The only way to win surfing events these days is to take to the skies, and that’s exactly what the surfers have been doing in this Aerial Surfing Gallery at The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill World Surf League Challenger Series event.
All photos by @kodymcgregor @pierretostee @theballitopro
See also: St Francis Bay Surfers in action at The Ballito Pro: Gallery
Tuesday 2nd July 2024
On Thursday 4th July the Green Scorpions will be carrying out an investigation of criminal activity on the Papiesfontein state land earmarked for conservation. Extensive environmental damage has been inflicted on sensitive vegetation at Papiesfontein since the land was occupied illegally over a year ago.
Over three thousand square meters of highly endangered renosterveld has been cleared by the illegal occupiers. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulation under the National Environment Management Act is triggered when more than three hundred square metres of vegetation classified as endangered is removed without prior Environmental Authorisation.
The Greater Kabeljous partnership is a group of long-standing environmental activists, conservation practitioners, and concerned Jeffreys Bay citizens who joined together to protect this unique landscape. The partnership welcomes the Green Scorpions investigation as a vital step in protecting the fragile ecosystem. The culmination of this will be declaration of the Greater Kabeljous area as a reserve well known for its rich biodiversity.
The Greater Kabeljous area comprises the Kabeljous and Papiesfontein parcels of state-owned land northeast of Jeffreys Bay, as well as the privately owned land stretching up to the Gamtoos River. The area contains irreplaceable biodiversity, with at least 16 plant species of special conservation concern, an endangered and protected ecosystem type known as Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld,
and five bird species of special conservation concern (including the highly endangered Black Harrier). Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld is listed as an endangered ecosystem in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
The Papiesfontein state land is owned by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements who are moving to have the illegal land invaders evicted from the site. Last week they gave permission for Kouga Local Municipality to demolish a newly erected illegal structure with immediate effect. The municipality is also working in conjunction with the Department of Human Settlements for the removal of four structures erected previously.
“We are greatly encouraged to see that the rule of law is being applied and enforced by the Department of Human Settlements and KLM,” said Michael Sternberg of the Greater Kabeljous Partnership, “and the news of the Green Scorpions site inspection gives us hope that lawfulness will prevail.”
Image 1: Aerial imagery of the most recent structure illegally erected at Papiesfontein. For just this one dwelling, another c.490 sqm of endangered Humansdorp Shale Renosterveld was cleared by the invaders without authorisation.
Image 2: aerial survey showing the 3 main areas of endangered renosterveld that have been cleared by the invaders so far. The yellow outline shows the perimeter of the Papiesfontein state land which is owned by the Provincial Department of Human Settlements. So far more than 3,000 square metres of endangered renosterveld have been cleared by the invaders. This area is home to the last remaining ecologically viable portion of humansdorp shale renosterveld left in the world.
Image 3: an example of the type of clearing done to build the illegal structures.
Image 4: Image of the illegal structure structure that was attempted to be erected, as well as the concerning presence of fire.
Media Enquiries:
media@greaterkabeljous.org
WhatsApp: +27 72 615 5131
Durbanville Hills Our vineyards are situated in one of the Cape’s coolest wine-producing regions, all located a mere 10km from the ocean, bathing the slopes with cool ocean breezes and moist air to allow for optimal ripening.
The rich diversity of the slopes that give rise to the name Durbanville Hills, provide a topography with varying altitudes and aspects. This together with the Mediterranean climate, hours of sunshine, rich soils and moderate rainfall, all combine to allow our winemakers to perfectly match cultivars to the best location.
The result is a range of cool climate wines with intense fruit appeal, finesse and complexity that reflect their unique provenance.
We released our first vintage in 1999 in a joint venture with local farms and the then Distell (now HEINEKEN Beverages). Today the nine-member farms – Klein Roosboom, Ongegund, Hillcrest, Maastricht, Morgenster, Bloemendal, Hooggelegen, Welbeloond and De Grendel – are all located within a 10km radius from the cellar, continuing the legacy of hundreds of years of wine-growing expertise in the area.
Together with our grape partners, our winemakers and viticulturists, work together as a team to ensure only the best grapes are grown and hand-selected for their outstanding quality.
Nescafe, Weet-Bix, Lays, Coca-Cola, Sprite Huggies, Omo, Twin-Saver and all your old favourites are on special this weekend as part of the Billion Rand In Savings at the Spar.
Coffee Camera a Phone – Photo Of The Day by Ronald Ringlesbury
The annual Pam Golding Properties Ladies Golf Open takes place over two rounds this weekend, hosted by Pam Golding’s Links Specialist, Saria Blaauw.
This year there will be a “Beat Pam Golding’s Saria” chipping competition, on the 18th fairway, between 9am and 10am on Saturday. Not only will the ladies have a chance to warm up and practice their chipping, but also a chance to win a bottle of very fine Pam Golding red wine … if they beat Saria!
Pam Golding has been the sponsor since the event’s inception in 2006, acknowledging that ladies are the prime decision-makers for most residential property transactions!
Day 1 (Saturday) is as usual at St Francis Links and Day 2 (Sunday) at St Francis Bay Golf Club.
Day 1 features an 11am “shotgun” start, as usual, when all golfers tee off at the same time … on different holes (obviously!).
The shotgun start makes for a more social day. Before their first round at the Links, the ladies from clubs all over the country enjoy a chat over complimentary coffee and muffin in the clubhouse, and then Jeff Clause will give them a briefing outside before they all drive off in their carts to their start tee.
Saria and cameraman Dean Fox will follow the players in a golf cart to watch and video a few fine golf shots (and maybe some not so fine).
The shotgun start means that everyone finishes at the same time, so the barmen will be busy supplying the ladies with refreshments, before they change for their Masked Jol .. and these ladies know how to jol. Saria will be the guest of the lady golfers.
The prize-giving is after the second round on Sunday, when Saria will give a quick talk about the property market. Then Bay Golf Club Captain Noelle Pearson will announce the winners, with Saria handing over the prizes.
The photos are from last year’s Pam Golding Ladies Open.
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