Latest news with #MiddelburgObserver
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
NICU bills racking up for miracle baby Ayden
Ayden van Tonder was born prematurely at 25 weeks and weighed only 850g on June 7, and has since been receiving treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Life Midmed Hospital. According to Ayden's mom, Chané Janse van Vuuren, Ayden is still too fragile to be transferred to a government hospital, despite her little boy fighting valiantly for his life. The Middelburg Observer previously reported that Ayden is receiving oxygen due to his lungs not being fully developed, as well as treatment for a hole in his heart. Chané confirmed that Ayden is doing well, but had to undergo blood transfusions on Sunday. 'His oxygen levels take a dip every time he feeds, and we were told that the blood transfusions will help pick up his oxygen levels.' Since the Observer's articles about Ayden's fight for survival, Chané and Ayden's father, Elijah van Tonder, have seen overwhelming support from the community. Without medical aid, the couple have had no choice but to pay the mounting hospital bills every week. How to help According to Chané, last week's hospital bills are still outstanding, and the couple has to pay R193 771.43 for last week, in addition to another R180 000 for this week, by Friday. The couple have started a BackaBuddy profile for Ayden to raise funds for his medical bills. Anyone wishing to donate towards Ayden's hospital fees are welcome to visit the following link: Donors are also welcome to make contributions directly to Life MidMed Hospital under the reference number: *538036. Read more here: Baby Ayden born at 25 weeks and needs help At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Middelburg Observer supports the SPCA
Are you convinced that your doggy is the prettiest pooch or that your cat is the quirkiest kitty? Do you find your pet is so ugly that they're actually adorable? Then you should enter our Cutest vs Ugliest Pet Photo Competition and support the Middelburg SPCA! To enter, a cash donation of R50 or more, or pet supplies (such as food, blankets, toys and treats) can be dropped off at the Middelburg Observer's office (41 Meyer Street). Just ask for Leana. Submit your information, as well as your pet's information, and send a photo of your pet alongside the reference number provided upon donation to leana@ The competition will be voted on by the public, with more information to follow. All photo competition entries close on July 18. SPCA Market Day We know the Middelburg SPCA is relying heavily on our community's support, and if you can't enter the Cutest vs Ugliest Pet Photo Competition, there are other ways you can help. The SPCA is hosting a market day this Saturday with plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The market day will be taking place from 08:00 to 13:00 at the Middelburg SPCA, and entry is free! Local artists will be performing live for your own entertainment, and car enthusiasts can look forward to the vintage car display and sound show, as well as a show and shine. Over 35 stalls will be available, each offering a variety of unique products, including home-made and hand-made goods. Plenty of food stalls will also supply a variety of cuisines. Keep a lookout for Paw Patrol and the Middelburg SPCA convoy, which will be driving through town to grab your attention. Introducing a Special Newspaper Feature: Celebrating Our Animal Heroes Additionally, we are excited to announce a special upcoming feature in our newspaper dedicated to the incredible work done by the Middelburg SPCA. This unique spotlight will highlight their tireless efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for animals in our community. From heart-warming success stories to behind-the-scenes glimpses into their daily operations, this feature aims to raise awareness and support for their cause. Join us in celebrating the compassion, commitment, and impact of those who give a voice to the voiceless. Show your support by advertising in this inspiring edition – Advertising deadline:18 July. Publishing date: 25 July. Speak to one of our sales representatives on 013 243 1434 to secure your spot. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hoërskool Middelburg gears up to host Craven Week for the 2nd time
Hoërskool Middelburg gears up to host Craven Week for the 2nd time Hoërskool Middelburg (Middies) is set to host the prestigious Craven Week rugby tournament for the second time, welcoming 36 provincial teams who will compete from July 6 to 12. According to the Middelburg Observer, the school received confirmation last August that it would be the host, and preparations have been underway ever since. Vice principal Dave Osborn and school governing body chairperson Tommie Strydom shared details of the school's readiness for the major sporting event. To ensure the fields are in top condition, Middies has employed additional workers to maintain them, with the A field being covered nightly to protect it from frost. The school has also completed several upgrades, including improvements to the dressing rooms, ablution facilities, hostels, gymnasium and pavilion. A new cafeteria has been constructed to cater to the influx of players and supporters, and a new scoreboard has been installed on the B field. This year's Craven Week will see around 1 060 rugby players and coaches participating in 56 matches. Accommodation for teams is being provided at hostels at Hoërskool Middelburg, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Middelburg Primary School and Hoër Tegniese Skool Witbank. Additional security measures have also been implemented. The open field behind the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, known as the Prayer Oven grounds, has been designated as the main parking area for the event. 'It's a big honour and achievement to be selected to host Craven Week. It places Hoërskool Middelburg on the map as an institution that holds itself to a high standard in sport and organisation,' says Osborn. He adds that the investments made in preparation for both Craven Week and Academy Week will have lasting benefits for the school's sporting infrastructure and overall development. 'The school's learners will benefit from the valuable exposure to top-level rugby, which serves as motivation for younger players to work harder and strive towards becoming part of future teams.' Additional Craven Week and Academy Week Information: All matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Schools and SuperSport 1. Nightly entertainment will take place in the beer tent. The SA Schools teams will be hosted by Middies the week following Craven Week, with a match between the A and B teams scheduled for July 17 on the Middies A field. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Fochville-inwoner sterf in veldbrand
Jana Boshoff Jana works as a senior support specialist for Caxton digital. Before that she was a journalist at the Middelburg Observer 15 years where she won numerous awards including Sanlam's Up and Coming Journalist, Caxton Multimedia Journalist of the Year, and several investigative awards. She is passionate about people and the stories untold.
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Middies is ready for Craven Week
The school will be hosting the prestigious tournament for the second time in its history, and will be availing their facilities for the 36 provincial teams scheduled to lock horns from July 6–12. Hoërskool Middelburg was informed last August that it would be hosting the sporting event, and the school has since been hard at work to prepare its premises for the occasion. Dave Osborn (vice principal) and Tommie Strydom (chairperson for the school governing body) spoke to the Middelburg Observer about the preparations that have been put in place. The school has acquired the help of additional workers to maintain the rugby fields. The A-field is covered every evening to protect the pitch from frost. Additionally, the school's dressing rooms, ablution facilities, hostels, gymnasium, and the pavilion have undergone upgrades. A new cafeteria has also been built to accommodate the scores of participants and supporters, and a new scoreboard has been erected for the B-field. There are about 1 060 rugby players and coaches expected on the occasion, and the 36 teams will be playing 56 matches. Accommodation for the teams is being provided through means of the hostels at Hoërskool Middelburg, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg, Middelburg Primary School and Hoër Tegniese Skool Witbank. Additional security will also be available to ensure safe passing and transit to the school premises. The open field behind Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, known as the Prayer Oven grounds, is the main designated parking area. 'It's a big honour and achievement to be selected to host Craven Week. It places Hoërskool Middelburg on the map as an institution that holds itself to a high standard in sport and organisation,' Osborn said. He added that the upgrades done for the Craven and Academy Week are considered long-term investments into both the school's sports facilities and its general development. 'The school's learners will benefit from the valuable exposure to top-level rugby, which serves as motivation for younger players to work harder and strive towards becoming part of future teams.' Important information about the Craven Week and Academy Week: • The matches will be broadcast on SuperSport Schools and SuperSport 1. • Entertainment will be provided each night in the beer tent. • The SA Schools teams will be hosted by Middies the week after Craven Week. A match between the A and B teams will take place on July 17, on the MHS A-field. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
