by SFT | Jul 31, 2025 | St Francis
Kouga – From the classroom to construction sites, Tshiu Sebatana’s journey is one defined by determination, resilience, and an unwavering passion for engineering. His career path has not been linear, but every step has shaped the dynamic professional he is today.
After matriculating in 2007 from Louis Botha Technical High School in Bloemfontein, Sebatana enrolled for a qualification in Electrical Engineering at Motheo TVET College. However, financial constraints forced him to change direction, leading him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. It was during this time that he reconnected with his true calling – civil engineering.
“The desire to practice engineering was still in me even though I was an educator, so I taught Grade 11 and 12, Civil Technology and Technical Drawing for a period of two years.
Resignation
“By January 2015, I submitted my resignation as a teacher to pursue a National Diploma in Civil Engineering at the Central University of Technology. I completed a BTech in Civil Engineering, specialising in Water Engineering, at the University of South Africa (UNISA). I am currently doing my final year of my B.Eng. Honours with UNISA in Water Engineering.”
Sebatana’s hands-on engineering journey began in 2017 as a site supervisor at Matiyani Construction. He then joined the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality as an RRMS Technician, later advancing to PMU Technician. In this role, he managed road and stormwater design, water and sanitation infrastructure, project management, and technician training.
“By April 2024, I was appointed as a Senior Technician Roads and Stormwater at Drakenstein Municipality, and today I am here,” he said.
God Given Creativity
“I’ve always wanted to use my God-given creativity to make a difference in my community.”
From a young age, Sebatana was drawn to problem-solving and innovation, traits that naturally aligned with a career in engineering.
“From an early age, I liked solving problems creatively or building things using anything I could find useful. I just needed to channel my creativity in a way that would be useful and build a career in it. That is why my parents took me to a technical school to explore that God-given talent further.
“So, choosing civil engineering resonates from the question: ‘What can I do with my God-given talent to bring change in society?’
“The entire world is facing climate change, which brings about a dynamic challenge to infrastructure and the standards of design. Therefore, this keeps me enthusiastic, learning, and keeping up with the current technologies needed or used to overcome these challenges.”
A Significant Milestone
His appointment as area civil engineer in Kouga marks a significant milestone – both professionally and personally. Inspired by mentorship and driven by purpose, Sebatana is committed to making a meaningful impact.
In his first six months, his focus areas include:
- Assessing productivity across operational teams in Humansdorp.
- Upgrading depot and storage facilities for improved working conditions.
- Strengthening management systems and team morale.
- Identifying and addressing key infrastructure challenges.
- Developing engineering solutions for water and road concerns.
“A project I am looking forward to is the rehabilitation of roads,” he said.
Sebatana’s advice to aspiring engineers is as thoughtful as it is profound: “You can never drift into success – you must be intentional. Time is a currency, and you become what you spend it on.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to leave a legacy in Kouga – one built on performance, professionalism, and purpose.
“I am a motivated young engineer and excited to be effective in every opportunity I have. When a seed is planted, it takes time to germinate, take root, and grow until it bears fruit. Promises might be made, and they may take time to come to fruition, but eventually, it will happen. Therefore, it might take some time to get things running smoothly and to perform at an elevated level.”
Kouga Local Municipality News
Read more: Newsflash From St Francis Property Owners NPC (SRA) – Dredging Pipe Placements on Ralph Road on Thursday 31 July In SFB
by SFT | Jul 30, 2025 | SFPO, St Francis
Thursday 31 July Dredging Pipe Drop Off Zone
Today, Thursday, 31 July, will see a delivery of dredging pipes alongside Ralph Road. The drop-off zone will be in the area between Lara Road and where Ralph Road slides away from the beach, as you are heading north. This delivery will comprise 64 pipes of 15m in length. This pipe delivery continues the prep work for the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme (LTCPS). The scheme will dredge sand from the Sand River Delta and other priority areas on The Kromme to various discharge points along the beachfront for beach nourishment, extending up to Main Beach.
The final dredging pipeline will comprise pipes ranging in length from 15 to 90m. Due to their length, the pipeline will be assembled onsite. This process begins with the delivery of the pipe, and then the subsequent welding will take place over the following 6 weeks.
The third phase will involve moving, placing and joining the pipe in its final location.
The dredging process is estimated to commence three months from the initial placement of the piping.
Miller Engineered Solutions is the appointed contractor for the dredging.
Stay Informed
Further details, updates, and progress reports are available on the St Francis Property Owners Association website under the SFPO NPC (SRA) menu.
SFPO NPC Contact:
Lyn Aitken – Administration Manager
Phone: 042 294 0594
Email: info@sfpo.co.za
Office Address: 9 Philippa Place, St Francis Bay
by SFT | Jul 29, 2025 | St Francis
By Richard Arderne
A few reasons why paddlers enjoyed the Pam Golding Canals Winter Doubles Challenge on Saturday morning, 19 July 2025
1. JBay surfing had finished the day before (well done Connor )
2. It was sunny with a light breeze ☀️
3. The breeze was easterly with a dropping swell, so surfing was mediocre or worse
4. It was a fairly high tide, great for paddling in the canals
5. Complimentary coffee and rusks before the start ☕️
The Start
6. Complimentary boerie rolls, cool drinks and beer afterwards
7. One lucky paddler, Rick Betts from Port Alfred, took home the Carbonology lucky draw paddle
The Carbonology Lucky Draw Paddle
8. There were also a few lucky draw Rack & Paddle accessories
9. It was an opportunity to paddle double our usual time trial distance … without a cut-off time
10. It was an excellent chance of riding slip in a bunch (thanks, Jaco and Janine )
11. Many paddlers would be enjoying the excellent Pam Golding Red on the evening after the race
12. R6000 in cash for category winners
13. More importantly, enjoying the camaraderie of paddling in a bunch (thanks Jaco and Janine ) and the drink and chat afterwards
The 20km podium and trophy, and cash handover
14. Prizegiving finished in time for the Lions-Oz rugby
15. It was a chance to rub shoulders with Olympic paddler, Andy Birkett, now a regular St Francis visitor … plus the regular crew of locals, PE and Plett paddlers
PS 1
Unsurprisingly, Olympic paddler Andy Birkett won the main 20km race in his K1 (after paddling a 10km warm-up before the start!), but being a doubles race, the red-hot pair of under-18s, Matt Coetzer and Liam Stephenson, took the trophy and R3500.
PS 2
I was finished after 20km, despite perfect conditions and Andrew and I riding Jaco and Janine’s slip for about 19.5km
Over 65 winners in the 20km race
PS 3
Thanks very much to all who helped, especially Kath Bowren and Carol Rothero, who stood in for our timekeeper, Mandy McGregor, who wasn’t well. Dave and Marie Louw manned the coffee and rusks station, and Ken McGregor, Ross Anderson, Charlie Jonsson, and Andrew Bowren braaied. Jane Arderne took videos (and Raffy played with Sharkey )
Read more: Yet Another Pam Golding Paddling Race This Saturday – The Pam Golding Canals Winter Doubles Challenge!
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