by SFT | Sep 21, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News
Mauritius did not become a South African holiday favourite by accident. It offers something genuinely tropical without demanding a punishing journey, complicated planning or a complete raid on the annual leave balance.
For many South Africans, it feels far enough away to be exciting. However, it remains close enough for a manageable family holiday. That combination has made the Indian Ocean island a reliable winner for decades.
A Tropical Holiday Within Easy Reach
Mauritius sits around 2,000 kilometres off Africa’s southeast coast. Direct flights from South Africa make the journey relatively simple.
After a few hours in the air, travellers can swap traffic, deadlines and unpredictable weather for warm water, palm trees and a hotel pool. There is no overnight long-haul flight or serious jet lag to manage.
The island also knows how to welcome South African visitors. English is widely understood, driving takes place on the left, and the time difference is minimal. Even the plug points often look reassuringly familiar.
Resorts Made Family Holidays Easier
Mauritius built much of its popularity on well-run beach resorts. Many offer meals, entertainment, water sports and children’s activities in one package.
This makes budgeting easier for families. Parents can relax while children spend the day swimming, snorkelling, sailing or hunting for the next soft-serve ice cream.
Couples have plenty of options too. Smaller hotels, private villas and adults-only resorts have helped Mauritius move beyond the traditional family package holiday.
More Than Beaches And Buffets
The island’s appeal extends beyond the resort gates. Visitors can explore markets, waterfalls, mountain trails, botanical gardens and small coastal villages.
Mauritian food brings together Indian, Creole, Chinese, African and European influences. Dholl puri, seafood curries and roadside snacks add plenty of flavour between beach sessions.
Then there is the water. The clear lagoons suit swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, sailing and paddling. Surfers also know Mauritius for its powerful reef breaks.
Mauritius gives South Africans sunshine, convenience and a genuine overseas experience without sending them halfway around the world. That is how one small island became a very big favourite.
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The Travel Collective St Francis Bay gets you there.
by Have Your Say | Sep 21, 2026 | St Francis
Seal Point Lighthouse has watched over the Cape St Francis coastline for almost 150 years. Rising above the rocks, it remains one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks.
Construction began in November 1875, and the lighthouse became operational on 4 July 1878. Since then, its powerful beam has helped ships navigate this exposed section of the Eastern Cape coast.
South Africa’s Tallest Masonry Lighthouse
Standing 27.75 metres high, Seal Point Lighthouse is South Africa’s tallest masonry lighthouse. Its circular white tower supports the lantern room above the surrounding buildings.
The lighthouse has a focal height of approximately 36 metres above sea level. Its revolving light produces a white flash every five seconds. In clear conditions, ships can see the beam from around 28 nautical miles away.
Although the building dates back to the 19th century, it remains operational. Its navigation equipment has changed considerably over the years. However, its purpose remains the same.
Building At The Edge Of The Ocean
Constructing the lighthouse required an enormous effort. Builders had to transport materials from Humansdorp by ox wagon across difficult terrain.
Each journey reportedly took about two weeks. The wagons crossed rivers, valleys and rough countryside before reaching Cape St Francis. There were no modern roads, heavy vehicles or construction cranes to make the job easier.
The final cost of the lighthouse was recorded as £20,000, a substantial amount at the time.
A Cape St Francis Landmark
Seal Point Lighthouse received National Monument status in 1984. Today, it is recognised as a Provincial Heritage Site and remains an important part of South Africa’s maritime history.
However, the lighthouse is only part of the attraction. The surrounding coastline offers walking and cycling trails, rock pools, birdlife and sweeping ocean views.
The area also carries the unmistakable character of Cape St Francis. Waves break across the point, seabirds move along the shoreline, and the lighthouse continues to dominate the landscape.
Nearly 150 years after its light first shone, Seal Point Lighthouse remains both a working navigation aid and an enduring symbol of Cape St Francis.
by SFT | Sep 21, 2026 | St Francis
Old Pesticides Can Become A Dangerous Problem On The Farm
Obsolete pesticides and empty chemical containers should never be left lying around a farm. They can pose a serious threat to people, animals, livestock and the environment.
CropLife South Africa is encouraging farmers to identify unwanted pesticides and used containers, prepare them correctly and take them to an approved collection site.
Hidden Risks Around The Farm
Old pesticides may remain hazardous long after they are no longer needed. Damaged containers can leak into the soil, rivers and groundwater. Meanwhile, unsafe storage increases the risk of accidental poisoning.
Chemical containers can also cause fires or other dangerous incidents. Reusing them to store water, food, animal feed or household products is particularly risky.
Correct disposal protects farm workers, families and surrounding communities. It also supports safe food production and helps farmers meet their legal responsibilities.
Preparing Containers For Collection
Farmers should begin by checking storage areas for expired, unwanted or unidentified pesticides. These products must remain securely sealed and should never be poured onto the ground or into drains.
Empty pesticide containers should be triple-rinsed. The rinsing liquid must be added to the spray tank and used according to the product instructions.
Once cleaned, the containers should be punctured so they cannot be reused. They can then be stored safely until they are delivered to an approved CropLife SA collection event or collection site.
Safe Disposal Protects The Future
Responsible pesticide disposal prevents pollution and reduces the chance of chemicals reaching children, animals or unsuspecting workers. It also keeps empty containers out of informal reuse and ordinary waste streams.
Farmers should check collection dates and confirm their nearest approved drop-off point before transporting any products or containers.
For collection information, contact your local crop adviser or CropLife South Africa. Gerhard Verdoorn can also be contacted on 082 446 8946 by WhatsApp message only.
A few careful steps can remove a significant hazard while protecting farms, families and the land for the future.
by SFT | Sep 21, 2026 | St Francis
The People’s Triathlon is heading to Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The event will bring together swimmers, cyclists and runners for a full day of racing.
Organised by Zsports Events SA, the People’s Triathlon in Jeffreys Bay caters for several fitness levels. Competitors can choose between three distances, while both individual and team entries are available.
Three Triathlon Distances
The People’s 90 is the longest event on the programme. It includes a 2km swim, a 90km cycle and a 21km run.
The People’s 60 offers a shorter but still demanding challenge. Competitors will complete a 1km swim, followed by a 60km cycle and a 14km run.
Meanwhile, the People’s 30 provides a more accessible route into the event. It consists of a 500m swim, a 30km cycle and a 7km run.
Teams may also divide the swimming, cycling and running sections between their members. Therefore, competitors do not have to complete all three disciplines themselves.
Aquabike Events Available
An Aquabike category will be available for those who prefer swimming and cycling without the running leg.
The People’s 90 Aquabike combines a 2km swim with a 90km cycle. The People’s 60 Aquabike features a 1km swim and a 60km cycle. Finally, the People’s 30 Aquabike includes a 500m swim and a 30km cycle.
Organisers have advised that all listed distances are approximate. Routes may be adjusted slightly where necessary.
Entries Close On 21 October
Marina Martinique will provide the setting for the swimming leg before competitors move onto the cycling and running routes.
Entries are already open and will close at midnight on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Anyone planning to compete should complete their registration before the deadline.
The range of distances and team options makes the event suitable for experienced triathletes, developing competitors and groups looking for a shared race-day challenge.
Source: Zsports Events SA / EasyEntry Africa
by SFT | Sep 21, 2026 | St Francis
Behind every young athlete invited to attend a trial, tournament or academy lies a practical challenge …………. getting there.
Travel, accommodation, equipment and participation costs can place valuable sporting opportunities out of reach. SUPERSPAR Village Square Beyond the Game was created to help close that gap, while giving young people skills that will serve them far beyond the field.
MORE THAN FUNDRAISING
SUPERSPAR St Francis Bay regularly receives requests for sporting sponsorship. Rather than responding only with once-off donations, the store wanted to create a programme through which young athletes could actively work towards their goals.
On the first Saturday of each month, two to three participants operate a boerewors roll stand at Village Square from 10am to 1pm.
Village Square supplies the venue and SUPERSPAR Village Square the equipment, aprons, hair nets and stock. The participants, with support from parents, coaches and volunteers, prepare the food, serve customers and help manage the stand.
The profit raised is used to assist approved sporting opportunities.
SKILLS THAT LAST
The programme is designed to develop more than athletes.
By running the stand, participants gain practical experience in customer service, teamwork, communication, budgeting, stock control, marketing and responsibility.
They also create their own posters and help promote the event, giving them ownership of the process and the confidence to speak about the opportunity they are working towards.
Whether or not sport becomes their career, these are skills they can carry into future studies, employment and business opportunities.
OPEN TO ALL SPORTS
Beyond the Game is managed in partnership with St Francis United Football Club, but participation is not limited to football.
Young people from any sporting code may be considered for assistance with provincial or national representation, trials, tournaments, sporting tours, academy opportunities, coaching development, equipment or travel.
Matt Davis manages the selection process and considers applications, community recommendations and referrals received through SUPERSPAR Village Square.
St Francis United also manages and accounts for the funds raised, ensuring that they are allocated towards approved sporting needs.
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP
Community support is what makes the programme possible.
Residents can help by buying a boerewors roll, sharing the monthly event notice, recommending a deserving young athlete or volunteering through St Francis United.
Applications and recommendations may be sent to:
Matt Davis
072 992 1097
coach@stfrancisfootball.co.za
A boerewors roll may be a small purchase, but together those purchases can help a young athlete take an important next step.
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