by SFT | Jul 22, 2026 | St Francis
Heritage Day means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about the braai. For others, it’s a chance to get outdoors with family and friends. This year, St Francis Tourism is bringing the best of both worlds together with the Annual St Francis Heritage Day Golf Day at St Francis Links on 24 September.
The St Francis Heritage Day Golf Day has become one of those events that quietly earns its place on the local calendar. It is competitive without taking itself too seriously, social without losing its edge, and always finishes the way Heritage Day should – around good food and good company.
Players will tee off with a 12:30 shotgun start, taking on 18 holes at one of South Africa’s finest golf courses. Golf carts are included, and once the final putt has dropped, everyone is invited to enjoy a mini prego steak and boerewors braai while swapping stories from the fairways.
Entry is R300 for members and R600 for visitors and non-members. Meanwhile, four-ball entries are available for R2 000, making it an ideal afternoon for friends, work colleagues or visiting golfers looking to experience St Francis at its best.
A Great Day For Golf And Local Business
The St Francis Heritage Day Golf Day also creates valuable opportunities for local businesses. Hole sponsorship packages, which include a four-ball, are available for R3 000, while additional branding opportunities allow companies to connect directly with golfers and visitors throughout the day. Consequently, the event continues to support both local tourism and the wider business community.
Bookings are now open through St Francis Links. Golfers can reserve their places by emailing golf@stfrancislinks.com or calling 042 200 4500. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact hospitality@stfrancislinks.com or WhatsApp 083 865 9585.
This Heritage Day, the couch will still be there tomorrow. The fairways are calling on 24 September.
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Read more:
• The huge FOSTER JOL: At Joe Fish, Cape St Francis Resort this weekend
• The Pam Golding St Francis Jars of Hope Campaign
• Old Surfboards and Wetsuits donations
by SFT | Jul 22, 2026 | St Francis
The next Kromme Enviro-Trust Eco-Kids session will introduce young conservationists to the fascinating world of African penguins through fun, interactive activities on 25 July.
Young Kromme Enviro-Trust Eco-Kids will focus on saving penguins. Conservationists will have the chance to learn about one of South Africa’s most iconic seabirds when Kromme Enviro-Trust Eco-Kids returns on Friday, 25 July. This month’s session is themed Saving Penguins, combining environmental education with hands-on activities that make learning both memorable and fun.
Learning About African Penguins
The Eco-Kids programme has become a popular fixture on the local environmental calendar. Each monthly session introduces children to a different aspect of nature while encouraging curiosity, exploration and a lifelong appreciation for the environment. As a result, many young participants return month after month to discover something new.
This month’s spotlight falls on the African penguin, a species that has become a powerful symbol of marine conservation in South Africa. During the morning, children will learn about penguin habitats, feeding behaviour and the many challenges these remarkable birds face along the coastline. In addition, the interactive programme will show how conservation organisations and local communities are working together to protect the species for future generations.
The session takes place upstairs at Bruce’s from 9:00am to 10:30am and is suitable for children aged four to 10 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the morning.
Beyond learning about penguins, the Kromme Enviro-Trust Eco-Kids programme gives children the opportunity to spend time with other young nature enthusiasts while developing a stronger connection with the natural world around St Francis. Furthermore, the activities are designed to inspire environmental responsibility through fun, creativity and participation.
Annual Kromme Enviro-Trust Eco-Kids membership costs R300 and includes a T-shirt and cap. Alternatively, individual sessions cost R70.
Parents wishing to book a place or find out more can contact 082 925 7231. Early booking is encouraged to help Kromme Enviro-Trust prepare another enjoyable and educational Eco-Kids morning.
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Read more:
• The huge FOSTER JOL: At Joe Fish, Cape St Francis Resort this weekend
• The Pam Golding St Francis Jars of Hope Campaign
• Old Surfboards and Wetsuits donations
by SFT | Jul 22, 2026 | St Francis
Hello Paddlers!
Picture the scene on Saturday morning ..
You arrive at the Cove before 9am so you can watch the guppies juniors race, and while there is still plenty of parking, greet a few friends, and register with the super-efficient friendly St Francis Paddling Club ladies 👯♀️
Then the smell of fresh coffee ☕️ attracts you, so you grab a complimentary cup, and relax with a rusk for a few minutes in the sunshine, catching up with the other paddlers ☀️
Then soon after the exciting start you settle in on the slip of two solid lads, eg surfing behind Jaco and Dylan, for a few sunny winter laps, enjoying some banter, but ignoring chirps like “it’s your turn to pull” .. hearing is tricky with the splashing 😳
After you outsprint the kind pullers at the end (🙄), you are greeted with a beer and/or a cooldrink 🍻🍹
But wait, there’s more … legendary Billy’s Beach chef Matt Davis will serve you the very best burger ever to grace a paddling race 🍔
Once you have recovered from riding that slip, you win a bottle of fine red wine, and probably also a lucky draw Carbonology paddle, and some Rack & Paddle goodies, all whilst trading stories with the kind lads who pulled you (you buy them a beer to thank them 😎)
And there’s more!
Famous local professional photographer, Cameron Biggs, will capture you racing and enjoying your drink and winning your prize! 👍
Who would ever want to miss the Pam Golding Winter Canals Doubles Challenge?? 😊
Here are a few more reasons to paddle in the Pam Golding Canals Winter Doubles Challenge 👍
• A rare chance to paddle double your usual time trial distance … without a cut-off time 🤓
• More importantly, enjoying the camaraderie of paddling (in a bunch 🙏) and enjoying a drink and a chat afterwards 🔥
• Plenty of prizes: for both the 10km and 20km race – 1st, 2nd and 3rd for men’s, ladies, mixed, over 65, and u18 (prizes are only for doubles but singles are very welcome 👍)
Pam Golding Canals Winter Doubles Challenge in summary:
10am, Saturday 25 July 2026, at the Cove 😎
10km or 20km. Only R120 😎
Entries online only, close 6pm Friday. Flatwater proficiency required, life jackets not.
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read more:
Kelly Slater Pro Surfer video game goes viral 24 years after release – by Beachgrit
Thyspunt Nuclear Plant Could Change Kouga Forever, WESSA Warns – Video by Kouga News
Meet Our New Editorial Assistant at St Francis Today – She’s The Real Deal
by SFT | Jul 21, 2026 | St Francis
KOUGA – In the heart of Kouga, behind the vibrant orange walls of an old storeroom transformed into a welcoming innovation hub, lives a vision built on collaboration, compassion and community upliftment.
The story of the Halalisana Township Incubator is not simply about business development – it is about people, purpose and creating meaningful impact where it matters most.
Founded by Angela Hendriks alongside business partner Jonathan Kettledas, Halalisana was born from a desire to serve communities in a deeper and more sustainable way.
“The core has always been people,” Hendriks said.
Long before Halalisana became a recognised incubator programme, Hendriks envisioned feeding and supporting vulnerable communities through youth soup kitchens and outreach initiatives. Then, in 2022, shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic, an unexpected opportunity emerged when the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) called for proposals to establish a business hub in the Sarah Baartman District.
“At first, incubation was intimidating because my background is in industrial laundry,” Hendriks recalled. “But Covid-19 changed how many of us looked at life. Nobody knew what tomorrow would bring, and I asked myself: if I should leave tomorrow, what am I leaving behind?”
As a born-again Christian, Hendriks says her answer was clear.
“I wanted to impact lives the way God impacts people. I realised helping entrepreneurs could also change lives and communities.”
Recognising the need for specialised skills, Hendriks approached Kettledas, whose background in software development and business support complemented her passion for community empowerment.
“I’m realistic,” she laughed. “I knew I needed someone with the technical knowledge and experience, and Kettledas immediately believed in the vision.”
Together, they submitted a proposal among 150 applicants nationwide. Only four proposals were deemed viable – and Halalisana was one of them.
The journey, however, was far from easy.
“It took almost two years before all the paperwork was finalised and funding came through,” said Hendriks.
Finding suitable premises became one of their biggest obstacles. The team searched across Jeffreys Bay, Hankey and Patensie, while continuing stakeholder engagements without a physical office.
“On the very last day, we heard about this old storeroom,” Hendriks said. “At one stage, I was ready to return the funding because we simply could not find a space.”
Today, that once-forgotten building has become a vibrant centre for innovation and opportunity. Its bright orange exterior symbolises growth, energy and hope for aspiring entrepreneurs entering its doors.
For Kettledas, building the incubator also meant addressing another major challenge – skills development.
“We need to bring skills into Kouga, but finding those skills locally can be difficult,” he explained. “Human resources and specialised mentorship were some of our biggest challenges.”
Despite these hurdles, Halalisana quickly began changing lives, even before officially opening its doors.
One of their earliest success stories was local entrepreneur Laurentia “Aunty Lau” George, owner of a takeaway business. After reading about Halalisana in a local newspaper, she reached out to join the incubator programme.
“She had just won the Calamari King competition in St Francis Bay,” Hendriks explained. “But she struggled to meet growing demand because of limited finances and non-compliant facilities.”
Through collaboration with Kouga Local Municipality’s Finance and Economic Development Department, Halalisana helped secure support that enabled Aunty Lau to receive a food truck.
“We have watched her grow tremendously,” Hendriks said proudly. “She is eager to learn, always attends classes and never gives up.
Today, Halalisana boasts numerous success stories, helping entrepreneurs access funding opportunities, strengthen their operations and expand their businesses.
Kettledas describes their work as far more than simply providing funding assistance.
“People often think funding is the answer, but skills come first,” he said. “We focus on mentorship, legal compliance, marketing, human resources and sales skills so businesses become investment-ready.”
The incubator also assists entrepreneurs through “pre-incubation” – helping individuals register businesses, understand tax compliance and separate personal and business finances.
“Once entrepreneurs understand the operational side of their business, they can start focusing on vision and growth,” Hendriks explained.
A strong network of professionals further supports the programme, including chartered accountants and industry mentors who guide entrepreneurs throughout the incubation process.
One issue particularly close to Hendriks’ heart is the digital divide affecting young people across Kouga’s towns and rural communities.
“Many learners may have computer classes at school, but without access to computers or digital spaces, how can we expect them to confidently enter university or the modern workplace?” she asked.
She believes digital access could unlock hidden potential among the region’s youth.
“Just because young people are not exposed to technology does not mean they are not brilliant. If we invest in digital skills and access, there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Collaboration remains central to Halalisana’s vision for the future.
The incubator has built a strong working relationship with Kouga Local Municipality, participating in initiatives such as career expos and entrepreneurial development programmes.
“We sit together, share ideas and create pathways for entrepreneurs,” Hendriks said. “The municipality’s support has been incredibly valuable.”
Looking ahead, Kettledas envisions Halalisana becoming a fully-fledged entrepreneurial ecosystem hub within the next five years.
“We want to bring resources closer to rural communities – universities, private sector partners and development opportunities,” he said. “Our vision is to become a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurial growth.”
Hendriks shares that dream and hopes to one day own the incubator’s premises while expanding opportunities for manufacturing, skills training and enterprise development under one roof.
“We want entrepreneurs to learn, produce and sell in the same space,” she said. “Partnerships with institutions like TVET colleges could create practical training opportunities where everyone benefits.”
For Hendriks, the dream is bigger than a single organisation.
“It should be like a relay race where the whole of Kouga wins.”
Appropriately, the name “Halalisana” reflects the organisation’s mission: collaboration, growth and meaningful impact.
And for the people walking through those bright orange doors every day, it represents something even more powerful – hope for a better future.
Halalisana Township Incubator is located at Unit 1 Westgate, Plaatjiesdrift, Humansdorp.
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