CapeTowneyes railcontrol
DESIRÉERORKE
RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA
DESIREE
Cape Town is gearing up for a major transport revolution that could fundamentally change how millions of residents move around the Mother City Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has thrown down the gauntlet to national government, announcing the City will push for complete control of passenger rail services after council last week backed an ambitious business plan that promises to resurrect the metro's beleaguered train network
With Cape Town's rail system having collapsed from carrying over 600 000 passengers daily in 2012 to a fraction of that today due to vandalism, theft and poor maintenance under Prasa, the City's bold takeover bid represents perhaps the most significant transport initiative in decades – one that could see private operators running sleek new services under municipal oversight
The rail business plan looked at nine different handover scenarios and narrowed it down to three workable options Each involves the City taking control of rail services, assets and infrastructure, with private companies running the actual services under contract
The plan also knocked out weaker options where Prasa would keep owning the infrastructure or where the City would run trains directly instead of bringing in private operators
According to the City, passenger rail takeover is essential to improving integrated public transport across the metro, one of several key means to achieving its broader long-term plan target of 110% GDP growth by 2050
NATIONALFUNDING
Crucially, the plan concludes that devolution is only possible with funding from the national fiscus, with no room within the rates base of the City to cross subsidise rail
The City also needs to have authority over fare-setting, access to long-term national grant funding, and to generate local revenue through public-private partnerships and commercialisation
This is in line with the City’s constitutional mandate for integrated transport planning across different public transport modes
Hill-Lewis said that the National White Paper on Rail and the Constitution both recognise that local government is best positioned to deliver integrated, affordable, and accountable public transport through coordinated planning across transport modes
DESIRÉERORKE
The case of two Cape Town law enforcement officers who were re-arrested on Tuesday 2 December on corruption, extortion and business robbery charges was postponed
These same officers were arrested on similar charges in May this year but returned to administrative duty and were back in the dock on Wednesday
In response to a media inquiry Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for law enforcement, explained the sequence of events that led to the officers returning to work earlier this year
“The City initiated the appropriate action at the time, in line with policies and processes, and the officers returned to work after the disciplinary charges were withdrawn as the police investigation was incomplete, he told TygerBurger on Thursday
“They were placed on administrative duty while the employer continued to investigate the matter internally They were re-arrested by the Hawks on 2 December on the same charges which the City was involved in since January”
The current charges stem from incidents that began on 31 January, and continued until their arrest,
RAIL TAKEOVER PLAN AIMS TO RESTORE 620 000 DAILY PASSENGER TRIPS
"Today is an historic milestone as Council adopts both a business plan for passenger rail takeover in the short-term, as well as our City’s overall long-term plan until 2050, which sets out our strategic goals over the next 25 years," said HillLewis in his address to council
"In the Cape Town of 2050, we’ll mostly use affordable public transport to get around, our streets will be much safer due to smart policing Capetonians urgently need an expanded, affordable, and reliable rail service that is integrated with other forms of transport via one ticketing system The rail business plan will now inform our engagements with national government to devolve passenger rail to the City This is one of the critical first steps in the long-term vision to massively scale up passenger numbers, new train sets, new routes, upgrade stations, and develop surrounding precincts with affordable housing over the next two decades "
The City's Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, said that to ensure a viable devolution handover, it is necessary for Prasa and national government to restore the rail network and operations to 2012 levels of 620 000 daily passenger trips, which existed prior to the steady collapse of rail over the last decade
He explained that the City would then work to further expand the rail service, with most scenarios including a new Blue Downs rail link and potentially further expansion dependent on the national fiscus
The City’s rail business plan follows the inception phase of the rail feasibility study, followed by a baseline analysis in October 2023 that assessed the current state of rail operations and infrastructure in Cape Town
This was succeeded by the development of the alternative institutional options report a year later, which identified and evaluated viable network and governance models Following Council’s approval of the preferred institutional options in December 2024, the business plan phase commenced in January 2025
The business plan was developed using in-depth research into the state of the local rail system as well as stakeholder engagement to provide a credible basis for negotiations with national government and further long-term planning, the City stated
City cops nabbed for extorting spaza shop owners
according to Hawks spokesperson WO Zinzi Hani.
The officers allegedly targeted foreign national spaza shop owners, demanding money regardless of whether asylum documentation was produced.
“With or without the documents the officers would still demand money On different occasions the victims paid an amount of R5 000 and R6 000,” Hani said.
During one arrest the suspects allegedly stole cigarettes worth over R600 000 from a victim's vehicle while the victim was being processed at Philippi East Police Station.
Hani said this is not the first time these officers have faced such charges.
Following the latest arrests, Dyason confirmed that the officers will again be suspended as the disciplinary process gets underway, with the matter being handled according to City policies and processes, He emphasised the directorate's stance against corruption within its ranks.
TygerBurger contacted the police's provincial anti-corruption unit for comment on the initial investigation they handled but did not receive a response
Smartis‘iconofAfrica’
Blackheath community leader recognised as one of Africa's icons of 2025
A tangible buzz of pride ran through the streets of Blackheath this week as one of its sons, Dr Ricardo Virgill Smart, was named one of the African continent's icons of 2025
From the classrooms of Blackheath High to the glittering stages of Johannesburg his journey is a powerful reminder to every young person that their geography does not define their destiny As a local hero on the global stage at the prestigious Icons of Africa Awards 2025, which will be held at the Iconic Conference Centre in Randburg, Gauteng on 6 December, Smart will stand among the continent’s most distinguished leaders and innovators
But to those in Blackheath who know the man himself he is more than just an icon; he never forgets where he came from and where his real commitments lie
“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
Coloured lives matter
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
Dr Ricardo Smart is receiving another reward.
CapeTowndam levelsdrop
Capetonians have been encouraged to use water sparingly as we enter the hot summer season
According to the City of Cape Town dam levels are currently 15% lower than at the same time last year
This is because Cape Town experienced below-average rainfall this year, the municipality said in a statement issued on Thursday (4 December)
The Department of Water and Sanitation were asking people to be water-wise this summer, and requests that the water usage be kept below 975 million litres per day "As we head into hot summer days, we have already seen a spike in water use at certain points," said Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for Water and Sanitation
"Consumption recently reached 1 000 million litres of water used in a day, compared to the average 850 million litres
"The main driver of peak water demand, based on previous years, is outdoor use particularly for garden irrigation and topping up swimming pools The proactive water savings target is published weekly
RESIDENTS ASKED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY
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
. 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
FROMPAGE1
IMPOSSIBILITIESVANISH
Bevan Botha from Parow shared his account of caring for Kenny, an 86-yearold 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
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 "
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
He referenced Alcoholics Anonymous's concept of a "higher power", noting that statistics show people with spiritual beliefs handle recovery better than those 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"
Guest speaker Khadija Heeger.
Salome got the crowd on their feet.
From left: Elizabeth,Kayleigh,Patricia and Francois Sisam from Kuils River and Bellville.
Jenna Pinto and Shannon Abrahams from Tygerberg Hospice
From left: Danielle Constable,Randall Fairbairn and Mark Constable from Kuils River attended to honour a mother and brother who have passed
The City of Cape Town is asking the public to be water-wise to preserve available resources until the next winter rain cycle,especially when using water outdoors in the garden and to top up swimming pools
Severalobjectionsagainstairport
Alate appeal against the Environmental Authorisation (EA) granted to Cape Winelands Airport was received and condoned by Anton Bredell, provincial minister of local government, environmental affairs and development planning last week
Cape Winelands Airport was granted EA from the provincial department of environmental affairs and development planning (DEADP) on 27 October
A total of six appeals were lodged, among which two from poultry farmers one of which County Fair, the developer Garden Cities, a nearby airfield, Morningstar Flyers Association, as well as five airport tenants who have jointly appealed They are Cape Town Flight Training Centre; Diepkloof Aircraft Maintenance; 4 Aviators; Helivate Helicopter Services and WCMS CC T/A AeroSport The late appeal was received on 24 November and condoned by Bredell’s office on 1 December
POULTRYCONCERNS
In the appeal by the Darson Trust, trading as Aberfeldy Farm in Klipheuwel, it is stated that they have already received approval for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for new poultry houses to expand their farming operations on their farm Kliprug, which is adjacent to the land on which the airport is
proposed
“A poultry farm should not be next to an airport due to potential biosecurity risks, disease transmission from wildlife and noise pollution that could stress the birds,” is stated
MAJORMILESTONE
In response to the appeals
Cape Winelands Airport says it welcomes the appeal process
“The approval of the EA marked a major milestone in the progression of the Cape Winelands Airport expansion project and followed an extensive environmental assessment and consultation process undertaken in full compliance with the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
The authorisation was the culmination of more than two years of dedicated environmental planning and public participation, including four rounds of public consultation, two open days, a town hall meeting and over 40 specialist studies assessing environmental, social and technical factors, says Deidre Davids, spokesperson for Cape Winelands Airport
ONLYSIXAPPEALS
Of the about 1 500 registered interested and affected parties, only six appeals were received
“Cape Winelands Airport maintains that there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the planned airport expansion, as can be seen by multiple letters
of support,” Davids says
“The grounds for appeal differ for each of the appellants and range from concerns about impact of noise; impact on birdlife; impact on continued operations once the airport goes into construction and socioeconomic impacts ”
Other grounds for appeal include sustainability and climate change, carbon emissions and impact on traffic
“The concerns raised are largely a repeat of what has been raised previously Throughout the four public participation process inputs were taken from interested and affected parties and specialist reports were reviewed and updated to take into account comments and inputs raised,” she says
RESPONSIBLEDEVELOPMENT
“We welcome the appeal process as an additional opportunity to provide clarity, to strengthen understanding, and to demonstrate our commitment to a responsible and sustainable development
“We value every concern raised and have taken every technical concern seriously from noise modelling to aviation safety to transport planning and each has been addressed through detailed, specialist-led studies,” Davids says The proposed project entails the expansion of the existing Cape Winelands Airport in a phased development approach
The development will also include comprehensive airside infrastructure such as taxiways, aircraft parking stands, refuelling systems and cargo facilities
The expansion plans include a new boutique terminal building with modern facilities
NOISEPOLLUTION
One of the objectors, Dr Leonard Heydenrych, says in his appeal “the constant noise created by the airport will have a profoundly negative impact on the surrounding community, but in particular on the children of Fisantekraal High School, which is situated only 1,4 km from the proposed airport”
“This will have a profoundly negative impact on their health and study abilities,” he states
“Several factors could be identified that may endanger the surrounding community, passengers and crewm including several geographical mountainous elevations within close proximity to the proposed runways ”
County Fair poultry farming operation states in its appeal the landside developments will be immediately adjacent to and in very close proximity to the nearest chicken houses and that it will not be possible for the expanded airport and its poultry operations to coexist due to noise disturbance and dust pollution
Light pollution was identified as a major concern for its laying stock
The grounds of appeal of Morningstar Flyers Association is that there is inadequate assessment of safety impacts of the flight activities from Cape Winelands Airport on surrounding commercial and recreational aviation activities that make use of the uncontrolled airspace currently in existence for the purpose of, among others, flight training and fire and rescue operations
“The public participation process is defective and noninclusive as it excluded key aviation authorities and stakeholders and withheld essential information,” is stated
CORRECTION
TygerBurger incorrectly reported on this last week (3 December) and apologises for the mistakes
Some of the mistakes include that Stellenbosch Flying Club has appealed, although they have not There were also no appeals from the wine industry, Birdlife South Africa or Paardeberg Conservancy, as well as no groups representing local communities The school community of Fisantekraal High School has also not raised concerns about noise pollution
“It is also not correct that business groups and farmers fear negative effects on their operations If anything, we have strong support from farmers and the local businesses,” Davids says
PANORAMA PALMS
Sterrekykkanjoustresverlig
Terwyl geestesgesondheidsuitdagings oor Suid-Afrika heen toeneem, wend 'n baanbrekersnavorsingsprojek hom na n onverwagte bondgenoot, die naghemel.
Navorsers van die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se CoCREATEgesondheidshub 'n nis in die afdeling gesondheidstelsels en openbare gesondheid en die Internasionale Sterrekundige
Unie se Kantoor vir Sterrekunde vir Ontwikkeling (IAU-OAD) is besig om bloot te lê hoe sterrekyk-ervarings stres kan verminder, gemoedstoestand kan verbeter en sosiale verbintenis kan versterk
Met byna 40% van SuidAfrikaners wat simptome van depressie of angs toon, is innoverende en toeganklike benaderings tot geestesgesondheid dringend nodig Die baanbrekerprojek, Astronomy for Mental Health (Astronomie vir Geestesgesondheid), is die eerste van sy soort in Suid-Afrika wat wetenskaplik ondersoek hoe ontsag, verdieping in die natuur en "kosmiese perspektiefwaarneming" emosionele welstand beïnvloed
DIENAGRUIM'N
GEESTESGESONDHEIDSHULPMIDDEL
Die projek, gelei deur prof Lynn Hendricks, dr Therese Fish en Nikki Thomas van die US, saam met Dominic Vertue, dr Charles Takalana
NAVORSINGSRESULTATE LYK BELOWEND
en Kevin Govender (IAU-OAD), ondersoek hoe gestruktureerde sterrekyksessies van plaaslike gemeenskapsbyeenkomste tot oornag-sterrekundewegbreeksessies geestesgesondheid kan ondersteun
Volgens die navorsers bou dit voort op Kaplan se aandagherstelteorie, wat verduidelik hoe natuurlike omgewings, veral dié wat ons sintuie op n sagte manier betrek, die verstand help om van moegheid te herstel Die nagruim, wyd en rustig, bied wat navorsers "sagte fassinasie" noem; 'n moeitelose vorm van aandag wat duidelikheid en perspektief herstel
Wêreldwye bewyse toon toenemend dat ontsagwekkende ervarings breingebiede aktiveer wat aan emosionele regulering gekoppel is, kortisolvlakke verlaag en ‘n gevoel van kalmte herstel Die navorsingspan glo die nagruim bied ‘n unieke, kragtige weergawe van hierdie uitwerking
Die span stel veral belang in die "oorsigeffek" n verskynsel wat deur ruimtevaarders beskryf word dat, wanneer hulle die aarde vanuit die ruimte sien, hulle n diepgaande verskuiwing in bewustheid en verbintenis met die mensdom ervaar Deur gewone mense uit te nooi om
op te kyk en oor hul plek in die kosmos te besin, hoop die navorsers om soortgelyke gevoelens van kalmte, dankbaarheid en samehorigheid hier op aarde aan te wakker
VOORLOPIGERESULTATE:VROEË BEVINDINGSVANSUTHERLAND
Altesame 14 gesinne van uiteenlopende agtergronde het onlangs in Sutherland, die tuiste van sommige van die wêreld se donkerste nagruimtes en die ikoniese Suider-Afrikaanse Groot Teleskoop (SALT), aan n begeleide sterrekunde-naweek, georganiseer deur die US se CoCREATE-gesondheidshub en IAU-OAD, deelgeneem
Deelnemers het die Karoolandskap verken, Saturnus se ringe, die kraters op die maan en die Melkweg waargeneem en aan nadenkende gesprekke langs die vuur deelgeneem
Voorlopige resultate toon dat sterrekykery onmiddellik simptome van depressie verminder en deelnemers se bui verbeter het Deur 'n kombinasie van selfverslagvraelyste, reflektiewe joernaalvoering, onderhoude en fokusgroepe te gebruik, het die span 'n konsekwente patroon opgemerk: deelnemers het 'n afname in gevoelens van angs en neerslagtigheid binne 24 uur ná die sterrekyk-ervaring
aangemeld
"Indien die uitwerking net oor ontsnapping of rus gegaan het, sou ons 'n soortgelyke reaksie ná enige naweekbreek verwag het," sê Hendricks "Wat ons egter vind, is dat die kosmiese element, die uitgestrektheid, die ontsag, 'n duidelike verskuiwing skep Dit kalmeer nie net mense nie; dit verander hoe hulle oor hulself en hul plek in die wêreld dink "
VROEËRESULTATEISBELOWEND
Deelnemers het binne 24 uur minder angs en ’n beter gemoedstoestand ervaar Baie het 'n "geestelike wydheid" beskryf, ‘n kalm en nie-oorvol verstand met ruimte om emosies en inligting beter te verwerk sonder om oorweldig te voel Sommige het ‘n blywende perspektief oor die lewe en doel aangemeld
Gesinne het groter samehorigheid en betekenisvolle, afleidingsvrye verbintenisse aangemeld Een deelnemer het in ‘n opvolgnadenkingsessie die volgende opgemerk: "Ek sien steeds die Melkweg wanneer dinge swaar voel Dit herinner my daaraan dat my probleme nie oneindig is nie "
Volgens Fish, visedekaan: kliniese dienste en sosiale impak by die US se fakulteit geneeskunde en gesondheidswetenskappe, vul die inisiatief 'n belangrike leemte "Ons skep deur hierdie samewerking nuwe maniere vir
mense om genesing buite kliniese omgewings te vind Gesinne vind nie net mekaar weer nie, maar vind ook aanklank by die omgewing en ontdek weer 'n gedeelde gevoel van menslikheid " Govender, direkteur van die OAD, voeg by: "Sterrekunde het ons nog altyd genoop om groot vrae te vra Nou leer ons dit kan ons ook help om saam met hulle te sit, stil, saam, onder dieselfde hemelruim "
Wat van belang is, is dat die navorsers tot die gevolgtrekking kom dat sterrekykery veral doeltreffend is in gebiede met beperkte toegang tot geestesgesondheidsorg: Dit is gratis, kultureel universeel en vereis minimale toerusting
VOLGENDESTAPPE
Die projek duur tot 2029 en sal uitbrei om jeugprogramme, stedelike sterrekykkringe, asook sielkundige én fisiologiese metings in te sluit Navorsers sal ervarings oor verskillende omgewings heen vergelyk van stedelike agterplase tot in die diep duisternis van Sutherland om 'n beter begrip te kry van hoe en waarom sterrekunde geestesgesondheid beïnvloed
Die navorsers beplan om teen die einde van vanjaar n referaat oor die voorlopige resultate in te dien Die navorsing is deur die sosiale, gedrags- en opvoedkundige navorsingsetiekkomitee van die US goedgekeur
AREA EAST
False Bay beaches
levelled out again
The City again carried out beach lowering at Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Gordon’s Bay and Bikini beaches
This annual maintenance helps prevent windblown sand from affecting nearby roads and infrastructure once the southeaster starts howling Sand is moved from the upper beach to the low-water mark, from where wave action returns the sand to the coastal system naturally
A more level surface means that more of the beach becomes wet during high tides, reducing the risk of sand blowing onto surrounding areas Beach lowering is environmentally safe and mimics natural coastal processes
It keeps sand in circulation, while protecting infrastructure along the False Bay coastline
The Fire and Rescue Service plays a crucial part in the City’s interdepartmental Festive Season Safety Plan. Cape Town s hot, dry and windy summers increase the risk of blazes in informal settlements Over the past few summer seasons, these incidents have increased Additionally, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material spills and water rescues
In terms of the Festive Season with any type of emergency Aerial
Huey helicopters will be available from 1 December Other resources include a the command and control centre during strategically deployed to cover areas
Paper bills a thing of the past
From 31 December 2025, the City will send only emailed accounts, with no more bills sent via the post. Please make the switch. Send your account number, contact number and email address to Revenue.Eservices@capetown.gov za or by SMS to 31223. If you do another paperless way to assist. Please phone the call centre on 0860 103 089 or visit your nearest customer interaction centre.
KORTLIKS
Die gevaar van brande verhoog in die somer en daarom is brandbestryders op gereedheidsgrondslag Twee Huey-helikopters en ’n vastevlerkopsporingsvliegtuig sal beskikbaar wees om gedurende veldbrande te help, en 96 toegewyde veldbrandbestryders is ook reg om hand by te sit
Die Stad het die sand op Vishoek-, Muizenberg-, Gordonsbaai- en Bikinistrand weer gelykgestoot
Hierdie jaarlikse instandhouding sorg dat n groter deel van die strand met hoogwater nat word, wat help keer dat die wind nabygeleë infrastruktuur onder sand begrawe
Die Stad het onlangs sy jongste reservaat, Schapenberg geopen Die gebied van 14 ha
BEFORE 31 DEC 2025
Prepared to protect: or property to the Public Emergency search box on www capetown gov za
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
in Somerset-Wes is pas as reservaat verklaar en beskerm bedreigde Swartland-skalierenosterveld en ander plant- en dierespesies
Meer as R5 1 miljard se bystand met eiendomsbelasting en diensgeld is beskikbaar vir
bygestaan is, moet weer aansoek doen
Die Stad sal vanaf 31 Desember 2025 alle munisipale rekeninge slegs per e-pos stuur, en glad nie meer deur gewone pos nie Maak seker jy skakel oor na e-posrekeninge Stuur jou rekeningnommer kontaknommer en e-posadres na Revenue Eservices@capetown gov za, of SMS dit na 31223
Njengoko umkhamo wemililo yasehlotyeni ukhula, amaqela abacimimlilo aza kuthi bhazalala imini nobusuku. Iinqwelontaka ezimbini zeHuey ziza kuba zikho zililiso ngelokuncedisa kwimililo yamadlelo Kuya kuba kukho abacimimlilo abazinikeleyo abangama96 becima imililo yamahlathi ISixeko siye sehlisa la manxweme alandelayo iFish Hoek,i Muizenberg, iGordon’s Bay neBikini Oku kulungiswa kwenziwa minyaka yonke kunceda ekuthinteleni isanti ephetshethwe ngumoya ingonakalisi iziseko zophuhliso ezikufutshane Ivulwe ngokusemthethweni ngokusikwa kweribhoni iSchapenberg, indawo yolondolozo ebisandul’ ukuchazwa
Not coping with your account?
The City has made available more than R5,1 billion in rates and services assistance to qualifying residents. Indigent residents who have to reapply Pensioners who have received assistance before will only need to reapply after the General Valuation in 2026. Council has also approved a R2,2 billion initiative that have their old City debt written off. Find out more by phoning the call centre on 0860 103 089 or emailing: • payment arrangements@capetown gov za for debt write-off; • rates rebate@capetown gov za for rates rebates; or • indigent relief@capetown gov za for indigent assistance
eziihektare ezili14 eSomerset West, yokulondoloza iSwartland shale renosterveld nezinye izidalwa
ISixeko siye sakhupha ngaphezu kweR5 1 bhiliyoni ekuncediseni ngeentlawulo neenkonzo kubahlali abalufaneleyo olo ncedo Abo bebekhe baxhamla bafanele baphinde bafake izicelo
Ukususela nge31 kweyoMnga 2025, iSixeko siya kuthumela kuphela iiakhawunti ngeimeyili, singasayi kuphinda sithumele amatyala ngeposi Nceda wenze olo tshintsho Thumela inombolo yeakhawunti yaho, inombolo yoqhagamshelwano nedilesi yeimeyili ku Revenue Eservices@capetown gov za okanye ngeSMS ku31223
Eight Blue Flag beaches to choose from
Eight City beaches have again the 2025/26 season, running from 1 December to 28 February
They are Bikini Beach, Camps Bay, Clifton 4th, Fish Hoek, Llandudno, Melkbosstrand, Muizenberg and Silwerstroomstrand
First introduced in 2001, Blue Flag status is awarded to beaches that meet high standards of environmental management and education, water quality, safety and services The accreditation, which includes an international adjudication process, is facilitated by
If you’ll be heading to our beaches this summer, please be mindful of the golden rules:
• Swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty, sticking to the area between the red-and-
• Beware of rip currents
• Don t swim while under the
• Always actively monitor children in and around water
You might recall that, in 2023, we revived the tradition of bestowing Civic Honours on remarkable people who have made our city and the world a better place through their talents and service. I said at the time that this would become a regular occurrence once more, with a Civic Honours ceremony to be held every two years
We have kept our word In midNovember, we bestowed Civic Honours on another group of exceptional people as well as awarded Mayor’s Medals to no fewer than 18 individuals and organisations across various categories This followed an extensive public call for nominees.
But there is another accolade that is even more prestigious and rare – one that hasn’t been bestowed in Cape Town for almost a decade – and that is the Freedom of the City Previous recipients include the late President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu I am very proud to announce that we will once again be bestowing the Freedom of the City on not one, but two
exceptional Capetonians
They are two separate recipients who have each individually contributed greatly to our city’s cultural heritage. But they are perhaps best known for the wonderful work they produced together as long-time musical and theatre collaborators I am speaking, of course, of Cape Town s cultural icons David Kramer and Taliep Petersen In Taliep’s case, the award is made posthumously, and his family will accept
the award on his behalf
Through iconic musical theatre productions such as and , this duo managed to blend social commentary and activism with unmatched musical entertainment, bringing us remarkable Cape Town stories on themes such as forced removals, identity, and community resilience I cannot think of two Capetonians more deserving of this honour, and the overwhelming support from
incredibly popular nomination they are We will bestow the Freedom of the City on David and Taliep at an event at the Grand Parade in January, and I cannot wait to share this joyous occasion with many of you
They will take their place alongside previous Freedom of the City recipients and titans of history, and will forever cultural ambassadors
Millions invested in safety at public facilities
Collaborating to keep our rivers clean
Thanks to City grant funding The Litterboom Project has installed eight new litterbooms in rivers across the metro and employed 12 local river wardens to maintain them These simple yet effective barriers intercept litter before it can As part of its project plan, the operations to support a circular economy They take plastic pollution in rivers, sort it, and convert it into raw material for the production of useful items that can be reused or sold At their Innovation Hub, recyclable plastic is transformed into commodities and everyday household items The
Cape Town Mayor
Flying the ‘flag of fabulous’:
h
Community helps clean up Soet river
In October, hundreds of volunteers came together in Strand to clean and restore the chronically polluted Soet river, collecting around 4 000 bags of waste The effort formed part of World Rivers Day and was led by the Soet River Catchment Management Forum, with support from the City and local community organisations Cleaning up the Soet river isn’t
Oasis Reach for Your Dreams has been at it since August With City grant funding, Oasis trains marginalised youth and homeless individuals in safe clean-up practices, hosts community awareness sessions, and runs weekly clean-ups In this way, they not only restore the environment, but also develops skills and enables people to play an active role in their communities
Residents are urged to care for the Soet river by properly disposing of waste and joining local cleanups Lasting change is possible when communities take hands to uplift both themselves and the environment
Since July, the City has provided close to 900 households in CT Tshabalala, DT Section, Khunkqu and Quandu Quandu informal settlements in Khayelitsha with access to portable
complements the existing container
informal areas, and is aimed at households living in areas where space or land
PFTs are serviced four times a week. They offer improved convenience hygiene and safety, particularly for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities
With R44 6 million allocated to deliver 750 taps and 4 000 toilets in 2025/26,
installations for households in Langa Philippi, Nyanga, Lavender Hill and Imizamo Yethu
pump station secure again
The City has acted to protect the Swartklip Road sewer pump station in Tafelsig after illegal electricity connections from nearby Monwabisi Zone 4 caused frequent blockages and surrounding residents at risk
After discussions with community leaders, the City proceeded to cut the unlawful connections to keep the pump station running safely
Roadshow gets learners tapped
Water and Sanitation mascot Manzi and a City team visited Grade 6 learners at Lochnershof Primary in Strand as part of an edutainment roadshow that introduces learners to components of the City’s New Water
wastewater, desalination, improved river management and invasive alien clearing, and the responsible use of groundwater In the process, learners
In addition to the roll-out of new toilets, City staffers attended to approximately 1 800 maintenance requests in the area, including toilet cistern repairs, pipe bursts and blockages. To report water and sanitation service issues, call 0860 103 089 send a WhatsApp to 060 018 1505 (pictures accepted), send an SMS to 31373, send an email to water@capetown.gov.za, log your request at www.capetown.gov.za/ servicerequests/, or visit a walk-in centre.
Loos, and loads of maintenance:
Residents are urged to help the City look after this facility, as it plays a key role in keeping the Mitchells Plain area clean and safe, which, in turn, builds dignity and improves living conditions for the community
The City invested more than R900 000 in providing 58 households
KORTLIKS
Die Stad het sedert Julie nagenoeg 900 huishoudings in die informele nedersettings CT Tshabalala, DT Section, Khunkqu en Quandu Quandu in Khayelitsha van toegang tot verskuifbare spoeltoilette voorsien Honderde vrywilligers het in Oktober in die Strand byeengekom om die chronies besoedelde Soetrivier te help skoonmaak Hulle het sowat 4 000 sakke vullis uit die rivier verwyder Huishoudings in Khayelitsha is nou ook deel van die Stad se tuiskomposveldtog Inwoners het die nodige houers ontvang om hulle kombuisoorskiet en tuinafval in voedingsryke kompos te omskep Die komposhouers is gedurende die burgemeester se onlangse dienstebesoek oorhandig Water en sanitasie se gelukbringer, Manzi, en ’n span van die Stad het graad 6-leerders by
Laerskool Lochnershof in die Strand besoek as deel van ’n prettige opvoedkundige program om die jong klomp te leer hoe water gesuiwer, weer gebruik en bewaar kan word. Die Stad het ingegryp om die Swartklipwegrioolpompstasie in Tafelsig te beskerm
Onwettige elektrisiteitsaansluitings uit die nabygeleë Monwabisi-sone 4 het verstoppings en oorstromings veroorsaak, wat die fasiliteit en inwoners in gevaar gestel het.
Altesaam 58 huishoudings in die informele kragaansluitings voorsien. Die projek van meer
onlangs deur ’n brand getref is Die Stad se apteeknetwerk het ’n digitale resepteer- en voorraadbestuursprogram in werking gestel
KHAWUNDIBALISELE
Ukususela ngeyeKhala, iSixeko siye sanikezela ngeethoyilethi ezigungxulwayo ezithuthwa lula kumakhaya amalunga ne900 kumatyotyombe aseCT Tshabalala, eDT Section, eKhunkqu naseQuandu Quandu eKhayelitsha. KweyeDwarha, amakhulukhulu amatshantliziyo eStrand aye acoca aze abuyisela kwimeko entle umlambo iSoet ongcoliseke ngendlela engathethekiyo,beqokelela malunga neengxowa zenkunkuma ezimalunga nama4 000 Abahlali baseKhayelitsha baye bazibandakanye nephulo leSixeko elikhulayo lokwenza umgquba ekhaya befumana iinkonkxa zokutshintsha ukutya okulahlwayo nenkunkuma esuka egadini ibe ngumgquba otyebileyo ngezondlo Ezi zixhobo zokwenza umgquba ziye zakhutshwa ebudeni bephulo likaSodolophu lakutshanje lokuhambisa iinkonzo kulo mmandla Iphulo laManzi noGutyulo, iManzi kunye neqela leSixeko baye batyelela abafundi beBakala 6 baseLochnershof Primary eStrand njengenxalenye yephulo lokuzonwabisa elifundisayo
ngelokufundisa abafundi ngendlela amanzi anokucocwa, aphinde asetyenziswe aze alondolozwe ngayo ISixeko siye sathatha inyathelo lokukhusela iziko elinempompo yogutyulo lwelindle eSwartklip Road eTafelsig emva koxokomezelo lombane olungekho mthethweni lweMonwabisi Zone 4 olubangele ukuminxeka nokuphuphuma, nto leyo ebeke eli ziko kunye nabahlali engozini ISixeko siye satyala imali engaphezu kweR900 000 ekunikezeleni ngezindlu ezingama58 kumatyotyombe Eli phulo libaluleke kakhulu, njengoko inxalenye
Inethwekhi yeekhemesti zezempilo eSixekweni iye yaqalisa inkqubo yedijithali yokukhupha amayeza nenkqubo yokulawula istokhwe
River rescue:
Time to cut the cord:
Big birthdays for two City libraries
In October both Somerset West and Rocklands libraries marked milestone birthdays
Somerset West library celebrated 60 years of serving the community from its Victoria Street location The library service itself is already 128 years old
Over the decades in Victoria Street, the library has added children’s spaces and an Africana room, and modernised its facilities Today, it is one of the three top-performing City libraries, enrolling over 100 new members each month
Rocklands library, in turn, turned 45 The library offers a range of programmes for young patrons, including reading, coding and chess In fact, they recently delivered the overall winner of the Chess@Librariess competition,
Kaden Michaels Rocklands has earned several awards over the years, including for most involved community library and best youth services
Keeping with the times Aside from books, both libraries also provide access to digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks and more than 7 000 newspapers and magazines through PressReader, Libby and Overdrive. Explore the online catalogue at https://opac.capetown.gov.za.
Decades of delighting readers:
KORTLIKS KHAWUNDIBALISELE
In Oktober is daar groot verjaardag gehou by die biblioteke in sowel Somerset-Wes as Rocklands Somerset-Wes-biblioteek het 60 jaar in hulle huidige fasiliteit gevier, en Rocklands-biblioteek het 45 jaar oud geword
Die Stad moes in 2024/25 byna 1 300 rioolverstoppings in Wallacedene en sowat 550 in Bloekombos hanteer Minstens die helfte van alle verstoppings was as gevolg van vreemde voorwerpe soos lappe, bourommel, babadoeke, buitebande en ander afval wat in die rioolstelsel gestort of afgespoel is.
In ’n groot mylpaal vir die MyCiTi-uitbreiding na die suidooste van die metro het die Stad twee nuwe MyCiTi-busdepots in Spineweg tussen Khayelitsha en Mitchells Plain voltooi Die depots beslaan elk 7,5 ha en het tans plek vir tot 145 busse, wat in die toekoms tot 250 busse per depot verhoog kan word Nadat sy jare lank geglo het haar trou-album is vir ewig weg was Tania Manuel in die wolke toe personeel van Strandfontein-biblioteek dit onlangs aan haar terugbesorg het Hulle het gedurende n opruiming van die biblioteek op die album afgekom
NgeyeDwarha, ilayibrari yaseSomerset West neyaseRocklands ziye zaphawula imihla yokuzalwa eyimbali Ilayibrari yaseSomerset West iye yabhiyozela iminyaka engama60 yaza ilayibrari yaseRocklands yona yabhiyozela engama45 Ngo2024/25, iSixeko kuye kwafuneka silungise ukuminxeka kwenkqubo yogutyulo lwelindle okumalunga ne1 300 eWallacedene nokumalunga ne550 eBloekombos Ubuncinane isiqingatha soku kuminxeka kubangelwe zizinto ebezingamele zigungxulelwe ezinjengamalaphu, ingqushu, amanapkeni, amatayara nenye inkunkuma elahlwa okanye egungxulelwa kwinkqubo yogutyulo lwelindle
ISixeko siye sagqiba iidepho ezimbini ezintsha zeebhasi zeMyCiTi eSpine Road, phakathi kweKhayelitsha neMitchells Plain, nto leyo enegalelo elingathethekiyo kulwandiso lomzantsimpuma wemetro yeMyCiTi Njengoko nganye kuzo iziihektare ezisi7,5, okwangoku ezi depho zifaka iibhasi ezili145, yaye kwixesha elizayo ziza kufaka iibhasi ezingama250 kwidepho nganye Emva kokucinga ukuba ialbham yakhe yomtshato ilahleke ngokupheleleyo, uTania Manuel uvuye ngendlela engathethekiyo xa eyibuyiselwa nguHawa Williams weLayibrari yaseStrandfontein, oyivumbulule xa bekucocwa kule layibrari
CITY OF CAPE TOWN AND AREA EAST CONTACT DETAILS
ia Ma
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
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from R180. Cathy / Francois 079 838 1851 All areas
Fascias, Gutters, Downpipes & Carports 061 502 2191
Back-to-backwinners
THULANIMAGAZI
THULAN MAGAZI@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The Blitzboks made history on Sunday 7 December when they claimed this year's HSBC Cape Town Seven crowns after defeating Argentina in front of a packed Cape Town Stadium, thus becoming the first side to win successive crowns in the Mother City
The Springboks Sevens came into the Cape Town tournament at the back of a disappointing Dubai tour and were eager to redeem themselves in front of their home supporters
They made their intentions clear with a flawless group stage
wins against Fiji (24-21), New Zealand (19-14) and Great Britain (41-7) to book a semi-final spot against France
Phillip Snayman's charges went into their encounter against the French with guns blazing, backed by the vociferous Cape Town crowd They won the match by 22-17 for a final spot against Argentina With some of their key players, including semi-final star Tristan Leyds missing for the final due to injuries, the Blitzboks made a poor start They conceded a converted try in the second minute through Luciano González Rizzoni
In the fourth minute of the
game, following a turnover in their 22-metre area, Donovan Don scored for the Blitzboks
From the resultant restart, Argentina obtained possession to score their second try in the sixth minute of the game through Marcos Moneta
Efforts to equalise before half-time drew a blank as the Springboks Sevens made some silly handling mistakes
The half ended 14-7 to Argentina
In the first minute of the
second half, Moneta crossed the whitewash for the second time, putting Argentina 19-7 up
However, the Blitzboks refused to give up and continued to push hard at the start of the second half
They were rewarded in the second minute when tournament debutant Sonwabo Sokoyi, who scored his first try for the team in the match against France, sprinted to the tryline after sleek footwork in front of the Argentine players
The Springboks continued to push hard, forcing Argentina to concede penalties in their 22-metre area
With defeat looming, Shilton van Wyk broke the Argentine line and made a delicate pass to Christie Grobbelaar to score the final try and level the scores in the final minute of the game
A conversion ensured the boys retained the trophy by registering a 21-19 victory
The win elevated the Springboks to the top of the HSBC log after two rounds
The Blitzboks will look to carry their winning formula to Singapore in January next year
The boys retained the trophy by registering a 21-19 victory. PHOTOS: RASHIED ISAACS
Matteo Graziano of Argentina shows a face of determination to stop Christie Grobbelaar of the Blitzboks crossing the try line during the final of the HSBC sevens tournament at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday 7 December The Blitzboks won 21-19 to win back-to-back at tournament on home.
