Year in review: look at the stories that made headlines in the Southern Suburbs Tatler

As 2025 draws to a close, the Southern Suburbs Tatler looks back at the news that made headlines.

The year started with a bang when the  2024 matrics excelled in the National Senior Certificate exams, where schools like Cannons Creek, Westerford High, and Herschel Girls’ High School all achieved 100% pass rates. (“Matrics celebrate record 87.3% pass rate,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, January 16)

Pinelands High had more reason to celebrate when they had the top passing matric pupils in the country, Rayyan Ebrahim, who was number one in the Quintile 5 category who was followed closely by fellow pupil, Matthew Christopher Wise, who was runner-up. (“Pinelands High pupil is SA’s top matriculant,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, January 16)

In February, massive veld fires caused 60 hectares of veld to be burned in the vicinity of the Newlands Ravine and Devil’s Peak, which resulted in the Table Mountain National Parks being closed for a few days. (“Park fire closes hiking trails,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, February 27)

March brought renewed hope to former Bishopscourt residents following a historic sod-turning ceremony at Protea Village. Various spheres of government, together with the Protea Village Communal Property Association, are committed to working in partnership to rebuild homes for 86 land claimants who were forcibly removed decades ago. (“New beginnings for Protea Village claimants,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, March 13)

At the beginning of May, Rondebosch hiker Tania Morkel inspired the community by raising funds for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), the organisation that saved her life 18 months earlier after she fell down Platteklip Gorge. Ms Morkel completed an extraordinary challenge, hiking Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days to support the team’s life-saving work. (“Hiker raises funds for rescuers that saved her life,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, May 1)

As Youth Day was commemorated on June 16, several organisations across the southern suburbs continued their efforts to uplift and empower young people. The Amy Foundation in Sybrand Park, the Cape Town Museum of Childhood in Rondebosch, and The Lighthouse Orphanage in Salt River all played a role in providing programmes aimed at skills development and youth empowerment. (“Initiatives aiding youth empowerment,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, June 19)

In August, Women’s Month shone a spotlight on the fight against gender-based violence. The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation (UMF), named in honour of the late UCT student who was murdered at the Claremont Post Office in 2019, led awareness efforts. Hundreds of people marched peacefully to Parliament to honour Uyinene’s memory and to call for an end to gender-based violence. (“March for Uyinene unites communities,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, August 28)

The year concluded with continued activism against gender-based violence and femicide. In November, Claremont police officers joined the G20 Women’s Shutdown, picketing alongside community members. The campaign, organised by Women for Change (WFC), highlighted the urgent need to address GBVF nationwide. (“Community stands strong,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, Thursday, November 27)