by SFT | Sep 16, 2025 | St Francis
On Saturday 20 September, The Kromme Enviro Trust will lead St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis residents to once again roll up their sleeves and take part in the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) this is the world’s largest volunteer effort for our ocean.
Every year in September, millions of people around the globe unite to remove litter from beaches and waterways, record what they find, and raise awareness about the growing problem of marine pollution. Since its beginnings more than three decades ago, the ICC has inspired over 18 million volunteers to collect more than 380 million pounds of rubbish.
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest challenges facing our oceans. From bottles and straws to fishing nets and microplastics, this debris harms marine life, damages habitats, and spoils our coastline. But the good news is: every small action counts. Each piece of litter removed locally is a step towards a cleaner, healthier ocean globally.
Global International Coastal Clean-Up: Local Clean-Up Details
The Kromme Enviro Trust is proud to lead our community’s contribution to this global event. Volunteers are invited to join from 9am to 12pm at one of three locations:
- Seal Point (Pig & Rooster Car Park, Cape St Francis)
- Sunset Rocks Car Park (end of Maori Ave, Cape St Francis)
- Bruce’s Ocean Café (bottom of Harbour Road, St Francis Bay)
Bags will be provided, and the municipality will collect the rubbish afterwards. Families, friends, school groups, and even dog walkers are encouraged to take part.
A Community Effort with Global Impact
By joining the Spring Coastal Clean-Up, St Francis residents will be part of something much bigger: a worldwide wave of action to protect our oceans. As the ICC has shown, collective action works — and small coastal communities like ours play a crucial role.
Join us on Saturday 20 September and help show that St Francis cares. Together, we can keep our beaches clean and our oceans alive.
All photos by Si CUnneen / Wild By Nature Photography
by SFT | Sep 16, 2025 | St Francis
FOSTER Presents “Fireside Chats”
FOSTER is proud to introduce Fireside Chats. A new series of intimate talks pairing renowned experts with good wine, food, and conversation. These evenings are designed to inspire, entertain, and support the vital conservation work that FOSTER undertakes in our local reserves.
The first event takes place on Wednesday, 17 September, at the Cape St Francis Resort. The Resort is generously sponsoring the venue. Our inaugural speaker is Clive Horlock, a respected researcher specialising in the San people. His talk, “The Voice with No Words”, will explore the spiritual world of the Bushmen and their profound connection to nature and storytelling.
The evening begins with a welcome drink, followed by Clive’s presentation and a special wine tasting hosted by Van Loveren wines. Ronelle will present this from Le Barrique. Delicious tapas-style food will be served to complement the wines. Tickets are R250 per person. All proceeds support FOSTER’s conservation efforts.
The Fireside Chats will continue every second month, with the next event scheduled for November before the holiday season. Upcoming speakers include Prof. Richard Cowling, Don Hunter, Malcolm Turner, Prof. Justin O’Riain, and more. Each evening promises to be educational, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enjoyable — with the added bonus of fine food and wine.
FOSTER’s core mission is to nurture and preserve the rich biodiversity of the Irma Booysen, Seal Point, Seal Bay, and Cape St Francis Nature Reserves. Equally important is ensuring that these spaces remain accessible to the community and visitors through well-maintained walking trails and cycle paths that protect sensitive dunes and vegetation.
Join us for the first of many unforgettable evenings — and know that your support goes directly toward safeguarding the natural heritage of Cape St Francis.
To learn more about FOSTER, or to become a member for just R350 a year, visit foster.org.za
by SFT | Sep 16, 2025 | Photo Of The Day
Kromme River Mouth and spit revetment progress – aerial image courtesy of the fearless and unflappable Barry Culligan
More of Barry’s photos on FACEBOOK
More photos
by SFT | Sep 16, 2025 | Photo Of The Day
Wild By Nature Photography on FACEBOOK
by SFT | Sep 16, 2025 | Financial Planning
Transitions Are Not Easy
Life is full of transitions. Some are smooth, while others are far more challenging. Retirement is one of the biggest—often the second most difficult after the loss of a loved one. But retirement isn’t the only hurdle. Here are three common transitions many retirees face.
Becoming a Grandparent
Becoming a grandparent is a blessing—ask me! There’s something about seeing and getting to know these “mini-me’s” that stirs our parental instincts again. If we’re lucky, we can be involved in their lives, though distance and travel costs can make this harder as we age.
Some grandparents are also able to help with education costs. While generous, this raises questions about how much say we have in choices, particularly if our views differ from the parents’. It’s clear that even blessings carry both financial and emotional considerations that deserve open discussion.
Failing Health
No amount of money can replace good health in retirement. Finding the balance between enjoying life today and keeping resources for the future is tricky when none of us knows what lies ahead. Research shows many retirees who have “enough” end up leaving large sums behind because they were too cautious early on—missing out on experiences and memories.
Health rarely declines at the same pace for both partners. Age, medical history, or sudden illness can make life difficult emotionally and financially. We can’t prepare for everything, but regular check-ups, healthy living, and honest conversations about “what if” go a long way.
Downscaling
Traditionally, retirees downsized soon after retirement to cut costs, reduce maintenance, or improve security. Those reasons still apply, but many today delay the move to accommodate family, pursue hobbies, or settle into a dream home.
The reality is that by our 90s, managing a big house often becomes restrictive. Failing health can also force the issue unexpectedly. Options like in-home care exist but can be costly. Retirement communities may have entry age limits or waiting lists, each with different financial implications. Understanding these well before the time comes is essential.
Retirement brings many transitions, but becoming a grandparent, facing health changes, and downscaling are among the most challenging—emotionally and financially. The numbers can be managed through proper cashflow planning, but the conversations need to start early.
At Client Care, we help you prepare for both.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
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