Latest news with #VanderWesthuizen
The Citizen
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
New Ward 98 councillor promises action and accountability
Following a decisive win in the recent municipal by-election, newly elected Ward 98 councillor Mickey van der Westhuizen of the DA has promised to restore hope, service delivery, and accountability to one of Tshwane's most diverse and complex communities. Ward 98 consists of Clarina, Heatherdale, Klerksoord, Tileba, Winternest, Theresapark, Eldorette and Dorandia. The ward has been plagued by issues such as water outages, crumbling infrastructure, illegal dumping, and dysfunctional streetlights. With the DA securing 72.77% of the vote, up from 37.5% in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the party sees this victory as a signal that residents are ready for effective leadership. 'This result shows that residents are tired of promises and are looking for delivery. 'We have heard their frustrations, and now it's time to roll up our sleeves,' said Van der Westhuizen. In outlining his immediate plans, he emphasised basic service delivery as a top priority. 'I have been active working for the community, with the community, and I have done the blue ribbon campaign, where I identified more than 3 000 non-functional streetlights that need to be fixed by the metro. 'The lessons that I have learned are that as someone representing the community, you must not disappoint them. If you disappoint your people, and if you do not listen and care for your community, you will be voted out,' he said. He said streetlights are currently a main concern for everyone, and that's his main priority. 'I want to prioritise community safety. It's important for me to engage with my community leaders.' The 30-year-old Van der Westhuizen, who grew up in the ward and matriculated at the Hoërskool Gerrit Maritz, said not everything is going to be fixed immediately, but residents must have trust in the process. 'It won't be immediately like we all will hope for, but I will advocate for better service delivery in all areas of Ward 98. 'Clarina, Dorandia and Tileba are some of the oldest communities in the north, and all have asbestos pipes. Now, asbestos pipes, as soon as they feel a bit too much pressure, burst. They need to be replaced, and I intend to put it in my integrated development plan because the problem now is that every two, three days, we have water leaks,' he said. Van der Westhuizen also mentioned that the safety of electrical infrastructure is another problem that needs an immediate solution. 'I believe that a community should work with the councillor and everyone should work as one team, for one vision and one goal in mind, for the betterment of all residents in the area.' Ward 98 was once considered contested ground, with ActionSA capturing 17% of the vote during the 2021 local government elections. However, ActionSA did not contest the recent by-election. This, according to DA Tshwane caucus leader Cilliers Brink, created space for the DA to reconnect with disillusioned voters. 'Many former ActionSA supporters in Ward 98 are now backing the DA. This is a ward that reflects the future of our country, diverse, vibrant, but facing serious challenges. 'Our goal is to prove that good governance and local delivery still matter,' said Brink. DA's constituency political head Bronwynn Engelbrecht said it's important for Van der Westhuizen to be patient, as it's not easy to be a ward councillor. 'We needed somebody who's got a passion for the people, a passion for working hard because it's a hard job. You can't always be at home on your cellphone you must be there and meet your people. 'We were evaluating Van der Westhuizen, even though he didn't even know, and he proved beyond all expectations that he is always available.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
SCP Security manager urges homeowners to boost security measures
SCP Security is urging residents to improve their home safety following a noticeable rise in thefts across Randburg. According to Jaun van der Westhuizen, manager at SCP Security, there has been an increase in gate motor thefts, as well as the theft of bicycles, gas bottles, and outdoor lights. He believes this is largely due to homes being poorly secured or residents becoming too relaxed. Read more: SCP Fire and Rescue Unit is the saving grace of green spaces 'People leave things out in the open,' said Van der Westhuizen. 'It might not seem like a big deal, but criminals see an opportunity. Out of sight, out of mind.' He recommends that homeowners prioritise three main upgrades: Secure your gate with an anti-lift bracket and gate alarm. Maintain your electric fence by ensuring it's working and free from overgrown plants. Have a working alarm system that's linked to a reputable armed response company and tested weekly. 'Your alarm system is your early warning. It can save your life,' Van der Westhuizen said. SCP has seen success through the use of gate alarms, which have helped prevent crimes and led to several arrests during attempted thefts. For those on a budget, Van der Westhuizen suggests starting with good lighting and securing your main gate. SCP also offers affordable packages, including a mobile panic app, entry-level alarm systems, and camera installations. If suspicious activity is noticed, residents are urged to press their panic button or contact their security company immediately. SCP, SAPS, and Community Policing Forum (CPF) members also monitor local crime WhatsApp groups. Van der Westhuizen advised that SCP Security offers free home and fire safety assessments. Visit or email [email protected] to book an inspection. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
RWC 1995 anniversary: Remembering Joost van der Westhuizen
Next Tuesday will officially mark the 30th anniversary of the 1995 World Cup final, a match in which Joost van der Westhuizen pulled off one of the all-time great tackles on All Blacks superstar Jonah Lomu. That was just one special moment in a career littered with heroic acts from Van der Westhuizen, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest Springboks to have ever donned the green and gold. Tragically, Joost is one of five Springbok players from that RWC final who has passed away. In the second part of this remembrance series, we look back at the career of the legendary scrumhalf. You can find part one here Van der Westhuizen added a Tri-Nations and two Currie Cup titles to his honours roll in a career that lasted eight years beyond the 1995 World Cup. He went on to represent the Boks at the 1999 and 2003 World Cups before retiring as the then most-capped Springbok. Capped 89 times for the Springboks Joost became the country's first choice scrumhalf in the mid-to-late nineties to early 2000s retiring a rugby legend with a career test try tally of 38 earning him the record of being the scrum-half with the most tries in Test Rugby. Inducted in the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007 he represented South Africa in three Rugby World Cups in 1995, 1999 and 2003. Of course one of his most iconic moments came during the famous 1995 triumph when he completed an incredible tackle on Lomu. He is also the only Springbok to captain his country in both the Sevens and the 15-man games in World Cups. After retirement, stints in front of the cameras at SuperSport followed briefly before he moved into other avenues of business. Van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2011, an illness he fought until he passed away at the age of 45 in 2017. The J9 Foundation, founded in 2012, assists other MND sufferers, and Van der Westhuizen's family remains actively involved with this charity. *Keep an eye on TheSouthAfrican as the four remaining articles in this remembrance content series will be published over the next few days Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
Pilates, boxing-ballerina workouts, marathons: where to be in Cape Town if you're a fitness fan
Want to get moving this long weekend? The weather will be fit for some moving, grooving or adventuring! Van der Westhuizen highlights these fitness events happening in Cape Town this weekend: Saldanha Bay Half-Marathon 2025 Where: Saldanha Bay Military Area, SAS Saldanha When: Saturday, 14th June 2025 About the event: If you're craving some sea breeze with your stride, pack those running shoes and hit the West Coast for this one! 🏃♀️🌊 Whether you're going full throttle at 21.1km, pushing pace at 10km, or strolling the 5km Fun Run, this route along the scenic Saldanha Harbour is as good for your soul as it is for your heart rate ❤️🌬️ 🕗 Start times: Half Marathon (21.1km): 8:00 am 10km: 8:30 am 5km: 8:45 am All races cut off at 11:30 am
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- The Citizen
Lyttelton police drone pilot honoured for exemplary youth service
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recognised its young officers for remarkable contributions. The recognition comes during this year's Youth Month. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said SAPS is proud to introduce young officers to the nation during Youth Month as examples of police members who go above and beyond the call of duty. She said one of the officers being recognised is 33-year-old Constable Martin van der Westhuizen. 'Van der Westhuizen is a qualified police drone pilot stationed at the Lyttelton police station in Centurion,' she said. After completing his matric in 2010, Van der Westhuizen pursued his childhood dream of becoming a police officer. 'He applied to join the service on numerous occasions before finally being enlisted in 2018,' she added. Van Wyk said the young constable, who has over seven years of service, has earned two certificates of commendation from the National Commissioner, awarded in both 2019 and 2021 for exemplary service delivery. 'He gained national attention in July 2023 when a video of him, neatly dressed in uniform at a colleague's funeral in Vosloorus, was shared on TikTok.' She explained that a community member, who admired Van der Westhuizen's conduct, posted the clip, which quickly went viral and earned him the nickname Crush of the Nation. 'When he's not responding to complaints, detaining suspects or making arrests, Van der Westhuizen plays a key role in crime prevention operations by piloting a drone,' added Van Wyk. Van der Westhuizen expressed his dedication to his role: 'I don't just wear my police uniform; it's my mission to uphold the values behind it every single day.' ALSO READ: Local churchgoers 'bless' broken road Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram 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
