Latest news with #Olifant
The Citizen
06-08-2025
- The Citizen
Dog survives horrific paraffin attack in Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein SPCA has laid criminal charges against a man who intentionally burnt a dog with paraffin as punishment for killing two of his chicks, Bloemfontein Courant reports. 'It is deeply heart-breaking to witness the ongoing cruelty inflicted on innocent animals,' states Bloemfontein SPCA inspector Lucky Olifant. The owner of the dog – Lucy (surname unknown) – told the SPCA that she heard a commotion outside her house. When she rushed outside, she found her dog engulfed in flames. Community members swiftly reacted to extinguish the flames and save the animal. Graphic image warning: The image at the end of the article may upset sensitive readers 'During our investigation, the suspect admitted that he set the dog alight because she allegedly killed two of his chicks,' says the inspector. 'This is not justice – it is torture. Lucy endured unimaginable pain and was left severely burned and barely able to walk.' Olifant explains that a case of animal cruelty has been opened against the suspect and that the SPCA 'will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served'. He thanks the community members who reported the incident to the police in Kopanong for their assistance. 'We urge the public to continue speaking out against cruelty. Together, we are the voice of the voiceless,' concludes Olifant. 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. Read original story on
IOL News
13-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Pamper party for Manenberg youth: A celebration of hope and community
Two Manenberg residents are planning a pamper party to treat around 100 children this youth day. Image: File With Youth Day around the corner, Manenberg residents Valerie Olifant and Najumah Felix are gearing up to treat about 50 young people from her community to a heartwarming pamper party, a celebration designed to uplift and inspire. They plan to cater for 100 children in total, providing meals, party packs, and entertainment. As part of the celebration, 50 of the children - 30 girls and 20 boys - will receive special hair makeovers as part of the pampering initiative. Olifant and Felix started the nonprofit organisation 'Valerie's Soup Kitchen' in 2021. The duo annually hosts various community events to spread joy like a children's Christmas party, high teas for the elderly, weekly soup kitchens, amid the gloom of persistent gang violence and trauma experienced by residents on the Cape Flats. This year, Olifant is pulling out all the stops with a pamper party where the youth will be treated to a day of relaxation and joy. Professional hairstylists will be on hand to give them fresh new looks. On how the idea came about, Olifant said: 'We were sitting in the car and saw some kids coming out of school, we noticed their hair looked a bit messy, it looked like it hadn't been washed in days, maybe longer. That's when we said, 'Let's do something different this year.' Instead of just giving them food like we usually do, let's focus on their hair too, help them feel good about themselves." She said it's about making the youngsters "feel seen, celebrated, and special'. 'We are also planning a talk to inspire them because if you don't nurture a child from a young age, they can lose their way. We want them to feel like they're not alone, not forgotten. We want them to know they can come to us, like guardians away from home. "For us, this is important especially here in Manenberg, where gang violence is a constant shadow and many kids are growing up in broken homes with no real stability. We just want to show them that there are people who care, people who are here to support them. So much is happening to children today. They are scared and often they don't know who to turn to. We want to be that safe space,' Olifant added. They are calling on any support in the form of donations to help bring the event to life. To assist, Olifant can be contacted on 062 630 1825. Cape Times
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Eden Park boxer proving a point at the Gauteng championship
Bert Collins Boxing Club hosted the Gauteng Championship in Springs from May 13 to 18, witnessing the best fighters. Ruwyden Olifant, a fighter from Edern Park Boxing Club, has once again proven why he is one of the best young boxers in the Gauteng province. He successfully defended his title and became a three-time Gauteng champion at the 2025 Gauteng Boxing Championship. He fought in the 50kg development category and faced four opponents during the tournament, showing skills and power. Olifant came to the ring with confidence and the mentality that no one was taking away his title when he defended it against CR Oosthuizen of Tshwane Metro. Olifant made a quick move on his opponent, winning the match in the first round via RSC (Referee Stops Contest), a move that no one will doubt nor question his skills. The Eden Park Boxing Club chairperson, Sydney Kok, praised the young boxer's performance. 'We are very proud of Ruwyden Olifant,' he said. 'He is ready and well-prepared for the next stage.' The club is seeking donations for tracksuits for its fighters and is actively recruiting male and female members. Willing donors or sponsors, or those wanting to join, can call Kok at 074 947 1677. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
