Wat eens ’n rustige aftreebestaan vir Christine Visser was, het nou ’n daaglikse nagmerrie geword Haar agterhekkie, geleë langs ’n sypaadjie naby Voortrekkerweg 333, is nou omskep in ’n
toilet deur ’n groep haweloses wat hulle daar gevestig het
“Ek weet nie hoeveel in die groep is nie, maar hulle het begin intrek En dan is my sypaadjie se hoek die toilet Dit ruik soos ’n rioolplek hier op my sypaadjie,” vertel Visser moedeloos
Die reuk van urine en
ontlasting hang swaar in die lug en lok swerms vlieë, wat die gesondheid van die bejaarde ernstig bedreig Visser, wat met swak gesondheid sukkel, sê sy kan eenvoudig nie meer aangaan nie “Dit maak 'n mens siek om elke dag die stank in te asem,” sê sy “Een oggend toe ek ry, staan
die een en kyk my in die oë en urineer daar Dis ’n ongelooflike gesondheidsrisiko vir my ” Sy sê verder die situasie is buite beheer, veral snags “Snags jol, vloek en raas hulle so dat geen mens kan rus nie Die toilet is steeds die hoek by my hek NABLADSY3
Budgetpavesway forpoliceboost
DESIRÉERORKE
DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER.CO ZA
If the draft budget passes at the end of May, the City of Cape Town will launch a game-changing crime-fighting plan by deploying 500 new metro police officers - five in each of the city's 116 wards
It's a first for the City and marks a major shift in how municipal law enforcement operates This rollout will double the number of new officers added since the current administration took office, bringing the total to 1000 Mayco member for safety JP Smith told TygerBurger the new recruits will hit the streets after completing training in September Backed by a R6,7 billion safety and security allocation in the 2025- 26 draft budget, Smith says the City finally has the resources to make this kind of proactive, ward-based policing possible
It will allow for faster response times and better insights to unique issues within the ward, according to Smith "Officers won't have to travel 20 minutes to get to your area, and spend time looking for streets And they will have knowledge of the issue referred to, as they will be working in the ward every day," he says "What is important is their ability to return to existing problems without being called upon They will be in a position to form relationships with local bodies such as the CPF, neighbourhood watches and private security companies to supplement existing crime prevention efforts " He pointed out that the current system, that deals with about 2200 incidents per day, is largely complaint driven due to limited resources JP Smith. A total of 10 local non-profit shelters qualified for the provision of goods and services valued at R1,2 million by the City’s community,arts and culture development (CACD) department to help them cope with the increased demand for their services this winter.The R1 million budget will go towards acquiring and distributing essentials like blankets,mattresses,food items,hygiene items and cleaning aids to qualifying shelters An additional allocation of nearly R230 000 has been made through the Expanded Public Works Programme to assist shelters with temporary staffing,operational support and administrative tasks over the period.The programme started on Thursday 8 May and will conclude on 30 October At the launch of the Winter Readiness Programme were from left Jean Ray Knighton Fitt (CEO of U-Turn Homeless Ministries),Shadrick Valayadum (CEO of The Haven Night Shelter),Bijou Bakole (COO from Elthios Centre),Francine Higham (Mayco member for community services and health),Megan Pangeni (community, arts and culture department),Erefaan Jacobs (client at Oasis Reach for your dreams Safe Space),Perpetua Mamvura (Programme Co-ordinator at the Tygerberg Association for Street People),and Zodwa Mbontsi (CACD).In front on the bed is Ilse Maartens (Branch manager for Mould Empower Serve).
The Western Cape Government welcomes return of licence card printing machine
The Western Cape Government (WCG) on Friday welcomed the news that the national driving licence card printing machine is finally back online Spokesperson Muneera Allie says this will bring much needed relief to thousands of motorists across the Western Cape who have been waiting patiently for their cards.
"The WCG is hopeful that this marks the start of real progress But the national department of transport has its work cut out for it as it works in easing the massive backlog in printing new cards."
According to Allie, the Western Cape as of 2 May had a backlog of 108 402 outstanding driving licence cards, which formed part of the national total of 747 748 that built up during the three-month period that the machine was out of order "We trust that the national department will now move swiftly and efficiently to clear the backlog without any further issues. The provincial government remains committed to advocating for efficient, accountable service delivery that empowers residents and strengthens mobility across the province."
Uitgewer
Strong demand for rental properties inTygerberg region
The rental market in Bellville, Durbanville and Parow is experiencing strong growth,creating a strong demand for rental properties in these areas
Mariël Burger, area manager at Pam Golding Properties for Cape Town north, attributes this to an influx of residents from other provinces to the Western Cape, and the area’s proximity to business hubs like Tyger Valley and Century City
"Demand is outpacing supply, so the market has become more competitive, with resulting increased rentals and a shortage of rental stock," says Burger “Significant numbers of people are moving to Bellville, Durbanville and Parow from other regions around South Africa. Many of these new arrivals are renting while they look for the right property to buy, which has definitely increased the demand for rental properties.
According to the TPN Rental Market
Strength Index the national residential vacancy rate has dropped to 4,42%
This is the lowest level since TPN began tracking this data in 2016, indicating that more people are seeking rental accommodation.
This is particularly true in the Western Cape where the vacancy rate is notably lower at 1,51%.
TENANTS GENERALLY LOOK FOR SPACIOUS PROPERTIES THAT OFFER GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
“The TPN index shows a score of 76,85 points for demand, which is significantly higher than the equilibrium point of 50 This increase suggests that demand is outpacing supply, which is crucial for landlords as it often leads to higher rental prices,” says Burger
KEYFEATURES
Burger adds that tenants in Bellville Durbanville and Parow generally look for spacious properties that offer good value for money Proximity to amenities is also important
Unfurnished properties are most in demand, although there’s also a market for furnished homes
Families and professionals tend to look for homes with two or more bedrooms. Houses and townhouses are particularly popular among families, whereas flats are often sought after by professionals who want smaller, more manageable living spaces.
“We also have a very high demand for pet-friendly properties - especially in the lower price ranges - but these are very hard to come by”
TYPICALLY,NORTHERNSUBURBS
TENANTSINCLUDE:
. Young professionals, who want affordable housing close to their workplaces or educational institutions.
. Families looking for more space and better schools.
. Retirees, who prefer to rent in quieter neighbourhoods with easy access to amenities.
. Popular rental areas in Bellville, Durbanville and Parow include Tyger Waterfront, Boston, De Tijger, Durbanville Central, Sonstraal Heights, The Crest and Vierlanden. These areas offer a good mix of affordability, access to business hubs and amenities, making them highly sought after by both families and professionals.
THERIGHTPRICE
“Rental demand in Bellville, Durbanville and Parow is strong across various price ranges, but the most competitive price range is from R16 000 to R26 000 a month. Properties in this range are in high demand due to the area's appeal to both families and professionals,” says Burger
In Durbanville Central and Vierlanden rentals range from R8 000 to R18 000 a month for smaller homes and apartments. For larger family homes rentals vary from R20 000 to R30 000 a month.
In Sonstraal Heights rentals range from R10 000 to R18 000 a month for standard family homes or townhouses. Rentals for premium homes or larger properties are around R20 000 a month and above
Burger says the demand for rental properties in summer is typically higher than in the other months of the year as individuals and families often look for temporary accommodation or new homes at this time This seasonal influx often results in heightened competition among prospective tenants, while the limited availability of new rental developments exacerbates the situation. With fewer new units coming onto the market, there is increased demand for existing properties, leading to reduced vacancies and potential rent increases.
According to Lightstone data, the lack of new stock is a critical factor limiting supply in desirable areas
NEWDEVELOPMENTS
Burger says there is land available for new developments in Durbanville and nearby areas, and developers are showing increased interest
“This is due to the growing demand for housing and the potential for property value appreciation. For example Durbanville has experienced steady growth in property values, which makes it an attractive option for new developments
“Bellville, Durbanville and Parow are well-equipped with schools and amenities, making it a great area for families. However with the increase in population, there could also be opportunities for developers to expand educational facilities and other amenities to meet the rising demand.”
In addition, he says, the City of Cape Town has approved plans to develop Bellville into its second central business district (CBD). This will help accommodate the growing population in Bellville, Durbanville and Parow
“There are plans to invest R43 billion in infrastructure in Cape Town over the next three years, which should also create a number of jobs in the area. With vacancy rates at historic lows and an optimistic outlook reflected in various indices, conditions are favourable for landlords to achieve higher rentals,” says Burger
Cara wrestles up silver at African Champs in Morocco
JOFOURIE
JO SEKEPANE@NOVUSMED A CO ZA
At just 22 years old, Cara du Plessis daughter of the Goodwood Clinic’s pharmacist has made South Africa proud on the continental stage, clinching a silver medal at the African Wrestling Championships held in Casablanca, Morocco
Competing in the 65kg women’s wrestling division, Cara stood out not only for her strength on the mat but also for her leadership and unwavering national pride
Held from 29 April to 4 May, the championship brought together top athletes from across Africa in freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling South Africa’s representatives were selected through a national trial event held in February, where Cara triumphed in her weight class to earn her place on the team
“What an honour,” Cara reflects “I ended up placing second, which is huge I’m the first South African senior female above 21 to make it into a final at this championship That means big things are coming ”
Among her most memorable moments was being appointed captain of the senior national team Behind her achievements are her mentors, including Kurdt George from her jiu-jitsu
academy and Coach Saki, who have helped push her beyond limits “They believe in me when I sometimes doubt myself That makes a world of difference ”
GOLDSCHMIDT LEADS THE NEXT GENERATION
Fromprotocoach
AVRILFILLIES
Grant Goldschmidt, previously from Mitchell's Plain and now residing in Goodwood, former SA beach volleyball champion, is now applying his trade as a beach volleyball commissioner for the Cape Town Volleyball Federation and coaching two ladies teams at the University of Cape Town.
He retired in 2022 after the Beach Pro Tour held in Cape Town
"In August last year I was approached by the Federation to assist as they needed someone with expertise to make opportunities available for everyone in the Cape Town area to play beach volleyball We competed in nine events from October until March over the summer season and we had a successful beach league, but the indoor-season has started and we are currently competing in the indoor league," he says Being in volleyball for almost 30 years he became involved at the Federation to share is knowledge to the two ladies team of UCT consisting of 12 ladies each "At ETA College in Cape Town I am not only a lecturer but also an academic manager of 10 to 14 academics, responsible for timetables or anything related to academics, like quality of teaching, etc In 2023, the year after I retired, there was an
GOLDSCHMIDT SERVES UP PASSION IN NEW ROLE OFF THE COURT
offer at UCT to coach the ladies volleyball team and the past three years I am contracted We've done well the past three years, managing to make the top four and this year we finished third with a bronze medal UCT is also hosting the USSA Games from Thursday 29 May until Wednesdau 4 June where teams from all of the universities in the
country will come down to play in the National Tournament," he says Goldschmidt started his volleyball career at the age of 19, went to study at UWC and played for the university He is becoming a father for the second time end of July and is part of the worship team at Grace Church in Thornton where he plays the bass guitar to keep him busy in the little spare time he has "I am a fulltime lecturer at the ETA College, besides being a beach commissioner and vicepresident at the Federation ”
Cara Du Plessis in second place
Leo Williams and Grant Goldschmidt when they competed for SA before Goldschmidt retired in 2022
