by SFT | May 27, 2025 | St Francis
image: From left to right – Timothy Jantjes (Kouga Deputy Mayor), Nico Gouws (Kouga Fleet Manager), Theo Madatt (Kouga Electro and Mechanical Services Director), and Reinhardt Foley (Kouga Member of the Mayoral Committee for Electro and Mechanical Services) in this ‘Kouga Invests’ image.
Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality has bolstered its service delivery fleet with the recent procurement of a R5.1 million high-pressure drain cleaning jetting truck.
This state-of-the-art vehicle will play a crucial role in the cleaning of sewer and stormwater lines across the region, as well as in the ongoing maintenance of pump stations.
Advanced Suction
The new truck is equipped with advanced suction and jetting capabilities, making it ideal for removing blockages, dislodging built-up material, and performing preventative maintenance to minimise the risk of future obstructions.
Kouga invests, procures.
“This is the second jetting truck procured by the municipality. It is part of our continued commitment to improve infrastructure maintenance and service delivery,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman. “It will significantly enhance our capacity to respond to sewer-related issues more efficiently and proactively.”
Kouga Municipality to install 32 solar lights to combat cable theft, improve safety
– To enhance community safety and curb cable theft, Kouga Local Municipality is set to install 32 solar-powered streetlights within the next two months.
The R300,000 project will focus on high-risk areas where conventional streetlights have frequently been targeted by criminals.
“These solar lights will be installed in locations where traditional streetlights are often vandalised or stripped for their cables.” Said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman.
Public Safety
“By eliminating underground wiring, we provide a sustainable and theft-resistant lighting solution that improves public safety.”
Unlike conventional high mast lights that rely on the electricity grid and regular maintenance, solar streetlights are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and operate entirely off-grid. They use solar panels to charge batteries during the day, powering energy-efficient LED bulbs at night.
“This technology not only reduces the strain on municipal resources,” said Bornman. “It also ensures uninterrupted lighting in vulnerable communities, making our streets safer and more secure for everyone.”
This is part of several other interventions to deal with cable theft.
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Read Further:
Kouga Local Municipality invites public input on draft budget for 2025/2026
Quarter Century Of Service, And Mzili Bids Farewell To Kouga Municipality
Monthly Kouga Municipality Service Delivery Highlights March 2025
Municipality honours dedicated staff at long-service awards ceremony
Lorraine Maree takes helm as Speaker of Kouga Local Municipality
Kouga Local Municipality Launches SA’s First Drone Emergency Response Programme
by SFT | May 26, 2025 | Photo Of The Day
Clouds From Cape Town – a recent trip to the Cape found this awesome view from Chapmans Peak looking across at The Sentinel in Hout Bay
More PHOTOS
City of CAPE TOWN
by SFT | May 26, 2025 | St Francis
The Soccer Crew © Gail Petrie
Kicking Off with Kindness!
The Rotary Club of St Francis was proud to hand over 100 soccer balls and 10 netballs on behalf of Ranmorefunds. The balls went to 10 local Sea Vista soccer teams and the girls’ netball team this past week. The excitement was electric!
This incredible donation was made possible thanks to Sean Peche, founder of Ranmorefunds. This is a UK-based financial management firm with a strong sense of social impact. During a recent visit to St Francis, Sean noticed young players passionately training on an open field along the main road. They were without goals and with very limited equipment.
Generous offer to support the teams
Moved by their dedication and enthusiasm, Sean reached out to Rotary St Francis with a generous offer to support the teams. His donation funded not only the 100 high-quality soccer balls, but also the manufacture of training goals. Furthermore, the supply of excellent netballs for the local netball team.
The netball crew © Gail Petrie
A special thank you to Mike’s Sports Cape Town for stepping in and sponsoring the soccer ball bags. Your contribution tied it all together.
Heartfelt appreciation from our community
This act of generosity has been met with heartfelt appreciation from our community and beyond. So, thank you, Sean, for helping to empower and uplift our local youth through sport. Furthermore, your support is already making a lasting impact – both on and off the field!
We are reminded that small acts of kindness, when directed with purpose, can ripple outward in big ways.
#RotaryStFrancis #Ranmorefunds #CommunitySupport #YouthDevelopment #SeaVistaSoccer #Gratitude #LocalHeroes #SportForGood #MikesSportsCapeTown
Further reading:
Seal Point Boardriders Club, Supported By The Rotary Club Of St Francis, Grom Comp A Great Success
Rotary Club of St Francis and Billy’s Beach continuing Tom Roux’s Legacy:
Smallest Desert In The World, The Red Desert, Eastern Cape, South Africa – Photo Of The Day
Matt McGillivray Gets Cut From Championship Tour Of Surfing, Jordy Smith Aiming For Number One Slot In The World
by SFT | May 26, 2025 | St Francis
Kouga – Kouga continues to see positive strides in youth development, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the JumpStart Programme. This is a free initiative designed to equip unemployed youth with critical life skills and valuable work experience in the retail sector.
The programme took place in early May at the Mentors Country Estate.
JumpStart Programme empowers the unemployed
JumpStart Eastern Cape Assistant Regional Coordinator Darryll Karolus said a key contributor to the success of this initiative has been the Kouga Local Municipality Local Economic Development Office.
“The office played an integral role in supporting the programme. This came from assisting with recruitment and securing the training venue. Further, to providing tea-time snacks, lunch, training equipment, and a professional setup.
“Special recognition was given to Kouga Local Economic Development Officer, Sinovuyo Shoco. She was recognised for her dedication and contributions in ensuring the seamless execution of the training.”
Actively training young individuals in Kouga since 2018,
Karolus said the JumpStart Programme has been actively training young individuals in Kouga since 2018.It has been providing them with a Life Skills Course that covers Personal Development, Customer Service, Interview Skills, and Entrepreneurship.
“This is followed by a six-day retail work experience, giving participants hands-on exposure in real-world retail settings, significantly boosting their employability.
“The programme is made possible through strong partnerships with the Mr Price Foundation and the SPAR Group Nationally. These offer training and job placement opportunities through their various retail divisions.”
Participating employer partners include Mr Price Apparel, Mr Price Sport, Mr Price Home, Miladys, Sheet Street, Power Fashion, Studio 88, SPAR, and Build It.
This year’s training a resounding success
Karolus said this year’s training was a resounding success. It achieved the target of 20–25 candidates, who will begin their six-day work experience on 14 May. This will be at the retail stores of these partnering brands.
“Participants will also receive certificates in Life Skills and Work Experience. These will serve as valuable additions to their CVs. This will enhance their prospects for employment within and beyond the retail sector.’
Applauding the initiative, Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said through collaboration and commitment, the JumpStart Programme continues to open doors for young job seekers. Further, this will foster economic growth and community upliftment.
“With each training cycle, the programme empowers more individuals. Furthermore, it will give them confidence and the skills needed to step into the working world. Also, this will contribute to financially independent young people who contribute to the economy of Kouga and the country.”
Further reading: Rotary Club of St Francis and Billy’s Beach continuing Tom Roux’s Legacy:
by Craig Jarvis | May 26, 2025 | Notes From The Editor, Seal Point Boardriders club
I Just Wanted a Few Waves
I hadn’t surfed in weeks. Work. Kids. Stuff. My brain was mush. I needed water. Salt. A few waves. Just that.
I grabbed the big blue 9’0 soft top. The Log Model. The one everyone disenjoys me riding, A superior paddle machine.
My friends don’t mind. I’m not selfish in the water. I’m too unfit to be inconsiderate.
The others, though. They glare. They mutter, and they don’t greet. Don’t acknowledge. Don’t shake hands.
They also don’t catch many waves. They ride ego-driven, superlight, narrow pro models. The boards have great turning but no paddle power.
The ultimate quest in surfing is finding the marriage between paddle power and turning ability. You can’t have optimum levels of both.
I don’t care too much about turning. I just want a few waves. Just a few. No one dies. Everyone gets wet.
The Wave. The Surfer. The Air.
Late afternoon. Golden light. Long shadows. Wind going slack. That clean hush before dark.
I paddled out to join my daughter, Brin. Twelve-years-old. And her best friend, Summer. Also trouble.
Got one. An absolute bomb. Swung and went. It stood up just right. Smooth wall. My feet found the sweet spot.
But the sun. Right in my eyes. Blinding. Like fire. And then, a blur. Some young guy. Blue wetsuit.
He was paddling straight up the face. A wrong move. Should have paddled into the whitewater and ducked under. A golden rule. I saw his head too late. Too close.. Point blank range.
Instinct took over. I bunny-hopped. On a 9’0. Full credit card air. Not easy with 90 litres of volume.
A full leap of faith. Board went light. I lifted off the water. Floated. Briefly.
Somehow, I cleared him.
No thud of fins to head. No scream and no blood.
He popped up blinking.
I carried on riding.
Blue Cheese on Wheels
Brin and Summer screamed from the channel.
Someone hooted from the car park.
Someone whistled. A long, single-tone whistle, indicating a ‘shew, that was close‘ vibe.
In the distance, a dog barked.
I paddled back out to the guy. A little bit shaken. Apologised for giving him a scare. Gave him a thumbs up. He was fine. Still blinking. But fine.
He went straight in after that. Paddled in. Over the rocks. Driven over by a tanker. Enough for one day.
Brin reappeared as I paddled back to the top of the point.
Summer was with her.
Pirates
They paddled straight at me. Grinning like pirates. Both punched me solidly on the shoulder.
“Blue Cheese on Wheels!” they shouted.
And burst out laughing.
Not about the kid in the blue wetsuit.
About some arb blue car in the car park.
If you see a blue car, you can punch some and shout, ‘blue cheese on wheels.”
It’s just a game they play.
“But I nearly killed someone,” I said.
“I know,” said Summer. “That was rad. I always wanted to punch you with blue cheese on wheels.”
“That was cwazy,” said Brin, adding the speech impediment for special effects.
She turned. Paddled. Caught an inside wave. Moved on to the next thing in front of her eyes.
Her wave was watched over by the blue car in the car park. Same place it had been all afternoon.
The end./
Further reading: Seal Point Boardriders Club Grom Comp Great Success
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