by SFT | Jul 12, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
At Client Care, we’re always glad to meet new people. We love what we do, and there’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from helping someone retire comfortably, with dignity, and then go on to live their best life, by choice, rather than by chance.
After more than thirty years in this business, we’re fortunate that most of our new clients find us through referrals – from existing clients, and even from people who’ve never worked with us but know, through others, that we can be trusted.
We recently met a new couple, referred by a mutual friend. They’ve been together since their early twenties, and over the last twenty-five years, they’ve built a successful business from scratch and raised a family. They’re now at the stage where they can save more meaningfully and start thinking properly about the next chapter of their lives.
Many people, looking at what this couple has achieved, might assume that planning out their last working decade should come naturally to them. After all, how hard can it be?
The truth is, they could certainly try to go it alone. But their years in business have taught them something valuable: asking for help is usually cheaper, in the end, than wandering into territory you don’t fully understand.
We see this pattern often. People come to us out of a quiet fear that they’ve left things too late. In our experience, it very seldom is.
Our process starts by helping clients understand exactly where they stand today, and then mapping out how to get to where they want to be. Every person walks their own road, so every financial plan should speak to their life and their particular story.
Yes, the numbers have to add up. But over a retirement that might stretch across thirty-five years, there are many levers that can be pulled to shape the outcome someone wants. And that outcome needs to reflect personal values – the things that matter most to them. Some people live for travel. Others live for their sport. Almost everyone will do anything for their family.
These softer questions are, in truth, the most important part of the plan. It’s easy to miss this if you’re working with an adviser who only does the numbers. The numbers, honestly, are the easy part. Good retirement planning gets that right, but it also pays close attention to the human side.
If your numbers look fine but something still feels like it’s missing, chances are we can help. Pop in for a chat.
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Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
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Dead Money, Living Money
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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 | Jul 12, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
The early 2000s were, in retrospect, an incredible time for professional surfing. The great Andy Irons was at the top of his game, Reef launched Mick Fanning’s now-iconic beer opening sandal and Kelly Slater, who would go on to become the winningest professional surfer of all time, was the face of the Xbox video game Kelly Slater Pro Surfer wherein dreamers could slip into the skin of the titular character or Lisa Anderson, Tom Carroll, Tom Curren, Nathan Fletcher, Donavon Frankenreiter, Bruce Irons, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb or, with super special skill, Tony Hawk, Travis Pastrana, Tiki God or Surfreak and surf Bells, Kirra, G-Land, Pipeline, Jaws, Mavericks, Cortez Bank, Sebastian Inlet, Trestles, Teahupoo, Curren’s Point, Mundaka, J-Bay, and with super special skill, Wave House, Antarctica, Cosmos and the Bermuda Triangle.
Thanks to the Xbox Nostalgia X account, Kelly Slater Pro Surfer is back in a big way.
Full story on Beachgrit
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Read more: Meet Our New Editorial Assistant at St Francis Today – She’s The Real Deal
by SFT | Jul 12, 2026 | St Francis
One of the strongest voices yet in the debate over the proposed Thyspunt Nuclear Power Station came from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) during a public meeting on Saturday.
Full credit to Kouga News for both the original reporting and the outstanding video coverage of the presentation. Their report captures the discussion in detail, while the video allows residents to hear Dr Gary Koekemoer’s comments in full and provides valuable context for one of the region’s most significant environmental debates.
WESSA Raises Concerns About Thyspunt
Speaking at an Earthlife Africa Johannesburg community meeting at Newton Hall, Dr Gary Koekemoer, Chairperson of WESSA’s Eastern Cape branch, explained why the organisation opposes the proposed nuclear development.
According to Koekemoer, WESSA believes Thyspunt is not an appropriate location for a nuclear power station. The organisation also argues that modern South Africa has access to better energy solutions than nuclear power.
He said the project could place enormous pressure on the Kouga region by attracting an estimated 15,000 people to Humansdorp. In his view, local infrastructure, water supplies, schools and accommodation are simply not equipped for that level of growth.
Video: YouTube
A Community That Could Change Forever
Koekemoer also warned that the development could permanently alter the character of the Kouga region.
“If we bring a nuclear plant here, your community will change forever. It is going to be fundamentally different.”
He said the proposal could also have implications for key local industries, including tourism and the Eastern Cape’s valuable chokka squid fishery.
An Alternative Vision For Thyspunt
Rather than industrial development, Koekemoer suggested Thyspunt offers an opportunity to recognise and celebrate Khoi Khoi history and heritage. He said WESSA believes the site could serve a very different purpose while protecting its environmental and cultural significance.
Before concluding, he thanked the Kouga community for its hospitality and for allowing WESSA to contribute to the ongoing discussion.
If you want the full context of Dr Koekemoer’s presentation, Kouga News has produced excellent coverage of both the meeting and the complete video. It is well worth watching to hear his comments in their entirety.
Source: Kouga News reporting and video coverage of the Earthlife Africa Johannesburg community meeting featuring Dr Gary Koekemoer, Chairperson of WESSA Eastern Cape.
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read more: Meet Our New Editorial Assistant at St Francis Today – She’s The Real Deal
by SFT | Jul 12, 2026 | Photo Of The Day, St Francis
A stream overflowing a weir after the good rains – Photo Of The Day by Clive Wright Photography
by SFT | Jul 12, 2026 | St Francis
Photocredit: @Kromme Enviro-Trust St Francis Photographer: Jean Tresfon
The future of the Eastern Cape’s chokka squid industry depends on healthy chokka squid spawning grounds.
Unlike many marine species, chokka squid do not breed wherever conditions are favourable. Instead, they return to the same patches of seabed year after year. These established spawning grounds are essential to the survival of the species.
Their life cycle makes them particularly vulnerable. Chokka squid live for only 12 to 18 months. As a result, there is almost no buffer if a breeding season is disrupted. Two consecutive poor spawning seasons could dramatically reduce the population.
Dredging Raises Environmental Concerns
Eskom’s proposed Thyspunt nuclear development includes pumping up to 10 million cubic metres of dredged sand into the ocean. According to the South African Squid Management Industrial Association, the prevailing current flows from Oyster Bay towards Jeffreys Bay, directly across the chokka squid spawning grounds.
Industry spokesperson Greg Don Christy says the sediment is unlikely to remain where it is deposited. Instead, it could spread across the seabed and change the habitat that chokka squid have relied on for generations.
For the industry, this is one of the most important questions in the Environmental Impact Assessment. Any change to the spawning habitat could affect future breeding success and the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
Thousands Of Jobs Depend On Healthy Spawning Grounds
The importance of the chokka squid spawning grounds extends well beyond the marine environment.
The Eastern Cape’s squid industry supports approximately 2,500 jobs and generates around R500 million in wages. Between 50 and 55 vessels leave Port St Francis during the season, while hundreds of mechanics, engineers, refrigeration technicians, factory workers and other support staff in St Francis Bay, Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
For that reason, protecting the chokka squid spawning grounds is both an environmental and an economic priority. The Environmental Impact Assessment will need to determine whether the proposed dredging can proceed without causing irreversible damage to one of South Africa’s most valuable marine resources.
Read the full story here: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/thyspunt-will-be-environmental-economic-disaster-for-chokka-industry/
images and stoiry: Thyspunt Alliance
by SFT | Jul 9, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
BALLITO, KwaDukuza – Brazil’s Ryan Kainalo and Australia’s Charli Hately claimed victory at the World Surf League (WSL) O’Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior, Stop No. 3 of the Africa Junior Qualifying Series, after an exciting finals day on the Dolphin Coast.
Glassy conditions and clean two-to-three-foot waves created excellent opportunities for performance surfing. Both champions overcame strong South African challenges to stand on top of the podium.
Kainalo Claims Third Ballito Title
Ryan Kainalo secured his third Ballito Pro Junior title after defeating Australia’s Dane Henry in an entertaining men’s final filled with aerial surfing and powerful rail work.
Kainalo, who previously won the event in 2022 and 2023, combined progressive airs with strong turns to post a winning heat total of 14.87 out of 20.
“I’m really happy. I think the final was the best heat of the whole event,” said Kainalo. “I tried to stay calm, look for the good waves and mix in some airs and big turns. I really love this place and just try to enjoy every moment.”
Kainalo now turns his attention to the Ballito Open presented by O’Neill QS 2,000 before competing in the Ballito Pro Challenger Series, which begins on Sunday.
Henry enjoyed an outstanding performance in the semifinals, producing the highest heat total of the event. His near-perfect 9.83 for a huge aerial, backed up by an 8.00, earned him a combined total of 17.83.
“It was great to get some fun waves,” said Henry. “Ryan surfed incredibly well in the final. I’m really looking forward to the next week.”
Hately Starts Ballito Campaign In Style
Seventeen-year-old Charli Hately used the Ballito Pro Junior as preparation for the upcoming Challenger Series and left with the event title.
The Australian impressed throughout the competition with smart wave selection and powerful backhand surfing. In the final, she opened with a 6.00 before using priority late in the heat to find the wave she needed. One strong turn into the critical section earned enough points to move into the lead after the buzzer.
“I left it a bit late, but I got it done, so I’m really stoked,” said Hately. “It was great to get some good practice before the next event. I’m happy to be back because I love it here.”
Strong Result For Louise Lepront
South Africa’s Louise Lepront produced an excellent performance to reach her first Ballito Pro Junior final.
After a convincing semifinal victory, Lepront finished runner-up and heads into the Ballito Open with valuable momentum. The result also lifts her to the top of the WSL Africa Junior rankings.
Simon Winter also moved into the No. 1 position in the men’s Africa Junior rankings following the conclusion of the event.
ends.
Read also:
Meet Our New Editorial Assistant at St Francis Today – She’s The Real Deal
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