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.
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.
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.
Construction of the groynes has progressed more slowly over the past two months as repair work was required on Groynes 5 and 6 following the recent storms. These repairs are nearing completion and are expected to be finalised within the next few days.
During this period, WBHO has also experienced interruptions in the supply of Type 1 armour rock from the quarry. Type 1 armour rock, with individual rocks weighing between one and three tonnes, forms the largest and most critical component used in the construction of the groynes and plays an important role in their long-term stability and resilience.
Once the repair work has been completed, WBHO will return to Groynes 1 and 3 to continue construction. The pace of progress will remain dependent on the ongoing availability of Type 1 armour rock from the quarry.
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.
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.
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.
KOUGA – Talented emerging filmmaker Vicki Fourie is proving that powerful stories can emerge from local communities and resonate with an international audience.
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.
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