The World Surf League Regional Qualifying Series (QS) SA Open of Surfing returns to Pollock Beach, Gqeberha for Stop No.4 of the 2024/2025 regional season. The SA Open of Surfing QS 1,000 is part of the City Surf Series by Accelerate Sport, and runs from 15-16 March 2025.
Strong winds are predicted for Saturday and Sunday, and St Francis surfers will have their work cut out for them.
“The SA Open of Surfing has become a flagship event in South Africa’s surfing calendar, and we are incredibly proud to see it grow year after year,” said Accelerate Sport CEO, Kudzi Nzombe. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, our graceful host and title sponsor, for their unwavering support in making this event a reality. Their commitment to sports tourism and community development ensures that this competition continues to thrive, benefiting both the sport and the region,” Nzombe said.
Nelson Mandela Bay
“On behalf of the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, I would like to welcome all the surfers and their families who are coming to the world-class surfing event, the 2025 SA Open of Surfing at the Blue Flag Pollock Beach in Gqeberha,” said Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.
“We are proud to be associated with this international sporting event. It puts our City on the map as an international sporting destination of choice. We promise to work with the organisers to deliver a safe and memorable event, full of fun and a taste of our rich cultural heritage. I would like to call on the residents of the Metro to come out in numbers to support the event,” Cllr Lobishe said.
“As we continue to work towards positioning ourselves as the sporting destination of choice, we are pleased that our efforts are bearing fruit.” Said Cllr Bongekile Mankahla, Mayoral Committee member of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Directorate of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.“It is all systems go, the infrastructural support is ready. The Blue Flag host beach is ready. Working together with the organisers, we will deliver a good event.”
Contest venue for the SA Open of Surfing at Pollok Beach, Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)
Astron Energy
This edition of the SA Open of Surfing welcomes new partner Astron Energy. This is testament to the growth of the event and the sport of surfing.
“At Eyona Energy, the custodians of Astron Energy in the Eastern Cape, we are proud to partner with the SA Open of Surfing. It is a world-class event that not only showcases incredible talent but also creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement.” Said Sithsaba Xhala, General Manager: Retail & Marketing, Eyona Energy.
“Through this partnership, we are committed to supporting initiatives that introduce children from disadvantaged backgrounds to the ocean, while also promoting essential water safety skills. Surfing is more than just a sport. It’s a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and education. By investing in these programs, we hope to inspire the next generation and ensure that more young South Africans have the chance to experience the ocean in a safe and supportive environment.”
The SA Open of Surfing will run from 15-16 March 2025 at Pollock Beach, Gqeberha.
Kouga Local Municipality has emerged victorious in the 2024 Provincial Greenest Municipality Competition, triumphing after placing second in the 2019 and 2022 awards.
Kouga secured the top accolade, and the municipality was also recognised for its efforts in e-waste recycling and its water leak detection programme.
The accolade follows Kouga’s first-place victory in the Sarah Baartman District Greenest Municipality Competition on 25 February 2025.
Provincial Greenest Municipality
The Provincial Greenest Municipality Awards are organised by the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT). This is in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). They honour municipalities that demonstrate excellence in waste and environmental management.
DEDEAT and CoGTA received entries from six district municipalities, with Kouga being the sole representative from the Sarah Baartman District. The adjudication panel conducted assessment visits from 21 to 29 October 2024.
Christa Venter, Waste and Environmental Management Manager explained the entry process. “We submitted a comprehensive portfolio of evidence showcasing our initiatives. The panel assessed our performance in various categories, including overall cleanliness, illegal dumping rehabilitation, waste minimisation efforts and waste disposal compliance. Our e-waste recycling programme received particular recognition. This is alongside our parks, labyrinth, and new boardwalk projects.
Water Consumption
“The panel also evaluated Kouga’s water consumption, conservation measures, public participation, energy efficiency, and institutional compliance. We also received recognition for our water leak detection programme.”
Venter highlighted the collaborative aspect and expressed gratitude to all participating departments and private partners. This included Patensie Pronk, Dorp van Drome, Jbay Recycling, Xtreme recycling, eWASA, Humansdorp Cooperative and Woodlands Dairy/
Community and Safety Services Director Nomvula Machelesi praised the staff’s tireless efforts.
“This award epitomises what we can accomplish through teamwork. I am grateful for the staff on the ground that ensures we achieve our goals. Furthermore, we appreciate the support from our political leadership and the unified vision we all share,” said Machelesi.
Community Involvement
Rochelle Ludick, Parks and Amenities Manager, emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining a clean, green environment. Ludick acknowledged residents’ contributions to beautifying parks and open spaces.
The R500 000 prize money from the award will be used for initiatives such as the cleanest award competition, environmental awards, and efforts to reduce illegal dumping.
Expressing pride in the municipality’s achievement, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said, “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams, the community, and public-private partnerships. We remain committed to building a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future for all.
Jeffreys Bay – To a casual passer-by, the Shell Museum at the corner of Diaz Road and Drommedaris Street in Jeffreys Bay might appear as just another building housing an array of shells.
Step inside, and you are transported into a world that celebrates the beauty and marvels of marine life – a testament to the passion and legacy of its inspiration, Charlotte Kritzinger.
The museum proudly showcases thousands of shells, sourced from across the globe, each meticulously displayed in glass cases. For the young and curious, magnifying glasses are available to observe even the minutest details of these natural wonders. But there is more to this museum than its striking shell collection; it tells a story of dedication and a deep-seated love for the sea.
Here you will find a collection of local shells with nicknames based on its appearance such as “babatoontjies”, “skurwejantjie”, “wit knopie”, “tossel”, and “visoog”.
Charlotte Kritzinger
Born in 1905, Charlotte Kritzinger moved from the Langkloof to Jeffreys Bay in 1945, where her coastal proximity ignited a lifelong passion for collecting shells. Her remarkable collection, which quickly gained national and even global recognition, became a source of admiration and exchange for enthusiasts worldwide.
Though Kritzinger passed in 1971, her will preserved her life’s work, stipulating that the collection be sold together as a single entity.
Thanks to the Kouga Local Municipality’s foresight and stewardship, the collection found its permanent home within the museum in 1988. However, the journey has not been without challenges. Losses and neglect marred the collection’s history until the Humansdorp Museum Association, led by dedicated volunteers like Petro Meyer, stepped in to revive its grandeur.
“It took years to build trust and ensure financial accountability,” Meyer shares. “But now, with the municipality’s steadfast support, we have expanded, secured, and reimagined the museum experience.”
This collaboration has preserved the past and breathed new life into Kritzinger’s vision.
Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum – More than shells
Today, the museum offers far more than its exceptional shell collection.
Through thoughtful exhibitions, visitors can delve into the mysteries of the ocean, learning about phenomena such as The Red Tide, the grandeur of whales and sharks, and even the culinary and economic significance of chokka, known as the “Gold of the Sea.” Engaging visuals and multimedia, including footage of surfing champion Mick Fanning’s dramatic shark encounter in Jeffreys Bay, ensure a visit here is both educational and unforgettable.
The museum also serves as a community hub, offering locally crafted mementos and a seasonal kiosk that supports the “skulpie-tannies,” who showcase their handcrafted shell items. Volunteers dedicate their time to keeping the museum vibrant, while others oversee its management and upkeep.
More than just a collection of marine artifacts, the Jeffreys Bay Shell Museum is a story of passion, perseverance, and community spirit. For those who visit, it promises to leave an indelible mark, inspiring awe for the wonders of the sea and admiration for the dedication that has kept these treasures alive for generations.
More information
The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00. It is closed on p
Wine enthusiasts were taken on a fascinating journey of Mullineux Wines by Kyle Martin, with a taste of excellence at the TOPS St Francis Bay wine club, gathering at the St Francis Bay Golf Club.
AWARDS
Mullineux was established by Chris and Andrea Mullineux in 2007. They chose to settle in the Swartland after having worked several vintages at wineries in France, South Africa and California. The first-generation winemakers were convinced that the ancient granite and schist-based terroirs, as well as the old vineyards in the region, would have the potential to produce exceptional wines. Their confidence in the area proved to be correct. They quickly began reaping the rewards. By 2023 they had received over fifty 5-star ratings from the Platters South African Wine Guide. They were awarded the Platter’s Winery of the Year in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2022 and in 2023, a feat that had not been achieved before.
Other accolades include Andrea being named Wine Enthusiast’s International Winemaker of the Year and Chris and Andrea being recognized by Tim Atkin as South Africa’s Winemakers of the Year, all of this in 2016.
Kyle Martin of Mullineux Wines
A TASTE OF EXCELLENCE JOURNEY
Kyle started with the Kloof Street Old Vine Chenin, followed by the Mullineaux 2023 Old Vines White.
The latter is a blended white. Its origins stem from the early 2000’s, when creating a regional wine was discussed. Chenin Blanc forms the backbone of this wine, complemented with varietals such as Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Semillon Gris and Verdelho. Each brings a subtle nuance to a fresh and fragrant masterpiece. Some of the vineyards where the grapes are sourced are 80 years old and all of them are sustainably farmed.
Then it was on to the reds. Kyle presented three options, Kloofstreet Swartland Rouge, Mullineaux 2022 Syrah and the Granite Syra.
Kyle shared insights into the impact that the soil types have on the flavours of the wine. This includes the decomposed granite of the Paardeberg and the iron rich soils west of Malmsbury. Also, the Shale and Schist based soil found on Roundstone Farm, Other anecdotal snippets included the fact that Swartland has the largest collection Cinsault and Tinta Barocca in South Africa.
Lynn Strydom and Len Terblanche
FOOD, THE FINAL STRETCH
As usual, the evening ended with delicious buffet of finger snacks as prepared by Chef Bradley. The firm favourite of Pork Belly was accompanied by Mexican Spiced Chicken Wings. There was also Cheese Corn Dogs, Salmon Rosettes, Oxtail Spring Rolls served with mint chutney, Siracha Beef Kebabs and Cheeseboard. A great accompaniment to world class wines!
SIGN UP
All of the wines that were tasted during the Wine Tasting are available at the TOPS SUPERSPAR Village Square, while stocks last.
If you are interested in participating in the Wine Club, leave your details at the Tops at SUPERSPAR Village Square for Mickey Lindsay’s attention to include you on the WhatsApp group.
The Corner or ‘Cornski’ – that little section of Seal Point beachbreak where the point rocks meet the sand, creates a fierce rip and generates the occasional perfect A-Frame peak for the locals and occasional blow-ins to surf. Therefore, it is a fitting venue for the Corner Cup event, the first of many.
It takes very specific conditions, such as sandbanks, wind, tide, and swell direction, to get it good.
One such person who knows the wave well is local surfer and traveller Stanley Badger.
To celebrate this little quirk of nature, he plans a surf contest, the Corner Cup, with great sponsors and fantastic prizes.
See all the contest details below.
Welcome to The Corner Cup, 2025!
This is an exclusive event hosted by “us,” the long-time Corner Locals, and presented by Vissla and St Francis Brewing Company. The contest directors will cherry-pick the best conditions from the two days to run the event (22/23 March).
Divisions
We have four divisions: Under 20’s, Ladies, Open Men, and Ballies. There is a limited number of entries, and only a select number of competitors will be chosen. Furthermore, to participate, you must first enter by completing the below form and email it back to thecornercup25@gmail.com. Then, the selectors will choose the contestants. If you have been selected, you will receive your official invite via Email and be added to the Whatsapp group for further comms.
Retro Dress-up
This event is an 80’s retro dress-up, and all boards surfed in the competition must have been built before 1990. All contestants will receive a limited edition Corner Cup T-shirt and sunscreen from Back2Nature. Also, epic prizes and giveaways will be provided by Surf Sense, The Store, The River Club, Monster, Billy’s Beach, CSF Biltong, SPAR, Hurrican, Surf & Shoot Photography, Lucky Fish Surf School, and more.
Join us at The St. Francis Brewery for the awards ceremony, raffle, and a moerse 80’s-themed jol.
*We regret to inform the youngsters that entries arerestricted to persons over 18. However, we encourage all families to join the spectators for a fun-filled weekend in the Cornski!
It took 11 years for Thursheus Snyders (48), a Former Kouga Municipality official, to be held accountable for his involvement in a corrupt scheme within the Kouga Local Municipality. The crimes, which occurred between 2012 and 2014, finally led to his conviction by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on March 6.
According to National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, Snyders, a former Senior Administrative Officer for Auxiliary Services, was found guilty of unlawfully accepting bribes and favours in exchange for securing business for WOOA Telecomms CC.
Port Alfred – The final music lineup for Bands Innie Bush at the Easter Festival has been announced.
Lianie May, Appel, Robbie Wessels, Jack Parow, and Van Pletzen are the artists featured on Friday, 18 April. So, we’ll get ‘Leeuloop‘ and ‘Cooler As Ekke’ vibes during the show.
Jack Parow
On Saturday, 19 April, Monark, Rubber Duc, December Streets, Rockerfellas, and Majozi will perform as part of the Music Lineup For Bands Innie Bush. This promises to be a big night full of rocking tunes and good vibes. Both December Streets and Majozi are returning for their second edition of this festival.
The gates open at 3 p.m., and tickets are available on Howler. They are R350 / night. All tickets are here: HOWLER.
VIP tickets are available for R1,500. These tickets include event admittance, an event t-shirt, VIP tent access, a shuttle, meal and drink vouchers, and access to Guido’s After Party.
The three surfing tournaments and Bands Innie Bush 2025 are the anchor events of the Port Alfred Easter Festival. Bands Innie Bush will take place at Rosehill Road, Port Alfred, this year.
Kyle Martin of Mullineux Wines
Lynn Strydom and Len Terblanche
Jill Warrand, Mandi Tarrant and Richard Moolman
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