by SFT | Jul 19, 2026 | St Francis
The Maldives is one of the world’s great geographical improbabilities. More than 1,000 coral islands are scattered across the Indian Ocean, yet the country’s average natural elevation is little more than one metre above sea level. It is a nation built by coral over thousands of years, and one whose future is increasingly shaped by the rising ocean that surrounds it.
Looking down from a seaplane, the Maldives barely resembles a country. Tiny rings of coral and sand are scattered across an immense expanse of blue, separated by channels that seem far too wide to bind them into a single nation. The scale is astonishing. Stretching almost 900 kilometres from north to south, the archipelago occupies a vast area of ocean, yet less than one per cent of that territory is actually land.
The more you learn about the Maldives, the more improbable it becomes. Unlike most islands, these were not formed by volcanoes or shifting tectonic plates. They exist because coral reefs spent thousands of years growing towards sunlight. Waves gradually broke coral into fine white sand, ocean currents deposited it on the reefs, tropical vegetation took hold and, eventually, people settled there. Every inhabited island in the Maldives owes its existence to that slow, patient process.
A Country Built By Nature
Today, more than half a million people live on islands that sit only a little above sea level. The reefs that created the Maldives continue to protect it, absorbing the energy of the Indian Ocean before waves reach the shoreline. They also support one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet, making the country one of the world’s premier destinations for diving, snorkelling and ocean-based adventure.
That delicate balance between land and sea defines everyday life. It also explains why the Maldives has become one of the countries most closely associated with climate change and rising sea levels. Scientists continue to study the long-term impact of warming oceans, while the Maldivian government invests in reclaimed islands, coastal protection projects and reef conservation to strengthen the country’s resilience.
More Than A Tropical Escape
Visitors arrive expecting turquoise lagoons, immaculate beaches and extraordinary marine life, and the Maldives delivers all of them in abundance. What often surprises people is the story beneath the scenery. Every beach, every reef and every island represents thousands of years of natural engineering, creating a country unlike any other on Earth.
Understanding that story changes the way you experience the Maldives. The islands become more than beautiful places to visit. They become living evidence of the extraordinary relationship between coral, ocean and time. It is that combination of natural wonder, remarkable beauty and quiet resilience that makes the Maldives one of the most compelling destinations on the planet.
Want to visit the Maldives?
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by SFT | Jul 19, 2026 | St Francis
Emeritus Professor Richard Cowling will present a public lecture at The Links on 19 August, with proceeds supporting FOSTER and its conservation work in the St Francis area.
Internationally Recognised Conservation Scientist
FOSTER committee member and one of the organisation’s founders, Emeritus Professor Richard Cowling, will present a public lecture at The Links on Wednesday, 19 August, beginning at 18h00.
The lecture is titled When Nature and Culture Were One – A Perspective from the Cape Stone Age.
Professor Cowling is one of South Africa’s foremost conservation scientists and an internationally recognised expert on the Cape Floristic Region. An Emeritus Professor at Nelson Mandela University, he has spent more than four decades researching biodiversity, ecosystem restoration and sustainable conservation.
His work has helped shape conservation policy and protected area management both nationally and internationally.
Tickets Available Through Quicket
Tickets cost R200 and are available through Quicket.
A large audience is expected, and early booking is recommended. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the lecture.
FOSTER has thanked The Links for sponsoring the venue. Jack’s Bar and The Lighthouse Restaurant will be open before and after the lecture for refreshments.
Supporting FOSTER Conservation
All proceeds from the lecture will support FOSTER and its ongoing work to manage and protect the natural areas of St Francis.
The organisation says fundraising events and annual memberships remain essential to its conservation programme. FOSTER membership costs R350 per family per year and provides ongoing support for reserve management and environmental projects.
Residents who are not yet members can visit foster.org.za to join and support FOSTER’s conservation work.
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by SFT | Jul 19, 2026 | St Francis
Public opposition to Eskom’s proposed Thyspunt Nuclear Power Station continues to grow, with residents, environmental organisations and community leaders raising concerns about its potential impact on the Kouga region.
At a recent Speak Out event hosted by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg in Jeffreys Bay, speakers argued that the proposed 5,200MW nuclear development could affect local livelihoods, biodiversity, cultural heritage, tourism and the regional economy. The meeting also renewed calls for greater public participation as the environmental review process continues.
The proposed Thyspunt Nuclear Power Station would be built near St Francis Bay in the Kouga Local Municipality. According to Eskom’s Draft Scoping Report, the development would occupy about 250 hectares and could use large Pressurised Water Reactors, Small Modular Reactors or a combination of both.
Community Raises Environmental and Economic Concerns
During the public meeting, representatives from environmental organisations, fishing communities and heritage groups questioned the long-term impact of the project.
Concerns included possible effects on marine ecosystems, chokka spawning grounds, internationally recognised surf breaks, tourism, agriculture and small-scale fishing. Speakers also raised questions about emergency planning, infrastructure pressures, employment claims and the overall cost of the project.
The public review period for the proposal has since been extended following requests for additional time to consider the available information.
For a full report, including comments from Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, WESSA, SAFCEI and community representatives, read the original article below…
Thyspunt Opposition
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by SFT | Jul 19, 2026 | St Francis
The Kouga Local Municipality Call Centre is the municipality’s official first point of contact for all service delivery enquiries, complaints and municipal-related requests.
Whether residents experience a water leak, electricity outage, sewer blockage, pothole, refuse removal issue or billing enquiry, the Call Centre is the most effective and reliable way to ensure the matter is properly recorded, tracked and resolved.
By reporting issues through the Call Centre, residents help the municipality respond faster, improve accountability and ensure requests are attended to.
The Role of the Call Centre
The Call Centre operates daily as the central communication hub between residents and municipal departments.
Dedicated operators receive and manage service delivery requests through official channels, including telephone calls, email, WhatsApp, walk-ins and other municipal communication platforms.
Every complaint or enquiry is formally captured on the municipality’s DMS incident management system before being directed to the correct department for action.
The Call Centre also monitors outstanding requests, follows up with departments and provides feedback to residents where possible.
What Residents Can Report
The Call Centre handles a wide range of municipal service-related matters, including:
- Sewer blockages and spillages.
- Water leaks and water interruptions.
- Electricity faults and outages.
- Refuse removal complaints.
- Potholes and road maintenance issues.
- Streetlight faults.
- Illegal dumping.
- Stormwater problems.
- Municipal account and billing enquiries.
- General municipal service-related requests.
Residents are encouraged to report every municipal service issue through the Call Centre, regardless of its size.
How to Log a Service Request
Residents can log a service delivery complaint by:
- Calling the Call Centre.
- Sending an email.
- Using WhatsApp.
- Visiting municipal offices in person.
To assist municipal teams, residents should provide:
- Full name and contact details.
- Exact location of the problem.
- A clear description of the issue.
- Photos where applicable.
- Any additional information that may assist operational teams.
Once the complaint is logged, residents receive a unique reference number for tracking purposes.
What Happens After You Log a Call
The municipality follows a structured process to manage every service request.
Step 1: The Call Centre operator records the request on the DMS incident management system.
Step 2: A unique reference number is generated and supplied to the resident.
Step 3: The request is electronically allocated to the relevant municipal department.
Step 4: Operational teams investigate the complaint and complete the required work.
Step 5: The Call Centre monitors progress, follows up on outstanding matters and escalates urgent or overdue cases where necessary.
Step 6: Once the issue has been resolved, feedback is captured on the system and the request is updated or closed.
Step 7: Residents may receive a customer satisfaction survey to rate the service they received.
Why Residents Should Use the Official Call Centre
Logging requests through the official Call Centre provides several benefits:
- Proper recording of complaints.
- Faster allocation to the correct department.
- Accountability and transparency.
- Real-time tracking of requests.
- Follow-ups on outstanding matters.
- Improved response coordination.
- Accurate record keeping.
The DMS system also helps the municipality monitor response times, identify recurring service delivery issues and improve service standards.
The Risks of Unofficial Reporting
Residents sometimes report issues through Facebook comments, private WhatsApp messages or direct communication with municipal officials.
These informal channels can create several challenges:
- Requests may not be formally recorded.
- Complaints can be overlooked.
- Important information may be missing.
- There may be no official reference number.
- Delays can occur during busy periods or emergencies.
- Accountability and tracking are limited.
For this reason, social media posts and personal messages should never replace officially logging a complaint through the Call Centre.
Technology Supporting Better Service Delivery
The municipality uses the DMS incident management system to capture, allocate, track and monitor all service delivery requests.
The system provides:
- Real-time tracking of complaints.
- Monitoring of outstanding requests.
- Escalation of urgent matters.
- Improved accountability.
- Better management oversight.
- Accurate reporting and record keeping.
By using the DMS system, the municipality can improve service coordination and respond more effectively to residents’ needs.
Contact the Kouga Municipality Call Centre
Residents can contact the Kouga Local Municipality Call Centre on 042 200 2200 or 081 760 9183 (WhatsApp).
Alternatively, enquiries can be emailed to callcentre@kouga.gov.za.
by SFT | Jul 19, 2026 | St Francis
The annual FOSTER JOL returns to Cape St Francis on Saturday, 25 July, with live music, food, prizes and fundraising in support of local conservation projects.
Community Favourite Returns
The annual FOSTER JOL will take place on Saturday, 25 July, from 18h00 until late at Joe Fish, Cape St Francis Resort.
The event has become one of the community’s favourite social gatherings, bringing together residents and visitors while raising funds for FOSTER’s conservation work.
Tickets cost R200 and include a complimentary welcome drink. Food stalls will operate throughout the evening, while Ghost Riders and Wildside will provide live entertainment.
Guests are encouraged to dress in black and white for the Best Dressed competition. Ticket holders will also go into the draw to win a booze barrel.
Tickets Available Now
Tickets are available through Quicket and from the Cape St Francis Resort reception. A limited number will also be sold at the door, although early booking is recommended.
Several local residents have chosen to celebrate their birthdays at this year’s event, adding to what is expected to be another memorable evening.
FOSTER has thanked Cape St Francis Resort for once again sponsoring the venue and for its continued support.
Trail Improvement Completed
FOSTER has completed the rerouting of the dual-use cycling and walking trail around the blind corner on the Shearwater Drive side of the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve.
The project was undertaken to improve safety by creating better separation between cyclists and pedestrians.
Signage and barriers will be installed shortly. Until then, trail users are asked to continue treating the area as shared-use and to approach with caution.
Recent winter rain has also produced strong vegetation growth across the reserves. While indigenous plants are flourishing, the additional growth has increased the demand for regular trail maintenance.
Alien vegetation clearing remains FOSTER’s highest priority, while maintenance continues across all reserves, with high-use areas receiving priority attention.
Supporting Local Conservation
Funds raised through the FOSTER JOL help the organisation manage and protect the Cape St Francis nature reserves.
FOSTER also relies on annual memberships to support its conservation work throughout the year. Membership costs R350 per family per year.
Residents who would like to become members can visit foster.org.za for more information.
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by SFT | Jul 19, 2026 | St Francis
SANCCOB will visit St Francis on Saturday, 25 July, to present two public sessions on seabird conservation, including a children’s Eco-Kids programme and an adult presentation hosted by the Kromme Enviro-Trust.
Eco-Kids Learn About Penguin Conservation
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) will present two educational sessions at the Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, St Francis, on Saturday, 25 July.
The first session, Eco-Kids: Saving Penguins, runs from 9.00am to 10.30am and has been developed specifically for children.
The programme introduces young participants to penguin conservation and seabird conservation through interactive educational activities. Children will learn about South Africa’s coastal birds, their habitats and the conservation work being undertaken to protect vulnerable species.
SANCCOB Adult Presentation
The second session, Saving Seabirds: SANCCOB’s Role, takes place from 11.30am to 12.30pm and is open to the public.
The presentation will explain the challenges facing seabirds, including the African penguin, and outline SANCCOB’s work in marine bird rescue, rehabilitation, research and conservation.
Representatives from SANCCOB will travel from Gqeberha to present both sessions, giving local residents the opportunity to hear directly from one of South Africa’s leading marine bird conservation organisations.
Community Invited To Attend
The presentations are being hosted by the Kromme Enviro-Trust, which is encouraging residents to attend the adult session and support this conservation initiative.
Community participation will help raise awareness of the threats facing seabirds and the work being carried out to protect South Africa’s marine bird populations.
Both presentations will be held at the Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, St Francis.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Truus Hedding, Secretary of the Kromme Enviro-Trust, on 082 925 7231.
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