by SFT | Aug 2, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
Last week was a busy week, and on Tuesday, I drove to PE early in the morning as I had my first online meeting at eight. The next meeting was with a new prospective client who happily decided they’d like to work with us. A great start to the day, but it was the next three meetings that made the day special
All three were reviews, with clients who started working with me around 25 years ago, back when Client Care was still finding its feet. It was only on the drive home that I understood why I felt so happy and strangely at peace. In my mind, I went back through the years with each of these couples. Each had encountered challenges along their way to retirement, many changes, highs and lows. But through all of it, they had trusted me to help them plan, structure, and stay the course.
The first gentleman worked at the same listed-company I was at 25 years ago, and from where Client Care started. When retirement arrived, the company wasn’t ready to lose his knowledge as he ran a large national corporate short-term insurance account, and truthfully, neither was he. He stayed on another two and a half years, easing into retirement. Since then, he has and still does spend much of his time driving around the country to his grandchildren’s sports days and school concerts, and loving every minute of it.
The second couple chose a very different path. They retired early and spent several years volunteering with churches in Vietnam and travelling to neighbouring countries. Since coming home, they’ve thrown themselves back into family life and into travelling with friends and loved ones.
The third client spent many years in the employee benefits department at the same company where I worked at the time. She lives independently but stays close to a large extended family, children both here and in the UK, and no shortage of grandchildren’s stories to share.
Three very different lives. Yet they share something important. All three have retired well, in their own way. Happy, content, and financially secure.
In each meeting, we probably spent less than ten minutes talking about markets or money. The rest of the time went to their lives, their families, their travels, and the memories built over the 25 years we have worked together. Their future plans were also discussed.
And that’s when it struck me again. Their success never came from a magical fund manager, a clever tax loophole, or a lucky market call. It came from having a clear plan that reflected how they wanted to live, structuring it properly, and simply sticking to it.
Nothing fancy. One foot in front of the other, day after day, year after year.
This, to me, is the real value of financial planning. A sound plan, a sensible investment philosophy, and the discipline to stay the course.
It’s worked for the past 25 years. I have little doubt it’ll work for the next 25 too.
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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.
by SFT | Aug 2, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – Kouga Fire and Rescue Services has announced the seven firefighters who will represent the municipality at the Toughest Firefighter Association (TFA) competition in George from 1 to 4 October 2026.
The team was selected following Kouga’s Toughest Firefighter Trials, which tested firefighters’ strength, endurance, discipline and practical firefighting skills.
The 2026 Kouga team comprises:
- Hankey Fire Station: Fireman Geoffrey Smith.
- Humansdorp Fire Station: Fireman Jermaine Groep and Fireman Sean du Toit.
- Jeffreys Bay Fire Station: Senior Firefighter Ashley Makoba, Fireman Curtis Jantjies and Fireman Pieter van Taak.
- St Francis Bay Fire Station: Fireman Benito Wabani.
The preparation programme is aimed at ensuring that every team member is physically prepared, competitive and ready to represent Kouga against some of the country’s strongest firefighters.
The Toughest Firefighter Trials, part of the municipality’s preparations for the Toughest Firefighter Association competition, brought together firefighters from across the municipality together to test their strength, endurance, discipline and practical firefighting skills.
The trials formed part of the municipality’s preparations for the Toughest Firefighter Association competition. Deputy Chief Marlin Sodien said the initiative was about measuring Kouga’s firefighters against the best in the country.
“We may believe that we are good or above average, but without measuring ourselves against other fire services and firefighters, we will never truly know where we stand,” he said.
The trials also aimed to establish a lasting culture of competitiveness within the service. Kouga attended the TFA competition in George in 2025 to gain insight into the event and begin planning for a stronger showing in 2026.
Fifteen firefighters entered their names for the trials, with eight competing on the day and one participant unable to take part due to illness. Importantly, all four of Kouga’s fire stations were represented: Humansdorp, Hankey, St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay.
The competition-style trials were designed to ensure a fair and transparent selection process, allowing the strongest and most prepared firefighters to prove themselves for possible selection to represent Kouga at the TFA.
Participants completed a range of demanding activities modelled on the national competition. These included a wall climb and jump, dummy drag, force machine, hose advance and make-up, hose hoist, can pushing and a 1.2 km run.
The trials tested much more than physical fitness. Firefighters were assessed on physical and mental strength, endurance, discipline and technique – qualities that are essential in the emergency-services environment.
“Firefighting is never static,” Sodien explained. “You may need to rescue and carry people from confined spaces, work for long periods at a fire scene, cope with heat and pressure, and make important decisions in a short space of time.”
Senior firefighter Clinton Grebe also provided inspiration to participants. Although he was not competing for a place in the team, he completed every stage and motivated those around him.
His participation demonstrated the resilience, toughness and commitment expected of a firefighter.
The trials reinforced the importance of teamwork within Fire and Rescue Services. While firefighters competed individually, they motivated one another to complete activities, even when tasks were difficult or time limits were challenging.
“Teamwork in the fire service is compulsory,” Sodien said. “Discipline is equally important, and it covers everything from the smallest responsibilities to the biggest.”
by SFT | Aug 2, 2026 | St Francis
Emeritus Professor Richard Cowling will present a public lecture at The Links on 19 August, with proceeds supporting FOSTER and its conservation work in the St Francis area.
FOSTER committee member and one of the organisation’s founders, Emeritus Professor Richard Cowling, will present a public lecture at The Links on Wednesday, 19 August, beginning at 18h00.
The lecture is titled When Nature and Culture Were One – A Perspective from the Cape Stone Age.
Professor Cowling is one of South Africa’s foremost conservation scientists and an internationally recognised expert on the Cape Floristic Region. An Emeritus Professor at Nelson Mandela University, he has spent more than four decades researching biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and sustainable conservation.
His work has helped shape conservation policy and protected area management both nationally and internationally.
Tickets Available Through Quicket
Tickets cost R200 and are available through Quicket.
A large audience is expected, and early booking is recommended. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the lecture.
FOSTER has thanked The Links for sponsoring the venue. Jack’s Bar and The Lighthouse Restaurant will be open before and after the lecture for refreshments.
Supporting FOSTER Conservation
All proceeds from the lecture will support FOSTER and its ongoing work to manage and protect the natural areas of St Francis.
The organisation says fundraising events and annual memberships remain essential to its conservation programme. FOSTER membership costs R350 per family per year and provides ongoing support for reserve management and environmental projects.
Residents who are not yet members can visit foster.org.za to join and support FOSTER’s conservation work.
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by SFT | Aug 2, 2026 | St Francis
The remarkable stories behind one of South Africa’s most demanding ocean endurance events are coming to St Francis Bay. We are delighted to host the local launch of the PE2EL Challenge book on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Big Time Taverna, 10 Mayotte Circle, St Francis Bay.
The beautifully compiled book captures the history, memories and unforgettable experiences of the paddlers who have taken on the legendary four-day, 244 km journey from Port Elizabeth to East London. Filled with photographs, personal accounts and stories of courage, determination and camaraderie, it offers readers a front-row seat to the triumphs and challenges of this gruelling yet exhilarating race.
Whether you are a paddler, an ocean enthusiast, a supporter of local sporting history or simply enjoy a remarkable South African story, we would love you to join us for the evening. Come and meet members of the team behind the book, hear more about the race and celebrate the extraordinary people who have braved this iconic stretch of coastline.
Everyone is welcome, and books will be available at the launch.
by SFT | Aug 2, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – Two of Kouga’s long-serving animal welfare organisations have received a significant boost after Kouga Local Municipality approved long-term right-to-use agreements that will allow them to continue providing essential services to communities across the region.
At a Special Council meeting on 27 July 2026, Council granted final approval for Jeffreys Bay Animal Rescue to continue occupying a portion of Erf 8783, Jeffreys Bay, and for SPCA Assisi to continue operating from a portion of Erf 499, Humansdorp.
Both organisations have been awarded right-to-use agreements for a period of nine years and 11 months, providing them with long-term security and certainty to continue their important work.
Invaluable Role
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said Council recognises the invaluable role that animal welfare organisations play in supporting both animals and residents.
“Animal welfare is about far more than caring for animals. These organisations provide an essential community service by preventing cruelty, promoting responsible pet ownership and supporting many vulnerable families who would otherwise be unable to access assistance for their animals.”
Jeffreys Bay Animal Rescue has been operating from the municipal property for several years. After its previous long-term agreement expired in 2020, the organisation continued occupying the site on a month-to-month basis while the formal lease process was being concluded.
The organisation focuses on preventing animal cruelty, rescuing neglected and abandoned animals, and providing support to underprivileged communities throughout the Jeffreys Bay area.
SPCA Assisi has an even longer history of serving Kouga’s communities, having occupied its Humansdorp premises since 1982. The organisation provides animal welfare services across the entire Kouga municipal area and has become a trusted partner in responding to cases of neglect, abuse and abandoned animals.
Councils Committment
Bornman said the long-term agreements demonstrate Council’s commitment to supporting organisations that make a meaningful difference in residents’ lives.
“These organisations work tirelessly, often with limited resources, to protect animals and educate communities about responsible animal care. Their dedication contributes to healthier communities, improved public health and a culture of compassion throughout Kouga.”
He added that the approved agreements provide stability that will allow both organisations to focus on expanding their services rather than worrying about the security of their premises.
“By providing long-term certainty, we are enabling these organisations to plan for the future, strengthen partnerships with donors and volunteers, and continue delivering services that benefit thousands of animals and residents across Kouga. We value the work they do and remain committed to supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of our communities.”
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