Pam Golding St Francis Jars of Hope Campaign Brings Warm Meals to St Francis Families
Pam Golding St Francis has joined the national Jars of Hope campaign, calling on the community to help provide warm, nourishing meals for local families. Running from Mandela Day until Spring Day, the initiative turns simple pantry staples into practical support for people who need it most.
Supporting the St Francis community
Following advice from Kouga Councillor Shena Ruth, donations from the St Francis campaign will benefit two local organisations. The first is the Sea Vista Clinic, where Sister Bosman assists many vulnerable and needy residents. The second is Hilda’s Soup Kitchen, which serves warm meals to between 50 and 60 children every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Every donation, large or small, helps these organisations continue their important work.
Donations that make a difference
The campaign welcomes empty glass or plastic jars with lids, with large coffee jars proving especially useful. Donations of rice, soup mix, lentils, split peas and stock cubes are also needed.
Supporters are also welcome to fill an entire Jar of Hope with a combination of ingredients. Every contribution helps create another nourishing meal for someone in the community.
Convenient collection points
Donations can be placed in the Jars of Hope trolley at SPAR or delivered directly to the Pam Golding St Francis office throughout the campaign.
Community projects thrive when many people contribute in small ways. One jar can become a meal. One ingredient can complete a jar. Together, those simple acts provide meaningful support for local families.
Every jar, every ingredient and every donation makes a genuine difference. Through the Jars of Hope campaign, the St Francis community can help ensure that children, patients and families receive the comfort of a warm, nourishing meal when they need it most.
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FOSTER Helps Protect the Place We Call Home – So Show Your Support at the FOSTER JOL This Weekend
Greater St Francis enjoys something increasingly rare along the South African coastline. It remains surrounded by indigenous fynbos, protected nature reserves and open green spaces that have shaped the area’s identity for decades. Those landscapes are part of everyday life, whether you’re walking a trail, spotting wildlife, heading to the beach or simply appreciating that the town still feels connected to nature.
That sense of place has been carefully protected over many years. Behind much of that work is FOSTER – Friends of St Francis Nature Areas, a local organisation that has quietly championed the conservation of the area’s natural assets while encouraging responsible growth and environmental awareness. Its work has helped ensure that development and conservation continue to exist side by side, preserving the qualities that residents value so highly.
Looking After What Makes St Francis Different
The nature areas surrounding Greater St Francis are far more than attractive scenery. They protect indigenous plant life, provide habitat for wildlife and create the green buffer that gives the town its distinctive character. They also offer countless opportunities for walking, birdwatching, recreation and environmental education throughout the year.
It is easy to enjoy these spaces without thinking about the years of planning, maintenance and volunteer effort that have gone into protecting them. Every reserve and every stretch of fynbos reflects the dedication of people who understood that preserving the natural environment would always be an investment in the future of the community.
An Opportunity to Support FOSTER
FOSTER’s annual fundraiser takes place this Friday at The Resort, providing an opportunity for the community to support an organisation that has worked quietly on behalf of Greater St Francis for many years.
The town has welcomed many new residents over the years, creating an opportunity for more people to become involved with FOSTER. If you value the landscapes that define this place, this Friday is a chance to support the people who have helped protect them for decades.
Every ticket sold helps FOSTER continue its conservation work, ensuring that Greater St Francis retains the natural character that makes it such an exceptional place to call home.
For more information about FOSTER – Friends of St Francis Nature Areas, or to become a member, visit foster.org.za.
ThisAbility shines a light on inclusion, courage and local Kouga talent – Watch Trailer
Her debut short film, ThisAbility, is more than a crime thriller. It is a moving celebration of courage, inclusion and human potential, while also highlighting the remarkable creative talent found within the Kouga region.
Growing up in a ministry family and moving around South Africa, Fourie describes herself as “a Free State girl through and through,” but says Jeffreys Bay will always hold a special place in her heart.
“I will always cherish my time in Jeffreys Bay, and I will never forget how it became my place of restoration and renewed my dreams – it is truly a dorp van drome.”
Now living in the United States, she carries those memories with her as she embarks on an exciting international filmmaking journey.
A Dream Born at AFDA
The seeds for ThisAbility were planted while Fourie completed her honours degree in Scriptwriting at AFDA in 2024.
When the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invited emerging filmmakers with disabilities to submit proposals for development funding, she submitted five different concepts. Early in 2025, she received life-changing news – she was one of only four recipients nationwide selected for the grant.
“ThisAbility was one of the projects I had proposed, and suddenly it had the opportunity to become a reality.”
From that moment, everything seemed to fall into place.
“Building the team, casting the actors and bringing the story to life felt surprisingly natural. Many people warned me that making a film would be incredibly difficult, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable creative experiences I’ve ever had.”
Although it was her first time directing and producing a film, Fourie says the experience taught her invaluable lessons about collaboration, communication and trusting a creative team.
Looking Beyond Disability
At the heart of the nine-minute film is Abongile, a young Deaf woman who unexpectedly finds herself caught in a dangerous criminal situation after falling asleep in a taxi.
Rather than portraying disability as limitation, the story transforms its protagonist into the hero of her own narrative through courage, determination and resilience.
For Fourie, the title perfectly captures the film’s message.
“My disability has never felt like something that held me back. If anything, it opened doors and pushed me to achieve things I might never have attempted otherwise.”
She explains that the film is ultimately about “looking beyond limitations and recognising the strength and ability that exist within every person.”
The story encourages audiences to question assumptions about disability while promoting dignity, opportunity and inclusion.
Authentic Storytelling
Authenticity remained central throughout production.
Drawing on her own lived experience with hearing loss, Fourie carefully tells a story that reflects the realities of communication, identity and inclusion without relying on stereotypes.
“Rather than focusing on disability as something to be overcome, I wanted to highlight people as individuals with dreams, talents, challenges and unique stories.”
The production also received guidance from a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) sign language consultant to ensure respectful and accurate representation.
Innovative sound design further immerses viewers into the protagonist’s perspective, allowing audiences to experience the world through Abongile’s unique hearing experience.
Kouga Talent Behind the Camera
The production proudly showcased local expertise behind the scenes.
Rieghard Janse van Rensburg, a Kouga Local Municipality service provider, served as Director of Photography and Editor, playing a pivotal role in bringing Fourie’s creative vision to life through cinematography, editing and sound design.
Fourie praises his contribution to the production: “Our director of photography and editor, Rieghard Janse van Rensburg, did an outstanding job bringing that vision to life.”
Working alongside him was his son, Richard Janse van Rensburg, who served as Assistant Camera, contributing to the technical execution of the production.
Behind-the-scenes photography capturing the cast and crew throughout filming was beautifully documented by Eidie Janse van Rensburg, Rieghard’s wife, preserving memorable moments from the production journey.
Local Collaboration Made the Difference
Filmed largely in Jeffreys Bay, including scenes at the taxi rank between Pellsrus and Ocean View, the production embraced local partnerships and community support.
Extras sourced through Pastor Niel from the Pellsrus AFM Church helped create authentic street scenes, while a talented Eastern Cape production team ensured that high-quality filmmaking could be achieved without relying on expensive outside crews.
Fourie says choosing local talent proved invaluable.
“Working with a talented local team allowed us to stay within budget without compromising on quality. In the end, we had exactly what we needed to tell the story.”
The production was further strengthened by the involvement of Fourie’s mother, Bonita Fourie, who served as producer.
A mentor, counsellor and creative guide, Bonita managed many of the practical aspects of the project while providing valuable support throughout the filmmaking process.
Her own achievements include being selected as one of five finalists in the inaugural StrongHer Campaign last year, an international initiative recognising women who demonstrate exceptional resilience, leadership and community impact.
The campaign formed part of a landmark collaboration between the City of Birmingham, Alabama, and Kouga Local Municipality, highlighting women whose influence extends far beyond their own personal achievements.
The result demonstrates the creative potential that exists within local communities when opportunity meets talent.
More Than Representation
For Fourie, ThisAbility represents something deeply personal.
Having often been typecast during acting auditions because of her hearing loss, creating this film allowed her to write the kind of representation she rarely encountered herself – a character whose identity extends beyond disability.
“Making ThisAbility gave me the opportunity to create the kind of representation I rarely saw on screen.”
The experience also reaffirmed her lifelong ambition to become a filmmaker.
“It felt like a homecoming to myself and confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue.”
She believes storytelling has the power to change perceptions and create meaningful social change.
“Film has the power to shape perceptions, influence conversations and inspire social change.”
International Journey Begins
Although only the trailer has been released publicly, early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with audiences praising its emotional impact and compelling storyline.
The film has already been submitted to numerous prestigious festivals across South Africa, Europe and the United States, where Fourie hopes it will reach wider audiences and ultimately secure international distribution.
Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about the journey still to come.
“I still have many stories I want to tell. Whether it’s through film, television, short stories or novels, storytelling will always be part of who I am. So, watch this space.”
As ThisAbility begins its festival journey, it stands as a testament not only to inclusive storytelling but also to the remarkable creative talent emerging from Jeffrey’s Bay and the Eastern Cape.
Follow the Journey
Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dLe_yJpVN4
The full film is currently being screened through the international film festival circuit and is not yet publicly available.
Rotary Gives Old Surfboards a Second Wave
Pre-loved Gear Finds a New Home
An old surfboard gathering dust in the garage could become the reason a local child catches their first wave.
Throughout July, the Rotary Club of St Francis is collecting pre-loved surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits to support the Wave Point Foundation’s surfing and mentoring programme for children from Sea Vista. Donations are welcome from 2 to 31 July, with equipment of every size appreciated. Children’s boards and wetsuits are especially valuable.
Each Wednesday, the youngsters head to Main Beach, where experienced volunteers introduce them to surfing in a safe and encouraging environment. The programme reaches well beyond the shoreline, combining surf therapy with mentoring, homework support and positive role models that help build confidence, resilience and discipline.
For many participants, the programme creates opportunities that extend far beyond the water.
Every Board Has More to Give
Access to suitable equipment remains one of the programme’s biggest challenges. Every donated surfboard, bodyboard or wetsuit allows another child to participate and continue developing their skills.
The initiative also reflects the generous spirit of the St Francis community. By passing on equipment that is no longer being used, local surfers can give it a second life while opening the door for a young person to experience the ocean, often for the very first time.
A board that has reached the end of one surfing journey can become the beginning of another.
Donation Points Across St Francis
Donations can be dropped off until 31 July at three convenient collection points:
- Pam Golding St Francis, Lyme Road North
- Seal Point Estates, Cape St Francis
- River Club, Oyster Bay Road
Anyone wishing to donate equipment or arrange a collection can contact the Rotary Club of St Francis at contact@rotarystfrancisbay.org.
Every surfboard, bodyboard and wetsuit placed in the collection helps another child build skills, confidence and a lifelong connection with the ocean.
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This Week’s Roadworks Schedule for St Francis Area
Kouga Local Municipality has released its roadworks schedule for 20 to 25 July, with road refurbishment, resealing and pothole repairs continuing across St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Oyster Bay.
Road maintenance teams will carry out pothole repairs, slurry overlays, vegetation clearing and other pre-treatment work before roads are resealed. Residents are advised to expect construction activity in affected areas throughout the week.
Roads Scheduled for Refurbishment
The following streets are included in this week’s programme:
- St Francis Drive
- Coral Close
- Cockle Street
- Limpet Close
- Barnacle Way
- Mussel Avenue
- Periwinkel Street
- Abalone Avenue
- Perlemoen Street
- Alikreukel Avenue
- Cowrie Crescent
- Mitra Way
Weekly Pothole Repairs
Separate pothole repair teams are scheduled to work on:
- Sunset Drive
- George Road
- Ibiza Crescent
- Esmarelda Road
Motorists Asked to Use Caution
Drivers are encouraged to slow down near work zones and follow temporary traffic signs where required. Residents in affected streets are also asked to limit vehicle movements where possible to allow contractors to complete the work safely and efficiently.
Report Road Problems
Residents can report potholes and other road-related issues to the Kouga Municipal Call Centre.
Telephone: 042 200 2200
WhatsApp: 081 760 9183
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