by SFT | Oct 4, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
A few weeks ago, we at Client Care hosted a breakfast with my good friend Dan Haylett, a financial planner from London. Dan and I share a passion for helping clients live a full and meaningful retirement. He has written a book on the subject and has just been commissioned by a major European publisher to write another. Our conversation centred on something we both believe needs far more airtime: the tough move from working to retiring, and from saving to spending.
After decades of diligent saving, many retirees find it remarkably hard to switch gears. Where we differ from many advisers is that we encourage our clients to spend their savings rather than hoard them out of fear of running out.
Participation was wonderful, and the range of responses fascinated me, from a sense of helplessness to raw excitement.
Returning from a few weeks out of town, I chatted with some friends who had attended. One was blown away to hear two financial planners advocating spending, especially as a planner’s income is often linked to the assets we advise on. He had been nursing a little buyer’s remorse over a new car, but after the talk felt completely at peace with it, and even topped up the family holiday account for the children and grandchildren.
Another had recently skipped a family get-together at a wine farm, worried about what the day would cost him. He regrets it now, and says he won’t make that mistake again.
Then there was the wife of a client retiring in a few months. She came over with a smile and told me I had my work cut out shifting her husband out of the saving mindset, the very habit that has allowed them to retire so comfortably.
I’ll admit I was a little nervous building a talk around the soft stuff rather than markets and tax strategies. The response has shown me that the soft stuff is actually the hard stuff, and it’s what people most need to talk about. It is also the most rewarding part of what we do.
To be clear, this isn’t about being cavalier. It’s about doing the maths first, understanding what you can spend and still be okay in the long run, and then giving yourself permission to spend within those guidelines. Money is a tool for living our best life by design, not something to hoard because we don’t know what’s possible.
If you’re unsure whether you have enough, pop in for a chat. Let’s erase those fears and make sure the one life you live is one worth living.
—
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
An Investment Portfolio Without a Plan is Meaningless
Five Dangers Of DIY Financial Planning
Finding The Delicate Balance In Giving
Dead Money, Living Money
—
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 | Oct 4, 2026 | St Francis
JEFFREYS BAY – Kouga Local Municipality has completed a R1.15 million infrastructure project aimed at improving pedestrian safety, accessibility and traffic calming along Diaz Road and at the intersection of Jeffrey Street and Schelde Street.
The completed project included the widening of the existing sidewalk along Diaz Road and the construction of a raised intersection at the corner of Jeffrey Street and Schelde Street.
The total contract value was R1 150,000, with R896 085.55 allocated to the Diaz Road sidewalk upgrade and R253 914.45 to the construction of the raised intersection.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the completion of the project represents another practical investment in infrastructure that directly benefits residents and road users.
“We are pleased to see this project completed and delivering tangible benefits to the community. Infrastructure is ultimately about people – making our towns safer, more accessible and more functional for everyone,” said Bornman.
“The improved sidewalk provides pedestrians with a safer and more spacious route, while the raised intersection contributes to improved road safety and traffic calming. These are the kinds of projects that make a real difference in people’s daily lives.”
Improved pedestrian infrastructure
The Diaz Road sidewalk was widened by approximately three metres over a distance of 150 metres, significantly increasing the available pedestrian space.
The upgrade included the removal and replacement of approximately 150 metres of kerbing, with the new kerb line aligned to the widened sidewalk. G5-quality material was used behind the new kerb and compacted to the required specifications.
Approximately 250m² of existing paving was removed as part of the upgrade. The newly completed pedestrian area includes approximately 680m² of 50mm bevel-edge pavers and 150m² of 80mm interlocking pavers.
Four motor slopes were also constructed to provide smoother transitions between the roadway and sidewalk, with appropriate gradients and levels to support accessibility and drainage.
The upgraded area was further enhanced through the installation of benches and bollards, providing a more functional and pedestrian-friendly environment.
Safer intersection
The project also included the construction of a raised intersection at Jeffrey Street and Schelde Street.
The raised intersection is intended to encourage reduced vehicle speeds and improve visibility and safety at a point where pedestrians and motorists interact.
Bornman said road safety and accessibility remain important priorities for the municipality.
“Our communities need infrastructure that works for everyone – including pedestrians, motorists, children, older residents and people with mobility challenges. The completed upgrades improve the way people move through this area and create a safer environment for all road users,” he said.
The project also included the removal and responsible disposal of construction debris and surplus materials at an approved spoil location.
Bornman said the completion of the project forms part of Kouga Local Municipality’s ongoing investment in maintaining and improving infrastructure across its towns.
“We remain committed to ensuring that municipal investment translates into visible improvements on the ground. A wider sidewalk, safer crossing and improved intersection may seem like relatively small interventions, but together they contribute to a safer, more accessible and better-functioning community,” he said.
by SFT | Oct 4, 2026 | St Francis
JEFFREYS BAY – Kouga Local Municipality congratulates the learners of Pellsrus Primary School in Jeffreys Bay on their outstanding achievement in the 2026 Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) Environmental Competition.
The school secured first place at regional level, before going on to represent the Sarah Baartman Region at provincial level, where the learners achieved an impressive second position.
Green & Smart
Participating under the theme “A Green & Smart Generation for a Better Future,” the learners demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of environmental protection, conservation and current environmental challenges facing communities and the natural environment.
The school was represented by Enzokuhle Kamona, Lutho Sinam, Uviwe Zondani and Alicia Bangwayo, under the guidance and mentorship of their teacher, Mrs Domingo.
Kouga Local Municipality supported the school in its preparations for the competition, including assisting with the learners’ play, craft activities, and preparations, as well as accompanying the learners during the competition.
The municipality’s support forms part of its broader commitment to environmental awareness, education, and sustainable development, while encouraging young people to become active participants in creating cleaner, greener and healthier communities.
Spekboom Pot Plants
A highlight of the learners’ presentation was the gifting of Spekboom pot plants to members of the audience. The gesture highlighted their support for the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), with Spekboom being recognised as the Tree of the Year.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, congratulated the learners and their teacher on their achievement.
“We are immensely proud of these young environmental champions. Their achievement demonstrates the impact that environmental education and meaningful participation can have on our young people. We commend Pellsrus Primary School and its learners for representing Kouga and the Sarah Baartman Region with such enthusiasm and commitment. We hope their success will inspire more schools across Kouga to participate in environmental initiatives and help us build a greener and more sustainable future together.”
The municipality also expressed its appreciation to the educators and everyone who assisted the learners throughout their preparation and participation.
by SFT | Oct 4, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
In an historic AGM held in Jeffreys Bay on Wednesday September 30th Ann Wright of Durban was elected as the first ever female President of Surfing South Africa.
Ann Wright has been a committed and energetic member of the Surfing South Africa Board for over 10 years. Prior to being elected as President, she was the first Vice President of the Federation.
Her election to this position underlines her 30 years of service to the sport and highlights the many roles she has played and continues to play in the growth of the organisation.
by SFT | Oct 4, 2026 | St Francis
Sea Vista children learning to surf received a welcome boost this week. The Rotary Club of St Francis handed over donated surf gear at Main Beach in St Francis Bay.
The collection included more than 40 surfboards and wetsuits, generously donated by members of the community. Donors also contributed pre-loved bodyboards to support the children’s surf school.
Community Donations Support Young Surfers
The surf school is organised by the Wave Point Foundation in collaboration with the 9 Miles Project. It gives children from Sea Vista an opportunity to learn to surf and enjoy the ocean.
The children range in age from seven to 16. For many, access to equipment would otherwise limit their opportunity to take part.
However, the community’s response has helped put more equipment into the hands of these young surfers. A pre-loved board or wetsuit can still have plenty of useful life. Through this collection, that gear will now support children beginning their own surfing journey.
A Happy Handover At Main Beach
Rotary members met the surf school at Main Beach this week to hand over the donations. The children’s smiles reflected their excitement as they received the equipment.
The handover brought together the generosity of local donors and the work of the organisations running the surf school. Together, their contributions are helping more children experience the enjoyment of surfing.
Thanks To Donors And Collection Points
The Rotary Club extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated surfboards, wetsuits and bodyboards.
It also thanked Pam Golding, Seal Point Estates and the River Club for serving as collection points. Their support helped bring the donations together for the handover to the Sea Vista surf school.
Recent Comments