by SFT | Oct 2, 2025 | Financial Planning, St Francis
If there is one skill that separates successful long-term investors from the rest, it’s not the ability to predict what happens next. It’s the discipline to zoom out and keep perspective on what has already happened—and how it fits into the bigger picture.
Even the most rational investors struggle with this. Our brains are wired to prioritise the immediate and vivid over abstract history. Behavioural economists call this recency bias. It’s why a sell-off feels like the world is ending, while a streak of strong returns makes us believe good times will last forever. Neither is true—it’s just human nature.
The danger comes when investors make permanent changes based on temporary conditions. That can be catastrophic for long-term wealth creation.
Why Longer Horizons Matter
The best way to fight recency bias is to deliberately extend the timeframes you look at. One year’s performance is just a snapshot. When you look at five, ten, or twenty years, events that once felt earth-shattering shrink into minor blips. What felt like a new normal is revealed as just one chapter in a longer story.
Investment returns don’t arrive neatly each year. Strong periods are followed by quieter ones. Volatility isn’t a flaw—it’s the price of admission for long-term wealth creation.
Today’s Context
Consider where we stand right now. The South African market delivered more than 20% in the past year and has doubled over the past five years. Exceptional by any measure. But here’s the trap: when success like this happens, it starts to feel normal. Investors begin to assume the future will look the same.
History reminds us otherwise. Above-average returns are rare, and they never last forever. Markets move in cycles. Strong runs are always followed by quieter stretches—or declines. Zoomed in, that feels unsettling. Zoomed out, it’s just the rhythm of investing.
Linking Strategy to Your Life
This is why having a long-term investment strategy is critical. And more importantly, that strategy must be tied directly to your personal financial plan. A plan that reflects your family’s needs and wants—not just abstract return targets.
Your portfolio should serve your life, not the other way around. It’s there to fund your retirement, support your children and grandchildren, and give you confidence to live the life you want without fear of running out.
Final Thoughts
Building the habit of zooming out isn’t easy. But it’s the surest way to avoid mistakes that come from reacting to temporary noise. Investors who stay anchored to their plan—rather than headlines—are the ones who compound wealth over decades.
As planners, our role is to help you keep that perspective, especially when it feels most difficult. Because true wealth isn’t built on quick reactions, but on wise, steady responses over time.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
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by SFT | Oct 2, 2025 | St Francis
The TOPS Classic Wine Tasting has become one of the regular highlights on the St Francis calendar. Last week’s event was a full house, with people from the village and beyond, gathering to enjoy an evening of wine with good company and delightful music. Despite it being a relaxed evening, it carried the sense of occasion that comes when friends gather to celebrate something special.
A SHOWCASE OF TWENTY ESTATES
This year’s tasting was made all the more special by the fact that the wines were poured by the very people who are part of the process of their creation. Twenty estates were represented. Not only by staff but by owners and winemakers who shared their stories firsthand. Guests could taste, ask questions and hear directly about the work and craft that goes into every bottle. It gave the evening something special, that set it apart from larger impersonal tastings.
PINOTAGE TURNS 100
One of the talking points on the night was the celebration of Pinotage’s centenary. The varietal, first created in 1925, is a proudly South African grape. It has carried the country’s wine story into the world. Reflecting on the milestone, Richard Moolman, owner of TOPS St Francis, said, “It’s an honour for us to celebrate the centenary of Pinotage in St Francis in this way. Pinotage represents the resilience and creativity of South African winemaking. Showcasing at our event is a privilege and our way of acknowledging its important role in South Africa’s wine history.”
A COMMUNITY GATHERING
Although the wines were the centrepiece, the atmosphere was about much more. The sound of glasses being raised went hand in hand with conversations at every table. Old friends caught up, and new introductions were made. There was no rush, only an easy flow as guests moved between tastings, enjoying the chance to share the evening together.
Alongside the conversations and clinking glasses, the River Club in St Francis Bay ensured that no one went hungry. Their fabulous spread of snacks kept the evening flowing. They drew plenty of praise from guests, adding another layer of enjoyment to the night.
THE ST FRANCIS SETTING
What stood out was not just the quality of the wines but the way the event reflected the spirit of St Francis. This is a village where people enjoy being part of shared experiences. Whether that’s a walk on the canals, a local market, or a night like this. The wine tasting carried a character that exuded friendliness, openness, and the spirit of a warm welcome.
A SOCIAL CALENDAR FAVOURITE
The Classic Wine Tasting has built its place on the calendar over time. This year confirmed why it matters to so many. The range of wines was extensive, covering some of the country’s best-known labels alongside new discoveries. Moolman explained, “We are delighted that this tasting has become a highlight on the St Francis calendar. Bringing together such a wide range of estates and offering our guests the chance to engage with the best South African wines is something we value deeply. It’s more than a tasting, it’s an experience.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As the evening drew to a close, conversations carried on and plans for next year were already being made. The TOPS Classic Wine Tasting has grown into a gathering that local wine lovers look forward to, leaving lasting impressions that linger long after the last bottle has been poured.
by SFT | Oct 2, 2025 | St Francis
KOUGA – Rising above the rest, Kouga Local Municipality has been named South Africa’s best in the Eastern Cape, clinching the 2025 Municipal Performance Award at the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Annual Convention, held from 30 September to 2 October 2025 at Sun City.
Kouga Local Municipality earned this top honour for its outstanding performance during the 2023/24 financial year, topping the charts in the Eastern Cape. The accolade was based on Ratings Afrika’s Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI®), which measures the financial health, stability, and sustainability of South Africa’s 115 largest municipalities.
The recognition formed part of the inaugural SAPOA | Ratings Afrika Municipal Performance Awards, launched in partnership with the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), to celebrate municipalities that demonstrate excellence in governance, fiscal discipline, and service delivery.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised that while the award recognises Kouga as the best municipalities in the Eastern Cape, the municipality aspires to rank among the top in South Africa.
“We are proud of what we have achieved, but we also acknowledge that there is still work to be done and that everything is not yet perfect. Our municipality’s stability has been a key factor in our progress, and consistent, steady governance under our current majority leadership has allowed us to plan and deliver effectively for our communities,” said Bornman.
“This award also highlights the importance of stable governance. Consistent leadership enables effective planning and execution, benefiting all residents. While we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to continuous improvement and to reaching even greater heights nationally.”
Kouga Shines Amid National Challenges
While many municipalities across the country faced deep financial distress, Kouga Local Municipality distinguished itself through sound financial management, consistent infrastructure investment, and accountable governance. According to Ratings Afrika, most municipalities recorded R35,3 billion in operating deficits last year, with liquidity shortfalls rising to R104,9 billion. Kouga, however, managed to maintain financial stability and deliver services sustainably to its residents.
Bornman, described the award as a milestone achievement for the municipality and its people.
“This award is a celebration of our residents and the trust they place in us,” he said. “Everything we do is guided by the needs of our communities. Through responsible management, accountability, and transparency, we are able to provide services that truly improve people’s lives every day. Their support, engagement, and resilience are what make achievements like this possible, and this recognition highlights what can be accomplished when residents are placed at the centre of every decision.
“It proves that good governance and sustainable service delivery are achievable. This is a victory not just for the municipality, but for every resident of Kouga who trusts us to serve them. We will continue to build on this foundation of excellence.”
Criteria for Recognition
The Municipal Performance Award is based on six key components of financial sustainability as measured by the MFSI®:
- Operational performance: ensuring revenue and expenditure are balanced, with adequate funds set aside for maintenance and reserves.
- Liquidity: maintaining sufficient cash resources and a strong revenue collection rate to meet short-term obligations.
- Liability management: ensuring borrowing remains prudent and debt levels sustainable relative to revenue.
- Budget performance: demonstrating the ability to fund both operating and capital budgets effectively.
- Affordability: keeping municipal rates and tariffs fair and manageable for households, while ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Infrastructure development: committing to consistent capital spending and investment to meet population growth and strengthen service delivery.
A Win for Kouga’s Residents
“This award belongs to our residents as much as it does to the municipality,” Bornman concluded. “It is their support and resilience that make progress possible. Kouga Local Municipality is proud to show what local government can achieve when it puts the people at the centre of everything it does.”
Read more: Kouga tavern owners learn the value of compliance and clean practices
by SFT | Oct 2, 2025 | St Francis
Kouga – KwaNomzamo Hall in Humansdorp was a hive of activity on Thursday, 25 September 2025 as between 30 and 40 tavern and shebeen owners from the Kouga region gathered for an important environmental health and awareness workshop hosted by Kouga Local Municipality’s Environmental Health Section.
The workshop formed part of activities aligned to World Environmental Health Day, observed on 26 September, and to improve health, safety, and hygiene in liquor establishments across the region.
The session was more than just a lecture. It became a lively exchange of ideas, with tavern owners asking questions about how to balance their daily business realities with strict health and safety regulations. Their eagerness to learn underscored a growing commitment to ensuring that patrons are served in an environment that is safe, clean, and legally compliant.
Representatives from several key stakeholders were present, including the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Kouga Environmental Health Practitioners, Fire Services, and the Waste Management Unit. Ward 6 Councillor Kholisile Ndzelani also attended, showing community leadership and lending support to the initiative.
Key Lessons and Benefits
- Health and Hygiene Compliance: Owners learned the importance of meeting hygiene standards, from proper ventilation and illumination to clean ablution facilities.
- Environmental Protection: Presentations emphasised recycling and waste management, helping businesses contribute to the fight against illegal dumping and pollution.
- Fire and Safety Measures: Fire Services shared practical advice on how to keep patrons safe in case of emergencies.
- Legal Compliance: The Eastern Cape Liquor Board clarified licensing responsibilities and the consequences of neglecting them.
Kouga Local Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, said the municipality was encouraged by the turnout: “When tavern owners take ownership of their role in community health and safety, everybody benefits. The engagement was proof that together we can build safer and healthier social spaces.”
Participants walked away not only with knowledge but with a renewed sense of partnership with the municipality and its partners.
The workshop ended with a clear message: creating safer, cleaner taverns is not just about compliance with laws, but about respecting and uplifting the community that supports these businesses.
by SFT | Oct 2, 2025 | St Francis
Jeffreys Bay – Since the launch of the Crystal Clear JBay colouring competition, in partnership with Kouga Local Municipality’s Jeffreys Bay Library earlier this month, more than one thousand entries have been received. But in the end, only three young winners were crowned — the youngest being three-year-old Aaric Euvrard.
At the prize-giving ceremony, Kouga Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes, emphasised the importance of libraries and reading. “Kids these days are all about technology. Books and libraries are underestimated. Reading improves speech and language proficiency. Life is about education and acquiring knowledge. The parents of the three winners should be proud of them. Parents must encourage them always to do their best.”
Library Exposure
Dolores Putter from Crystal Clear JBay Waters said the idea behind the competition was to give the library more exposure. “We noticed that the library receives little attention. Hence, the idea was to create exposure by doing something special that encourages children to participate. We got several sponsors and thought we’d receive between 500 and 600 entries — but we ended up with more than 1 000.”
Sponsors included Crystal Clear, Kouga Municipality, Wacky Water Park, CC Prints, Kodak Express, PostZone, JBay Print, Infinity Printing, JBay Canvas, Pitout Trading and GPA Consulting Management Accountants.
Librarian Zukiswa Xokwe welcomed the initiative. “I was happy when Crystal Clear approached me, because my duty is to ensure that the community is involved in the library and does not get left behind in anything we do. It’s not only about exposure, but also about learning from others who are not necessarily librarians. This competition was important because we are creating a generation of literate children, starting with the young.
Overwhelming entries
“It was overwhelming to receive all the entries. I was so excited to see schools willing to participate, and parents coming into the library to collect entry forms. Since it was the first time the competition was held, we thought it best to limit entries to ages 3 to 9.”
For three-year-old Aaric Euvrard, winner of the 3–5 age category, victory came as a surprise. His mother, Gillori, said:
“This is an absolute bonus. We come to the library every Monday. We take out nine books that we think will last two weeks but end up finishing them much sooner. Also, we recently discovered the non-fiction section for children at the back of the library, and we’re thrilled to explore that with our boys.”
Nahum Juba, winner of the 6–7 age group, said he was “thrilled” with his win.“I took about five or six minutes to complete the drawing. I am very thankful for all my prizes.”
The 8–9 category winner, Ernest Fuba from Pellsrus Primary, was encouraged to enter by his teacher. His mother, Esterlene, said: “I am very proud of him and was excited when I received the call with the good news. We often visit the library, and I am very happy that he won,” said the proud Grade 3 learner’s mom.
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