

























FOLLOWING America's unprecedented 30% tariff on South African exports, the Kouga Business Forum has mobilised to support local businesses, calling for swift national intervention while committing to monitor developments and protect regional livelihoods.
According to AFP News, the 30% tariff is the highest in sub-Saharan Africa and comes as diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States are in tatters over a range of domestic and international policies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that South Africa would continue to engage with America with a view to normalising trade relations while diversifying its export markets, particularly in Africa.
Government officials said on August 4 that the looming tariffs could cost the country around 30,000 jobs, with the United States being South Africa's second-largest trading partner by country after China
Meanwhile, AFP News further reported
that the South African Reserve Bank recently warned that the levy could affect up to 100,000 jobs, with unemployment already at more than 30%.
Officials said that the tariffs will particularly hit South Africa's agriculture, automotive and textiles sectors, although 35% of exports are exempted, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles and certain critical minerals.
Lieb Swiegers, Chairman, Kouga Business Forum, said that KBF is deeply concerned about the 30% tariff imposed by the United States on South African exports, effective 8 August. "This decision poses a direct threat to Kouga's citrus industry and the broader local economy," said Swiegers
Citrus industry under pressure
He said that Kouga's citrus sector, already facing global competition and rising input costs, is particularly vulnerable.
"Export margins will shrink drastically, with the tariff adding up to R75 per carton, making Kouga citrus uncompetitive in the
United States market," said Swiegers
"Packhouses and logistics firms may scale back operations, leading to job losses, especially among seasonal workers."
"Small and medium farms, which lack financial buffers, risk closure or reduced production."
Broader economic consequences
Swiegers added that the impact extends beyond agriculture.
"Local suppliers and service providers, from transport to packaging, face reduced demand," said Swiegers "Municipal revenue may decline due to lower business activity and employment.
"Youth employment and rural livelihoods are at risk, worsening existing socio-economic challenges."
Swiegers said that the tariff regime is not just a trade issue; it's a local economic emergency.
"Kouga's citrus industry is a cornerstone of our economy, and we call on national authorities to act swiftly and transparent-
A 73-year-old St Francis Bay womans harrowing home invasion ordeal has resulted in an 18-year prison sentence for her attacker, Phakamile Xhayimpi (38), who violently ambushed and terrorised the elderly woman in broad daylight at her residence
Luxolo Tyali, National Prosecuting Authority Eastern Cape spokesperson, said that the Gqeberha Regional Court has sentenced Xhayimpi to an effective 18 years' imprisonment after convicting him of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and negligent driving He said that the charges stem from a violent home invasion targeting a 73-year-old woman in St Francis Bay, near Humansdorp, on 25 May 2023
Xhayimpi, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, ambushed the elderly complainant from behind as she was unlocking her front door in broad daylight
"He forced her inside, demanded her bank card, tied her to a chair, and ransacked her home Among the items stolen were alcohol, an inactive Diners Club card, and the keys to her vehicle," said Tyali
He said that while the pensioner remained bound to the chair, a concerned friend arrived after she failed to meet him as arranged Tyali said that when there was no answer at the door, he walked around the house and saw Xhayimpi drive out of the garage in the stolen vehicle, crashing into a parked car before fleeing the scene "The friend entered the home, found the complainant still tied up, and raised the alarm She managed to unlock the door
while still restrained," said Tyali
He said that police responded quickly, and the accused's fingerprints were later discovered on a computer where he had attempted to access the complainant's banking details
Tyali said that roughly two hours later, an off-duty police officer, assisted by private security, spotted the stolen vehicle
He said that during the ensuing pursuit, Xhayimpi, who had a woman, a child, and the stolen alcohol in the car, lost control and crashed into a church fence in Humansdorp
Tyali said that Xhayimpi was arrested on the scene and has remained in custody since Regional Court Prosecutor Johan Jansen, arguing for a harsh sentence, emphasised the complainant's vulnerability and trauma
He told the court that the 73-year-old woman had been humiliated in her own home, where she had every right to feel safe Jansen further argued that the accused had exploited her age and living situation and violated her fundamental rights to dignity and security
Tyali said that Xhayimpi was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years for kidnapping, and three years for negligent driving
He further said that the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently with the 18year term Tyali said that he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm
He said that the accused has two prior convictions: a 12-month sentence for theft and a three-year sentence for robbery in 2014
"The court noted that these prior offences, to-
SOUTH African National Parks (SANParks) joined the global community in celebrating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Day on 1 August, recognising the critical role MPAs play in conserving marine biodiversity, protecting fisheries, mitigating climate change, and supporting coastal communities
JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, said that the Tsitsikamma Marine Protected Area (MPA), located within the Garden Route National Park and forming part of the Greater Addo Mega Living Landscape (MLL), is Africa's oldest MPA and an example of how inclusive conservation can thrive under Vision 2040
He said that this approach supports this year's theme for MPA Day: "Ocean Protection Needs Human Connection"
Established in 1964, the Tsitsikamma MPA spans approximately 60 km of coastline and extends 5 6 km out to sea, protecting a rich diversity of marine life and iconic habitats
Louw said that over the decades, this MPA has evolved from a strictly no-take zone to one that balances biodiversity protection with equitable access for neighbouring communities
"Today, 20% of the shoreline is designated for controlled fishing by community members, while 80% remains a no-take zone to ensure long-term sustainability of marine resources," said Louw "The MPA is home to over 200 species, including the Critically Endangered eagle
ray and Endangered red steenbras For many valuable linefish such as red roman and dageraad, the MPA provides a refuge and nursery area for safe breeding and growing "
Louw said that the Tsitsikamma MPA is a living example of SANParks' Vision 2040 in action – a shift from exclusionary protection to inclusive conservation that empowers communities while safeguarding natural heritage
He said that it also reflects SANParks' commitment to strengthening ecological integrity while promoting social equity, a cornerstone of effective and enduring conservation
"Through controlled access to fishing, communities that were historically excluded from their traditional fishing grounds now benefit from food security, cultural restoration, and improved livelihoods," said Louw
He added that this inclusive approach has reduced conflict, strengthened partnerships, and created a shared sense of responsibility for marine resource protection
Louw said that the ongoing monitoring and community engagement programmes ensure that ecological thresholds are respected, enabling adaptive management that benefits both people and nature "MPA Day reminds us that healthy oceans mean healthy communities
The Tsitsikamma MPA stands as a beacon of hope for balancing nature and people, ensuring that future generations inherit thriving seas and shared prosperity," said Louw
gether with the current conviction showed an e v f t " c l p w r o c
ly," said Swiegers. He said that KBF stands ready to support affected businesses and protect local livelihoods
Swiegers further said that they will continue to monitor developments and provide regular updates to the business community.
According to AFP News, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said that they were focused on negotiations for a new deal despite the "very extreme provocation" on the part of the United States. He said that the 30% tariff was "inscrutable" considering that imports from South Africa only represented 0.25% of total United States imports
"Moreover, South Africa poses no trade threat to the United States economy nor its national security," said Lamola He argued that the imports supported the United States industry and did not compete with it.
Lamola said that an example was that South African agricultural exports were "counter-seasonal" and so filled gaps in the United States market without replacing domestic produce
JEFFREYS Bay Dorp van Drome, a local organisation dedicated to cleaning and beautifying the town, has embarked on an ambitious dual project to transform the Ocean View township through strategic planting initiatives and innovative road repairs
The organisation has identified significant opportunities to address both environmental beautification and infrastructure challenges in the township through creative partnerships and community engagement
Long-standing member, Loulita Vosloo, said that she believes that there are many people in the township who want to create their own beautiful gardens, but they cannot afford to purchase their own plants
She said that the organisation has found itself in the fortunate position of having surplus plants due to generous donations
"There is a big need for plants in the township and since we receive many donations, we have an overflow of plants that we often donate We
have given many plants to people living in the township," said Vosloo
The planting initiative extends beyond simple distribution
Vosloo said that the Dorp van Drome also provides excess soil to assist community members with establishing gardens and encourages vegetable planting where possible throughout the township
"Hopefully, as we continue to beautify the township, more people will feel inspired to beautify their neighbourhood," said Vosloo
In a collaboration with Kouga Municipality, Dorp van Drome has received "blessings" from the municipality to tackle the township's persistent road problems using repurposed materials
"We have requested that the municipality repurpose old gravel from roads recently repaired to then place it on the sand roads in Ocean View," said Vosloo
She said that the township faces major challenges with muddy roads and water accumulation "We want them to redistribute old road rubble to improve the roads as a temporary
measure," said Vosloo "Instead of dropping off the gravel at landfill sites, I believe that it can be repurposed This will improve the roads " Committed to supporting the initiative, Vosloo said that the municipality has supported the initiative beyond just providing materials "Kouga Municipality has also been gracious enough to assist in flattening the road once the gravel has been placed on the roads," said Vosloo
Furthermore, she said that the organisation has maintained regular communication with municipal officials to ensure transparency with residents Vosloo mentioned their ongoing correspondence with municipal representative Maxwell Jali, who has been working with township residents to keep them informed about project timelines and activities
As part of Dorp van Drome’s Nelson Mandela Day activities in conjunction with the Kouga Municipality, the organisation beautified public areas near Madiba Bay Crèche and JBay Recycling Project in Pellsrus, a project initiated by Yonela Mlindazwe and Aiden Madatt from the municipality
VERONICA FOURIE
ONS hoor gereeld van mense wat ‘op die spektrum’ is, en voel hulle pas nie heeltemal in die sosiale kringe van die samelewing nie Maar daar is nou ’n perfekte plek vir diegene –op die spektrum al dan nie Jackie Melo en haar dogter L’lani Hartley het ’n veilige omgewing geskep met ’n koffiewinkel by die Poli Kliniek op Jeffreysbaai Hier is almal welkom wat sukkel met een of ander probleem “Ons oordeel nie, en verstaan dat almal nie dieselfde is nie maar uniek Hier kan enigiemand kom ontspan, in die calming corner sit en musiek luister, of hulle kan met die speletjies speel wat goed is vir die brein om rustig te raak – terwyl hulle iets heerliks eet,” verduidelik Jackie Sy is ’n ystervrou wat al haar staal gewys het Sy het al tevore restaurante gehad, 22-wiel vragmotors bestuur vir jare en telkens planne gemaak om haar groot liefde uit te leef: om kos te maak
“Kosmaak is my groot liefde Ek wil net altyd mense voer Ek het al melkterte en ander eetgoed op straathoeke verkoop! Ek maak met my hart kos Dit was my droom om my eie koffiewinkel te hê! Dit was toe híérdie geleentheid opduik ’n Sakevennoot, Desire Griesel, het my gehelp, en my dogter help my baie in die restaurant ” Jackie het al ’n pad geloop met haar eie twee kinders wat op die spektrum is Haar seun, Dewald Melo (43), is ten volle outisties en besonder intelligent Haar dogter L’lani is ’n hoë funksio-
nerende ADHD persoon en outisme met ’n lae funksioneringsvlak
Uniekespyskaart
“Hierdie is ’n plek met ’n huislike atmosfeer waar mense net hulself kan wees en nie geoordeel word nie My dogter en haar lewensmaat het die spyskaart ontwerp Daarop sal jy byvoorbeeld ADHD noodles kry, of Obsessive stack disorder, anxiety nachos, borderline quesadilla en dopamine drip (warm sjokolade) ” Die trauma pudding is die tradisionele malvapoeding
Dis alles in goeie gees gedoen, en die kliënte kan soms daarmee identifiseer, vind aanknopingspunte of geniet die woordspelings
Daar is ook ’n bord waar kliënte ’n vooruitbetaalde nota vir ’n ete of koffie en koek kan vasknip vir iemand wat dit nie breed het nie
Kelnermetbegrip
Die vriendelike kelner, Jonathan van Zyl, sê dit is niks vreemd as mense daar hulle medisyne uithaal en neem nie "Niemand vra vrae nie, ons aanvaar almal soos hulle is Almal ly maar aan een of ander toestand, maar dis nie die einde van die wêreld nie Hier is plek vir jou Van die mense het die vrymoedigheid om my of van die ander gaste van hulle toestande te vertel Mense connect hier " Jonathan loop self ’n moeilike pad met depressie “Ek voel veilig hier, waar begrip is Ek het al baie mensekennis as kelner opgedoen en kan dit nou hier goed benut " Begaanoormensesewelsyn
DIE talentvolle plaaslike skrywer, Louis Rautenbach, het pas sy sestiende boek vrygestel – ’n historiese roman met die gepaste titel Spore van Hoop Hierdie indrukwekkende werk speel af tussen 1835 en 1840 en word reeds beskryf as een van die mees betekenisvolle bydraes tot die Afrikaanse geskiedskrywing oor die Voortrekkers in ’n baie lang tyd "Spore van Hoop neem die leser op ’n meesleurende reis vanaf die Oosgrens gebied van die ou Kaapkolonie, oor berge en dale, deur valleie, klowe en kranse – vanaf St Francisbaai, Alexandria en Graaff-Reinet, tot by die Soutpansberge, Delagoabaai, en van Grahamstad uiteindelik oor die Drakensberge tot in Natal Die uitdagings van die pionierslewe word met groot feitelike noukeurigheid uitgebeeld," beskryf Rautenbach sy jongste pennevrug Rautenbach, wat die afgelope 17 jaar op Jeffreysbaai woon, het met hierdie boek ’n merkwaardige sprong van tema gemaak Sy twee vorige werke, ’n Blom uit Pole/A Flower from Poland en Liefde in Konflik/With Love from Tekapo, het albei die Tweede Wêreldoorlog as agtergrond With Love from Tekapo het selfs internasi-
onale aandag getrek toe Rautenbach briewe van waardering uit Nieu-Seeland ontvang het – insluitend een van die Eerste Minister en nog een van hul Minister van Kuns en Kultuur Hierdie boek het insig gegee in die geskiedenis van Nieu-Seeland voor, tydens en ná die tweede wêreldoorlog
Die aandag is egter vir eers op Spore van Hoop Met die dialoog in die verhaal, bring dit ‘n lewende vertelling wat die leser laat voel asof hy die Groot Trek meemaak Die waarde van hierdie boek vir die Suid-Afrikaanse kultuur kan nie oorbeklemtoon word nie, en word deur ‘n medewerker as ‘n diamant’ beskryf Hy het ook gehoor: “Jy het ‘n wenner hier!”
Die bekendstelling van Spore van Hoop sal gedurende Augustus in die Fountains Mall in Jeffreysbaai plaasvind met die kans om met die skrywer persoonlik te gesels en ’n getekende kopie van die boek aan te skaf Behalwe vir skryfkuns, hou Rautenbach homself andersins besig in die eiendomsmark deur huis verkope en waardasies
Erkenning
Dertien van sy boeke is in Engels en sommige in Nederlands vertaal wat aanleiding
"I want people to recognise Dorp van Drome as an organisation that can help beautify their area We want them to see that we are trying to help," said Vosloo Looking ahead, she said that the organisation has ambitious plans for further township improvement
"At a later stage, we want to help beautify their sidewalks, which are currently filled with dust," said Vosloo
"Sidewalk by sidewalk, house by house, road by road, we want to assist "
While vegetable gardens on sidewalks have proven challenging due to livestock interference, Vosloo said that the organisation remains committed to promoting gardening where feasible
She said that community members can easily access the organisation's resources by contacting her for plants, which they will gladly donate
Additionally, Vosloo said that residents can collect soil at the designated drop-off zone in Ocean View For more information or to request plant donations, contact Loulita Vosloo at 072 828 6230
Jackie Melo met ‘n kussing wat jou toestemming gee om enigiets te makeer as jy dié koffiewinkel besoek. Kelner Jonathan van Zyl is altyd reg met ‘n glimlag FOTO:
Jackie het ’n boek geskryf oor ’n lewenstyl wat jou kan help om gesond te word L’lani doen al jare navorsing oor die gifstowwe wat
gegee het tot ‘n groot eer en erkenning vir sy literêre bydraes toe die Trinity Universiteit in Londen (UK) die D Litt (Honoris Causa) aan hom toegeken het Hierdie Doctor of Literature word in September 2025 tydens ‘n
gradeplegtigheid aan hom oorhandig Belangstellendes
MARCIA BOYENS
IT was a weekend to remember for siblings Joshua and Amber Jansen, who each made waves on the national pageant stage on 26 July
Joshua Jansen (19) was crowned Mr Teen World South Africa 2025, marking an incredible debut into the world of pageantry
His sister, Amber Jansen (17), earned the title of First Runner-Up in Miss Eco Teen South Africa 2025
For Joshua, hearing his name announced as the winner was a powerful moment “It was honestly a whirlwind of emotions,” he shared “One standout moment for me was looking into the audience and seeing my family cheering It reminded me why I’m doing this ” Amber described the weekend as “unforgettable,” especially the opportunity to share the journey with her brother “A highlight was just being there with Josh, not many siblings get to experience this kind of moment together ”
In the lead-up to their respective compe-
it was an opportunity to express her values She prepared holistically, staying mentally focused, emotionally present When her name was called as First Runner-Up, she felt a mix of emotions “Yes, there was a bit of disappointment not taking the main title,” she admitted, “but that quickly turned into pride I’ve come so far, and I still earned a place among the top ” Amber’s passion for advocacy is clear in her next steps She hopes to continue growing as a model while using her platform to create positive change, especially among young people One of her biggest dreams? Competing in Miss South Africa one day
The Mr Teen World South Africa pageant was Joshua’s first, and the win was more than a crowning moment; it was a personal milestone “This wasn’t just about performing,” he reflected “It was about telling my story and showing who I am beyond the stage ”
Joshua views pageantry as a platform, a way to blend confidence, creativity and community impact “I want to inspire other young people and speak on issues I care about,” he said His proudest achievement? He stayed true
Together, Josh and Amber Jansen are showing that success isn’t just about the crown, it’s about heart, hard work, and the people who
cheer you on And as they step into their next chapters, one thing is certain: the future is bright, and the journey has only just begun
KRUIEKENNER 1435
MAMA NISHA SAME DAY RESULTS I specialize in: Financial problems, Bring back lost lover, special wallet, rats and shortboys for money, Unfinished job. Call 078 669 8930
REGSKENNISGEWINGS & TENDERS
ALGEMENE KENNISGEWINGS 4010
AGRIMARK OPERATONS LTD RETAIL LICENSE APPLICATION Notice in respect of a license in terms of the Petroleum Products Act, 1977 (Act no 120 of 1977)
VERLORE DOKUMENTE 4040
ERF 211 JOUBERTINA FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937 of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER No T61571/ 1992CTN passed by LORETTA ROSSOUW KRITZINGER IDENTITY NO 330722 0001
LAWRENCE DANIEL MYBURGH
BOEDELS: LIKWIDASIE EN DISTRIBUSIE 4205
This notice serves to inform parties that be interesEst Identit 3, CAPE Notice Se tha Liquid in lie partie Huma Ma
BOEDELKENNISGEWINGS
BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE 4201
In die Boedel van wyle LAWRENCE DANIEL MYBURGH, Identiteitsnr. 410805 5007 08 9, gebore op 5 Augustus 1941, binne gemeenskap van goed getroud met Esther Myburgh, Identiteitsnr 390901 0040 08 6, gebore op 1 September 1939, van Lanternstraat 21, Jeffreysbaai, 6330, provinsie Oos-Kaap, oorlede op 21 Junie 2025.
EP Media en Novus Media kan nie bevestig of enige van die geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is vir gebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan. EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die geadverteerde dienste of goedere nie. 5X1DISCLAI-KG211124
THE trails may have changed, but the spirit of the J-Bay Wind Farm MTB Classic & Trail Run remained as strong as ever on 19 July, as over 500 athletes took to the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape
Set against the backdrop of the iconic J-Bay Surf Festival, this 10th edition once again proved why the event remains a firm favourite on the calendar
This year's route was adapted to support local farming communities and safeguard livestock amid ongoing precautions around Foot and Mouth Disease While the course avoided direct access to the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, it still offered the sweeping views and natural beauty that have become synonymous with the event
In the women's 60km mountain bike race, Kelsey van Schoor delivered a commanding performance to secure first place repeating her 2023 win Storm Semple (17) took top honours in the men's race with an impressive time of 2 hours and 7 seconds, marking a standout
performance for the young rider In the trail running category, Marike van Renssen and Divan du Plooy crossed the line first in the 10km women's and men's divisions, respectively, navigating the terrain with skill and determination
Speaking on behalf of the event's long-standing sponsor, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, Site Manager, Otto Fourie, said, "It's always a privilege to support this event, which brings people together through sport and shared values While we couldn't welcome participants onto the wind farm this year, we fully support the necessary steps taken to protect the region's agricultural livelihoods The turnout and enthusiasm we saw on the day speak volumes about the strength and unity of this community "
As the dust settles on another successful edition, the J-Bay Wind Farm MTB Classic & Trail Run continues to highlight what makes the region and its people so special: resilience, connection, and a deep appreciation for nature and community Storm Semple.
Musicals in Bloom:
Die datum kruip nader na Vrydag 8 Augustus om 14:30 Eb Flo blommeklub gaan die gehoor verras Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Joseph, Le Miserables, Beauty and the Beast en nog meer Die "Musicals" gaan skouspelagtig met blomme uitgebeeld word by die Gereformeerde Kerk Jeffreysbaai Verversings is ingesluit Die koste is R125 per persoon Kontak die voorsitter Anita Jordaan by 0725337725 Museums Vier Vrouedag: Albei die Skulp-en Humansdorpmuseums sal oop wees op Saterdag 9 Augustus vanaf 09:00 tot 14:00 en ter viering van Vrouedag sal gratis toegang geld vir vroue van alle ouderdomme Die Humansdorpmuseum het getrek en is nou reg oorkant Le Chameleon by Voortrekkerweg 46, Humansdorp
Milkwood Saturday Market: Drive in and browse through our local friendly market under the milkwood trees, on 9 August from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting) The Winter season opens at 09:00 They are located on the GLA road next to the Fountains Mall Home-made crafts clothing homemade goods fresh vegetables flowers, honey, braai goods, biltong, farm fresh meat, good food and more are sold
Orchid Show: The Eastern Province Orchid Society will have their annual Orchid Show at "The Venue" at Walmer Park Shopping Centre on Friday, 29 August from 13:00 to 18:00 Saturday, 30 August, from 09:00 to 17:00, and Sunday, 31 August, from 09:00 to 14:00 There will be a talk and repotting demonstration on Saturday at 11:00 Orchids will be for sale Entry is R10 on Friday and R20 on Saturday and Sunday Enter the raffle