by SFT | May 24, 2026 | St Francis
– Kouga Local Municipality celebrated decades of dedication and public service at its recent Long Service Awards ceremony, held at Newton Hall in Jeffreys Bay.
The event honoured employees, retirees, and medically boarded staff members whose combined service to the municipality totalled an impressive 1 585 years.
Tribute To Dedicated Public Servants
The evening recognised the commitment of municipal employees who have helped keep Kouga functioning through major challenges, including fires, floods, infrastructure repairs, and emergency response operations.
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman thanked staff members for their continued dedication and praised their contribution to the municipality’s growth and resilience.
“It is a special time to honour staff who dedicate their lives to the municipality,” he said. “We have the best staff. We value you as co-workers and team members. What you do makes a difference.”
Bornman also highlighted the recent floods that affected the region, saying municipal employees had gone far beyond their normal responsibilities to support communities during the crisis.
Recognition During Difficult Times
Deputy Municipal Manager Dawie de Jager reflected on the origins of the Long Service Awards initiative and paid tribute to the late Senior Human Resources Practitioner Sizwe Latile, whose passion for staff recognition helped establish the program in 2020.
“It was important to her that staff members be recognised and that pensioners receive their post-retirement benefits,” De Jager said.
He also praised municipal workers for their efforts during recent emergencies.
“The fires in January and the floods proved that Kouga has the best staff,” he said. “Top management cannot do anything without you.”
Speaker Lorraine Maree encouraged staff members to continue serving their communities with pride and professionalism.
Milestones Across Decades Of Service
Employees were honoured for reaching service milestones ranging from 10 years to 35 years.
The ceremony recognised dozens of staff members for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service, while Kerneels Lejander received special recognition for achieving the remarkable milestone of 35 years with the municipality.
The municipality also paid tribute to retired and medically boarded employees who had completed their years of public service.
Commitment To Community
As the ceremony concluded, the event highlighted the role municipal staff continue to play in the daily functioning of Kouga communities.
Behind every repaired road, functioning streetlight, emergency response, and disaster relief effort are municipal employees whose long-standing service continues to shape the future of the region through dedication, resilience, and community commitment.
by SFT | May 24, 2026 | St Francis
Community Dip Supports Local Sea Rescue
The National Sea Rescue Institute station in St Francis Bay is inviting locals and visitors to take part in a Winter Solstice Sea Plunge in support of its ongoing rescue and safety operations.
The fundraising event takes place on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at Granny’s Pool in St Francis Bay. Participants will gather at 7:15 AM for a cold-water dip to mark the winter solstice while supporting the work of the NSRI.
Organisers are encouraging the community to “bring their gees” and embrace the icy ocean conditions for a good cause.
Fundraising Through Community Support
The Winter Solstice Sea Plunge aims to raise funds for the NSRI through voluntary donations collected on the day.
The NSRI plays a vital role in maritime rescue, water safety, and emergency response along the South African coastline. Local stations rely heavily on community support, fundraising initiatives, and volunteers to continue operating effectively.
The St Francis Bay station regularly assists with sea rescues, medical emergencies, search operations, and public safety initiatives in and around the bay.
Screenshot
Granny’s Pool Venue Adds Local Spirit
Granny’s Pool remains one of the most popular ocean swimming spots in St Francis Bay and provides the ideal setting for the winter event.
The sea plunge is expected to attract swimmers, families, supporters, and residents keen to enjoy a fun community gathering while contributing to an important local organisation.
Event organisers say the morning will focus on community spirit, participation, and support for the volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping local waters safe.
All members of the public are welcome to attend.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
- Time: 7:15 AM
- Venue: Granny’s Pool, St Francis Bay
- Organiser: NSRI St Francis Bay
- Entry: Voluntary donations welcome on the day
Read more: Kouga Councillor Guilty After Cyclist Assault Incident
by SFT | May 24, 2026 | St Francis
The Friends of St Francis Nature Areas (FOSTER) has achieved an impressive management effectiveness score of 82.4% in an independent assessment for how it manages the FOSTER reserves in the St Francis area, highlighting nearly three decades of successful community-based conservation management.
The assessment evaluated the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve, the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, the Seal Bay Nature Reserve as well as Seal Point Nature Reserve — using South Africa’s Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-SA), the nationally adapted version of the world’s most widely used protected area management assessment framework.
An independent consultant conducted the assessment following a workshop with the FOSTER management team in Cape St Francis in April 2026.
The reserve network scored 117 out of a possible 142 points, with particularly strong results in the operational management categories:
- Process: 97.4%
- Inputs: 92.5%
- Outputs: 84.6%
The assessment found that the reserve network is being “soundly managed” and delivers substantial conservation value to the St Francis area.
Strong Community-Based Conservation Model
The report highlighted several key strengths in FOSTER’s management approach, including:
- Well-known and respected reserve boundaries;
- Strong biodiversity knowledge and management experience;
- Effective planning and adaptive management practices;
- Consistent success in securing operational funding;
- Efficient use of resources;
- Strong staff and volunteer performance;
- Good community support and involvement; and
- Consistent achievement of conservation management objectives.
The findings reinforce the value of FOSTER’s long-standing volunteer-driven conservation model, which has protected important natural areas in the region for almost 30 years.
Areas Identified for Further Formalisation
The assessment also identified several areas where additional formalisation could improve future METT-SA scores. These include:
- Completion of certain administrative processes;
- Development of additional formal management and compliance plans;
- Independent verification or accreditation processes; and
- More formal scientific and heritage assessments.
However, the report noted that many of these lower-scoring areas reflect the METT-SA framework’s emphasis on institutional and administrative formality, rather than shortcomings in practical conservation management.
Balancing Administration and Effective Conservation
Importantly, the assessment highlighted a broader concern that the METT-SA system may unintentionally favour larger, more bureaucratic conservation organisations, while undervaluing smaller, locally managed reserves that operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
The report concludes that while further formalisation could increase the reserve network’s METT-SA score, the additional administrative burden on a relatively small organisation should be carefully considered.
Overall, the assessment confirms that the FOSTER reserves are well managed, strongly supported by the local community, and continues to play an important role in conserving the unique biodiversity of the St Francis area.
Commenting on the assessment results FOSTER’s chair Matt Gennrich said “The score is a tribute to the vision, hard work and commitment of the committee and the implementing team on the ground consisting of Themba, Richard, Gerry and Dave who ensure that the biodiversity in our reserves is protected, whilst managing the trail network and eliminating alien species ”. Matt concluded by saying “A special thanks to our donors, members and other stakeholders without whom we would not be able to fulfil our mandate. If you would like to become a member or donate, please go to foster.org.za
Read more: Deadline Extended For Thyspunt Nuclear Objections
by SFT | May 24, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
In the age of online resources and financial apps, it’s tempting to take a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to financial planning. However, managing your finances without professional guidance can lead to pitfalls and missed opportunities. Here are five reasons why DIY financial planning makes no sense.
1. Own Biases
When planning your finances, it’s challenging to remain objective about your money. Personal biases, such as overconfidence in certain investments or a tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths about spending habits, can skew your financial decisions. A financial planner brings an impartial perspective, helping you make rational, well-informed choices that align with your long-term goals.
2. Too Close to Own Problems
Being too close to your financial situation can cloud your judgment. Just as it’s difficult to diagnose one’s own health issues accurately, it’s tough to assess your financial health without an outsider’s view. A professional financial planner can provide a clear, unbiased assessment of your financial situation and recommend strategies you might not have considered.
3. Influence from Friends and Family
Friends and family often offer financial advice based on their experiences, but their situations and goals can be vastly different from yours. This well-meaning advice might not be applicable or beneficial to your unique circumstances. A financial planner, however, tailors their advice to your specific needs, ensuring your financial plan is personalized and effective.
4. Complexity of Financial Planning
Financial planning is more than just budgeting and saving; it involves complex elements like tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and investment management. Professionals have the expertise to navigate these complexities and optimize your financial plan. DIY efforts can miss critical components, potentially leading to financial shortfalls or missed opportunities.
5. Changing Regulations and Markets
The financial landscape is constantly evolving, with changes in tax laws, market conditions, and investment options. Keeping up with these changes requires time and expertise. Financial planners stay abreast of the latest developments and adjust your plan accordingly, ensuring you remain on track to meet your goals despite shifting circumstances.
In the end
While the appeal of DIY financial planning is understandable, it often leads to suboptimal outcomes due to biases, lack of objectivity, misplaced advice from non-experts, and the sheer complexity of financial management. Engaging a professional financial planner not only helps mitigate these risks but also provides tailored, expert guidance to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Investing in professional advice is an investment in your financial future, ensuring your plans are comprehensive, realistic, and aligned with your long-term goals.
—
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
Recent columns:
—
Disclaimer:
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice in any way or form. It is important to consult a financial planner to receive financial advice before acting on any information contained herein. Client Care and PWM and its directors, officers, and employees shall not be responsible and disclaim all liability for any loss, damage (whether direct, indirect, special or consequential) and/or expense of any nature whatsoever, which may be suffered as a result of, or which may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the use of, or reliance upon any information contained in this article.
Recent Comments