November 24, 2024 – St Francis Today

Seal Point Boardriders Grom Comp and Coaching Session A Great Success

by SFT | Nov 24, 2024 | Seal Point Boardriders club

Immediately after my breakfast at Nevermind Restaurant, it was time to get down to the Seal Point Boardriders Grom Comp and Coaching Session on Saturday morning. This contest and coaching session was the club’s final event of the year before the big jol coming up in two weeks.

Absolutely pumping

The waves were absolutely pumping at the point and the beach. Many of the club surfers just went surfing at either of the two spots. Some went to try the thunderous barrels further down the beach. This was reserved for the brave, experienced or stupid.

Our club coach, Shane Thorne, gathered the remaining groms and went through some basics with them. This included board positioning, compressing and body movements in relation to board movements. Then they all went for a surf at the Point in the growing swell.

The grom girls did so well, charging the set waves that were pouring through. Shane was in the water to supervise. he also helped them get onto a few of the bigger ones.

The rest of the groms, including a few dad groms, hit the beach break for a session of firing surf that was non-stop for most of the day.

Tricky exits

After the groms had finished surfing the point they negotiated quite a tricky exit over the rocks. The rip was pulling so hard at this stage. It was then time to chill. So a braai was lit, and it was time for a few boerie rolls and some chill time at the beach. This was the culmination of a very successful year of the revamped Seal Point Boardriders Club.

Don’t forget the big jol – the Boardriders Boogie and Fundraiser on 6 December– at the Pig and Rooster. It will be a fun evening of awards, announcements and raffles. It will also be a look back at where the club came from and what we have become today.

Thanks to everyone who attended on Saturday and helped towards another fun event for the club.

I said what about breakfast at Nevermind? – Notes From The Editor

by SFT | Nov 24, 2024 | Notes From The Editor

Photo from Nevermind Facebook

Nevermind Restaurant has carved out a lovely spot in Cape St Francis, with an especially inviting outdoor dining area shaded by the sometimes brutal Seal Point sun. Our group of five visited for a late morning breakfast, immediately drawn to the mellow outdoor space.

With good company and a minor celebration as the program for the morning, there were four mimosas ordered between the five of us (while the writer is not judgemental, he prefers to be more responsible in the morning…).

Breakfast Menu

The breakfast menu offers classics and creative touches that exceed standard breakfast fare. We ordered various dishes: two Avocado On Wholewheat dishes (R110), one Eggs Your Way (scrambled) (R60), one Salmon Tartare with eggs, spring onions, latke and cream cheese (R175), while I went for the Mushrooms On Toast (R140).

The avocado toast came with a poached egg, labneh, and toasted seeds. It proved to be a standout, with perfectly ripe avocados and lekker seasoning. The scrambled eggs looked delicious and demonstrated that sometimes the simplest dishes when done right, can be the most satisfying.

Salmon Tartare

The salmon tartare deserves special mention, bringing an elegant touch to the breakfast offerings. Fresh and expertly prepared, it offered a sophisticated alternative to traditional breakfast dishes. When I saw the tartare, I was awash with food envy.

That was until I actually tasted my Mushrooms On Toast.

It came with a poached egg, green tahini, coffee dukkha (a nut, seed and spice blend) and balsamic raisins. It was outstanding, with the balsamic raisins a savoury surprise.

The service was great – professional, warm, and perfectly paced. Our server found that sweet spot between attentiveness and allowing us to enjoy our leisurely breakfast. The kitchen’s timing was impeccable, with all dishes arriving together and beautifully presented.

Four Mimosas

The mimosas were (apparently) a delightful addition to our morning. They added the right festive touch to four of the five of us at our table, while one of us remained reliable.

Nevermind delivers excellent food in an incredible setting. The shaded outdoor area creates an oasis-like feeling, perfect for long, lazy breakfasts, all the while watched over by the sentinel-like lighthouse with the waves crashing on two fronts. While the restaurant was busy during our visit, the atmosphere remained pleasantly relaxed, and the quality of service and food never wavered.

The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices feel fair for the quality of ingredients and preparation. Nevermind excels at what it does, delivering consistent quality with enough flair to keep things interesting.

Nevermind is an excellent choice for anyone in Cape St Francis looking for a breakfast spot that combines great food with a lovely outdoor setting. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit on the grass and linger over one more coffee. Or mimosa.

Milkway Transport launch celebrates the empowerment of Black-owned and women-led logistics enterprise in Jeffreys Bay.

by SFT | Nov 24, 2024 | St Francis

Jeffreys Bay – The official launch of Milkway Transport on 20 November 2024 marked a milestone for expanding black-owned and women-led businesses in South Africa’s logistics sector.

The event, which took place in Jeffreys Bay, was attended by key stakeholders including Government representatives, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the Sarah Baartman District Municipality and local business leaders.

Milkway’s success is a testament to the transformative power of investment, community collaboration and the Government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in the broader Eastern Cape region.

A commitment to empowerment and economic growth

The launch of Milkway Transport showcases the positive impact of investment in black-owned and women-led businesses. The R42 million investment by the NEF has enabled Milkway to expand its fleet, which has grown from one to 19 trucks in just eight years.

This growth is contributing to job creation and providing essential transport services to major clients like Woodlands Dairy and Coca-Cola Beverages Southern Africa. The company’s success reflects the potential for sustainable business growth in the Eastern Cape.

Mr Mziwabantu Dayimani, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NEF, spoke on the investment’s impact: “We are proud of Milkway Transport’s impressive growth and the role it plays in empowering local communities and women entrepreneurs. The NEF’s support is a critical part of our mission to transform South Africa’s economy by driving the growth of black-owned enterprises in key sectors like logistics. Milkway’s success story is one we celebrate as part of our broader commitment to inclusive economic growth.”

Building Stronger communities through black empowerment

Milkway Transport, founded by Clayton and Leonie Damons, is a 100% black-owned and 60% women-owned logistics business originating in Joubertina.

The company, which is now based in Humansdorp, has demonstrated outstanding growth, expanding its fleet and capabilities while providing essential transport services to major companies in the region.

Mr Clayton Damons, CEO of Milkway Transport, emphasised the importance of the NEF’s support: “From our humble beginnings with one truck to now operating a fleet of 19, the NEF’s investment has been crucial in our success. This is a proud moment for us, and we are excited about the future. We look forward to continuing our growth and creating more jobs for people in our community and across the broader Eastern Cape,” said Damons.

Local Municipalities’ role in driving regional economic development

The Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) has been a key partner in creating an environment conducive to business growth, and it was through SBDM funding that Mr. and Ms. Damons were able to purchase their first truck.

Thereafter, SBDM assisted them again in 2021 with R200 000 to secure their business premises. SBDM also facilitated the process, which led to Milkway Transport being funded by the NEF. The Executive Mayor of Sarah Baartman District Municipality,

Cllr Deon de Vos expressed his excitement about the company’s impact on the region: “Milkway’s success is a clear demonstration of the potential of businesses in our local and surrounding areas. We are committed to fostering growth, creating jobs and supporting initiatives that contribute to the prosperity of the Sarah Baartman District. We look forward to seeing the continued success of Milkway Transport and its positive influence on the community.”

Economic impact and future growth prospects

Milkway Transport’s expansion plans include the continued growth of its fleet to meet increasing demand. With a strong foundation and backing from the NEF, the company is positioned to contribute further to the economic development of the Eastern Cape, particularly in the logistics sector. Mr Dayimani added: “We are excited about the potential for Milkway Transport to expand even further. The NEF is committed to supporting businesses like Milkway that contribute to the economy and play an essential role in empowering local communities and creating sustainable job opportunities.”