July 5, 2026 – St Francis Today

The Real Cost of Going It Alone – The Human Side Of Money Presented By Client Care

by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis

Every so often someone tells me, quite proudly, that they don’t really need a financial planner. They’ve done well on their own, they say, and they’d rather not pay for advice they might not use. I always understand where this comes from. A few people genuinely can manage on their own. But in over thirty years of doing this work, I’ve seen far more often that the “DIY” route ends up costing people far more than any advice fee ever would.

Three recent conversations illustrate this beautifully.

The first was with a retired accountant who told me, with some satisfaction, that he hadn’t paid tax in seven years. He’d lived off cash and unit trusts, flipping the odd property along the way. It sounded clever – until we looked closer. All that was left was a preservation fund, and now he has no choice but to pay a hefty upfront tax on any lump sum, or over 35% tax on the income he needs to maintain his lifestyle. Avoiding tax for seven years has landed him with a far bigger bill today.

The second was a lady who sold part of her business for more money than she could ever spend. Nervous about markets, and convinced a crash was coming, she has sat in cash for three years. Every year the interest has triggered a large tax bill, while the market she avoided has grown by roughly 50%. She has, in real terms, saved herself poorer.

The third was an English gentleman who fell in love with St Francis Bay, made it his home, and became a South African taxpayer as a result. We discussed moving his investments into a proper tax-efficient wrapper – one that would also solve several estate planning headaches. He chose to go it alone instead. The result: a capital gains tax bill of around R6 million on his roughly R100 million portfolio. Had he restructured, that cost would look trivial next to the tax he’ll save over the rest of his life.

None of these were foolish people. Quite the opposite – each was capable, successful, and confident. That’s often exactly the trap. Confidence in one area of life doesn’t always translate into expertise in tax and estate planning.

Good advice rarely feels dramatic in the moment. But as these three stories show, its absence certainly can be.

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Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner

t. 083 261 9287

e. dirk@clientcare.co.za

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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.

Give Your Old Board a Second Wave – with the Rotary Club Of St Francis

by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial

An old surfboard or wetsuit could help a local child discover a lifelong passion for the ocean.

From 2 to 31 July, the Rotary Club of St Francis is collecting second-hand surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits to support the Wave Point Foundation’s surfing and mentoring programme for children from Sea Vista. Equipment of all sizes is welcome, with children’s boards and wetsuits particularly needed.

Every Wednesday afternoon, the children head to Main Beach, where they learn to surf under the guidance of experienced volunteers. Alongside surfing, the programme provides mentoring, encouragement and homework support, creating a positive environment where young people can build confidence, discipline and valuable life skills.

Rather than leaving unused equipment in the garage, local surfers can give it a new purpose by helping another generation experience the ocean.

Supporting the Next Generation of Surfers

Access to suitable equipment remains one of the biggest challenges for the programme. Every donated board, bodyboard or wetsuit makes it easier for another child to take part and continue progressing in the water.

The initiative relies on the generosity of the St Francis community and reflects the area’s long-standing connection with surfing. By extending the life of pre-loved equipment, local residents can make a meaningful contribution while supporting young surfers who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Where to Drop Off Donations

Donations can be delivered throughout July at the following collection points:

Pam Golding office, Lyme Road North
Seal Point Estates, Cape St Francis
River Club, Oyster Bay Road

For more information, or to arrange a donation, contact the Rotary Club of St Francis at contact@rotarystfrancisbay.org.

An old board may have finished its journey with you, but for a young surfer in Sea Vista, it could be the start of something special.

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Abstract View Of Sand Dunes – Photo Of The Day

by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | Photo Of The Day, St Francis

Abstract View Of Sand Dunes with intricate ripples and shadows – photo of the day by Rudi Haberli

More photos here

More sand dunes here

Wavepool Surf Tour – Registration Is Open For The Alaïa Surf Challenge

by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial

The countdown to the first Wavepool Surf Tour event is underway, with registrations now open for the inaugural Alaïa Surf Challenge at Alaïa Bay in Switzerland.

Taking place from 1 August to 25 October 2026, the Alaïa Surf Challenge is the opening event of the 2026/27 Wavepool Surf Tour season and the first opportunity for surfers to earn regional ratings points and direct qualification to the inaugural Wavepool World Finals.

With a month remaining before the competition window opens, athletes are encouraged to register now, create their athlete profiles and explore the event information available at WavepoolSurfTour.com.

“We’re excited to welcome our first athletes,” said Wavepool Surf Tour founder Mark Fessler.

Registration

“The next few weeks are all about getting registered, learning how the event works and preparing for the opening of the season. We’ve built the platform to make competing as straightforward as possible, and we can’t wait to see the first rides come through from Alaïa Bay.”

Located in Sion in the Swiss Alps, Alaïa Bay has become one of Europe’s premier wavepool destinations, attracting surfers from around the world with its high-performance waves and exceptional facilities.

The Alaïa Surf Challenge is open across multiple divisions, including Open, Junior, Masters, Longboard, Bodyboard and Adaptive surfing categories, offering competitive opportunities for surfers of all ages and abilities.

Once the event opens on 1 August, competitors will have until 25 October to complete their entries at Alaïa Bay before submitting their rides for judging. Scores will be awarded by the Wavepool Surf Tour’s international judging panel using the Triple C judging criteria of Commitment, Creativity and Control.

Qualification Pathway

The Alaïa Surf Challenge is the first step in this season’s qualification pathway. Winners in eligible divisions will secure direct qualification to the Wavepool World Finals, while competitors will also begin building valuable regional ratings points throughout the season.

Athletes interested in competing are encouraged to register early, complete their profiles and familiarise themselves with the event information well before the competition begins.

Full details, registration, divisions, FAQs and event information are available atwww.wavepoolsurftour.com.

Event Summary

Event: Alaïa Surf Challenge

Venue: Alaïa Bay, Sion, Switzerland

Competition Window: 1 August – 25 October 2026

Registration: Now Open

Entries Close: 25 October 2026

Website: www.wavepoolsurftour.com

2026 Trans Baviaans To Follow Altered Route From Willowmore To Jeffreys Bay

by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | St Francis

For over two decades, the Trans Baviaans has presented ultra-endurance mountain bikers with one of South Africa’s most rewarding challenges.

Traversing the largest wilderness area in South Africa, the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve and the greater conservation areas of the Kouga and Baviaans mountain ranges, the 24-hour race is unique for many reasons. The remoteness of the route from Willowmore to Jeffreys Bay is one of its greatest attractions. However, that same remoteness also creates challenges.

As a result of the devastating floods that struck the region in May 2026, an alternative route will be used for this year’s Trans Baviaans.

Race Confirmed Despite Route Changes

“We’d like to reassure riders that the 2026 Trans Baviaans will be going ahead,” race founder Wikus van der Walt confirmed. “There will also be route changes, but the ethos of the Trans Baviaans will remain unchanged.”

“The event was founded as an adventure in 2004, and though the modern world has expanded its reach into wild places over the 22 years since, the Baviaans has remained refreshingly untamed. Though that does bring its own challenges for organising bike races,” Van der Walt acknowledged.

“In recent years, extensive work on the road through the Kloof has made the race faster, with the Insect Science team shattering the course record last year on gravel bikes. This year, the floods have undone the road engineers’ work, and we will see a rugged, rough, and very memorable edition of the Trans Baviaans, but no course records will be broken.”

Mother Nature has produced many surprises during the 21 editions of the Trans Baviaans to date. Most recently, freezing rain made the 2022 race particularly memorable.

“One edition which stands out for me is the Langsbaviaans of 2011,” Van der Walt recalled. “That year, flooding a week before the race had us scrambling for an alternative route to the Nature Reserve section through the Baviaanskloof. We decided to take the route to the north-east of the Baviaanskloof mountain range and along the Grootrivier Pass. The route was dubbed the Langsbaviaans by the riders, and it looks like this year will see something similar taking place.”

Final Route Still Being Confirmed

“We’re still working out the exact details,” Race Director Marelize Rhodes noted.

“Water levels are still dropping in the Groot and Kouga rivers, and work on the roads is ongoing. We have a likely route plotted out, as well as an alternative, and a route we’d love to do if the work progresses faster than expected over the next six weeks.”

“We reccied the traditional route, as far as it was possible to do so, as well as the alternative routes over the weekend, and we’re certain that the 2026 edition will take place on Saturday, 8 August.”

Changes to the route are virtually inevitable. As a result, the checkpoints will be in new locations. Riders will therefore need to be flexible in their approach to this year’s race and not mentally prepare to have checkpoint boxes at the 93-, 123-, 140- and 172-kilometre marks.

“We will, however, ensure that the checkpoints are located in places where riders need them, before and after long climbs or particularly challenging sections of the route, to make it easier to fuel appropriately for those segments,” Rhodes promised.

Route Details To Be Released Before Race Day

The 2026 Trans Baviaans route will be published, and GPX navigation files will be sent to participants to load onto their bike computers at least one week before the event.

The route announcement will also include checkpoint locations and information for supporters, detailing where to meet their teams at a new Checkpoint 5-style support zone.

“With the road works ongoing, we’re holding off on announcing the route in detail at this point, as it may be possible to avoid some of the changes,” Rhodes stated.

The Kouga Local Municipality has partnered with the Trans Baviaans on a three-year sponsorship agreement and is equally committed to ensuring a successful 2026 edition.

“The Trans Baviaans is more than a sporting event; it is a globally recognised showcase of everything that makes Kouga special—our spectacular landscapes, warm hospitality, quality accommodation, unique tourism attractions, and world-class adventure experiences,” Kouga Speaker Lorraine Maree said.

Economic Boost For Willowmore And Jeffreys Bay

“Kouga’s involvement means we are working with local government, local landowners and local businesses to stage a memorable event,” Rhodes noted.

“Trans Baviaans fills Willowmore to capacity and is the small Karoo town’s biggest event of the year. The financial benefit to Willowmore cannot be overstated.”

“Jeffreys Bay is bigger and enjoys more tourism throughout the year, but in the absence of the World Surf League contest at JBay this year, Trans Baviaans provides much-needed bed-and-breakfast as well as hotel bookings at the end of winter when the town is quiet.”

“We are working to ensure that riders and their supporters will maintain their accommodation and restaurant bookings, or book meals and beds if they haven’t yet, because the floods have impacted tourism terribly.”

“I hope Trans Baviaans can kick-start a return of visitors to the Baviaanskloof region,” Rhodes concluded.

For regular updates on road and route conditions leading up to the 2026 Trans Baviaans on 8 August, follow @transbaviaans on Instagram or like the Trans Baviaans 24HR MTB Race Facebook page. For more information, visit www.transbaviaans.co.za.

You can also read the event newsletter at: http://newsletters.computicket-mails.com/…/y5CFQFoaR48T….

Photo Captions

Flooding in the Baviaanskloof region in May damaged road and bridge infrastructure in the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, necessitating a route change for the 2026 Trans Baviaans mountain bike race. Photo: Mentz Germishuis.
The 2026 Trans Baviaans route will be announced at least one week before the race, but participants can prepare for rougher road surfaces, incredible views and the lushest vegetation alongside the course that EcoBound has witnessed in its 22 years of staging the event. Photo: Llewellyn Lloyd / Reblex Photography.
To allow more time to traverse the roughest section of the route in daylight, the 2026 Trans Baviaans will start at 8am rather than its traditional 10am start. Photo: Llewellyn Lloyd / Reblex Photography.
Teams will still have access to checkpoint boxes, although those checkpoints will not be located at their historic locations in 2026. Photo: Llewellyn Lloyd / Reblex Photography.
The Trans Baviaans is Willowmore’s largest tourism event of the year and is vital to the Karoo town’s businesses. Following widespread booking cancellations after May’s floods, organisers hope the race will help kick-start the return of visitors to the town and the Baviaanskloof region.

Photo: Llewellyn Lloyd / Reblex Photography

Source: Kouga Municipality