Last week we endured our fifth storm in the last eight weeks. Substantial damage resulted after the major storm in early May, especially along the Gamtoos River, but the groynes have survived: “the groyne system performed effectively in protecting the revetment and broader shoreline infrastructure under highly challenging oceanic conditions” (as per our Property Owners Association).
The picture above was taken on 9 May 2026, soon after the fourth storm, which resulted in our three major dams overflowing, hence the muddy colour of the water. Note the dredger at the bottom, the canals and two completed groynes to the right of the river mouth.
Nukes?
With the deadline of 29 May, we locals spent much of May formulating our objections to the proposed Thyspunt nuclear power plant. Led by the Thyspunt Alliance, the anti-lobby seems to be the only voice in the region, with the pro-lobby noticeably silent.
As stated by our Property Owners Association: “South Africa has 2,798 km of coastline from which to choose a site. Why place a nuclear power station just 8 km from one of the premier lifestyle and tourism destinations on the African continent?”
Our mayor says: “Kouga Municipality has serious concerns regarding the proposed nuclear development at Thyspunt”.
Let’s hope a more suitable place is found.
One of the hundreds of Killers waves ridden on Friday 9 May 2026.
Surf
The storms brought some great surf, and the groynes helped as well. Notably on Friday 8 May, lucky surfers rode hundreds of amazing waves at Killers and Bruces. The SA Longboard Champs at JBay, a week earlier, also coincided with good surf, and I was lucky enough to participate.
SA Longboard Champs, JBay, 27 April – 2 May 2026.
Pam Golding Sports Events
Two of our premier events took place in April and May: the Pam Golding King of the Kromme (paddling) and the largest amateur golf event in South Africa, the Pam Golding Ladies Open.
These events, where we have been the title sponsor since 2005, add to the appeal of our town … although some might say it already has enough appeal!
The start of the 20km Pam Golding King of the Kromme, The Cove, Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026.
Queen and King of the Kromme, Jade Wilson and Andy Birkett.
The annual 36-hole Pam Golding Properties Ladies Open, 29 – 31 May 2026.
The winners, Chrisna Chalmers and Karen Maritz, with Saria Blaauw, Pam Golding’s Links Specialist.
Pam Golding Properties Celebrates 50 Years … In Barcelona
On 23 May, at the annual Pam Golding Properties Conference, held this year in Barcelona, St Francis Bay won the Franchise Award for the highest sales value in the Medium Category, for the third time in the last four years, and was runner-up in the other year.
With a total property turnover of only R865 million, St Francis Bay is one of the smallest in the Medium Category.
The conference, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pam Golding Properties, was attended by our three agents, Dot Stuart-White, Krystal Scott and Saria Blaauw, who won all-expenses-paid trips.
In the absence of franchisee Richard Arderne, Dot Stuart-White accepted the award.
All this is testament to the phenomenal popularity of St Francis, particularly over the last few years, plus the success of the Pam Golding St Francis team.
PS: Dean Fox also achieved Gold Club status, but narrowly missed an invitation to Barcelona. Lois Fox didn’t attend for the first time in many years due to her now focusing on bowls rather than selling houses!
On 23 May in Barcelona, in the absence of the St Francis franchisee, Dot accepted the award for the highest sales in the Medium Category.
Saria, Dot and Krystal enjoying the sights of Barcelona at the Pam Golding Conference in late May.
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