by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
It has been frightfully cold of late, and as winter settles across the Eastern Cape, St Francis Animal Rescue is appealing to residents to donate old blankets to help keep dogs warm during the colder months.
The organisation says many dogs in Sea Vista, as well as dogs living in kennels, face challenging conditions during winter. While people can add an extra layer of clothing or turn on a heater, animals often have limited protection from cold temperatures, wind and wet weather. Consequently, even a single blanket can make a significant difference.
St Francis Animal Rescue is therefore calling on the community to check cupboards, linen cupboards and storage areas for blankets that are no longer needed. Although the blankets may no longer be suitable for household use, they can still provide warmth, comfort and protection for dogs during winter.
Community Support Makes A Difference
Over the years, local residents have repeatedly supported animal welfare initiatives in the area. As a result, many animals have benefited from donations of food, bedding, veterinary assistance and other essential supplies. This latest appeal continues that spirit of community support. According to St Francis Animal Rescue, the need is specifically for old blankets that can be distributed to dogs living outdoors or in kennels. The blankets will help create warmer sleeping areas and provide much-needed comfort during cold nights.
How To Donate
Residents who would like to assist can drop off blanket donations at Kouga Print. St Francis Animal Rescue will collect the donations from the drop-off point and distribute them where they are needed most. With winter still ahead, every donation can help improve the comfort and wellbeing of local dogs. Even one unwanted blanket could provide warmth to an animal facing the cold.
Source: St Francis Animal Rescue
Read more: FOSTER Update on the Barcelona Place Dune Rehabilitation Project
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
Photo © Kody McGregor
A dramatic rescue operation ended in relief after a missing surfer from George was found safe at sea following an extensive search along the Garden Route coastline.
The 33-year-old woman had entered the water at Buffels Bay with three friends to enjoy what were described as excellent surfing conditions. Large waves and clean lines had attracted a number of surfers to the area and there was little reason to suspect that the morning session would end with rescue craft, helicopters and emergency crews being mobilised.
However, concern began to grow when her three friends eventually returned to the beach without her. Initially, they assumed she was still in the water among other surfers further down the coastline. Her partner, who had been waiting nearby at a local restaurant, shared the same assumption. As more surfers came ashore, however, it became clear that the remaining surfer in the water was not the missing woman and nobody could account for her whereabouts.
Alarm Raised As Search Begins
Friends, family members and beachgoers immediately began searching the shoreline while a call for assistance was made to the National Sea Rescue Institute. At that stage there were growing fears that she may have been swept out to sea.
The NSRI Knysna duty crew was activated shortly after midday and a major rescue response quickly followed. Rescue craft were launched from the NSRI Station 12 base in Knysna while emergency medical services, including a rescue helicopter, ambulance crews and drone operators, were placed on standby. Crews faced challenging conditions as they navigated swells of between 3.5 and 4.5 metres through the Knysna Heads before heading towards the search area.
Rescue Teams Spot The Missing Surfer
Based on the surfer’s last known position and prevailing sea conditions, rescuers focused their search towards Brenton-on-Sea. Then, less than half an hour after the NSRI activation, came the breakthrough everyone had been hoping for.
Crew members aboard one of the rescue craft spotted a surfer sitting on a board offshore. As the vessel approached, the woman recognised the rescue effort and sat upright on her board to signal her presence. Rescuers reached her shortly afterwards and brought her safely aboard.
Medical treatment for hypothermia began immediately as the rescue craft returned to Knysna, where her partner and friends were waiting anxiously for news.
Safe Return To Shore
Back at the NSRI rescue base, the woman was reunited with her loved ones while paramedics continued treatment and observation. Fortunately, she responded well and was later discharged into the care of her partner without requiring any further medical intervention.
According to the NSRI, the surfer had become separated from her friends and gradually drifted further offshore. Strong ocean movement combined with the incoming spring tide made it impossible for her to paddle back to shore despite repeated efforts. Instead, she remained with her surfboard and conserved energy while waiting for help.
Staying Calm Made The Difference
The NSRI praised her decision to stay with her board, noting that it played a significant role in the successful outcome. A surfboard provides flotation, increases visibility and can often be the difference between a successful rescue and a far more serious situation.
The organisation also thanked the surfers, beachgoers and emergency personnel who acted quickly once the alarm was raised. Their rapid response and coordinated efforts helped bring what could have been a tragic incident to a positive conclusion.
While the incident ended safely, it serves as a reminder that even experienced surfers can find themselves in difficulty when conditions change. Staying calm, conserving energy and remaining with a flotation device remain among the most important survival strategies at sea.
NSRI Station 12 Knysna
Read more:
FOSTER Update on the Barcelona Place Dune Rehabilitation Project at Cape St Francist
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
The Kouga Business Forum is pleased to host a special afternoon seminar featuring one of South Africa’s foremost energy analysts, Chris Yelland.
Yelland, Managing Director of EE Business Intelligence, will share expert insights on “Future Pathways for South Africa’s Energy: Balancing Nuclear, Solar and Beyond.”
The event promises to deliver valuable analysis on the country’s evolving energy landscape and its implications for business and local communities.
• Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026
• Time: 13h30 for 14h00
• Venue: Humansdorp Hotel, Alexander Street, Humansdorp
Tickets are priced at R150 per person, while paid up members of the Kouga Business Forum attend for free. The afternoon includes finger eats, with a cash bar available.
This is an excellent opportunity for business owners, managers, and community leaders in the Kouga region to gain informed perspectives on South Africa’s energy future from a highly respected industry voice.
RSVP by Monday, 23 June 2026
Contact Louwreen on WhatsApp or call 082 940 2989.
Banking Details for EFT:
• Account Name: Kouga Business Forum
• Bank: FNB
• Account Number: 62051994947
• Branch Code: 210515
• Reference: Energy + your name & surname
Please send proof of payment to office@kougabusinessforum.com.Seats are limited.
The Kouga Business Forum encourages early reservations to avoid disappointment.
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
FOSTER attended an on-site meeting this morning with key stakeholders involved in the dune reshaping and rehabilitation project on the seaward side of Barcelona Place.
The meeting was convened by the Barcelona Place homeowners, who are funding and implementing the project.
Other stakeholders in attendance included:-
Lorraine Maree, representing the Kouga Local Municipality, which has authorised the dune work under the approved Maintenance Management Plan (2022).
Jal Rigaad, representing the interests and concerns of local homeowners through the Cape St Francis Civics.
Werner Illenberger, consultant dune geomorphologist.
FOSTER, which is responsible for biodiversity management of the dunes at Barcelona Place, as this area forms part of the proclaimed Irma Booysen Flora Reserve.
Key Outcomes
The meeting resulted in several important agreements:
The Barcelona Place homeowners will fully fund the project until all required dune contouring work has been completed and the necessary windbreaks have been established.
Dr Werner Illenberger has been appointed by the homeowners, with immediate effect, as the ecological officer responsible for overseeing dune rehabilitation for the duration of the project, which is currently expected to take approximately three months.
Richard Cowling, in his role as the FOSTER committee member responsible for reserve management, will work to ensure that the rehabilitation activities comply with the guidelines of the authorised Maintenance Management Plan and support the long-term restoration of biodiversity within the reserve.
FOSTER welcomes these commitments and will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the project achieves its dune-stabilisation objectives and the ecological restoration goals of the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve.
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