Klaar met skool
Matrikulante regoor Suid-Afrika het verlede week hul jare op die skoolbanke vaarwel geroep. Die finale matriekeksamen van 2024 skop op 21 Oktober af, wanneer die leerders aan publieke skole die Engelse eksamen aflê. Die leerders van die Hoërskool Dirkie Uys op Moorreesburg was opgewonde om hul laaste dag saam met hul klasmaats en onderwysers te vier. Foto: Ghida Visser
West Coast College choir shines at competition
By Sipho-Esihle Mfazwe
This past weekend, the 2024 Battle of Municipalities (BOM) Finale Fest Competition brought together the country’s most talented choirs for a day of music, camaraderie, and spirited competition. Held at the beautiful ICC in East London, the event showcased the incredible vocal abilities of both youth and adult choirs, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and music lovers.
The competition featured choirs from various municipalities, including Universities, TVET Colleges, Community Based Choirs/Organisations, Government and Non-governmental Institutions, and the Church Fraternity, each vying for top honours in categories ranging from classical to contemporary pieces. Judges praised the high level of talent and dedication displayed by all participants, making the selection process particularly challenging.
Highlights of the Event
With their rendition of Sanctus, West Coast College set an impressive tone for the day and their harmonious blend and emotional delivery earned them a standing ovation from the audience.
In a thrilling finale, West Coast College took home 1st position in the Gender based female section
and
worth a whopping R88 000 for their innovative interpretation of the categories.
The choir’s director, Ms Cansany Gubula, expressed immense pride in their hard work and dedication, saying, “This competition is not just about winning; it’s about the passion we share for music and the connections we build through it.”
Community Impact
The idea is to ensure that each of the participants get the opportunity to be more competitive, interacting with competitors who are not necessarily from the same background. The experience becomes very exciting and is able to boost confidence levels of all the participants, whilst showcasing, promoting and growing their new audience market base for further exploitation of their offerings, giving more exposure and further economic gains, where relevant.
Looking Ahead
As the day came to a close, participants and audience members alike left the venue buzzing with excitement and inspiration. Many expressed their eagerness for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better.
TROEP-bekendstelling lok
talle belangstelling
|McKayla Goliath
Verlede Donderdag het die Malmesbury Biblioteek sy nuutste boekbekendstelling gehou, met meer as 70 mense wat die geleentheid bygewoon het.
Onder die gaste was 'n aantal mans wat in die weermag gedien het, wat die atmosfeer verder verdiep het.
Die boek, "TROEP", is geskryf deur Bun Booyens, 'n bekende joernalis en voormalige redakteur van Die Burger. Dit bevat stories van 100 oudtroepe, wat herinneringe van varkpenne, pakkies en die broers wat nie teruggekeer het nie, vertel.
Een van die aangrypendste verhale is van Tolla Lombard, wat sukkel om sy eie naam te noem, so erg dat hy nie eers 'n rang kon kry nie.
Booyens, wat self as voetsoldaat tydens diensplig gedien het, bied 'n unieke insig in die ervaring van diensplig en hoe jong seuns al op 16-jarige ouderdom as "te jonk om te stem, maar oud genoeg om te skiet" gemobiliseer is.
Die boek vertel hoe duisende gewone seuns gedwing is om oorlog te voer en twee jaar later weer huis toe te keer. Hierdie stories sal nie net 'n snaar roer nie, maar ook help naaste om te verstaan watter bagasie hierdie mense vandag steeds met hulle saamdra.
Die bekendstelling was nie net interessant nie, maar ook aangenaam, met die mans wat nie net die stories geniet het nie, maar ook 'n persoonlike verband daarmee kon maak. "TROEP" is tans beskikbaar aanlyn en in verskeie boekwinkels.
Studiegroep: Skaap- en Koring
Studiegroepe van Agri Malmesbury het Dinsdagaand hul algemene jaarvergadering gebou met Johan Badenhorst van Voetsporefaam het die gehoor toegespreek. Hier is John Dürr, Johan Badenhorst, Eben Schellink, Richard Hewett en Basie Van Zyl.
Navigating pollen season: Essential tips to know
As the warmer weather gets underway, bringing vibrant blooms and sunny days, it also ushers in the challenge of managing pollen allergies.
For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, this time of year can be a time of constant sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes. However, by combining the right strategies, making small changes to your environment and using effective methods, you can significantly reduce your symptoms and enjoy the warmer weather.
Below is a survival guide to help manage allergies this season, with tips from The Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA):
1. Keep Allergens at Bay with Regular Cleaning Tip: During the pollen-heavy months, maintaining a clean living space is essential for reducing exposure to allergens like pollen and dust. Regularly cleaning your floors, surfaces, and upholstery can help minimise the allergen load in your home.
Professor Mike Levin, CEO of AFSA and Head of the Paediatric Asthma and Allergy Division at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, emphasises the importance of using vacuum cleaners and cleaning products specifically designed to reduce allergens.
“Vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter that traps allergens effectively are a must for allergy sufferers as they prevent allergens from recirculating into the air.” In addition to vacuuming, surfaces like countertops, windowsills, and other pollen-collecting areas should be wiped down frequently.
“Finding hypoallergenic cleaning products with the AFSA seal of approval (SOA) is recommended because these products are tested to ensure they don't contain harsh chemicals or irritants that could exacerbate allergy symptoms.”
2. Wash Fabrics with Allergy-Friendly Laundry Detergents
Tip: Pollen clings to fabrics and house dust mites live in bedding and other soft furnishings. That’s why it’s important to regularly wash your clothes, bedding, and other textiles to reduce allergens effectively without using any harsh chemicals and detergents that can damage your skin.
AFSA recommends using SOA-endorsed allergy-friendly laundry detergents that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh fragrances and chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. By washing your bedding and clothing frequently, you can minimise pollen exposure indoors.
to allergens, dehumidifiers can also help prevent the growth of mould—another common allergy trigger. “By placing air purifiers in your home, you can ensure cleaner, fresher air and reduce the number of airborne allergens circulating.”
4. Manage Symptoms with Nasal Sprays and OTC Medications
3. Invest in Air Purification
Tip: Improving the air quality in your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to pollen and other airborne allergens.
“Air purifiers play a crucial role in reducing indoor allergens like dust mites, and outdoor allergens like pollens that can enter your home,” says Prof Levin. He recommends using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters that remove a high percentage of airborne allergens such as pollen, mould spores, and dust mites.
For those dealing with dampness in addition
Celebrating the legacy of Nicole Swanepoel
Nicolene Swanepoel was passionate about art and had a deep love for animals. She earned three degrees in these fields: a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1983, a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1991, and an MTech in Fine Arts specialising in ceramics in 2008.
Throughout her career, Nicolene gained international recognition for her work in various mediums, such as pastel, acrylic, and oil painting, silkscreens, and ceramics. Towards the end of her life, she was renowned for her sculptural ceramic pieces, which beautifully portrayed her love for animals and her detailed understanding of their forms and behaviours.
Nicolene had received five awards for her collections, both locally and internationally and many of her ceramics have become sought-after collector's pieces. While a more extensive retrospective is planned for 2025, this intimate exhibi-
tion will showcase a curated selection of ceramic works discovered in Nicolene's studio after her passing. The serene setting for this exhibition is planned to reflect the spirit in her work and enable visitors to truly meander and take in one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Nicolene Swanepoel’s masterpieces and support a cause very dear to her heart. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Ek n Jy NPC's Animal Outreach Fund.
Join us for an exclusive opening gala on November 8, 2024, in Koringberg, Swartland. Tickets are limited and available via www.quicket. co.za. The exhibition will also be open to the public on November 9 and 10, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
For more information on Ek n Jy, please visit www.eknjy.co.za.
Tip: As pollen levels rise, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes can become persistent issues. Nasal sprays and over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can help manage these symptoms effectively.
"Nasal rinses and sprays are great for clearing out pollen from the nasal passages," advises Prof Levin. There are several AFSA approved nasal spray products that can provide quick relief from allergy symptoms and are effective at controlling sneezing and itching without causing drowsiness.
5. Monitor Pollen Levels and Adjust Outdoor Activities
Tip: Tracking pollen levels can help you plan your outdoor activities and reduce exposure to allergens. Pollen levels tend to be higher in the early morning and late afternoon, so try to avoid outdoor activities during these peak times. (You can track daily pollen counts at pollencount. co.za, which provides up-to-date information to help you monitor allergen levels in your area.)
Professor Levin recommends: "On high pollen count days, limit outdoor exposure and wear a mask and sunglasses to protect your eyes and respiratory system." After spending time outdoors, it’s important to shower and change
clothes to remove any pollen that may have stuck to your skin or hair.
6. Create an Allergen-Free Bedroom
Tip: Your bedroom should be a safe, allergen-free space where you can rest and recover from exposure to allergens during the day. Regularly cleaning and using protective bedding can help create an allergen-free zone.
"Creating an allergen-free bedroom is key to a restful night’s sleep during allergy season," advises Prof Levin. He suggests using house dust mite covers on pillows and duvets, which prevent mites from getting through into the bedding while still allowing air to pass through. Bedding should also be washed regularly at a high temperature to kill the mites.
7. Take Care of Your Skin
Tip: Pollen exposure can cause skin irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin or eczema. Using hypoallergenic emollients can soothe and protect your skin during allergy season.
“AFSA-approved emollients provide much needed hydration and protection for dry, irritated skin. These emollients are designed for sensitive skin, helping to restore the skin's natural barrier while reducing the discomfort caused by allergies.”
Professor Levin explains that the AFSA Seal of Approval given to South African products is a trusted indicator that products marketed to allergy sufferers truly meet the standards required to reduce environmental allergens or contain fewer irritant or allergy-triggering substances.
“The AFSA Seal of Approval is awarded to products that have been scientifically proven to meet stringent criteria. These products either demonstrate reduced allergen content, chemical safety, or have verifiable proof of efficacy in reducing environmental allergens. In some cases, AFSA performs its own testing to ensure that the product’s claims are valid.
"When a product bears the AFSA Seal of Approval, it means that it has been rigorously evaluated and found to be suitable for people with asthma or other allergic disorders,” Professor Levin emphasises.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of Nicolene Swanepoel’s masterpieces and support a cause very dear to her heart. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Ek n Jy NPC's Animal Outreach Fund.
Hoofleiers: Die Hoërskool Dirkie Uys op Moorreesburg se nuwe hoofleiers is onlangs gekies. Hier is Anton Visagie van Overberg Agri, onderhoofseun Jonaide Grain, hoofseun Gert van Schalkwyk, hoofmeisie Hadassa Engelbrecht, onderhoofmeisie Milla van Dyk en Jay-Jay Saayman van Overberg Agri.
Matrikulante: Berei voor vir jou finale eksamen
Die finale matriekeksamen is 'n belangrike mylpaal in elke leerder se lewe.
Hier is 'n paar wenke om jou te help om suksesvol voor te berei en jou beste te lewer:
1. Stel 'n studieplan op Maak 'n gedetailleerde studieplan wat al jou vakke dek. Skeduleer spesifieke tye vir elke vak en hou daarby. Dit help om jou tyd effektief te bestuur en te verseker dat jy genoeg tyd aan elke onderwerp spandeer.
2. Gebruik oefenvraestelle
Oefenvraestelle is 'n uitstekende manier om jou kennis te toets en vertroud te raak met die eksamenformaat. Dit help jou om jou tydsbestuur te verbeter en om areas te identifiseer waar jy meer aandag moet gee.
3. Neem gereelde pouses
Dit is belangrik om gereelde pouses te neem om jou brein 'n kans te gee om te rus en te herstel. Kort, gereelde pouses kan jou help om langer gefokus te bly en jou produktiwiteit te verhoog.
4. Bly gesond
'n Gesonde liggaam huisves 'n gesonde gees. Maak seker jy eet gesonde kosse, drink genoeg water en kry genoeg slaap. Vermy kafeïne en suiker, aangesien dit jou energievlakke kan beïnvloed.
5. Bestudeer in 'n groep
Studiegroepe kan baie voordelig wees. Dit gee jou die geleentheid om idees uit te ruil, vrae te vra en moeilike konsepte beter te verstaan.
Maak seker dat jou studiegroep gefokus bly en nie in 'n geselssessie verander nie.
6. Bly positief en gemotiveerd
Dit is normaal om angstig te voel voor 'n groot eksamen, maar probeer om positief te bly. Herinner jouself aan jou doelwitte en die harde werk wat jy ingesit het. Positiewe denke kan jou help om kalm te bly en jou beste te lewer.
7. Vra hulp as jy dit nodig het
Moenie bang wees om hulp te vra as jy sukkel met 'n spesifieke onderwerp nie. Jou onderwysers, vriende en familie is daar om jou te ondersteun. Gebruik ook aanlyn hulpbronne en studiegidse om jou te help.
8. Hersien gereeld
Hersiening is die sleutel tot sukses. Maak seker jy hersien gereeld wat jy geleer het om die inligting vars in jou geheue te hou. Gebruik opsommings, flitskaarte en ander hersieningstegnieke om jou te help.
9. Beplan jou eksamendag
Maak seker jy weet presies waar en wanneer jou eksamens plaasvind. Pak jou tas die aand voor die eksamen en maak seker jy het al die nodige materiaal soos penne, potlode en 'n sakrekenaar.
10. Ontspan en vertrou op jou voorbereiding
Op die dag van die eksamen, probeer om te ontspan en vertrou op die voorbereiding wat jy gedoen het. Moenie te veel tyd aan een vraag spandeer nie en maak seker jy lees elke vraag deeglik deur voordat jy antwoord.
Darling Voorkamerfest: 'n Unieke Teaterervaring
Die Darling Voorkamerfest keer terug op 19 en 20 Oktober 2024, en beloof om weer 'n magiese ervaring te wees. Hierdie unieke fees bring teaterproduksies na die “voorkamers†van inwoners se huise in Darling, Wes-Kaap. Die fees bied 'n intieme en persoonlike teaterervaring waar plaaslike inwoners hul huise oopstel vir kunstenaars en gehore.
Hoe werk dit?
Die Voorkamerfest werk op 'n unieke manier:
21 Teaterlokale: Plaaslike inwoners se voorkamers word omskep in teaterlokale.
7 Roetes: Gehore word per taxi na verskillende teaterlokale vervoer.
3 Optredes per roete: Elke roete bied drie verskillende optredes van 30 minute elk.
60 Kunstenaars: Professionele kunstenaars van regoor Suid-Afrika en ander lande neem deel.
Kunstenaars wat vanjaar te sien sal wees sluit onder andere die volgende in: Saam, Lungiswa Plaatjies, Jitsvinger, The Wine Glass Guy, Stuart
Lightbody, Evita Bezuidenhout,Tim Parr, Hannah Ray en vele meer in.
Wat om te verwag?
Die Voorkamerfest is bekend vir sy verrassings. Die aard van die optredes word eers by die vertoning onthul, wat 'n element van opwinding en afwagting skep. Kaartjies kos R300 per roete en kan aanlyn gekoop word. Hierdie jaar se fees beloof om weer 'n diverse en opwindende program aan te bied wat gehore sal vermaak en verras.
Besoek Darling Behalwe vir die teateroptredes, bied Darling ook 'n verskeidenheid gasvryheidsopsies. Besoekers kan akkommodasie bespreek en die plaaslike besienswaardighede geniet. Die fees is 'n wonderlike geleentheid om die gemeenskap van Darling te ervaar en deel te wees van 'n unieke kulturele gebeurtenis.
Vir meer inligting en om kaartjies te bespreek, besoek die Voorkamerfest se webwerf of kontak Tasha by tasha@thedarlingtrust.org.
Die gewilde Darling Voorkamerfest vind hierdie naweek plaas. Foto: Stefan Hurter
Besoek: Schoonspruit Sekondêr op Malmesbury het verlede week besoek ontvang van die direkteur-generaal van basiese onderwys, HM Mweli, ontvang. Hy het opgetree as die sprker by die Graad 12-saalbyeenkoms in hul voorbereiding tot die finale eksamen.
Die top 10-kandidate van graad 12 van
Kuns: Chantley Fortuin, 'n graad 12-leerder van die Wesbank Sekondêre Skool op Malmesbury het onlangs aan die Visuele Kunste-uitstalling by Schoonspruit Sekondêr deelgeneem. Sy neem visuele kunste as 'n agste vak by Schoonspruit.
Jokes to make you smile
Dad: "Can I see your report card, son?" Son: "I don't have it." Dad: "Why?" Son: "I gave it to my friend. He wanted to scare his parents."
Q: Why did the fish blush?
A: Because it saw the ocean's bottom.
Four men are in the hospital waiting room because their wives are having babies. A nurse approaches the first guy and says, “Congratulations! You're the father of twins.”
“That's odd,” answers the man. “I work for the Minnesota Twins!” A nurse then yells the second man, “Congratulations! You're the father of triplets!” “That's weird,” answers the second man. “I work for the 3M company!” A nurse goes up to the third man saying, “Congratulations! You're the father of quadruplets." “That's strange,” he answers. “I work for the Four Seasons hotel!” The last man begins groaning and banging his head against the wall. “What's wrong?” the others ask. “I work for 7 Up!”
Tops:
Wesbank Sekondêr op Malmesbury is onlangs by die skool se prysuitdeling aangewys. Hulle is Feronique April, Mischa Berling, Finolia April, Jayron Esterhuizen, Weziwe Jantjies, Mia Hardenberg, Cameron-Lee Heynse en Arshad Sajjad.
Uitslae • Results
994.1144
8 SINGLETON HOKKE
988.5264
9 JOHN EN MARIETJIE 920.7727
10 SINGLETON HOKKE
877.8962
11 SINGLETON HOKKE
851.3022
12 SINGLETON HOKKE
813.1631
13 JOHN EN MARIETJIE 776.6337
14 JOHN EN MARIETJIE 773.2552
15 HENNA & MELT
18 MARAIS HOKKE 965.3269
19 KOTZE FAMILIE HOKKE 962.9950 20 LIMBARDI 929.5823
Moorreesburg Wedvlugklub Victoria Wes JO 4
1 HENNA & MELT SMIT 1197.0760
2 SINGLETON HOKKE 1121.4782
3 SINGLETON HOKKE 1061.3138
4 SINGLETON HOKKE 1029.8547
5 JOHN EN MARIETJIE 1025.9846
6 JOHAN V ASWEGEN 1015.8372
7 JOHN EN MARIETJIE
HOKKE
MELT
Tennis: Malmesbury Tennis Klub se C-span behou hul dominante posisie in hul bepaalde liga. Hulle klop Strand in n wegwedstryd 11-4. Hulle is nogsteeds bo-aan die puntelys. Die A-span het 7-7 gelykop gespeel teen Rekreasie Tennisklub in Somerset-Wes. Mandri Crafford het goed teruggeveg nadat sy haar enkel wedstryd verloor het. Sy het saam met Braam Isaacs hul gemengde dubbel-wedstryd gewen. Die B-span het die naweek 'n loslootjie gehad. Malmesbury Tennis Klub is trots daarop om steeds die enigste klub uit die Swartland-area te wees en dra ons streek se naam met waardigheid in die Suid Boland Liga. Bo is Braam Isaacs, Jessie Liebenberg, Mandri Crafford, Divann Robertson
Top 12-rugby: Die span van Abbotsdale Rugbyklub het in die Sanlam-Boland Top 12-reeks teen die span van Van Rhynsdorp gespeel. Abbotsdale het met 42-36 geseëvier. Foto: David Howburgh. Onder: Die span van Darling Rugybklub het teen die span van Robertson te staan gekom in die Sanlam-Boland Top 12-reeks. Darling het met 21-64 vasgeval. Foto: Franco Caleb Chayim du Toit.
