by SFT | Sep 17, 2026 | St Francis
A beach can look like a simple stretch of sand. However, every tide leaves behind a fresh collection of clues.
Shells, markings, fragments and tiny objects can reveal which creatures live nearby. They can also show how waves, wind and currents continually reshape the shoreline.
Young explorers will learn how to read some of these clues during the Eco-Kids Sea, Sand & Shells session at Cape St Francis Beach on 3 October.
Hosted by Kromme Enviro-Trust St Francis, the outdoor session is open to children aged four to 10 years. It will run from 09:30 to 11:00.
Every Shell Has A Story
Shells are more than attractive objects scattered across the beach. Each one once formed part of a living creature, while its shape, colour and condition can reveal part of its story.
Some arrive on the sand almost complete. Others have been broken, smoothed or faded during their journey through the waves.
During the Eco-Kids session, children will search through the sand and examine what they find. They will learn about different shells and the creatures that once lived inside them.
The activity will also introduce them to the wider beach environment. As a result, an ordinary walk across the sand becomes an opportunity to investigate, compare and discover.
Learning Through Exploration
The Eco-Kids programme encourages children to spend time outdoors and develop their own curiosity about nature.
Instead of learning from a screen or worksheet, they can dig, search, touch and observe. A bucket of sand may contain several shapes, textures and natural clues waiting to be examined.
The session also gives adults an easy way to share the beach with their children. Each child must attend with a parent or guardian.
Participants should bring a bucket and spade for the morning’s activities.
Eco-Kids Session Details
The Sea, Sand & Shells session takes place at Cape St Francis Beach on 3 October. It starts at 09:30 and finishes at 11:00.
Attendance is free for registered Eco-Kids members. Non-members can join the session for R70 per child.
Bookings and enquiries can be made by calling 082 925 7231.
The morning offers young children a closer look at a place many already know. This time, however, the beach becomes an outdoor investigation filled with tracks, textures, shells and stories.
Source: Kromme Enviro-Trust St Francis
by SFT | Sep 17, 2026 | St Francis
South Africans can add another public holiday to the 2026 calendar. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Wednesday, 4 November, a public holiday for the Local Government Elections.
It may look like a welcome midweek break, but the day comes with an important job attached. Registered voters across the country will head to the polls to choose the representatives who will serve their local communities.
The Presidency announced the public holiday in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act of 1994. The declaration gives voters enough time to reach their polling stations and cast their ballots.
Vote Before Making Other Plans
A Wednesday public holiday creates several possibilities. Some people may consider a quiet day at home, a beach visit or even a carefully planned five-day weekend.
However, the ballot box comes first.
Voters may only cast their ballots at the polling stations in the wards where they are registered. Anyone planning to travel should therefore check their registration details before booking accommodation or packing the car.
Votes cannot be transferred to polling stations in another town, province or holiday destination. A voter registered in St Francis Bay, for example, cannot simply arrive at a polling station elsewhere and expect to vote.
Employers Asked To Support Voters
President Ramaphosa has also urged employers to make provision for employees to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Although 4 November is now a public holiday, some businesses and essential services will continue operating. Employers should ensure that staff members on duty have a reasonable opportunity to reach their registered polling stations.
Voters should confirm their registration status and polling station details well ahead of Election Day. They should also check voting times and take the required identification with them.
The public holiday provides the time. The rest is up to South Africa’s registered voters.
So, enjoy the unexpected Wednesday break, make the most of the day and fit in a braai if conditions allow. Just place voting at the top of the list.
Source: The Presidency / SAnews
by admin | Sep 17, 2026 | St Francis
FOSTER will host author and journalist David Bristow at the Cape St Francis Resort tonight, Friday 18 September.
The fireside chat, titled And Then the Phone Rang…, follows FOSTER’s recent talk by Professor Richard Cowling at St Francis Links.
From Architecture To Journalism
During the evening, Bristow will explain how a telephone call changed his plans to become an architect. Instead, it drew him into journalism and writing.
He studied journalism at Rhodes University before completing a master’s degree in environmental sciences. He later spent 13 years as editor of Getaway magazine.
Since then, Bristow has written or contributed to more than 30 books. His work covers southern Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, history, culture and people.
The talk will also include stories from the veld, drawn from some of the people, places and experiences he has encountered during his career.
Books, Dinner And Conservation
Copies of some of Bristow’s books will be available for purchase during the evening. He will also sign books after the talk.
The event starts at 18:00 at the Cape St Francis Resort. Tickets cost R100 per person and are available through Quicket or at the door.
Guests can stay for dinner afterwards at Joe Fish. A fish special and the restaurant’s regular menu will be available.
All proceeds from the evening will support FOSTER’s conservation work in the nature areas around Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay.
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