To the Editor
I am writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment with the public participation meeting held on 22 July 2025 at the Sea Vista Community Hall regarding the proposed survey activities in offshore Block 11B/12B along South Africa’s South Coast. As a local resident who cares deeply about this region, I attended the meeting with the hope of engaging in a meaningful and transparent dialogue about the project’s potential impacts.
Instead, what I witnessed was a disappointing and disheartening display of vagueness, evasiveness, and patronising behaviour from the facilitators, leaving me with serious concerns about the integrity of this consultation process and the future of our coastal environment.
The meeting, conducted by SLR Consulting and NMA Effective Social Strategists on behalf of Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd, offered little more than vague promises and half-answers to crucial questions. The proposed surveys – including sonar mapping, seafloor sampling, and ROV inspections – are being pitched as “downscaled” but are being pushed forward without adequate clarity or respect for the environmental risks they pose. I, along with many others, left the meeting feeling belittled and deeply troubled.
Instead of addressing critical concerns, such as the true potential harm to marine life or the risk of oil spills, the facilitators resorted to rambling, uncoordinated responses that made us feel as though our voices didn’t matter.
The ocean off our coast is not just a body of water; it is a vital, living entity that supports marine life, fisheries, and the livelihoods of many families. Sonar surveys – the ones planned for this project – can disrupt marine animals and cause lasting damage to our fishing industry. Yet, during the meeting, these risks were glossed over and no real, actionable solutions were offered to protect the fragile marine environment. This disregard for our home is not only infuriating, it’s irresponsible. We deserve a thorough, transparent explanation of the risks and the concrete measures to mitigate them, not vague promises.
The Southern Cape relies on sustainable industries like fishing, tourism, and agriculture. An oil spill or industrial accident could devastate these industries, jeopardising the livelihoods of many families. Yet, despite this, we were given no clear assurances that these critical sectors would be protected. The community was largely excluded from this process. Many residents in surrounding towns and areas were unaware that the meeting was taking place, and even fewer could attend. Multiple meetings in the same small room, along with associated language and listening barriers, created additional obstacles. The information provided was inconsistent between the handouts received and those displayed in the room. It is painfully clear that our voices are being ignored.
See also: New offshore oil and gas projects in direct conflict with SA’s climate commitments
It is heartbreaking to think that our children and grandchildren may inherit a degraded coastline. Or face economic collapse because we were too eager to sacrifice long-term prosperity for short-term profit. This offshore exploration, undertaken in 2025, appears to be at odds with the world’s growing push for sustainable energy. Even the major oil companies have pulled away, recognising the high risks. So why should we, the community living on the frontline, carry the burden of this risk? This project isn’t about us; it’s about them. Our future is not a price tag to be negotiated.
I left that meeting feeling not only frustrated but betrayed. We are the ones who live here. Our families, our communities, our future is inextricably linked to this coast. If this project goes ahead without proper scrutiny, we will suffer the consequences, not the companies behind it. We have every right to demand better than what was presented – and we will not be silenced.
I call on the authorities and developers to halt this project until genuine transparency, proper public consultation, and rigorous environmental safeguards are put in place. We must be given the chance to be heard, to protect our homes, our businesses and our future. Our coast is too precious to risk. We are not asking for much – just the respect, information and consideration we deserve as the ones who will bear the weight of this decision.
Sincerely
Trevor Gascoyne
Concerned resident of SFB and Member of FOSTER Environmental Committee
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Further reading: Major Coastal Protection Project Set to Launch in St Francis Bay
Kouga – In the world of infrastructure, where concrete meets community, Amanda Nyathela is a force of quiet determination. Recently appointed as Kouga Local Municipality’s new Manager for Roads and Stormwater, Nyathela brings a wealth of technical expertise, a legacy of mentorship, and a deep-rooted passion for transformative service delivery.
Born and raised in East London, Nyathela’s early years were shaped by a fascination with the visible impact of infrastructure. After matriculating, she pursued that passion at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, where she studied civil engineering, laying the groundwork for a career centered on people, progress, and purpose. She is now proudly registered as a Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech. Eng.) with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
With over 15 years of experience in the engineering sector across both public and private sectors, Nyathela’s journey is as robust as the roads she helps build. Her portfolio spans critical road rehabilitation, stormwater upgrades, and large-scale infrastructure development. Yet, her impact extends far beyond the technical: she serves as an ambassador for ECSA’s Women in Engineering and Future Leaders programme. As a current member of the CIDB National Stakeholders Forum (2023–2025), she is helping shape the national infrastructure dialogue.
“My work is my contribution to dignity,” she says. “Every pothole filled, and every drain unblocked is a step toward safer, stronger communities.”
Nyathela’s day-to-day role involves more than spreadsheets and site visits. As Roads and Stormwater Manager, she leads the strategic planning and operational management of one of the municipality’s most essential service arms. From coordinating engineering teams to addressing residents’ concerns, her leadership is grounded in collaboration and transparency.
Her immediate priorities include urgent pothole repairs, enhancing stormwater systems ahead of the rainy season, and streamlining communication with communities to ensure that service delivery is not only efficient but also visible and accessible.
Asked about Kouga’s infrastructure challenges, Nyathela is pragmatic: “Ageing infrastructure, limited budgets, and climate change are all real pressures. But so are the innovative tools we can use to overcome them.
“Among those tools are smart monitoring technology, sustainable construction materials, and stronger partnerships – both within government and with the community.”
Nyathela’s long-term vision is clear: a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready infrastructure network that safeguards lives, enables economic opportunity, and uplifts every household.
“To me, civil engineering is hope in concrete form,” she reflects. “Our roads and stormwater systems should protect, connect, and empower.”
Her commitment to communication is equally strong. Through local media, municipal digital platforms, and public meetings, Nyathela aims to keep Kouga residents informed and engaged.
“Trust grows with information,” she notes, “and community buy-in is key to long-term impact.”
As she takes up her new post, Nyathela is grounded in gratitude and energised by the road ahead.
“I do not take this role lightly. I am here to serve – with integrity, innovation, and heart. Together with the community and my colleagues, I believe we can build something lasting,” she said.
We were delighted to welcome our new Rotary District Governor, Steve Shone, to St Francis Bay this weekend. A highlight of his visit was a tour of our ongoing Fire Station project. This is a key initiative proudly driven by the Rotary Club of St. Francis. It is currently a work in progress.
Our newly elected Club President, Lesley de Jager, led DG Steve on a walk-through of the site, showcasing the completed Phase 1. This is the installation of the much-needed new roof. She also provided updates on Phase 2. This focuses on the essential interior renovations now underway.
The visit was a wonderful opportunity to share the tangible progress we’re making. Also, the impact this project will have on our local community.
The annual Induction Dinner of the Rotary Club of St Francis was held on Saturday evening. It took place at the charming Dune Ridge Country House. This is a perfect setting for a night of celebration and fellowship. It featured wonderful food and an ambient atmosphere. It was much enjoyed by all attendees.
We were honoured to have our newly elected District Governor, Steve Shone, join us for the occasion and formally induct our incoming President, Lesley de Jager.
Pictured with President Lesley de Jager and District Governor Steve Shone are Assistant District Governor Eusentha Pillay and Past President Manfred Burkert
A heartfelt thank you to all who attended and supported this special evening as we look ahead to another impactful Rotary year.
For more information on The Rotary Club of St. Francis, please visit their website and explore their offerings. Rotary Club Of St Francis
Have a look at the good work they are doing with Billy’s Beach here.
For further Rotary Club Of St Francis 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
This Photo Of The Day is described by the photographer Clive Wright from Clive Wright Photography as a Fogbow Or A Whitebow.
“A phenomenon called a fogbow or a whitebow. This appears in fog much like rainbows, except that because the water particles in the fog are so small, light does not refract into the primary light colours, hence the white colour.”
More photos of the day here – Photos
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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