by SFT | Sep 8, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality is calling on residents, businesses and community organisations to help plant 500 trees across the region during September.
Five hundred trees. One Kouga. A greener future.
From a single seedling to a forest of possibilities, Kouga Local Municipality is inviting communities to put down roots for a greener, healthier and more sustainable future.
The initiative forms part of the municipality’s 2026 Arbour Month Tree Planting and Donation Campaign.
Plant A Tree, Grow A Future
Under the theme “Plant a Tree, Grow a Future”, the municipality is calling on residents, businesses, schools, community organisations, farmers and environmental groups to support the campaign during September 2026.
The goal is to plant 500 trees across the Kouga region.
This will include 250 indigenous trees to promote biodiversity, provide shade and improve public green spaces. A further 250 fruit trees will help support food security and community food gardens.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the campaign gives communities an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the environment.
“Every tree planted today is an investment in the future of our communities. By working together, we can create greener public spaces, protect our natural environment and strengthen food security for generations to come.”
Community Support
Residents and organisations can support the campaign by donating or sponsoring trees. They can also plant trees at homes, schools and businesses or organise community planting events.
In addition, they can partner with the municipality on environmental initiatives.
Businesses and organisations are particularly encouraged to support the campaign through their environmental and social responsibility programmes.
“This is a campaign for everyone. Whether you plant one tree or sponsor many, every contribution makes a difference. We want to see communities across Kouga taking ownership of creating a healthier, greener environment,” said Bornman.
The 500-Tree Target
The municipality is accepting donations of indigenous and fruit trees throughout September. It hopes to reach the full target of 500 trees by the end of the campaign.
For tree donations, sponsorships or planting initiatives, contact the Kouga Local Municipality Environmental Management and Parks Department.
Email ymlindazwe@kouga.gov.za or mengelbrecht@kouga.gov.za.
by SFT | Sep 8, 2026 | St Francis
Thanks to St Francis Tourism for keeping us up to date with what’s happening in St Francis Bay. Check out their website.
Date 11 September 2026
Time 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Venue St Francis Links
Organizer Client Care
Date: 13 September
Time: 9:00- 12:00 pm
Venue: Sunset Rocks, Lighthouse, Bruce’s
Organiser: Kromme Enviro-Trust
Date: 18 September
Time: 6:00 pm
Venue: Cape St Francis Resort
Organiser: Cape St Francis Resort
Date 18 September 2026
Time 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue St Francis Brewery
Organizer St Francis Brewery
Date 19 September 2026
Time 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue Kromme River
Organizer AWEH LET’S SWIM
Date 24 September 2026
Time 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue St Francis Links
Date 24 September 2026
Time 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Venue The River Club
Price R400
Date 24 September 2026
Time 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Venue St Francis Links
Organizer St Francis Tourism
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by SFT | Sep 7, 2026 | St Francis
The Good News First
No reported incidents in:
• Rebelsrus
• Canals
• Kromme / Oyster Bay Road
• Oyster Bay
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Incidents Reported This Month
Village Area – 5 incidents
• Four theft-related incidents involving copper pipes, taps, water-pump wires and water-tank cables.
• Stolen copper pipes and a tap were recovered, and a suspect was apprehended.
• One housebreaking. A suspect was found inside and handed over to SAPS; nothing was stolen.
Industrial Area – 2 incidents
• Two thefts involving an electric drill, copper taps and a fire-hydrant pipe. Property damage was also reported.
Santareme – 3 incidents
• One housebreaking, with stolen household items recovered.
• One trespassing incident, with the suspect removed by SAPS.
• Theft of a copper tap.
Cape St Francis – 3 incidents
• One housebreaking and two thefts involving copper pipes and electrical cables.
Arrests & Recoveries
• Arrests: 4
• Recoveries: Copper pipes, microwave, camera, bags and various household items.
August saw a slight decrease in reported incidents, from 14 in July to 13. Notably, 7 of the 13 incidents involved copper pipes or taps.
Multiple suspects were apprehended and stolen property recovered. Please remain vigilant, secure all access points and report suspicious activity immediately.
Property Security
Unsecured properties INCREASED from 8 in July to 14 in August. Please lock all doors, windows and access points before leaving your property.
False Alarm Reminder
Service-provider false alarms dropped from 12 in July to 8 in August. Please notify Calibre before service providers access your property, helping keep response teams available for genuine emergencies.
An unserviced alarm can fail when it matters most – book your system check today.
With 21,978 km patrolled, continued collaboration with SAPS and a dedicated response team, Calibre remains ready when it matters most.
KEEP CALM AND CALL CALIBRE
042 294 0038
by SFT | Sep 7, 2026 | St Francis
Three men convicted in connection with the 2019 murder of St Francis Bay resident and boat builder Duncan Lethbridge have been handed life sentences.
Lethbridge was 76 years old when he was murdered during an incident at a residential property.
Sentencing In Gqeberha
Bongani Faku, Lukhanyo Faku and Thobile Grootboom appeared in the Gqeberha Regional Court on Friday, 4 September 2026, where sentences were imposed following their convictions on four charges.
Each man received life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for attempted murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and two years for trespassing.
Arrests Followed The 2019 Murder
The case was investigated by St Francis Bay Detectives.
According to SAPS, the three men were arrested between 2019 and 2020 in connection with the incident, which involved entering a residential property, carrying out an armed robbery and attacking the occupants.
The State opposed bail following their arrests, and all three remained in custody for the duration of the trial.
St Francis Bay Detectives Secure Convictions
The investigation ultimately resulted in all three men being convicted of trespassing, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and attempted murder.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso welcomed the sentences and commended the St Francis Bay Detectives involved in the investigation.
SAPS also acknowledged the work of the investigative team and prosecution in securing the convictions and ensuring the accused remained in custody from the time of their arrests.
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