Retirement planning is essential. There’s just no getting around it—knowing you’ve got the financial resources to live comfortably for the rest of your life gives you peace of mind that’s hard to put a price on. If you’re not planning for that, you may be setting yourself up for some serious stress down the line.
But here’s the twist: while having a solid retirement plan is important, sticking to it too rigidly can lead to a retirement that’s… well, boring. Predictable. Lifeless, even.
Think about this: many of us will live 30, maybe even 40 years in retirement. That’s not a short chapter—it’s a whole new book. Now rewind your life 30 years. Or even just 20. Where were you? What were your hobbies? Who was important to you? What kept you up at night? Chances are, your life back then looked nothing like it does today.
So, if your life has already changed that much, why assume your retirement will stay static?
This is where things get exciting. When you realise that the next few decades don’t have to follow a fixed script, you unlock the freedom to start designing a life that evolves with you. Your retirement can be just as dynamic, surprising, and fulfilling as any other part of your journey—if you give yourself permission to rewrite the plan.
Of course, have the structure. Know your numbers. Understand what you need to be financially independent. But don’t be afraid to tear up the blueprint and create something new when inspiration strikes.
This stage of life is a gift. So, let’s not go on autopilot. Don’t just wake up every day and “do retirement.” Instead, grab a blank sheet of paper. Dream a little. Be bold. What would it look like if this next chapter was the most exciting one yet?
Retire with a plan—but don’t be afraid to reinvent it. Again, and again. That’s how we turn retirement from a finish line into a fresh start.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
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Jeffreys Bay – The first 75 houses – forming part of the initial phase of 568 units, valued at over R94.5 million and included in the broader Ocean View 1 500 Housing Project – are scheduled for completion and handover to beneficiaries by the end of July 2025.
This milestone is a significant step towards restoring dignity and enhancing the quality of life for residents who have long awaited proper housing.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, hailed the project as a beacon of progress for the community. “We are very excited to finally see these houses take shape. For many of our residents, this is the first time they will know the dignity of having a place to call their own,” he said.
The housing development includes 24 duplex units – a first for Kouga Local Municipality – as well as 36 semi-detached homes, several of which are designed to be paraplegic-friendly, and 16 homes specially built for disabled residents. It has been a sizeable project.
The project also boasts completed internal services – including water, sewer, roads, and electricity infrastructure – at a cost of nearly R50 million.
“This project is a vital part of our broader commitment to housing delivery and sustainable human settlements,” said Bornman.
“We are building communities, not just houses,” said Mayor Bornman, adding, “It’s about integration, accessibility, and giving people real opportunities to thrive.”
Construction on an additional 300 housing units is expected to commence in the 2027/2028 financial year, as part of the continued roll-out of the 1 500-unit development.
Further reading: Rotary Club of St Francis and Billy’s Beach continuing Tom Roux’s Legacy: A New Chapter for the St Francis Bay Fire Station
Further reading: A technologist with architectural spirit: Meet Nathaniel Martin, Coordinator: Auxiliary at Kouga Local Municipality (KLM),
Kouga Local Municipality news room and media releases –Newsroom and releases
By Gail Petrie
Last year, the St Francis Bay community lost one of its most passionate and dedicated residents, Tom Roux. Tom was not only known for his unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of St Francis but also for his incredible tours around Sea Vista and St Francis Bay, showcasing the impactful work Rotary was doing in these communities. His tours were more than just informational; they were a testament to the power of service and the difference that Rotary members make in the lives of so many.
One such tour, which included Rotarians Lesley de Jager (now President-Elect) and Gail Petrie, ended at the St. Francis Bay Fire Station. As they stood there, the heavens opened and a heavy downpour began. Waiting inside for the storm to pass, they took note of the station’s conditions. What they saw was a stark reminder of the tough reality faced by those who protect our community. The roof was leaking badly, the kitchen was unusable, the couches were in such poor condition they couldn’t even be sat on, and the toilets were in disrepair. Even more concerning was the fact that the sleeping areas for both men and women were cramped into one room.
These were the brave men and women who fought the notorious fires that have plagued St Francis Bay for years. They worked tirelessly on 24-hour shifts, putting their lives on the line to keep us all safe. Yet, their own station, where they rested, ate, and prepared for their next mission, was in desperate need of attention.
Seeing this firsthand, a proposal was made to address these pressing issues, and the Rotary Steering Committee quickly approved it. A few months later, Billy’s Beach, a local business with a heart for community, stepped up. They allocated a portion of the funds raised from their annual “Ballies Party” to help revamp the St Francis Bay Fire Station, contributing a generous R360,000 – the largest allocation from their annual donation to the Rotary Club of St Francis.
With plans in place and the legal groundwork completed, today, a year after Tom’s passing, marks the beginning of a much-needed renovation project. The first phase will see the roof replaced, with the project set to be completed in the coming months. Phase 2 will focus on the revamping of the kitchen, the creation of a recreational room, the establishment of separate sleeping areas for men and women, and the improvement of bathroom
facilities and a gym area. This comprehensive upgrade will ensure that our firefighters have the facilities they deserve, a proper place to rest, recover, and continue their vital work.
As we embark on this journey of renewal, the Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to continue the legacy of Tom Roux. A week before his passing, Tom made a heartfelt request to fellow Rotarian Jef Forrer: “If anything happens to me, please make sure the Fire Station work continues.” Today, thanks to his vision and the dedication of so many, that promise is being fulfilled.
This is more than just a building project. It’s a tribute to the
selflessness and bravery of our firefighters, and a reminder that when a community comes together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Stay tuned for more updates on the project’s progress. The Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to be part of this
important cause, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our first responders and our community as a whole.
We’re excited to share that Phase 1 of the St Francis Bay Fire Station Restoration is well underway, and the new roof is already looking amazing!
We couldn’t have come this far without the incredible support of Billy’s Beach and our community.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to restore and improve this vital service for St. Francis Bay!
Molly Picklum (yellow) and Gabby Bryan negotiate a gnarly jump-off at Supertubes in JBay as they prepare for the Women’s final heat in the Corona Cero JBay Open on Friday. Surges and a big swell made for some extremely sketchy jump-offs, but the girls were all charging.
Photo Kody McGregor
All the images from an incredible final day at the Corona Cero Open JBay.
photos by Alan Van Gysen, Pierre Tostee and Kody McGregor
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