Six-year-old Mia-Miri Wessels from Strand is recovering at home after more than a year of intensive treatment for high-risk T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. She was diagnosed in August 2025 after initially experiencing flu-like symptoms, with further testing revealing a rare chromosomal abnormality that placed her in a very-high-risk category.

Her nine-year-old sister, Merieke, was found to be a 100% bone marrow match. In a remarkable coincidence, the transplant took place on 21 April 2026 — Merieke’s birthday. The family now refers to the date as Mia-Miri’s “second birthday”, marking the day her older sister gave her a second chance at life.

Mia-Miri’s recent blood results have been positive, her Hickman line has been removed and she is no longer taking immunosuppressive medication. If her recovery continues well, she could return to school towards the end of October. She is now also hoping to help other young hospital patients through her Little Lionheart campaign, which aims to provide Christmas care boxes to children spending the festive season in hospital.

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Western Cape police have increased their presence in Lwandle, Strand, after 10 people were killed and 11 others injured in a mass shooting at a shisanyama in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September. Police say gunmen entered the entertainment venue at around 01:46 and opened fire on patrons.

Five people died at the scene, while another five later died from their injuries after being transported to medical facilities. The 11 surviving victims are receiving medical treatment. The deceased include eight men and two women, whose identities had not yet been released pending notification of their families.

A multidisciplinary investigation led by serious and violent crime detectives has been established, while additional police officers have been deployed in Lwandle. No arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon, and the motive for the shooting remained unknown. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app

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Whizzo Car Wash in Somerset West has been recognised by the City of Cape Town for its water-saving measures, earning a 2026 Water Star Rating. The business has introduced rainwater harvesting into its car-washing operations, reducing its reliance on municipal drinking water.

Whizzo was among 14 organisations recognised at the City’s sixth annual Water Star Rating Awards. The voluntary programme assesses businesses and organisations across four areas: water supply, water use, water conservation and water discharge, awarding between one and five stars based on their performance.

The initiative comes as Cape Town prepares for a longer and potentially drier summer, with dam levels currently lower than previously. Since the Water Star Rating programme began, 111 certificates have been awarded, with the City encouraging more businesses to reduce consumption and use alternative water sources where appropriate.

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Members of the Somerset West branch of the Women’s Agricultural Association recently marked Arbor Day by planting a wild olive tree at Helderberg Hospice’s Garden of Remembrance.

The group was joined by Helderberg Hospice volunteers, who meet every Tuesday to help maintain the hospice gardens. The newly planted indigenous tree will become part of the Garden of Remembrance, a peaceful space created for reflection and remembering loved ones.

The Somerset West branch of the association meets on the third Wednesday of each month, with members taking part in community projects, learning new skills and attending talks from guest speakers. Those wanting more information about the Garden of Remembrance can contact Helderberg Hospice on 021 852 4608.

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