by SFT | Sep 20, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
Most of us picture retirement as a list of things we’ll finally stop doing. No more early alarms, no more traffic, no more meetings that could have been a phone call. What we seldom picture is what quietly goes missing with them.
For decades, a job title does a lot of heavy lifting. At a braai, you say “I’m an engineer” or “I ran the practice,” and people know where to place you. Say “I’m retired,” and you’ve told them what you used to do, but very little about who you are now.
In over thirty years of sitting with clients, I’ve noticed something. People who say they miss work rarely miss the work itself. They miss what came with it: the routine, the colleagues, the quiet satisfaction of being good at something, and knowing someone was counting on them to show up. So when the phone rings less and the old office carries on perfectly well without them, a gentle question can surface; who am I now?
If that’s where you find yourself, please know it’s completely normal. It isn’t a sign that retirement has gone wrong. It’s simply part of settling into a new chapter. The good news is that you don’t need one grand purpose to replace your career. I’d suggest thinking about it the way we think about an investment portfolio. Your career was one very large holding. It supplied income, status, friendship and meaning all at once. That concentration served you well, but now it’s time to diversify.
Here in St Francis Bay, the options are right on our doorstep. You might become the grandparent who teaches the little ones to fish off the canals, a volunteer with one of our community organisations, a regular on the golf course, part of a morning walking group on the beach, or simply the neighbour who always knows whom to call. Some roles bring meaning, some bring friendship, and some just make a Wednesday more enjoyable. Together, they make a fuller life than any single title ever could.
Here’s a small exercise that could help you, finish this sentence:
“When I stop being known as ______, I’d like to spend more time being ______.”
Choose something active, then take one small step towards it this month.
And if you know someone who has made the transition gracefully, invite them for coffee at Bruce’s and ask what they missed most when they stopped working, and what eventually filled that gap.
You’ll likely leave with more than good advice. You’ll leave reassured.
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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 | Sep 20, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality is encouraging residents to take extra care around rivers, dams and other open-water areas.
Open water can change quickly, particularly during storms and periods of heavy rain. Strong currents, rising water levels and hidden objects can place swimmers, paddlers and boat users at risk.
The municipality’s water safety spotlight provides practical information to help residents recognise these dangers and make safer decisions.
Take Care During Storms
Flash flooding can occur with little warning. Therefore, residents should monitor weather conditions before visiting rivers, dams or low-lying areas.
Lightning also presents a serious danger near water. People should leave the water immediately when a storm approaches and move to a secure location.
Swollen rivers should never be crossed on foot or in a vehicle. Even water that appears shallow may have a strong current beneath the surface.
Hidden Dangers In Open Water
Water depth can vary significantly, while submerged rocks, branches and other debris may be difficult to see. Reeds and floating material can also cause entanglement.
For this reason, people should avoid diving or jumping into unfamiliar water. Never jump from bridges, cliffs or trees into a river or dam.
Unsafe river crossings and makeshift bridges should also be avoided. These structures may be unstable, especially after heavy rain.
Wear A Lifejacket
Anyone boating, fishing, sailing or paddling should wear a properly fitted lifejacket. It should remain fastened throughout the activity, even when conditions appear calm.
Children must remain under close adult supervision around all forms of water. Adults should stay within easy reach and avoid distractions.
Residents should also remain alert for potentially dangerous wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos and snakes. Never approach or disturb wild animals near the water.
In an emergency, call 112 from a mobile phone. Ambulance services can be reached on 10177, while the police emergency number is 10111.
Preparation, supervision and sensible decisions can prevent tragedy. A few basic precautions can make every visit to open water considerably safer.
by SFT | Sep 20, 2026 | St Francis
(Back from left) Betty Anoster (Cape St Francis Resort), Anita Lennox (Cape St Francis Resort), Heidi Halgryn (Kouga Local Municipality Tourism, Marketing and Information Officer), (front from left) Mmabatho Seiphemo (SATNCB), and Zime Mzelemu (SATNCB).
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Kouga Local Municipality is working to position the region as a competitive destination for conferences, meetings and corporate events.
Representatives from the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) conducted a two-day site inspection on 10 and 11 September 2026. The municipal Tourism Department facilitated the visit.
The programme highlighted Kouga’s venues, accommodation and tourism experiences. It also explored opportunities within the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.
Tourism Beyond The Holiday Season
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said business tourism could broaden the local tourism economy. Furthermore, it could generate economic activity outside the traditional summer holiday season.
“Kouga is widely recognised as a premier leisure and holiday destination, but our region has much more to offer,” Bornman said.
“We have world-class venues, outstanding hospitality and a combination of coastal, nature, sporting and lifestyle experiences.”
Business events support more than conference venues. Delegates also require accommodation, restaurants, transport, catering, technical services and entertainment. Therefore, each event can benefit a wide range of local businesses.
In addition, business visitors may return to Kouga later with their families and friends.
Three Kouga Venues Inspected
During the visit, the SANCB delegation inspected Cape St Francis Resort, St Francis Links and Mentors Country Estate.
Cape St Francis Resort demonstrated how conferences can combine with accommodation, coastal activities and team-building programmes.
Meanwhile, St Francis Links showcased its conferencing, hospitality and golf facilities. The venue can accommodate executive meetings, corporate events and incentive programmes.
Mentors Country Estate highlighted Jeffreys Bay’s capacity to host conferences, exhibitions, functions and larger gatherings.
Together, the three venues demonstrated the range of business events that Kouga can accommodate.
Taking Kouga To A Wider Market
Closer cooperation with the SANCB could improve Kouga’s visibility among conference organisers, associations, corporate groups and incentive-travel planners.
Kouga can also offer an alternative to traditional city-based conference destinations. Its facilities are supported by beaches, surfing, golf, nature, food and outdoor experiences.
“We want people to see Kouga not simply as a place to hold a meeting, but as a destination where business and leisure can work together,” Bornman said.
The municipality believes continued cooperation between venues, tourism businesses and national organisations can strengthen Kouga’s position in the business-events market.
by SFT | Sep 20, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality hosted Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp in Humansdorp and Patensie on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The visit focused on flood damage across Kouga and the continuing national response to foot-and-mouth disease. Local farmers also had an opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the minister.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman welcomed the visit. He said agriculture supported production, employment and livelihoods across the region.
“We appreciate the minister taking the time to come to Kouga, listen to our farmers and see some of the challenges first-hand,” Bornman said.
Support After The May Floods
Severe floods and storms caused widespread agricultural damage across Kouga in May. More than 10% of the Gamtoos Valley citrus crop was damaged after the Gamtoos River burst its banks.
The Kouga area was subsequently included in the disaster classification. However, this does not amount to a declared state of disaster.
A classification formally recognises a disaster and establishes responsibility for coordinating the response. A formal declaration can activate additional measures and help mobilise further resources.
Aucamp said he had met with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture to discuss its assessment of the damage.
He also undertook to approach Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. The aim is to have the affected area considered for a formal disaster declaration.
Government And Farmers Must Work Together
The meeting also focused on South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which was classified as a national disaster in February 2026.
Aucamp told farmers that government could not manage the outbreak alone.
“This is the largest outbreak of FMD ever. We learn as we go along and find solutions together,” he said.
He encouraged cattle farmers to vaccinate their herds. Government would continue vaccinating in areas affected by new outbreaks and assist farmers who could not afford it.
“Vaccines are insurance for your herds,” Aucamp said.
He added that controlling the disease required cooperation between government, farmers, industry bodies and other stakeholders.
“We are in it together.”
by SFT | Sep 20, 2026 | St Francis
Pressure Mounts Over Dangerous R330 Between Humansdorp And Cape St Francis
Pressure is growing on the provincial government to carry out urgent repairs to the R330 between Humansdorp and Cape St Francis.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, on-site on the R330, says much of the 30km route has deteriorated to a dangerous level. Motorists now regularly leave the tarred surface to avoid deep potholes and damaged sections.
“People have to drive off the road to be able to drive on the road,” Bornman said during an inspection of the route.
Municipality Escalates R330 Dispute
Kouga Local Municipality has declared an intergovernmental dispute over the condition of the road. It is also preparing court papers as part of its effort to force the province to act.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited tender for work on the R330 remains outstanding. The municipality is also seeking clarity on emergency repair budgets and timelines.
Bornman said the condition of the road placed motorists at risk every day. He added that the situation could no longer continue without urgent intervention.
Political And Community Pressure Builds
DA spokesperson on roads and transport Vicky Knoetze recently conducted an oversight visit to the R330. She has since submitted detailed questions to the provincial government about the tender, emergency repairs and expected timelines.
Residents and local businesses are also joining the campaign. The Cape St Francis Civic Association is preparing to launch a petition calling for immediate action.
Bornman encouraged residents to support the petition and continue contacting the provincial government and Premier’s office.
He said progress would require a joint approach involving the municipality, provincial legislature, residents and businesses.
“We cannot allow this,” Bornman said. “Enough is now literally enough.”
The municipality has committed to keeping pressure on the province until the R330 and other damaged provincial roads across Kouga receive the repairs they urgently need.
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