by SFT | Jun 22, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
Masencamp, Baum, Winter And Venter Celebrate Finals-Day Success
VICTORIA BAY, George, South Africa – Herold’s Bay delivered the perfect backup venue for Finals Day as four champions emerged from the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and inaugural Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior yesterday (June 21).
With small surf forcing organisers to move from Victoria Bay, clean two-to-four-foot waves provided an ideal canvas for the final day performances from some of the most talented and dedicated surfers in the country.
Adin Masencamp and Sarah Baum claimed the men’s and women’s Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 titles, while Simon Winter and Anastasia Venter won the inaugural Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior divisions.
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro 2026 winners Anastasia Venter, Sarah Baum, Adin Masencamp and Simon Winter Photo: WSL / Kody McGregor
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 marked the opening event of the WSL Africa 2026/2027 Qualifying Series season, while the newly introduced Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior served as the second stop of the regional Junior Qualifying Series.
“I’m so stoked,” said Masencamp. “This is one I really wanted to tick off the box.”
The women’s QS title went to Baum after a strong performance against France’s Sarah Leiceaga in a high-quality final.
“I’m so stoked I got to go left all day,” said Baum. “Sarah was ripping, so it was an awesome final.”
New Pro Junior Event Produces New Winners
The inaugural Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior proved a successful addition to the event, with two new champions crowned in the junior divisions.
Kommetjie’s Simon Winter secured the biggest result of his young career, claiming his first Junior Qualifying Series victory with a winning total of 13.50 in the final against top seed Levi Epenetos.
“I went out there, got two waves, and got it done,” said Winter.
In the girls’ division, Anastasia Venter capitalised on a dramatic final to secure victory and move to the top of the regional rankings.
“I feel so amazing,” said Venter. “I’m just so happy to be here and to take out the win. I’m glad to be back up on the podium!”
Anastasia Venter finding form, en route to victory © Kody McGregor
Standout Performances Earn Special Awards
While four titles were decided in the water, several competitors were also recognised for exceptional performances throughout the weekend.
The Royal St Andrews Hotel awarded a four-night stay during the upcoming 2027 Port Alfred Easter Festival, which includes the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup QS 4,000 event to Brad Scott. The prize recognised Scott’s outstanding performances throughout the event, including one of the highest heat totals of the competition on his run to the final.
Neil Schalkwyk congratulates Brad Scott on the Royal St Andrews Hotel prize © Kody McGregor
Bilt Surfboards International presented custom De’zin Creations trophies and custom surfboard prizes to Simon Winter and Emily Jenkinson for their breakout performances in the Pro Junior event.
VICTORIA BAY, GEORGE, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 19: Bilt Specialty prize winner Simon Winter of South Africa and Neil Schalkwyk of Bilt at the prizegiving of the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior on June 21, 2026 at Victoria Bay, George, South Africa. (Photo by Kody McGregor/World Surf League)
As part of the award, Winter and Jenkinson will each receive a surfboard of their choice from the Bilt International stable, including Channel Islands Surfboards, …Lost by Mayhem, Bilt and Chilli Surfboards.
All The Results
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Men’s Final Results
1- Adin Masencamp (RSA) 14.50
2- Brad Scott (RSA) 9.50
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Women’s Final Results
1- Sarah Baum (RSA) 12.83
2- Sarah Leiceaga (FRA) 11.84
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior Men’s Final Results
1- Simon Winter (RSA) 13.50
2- Levi Epenetos (RSA) 11.53
3- Luc Lepront (RSA) 9.44
4- Ryan Coelho (BRA) 8.67
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior Women’s Final Results
1- Anastasia Venter (RSA) 10.67
2- Louise Lepront (RSA) 9.44
3- Camilla Heuer (RSA) 9.33
4- Emily Jenkinson (RSA) 8.00
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior were supported by George Municipality, George Tourism, The Pottery, Sir Fruit, Bliz Eyewear, Bilt International, Betify, Yeti, Red Bull, The Royal St Andrews Hotel and Harcourts South Africa.
See also – RIP CURL VIC BAY SURF PRO – Regional Qualifying Series Season Opens at Victoria Bay
Read more – Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Celebrates International Surfing Day as Top Contenders Emerge
One more – Pumping Surf At Victoria Bay For Opening Day Of The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro
by SFT | Jun 22, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality has issued a public warning about a scam targeting residents in the region.
The municipality recently became aware of individuals falsely claiming to be municipal employees. According to reports, these scammers are approaching members of the public and requesting payments of approximately R1 500 for alleged medical examinations or employment opportunities at the municipality.
Municipal officials have confirmed that these claims are false.
Municipality Does Not Charge Job Applicants
Importantly, Kouga Local Municipality does not charge applicants for jobs, interviews, medical examinations, or any recruitment-related process.
As a result, residents should immediately be suspicious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for employment opportunities. The municipality says any person making such demands is acting fraudulently and does not represent the municipality in any way.
Furthermore, residents should be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, messages, emails, or face-to-face approaches that promise employment in return for money.
How Residents Can Protect Themselves
The municipality has urged residents to take several simple precautions.
Firstly, do not make payments to anyone claiming they can secure a municipal job.
Secondly, do not share personal information, banking details, identity numbers, passwords, or copies of important documents with unknown individuals.
In addition, residents should verify any suspicious communication directly with the municipality before taking any action.
These simple steps can help prevent financial loss and identity theft.
Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
Anyone who has been approached by individuals making these claims should report the matter without delay.
Residents can contact the Kouga Municipality Call Centre on 042 200 2200. Alternatively, they can report the incident to their nearest South African Police Service station.
Prompt reporting may help authorities identify those responsible and prevent other residents from becoming victims.
Stay Vigilant
Employment scams often target people who are actively looking for work. For that reason, residents are encouraged to remain alert and question any offer that requires payment up front.
Kouga Local Municipality says it remains committed to protecting residents from fraud. The municipality also encourages the public to stay vigilant, verify information carefully, and report suspicious activity whenever it occurs.
Some more – Kromme River Mouth Conditions Affect Canal Water Levels
Read more: The Milky Way Near Hankey – Photo Of The Day By Clive Wright Photography
Read more: Major Rescue Operation Ends With Missing Surfer Found Safe
and one more: How To Escape A St Francis Winter Without Crossing Half The Planet
by SFT | Jun 22, 2026 | St Francis
The South African Police Service has confirmed the murder of ANC Ward 27 councillor Sicelo Mleve, who was shot dead during a community meeting in Zwide on Saturday evening.
According to police, the incident took place at approximately 18:50 at the councillor’s office. Around 10 people were attending a community meeting when two armed men reportedly entered the premises.
Police say the suspects held those present at gunpoint and demanded their cell phones. During the robbery, one of the attackers allegedly opened fire on Mleve.
The 45-year-old councillor sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Police Launch Manhunt
Following the shooting, police launched a manhunt for the two suspects.
Investigators are appealing to members of the public who may have information about the incident to come forward. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can contact their nearest police station or the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
At this stage, no arrests have been reported.
Second Political Figure Killed On Registration Weekend
The killing occurred just hours after another fatal shooting involving a political figure in the Western Cape.
Democratic Alliance Ward 104 by-election candidate and community activist Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot dead in Dunoon, Cape Town, after taking part in the IEC’s national voter registration weekend activities.
Both incidents have attracted national attention because they occurred during the same weekend.
Concerns Over Political Violence
The two shootings have renewed concerns about violence directed at political representatives, candidates and activists.
South Africa has experienced several high-profile attacks on councillors and political figures over the years. As election periods approach, tensions often increase within communities and political structures.
However, authorities have not indicated whether either of the weekend killings was politically motivated. Investigations into both cases remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, political parties have expressed shock at the deaths and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Sicelo Mleve and are urging anyone with information to assist investigators.
by SFT | Jun 22, 2026 | Financial Planning, St Francis
I am writing this from a bush camp deep in Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe, somewhere past the halfway mark of a ten-day trip with a small group of friends. Already, enough has gone sideways to remind me just how much planning a trip like this has in common with planning a retirement.
This trip was planned well in advance. Not years, like a retirement, but if you scale it to the length of the trip, the ratio is remarkably similar. We had to decide where to go and what kind of accommodation we wanted, weighing options at different price points until we found our ideal “digs” within budget. Securing the booking, the right dates, the right camps was a challenge in its own right. We also had to choose who would join us. Not a simple decision, because the wrong mix of people can sour an experience that the scenery alone cannot save. As it happened, one couple had to withdraw closer to the time for very good personal reasons, opening a space for someone new to the group whom we had never met, but who came highly recommended by others in our travel group.
In the weeks before departure, vehicles and caravans were serviced and packed, meals were planned. We had to order meat in Zimbabwe, due to foot-and-mouth restrictions back home, from butcheries we had never used in towns we had never visited. Research was done. Orders were placed. Fuel budgets shifted almost daily as the Iran-US conflict rattled prices and availability. Everything we could plan for was done.
Then we set off, and the plan immediately met reality.
Our meat orders turned out to be enormous by South African standards, I am fairly sure my lamb ribs came from an Eland, and our fridges and freezers had to be repacked on the fly. A welcome problem, simply solved with having more braais than scheduled. Then the “safe” route into the park took more than double the time we expected, complete with some properly extreme 4×4 driving. One member’s brand-new, beautifully engineered bush caravan lost a wheel four kilometres from camp, costing us three hours and a dark arrival. Thankfully we had three engineers in the group, so a recovery vehicle was never needed.
The real lesson came at the Runde River causeway crossing. We had done a practice run the day before with no caravans, and it went smoothly. We reasoned the river would only keep subsiding, so the next day’s crossing should be easier still. We were wrong. The river had risen overnight. My carefully discussed strategy, enter slowly, accelerate once it deepens, got me and my caravan stuck in fine sand 200 metres in. It took a friend and his vehicle behind me several attempts to tow us back out. My second attempt used the opposite approach, more speed, more commitment, and it worked.
This is the thread I keep returning to; no matter how much we plan, research and strategise, things rarely go exactly to plan. When they don’t, we lean on the people we have chosen to travel with, and they lean on us in turn.
It strikes me that this ten-day trip took hours of careful planning, yet I regularly meet people who spend far less time planning thirty or forty years of retirement, and who leave that planning too late. Planning retirement alone is difficult, arguably impossible to do well.
That is exactly where we at Client Care Private Wealth Management come in, not only to help with the planning long before the event, but to walk the road with you through it, helping when the unexpected happens, towing you out when you get stuck, and making sure you live a retirement that is dignified and free.
It’s never too late to choose who to walk your path with.
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
—
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 21, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
by SFT | Jun 21, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
The 2026 Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior opened in superb conditions at Victoria Bay, with long, clean walls reeling down the point from first light. With the new season officially underway, competitors wasted no time taking advantage of the quality surf as they chased an early foothold on the rankings.
Local surfer Kane Johnstone advanced through to the QS round of 32
© Kody McGregor
Competition opened with the Men’s QS 2,000 Round of 56, where several surfers wasted no time making their intentions clear. Local standout Daniel Orpen, Durban’s Chad du Toit, and Brazilian goofy-footer Ryan Coelho all advanced comfortably through their opening heats with confident performances in the clean conditions.
The Women’s QS Round of 24 followed, with East London’s Taylor Emslie, Cape Town’s Emily Jenkinson, Reunion Island’s Hina Maria Conradi, and France’s Sarah Leiceaga all claiming heat victories. Conradi delivered the performance of the round, posting an impressive 15.00 heat total out of a possible 20 to set the benchmark and establish herself as one of the early standouts of the event.
Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro setup © Kody McGregor
The Pro Junior division hit the water next, with Asbjorn Gwenin (United Kingdom), Nate Colby (Durban), Ryan Coelho (Brazil), and Rip Curl team rider Jack Erlank (St Francis Bay) all securing heat wins to advance through to the next round.
By the time the Men’s QS 2,000 Round of 48 got underway, the wind had begun to influence conditions. Nevertheless, several surfers still found quality scoring opportunities. Joshe Faulkner (Pellsrus), Chad du Toit (Durban), Brad Scott (Cape Town), Simon Winter (Cape Town), and Kai Hall (Durban) all posted strong heat totals to progress.
The final heat of the round saw Erlank continue his impressive form. The St Francis Bay surfer claimed victory ahead of Clay Turrell, while Nate Tayler and Paul Sampson were eliminated from competition.
“There were some good ones out there, but some of them just went flat,” said Erlank.
“I got this outside set wave and managed one good hit right in the pocket before it flattened out. It was one of the bigger waves of the heat, so I got a decent score from it.”
Erlank said the heat came down to the closing minutes.
“I wasn’t sure what I needed towards the end, and then I saw Clay surf past me on a bomb. On my last wave, I went for a layback off the whitewater on the inside. I made it, and they gave me a 3.93, which was enough for the win, so I had to claim it.”
Jack Erlank © Kody McGregor
Competition in the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro resumes tomorrow morning, with officials set to make a call on conditions at 7:30 am.
Watch Live
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro will be broadcast live on WorldSurfLeague.com and on the free WSL app, bringing all the action from Victoria Bay to a global audience.
Media Information
Complimentary high-resolution images are available for media outlets.
For Rip Curl South Africa media enquiries and photo requests, please contact:
Craig Jarvis
Truth Collective
e. craig@truthcollective.co.za
t. 082 376 4443
For World Surf League Africa media enquiries, please contact:
Bianca van Aardt
WSL EMEA Communications Manager
e. bvanaardt@worldsurfleague.com
t. +27 82 773 5407
ENDS
Sponsors and supporters
by SFT | Jun 21, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior delivered another day of high-quality surfing at Victoria Bay on Saturday, with clean two-to-four-foot waves and light winds providing ideal conditions on International Surfing Day.
With the men’s Round of 16 and women’s Quarterfinals completed in the QS 2,000, and the Pro Junior semifinalists decided, the stage is now set for an exciting Finals Day on Sunday.
Sarah Baum Returns In Style
Top seed Sarah Baum made a successful return to Victoria Bay, drawing on fond memories from her junior surfing days as she powered through both the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals.
Baum looked comfortable from the outset, finding the best waves of each heat and posting one of the strongest performances of the day. Her quarterfinal total of 13.67 secured a place in the semifinals and reinforced her status as one of the favourites heading into the final day.
Defending champion Natasha van Greunen also advanced after a dramatic finish to her quarterfinal encounter with Morocco’s Ninon Mattei. Needing a score in the closing moments, Van Greunen used priority wisely and found the wave she needed to move through to the semifinals.
The final women’s heat of the day produced another tight battle. Zoë Steyn remained patient as conditions slowed and was rewarded with one of the better set waves of the heat. Her strong backhand surfing earned a semifinal berth ahead of Anastasia Venter.
Prestwich Leads Strong Men’s Charge
The men’s Round of 16 produced some of the best surfing of the event so far.
Slade Prestwich posted the highest single-wave score of the competition, earning a 9.00-point ride for a series of powerful turns linked together with trademark flow and speed. His performance secured a convincing victory and a place in the quarterfinals.
Morocco’s Teva Bouchgua continued his impressive start to the season. Surfing Victoria Bay for the first time, Bouchgua adapted quickly to the long right-hand point break and advanced comfortably through his Round of 16 heat.
One of the standout matchups of the day saw Adin Masencamp and Luke van Wyk exchange the lead several times in a closely contested battle. Masencamp eventually emerged victorious with a heat total of 13.84 to secure his place in the quarterfinals.
The men’s quarterfinal lineup now features a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, setting up an intriguing Finals Day showdown.
Junior Semifinalists Confirmed
The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior continued to showcase the next generation of South African surfing talent.
Top seed Louise Lepront advanced comfortably and will now face her younger sister Leah Lepront in one of the most anticipated semifinal matchups of the event. Leah secured her place after winning her quarterfinal heat ahead of Camilla Heuer.
Anastasia Venter enjoyed a remarkable day of competition. After advancing deep into the QS 2,000 draw, she carried that momentum into the Pro Junior division. Venter stayed active throughout her heat, building scores steadily before sealing victory with a strong final-wave performance.
In the boys’ division, Nate Colby demonstrated patience and composure as the swell began to ease during the afternoon. After waiting through a long lull, Colby found the wave he needed and posted an excellent 8.17 to secure victory.
Levi Epenetos also booked his place in the semifinals after one of the strongest performances of the day. Improving with nearly every ride, Epenetos finished with an outstanding 8.67-point wave score to take the win and continue his charge toward the title.
International Surfing Day Celebrated At Victoria Bay
Saturday’s competition coincided with International Surfing Day, creating a fitting backdrop for a memorable day at one of South Africa’s most iconic point breaks.
Competitors, spectators and organisers enjoyed excellent weather, quality surf and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. The combination of world-class waves and strong performances highlighted why Victoria Bay remains one of the country’s most beloved surfing venues.
With titles, ranking points and valuable momentum all on the line, attention now turns to Finals Day as the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro Junior draw to a close.
The event concludes on Sunday at Victoria Bay, George.
by SFT | Jun 18, 2026 | St Francis
Photo Richard Arderne
The mouth of the Kromme River is currently larger and deeper than normal following the recent overflow of the Mpofu Dam.
The significant volume of water that flowed through the river system has altered the shape and depth of the river mouth. As a result, conditions within the canal system have also changed and residents are encouraged to take note of the current situation when planning boating activities.
Lower Water Levels At Low Tide
One of the main consequences of the larger river mouth is that the canals now drain more completely during low tide.
This increased drainage has resulted in canal water levels dropping further than they did before the flood event. In some areas, water levels at low tide are now as much as 30cm lower than previously experienced.
While these changes are a natural consequence of the altered river mouth, they have created additional challenges for boat owners using the canal system.
Increased Risk For Boats
The lower water levels mean that boating at or near low tide has become more difficult.
There is now a greater risk of boat hulls and engines coming into contact with the canal substrate. Such contact can cause damage to vessels and may also disturb the canal floor.
For this reason, boat owners are advised to avoid using the canals at or close to low tide wherever possible. Taking this precaution will help reduce the likelihood of damage to boats while also limiting unnecessary disturbance of the substrate.
Routine Dredging Continues
Routine dredging of the canal system remains ongoing.
However, dredging operations cannot be expected to lower the canal floor significantly below its normal level. Doing so would create an increased risk of damage to canal walls and associated infrastructure.
Dredging therefore continues within the limits required to maintain the canal system while protecting its structural integrity.
Situation Being Monitored
The St Francis Bay Riparian Home Owners Association NPC (SFBRHOA) continues to monitor conditions closely.
The Association remains aware of the impact that the altered river mouth is having on canal water levels and boating activities. Monitoring of the situation is ongoing and residents will be kept informed of any significant developments.
More. St Francis Bay Canals
Read more: The Milky Way Near Hankey – Photo Of The Day By Clive Wright Photography
Read more: Major Rescue Operation Ends With Missing Surfer Found Safe
and one more: How To Escape A St Francis Winter Without Crossing Half The Planet
by SFT | Jun 17, 2026 | St Francis
Kouga Local Municipality would like to clarify its role regarding the sand mining activities currently taking place in Oyster Bay.
The sand mining operation is not a project of Kouga Local Municipality, and the municipality does not have authority over the approval, regulation or operational control of the mining activities.
How The Municipality Became Involved
The municipality first became aware of the proposed mining application during the public participation process for an application submitted by Schoenmakers Mining (Pty) Ltd to the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum for a mining permit.
The application process, including environmental approvals and mining rights, falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant national authorities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), as amended, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014, as amended.
The approved environmental authorisation relates to the mining of silica sand (general), building sand, stone aggregate and gravel on portions of Erf 280 and Erf 391 in Oyster Bay.
Municipal Responsibilities
While sand mining may present certain potential economic benefits for the municipal area, the municipality remains concerned about the potential impact of mining operations on municipal infrastructure. It will therefore continue monitoring matters that fall within its mandate.
Residents are further reminded that the municipality is responsible for maintaining municipal roads and infrastructure. However, it does not control the movement of sand caused by natural migration or mining activities.
Read more: The Milky Way Near Hankey – Photo Of The Day By Clive Wright Photography
Read more: Major Rescue Operation Ends With Missing Surfer Found Safe
and one more: How To Escape A St Francis Winter Without Crossing Half The Planet
by SFT | Jun 17, 2026 | St Francis, Travel News
There comes a point every St Francis winter when you wake up, look at another week of wind and cold water and think: later for this jol. This piece explains how to escape, even for just a few days.
The nice thing about living at the bottom of Africa is that escaping winter does not require a military operation. A few hours on an aeroplane can replace beanies, jerseys and weather forecasts with warm water, room service and the sort of climate that reminds you why humans invented holidays in the first place. Better still, some of the most interesting destinations sit right on our doorstep, scattered across the Indian Ocean like convenient excuses to avoid another cold front.
Mauritius Knows What It Is
Some destinations spend decades reinventing themselves. Mauritius has never felt the need.
The island understands its role perfectly. People arrive tired, slightly overworked and carrying more stress than they realise. A few days later they find themselves eating long lunches, reading books they brought six months ago and wondering why they don’t travel more often. The beaches are excellent, the service is generally polished and the entire operation runs with the quiet confidence of a place that has been hosting visitors for a very long time.
That is not to say Mauritius lacks substance. Drive inland and the scenery changes quickly. Mountain peaks rise unexpectedly from the landscape, roads wind through sugar cane fields and small villages offer a glimpse of life beyond the resorts. Still, there is no shame in spending most of the trip horizontal beside a pool. Mauritius has accommodated that approach for generations.
Bali Has Grown Up
Many South Africans still talk about Bali as though it were a backpacker destination populated entirely by gap-year students and Australians on scooters.
That Bali still exists. However, another version has emerged alongside it. Over the last decade the island has become one of the most sophisticated tourism destinations in Asia. Exceptional villas, private chefs, wellness retreats and carefully curated travel experiences have become part of everyday life. More importantly, much of it remains surprisingly affordable when compared to equivalent experiences elsewhere.
There is also a practical consideration. Airlines have adjusted routes and pricing repeatedly over the past year and travellers willing to keep an eye on fares have occasionally found remarkable value through Dubai. Those opportunities come and go, but they are worth paying attention to.
Reunion Refuses To Behave Like A Typical Island
Reunion is one of the most overlooked destinations within easy reach of South Africa.
Part of the reason may be that it refuses to fit neatly into any category. It is tropical, but also mountainous. It is French, but unmistakably Indian Ocean. One morning might begin beside the sea. By afternoon you could be standing on the rim of a volcano staring into a landscape that looks as though it belongs on another planet.
Reunion may be the only tropical island where sitting beside a heated pool all afternoon can be legitimately classified as sensible risk management. The island’s sharks are famous enough that many visitors happily exchange ocean swims for French lunches, volcanic scenery, excellent wine and the sort of comfortable resort chair that encourages long periods of reflection. Or non-reflection, depending on what you’ve packed for the trip.
It is also French, which means nudism is the norm and people are often naked on beaches and around pools, but nobody honestly cares one little bit about someone’s extra skin in the sun.
Zanzibar Lives By Its Own Rules
Some places seem permanently in a hurry. Zanzibar is not one of them.
The island moves at a pace that feels increasingly rare. Stone Town remains one of the most fascinating urban environments on the East African coast, with narrow alleyways, carved doors and enough history to keep curious travellers occupied for days. Beyond the town, long beaches and warm water create an environment that encourages people to stop checking their phones every ten minutes.
After a few days in Zanzibar, the urgency of normal life starts to look slightly ridiculous. Meetings, deadlines and inboxes continue to exist, but they feel very far away.
Mozambique Rewards Effort
Mozambique asks a little more of travellers than some destinations. In return, it often gives more back.
Parts of the coastline still feel wonderfully untouched. Roads are not always perfect. Plans occasionally change. Things sometimes happen on Mozambique time. Yet those small inconveniences are also part of the appeal. The country retains a sense of authenticity that has disappeared from many heavily developed tourism markets.
For South Africans, Mozambique offers something increasingly valuable: space. Space on the beach. Space in the water. Space to think. In a world where almost everything feels crowded, that alone can justify the airfare.
How To Escape
One of the great myths of travel is that you need weeks away to justify leaving.
Most people don’t.
Five days can be enough to reset the clock. A few mornings without alarms, several afternoons without obligations and a handful of dinners that do not involve discussing work can work wonders. The trick is leaving before another month disappears while you are still talking about doing it.
St Francis will still be here when you get back.
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