by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
It has been frightfully cold of late, and as winter settles across the Eastern Cape, St Francis Animal Rescue is appealing to residents to donate old blankets to help keep dogs warm during the colder months.
The organisation says many dogs in Sea Vista, as well as dogs living in kennels, face challenging conditions during winter. While people can add an extra layer of clothing or turn on a heater, animals often have limited protection from cold temperatures, wind and wet weather. Consequently, even a single blanket can make a significant difference.
St Francis Animal Rescue is therefore calling on the community to check cupboards, linen cupboards and storage areas for blankets that are no longer needed. Although the blankets may no longer be suitable for household use, they can still provide warmth, comfort and protection for dogs during winter.
Community Support Makes A Difference
Over the years, local residents have repeatedly supported animal welfare initiatives in the area. As a result, many animals have benefited from donations of food, bedding, veterinary assistance and other essential supplies. This latest appeal continues that spirit of community support. According to St Francis Animal Rescue, the need is specifically for old blankets that can be distributed to dogs living outdoors or in kennels. The blankets will help create warmer sleeping areas and provide much-needed comfort during cold nights.
How To Donate
Residents who would like to assist can drop off blanket donations at Kouga Print. St Francis Animal Rescue will collect the donations from the drop-off point and distribute them where they are needed most. With winter still ahead, every donation can help improve the comfort and wellbeing of local dogs. Even one unwanted blanket could provide warmth to an animal facing the cold.
Source: St Francis Animal Rescue
Read more: FOSTER Update on the Barcelona Place Dune Rehabilitation Project
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
Photo © Kody McGregor
A dramatic rescue operation ended in relief after a missing surfer from George was found safe at sea following an extensive search along the Garden Route coastline.
The 33-year-old woman had entered the water at Buffels Bay with three friends to enjoy what were described as excellent surfing conditions. Large waves and clean lines had attracted a number of surfers to the area and there was little reason to suspect that the morning session would end with rescue craft, helicopters and emergency crews being mobilised.
However, concern began to grow when her three friends eventually returned to the beach without her. Initially, they assumed she was still in the water among other surfers further down the coastline. Her partner, who had been waiting nearby at a local restaurant, shared the same assumption. As more surfers came ashore, however, it became clear that the remaining surfer in the water was not the missing woman and nobody could account for her whereabouts.
Alarm Raised As Search Begins
Friends, family members and beachgoers immediately began searching the shoreline while a call for assistance was made to the National Sea Rescue Institute. At that stage there were growing fears that she may have been swept out to sea.
The NSRI Knysna duty crew was activated shortly after midday and a major rescue response quickly followed. Rescue craft were launched from the NSRI Station 12 base in Knysna while emergency medical services, including a rescue helicopter, ambulance crews and drone operators, were placed on standby. Crews faced challenging conditions as they navigated swells of between 3.5 and 4.5 metres through the Knysna Heads before heading towards the search area.
Rescue Teams Spot The Missing Surfer
Based on the surfer’s last known position and prevailing sea conditions, rescuers focused their search towards Brenton-on-Sea. Then, less than half an hour after the NSRI activation, came the breakthrough everyone had been hoping for.
Crew members aboard one of the rescue craft spotted a surfer sitting on a board offshore. As the vessel approached, the woman recognised the rescue effort and sat upright on her board to signal her presence. Rescuers reached her shortly afterwards and brought her safely aboard.
Medical treatment for hypothermia began immediately as the rescue craft returned to Knysna, where her partner and friends were waiting anxiously for news.
Safe Return To Shore
Back at the NSRI rescue base, the woman was reunited with her loved ones while paramedics continued treatment and observation. Fortunately, she responded well and was later discharged into the care of her partner without requiring any further medical intervention.
According to the NSRI, the surfer had become separated from her friends and gradually drifted further offshore. Strong ocean movement combined with the incoming spring tide made it impossible for her to paddle back to shore despite repeated efforts. Instead, she remained with her surfboard and conserved energy while waiting for help.
Staying Calm Made The Difference
The NSRI praised her decision to stay with her board, noting that it played a significant role in the successful outcome. A surfboard provides flotation, increases visibility and can often be the difference between a successful rescue and a far more serious situation.
The organisation also thanked the surfers, beachgoers and emergency personnel who acted quickly once the alarm was raised. Their rapid response and coordinated efforts helped bring what could have been a tragic incident to a positive conclusion.
While the incident ended safely, it serves as a reminder that even experienced surfers can find themselves in difficulty when conditions change. Staying calm, conserving energy and remaining with a flotation device remain among the most important survival strategies at sea.
NSRI Station 12 Knysna
Read more:
FOSTER Update on the Barcelona Place Dune Rehabilitation Project at Cape St Francist
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | Photo Of The Day, St Francis
The Milky Way Near Hankey – Photo Of The Day By Clive Wright Photography
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
The Kouga Business Forum is pleased to host a special afternoon seminar featuring one of South Africa’s foremost energy analysts, Chris Yelland.
Yelland, Managing Director of EE Business Intelligence, will share expert insights on “Future Pathways for South Africa’s Energy: Balancing Nuclear, Solar and Beyond.”
The event promises to deliver valuable analysis on the country’s evolving energy landscape and its implications for business and local communities.
• Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026
• Time: 13h30 for 14h00
• Venue: Humansdorp Hotel, Alexander Street, Humansdorp
Tickets are priced at R150 per person, while paid up members of the Kouga Business Forum attend for free. The afternoon includes finger eats, with a cash bar available.
This is an excellent opportunity for business owners, managers, and community leaders in the Kouga region to gain informed perspectives on South Africa’s energy future from a highly respected industry voice.
RSVP by Monday, 23 June 2026
Contact Louwreen on WhatsApp or call 082 940 2989.
Banking Details for EFT:
• Account Name: Kouga Business Forum
• Bank: FNB
• Account Number: 62051994947
• Branch Code: 210515
• Reference: Energy + your name & surname
Please send proof of payment to office@kougabusinessforum.com.Seats are limited.
The Kouga Business Forum encourages early reservations to avoid disappointment.
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
FOSTER attended an on-site meeting this morning with key stakeholders involved in the dune reshaping and rehabilitation project on the seaward side of Barcelona Place.
The meeting was convened by the Barcelona Place homeowners, who are funding and implementing the project.
Other stakeholders in attendance included:-
Lorraine Maree, representing the Kouga Local Municipality, which has authorised the dune work under the approved Maintenance Management Plan (2022).
Jal Rigaad, representing the interests and concerns of local homeowners through the Cape St Francis Civics.
Werner Illenberger, consultant dune geomorphologist.
FOSTER, which is responsible for biodiversity management of the dunes at Barcelona Place, as this area forms part of the proclaimed Irma Booysen Flora Reserve.
Key Outcomes
The meeting resulted in several important agreements:
The Barcelona Place homeowners will fully fund the project until all required dune contouring work has been completed and the necessary windbreaks have been established.
Dr Werner Illenberger has been appointed by the homeowners, with immediate effect, as the ecological officer responsible for overseeing dune rehabilitation for the duration of the project, which is currently expected to take approximately three months.
Richard Cowling, in his role as the FOSTER committee member responsible for reserve management, will work to ensure that the rehabilitation activities comply with the guidelines of the authorised Maintenance Management Plan and support the long-term restoration of biodiversity within the reserve.
FOSTER welcomes these commitments and will work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the project achieves its dune-stabilisation objectives and the ecological restoration goals of the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve.
by SFT | Jun 16, 2026 | St Francis
CALIBRE SECURITY | MAY 2026 CRIME SNAPSHOT
The Good News First
No incidents were reported during May in the following areas:
• Rebelsrus
• Cape St Francis
• Canals
• Oyster Bay
Thank you to all residents for your continued support, vigilance and cooperation.
Reported Incidents
Village Area
St Francis Drive
A theft was reported after crates were stolen. Response officers located the suspect.
Walton Road
A handbag was stolen after a suspect entered a residence. The suspect was arrested and all stolen property was recovered.
Industrial Area
Tarragona Road
An attempted housebreaking was reported after a suspect was observed trying to grind open a container lock. The suspect fled before being apprehended.
Tarragona Road
Evidence of forced entry and tampering with electric fencing was discovered during a separate theft incident.
6th Avenue
A housebreaking occurred after entry was gained through a window. Toys were stolen.
Santareme
Carlos Street
Suspects attempted to gain entry through a back door but fled when discovered.
Sardinia Road
A housebreaking was reported after forced entry was gained through a sliding door.
Kromme and Oyster Bay Road
R330
Suspects forced entry into a property, opened a safe and stole cash.
Arrests and Recoveries
• Arrests: 1
• Property Recovered: Handbag and laptop
Community Overview
May saw fewer reported incidents than previous months, which is an encouraging sign for the community. One suspect was successfully arrested and stolen property was recovered.
While the downward trend is positive, residents are reminded to remain vigilant, secure all access points and report suspicious activity as soon as possible.
False Alarm Reminder
Calibre recorded a noticeable increase in alarm activations caused by service providers accessing properties without prior notification.
To avoid unnecessary response deployments, please ensure that all contractors, maintenance teams and service providers notify the Calibre office before arriving on site.
Book Your Alarm System Check
An unserviced alarm system can fail when you need it most.
Regular maintenance helps ensure that your system remains fully operational and ready to perform during an emergency.
With continued patrols, rapid response capabilities and strong community cooperation, Calibre Security remains ready to respond when it matters most.
KEEP CALM AND CALL CALIBRE
042 294 0038
View the full report at calibresecurity.co.zac
by SFT | Jun 15, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
With just days to go until the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior, the forecast is shaping up beautifully for three days of high-performance surfing at one of South Africa’s most iconic point breaks.
Current forecasts indicate consistent surf in the two-to-three-foot range throughout the event window. This is accompanied by light and variable winds. While not expected to be a giant swell event, the conditions look ideally suited to showcase the best surfers in the country, along with the international entries.
Mechanical Right-Hander
For seasoned competitors, Victoria Bay’s long, mechanical right-hander often produces some of its best surfing when conditions are clean rather than oversized. The forecast is expected to provide plenty of opportunity for surfers to demonstrate the kind of speed, power, flow and high-risk surfing that judges reward.
Louise Lepront © Pierre Tostee / WSL
While the forecast currently looks favourable, organisers will continue to monitor conditions throughout the week. Should surf heights drop significantly, nearby Herold’s Bay remains available as a backup venue. The picturesque beachbreak, is located just around the corner from Victoria Bay. It has a long history of producing quality competition conditions when required.
Opening Function
The countdown for the Rip Vic Bay Surf Pro begins on Thursday evening with the official opening function at The Pottery in George. Starting at 6 pm on 18 June, the gathering will bring together competitors, sponsors, partners and event officials ahead of three days of competition at Victoria Bay.
Slade Prestwich © Kody McGregor
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior are supported by George Municipality, George Tourism, The Pottery and Sir Fruit. Also, Bliz Eyewear, Bilt Surfboards International, Betify, Yeti, Red Bull, The Royal St Andrews Hotel and Harcourts South Africa.
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Watch Live
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro will be broadcast live on WorldSurfLeague.com and on the free WSL app. This will bring all the action from Victoria Bay to a global audience.
Media Information
Complimentary high-resolution images are available for media outlets.
Rip Curl South Africa media enquiries and photo requests, please contact:
Craig Jarvis
Truth Collective
e. craig@truthcollective.co.za
t. 082 376 4443
World Surf League Africa media enquiries, please contact:
Bianca van Aardt
WSL EMEA Communications Manager
e. bvanaardt@worldsurfleague.com
t. +27 82 773 5407
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Rip Curl South Africa
Our Website:
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Event Sponsors and Supporters:
by SFT | Jun 14, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
The global stock market, shares in the great companies of the world, is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools we have. A recent study looked at every meaningful listed company across 43 countries from 1990 to 2020 and found that global markets created around $76 trillion more wealth for shareholders than cash would have over the same period.
Here’s the surprising part. That wealth did not come from the market broadly. More than half of the 64,000 companies studied actually returned less than cash over their lifetimes. Almost all the net wealth created came from just 2.4% of companies.
So how does an ordinary investor get a slice of that 2.4%?
There seem to be two routes. The first is to try to identify those winners ahead of time. This is what much of the investment industry is built around, clever people, deep research, sophisticated models, all hunting for the same small group of exceptional companies. Yet the evidence is sobering. Most professional fund managers underperform the broad market over long periods, and even among those who do beat it, separating genuine skill from plain luck is notoriously difficult. Picking winners in advance is, for almost everyone, a losing game.
The second route is far simpler: buy the whole haystack instead of hunting for the needle.
A globally diversified fund holds every listed company of any real size. The next Apple, Microsoft or Nvidia is already in there somewhere, sitting alongside thousands of companies that will go nowhere. You don’t need to know which is which, you own them all, and so you automatically own the winners too.
This kind of fund has no opinion about whether a share is too expensive. It holds the big companies simply because they are big and keeps holding them as they grow bigger still. A skilled stock-picker might have sold Apple back in 2010, convinced it had already had its run. A broad index fund could never do that, it doesn’t form opinions, and that lack of opinion is precisely what keeps you riding the winners for as long as they keep winning.
None of this is a free ride, though. Owning the whole market means owning every downturn along with every winner. The reward only comes to investors who can stay calm and stay invested through the inevitable rough patches.
And this is really the heart of it. A good portfolio is only one part of a good outcome. A sound long-term plan, and the discipline to hold steady when markets wobble, matter every bit as much as the funds you hold. Behaviour, more than selection, tends to decide who does well over time.
So, ask yourself; are you, or whoever manages your money, trying to guess which companies will end up in that magic 2.4%? Or are you simply happy to own all of them?
Owning the haystack is the easy part. Building a plan around it, and having someone alongside you when markets get uncomfortable, is where the real value lies. If you’d like to talk through what that could look like for you, I’d be glad to have that conversation.
—
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
e. dirk@clientcare.co.za
An Investment Portfolio Without a Plan is Meaningless
Five Dangers Of DIY Financial Planning
Finding The Delicate Balance In Giving
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 | Jun 14, 2026 | Photo Of The Day, St Francis
As you read this, it will be the fifth day of the Cape St Francis Dune Stabilisation Project, and controversy reigns supreme.
The Kouga Local Municipality issued this press statement on Friday.
DUNE STABILISATION PROGRAM FOR BARCELONA PLACE
Kouga Local Municipality would like to inform the public of current dune stabilization taking place at Barcelona Place. The dune stabilization is done in accordance with the Cape St Francis Maintenance Management Plan for the coastal area, EC08/C/LN1&3/M/32-2022.
The project is funded by the Barcelona property owners and ECO is Sandy Msweli from Imbewu Community Solutions. The method statement is in accordance with the approved CSF MMP.
The Department of Environment is aware of the rehabilitation taking place. No sand mining is taking place.”
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The beach carpark conversations over the weekend were ‘lively” to say the least. Feel free to drop a comment on this program and voice your approval or concerns.
For a bit of background and to see how far we’ve come, revisit this article that was published in The Daily Maverick in October 2020
How To Steal A Beach
by SFT | Jun 14, 2026 | St Francis
Lead photo © Barry Culligan
This article is republished in part from The Daily Maverick, October 2020
How To Steal A Beach
Cape St Francis is the small village alongside St Francis Bay that is home to the Cape St Francis lighthouse. It is also home to a massive beach stabilisation challenge.
Some of the homeowners in a street of beachfront properties in Cape St Francis have been stabilising the dunes in front of their houses. Some do it to prevent the dunes from advancing over their properties during adverse onshore weather conditions, while others do so to secure uninterrupted views.
The gradual advancement of these dunes has now reached close to 100m of stabilised dune fields from boundary lines and has crept to a point beyond the high tide mark. This has made the Seal Point beach in Cape St Francis unsafe and has created a bank of sand 7m high – the front edge of the stabilised dune. A large section of the beach has been absorbed by this unofficial beach stabilisation, and there is now much less beach for locals and visitors at high tide.
The Seal Point beach is 2.5km in length, but the southern corner is the popular spot. The corner has two car parks, toilets, and lifeguards during the summer. There are surfers, surf schools, and good waves there as well. It used to be that, as the corner fills up with people. So the expansion would just see more beachgoers spread further north, from the corner.
For the full article on the Daily Maverick, go here
A Cape St Francis resident holds a placard protesting for the removal of thatch from the beach.
…
Republished from The Daily Maverick, October 2020
For more news – The Daily Maveick – Defend Truth
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Other news: Electricity Increase For Kouga Customers – Peak Period, Low Season, and SSEG Tariffs
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