Latest news with #Witbooi
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- The Citizen
Learners enjoy action-filled day in the spirit of Child Protection Week
Learners enjoy action-filled day in the spirit of Child Protection Week As part of National Child Protection Week, Tshwane police took their message of safety, awareness, and opportunity to Pretoria north learners at Laerskool Stephanus Roos on May 30. The initiative, hosted in partnership with Sinoville SAPS, formed part of the SAPS's ongoing commitment to empowering young learners while building stronger, trust-based relationships between the police and communities. Child Protection Week is observed in South Africa from May 29 to June 5 each year. The day combined the campaign with a vibrant career day, showing learners how safety and ambition can go hand in hand. There was a high-profile collaboration between specialised units and key stakeholders, including ProShield Security, Powered Flight Aviation, and units such as Airwing, Search and Rescue, Waterwing, and the Equestrian Unit. In a show-stopping entrance that captured the learners' attention, the principal and vice principal were flown in by Powered Flights Aviation, landing on the school's sports field. This, along with the dramatic descent of a SAPS helicopter, turned the school grounds into a hub of excitement and learning. The arrival set the tone for a day that balanced fun with critical life lessons. Each unit brought interactive demonstrations to life, giving learners the chance to engage with officers, horses, dogs, helicopters, and the professionals who operate them. ProShield Security's K9 team showcased how trained dogs detect narcotics and apprehend suspects, offering learners a behind-the-scenes view of crime prevention efforts in action. At the heart of the day was the message: Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and supported. Sinoville SAPS station commander Colonel Gerald Witbooi reminded learners about the importance of speaking up. 'Whether it is a parent, teacher or police officer, always speak to someone you trust. 'No child should ever carry the burden of fear or secrecy, especially when it comes to abuse, bullying or neglect. You are never alone,' said Witbooi. He also commended the school for its proactive commitment to child safety and its willingness to work closely with SAPS in shaping a secure learning environment. Beyond the excitement of the helicopters and police dogs, the event carried a deeper purpose: helping children understand their rights, know where to go for help, and feel seen and heard by the very people tasked with protecting them. Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk affirmed the police's continued dedication to community-based policing and educational outreach. According to Van Dyk, Child Protection Week is a time to reflect, educate, and act decisively to protect the nation's most vulnerable. School principal Johan van Rooyen said the school's priority is to become the safest school in the north. 'Bullying is a buzzword in schools, and every school has those learners who don't handle others with respect. We are proud that we have values and norms, and we say to our learners that they must always treat others with respect. 'We use all the resources we can for our learners to combat bullying, such as a designated social worker and our teachers,' said Van Rooyen. Motivational speaker Anton van Niekerk said it's only hurt people who hurt people. 'When we speak about Child Protection Week, we speak about bullying that is happening at schools. 'Any healing in life is a process. It's actually quite a common thing with regard to kids that are suffering.' Learner Janae van Zyl said the children went crazy when helicopters landed. 'People must not bully others because you don't know the pain you are causing to someone when you bully them. 'We want to thank the police and everyone involved for protecting us in every moment when we need help,' said Van Zyl. 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!
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
🐣 Gem of the week: Emile Witbooi 🇿🇦
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. Every week, OneFootball introduces you to the new gems of world football. Today, we're heading to Cape Town! After closely following the U17 Africa Cup, we were impressed by a dozen hidden talents from the continent of Mandela. One of the brightest gems of this competition is South African: Emile Witbooi. Emile Witbooi's skills speak for themselves. 🇿🇦The journey's just beginning. 👀@Football2Gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 — CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 9, 2025 Last March, Witbooi made his professional debut at the age of 16 in the South African championship (one of the most competitive on the continent), becoming the youngest player in Cape Town City's history. A record of precocity that calls for others. Long before stepping onto the Premiership pitches, he had started training with the first team at the age of... 15! History made ✨A proud moment as Emile Witbooi, at just 16 years, 6 months, and 2 days old, becomes the youngest player to ever represent Cape Town CityA special milestone 💎#iamCityFC — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) March 2, 2025 Witbooi's signature move is the step-over. He uses his low center of gravity to his advantage and always looks to operate vertically. A true old-school number 10 who fits with the long tradition of tiki-taka of the Bafana Bafana. Orphaned by the legendary Steven Pienaar, South Africa has been searching for a top-notch metronome for many years. Witbooi could well embody this talismanic figure in the future. No doubt he has the intellectual football quotient to achieve it. Last November, Witbooi was invited by Chelsea for a four-week training session in the U18 category. The London club has already sniffed out the good deal. Other contenders may rush to the gate. Meanwhile, Puma and Roc Nation have already taken him under their wing. Witbooi's emergence confirms a clear trend: South African football is on the rise. Semi-finalists of the 2024 CAN and winners of the U20 CAN, the Bafana Bafana are finally capitalizing on their local nurseries. An image to summarize Emile Witbooi's dazzling dribbles. For the love of the step-over. Also read: - The five revelations of the U17 Africa Cup - The gem of the week: Malian Seydou Dembélé
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
🐣 Gem of the week: Emile Witbooi 🇿🇦
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. Every week, OneFootball introduces you to the new gems of world football. Today, we're heading to Cape Town! Advertisement After closely following the U17 Africa Cup, we were impressed by a dozen hidden talents from the continent of Mandela. One of the brightest gems of this competition is South African: Emile Witbooi. Last March, Witbooi made his professional debut at the age of 16 in the South African championship (one of the most competitive on the continent), becoming the youngest player in Cape Town City's history. A record of precocity that calls for others. Long before stepping onto the Premiership pitches, he had started training with the first team at the age of... 15! Witbooi's signature move is the step-over. He uses his low center of gravity to his advantage and always looks to operate vertically. A true old-school number 10 who fits with the long tradition of tiki-taka of the Bafana Bafana. Advertisement Orphaned by the legendary Steven Pienaar, South Africa has been searching for a top-notch metronome for many years. Witbooi could well embody this talismanic figure in the future. No doubt he has the intellectual football quotient to achieve it. Last November, Witbooi was invited by Chelsea for a four-week training session in the U18 category. The London club has already sniffed out the good deal. Other contenders may rush to the gate. Meanwhile, Puma and Roc Nation have already taken him under their wing. Witbooi's emergence confirms a clear trend: South African football is on the rise. Semi-finalists of the 2024 CAN and winners of the U20 CAN, the Bafana Bafana are finally capitalizing on their local nurseries. An image to summarize Emile Witbooi's dazzling dribbles. For the love of the step-over. Also read: - The five revelations of the U17 Africa Cup - The gem of the week: Malian Seydou Dembélé
CAF
01-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Witbooi: "We never gave up" – South Africa prodigy inspires comeback win over Egypt
Published: Monday, 31 March 2025 In a night that showcased nerves of steel and a winning mentality, 16-year-old Emile Witbooi emerged as South Africa's heartbeat and hero, guiding his side to a breathtaking 4-3 comeback victory over Egypt at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca. 'It was an intense match, but we showed real character to come back and win,' said Witbooi, who was later named Man of the Match. 'I'm happy with our first game – the team stayed composed in tough moments and that gives us confidence going forward.' Witbooi orchestrated the comeback masterfully, playing with maturity well beyond his years. From a perfectly-weighted assist to the decisive winner, the Cape Town City FC midfielder dominated proceedings with vision, poise and precision. Witbooi steals the show The Kimberley-born playmaker stamped his authority early in the match, delivering a pinpoint left-footed assist for South Africa's opener. But it was his all-important winner that sealed his night – and the game – in spectacular fashion. 'I love having the ball, organising the play, and helping my teammates get into the right positions,' said the soft-spoken Witbooi. 'We kept our composure and took our chances. This win reflects our mentality – we never give up.' A leader in stature, not in size At just 1.60m tall, Witbooi may not tower over opponents, but his footballing IQ, calmness under pressure, and ability to dictate the rhythm of the game made him the most influential figure on the pitch. His leadership qualities were evident as he rallied his teammates when they trailed 3-1. With the North Africans pressing hard, Witbooi calmly pulled the strings in midfield, helping South Africa claw their way back. Statement performance This victory not only gave South Africa three crucial points but sent a resounding message to the rest of the tournament: Bafana's U17s are here not just to compete – they're here to contend. And at the heart of their campaign could be Witbooi, whose brilliant opening performance suggests the youngster might just be one of the standout players of the competition.
