A Year in Review: Key Stories from the Constantiaberg Bulletin in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, the Constantiaberg Bulletin looks back at the news that made headlines.

The year started with a bang as the National Senior Certificate results were released in January and the matric class of 2024 celebrated impressive pass rates. Bergvliet High School remained steady with a  99.5% pass rate, and Wynberg Girls’ High School scored a 97,7% pass rate with its top pupil, Thanaa Parker, earning seven distinctions, with an aggregate of 90.1%. (“Class of 2024 raises the bar,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, January 2025)

Later that month, a large fire destroyed two houses and several shacks in Westlake, leaving more than 30 people with little more than the clothes on their backs. (“Call to aid Westlake fire victims,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, January 2025)

In September, the Bergvliet community was unhappy about the Western Cape Education Department's proposed plans for Tokai High School. During that time, residents in the community were expected to submit their comments about the Heritage Impact Assessment surrounding the proposed plans (“Bergvliet residents voice concerns about new school plans,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, September 2025)

As the Constantiaberg Bulletin celebrated its 50th anniversary, many historical and life-changing stories were shared in its special edition. Groot Constantia shared its a 340-year history as one of the country’s oldest wine farms. (“Explore the Legacy of Groot Constantia: 340 Years of Winemaking Excellence,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, October 2025) Former Constantia residents shared their heartbreaking stories of displacement in Constantia due to the Group Areas Act of the 1960s. (“Roots in the Valley,' remembering Constantia’s displaced families,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, October 2025) Victoria Hospital also shared 130 years of history, from starting in a small cottage to evolving into a leading state facility offering a wide range of medical services. (“Victoria Hospital: A legacy of healthcare excellence for over 130 years,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, October 2025)

With safety still being a concern in the community, there was some positive news as the Kirstenhof Crime Watch (KCW) was named the City of Cape Town’s Neighbourhood Watch Team of the Year, with its chairman, Kyle Clark, also receiving the award for Neighbourhood Watch Member of the Year. (“Kirstenhof Crime Watch triumphs at City safety awards,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, November 2025)

The Two Oceans Aquarium appealed to all motorists to be aware of the migrating Western leopard toads on roads, especially at night. These affected areas are mostly in the Bulletin distribution areas like  Kirstenhof, Lakeside, Tokai, and Zwaanswyk roads in Constantia. (“Protecting western leopard toads during migration,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, August 2025)

The TreeKeepers, a local non-profit, also shared ideas on how tree paste can help heal trees that were damaged by illegal tree bark stripping. (“TreeKeepers provide a solution for healing bark-stripped trees,” Constantiaberg Bulletin, December 2025)