by SFT | Feb 3, 2025 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality has secured an R83 million Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme Grant (UISP Incremental Grant) from the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS) to undertake critical bulk infrastructure upgrades across nine settlements in the region.
These upgrades are set to address essential service delivery needs, supporting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, expressed his gratitude for the funding for the major bulk infrastructure upgrades describing it as a transformative step forward for the municipality. “This significant investment ensures that our communities have access to essential services such as reliable water supply, effective sanitation, and electricity. These upgrades lay the foundation for further development, creating an environment where all residents can thrive,” he said.
Electrical infrastructure
The grant will fund critical infrastructure projects, including the R22 million Boskloof Secondary Feeders Line and Substation to bolster the electricity network and support growing demand in Humansdorp/KwaNomzamo, as well as a R12 million upgrade of the Ocean View Substation to cater to development in the 80ha settlement of Ocean View.
Sanitation infrastructure
To address sanitation challenges, R11.68 million has been allocated for the construction of a new pump station in Geelhout, along with a rising main to channel wastewater to the KwaNomzamo Wastewater Treatment Works.
Further upgrades include R3.28 million for enhancements to the Kruisfontein Wastewater Treatment Works and a 1.7km outfall sewer with advanced engineering.
In addition, the Apiesdraai Pump Station will undergo a R4.73 million refurbishment, with condition assessments and upgrades planned to meet future demand.
The Thornhill Sewer Treatment Works will also receive R2.64 million to increase its treatment capacity. Ramaphosa Village will benefit from the refurbishment of the existing Sewer Pump Station to the value of R600 000.
Water infrastructure
The water infrastructure projects funded by this grant include a R7.5 million water main from the Humansdorp Waterworks to KwaNomzamo, along Saffrey Street.
In Kruisfontein, R7.8 million will be used for upgrades to the Gill Marcus Reservoir and the installation of feeder lines to Donderhoek and Hopeville.
Thornhill will see the construction of a R5.77 million steel-pressed reservoir with feeder lines from the Summit Water Main, while Ramaphosa Village will benefit from a R5.25 million new reservoir to support current and future needs.
“Through these projects, we are addressing long-standing challenges in our communities,” said Bornman. “This is about ensuring equitable access to services and supporting the future growth of our municipality.”
See also: Kouga invests over R37M to transform gravel roads into tar, allocates over R61M for free basic services to indigent households
by SFT | Feb 3, 2025 | St Francis
Kouga invests over R37M to transform gravel roads into tarred roads across the region.
This project, which includes over R15 million allocated in the 2025/2026 financial year through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), aims to improve accessibility, safety, and quality of life for residents.
“Upgrading gravel roads to tarred roads is not just about improving driving conditions,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. “It is about connecting our communities and ensuring safer roads for all who live and travel in Kouga,” he said.
The project, which will be rolled out in phases, forms part of the municipality’s broader strategy to invest in sustainable and durable infrastructure.
“Roads are the backbone of our economy and our communities,” said Bornman. “So, when Kouga invests over R37M on tarring roads, we are improving infrastructure while building a future where every corner of Kouga is within reach.”
Kouga Local Municipality has allocated R61,419,118 in its mid-year adjustment budget to provide free basic services to indigent households across the region.
This provision was approved during an Ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to essential services, regardless of their financial status.
The allocation includes funding for essential services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and refuse removal.
Specifically, R21,487,061 has been set aside for providing 6 kilolitres of water per household per month, R13,673,095 for sanitation services, R1,989,710 for the provision of 50kWh of electricity per household per month, and R24,269,252 for regular refuse removal services (which includes an Environment Management Fee).
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised the importance of these services in improving the quality of life for indigent households. “Access to basic services is a fundamental right, and this allocation reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.
“No household should be left behind when it comes to access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and waste removal.”
by SFT | Feb 3, 2025 | St Francis
The Pam Golding Annual, the epic battle between The Bay vs The Links!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Richard Arderne and Pam Golding Properties for their unwavering support and innovative approach in making this event, which took place last Saturday and Sunday, possible.
Day 1: The Bay Course
On the first day, golfers took on the beautiful 18 holes at The Bay, competing in a Betterball Stableford format with an 85% Handicap Conversion for the morning round. After an exhilarating day on the course St Francis Links took a commanding lead of 1.6 points!
Full story here
The vibe is on the up!
The atmosphere at our club has been lively with the introduction of our “new“ temporary bar located downstairs. This initiative comes during a period of renovations, specifically while we are replacing the roof and upgrading the upstairs area.
Our new bar has now accommodated two large events:
The Pam Golding Annual Prize Giving and the Investec Betterball Medal. Full story here
For our full story on the St Francis Links renovation currently underway, go here –St Francis Links Striving As It Undertakes Renovations.
How to access the Clubhouse during construction
We encourage everyone to come down to enjoy a selection of drinks, catch some sports on the television, and explore our menu offerings. A combination of good company, entertainment, and quality refreshments!
See details here
Brilliant performance by Lynn Slogrove!
The EP & Border Championships were held at Humewood on the 25th and 26th of January, where participants faced challenging gale-force conditions. Read more about Slogrove’s performance here
Golfers, save these 2025 dates
Club Championships – 26 & 27 April 2025
Pam Golding Ladies Open – 17 & 18 May 2025
Ladies Invitational – 07 June 2025
Men’s Invitational – 18 & 19 July 2025
for the full list of upcoming tournaments, please go to the website here
by SFT | Feb 3, 2025 | Surfing Today
Banzai Pipeline, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.
Opening Round Heats
Reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA), and two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) claimed Opening Round heats at the Lexus Pipe Pro today, starting their World Title campaigns with momentum and bypassing the Elimination Round with a jump straight into the Round of 16. They were also joined by recently crowned 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA), who won her first heat.
France’s Marco Mignot Leads Rookie Pack, Tops Opening Round Heats in Full-Time CT Debut
Bursting straight out of the gates, Marco Mignot (FRA) posted the highest heat total of the men’s Opening Round within the first seven minutes of his first CT event as a full-time member of the Tour. Mignot, who has previously appeared in two CT events as a wildcard, started aggressively, catching four waves in the opening moments, including a 7.33 and 6.00 that secured his round-topping 13.33 heat total. A highly critical air landed directly in the flats, earned Mignot the 7.33, and propelled the 24-year-old to his inaugural CT heat win over João Chianca (BRA) and Ryan Callinan (AUS).
“In my mind, I was like, ‘Okay, well, this is the first heat, first event of the year,'” Mignot said. “I was just like, ‘Let’s go.’ This is my moment. I’ve dreamed about this moment. I’ve manifested this moment. It’s time to live this dream. I’m not gonna fall back and not do it one hundred percent. I said to myself, ‘It’s kill or get killed.'”
Fellow rookies Edgard Groggia (BRA) and Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) progressed through their first-ever heats on the CT in second place and into the Round of 32, though it was narrow margins for both. Groggia slipped ahead of his seasoned compatriot Yago Dora (BRA) by just 0.20, while Cleland found a buzzer-beater to send Liam O’Brien (AUS) to join Dora in the Elimination Round. Needing a 4.35, Cleland snuck a wave at the 35-second mark. The 22-year-old picked up a short barrel-to-turn combo to clear the mark with a 4.60 and advance 0.26 points ahead of O’Brien. Cleland’s full-time appearance on Tour in 2025 is a first for Mexico, a milestone he takes pride in representing.
Smallest Town In The World
“I’m coming here with an open mind, and relaxed, and just trying to get a couple waves,“ Cleland said. “And [more] than anything, represent my flag, and my family, and where I’m from, and just Pascuales and everything, and kind of show everybody from Mexico, you can make it. You can come from the smallest town in the world, and you can just put the hard work in, and make it happen. Stoked to just be a part of this and hopefully get some more waves.“
Australian rookies George Pittar (AUS) and Joel Vaughan (AUS) had mixed fortunes, with Pittar finding a Backdoor nugget to move through to the Round of 32 behind Jordy Smith (RSA) and Vaughan taking the unfortunate honor of earning the lowest heat total of the day in his CT debut. Meanwhile, Jackson Bunch (HAW) was unable to replicate his buzzer-beating wildcard performance from the 2024 Lexus Pipe Pro Opening Round and now finds himself in the Elimination Round, along with Vaughan.
Robinson and Slater Lead Progression of Former Event Winners
Though all five of the former men’s event winners in the draw advanced straight into the Round of 32, just two were able to claim Opening Round heat wins, Jack Robinson (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA). 2019 winner Italo Ferreira (BRA), 2021 winner John John Florence (HAW), and 2024 winner Barron Mamiya (HAW) each placed in the advancing second place of the three-person heats.
Robinson, the 2023 event winner, opened his 2025 campaign with the first excellent score of the season. Ducking straight into a driving barrel at Backdoor, Robinson picked up an 8.00, collecting the highest single-wave score of the day on his very first wave. The 27-year-old Australian surfed a smart heat, cruising to victory over Liam O’Brien (AUS) and rookie Al Cleland Jr. (MEX).
“Jack’s back,“ Robinson said. “It’s been a long time that I’ve been coming here, like 16, 17 years now, and every time you go out there you still just respect it, but that was a beautiful way to start.“
Patience paid off for Slater, the 11-time World Champion, who won his first heat at Pipeline since his most recent CT event win at the location in 2022. Facing Ferreira, the 2019 World Champion, along with 2024 Challenger Series winner Samuel Pupo (BRA), 52-year-old Slater’s expert lineup awareness and navigation of Backdoor barrels topped Ferreira’s maneuvers. Competing in his 33rd CT at Pipeline, Slater hasn’t missed the event since his debut in 1991 but is competing as a wildcard in 2025.
“It’s, to some degree, like riding a bike, but each day is different, conditions are a little different,“ Slater said. “You’ve got to remember, not every wave at Pipe and Backdoor is in the same spot. Depending on the swell direction and the size, it moves around a lot. Like, there was a left that came and Italo took it. It was my priority, but I let Italo go. I knew from there they don’t barrel, and I’m out there looking for barrels, but he does the big air on the wave, so you’re looking for different things.“
John John Florence
Also entering the event as a wildcard, after deciding to take the 2025 season off, 2021 event winner and reigning World Champion John John Florence(HAW) looked extremely comfortable as he made easy work of the peak that sits just steps from the house he grew up in. However, a long Backdoor barrel opened into one of the throatiest sections of the morning for Ian Gouveia(BRA), earning the Brazilian the highest score of the heat, a 7.67, and his first CT heat win since last appearing on Tour in 2018.
Gouveia’s best CT result came when he made the Semifinals at Pipe as a rookie in 2017, and emotions were high for the 32-year-old as he advanced into the Round of 32 ahead of Florence, the pair sending wildcard Eli Hanneman (HAW) into the Elimination Round.
“It feels amazing, I’ve been emotional because it was hard,“ Gouveia said through tears. “I had a really hard time during my pre-season. I was in Sao Paulo City for five months without surfing, without being in the water. I really didn’t know how it was gonna work out for me because I came here, I wasn’t feeling one hundred percent yet in my body, and one week ago, I had a cut on my knee. When it first happened, I thought I was going to miss the first two events of the year, and here I am.
I was able to put the jersey on, which I was like, ‘No one’s going to get my jersey, man.‘ I worked out so much to have this jersey on. No matter what happened, I was going to put this jersey on. I didn’t believe that wave came in the end, and I was able to make it and beat John in the first Round of my return to the Tour.”
Gouveia and Filipe Toledo (BRA) were the sole men’s Brazilians to earn heat wins in the men’s Opening Round. Toledo, the two-time World Champion, casually landed one of the biggest airs of the day to progress ahead of Mamiya in his return to competition after a season away.
Mixed Results for Men’s Hawaii Contingent on Day 1
O’ahu’s Seth Moniz (HAW) took out the very first CT heat of the year. The local knowledge of the 27-year-old led to clean Backdoor barrels that delivered a strong heat win over two Brazilians, rookie Edgard Groggia and Yago Dora. The win allowed Moniz to skip the dreaded Elimination Round, where he found himself last year. Moniz earned his best result yet on the CT when he finished runner-up to Kelly Slater (USA) in 2022 and is hopeful for another solid finish at Pipe to provide an early boost to his sixth season on Tour.
“It feels great to be at home, and I’m really happy to be back,“ Moniz said. “It’s a long off-season, so just kind of get the gas started, you know, first heat of the morning. Now I get all day to rest and just relax.“

Hanneman of Hawaii surfs in Heat 6 of the Opening Round at the Lexus Pipe Pro Photo – Heff/World Surf League)
The first surfer to miss the Mid-season Cut in 2024, Ian Gentil (HAW), returned to competition in the first event of 2025 as the WSL Replacement surfer. Gentil will take the place of three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) for at least the first three events of the season while Medina recovers from injury, providing a massive opportunity for the 2023 Rookie of the Year to reclaim his place on Tour. Gentil took command in a tight heat that featured 2023 Pipe Pro runner-up Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and 2024 World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA), as he looks to back-up his Semifinal finish here in 2024.
Out of four surfers from the Hawaiian island of Maui in the draw, Gentil was the sole competitor to make it through to the Round of 32, with rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW), wildcard Eli Hanneman (HAW), and Imaikalani deVault (HAW) all relegated to the Elimination Round.
Hawaii’s Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Gabriela Bryan will be up in the remaining two women’s heats of the Opening Round when the competition resumes. Heat 5 will see Sakura Johnson in a matchup of heavy-water chargers with Molly Picklum (AUS) and Vahine Fierro (BRA), while Bryan is against 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and rookie threat Erin Brooks (CAN) in Heat 6.
For highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Seth Moniz (HAW) 12.06 DEF. Edgard Groggia (BRA) 8.73, Yago Dora (BRA) 8.53
HEAT 2: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 10.50 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 9.27, Jackson Bunch (HAW) 7.34
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.10 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 8.43, Liam O’Brien (AUS) 8.17
HEAT 4: Ian Gentil (HAW) 12.90 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.30, Griffin Colapinto (USA) 10.93
HEAT 5: Kelly Slater (USA) 9.90 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 8.00, Samuel Pupo (BRA) 3.90
HEAT 6: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 11.84 DEF. John John Florence (HAW) 11.50, Eli Hanneman (HAW) 11.43
HEAT 7: Jordy Smith (RSA) 11.00 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 7.17, Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 3.63
HEAT 8: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 10.06 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 7.83, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 3.06
HEAT 9: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 7.10 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 6.80, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 3.53
HEAT 10: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 7.40 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 6.14, Deivid Silva (BRA) 5.90
HEAT 11: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 8.57 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 6.66, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 6.27
HEAT 12: Marco Mignot (FRA) 13.33 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 8.73, Ryan Callinan (AUS) 8.57
Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW)
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
HEAT 3: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Women’s Opening Round Results (Heats 1 – 4):
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) 12.60 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 9.16, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 6.17
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.83 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 7.17, Bella Kenworthy (USA) 6.67
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.67 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 7.93, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 7.10
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 13.83 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 10.16, Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 9.87
Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Remaining Women’s Opening Round Matchups (Heats 5 – 6):
HEAT 5: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 6: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
See more: Seal Point Boardriders Club Grom Comp and Surf Lessons A Great Success
by SFT | Feb 3, 2025 | St Francis
St Francis Links has started an exciting new chapter with extensive changes to their clubhouse, including the replacement of the 2700m2 thatched clubhouse roof.
After a comprehensive due diligence exercise not only for the roof but also to limit further business interruption in the long term and save costs, this project was given the green light. Additionally, there will also be wide-ranging improvements carried out to the interiors of the 18-year-old building, giving it a fresh and modern look.

St Francis Links Striving
The proposed changes have been designed to transform St Francis Links to a more family-orientated community and to accommodate the rapid increase in homes and permanent residents that the Links has experienced post-COVID. The opportunity to improve efficiencies, prepare the building for solar provision, update technology and maximise the revenue-generating spaces have been embraced. The objective is to offer a clubhouse that goes beyond golf.
Food, beverage, golf, and the spa will remain on offer during the renovation period.
The golf course, golf shop, Bard’au Medi-Spa and locker rooms will remain fully operational during the construction period, which is expected to be completed by mid-2025. A temporary bar and offices will be established on the lower level of the clubhouse, and the new Halfway Deli will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Construction commenced in January 2025, when the site was handed over to the appointed contractor. The project forms part of a Links master plan envisioned by the Board to include more family recreation and sports offerings.
20th anniversary
“It is with great excitement that we approach our 20th anniversary, and we look forward to the refurbished clubhouse that will enhance our already excellent estate”, says Jeff Clause, St Francis Links CEO. “The Links is thriving, making this the ideal time to enhance our amenities to reflect the needs of a family-focused community. Plans include expanding the Kids Club and creating versatile, multi-use spaces to better serve our members and visitors alike.”
Come and have a look at the conceptual renderings on the lower deck near the Halfway Deli at the St Francis Links Club House.
Read more: Seal Point Boardriders Club Grom Comp and Surf Lessons A Great Success
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