A new South African short film Spoiled has premiered at a high-level workshop in Cape Town this week. This marine-focused event unpacked the findings of the Wildtrust driven project highlighting the environmental, social and economic risks of offshore oil and gas in South Africa.

The film carries an urgent call to protect South Africa’s rich and irreplaceable marine heritage from the growing threat of offshore oil and gas exploration. It weaves together the stories of coastal communities, activists, scientists, and traditional fishers who are standing up to one of the greatest environmental and social threats facing the country’s oceans today.

Presented by non-profit organisations Wildtrust and The Green Connection, and produced by Love Africa Marketing, the film takes viewers along the rugged coastline of the Northern Cape and the culturally rich Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape.

At the heart of the film lies a simple truth: around 90% of South Africa’s oceans are at risk. The film uncovers the cracks in the system that allow international oil and gas giants to exploit these waters, including flawed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), a lack of meaningful public consultation, and the leasing of the ocean without community consent.

“There’s not enough effort being made to explain to people what the advantages and disadvantages of, or the impact of offshore oil and gas will be on coastal community livelihoods and on the ocean,” says Neville van Rooy, community outreach coordinator for The Green Connection. “All they usually do, is paint a beautiful picture by telling people about jobs, which they know will get people – especially when they hear it from government officials. The reality is that there are very few jobs created for our people.”

Testimonies paint a bleak picture

Featuring deeply personal interviews with local fishers, activists, youth and community leaders, the film explores themes of justice, environmental degradation, and resistance.

“It’s almost as though my heart has been called to it. That is why I can say with pride that I love the ocean and will do anything in my power to protect it,” says Chanel Jaar, who started the Environmental Traits Youth Organisation in Port Nolloth – a small town along the coastline of the Northern Cape.

Their testimonies paint a picture of what is at stake: biodiversity, food security, coastal heritage, and ultimately the survival of future generations.

“Look at Mexico, for five years now they’ve been struggling to get that oil spill cleaned. That community is suffering. Look at Nigeria; their fishermen are suffering. Their boats are lying high and dry, never touching the water because there’s no more water, it’s oil,” adds Walter Steenkamp, Chair of the Fishing Co-operative for Aukotowa Fishers in Port Nolloth.

“However, this isn’t just a story of destruction,” says Lauren van Nijkerk, Wildtrust campaign’s director. “It’s a story of hope. Spoiled is a tribute to the everyday heroes who are defending their livelihoods, their heritage and the sea itself.”

Critical time for SA

The film goes a step further by encouraging greater public involvement in pushing back on the offshore oil and gas application processes. As part of its call to action, viewers are directed to an interactive platform available at www.stopthespoil.co.za, where several active offshore oil and gas applications – their status in process, public participation process information – across South Africa’s coastline are listed, enabling the public to stay informed in an industry that relies on the lack of available data, and have their voices heard.

“The interactive platform we have developed in partnership with The Green Connection features detailed information of around 15 applications for oil and gas giants in South Africa’s ocean,” says Van Nijkerk. “The vision is to one day have information on every single application by oil and gas wanting to lease a block of our ocean space living on this platform, giving the public an opportunity to have a ‘one-stop-shop’ to make informed decisions and get involved in stakeholder consultation that ensures every South African has a say in how our oceans are utilised.”

The launch of the film comes at a critical time for South Africa, as environmental and climate justice organisations wait in anticipation for the release of our country’s Integrated Energy Plan (IEP). The IEP is a national roadmap that aims to shape how South Africa produces, distributes, and consumes energy in the coming decades. It seeks to balance the country’s energy needs with environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social justice.

“Operation Pakhisa, which means ‘hurry up’, was South Africa’s idea of pushing for a Blue Economy, but the system is just wrong because it assumes that the ocean is just there to exploit for economic gain,” says van Rooy.

“It doesn’t take into account the inherent value that an ocean would have in terms of ecosystem services, in terms of heritage, culture and that such an ocean feeds thousands of families around the coast of South Africa.”

Van Rooy adds that “all alternative energy solutions have their pros and cons, and we need to make sure that people are not worse off when the Integrated Energy Plan is implemented.”

In February 2023, Wildtrust unveiled a groundbreaking oil spill model for South Africa, a first-of-its-kind aimed at showing the real-world risks of offshore oil operations, using a proposed ultra-deep drill site off Durban, KZN. Developed with partners from the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, and international experts in ocean modelling, the model reveals that shoreline contamination could occur in as little as three days along the east coast.

The fast-flowing Agulhas Current would transport oil large distances, hindering predictions of where oil would reach the shoreline, complicating clean-up efforts. The model indicates that a blow-out spill on the East coast could result in the need for beach clean-up operations as far away as the West coast. The minimum time for oil to shoreline impact could be as little as three days for the East coast of South Africa, and within about 10 days for the South coast and 30 days for the West coast. The results highlight what civil society has long feared, the risks of oil and gas exploration in South African waters are not theoretical, but rather they are imminent and potentially catastrophic.

“If we remain complacent, we risk losing not only our coastline, but our ability to shape a future that values life over profit,” adds Jaar.

WATCH: SPOILED – OFFICIAL FILM

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The catastrophic Durban floods of April 2022, which claimed 544 lives and displaced tens of thousands, were made significantly worse by climate change, a new study led by Wits University has confirmed.

The research, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, is a formal scientific attribution of the event. It shows that rainfall during the storm of 11–12 April 2022 was between 40% and 107% heavier than it would have been in a cooler, pre-industrial climate.

Using cutting-edge climate modelling developed by Professor Francois Engelbrecht, Director of the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), in collaboration with national and international partners, the study represents a major leap forward in the continent’s ability to analyse how global warming is driving extreme weather.

The research identified three key drivers behind the intensified rainfall:
• A warmer atmosphere, fuelled by greenhouse gases, holds more moisture;
• The Agulhas Current has warmed in recent decades, increasing ocean evaporation and feeding moisture into coastal storms;
• Changes in wind patterns are funnelling more moist air into KwaZulu-Natal.
The team also modelled future scenarios, warning that storms in eastern South Africa will likely become even more intense as the planet continues to warm.

Building resilience in a warming world

The climate attribution model used in the study took nearly three years to develop after President Ramaphosa’s initial comments. “We need to move from academic modelling to near-operational capability — where we can confirm within days, not years, whether climate change intensified a disaster. With even faster next generation computers being installed at the CHPC and our newly established modelling system, this is absolutely achievable,” says Engelbrecht.

“In the short term, we need robust Disaster Risk Reduction plans that can evacuate people from high-risk areas with just a few days’ notice,” said Engelbrecht. “This demands advanced Early Warning Systems and, importantly, trust in those systems at community level. In the long term, we must help people to relocate to safer locations — above the flood line. But this is a difficult and costly process in cities that are growing rapidly and informally.”

Local leadership rising to the challenge

Mayor Cyril Xaba of eThekwini has welcomed the research findings. In eThekwini, local government is already taking action. Working with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the municipality has developed a Community-Based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS) in Quarry Road West Informal Settlement. During the April 2022 floods, the system was activated, and no lives were lost, despite over 120 dwellings being washed away.

“We’ve seen time and again the value of working with communities to create very local flood warnings,” says Dr Sean O’Donoghue, Senior Manager: Climate Change Adaptation at eThekwini Municipality. “This climate attribution study marks a watershed moment — we now have definitive, scientific evidence of how climate change is impacting us, and more importantly, what we need to plan for”.

Through the INACCT Resilience project, funded by CLARE and in partnership with ICLEI Africa, the City is expanding localised warning systems across vulnerable areas. It is also growing the Transformative Riverine Management Programme, which employs local residents to clear debris from waterways — a key step in managing future floods.

At the provincial level, the Department of Water and Sanitation, uMngeni-Thukela Water, and research partnerships are collaborating through international programmes such as WaRisCo (under the WASA programme) and REPRESA (CLARE programme) to reduce both flood and drought risks.

“The silver lining to the dark storm clouds threatening South Africa’s east coast is that government at all levels is embracing climate science to protect lives. But efforts must now expand rapidly — especially into the Eastern Cape, where risks are rising,” says Engelbrecht.

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Namibia is set to become home to the world’s largest Black Rhino sanctuary, following a groundbreaking conservation agreement announced this week. The massive 116 000-hectare sanctuary will be established in the spectacular Fish River Canyon region of southern Namibia.

The ambitious project brings together Gondwana Collection Namibia, ERP Conservation Foundation Namibia, and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in an effort to protect one of Africa’s most endangered species.

The sanctuary represents far more than just rhino protection. It aims to restore the natural balance of a region that once teemed with diverse wildlife, reintroducing species that have long been absent from the area.

“This sanctuary is not just about rhinos, it’s about restoring balance to a region that holds immense natural and national value,” said Gys Joubert, Managing Director of Gondwana Collection Namibia. “We are proud to contribute to this shared legacy under the leadership of the Ministry and alongside ERP.”

What sets this sanctuary apart is its cutting-edge approach to wildlife protection. ERP Conservation Foundation brings sophisticated anti-poaching technology including satellite tracking, perimeter fencing, intelligence-led patrolling, and local informer networks.

“ERP’s involvement is a game-changer,” explained Tinus Hansen, ERP Conservation Foundation Namibia Director. “We bring the necessary technology and experience to safeguard this keystone species, while uplifting surrounding communities through meaningful environmental and social impact projects.”

Strategic location advantage

The sanctuary’s location offers unique advantages for conservation efforts. Bordering the /Ai-/Ais–Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, the unfenced connection allows free movement of wildlife and supports broader rhino population management across the region.

This positioning creates powerful opportunities for cross-border conservation, reinforcing Namibia’s reputation as a leader in regional ecological cooperation.

The project is moving quickly from planning to action. ERP’s operations team arrived at Gondwana Canyon Park on 21 June to begin sanctuary preparations. By 1 September dedicated anti-poaching units will be deployed as rhino reintroduction efforts begin.

To ensure the sanctuary’s long-term success, organizers are finalising an investment program. This will offer both one-time contribution options and structured multi-year partnerships for donors, investors, and institutions committed to Namibian conservation.

The project represents a significant step forward in protecting one of Africa’s most vulnerable species while demonstrating how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful conservation outcomes.

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Budapest police have summoned Mayor Gergely Karacsony for questioning as a suspect in a criminal investigation after he helped organise the city’s 30th Pride parade in defiance of an official government ban. The Mayor’s office confirmed on Thursday that Karacsony will be questioned next week in a case that highlights growing tensions over LGBTQ rights in Hungary.

The June Pride celebration drew what organisers called a record-breaking crowd of more than 200 000 participants, despite Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling coalition having passed legislation specifically designed to prohibit the annual event. Budapest city hall’s decision to co-organise the parade was a strategic move to circumvent these new regulations.

“The mayor was summoned as a suspect by the investigating authority and will be questioned next week,” the mayor’s office told AFP. If formally charged and convicted, Karacsony could face up to a year in prison.

Mayor responds with defiance

Taking to Facebook after the summons, Karacsony remained defiant: “I became a suspect, and if that is the price we have to pay in this country for standing up for our own freedom and that of others, then I am proud of it.”

The environmentalist mayor’s stance represents a direct challenge to Orban’s government, which has implemented increasingly restrictive policies regarding LGBTQ rights over recent years, framing them as measures for “child protection.”

Prime Minister Orban had previously condemned the 30th Budapest Pride march as a “disgrace.” His government accused the opposition of staging the event “at Brussels’ command” and attempting to “force woke culture” onto Hungary.

In February, Orban declared his intention to ban this year’s celebration, which was followed by his ruling coalition codifying provisions into law and the constitution specifically designed to prohibit the parade.

Participants spared prosecution

While the mayor faces potential legal consequences, police announced earlier in July that they would not take action against parade participants, who could have faced fines up to 500 euros (approximately R11 400) for attending Pride.

The investigation against the mayor marks a significant moment in Hungary’s ongoing cultural and political conflicts over LGBTQ rights, with government authorities apparently willing to pursue criminal charges against elected officials who challenge the country’s increasingly restrictive policies.

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Na die oorweldigende sukses van die Theuns Jordaan Tribute-konserte op Loftus Versfeld en die DHL Stadion, waar skares van meer as 15 000 mense die ikoniese Suid-Afrikaanse musikant geëer het, breek die produksie nou nuwe grond met sy eerste Europese voorstelling.

Die room van SA-talent verenig in Amsterdam

Die AFAS LIVE Arena in Amsterdam sal die verhoog wees waar die room van Suid-Afrika se musikale talent byeenkom om hulde te bring aan die legendariese Theuns Jordaan. Die sterrebesetting sluit in Steve Hofmeyr, Kurt Darren, Ray Dylan, Dozi, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Ricus Nel, Gerhard Steyn, Liezel Pieters, Dewald Wasserfal, Jacques du Plessis, Bok van Blerk, Lianie May en Floors Oosthuizen.

Hierdie kunstenaars het almal Theuns na aan die hart gelê en sy lewenspad saam met hom gestap, wat die tribute-konsert ’n diep persoonlike en betekenisvolle ervaring maak.

’n Grootskaalse produksie met persoonlike toewyding

Die uitnemende grootskaalse produksie word behartig deur gesoute vervaardigers Deedee en Floors Oosthuizen in samewerking met Jacques du Plessis, wat self vir byna vyftien jaar saam met Theuns opgetree het.

“Die konsert is vir ons uiters kosbaar en dis ’n groot voorreg om dit in Amsterdam te kan aanbied,” sê Du Plessis. “Die kunstenaars wat deel is van die produksie is baie opgewonde en die publiek se reaksie is oorweldigend.”

Du Plessis beklemtoon die ongelooflike invloed wat Theuns op miljoene mense gehad het: “Ons is almal in totale verwondering en ontsag vir die invloed wat Theuns op soveel miljoene mense gehad het. Sy nalatenskap is omvangryk.”

’n Massiewe produksie wat Amsterdam sal onthou

Die organiseerders belowe dat die Amsterdam-konsert dieselfde grootsheid sal hê as die Suid-Afrikaanse voorstellings. “Dis ’n baie spesiale konsert. Ons besef watter groot verantwoordelikheid op ons rus om Theuns se nalatenskap te eer. Ons gaan nie terughou nie,” verduidelik Du Plessis.

“Dit gaan ’n massiewe produksie en konsert wees, soos wat dit op Loftus en by die DHL Stadion was. Dit was besonders op Loftus en in die Kaapstad Stadion en dit gaan iets wees wat Amsterdam ook vir ’n baie lang tyd sal onthou.”

Van “partytjie-liedjies” tot vroë klassiekers

Aanhangers kan verwag om ’n breë spektrum van Theuns se repertoire te hoor, van sy gewilde “partytjie-liedjies” tot liedjies wat in die beginjare van sy loopbaan uit sy pen gevloei het.

“Die kunstenaars wat deel is van die produksie is diegene wat Theuns se lewenspad saam met hom gestap het en hom werklik na aan die hart gelê het,” verduidelik Du Plessis.

Bobby van Jaarsveld, in wie se loopbaan Theuns ’n beduidende rol gespeel het, is opgewonde oor die geleentheid. “Theuns was ’n besonderse mens en vriend. Ek is baie opgewonde om weer op die verhoog te kan wees saam met hierdie kunstenaars en vir so ’n besonderse geleentheid.”

Die groot belangstelling van ander kunstenaars om deel te wees van die huldeblyk getuig van Theuns se blywende invloed op die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekbedryf.

’n Eenmalige viering van ’n legende

Die Theuns Jordaan Tribute in Amsterdam belowe om ’n besonderse eenmalige massa-konsert te wees wat op gepaste wyse die lewe en musiek van die legendariese Theuns Jordaan sal onthou en vier.

Met hierdie internasionale uitbreiding van die tribute-reeks bereik Theuns Jordaan se nalatenskap nou ook die Suid-Afrikaanse gemeenskap in Europa, wat ’n bewys is van sy blywende invloed op die harte van mense regoor die wêreld.

Kaartjies vir die Theuns Jordaan Tribute-konsert op 9 Augustus by AFAS LIVE in Amsterdam is nou beskikbaar.

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LONDON – Snoop Dogg has become co-owner of Championship football club Swansea City, in an unlikely alliance between the world of rap and football, the Welsh club announced.

The 53-year-old American star joins former Real Madrid stalwart and Croatia World Cup finalist Luka Modric in the club’s ownership structure.

Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance on the club’s social media channels last week modelling their new home jersey for the 2025-26 season and the club announced on Thursday that he has become an investor.

His involvement comes after American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen took over the club last November.

Swansea will hope that Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, can use his 100 million-plus social media followers to boost the club’s profile as they seek to return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated in 2018.

Swansea’s owners have said they want to generate greater revenue, which would allow them to invest more in new players under the profit and sustainability rules in British football.

The 53-year-old rapper said on the club’s website: “My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City.

“The story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me.

“I’m proud to be part of Swansea City.”

Swansea announced in April that Modric, who this week joined AC Milan at the age of 39 after leaving Real Madrid, had acquired a stake in the club.

“To borrow a phrase from Snoop’s back catalogue, this announcement is the next episode for Swansea City as we seek to create new opportunities to boost the club’s reach and profile,” Swansea’s owners said in a statement.

“Snoop’s colossal global fanbase and audience will certainly help us do that, and he has made clear to us throughout this process just how excited he is at the prospect of joining the club.

“Snoop has openly shared his love of football and his desire to be involved in the game and we expect his involvement to support us putting as competitive a team as possible out on the field.”

Swansea’s Welsh rivals Wrexham have achieved a meteoric rise to the Championship – the second-tier of English football – since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club in 2020.

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Every July, South Africa takes time to focus on children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial conditions. These aren’t just medical terms – they represent real children whose lives can be completely transformed with the right care.

More than just appearance

When baby Anzelle from Bellville was born with a cleft palate, her mother Nicole’s first thought wasn’t about how it looked. “When I first saw her, I didn’t care about the cleft, I was just so happy to meet my baby,” Nicole says. “I knew God would make a way.”

This month, leading hospitals like Tygerberg Hospital and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital are working with the Smile Foundation to spread an important message: these surgeries save and change lives.

“These are not just cosmetic procedures, they are life-saving and life-changing,” explains Professor Nick Kairinos, Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tygerberg Hospital.

The numbers tell a story

Cleft lip and cleft palate affect about on in every 2 000 African children. This happens when parts of the upper lip or roof of the mouth don’t form properly before birth.

Without treatment, these children face serious problems such as difficulty eating and drinking, frequent ear infections and hearing loss, speech delays, dental problems and social challenges as they grow up.

Complex cases need expert care

Some conditions require even more specialized treatment. Three-year-old Caleb from Blue Downs needed surgery for craniosynostosis – a condition where skull bones fuse too early. This affects about one in every 2 500 children.

“I was scared and confused when I first heard the diagnosis,” says his mother Rufaro. “But the care and expertise we received gave me strength and hope.”

These surgeries are incredibly complex. “We remove parts of the skull, reshape them, and place them back to protect the brain and allow normal growth,” Professor Kairinos explains. “It requires neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons working together.”

Hope through partnership

South Africa’s tertiary hospitals now perform more operations for birth defects than any other hospitals in the country. This success comes from dedicated doctors who volunteer their time during special “Smile Weeks” supported by the Smile Foundation.

What parents should know

Both Nicole and Rufaro want other parents to know there’s hope. Rufaro’s advice is simple: “If you notice anything unusual in your baby’s face or head shape, speak to your healthcare provider. Early help can make all the difference.”

The earlier these conditions are spotted, the better the outcome. Many are identified before birth or right after delivery, allowing doctors to plan treatment immediately.

Building a system of hope

Today, Anzelle and Caleb are thriving. Their surgeries didn’t just fix a medical condition – they restored their ability to eat, speak, and smile without pain.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness celebrates the medical teams and partners who give children these second chances. Together, they’re building a healthcare system that offers hope to every family facing these challenges.

This July, as we mark National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, the message is clear: with early diagnosis, expert care, and community support, every child can have the chance to live a full, healthy life.

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Botswana has once again claimed the coveted title of Africa’s premier safari destination, marking an unprecedented fourth victory in the annual rankings that celebrate the continent’s finest wildlife tourism experiences.

The southern African nation secured the top position following a comprehensive study by SafariBookings.com, the continent’s largest online marketplace for African safari tours, which analysed over 3 100 detailed reviews submitted by both seasoned safari experts and international travelers throughout 2024.

In second place was Tanzania, third Kenya, fourth Zimbabwe and in fifth place, South Africa.

Sustainable tourism model sets global standard

What sets Botswana apart from other African safari destinations is its pioneering approach to conservation-focused tourism. The country has successfully implemented a sustainable, low-density tourism model that prioritises wildlife protection whilst delivering exceptional safari experiences.

“Botswana does safari travel very well indeed,” the study concluded, highlighting the nation’s commitment to preserving its vast wilderness areas whilst providing world-class tourism experiences.

Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert lead wildlife attractions

The country’s tourism success stems largely from two extraordinary natural wonders: the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta, described as a “massive watery wonderland,” offers visitors unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities in one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness areas.

Meanwhile, the Kalahari Desert provides dramatic landscapes where the famous black-maned lions roam across endless sand plains, creating some of the most spectacular wildlife photography opportunities on the continent.

Conservation success attracts discerning travelers

At a time when mass tourism concerns are reshaping the global travel industry, Botswana’s low-impact approach has proven increasingly attractive to environmentally conscious travelers. The country’s high conservation standards and limited visitor numbers ensure that each safari experience maintains its exclusivity whilst contributing meaningfully to wildlife protection efforts.

Whether visitors choose self-drive adventures into remote wilderness areas or opt for luxury fly-in safari camps, Botswana consistently delivers authentic African experiences that exceed expectations.

Regional competition remains strong

Tanzania secured second place in the continental rankings, maintaining its reputation as home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Kenya claimed the third position, continuing to attract visitors with its renowned Masai Mara National Reserve and diverse wildlife ecosystems.

Tourism industry recognition

The annual SafariBookings.com survey represents the tourism industry’s most comprehensive assessment of African safari destinations, incorporating feedback from thousands of travelers and regional experts who evaluate countries based on wildlife diversity, conservation efforts, accommodation standards, and overall visitor satisfaction.

Economic impact and future outlook

Botswana’s continued success in international tourism rankings reinforces the country’s position as a leader in sustainable wildlife tourism. The recognition is expected to further boost the nation’s tourism economy, which plays a crucial role in funding ongoing conservation initiatives and supporting local communities.

For safari enthusiasts planning their next African adventure, Botswana’s fourth consecutive victory provides compelling evidence that the country’s unique combination of pristine wilderness, exceptional wildlife, and commitment to sustainable tourism continues to set the global standard for safari experiences.

For detailed analysis and complete rankings of African safari destinations, visit the full study at SafariBookings.com

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Giving back to her community and making a difference has become a driving force for Lia Bishop. The 15-year-old from Vredenburg decided that she needed to act to bring change to the West Coast.

She established “With Love, Lia” to give back to those in need in any way she could. In March, Lia embarked on her first project, focusing on Easter. “I decided I don’t just want to sit around and watch people suffer; children deserve to enjoy Easter no matter their circumstances. So I bought a few boxes of Easter eggs and reached out to a few people who donated a few boxes as well. After creating a thank you post, even more people donated Easter eggs. In total, I collected almost 30 boxes of Easter eggs and handed them to organisations and individuals who work in the communities in Langebaan, Saldanha and Vredenburg.”

In the middle of Nelson Mandela Month, Lia is currently spearheading another project in collaboration with her church, CRC Langebaan. To cook 67 meals for Mandela Day, she has used her pocket money, and with the help of others, she believes even more can be done.

“The meals will be distributed in the George Kerridge and Hopland area through Aunt Sinodia’s Soup Kitchen. With the heavy rains lately, even more people from CRC Langebaan donated not only goods, but also their services. I am excited about this outreach, which will happen on Saturday 19 July.”

Lia said she believed giving back to the community, supporting people in need, encouraged positive change and created a sense of belonging, and kindness was contagious. “I think the first thing to do is to make teens aware of the issues in their communities. Many people do not know what circumstances others have to endure, or they have a mindset of ‘it’s not my problem’. I challenge other teenagers to look for opportunities in their communities, whether it’s helping at church, social, involvement in sports clubs and even local non-profit organisations. One doesn’t need money to help; donating some time is enough.”

Should you wish to support the initiative, inbox With Love, Lia on Facebook, contact her on 072 421 5258 or send an email to withlovelia@gmail.com.

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Karlien van Jaarsveld het dit beslis nie altyd maklik gehad nie, maar geen terugslag het haar nog verhoed om keer op keer op te staan en sterker aan die ander kant uit te kom nie. In die eerste episode van die nuwe kort, derde seisoen van Net mens het sy haar hart oopgemaak oor haar lewe met al sy oppe en affe. 

Die opnames is gemaak op die plaas Vygeboom waar sy en haar man, Joe Breytenbach, uitgespan het. Daniël en Eliah, die tweeling wat uit haar huwelik met Derick Hougaard gebore is, en haar en Joe se twee kinders, Elah en Samuel, was ook daar. 

Die program begin met Karlien wat op ’n klip sit waar die oorspronklike fontein van die plaas was. “Die grootste openbaring wat ek by die Here gekry het, gaan oor die fontein, want die fontein is eintlik die oog – hoe die oog kan vernuwe en anders kan kyk,” sê sy. 

Sy het ook deur die loop van die episode aan ’n skildery van ’n oog gewerk en vertel hoe belangrik dit is om eerlik te wees. “Jou leuen moet nie jou waarheid word nie, en vir dit om te gebeur, moet jou fontein oopgaan,” sê sy.  

Karlien se pa, Bob van Jaarsveld, en ma, Ronel Brink, asook haar skoonsuster, Annatjie van Jaarsveld, is gaste en vertel elkeen watter impak sy in hulle lewens gemaak het. 

Karlien is eerlik oor haar grootwordjare en hoe die gesin rondgetrek het – hoe moeilik dit was om elke keer in ’n nuwe skool nuwe maats te maak. “Ons het nooit baie geld gehad nie, maar ek en Pieter [Bobby se regte naam] het elkeen ’n fiets gehad en het soms met pouses mekaar by die fietsloods gekry en saam ons broodjies geëet,” onthou sy. 

Haar ouers se stormagtige huwelik en uiteindelike egskeiding was traumaties, maar haar pa het 23 jaar gelede alkohol vaarwel geroep, en vandag het hulle ’n baie goeie verhouding. 

Karlien en haar ouers vertel van haar rebelse jare ná matriek – van haar pa wat besef het sy het in ses maande nie een klas bygewoon toe sy veronderstel was om bemarking te studeer nie, tot haar ma wat Karlien se geskeurde kouse en swart geverfde naels onthou. Karlien het haar studies gestaak en vir Bobby in sy orkes begin speel en was later lid van die groep Die Melktert Kommissie. Haar eie groep, Revolusie, het gevolg, maar haar lewe het handomkeer verander toe sy een aand saam met Bobby kerk toe is en haar hart vir die Here gegee het. Vandag is haar geloof ’n reusedeel van haar lewe. 

Oor haar suksesvolle loopbaan as solokunstenaar is sy dankbaar, maar erken haar gunstelingplek is haar huis by haar ma en kinders. “My mense is my huis,” sê sy. “Tannie Laurika [Rauch] het ’n liedjie ‘Huis’ waarin sy sing: ‘Leer jy nie jou les nie, dis nie ’n adres nie, dis jou mense wat jou huis is.’ Ek wil elke keer huil as ek dit luister. My mense is my huis.” 

Sy én haar ouers is vol lof vir Joe. Ronel beskryf hom as ’n kalm mens wat altyd luister en ’n steunpilaar waarteen vyf mense – Karlien en die kinders – kan leun. Bob stem saam en sê hy vervul ’n ongelooflike rol as pa.

Haar huwelik met Derick kom ook op, en sy sê omdat sy self ’n kind is wat uit trauma kom, het sy nog altyd ’n behoefte gehad om ander te red. Só was dit ook met Derick. Die miskraam wat sy met hulle dogtertjie, Evah, in 2015 gehad het, was vir haar ’n keerpunt in hulle huwelik. Maar sy beskou die miskraam, asook haar en Joe se dogtertjie, Elah, se gesondheidsprobleme alles as deel van God se plan. 

Karlien sien oral simboliek in haar lewe, en sy bring dit alles altyd terug na haar geloof en haar noue verhouding met God. Soos sy sê: “Alles in die lewe is so fyn verweef.” 

Dit is dalk haar ma wat haar lewe tot dusver die beste beskryf: “Karlien is ’n sonneblom wat uit modder gegroei het.” 

Die legendariese sangeres Amanda Strydom is die volgende gas in Net mens.

Die volledige episode is op DStv Stream en Catch Up beskikbaar.

• Net mens 3 is Sondae om 20:00 op kykNET (DStv-kanaal 144) en sal ook op DStv Stream en Catch Up beskikbaar wees. 

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