by SFT | Sep 14, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News
The easterly has spent much of winter driving rain against the windows. Cut-off lows have crossed the Eastern Cape, while the clear days have appeared briefly and disappeared just as quickly.
St Francis Bay has taken a battering. Gardens are waterlogged, outdoor plans remain uncertain and every promising weather window seems to close before anyone can use it.
At this stage, a few days in the sun sound less like a holiday and more like essential maintenance.
The destination needs to deliver warmth, daylight and time outdoors. It should also feel like a proper escape without turning into an expensive expedition. Zanzibar and Nusa Lembongan both fit the brief, although they offer two very different versions of island life.
Zanzibar places the Indian Ocean at the centre of everything. Warm water, pale beaches, spice markets and the narrow streets of Stone Town create a holiday with more depth than a week beside the pool.
However, doing very little remains entirely acceptable. A day can revolve around a swim, a seafood lunch and finding somewhere comfortable to watch the light change. The dry season generally continues through September and October, with warm conditions and less rain.
Then there is Nusa Lembongan, a small Indonesian island sitting just off Bali. It is reached by a fast-boat crossing of around 30 minutes from Sanur.
Lembongan feels removed from Bali’s traffic and busier resort areas. The island offers warm water, reef breaks, quiet beaches, small hotels and seaweed farms. Its scale also makes it easy to settle into a slower rhythm.
September falls within the generally drier part of the year. It also comes after the busiest July and August period, which can create better opportunities for accommodation and a less crowded stay.
Neither trip needs a complicated itinerary. The appeal lies in sunshine, warm evenings and several uncomplicated days outdoors. Moreover, both destinations can work for couples, families or travellers who simply need to change the view.
Affordability will depend on travel dates, flight availability and the type of accommodation selected. That is where careful planning can make a substantial difference.
The Travel Collective can compare routes, accommodation and package options for both destinations. They can also shape the trip around the available budget instead of forcing the budget around a standard package.
After the winter we have endured, the enquiry may be worth making. Zanzibar or Nusa Lembongan could provide exactly what the Eastern Cape has been missing: warmth, blue skies and a decent dose of vitamin D.
by SFT | Sep 14, 2026 | St Francis
Journey Through Humansdorp’s Past at the Local Museum
Humansdorp Museum offers visitors a closer look at the people, objects and events that shaped the town. Its collection brings local history to life through household items, farming equipment and interactive exhibits.
The Story of Humansdorp
Humansdorp dates back to 1849. Local farmer Matthys Gerhardus Human donated part of his farm, Rheboksfontein, to establish a Dutch Reformed Church congregation. The growing settlement later took his name.
Since then, Humansdorp has developed from a small farming centre into a busy regional town. However, its agricultural roots remain an important part of its character and history.
A New Home for the Museum
The Humansdorp Museum Association established the museum in 1985. For almost 40 years, it operated from its original premises in Bureau Street.
The museum later moved to a larger building at 46 Voortrekker Road. Appropriately, the new premises opened as Humansdorp marked 175 years since its establishment.
History Visitors Can Experience
Visitors can explore a collection of farming implements, household objects and historical artefacts. Some items date back to the town’s earliest years.
In addition, the museum offers several hands-on activities. Visitors can grind coffee beans by hand or type a letter on an old typewriter. Children can also dress in a selection of vintage clothing.
One notable exhibit is a Chicago Cottage air pump organ. Remarkably, the historic instrument can still produce music.
These displays preserve memories that might otherwise disappear as Humansdorp continues to grow.
Plan a Visit
The museum provides an affordable outing for residents, families and visitors. Admission costs R20 for adults and R5 for children.
It opens on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 to 15:00. Visits on other days or at different times are available by appointment.
The Humansdorp Museum is located at 46 Voortrekker Road, Humansdorp.
by SFT | Sep 14, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality will continue impounding stray animals across the municipal area. The municipality’s Law Enforcement Section will manage the operation.
Impounded Animals Taken to Jeffreys Bay
Officials will transport impounded animals to the private pound at Farm 865 Mooiuitzicht. The facility is situated on the R102 in Jeffreys Bay.
The pound meets the legislative requirements that govern animal pound operations.
Facilities for Different Livestock
The 4.5-hectare facility has dedicated grazing camps for several types of livestock. These include cattle, donkeys, horses, ostriches, sheep, goats and pigs.
Furthermore, the camps have water troughs, feeding facilities, natural shade and shelter. Additional handling camps also support the treatment and care of injured animals.
Livestock Owners Remain Responsible
Livestock owners must ensure that they keep their animals properly contained. Animals should not roam freely, damage property or create hazards on public roads.
Therefore, owners should regularly check their fences, gates and enclosures. Proper containment helps protect animals, motorists and the wider community.
Report Stray Animals
Residents can report stray animals to the Kouga Call Centre on 042 200 2200. Alternatively, send a WhatsApp message to 081 760 9183.
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Read more:
Follow The Flags: Weekly Water Safety Spotlight with Kouga Local Municipality
Weekly Roadworks and Pothole Repairs Update
by SFT | Sep 14, 2026 | St Francis
Residents of St Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay and nearby areas should prepare for a planned six-hour power interruption on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
Kouga Local Municipality expects the electricity supply to be interrupted from 09:00 until 15:00.
Maintenance at Melkhout Substation
The interruption will allow Eskom to complete planned maintenance work at the Melkhout Substation.
The shutdown will affect electricity supplied to St Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay and surrounding areas. However, the timing may change if weather conditions prevent the work from going ahead safely.
Alternative Date Confirmed
If Eskom cannot complete the maintenance on 22 September, the shutdown will move to Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The same outage period will apply on the alternative date. Electricity will therefore be off from 09:00 until 15:00.
Residents can plan for both dates until the municipality confirms that the work has been completed.
Prepare for the Interruption
Households and businesses should charge phones, laptops, lights and backup power supplies before 09:00. Residents should also make arrangements for security systems, medical equipment and appliances that require electricity.
In addition, avoid opening refrigerators and freezers more than necessary during the outage. This will help keep food cold for longer.
Treat All Connections as Live
Kouga Municipality has reminded residents to treat every electrical connection as live throughout the shutdown. The supply may return at any time and without further warning.
Power may not return to every area immediately after 15:00. Eskom and the municipality could restore the supply gradually to prevent demand from exceeding the available capacity.
Residents should therefore allow for possible delays when making plans for the afternoon.
Kouga Municipality announced the planned interruption under Municipal Notice 162/2026.
Source: Kouga Local Municipality
Read more:
Follow The Flags: Weekly Water Safety Spotlight with Kouga Local Municipality
Weekly Roadworks and Pothole Repairs Update
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