine Estate on Sunday 21 December Tickets R295 at Webtickets
. Boney M featuring Maizie Williams is at De Grendel Wine Estate on Sunday 21 December Gates open at 12:00 Tickets from R595 at Webtickets
. Pre-Christmas Jazz at Woodstock Brewery is on Sunday 21 December at 19:00 Tickets from R150 to R200 are available at Webtickets
. Christmas in the City is on Thursday 25 December at 20:00 in the City Hall. An evening of music, faith, and community Tickets from R170 at Webtickets . Brendan Peyper tree op Vrydag 26 Desember om 20:30 by Heroes Brackenfell op Kaartjies kos van R260 tot R300 Bespreek by www.brackenfell.net
17:15 to 19:00 Tickets R360 or R255 (children) at Webtickets
St George’s Cathedral
BOYS BEAT SOMERSET WEST BY FIVE WICKETS
BishopLaviswinsagain
The boys from Bishop Lavis Cricket Club continued their winning streak when they beat Somerset West by five wickets in a match that was evenly poised. Somerset batted first and got off to a good start with an opening stand of 45 within the first five overs of the match With the opening bowlers not making any impact on the batting, it was left to spinner, Shaquille Phillips, to make the breakthrough when he clean bowled Jeanro Minnaar (20)
Wickets started to fall at regular intervals with some impressive bowling from speedster Waugn Koeberg and the spinners For Somerset, Larry Morkel (46*) helped his team reach a total of 182/8 after the 50 overs For the visitors Phillips was the pick
of the bowlers with 3/25 in his allotted ten overs Lavis’s run chase got off to a rocky start with their top four batsmen back in the pavilion with the score on 46 But the team showed good resilience when Emillio Koeberg (65) and Ethienne Davids (54*) managed to form a partnership of 100 runs which was telling in securing victory for the visitors John Petersen, selector, was very satisfied with the performance of Davids and Phillips who came
into the team at very short notice “I am very happy with the fighting spirit the guys showed after losing wickets up front, and today’s performance shows us that we have depth in the squad It was good to see that the two newcomers fitted well in our team set-up,” Petersen said The Bishop Lavis second team scored a massive 300 runs in their innings with Shaun James the pick of the batsmen with 121 runs James, now a senior campaigner, smashed eight sixes all over Lavis Park and he was also ably assisted by Cameron Julies (72*) who is also showing some signs of getting back to form Peninsula could only manage to score 69 runs given Lavis yet another bonus point victory by 231 runs
