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PANORAMA PALMS

CapeTowneyes railcontrol

DESIRÉERORKE

DESIREE RORKE@TYGERBURGER CO ZA

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

RAIL TAKEOVER PLAN AIMS TO RESTORE 620 000 DAILY PASSENGER TRIPS

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

"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 "

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

Sarel Burger vir sy diens vereer

Die 1973- matrikulante van die Hoërskool Bellville het onlangs 'n spesiale feestelike ontbyt gehou om hul geliefde rugbyafrigter en Afrikaans-onderwyser, Sarel Burger, te vereer

Sarel Burger, nou 85 jaar oud, het sy loopbaan in 1965 by die Hoërskool Bellville begin en het merkwaardige sukses as rugby-afrigter behaal

Gedurende sy bloeitydperk van 1972 tot 1973 het hy drie uitstaande spelers ontwikkel: John Villet (Springboksenter), Theo Grünewald (nasionale Namibiese losskakel en kaptein) en Frank Greeff (Cravenweek en WP-agsteman en -spankaptein) Burger is ook 'n aktiewe

sportjoernalis wat al 59 jaar lank sportverslaggewing doen

Die byeenkoms op 4 Desember by 'n hotel in Bellville het begin met doedelsakmusiek deur Tony Reis terwyl ou spanlede 'n erewag gevorm het Spesiale geskenke is oorhandig, insluitend 'n lewensgrootte skildery deur Dawid Toua en persoonlike gedenkartikels Die hele span het "rooi kaarte" gekry omdat hul ou truie nie meer gepas het nie

Voormalige spanlede het van Nederland, Windhoek en Ierland gereis om hierdie unieke huldeblyk by te woon, wat die blywende impak van Burger se mentorskap demonstreer

Voor van links is Vidius Archer,Frank Greeff (kaptein),Sarel Burger (afrigter),John Villet en Johan Raats Agter: Wouter Coetzer,Hannes Oosthuizen,Theo Grunewald,Nollies Villet,George Treunicht,Dries van der Merwe,Japie Lerm,Dries Mouton,Monty Montgomery en Brian Scheepers

VRCIDstaffcommendedatannualAGM

The Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID) held its 13th annual general meeting (AGM) recently, marking another year of steady progress, strengthened partnerships and committed service to the Parow and Bellville corridor

Hardus Zevenster, chair, opened the meeting by reaffirming the VRCID’s focus on its three strategic pillars: safety and security, urban management and social development As highlighted in the annual report, he noted that "when we collaborate with a sense of purpose and the impossible becomes achievable "

Derek Bock, chief operations officer, reflected on a year shaped by deep community partnerships and consistent operational delivery He noted the vital role played by the VRCID’s network of upliftment partners and shelters, whose daily outreach, psychosocial support, and referral pathways form a critical part of the organisation’s work in assisting vulnerable individuals throughout the precinct

PARTNERSHIPS

Bock also highlighted the strong working relationships with Securitas, the police, law enforcement, metro police and other enforcement partners Joint operations, hot-spot monitoring, stop-and-search activities and high-visibility patrols played a key role in stabilising the precinct over the past year

He extended sincere thanks to CID levy payers, the City of Cape Town and all its departments, ward and proportionalrepresentation (PR) councillors, Securitas, the Bellville and Parow police, community policing forums, neighbourhood watches and private security companies, upliftment partners and shelters, the board of

y, pp p , assisted in hot-spot monitoring, and ensured the public environment remained well maintained Without this continuous intervention, Parow and Bellville would face a very different reality "

INITIATIVES

In addition to daily operations, several beautifications and placemaking initiatives brought new life to previously neglected spaces, creating safer and more inviting public areas for all

A significant moment during the meeting was the farewell to Johan Bester, who concludes 13 years of service on the VRCID board Representing Sanlam, one of the largest levy contributors in the district, Bester was acknowledged for his exemplary governance leadership, steady

p p

The AGM was held on Tuesday 18 November at VW McCarthy’s in Parow

Hardus Zevenster,VRCID chair,addressing the guests

Several roleplayers attended the VRCID’s AGM held in November

TygerbergHospice‘lights’theway

CARINAROUX

CARINA ROUX@NOVUSMED A 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

p g , O 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 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"

FROMPAGE1

TygerBurger asked Radhakrishna, chartered accountant, finance and technology leader and social entrepreneur, about the work that Ruby Rose does; the products that they manufacture and how they go about educating young women on menstrual health

Q:Tell us a bit more about the work you do, and how the company started?

“Over the past few years, women around the world have increasingly raised concerns about the harmful side effects of traditional sanitary pads, not only in terms of personal safety, but also their long-term environmental impact What surprised me and ultimately concerned me most, was realising that there is no universal standard regulating the safety of these essential products In response to this gap, the South African Bureau of Standards introduced SANS 1043 to regulate sanitary pad safety locally

“At the same time, the silent crisis of period poverty became impossible to ignore For me, those two realities, lack of regulation and lack of access, were the catalyst behind Ruby Rose I wanted to create a product that women could trust; one that is safe, sustainable and genuinely accessible We have built a self-sustaining model that enables us to support girls and women who cannot afford essential menstrual products ”

Q:Can you also share more information about the eco-friendly products you produce, and how you educate young women on menstrual health?

“Our products are made using biodegradable materials and packaging, which means they break down significantly faster than traditional plastic-based pads They are free from harmful chemicals and designed with comfort, safety and sustainability in mind

“Education is a key pillar of our work We run menstrual health workshops in schools and communities through partnerships with non-government organisations and community-based organisations These sessions cover the fundamentals of menstrual health, product safety and environmental awareness

“We believe that education is

empowerment – when young women understand their bodies and their choices, it transforms the way they participate in school, sport and everyday life

“Importantly, we have also seen a growing need to extend this education to boys Creating informed, respectful boys is essential to creating supportive and stigma-free environments for girls ”

Q:How important is the work you do?

“The work is not just important – it is essential Menstrual health is a fundamental part of human dignity When girls do not have access to safe menstrual products, the consequences ripple far beyond their monthly cycle It affects school attendance, academic performance, mental well-being and future economic participation

“Through our initiatives, we have seen measurable impact, reduced absenteeism among girl learners, improved matric pass rates, and increased sports participation among girls supported through our programmes These are not small shifts; they change life trajectories In a country as unequal as South Africa, ensuring access to menstrual products is a direct investment in gender equity and in the future of our communities ”

Radhakrishna said looking ahead, their goal is to scale production, expand their footprint across Africa, and deepen their educational and accessibility programmes

“We are already supplying sanitary pads to organisations in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana and we will be listed in a leading South African retailer in the second quarter of 2026 ”

Aditi Radhakrishna

Nelson Mandela Artillery Pipes and Drums

Guest speaker Khadija Heeger.

TygerbergHospice‘lights’theway

CARINAROUX

CARINA ROUX@NOVUSMED A CO ZA

Tygerberg Hospice held its annual Tree of Lights event on Thursday 4 December on the premises of Jan Kriel School

“Thatdemonstrationofeffortwas socomforting...”

- Bevan Botha

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"

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

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 without He encouraged attendees to "run to whoever can bring you comfort – not the bottle, tablets, or holiday, but to the God who understands "

Nelson Mandela Artillery Pipes and Drums

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

Fatherandsonrocking thecoastthissummer

Musical duo Ferg 'n Son is set to hit the Eastern and Western Cape this December with their "It's in the Blood" tour

The duo comprises Fergie Ferguson, the voice behind the smash 80s hit "Man on the Moon" with legendary band Ballyhoo, and his son Michael Ferguson, a multi-talented guitarist and vocalist

Blending pop rock, country and timeless classics, this genre-crossing duo delivers an unforgettable live experience that keeps audiences coming back for more

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Fergie began his musical journey at a young age playing guitar and singing in various show bands. Turning professional at just 18, he secured a contract to perform with an Irish show band in South Africa in the early 1970s He went on to become a founding member of supergroup Ballyhoo a

FERG ’N SON LIVE AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

South African music industry Their mega-hit single "Man on the Moon" topped the charts in 1981.

"I grew up watching my dad perform with Ballyhoo and was always in awe At eight years old, I got up on stage to sing with them because I wanted to be part of it, " said Michael.

From 12 to 16 December the duo will visit Bathurst, Kenton on Sea, PE, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay From 18 to 28 December they will perform in McGregor, Heroes Brackenfell (20 December), Drama Factory Strand (21 December), Cafe Roux, Noordhoek (22 December), Koelkamers, Paternoster (23 and 24 December), Hermanus Golf Club (26 December) and Woodstock Brewery (28 December).

. Visit https://fergnson io/tour/

Ready to meet Judy?

Step into the spotlight and meet the queen behind the curtain in Just Judy: The Beginnings of Judy Judgmental at Die Boer theatre restaurant on Friday 19 December at 20:30 In her dazzling debut, Judy bares all (well, emotionally) in a show that’s equal parts sass, soul, and sequins Who is Judy Judgmental when the wig comes off and the lights go down? Join for a cheeky and heartfelt evening as Judy takes you on a glitter-soaked journey through identity vulnerability, and the audacity of becoming. Are you ready to meet the diva and the dreamer? . Tickets cost R200. Book at www.dieboer.com or on 021 979 1911.

Meet the queen,Just Judy at Die Boer

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 by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA)

Enjoy responsibly

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

Flying the ‘flag of fabulous’:

Fish Hoek is among the eight Cape Town beaches that have secured Blue Flag status this summer, certifying their high standards

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

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR

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 District Six: The Musical and Kat and the Kings, 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,

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

Geordin Hill-Lewis Cape Town Mayor

Millions invested in safety at public facilities

Collaborating to keep our rivers clean

Thanks to City grant funding, The 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

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 proceeds are reinvested into initiatives to keep waterways clean and sustain local reclaimers

Got river clearing in the bag: The City-funded Litterboom Project bags the litter intercepted by their litterbooms in a number of Cape Town’s rivers every day, as shown here along the Black river The waste is sorted, and recyclable plastics are converted into valuable goods

Library chess players battle it out on the board

A total of 33 libraries were represented Chess@Libraries tournament at the Parow civic centre in October The event has grown exponentially, with participation more than doubling from 70 to over 160 participants since the

More than 50 libraries hosted local qualifying rounds from April to August, drawing strong interest

the best players from across town, with standout performances from libraries such as Goodwood Moses Mabhida and Kensington Crossroads library division for experienced players The best female player was from Athlone library, while the top spot in the division for developing players went to

Want to make a move?

More than half of all City libraries now run regular chess clubs, hosting up open to all ages and skills levels.

Bellville ECD centres repaired and renovated

childhood development (ECD) centres on City-owned properties in Bellville Work on the Leonsdale, Nantes, Avonwood, Hazendal and Smurf Bubbles facilities included repairs, security fencing and painting, at a

Further ECD centre upgrades planned for 2025/26 include Little Lillies in Manenberg, Siyazama in Hout Bay, and Understanding Hope and Care in Khayelitsha.

The City also supports ECD operators with registration, training, lease agreements, and guidance to meet regulatory requirements In August, an ECD Indaba provided operators with updates on the Municipal Planning By-Law and other support measures to help them formalise their centres

Cape’s kiddos deserve the best start

An investment in ECD is an investment in our children’s school readiness, social and emotional growth, and holistic development This is why the on enhancing and enabling ECD

* For more information, ECD operators may contact their local Community, Arts and Culture

cacd ecd@capetown gov za

KORTLIKS

Altesaam 33 biblioteke het in Oktober deelgeneem aan die eindronde van die Stad se Chess@Libraries-toernooi by die Parow-burgersentrum Die skaakkompetisie het aansienlik uitgebrei: Sedert die eerste 70 tot meer as 160 aangegroei

leiers ontwikkel wat verstaan waarom ons riviere, vleilande en varswater-ekosisteme so belangrik is. Die program bestaan uit praktiese n verband tussen hulle skoolvakke en werklike bewaringswerk help lê. Vyf vroeëkinderontwikkelingsentrums op Stadseiendomme in Bellville is opgeknap Die Leonsdale-, Nantes-, Avonwood-, Hazendal- en

Kids learn to look after our waterways

Early environmental warriors take pride in our water systems

Tprogramme aims to foster environmentally conscious young leaders who understand the importance of rivers, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems. To this end, it exposes learners to practical

as Natural Sciences Geography and Life Orientation to real-world conservation work

Nurturing new-gen nature lovers

Participants earn badges for completing theme-based conservation tasks. Once they have completed the programme, learners may choose to continue to the Nature Connect conservation leaders programme, which skills development programme and potential conservation careers

Beyond environmental awareness, learners also develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as technical competencies in biodiversity monitoring, water testing and environmental reporting.

Little waterway warriors in training: hands-on experience in waterway conservation

Manenberg sewer

In a two-month operation that cost

40 tons of incorrectly disposed waste from a bulk sewer line running from Manenberg to the Bridgetown pump station in Athlone. Teams used the mechanical cleaning

Work also included proactive cleaning

affect homes, streets and public spaces

Stop sewer abuse

vital sewer network and prevent blockages. Use the City’s solid waste services and drop-off facilities to dispose of waste correctly Please report manhole covers promptly to the call centre on 0860 103 089.

Let it s(t)ink in: Mechanical cleaning of a bulk sewer in Manenberg yielded stacks of rags, nappies, wet wipes and other debris, underscoring the need for behaviour change among Capetonians

Smurf Bubbles-fasiliteite is herstel, omhein en geverf teen ’n totale koste van meer en Die Stad het sy sakebevorderingsprogram na nywerheidsgebiede in Paardeneiland, Elsiesrivier en Beaconvale uitgebrei Nadat dit in Atlantis van stapel gestuur is, funksioneer die program nou in alle vernaamste nywerheidskerne om ondernemings te ondersteun en investering en werkskepping aan te moedig

n grootmaatrioolpyp tussen Manenberg en die Bridgetown-pompstasie in Athlone verwyder Die vullis is verkeerdelik in die rioolstelsel gestort

Business-boosting programme expands

The City has rolled out its business retention and expansion programme to industrial areas in Paarden Eiland, launched in Atlantis, the programme now operates across key industrial hubs to support businesses and

Other areas covered include Blackheath, Epping and Airport Industria Load curtailment programmes in these areas have already improved energy security for more than 400 companies Infrastructure upgrades include modernising truck embayments in Epping, and facilitating land access along rail sidings Investment facilitation efforts in Airport Industria Local support programmes in Atlantis, and are

City’s got your back, businesses! Through the City’s business retention and expansion programme, now also active in Paarden Eiland, Elsies River and Beaconvale, businesses are directly supported with challenges such as infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory delays and energy concerns Pictured at the Beaconvale launch are Ald James Vos, Mayoral Committee member for Economic Growth (sixth from left), and Investment Facilitation officials

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

Amathala eencwadi angama33 ewonke ayemelwe kumdlalo wokugqibela womasipapala ombaxa weSixeko wetumente iChess@Libraries kwiziko lezoluntu laseParow kweyeDwarha Lo msitho ukhule kakhulu, kwaye abantu abathatha inxaxheba baphindaphindeke kabini ukusuka kuma70 ukuya kwi160 labathathinxaxheba ukusukela kuhlelo lokuqala ngo2023

indalo eziqondayo ukubaluleka kwemilambo iindawo ezimanzi kunye neendawo ezihlala amanzi acocekileyo

nokubandakanyeka koluntu, ibanceda badibanise izifundo zesikolo nomsebenzi wolondolozo lwehlabathi lokwenyani ISixeko siphucule amaziko amahlanu ophuhliso lwabantwana abancinci (ECD) kwiindawo eziphantsi kweSixeko eBellville Umsebenzi kwizakhiwo zaseLeonsdale, eNantes, eAvonwood, eHazendal naseSmurf Bubbles

kubandakanya ukulungiswa, ukubiyelwa kokhuseleko kunye nokupeyintwa, okuxabisa ngaphezu kwezigidi 2 zeerandi ISixeko siqalise inkqubo yaso yokugcina amashishini kunye nokwandisa kwiindawo zoshishino ePaarden okokuqala e-Atlantis, ngoku isebenza kwiindawo eziphambili zoshishino ukuxhasa amashishini kunye nokuvula utyalo-mali kunye nokudalwa kwemisebenzi iSixeko sasusa iitoni ezingaphezu kwama40 zenkunkuma wenkunkuma esuka eManenberg ukuya kwisikhululo sokumpompa iBridgetown eAthlone

through the City’s Junior River Warden programme

Pushing ahead with MyCiTi Phase 2A

MyCiTi Phase 2A construction and rehabilitation continues along lane closure in place between the Duinefontein bridge and the

will guide drivers safely through should be anticipated.

Gain will be worth the pain The convenience of the reliable and affordable MyCiTi bus service along this corridor will make the current inconvenience more than worthwhile The new bus routes and the safer, upgraded associated infrastructure will to come

* For more on the project, consult www.myciti.org.za/phase2a.

City smooths out key industrial routes

The City has completed resurfacing of key industrial roads in Area Central The upgrades covered Selsdon, Glenhurst and Linus roads in Beaconvale, Uranium Street in Triangle Farm, and Tedric Avenue, Traka Street and Stikland Industria

In addition to resurfacing work also included kerb and manhole repairs, channel maintenance, selective tree pruning, and the reinstatement of all road markings.

City’s ongoing road maintenance programme to improve travel conditions and extend the lifespan of Cape Town’s road network

KORTLIKS

Area Central, December 2025

Community takes delivery of upgraded facility

Atransformed the Bishop Lavis sports ground into a multi-sport hub for residents

11-a-side synthetic soccer pitch and a family park Along with the grassed athletics track, re-grassed

parking, fencing and security improvements from earlier upgrade phases, this now offers top-class

Manenberg hosts youth cadet marching competition

Manenberg came alive with drum beats and precision marching when cadets participated cadet marching competition in October fall under Law Enforcement, partner with schools to offer the cadet programme as an extramural activity, encouraging engagement and instilling discipline competition started in 2018 is where the different cadet squads show off their skills Participating high schools were Bishop Lavis, Summerdale, Voorbrug, Leiden, Hindle, Heideveld and Elswood In the primary-school category Willows Woodville The Hague, Eindhoven 1 and 2, Downeville, Delft and JC Kloppers competed for podium places Top of the podium went to Eindhoven Primary and Leiden High, second place to Downeville Primary and Heideveld High, and third to Delft Primary and Hindle High.

Banging the drum for safer schools: The recent youth cadet marching competition, a collaboration between Law Enforcement’s School Resource programme on learner morale and school culture

KHAWUNDIBALISELE

Bouwerk en rehabilitasie vir die fase 2A-uitbreiding van MyCiTi duur voort in Govan Mbeki-weg. ’n Nuwe baansluiting tussen die Duinefonteinbrug en die Linkweg-kruisings sal vir die volgende 13 maande in werking wees.

Bishop Lavis-sportterrein in ’n topklasfasiliteit omskep wat atlete en inwoners vir verskeie het uit ’n nuwe kunsgrassokkerveld en ’n familiepark bestaan

Bladvernuwing is in Selsdon-, Glenhursten Linusweg in Beaconvale, Uraniumstraat in Triangle Farm sowel as Tedric-laan, Trakastraat en Willow-weg in die Stikland-nywerheidsgebied uitgevoer Werk het ook die herstel van randstene en mangate, kanaalinstandhouding, die snoei van bome en die aanbring van nuwe padmerke ingesluit

Die Primêre Skool Downeville se sportveld in Manenberg het behoorlik gedreun toe die Stad se eenheid vir skoolhulpbronbeamptes in

Die Stad sal vanaf 31 Desember 2025 alle munisipale rekeninge slegs per e-pos stuur en glad nie meer deur gewone pos nie Maak rekeningnommer, kontaknommer en e-posadres

dit na 31223

Ukwakhiwa nokuvuselelwa kwesigaba 2A seMyCiTi nokuvalwa kwendlela entsha phakathi kwebhulorho kwiinyanga ezili13 ezizayo kuguqule ngokupheleleyo ibala lezemidlalo laseBishop Lavis laba yindawo yemidlalo emininzi elitsha lebhola ekhatywayo elinamacala ali11 kunye nepaki yosapho ISixeko sigqibile ukuphucula umphezulu kwiindlela zaseSelsdon, eGlenhurst naseLinus eBeaconvale, eUranium Street eTriangle Farm, naseTedric Avenue, Umsebenzi ubandakanya ukulungiswa kwendlela kunye

kwemithi, kunye nokubuyiselwa kweempawu zendlela Ibala lemidlalo leDowneville Primary eManenberg laphila ngokubethwa kwegubu kunye nokumatsha ngokuchanekileyo xa ama-cadet ayethatha inxaxheba kukhuphiswano lolutsha lwama-cadet oluhambayo lweYunithi yamaGosa eZibonelelo zeSikolo ngeyeDwarha Ukususela ngomhla wama31 kweyoMnga 2025, iSixeko siya kuthumela iiakhawunti ngeimeyile kuphela akusayi kubakho matyala athunyelwa ngeposi Nceda wenze utshintsho Thumela inombolo yeakhawunti yakho, inombolo yoqhagamshelwano kunye nedilesi okanye ngeSMS ku31223

Bend it like Bishop Lavis: Completion of a synthetic soccer pitch and a family park rounded off the upgraded Bishop Lavis

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

MAKE A SPLASH: The ﬁrst-ever

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!

Durbanville

G S GHOSTOF,

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

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

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

COMPREHENSIVEINFRASTRUCTURE

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 ”

LIGHTPOLLUTION

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

FLIGHTACTIVITIES

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

“There is an absence of adequate conditions of authorisation that mitigate the impact of the CWA on existing

aviation activities,” it states Richard Summers Incorporated, acting on behalf of Cape Town Flight Training Centre, Diepkloof Aircraft Maintenance, Aviators, Helivate Helicopter Services and WCMS CC T/A AeroSport, stated in their appeal that there are no assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the CWA development on their operations

The developer Garden Cities states in its appeal that the proposed airport will particularly have an adverse impact on the Greenville development

The Garden Cities Greenville development will contribute over 5 000 government subsidised houses

“The Greenville development is directly impacted by the airport by, among others, long-term and irreversible aviation noise impacts,” 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

Aviation community mourn death of two pilots

KAILINDANIELS

KA LIN DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA

A routine take-off turned to tragedy in seconds at Morningstar Airfield on Sunday 30 November, when experienced instructor Mike Cooper and 21-year-old commercial pilot Tyler Horrmann perished when their Sling 2 aircraft crashed just beyond the runway

The sudden loss has shaken Cape Town’s aviation circle to its core and triggered an urgent investigation by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

In a statement Godfrey Needham, chair of the Morningstar Flying Club, expressed profound sorrow

“It is with deep regret that we confirm the aircraft accident that occurred on Sunday at Morningstar Airfield,” he said “A privately owned Sling 2, ZU-FWF, took off at about 11:15 from Runway 20 and shortly after takeoff appeared to experience difficulties The aircraft banked left and went down into the trees next to the runway runoff area The weather was clear, with a fresh south-easterly wind ” Needham confirmed both Cooper and Horrmann were exceptionally experienced

TRIBUTESFORAYOUNGPILOTGONETOOSOON

The death of Horrmann, from Gqeberha, has sparked an outpouring of emotion from friends, family and community members One mother shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook: “Last year he took my son Ian on his very first flight, and that moment has become one of Ian’s favourite memories The excitement, the kindness, the passion Tyler shared that day will stay with us forever ”

She described Tyler as a “young man with boundless potential, a vibrant personality and a warm heart”

“Tyler was remarkable, with the brightest future My heart is shattered Thinking of Sheldon Horrmann, Tanya Horrmann, Kyle during this unimaginable time May his beautiful spirit fly high ”

AVIATIONCOMMUNITYMOURNS

Cooper, a respected flight instructor known for his calm guidance and deep

Tyler Horrmann

FACEBOOK

Contractor tips for new owners

Buying your first home is a major milestone but it also comes with a reality check: there's no landlord to call anymore.

Every repair, upgrade, or renovation suddenly sits squarely on your shoulders From leaky taps and faulty plug points to repainting rooms, installing new lighting, or redoing a bathroom or kitchen, new homeowners quickly discover just how long and technical the to-do list can become

And whilst DIY suits those who enjoy it, many first-time buyers and young professionals simply don't have the time, tools, or interest Whether you re fixing everyday issues or planning a bigger makeover, choosing the right contractor becomes one of the most important decisions you'll make As Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware, notes: "A good contractor doesn't just do the job they help you make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and protect the investment you've made in your home "

Here are his practical tips to help first-time homeowners hire the right professionals and avoid unnecessary stress

STARTWITHACLEARPLANAND KNOWWHENTOCALLASPECIALIST

Before contacting anyone, be clear on what you need: what must be fixed or changed, the

style or materials you prefer, and your budget Many new homeowners reach out too early, which makes accurate quoting difficult As Luis explains, "Having a clear idea of the project helps you get realistic quotes and avoid misunderstandings Even for small tasks, a little clarity goes a long way " It's also important to know whether the job needs a specialist A handyman is perfect for everyday fixes like tightening hinges, repairing minor leaks, repainting, or simple installations But electrical work, major plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, structural changes, geysers, and full kitchen or bathroom renovations should always be handled by qualified professionals "You don't want a quick fix that becomes a bigger problem later," says Luis "The right contractor will tell you honestly whether a specialist is needed "

PERSONALREFERRALSAREGOLD

One of the best ways to find reliable contractors is through people you trust Friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues often know who delivered great work and who didn't Referrals can save you from a lot of trial and error

Hardware stores like Brights play a valuable role here Their in-store teams speak to homeowners daily about

repairs and renovations and see first-hand which contractors consistently provide solid results

COMPAREQUOTESSOYOUKNOW WHAT'SREASONABLE

Getting only one quote makes it difficult to know whether you're overpaying or underestimating the job Aim for at least two or three quotes so you can compare timelines, pricing, materials, and experience Comparing quotes gives you a realistic sense of the market and helps you make an informed decision

Luis cautions against choosing solely on price "Cheap quotes are tempting, but they often come with compromises rushed work, cheaper materials, or unexpected extras later And if a quote is very high, it should come with a clear explanation "

CHECKCREDENTIALS

When a project involves safety or structural integrity, experience matters A reputable contractor should be able to show previous work, share references, and, where necessary, present insurance or certifications This doesn't need to be formal even a WhatsApp portfolio or photos of completed jobs are useful

A professional understands that your home is a major investment, so it's perfectly reasonable to ask questions before committing

LOOKATREVIEWS

Most contractors leave a digital footprint Google reviews, Facebook pages, local WhatsApp groups, and community forums often reveal photos, ratings, and real feedback from past clients

"Pay attention to workmanship, reliability, and how contractors respond to compliments or complaints," says Luis "It tells you a lot about workmanship, reliability, and how contractors respond to compliments or complaints," says Luis "It tells you a lot about their professionalism " Reviewing past projects also helps you check whether their style aligns with your vision Confusion about materials is one of the most common sources of frustration in home projects Discuss early on whether the contractor will supply materials or whether you'll purchase them

yourself

Talking about materials upfront ensures everyone has the same expectations before work begins

PUTAGREEMENTSINWRITING

Even small jobs benefit from clear documentation This doesn't require a formal contract a detailed WhatsApp message or emailed quote will do if it outlines the work, timelines, costs, materials, and any clean-up responsibilities

"Written agreements help both you and the contractor stay on the same page and prevent misunderstandings later," says Luis

CLEAREXPECTATIONS

Test with a small job first If you're unsure about committing to a contractor for a major renovation, start with a small task such as repainting a room, installing a light fitting, or repairing a minor issue

This gives you a feel for their communication, punctuality, work quality, and attention to detail A positive experience on a small job builds confidence for larger projects

Homeownership doesn't mean becoming a DIY expert With careful research, honest conversations, and clear expectations, you'll find dependable contractors who can handle repairs, upgrades, and full renovations with confidence

APPLIANCES REPAIRED ON SITE We repair appliances. Fridges, stoves, washing machines with guarantee and regas from R180. Cathy / Francois 079 838 1851 All areas

Gutters, Downpipes & Carports 061 502 2191 AANDAG ALMAL kontant vir enige huis-houdelike goed klere, skoene, beddegoed, gordyne, speelgoed, oudhede, juweliersware - goud, breekgoed, potte, elektroniese ware. MEUBELS yskaste, beddens, Sitkamerstelle, tv's (en baie meer) Johan 074 474 4275

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.