Celebrating10yearsofThárrosFamilyCentre
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
THIS month, Thárros Family CentreinHankey celebrates ten years of serving children and families in the Kouga community, marking adecade during which much has changed since the organisation was establishedin2016, but its commitmenttoensuringthat every childhas the opportunitytogrow up in asafe, nurturingand supportive environment has remained constant
Thárros, meaning “courage” in Greek, was founded by Taise Sampson with the visionof providingaloving homefor vulnerablechildren
Sampson said in 2017 theyopened theirChild andYouth Care Centre, offering residential care to children who could no longer safelyremain with theirfamilies.
She said over the following years, morethan 100children have found stability,care, and hope within Thárros’ walls
However, Sampson said,like many organisations, Thárros has faced significantchallenges.
Shesaid the COVID-19 pandemic placed enormous pressure on the non-profit sector,and in 2021 adevastating fire caused extensivedamagetothe children’s home
“Althoughthe building was restored, thefinancial realities facing residential childcare became increasingly difficult. At theend of 2023,wemade the difficult decision to closeour Childand Youth Care Centre,” said Sampson While this marked the end of onechapter, it also became thebeginning of another.
Sampsonsaidthrough years of working closely with vulnerable children,they came to realisethat lasting change begins longbefore a childenters residential care, andthatfamilies need support.
She said parents and caregivers need encouragement, and children need safespaceswhere they canlearn, grow, and develop resilience before crises occur.
Sampson said this understanding led Thárros to evolve from aresidential care organisation intoacommunity-based family centrefocused on prevention, education, and strengthening families
“Today, Thárros delivers arangeofprogrammesthat reach hundreds of children and familieseach year,” said Sampson.
Shesaid their HomeworkSupport programme provides learners with academic assistance and encouragement after school, while the Protective Behaviours programme equips primary school children with practical skills to recognise unsafe situations, build confidence,and seek help.
Sampsonadded that the Family Focus programme creates opportunities for parents, caregivers,grandparents, and other family members to engageindiscussions around health, wellbeing, and strengthening family life, while the Holiday Programmes continue toprovidechildren with educational, creative and recreational activities during theschool holidays
Inaddition, she said the Family Focus programme reflects the evolution of Thárros.
“What beganasour Mother2Mother programme has grown to recognise that raising healthy, resilient children is ashared responsibility. By involving the entire family, we are helping to build stronger support systems that allow children to thrive within their homes and communities,” said Sampson.
She said this shift has enabledThárrostoextend its impact farbeyond the walls of asingle building and into schools, clinics and communities across the Kougaregion
“Our purpose has never changed. We’ve simply changed the way we achieve it. We realised that by investing in families and equipping communities, we can help prevent many of the circumstances thatplace childrenatrisk in the first place,”saidSampson.
As they look towards the future, she said they are excited about their next chapter Sampson said their vision is to transform the Thárrospremises into avibrant youth hub that is asafeand welcoming space where teenagerscan gather after school, accesseducational resources, use computers and high-speed internet forschoolworkand career development, receive homework support, and simply enjoy
spending time with friends in apositiveenvironment.
Shesaidthey also hope to create arelaxed café-style space where young people can feel a genuine sense of belonging.
“For many teenagers in ruralcommunities, there arefew safe recreational spaces andlimited access to technology, study resources,or positive mentoringopportunities.Wewant to bridge that gap by creating aplace where young people areencouraged, supported and inspiredtoreach their full potential,”said Sampson.
Alongside this vision, she saidThárroswill continueexpanding its existing community programmes, strengthening partnerships with schools, governmentdepartments, businesses, andother organisationsthat sharetheircommitment to building stronger families andsafer communities.Asthey celebrate their tenth anniversary, Sampson saidthey arenot simply reflecting on the past but also looking ahead with renewed purpose.
“The journey has evolved from providing ahome for vulnerable children to building a community where families arestrengthened, children areprotected, and young people are empowered to create brighter futures,” said Sampson.
Shesaidtheirmotto, “Healthy families equal ahealthycommunity,” hasnever been more relevant; it is the foundation on which they will continue building over the next decade Sampson also thanked everydonor,volunteer, team member,trustee, partner and family who has walked this journey with them over the past 10 years.
“Theirsupporthas enabled Thárrostogrow, adapt, andcontinue making ameaningfuldifferenceinthe livesofchildren and families throughout the Kouga region,”said Sampson. For moreinformation, contact Taise Sampson at 083 500 0910 or emailinfo@tharros.co.za. Also visitthe organisation's Facebook page on TharrosCYCC.
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PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Youngboy’sloveforanimalsinspiresdonationdrive
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
AGRADE 5learner from Gqeberha has turnedhis love foranimalsinto action by collectingdonationsfor theAfrican Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary near Thornhill duringthe schoolholidays
Caleb Vlok, alearner at Grey Junior School,has long enjoyed nature and animals and regularly visits the sanctuary, particularly to see the Senegal parrots.
As previously reported, the sanctuary, situated approximately 50km from Gqeberha and 30km from Jeffreys Bay off the R102 near Thornhill, is home to more than 250 bird species, as well as numerous mammals and reptiles, including servals, caracals, bushbuck,meerkats,marmoset monkeys, crocodiles and ahand-raised porcupine.
Many of the animals areorphaned, injured or surrendered wildlife that cannot survive in the wild.
It is this vulnerablecommunityofanimals that captured Caleb's heart, promptinghim to tellhis parentsinJune that he wanted to collectdonations for the sanctuary during the school holidays
Explaining what inspired the project, Caleb saidhis visits to the sanctuary left alasting impression.
"I visitedAfrican Dawn in 2024,and ever since then Ihave tried to visit as often as Ican duringthe schoolholidays. When Ifirst visited, Isaw how much work the staff had to do, and thought that Iwould like to helpthem," saidCaleb.
After contacting AfricanDawn, the family received awish listofneeded items
With the help of aposter created by his grandmother, Yolanda Horne, Caleb began collecting donations from family, friendsand membersofthe community. Freshproduce was donated by colleagues of his mother, Taryn, and local relatives, while his doctor donated bird food.
Family members in the United Kingdom also contributedBritish pounds,enabling Caleb to purchase an additional 25kg of bird feed.
Although naturally shy, Caleb said he found away to askfor support "I had achat with my Oumie about this idea that Ihad, but Iamshy and did not know where to start.MyOumie created thefancy posterand asked my parents to share it on their WhatsApp. Itold my family about my project and asked them to donate," said Caleb.
The fundraisingeffort alsotaught him valuable financial lessons. Caleb saidhe learned that sometimesbuying items on special is not always cheaperthan buying in bulk.
"I learned thatthisiscalled mark-up. Thisalso taught me that sometimes the specials are not that special," said Caleb. He added that he used acalculator while
shoppingtoensurehegot the best value for the donations he had received.
Caleb said the most difficult partofthe project was having afear that his idea wouldn't make adifference; however, he
quickly realised thatitwas important for him to giveithis best.
"I would encourageother childrenwho areinterested to give it their best, and believethat their part in donating will
SAstudentredmanuitBali-swembad
ELLEN HANCKE
’n SUID-AFRIKAANSE student met OosKaapse verbintenisse, het tydens ’n vakansieinBali’nheldedaad verrig.
Kate Rautenbach(20) ’n eerstejaar B Com-student aan die Universiteitvan Kaapstad,was saam met haar ouers en tweelingsusters in Kuta, Bali Kuta was die gesin se eerste bestemming tydens hul Balinese-vakansie. Kate en haar pa Riaan het langs ’n swembad in die Bintang-oord ontspan.
Haar ouma, Hanette Coetzee-Rautenbach, ’n oud-Nico Malanner en Humansdorper, hetaan Kouga Express vanhaar kleindogter se heldedaad vertel.
“Kate is ’n gesoute lewensredder, maar onshet nooitkon dink datsysofyn ingestel is op enige noodroep en vreemde gespartelin’nswembad nie.”
Haar pa, Riaan, het in ’n WhatsApponderhoudgesêdat Kate instinktiefreageer het. “Sy het die man aan die diepkant van die swembad sien spartel en ’n gedempte roep om hulp gehoor. Sy het blitssnel die 10 meter afgelê, in die swembadgeduik en die swemmer wat sporadies onder die
water verdwyn, se kop en skouers bo die water uitgelig.”
VolgensRiaan het die oordselewensredder ook ingeduik en die man met ’n flotasieringsaammet Kate help ondersteun en totveiligheid gebring.
Omstanders en die Balinese lewensredder was vol lof vir Kate se dapperheid.
Ouma Hanette sê dat haar kleinkinders en kinders almal goed in sport en veralinwatersport, presteer.
Hoewel Kate volgens haar pa as baba geen vrees vir water gehad het nie, het sy toesynog doek gedra het vreesloos in hul swembad gespring. Sy was egter tot op tienjarige ouderdom baie bang vir die see. Later het sy al hoe meer waterwys geword by hul strandhuis aan die Langebaanse strandmeer.
Op twaalfjarige ouderdomhet sy lid van dieMilnertonse Lewensreddingsklub geword en kort voor lank mededingend begin swem. Intussen het sy ook saammet haar pa begin roei, en het hulle al verskeie
kereom Robbeneiland in hul kano geroei en ook verskeie roeiroetes voltooi
Na matriek het Kate vir twee jaarlank voltyds as senior lewensredder vir die stad
Kaapstad gewerk. Sy het nienet al haar lewensredderssertifikate suksesvol afgelê nie, maar ook Vlak 3inEerstehulp geslaag.
Dit was egter haar eerste solo-reddingspoging, maar sy het al dikwels drenkelenge bygestaan deur Pulminuêre Resussitasie toegepas, ernstigewondebehandel en ook suurstof toegedien.
Kate kom uit ’n sportiewe familie. Oupa Fred het tot op 35 jarige ouderdom nog klubrugby gespeel.
Hanette ander seun, Heinrich, en hul kleinseuns Reilly (18) en Dyllan (16), is ook veelsydige sportmanne. Heinrichhet die Twee Oseane al twee keer voltooi en die Comrades ook al suksesvol afgelê.
Boonop het skoondogter Karenaldie uitdagende swem vanaf Robbeneiland na Bloubergstrand voltooi asook dieroetes tussen Simonstad en Rooi Els.Aldie nefies en ander familie, asook Kate se 15-jarigetweelingsussies Ashlee en Sarah wat saam met hulle in Bali vakansie hou, is saam met haar ouers, sommer baie trots op Kate.
Diegesin keer volgende week terug na Suid-Afrika en land op 20 Julie in Kaapstad.
make abig impact on theanimals and people," said Caleb.
"Starting small can always end bigger than you expected. Every little bit helps, andyou will feel good afterwards," said Caleb.
Calebhopesthe donationswill show the animals they arecared for.
"I hope that they arelovedand cared for, even by thosewho do notget to spend every day with them like thestaff at African Dawn,and that they can continue making kids like me happy every time they visit. Ihope African Dawn stays openfor avery longtime," said Caleb.
He said he is already planning for his nextfundraisingprojectwith hopes to assist penguins at SANCCOB in Gqeberha. Caleb's parents, Taryn andEwald Vlok, said they were initially surprisedwhen he shared his idea,but hearingthe passioninhis voice,they encouraged him andhelpedwhere theycould.
Taryn said Calebhandledmostofthe projectonhis own andevenplanned his routeand shared it with Yolanda, who was his designateddriver.
"Wewere surprised with him being a shy boy, butoverjoyedwith him taking theinitiative," said Taryn.
The experiencealsogave Calebvaluable life skills.Ewald said it taughthim about budgeting andworkingwith money, while Taryn said it taughthim to never doubt himself, andtonot back down from challenges.
"Words cannotexplain howproud we areofhim andhis good heart toward supportingthose in need," said Ewald.
African Dawn management said Caleb's efforts were both encouraging and meaningful.
"Seeing theyouth stillcareabout animals warms ourhearts. In aworld so focused on technology, it'sbeautiful to witness young people showingupwith love, time andcarefor creatures who can't speakfor themselves," themanagement team said They said thedonateditems were already benefiting thesanctuary's animals "Caleb's generous donation hashelpedso much.The pawpaw, finelycrushed corn, applesand other fresh foods he brought in arefeeding theanimals every single day. It's that kindofsupportthatkeepsour sanctuaryrunning," they said The sanctuarysaidcommunitysupport remains essential.
"Community is everythingtoAfrican Dawn.Werelyonthe kindness of wonderful people like you.All donations are welcome anddeeply appreciatedbecause withoutyou,wecouldn't do this work," themanagement team said
African Dawn Bird andWildlife Sanctuaryisopendaily from 09:00 to 17:00. For moreinformation,contact thesanctuary on 083 270 3397.
Kate Rautenbach.
Caleb Vlok.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
VOERTUIE
VOERTUIE GESOEK OM TE KOOP 3075
/BAKKIES / SCOOTERS
BOEDELKENNISGEWINGS
BOEDELS: LIKWIDASIE EN DISTRIBUSIE 4205
Park
EarthlingslaunchPlastic-Free JulyprojectsinStormsRiver
THE Earthlings, aStorms River community environmental youth group that hasearned threeSANParks Kudu Awards over thepast three years, is launching twolocal projects in July to support Plastic-Free July, aglobal movement helping millions of people reduce plastic pollution through simple,everyday choices
Thefirst project is the Adopt-a-Spot Competition, which aims to get people in theircommunity involved by choosing aspace, caring forit and becoming champions forthatarea.
This competition will start in July andend in Octoberwith R6,000 in cash prizes to be won.
Winnerswill be announced in November.
The competition is abid to encourage community participationand is beinglaunched to coincidewith Plastic-Free July.
Each year, individuals,organisations, schools, and communities take partand find practicalwaystorefuse plastic.
The second project is the OneBag forNature, aclean-up drive in Storms Riveron28 July
ThePlastic-FreeJuly initiativesare the latest chapter in aremarkable conservation story that has seen the Earthlings earnthree SANParks Kudu Awards, an annual recognition of SANParks staff, external stakeholders and individualsfor theircontributions to enhancing SANParks.
The Earthlings was founded by JoslinBauer in 2019 when sheidentified aneed amongchildren in thevillage to be outdoors andoff the streets, so she started doing walks in the local forest andfynboswiththem.
Sinceits inception, thegroup has cleaned many spaces in their community.
"Wehave removed bags andbags of litter, cleareddumpinghotspotsand worked hardto create cleaner and healthier environments, at first by ourselves and on many otheroccasions with help from stakeholders," said Bauer.
She said the Kudu Awards are hosted an-
nuallyinrecognition of both SANParks staff and externalstakeholders and individuals for their contributions and efforts in enhancing SANParks.
"The Earthlingsreceived the 2025 Kudu Award in the Community Contributionto Conservation in recognition of outstanding grassrootsleadership in advancing environmental restoration and community empowermentinthe StormsRiver and Kou-Kamma area," said Bauer.
She said the award states they have restored natural spaces, inspired civic pride, andfostered aculture of environmental responsibility"throughinnovative clean-up initiatives, education, and collaboration with SANParks and local partners; and that theirvision and dedication embody the spirit of sustainable community-driven conservation."
Bauer hassincereceived two Kudu Awards for herwork with the Earthlings, andsaid the awards are forthe children and because of the children.
Her 2023 Kudu Award was the Womenin Conservation Award forYouth Empowerment, which celebrates and recognises women whoare groundbreakers in conservation, environmentaleducation, tourism, andsocio-economic development.
Bauer said based on her work with the Earthlings, the awardrecognised her for her contribution to sustainable conservation and leadingthe wayinabold and impactful manner in an industry that is underserved by female entrepreneurs.
Her work with the Earthlings also led to the 2024 Kudu Award forIndividual Contribution to Conservation.
Bauer said this specific awardrecognised her for her insatiable drive to inspire andempowerpeople in the community by promoting volunteerism and community involvement in environmentaland conservation programmes. For more information or to sponsorthe Earthlings, emailJoslinBauer at joslinabrahams634@gmail.com.
AssisiSPCAinvitesvolunteerstogive67minutes
THE Assisi SPCA in Humansdorp is encouraging community members to dedicate their 67 minutes thisMandela Day to improving the lives of animals in its care.
Inspired by the late Nelson Mandela’s words, “It is in your hands to create abetter worldfor all who live in it,” the organisation is inviting volunteerstospend time at the shelter on 18 July
Accordingtothe SPCA, residents can choose from arange of activities,includingwalking dogs,spending time withthe shelter’s donkeys, rabbits and cats, cleaning kennels, as-
sisting with maintenance, painting andgardening,ordonating food,blankets, treats or funds to support the careofanimals in need.
TheSPCA is also encouraging volunteers tobringalong friends and family members to help make adifference.
“Every single minute mattersand every act of kindness counts. Let’scome together to give our furry friends abetter tomorrow,” the organisation said.
Those interested in volunteering,orwho would like more information, can contact Volunteer Coordinator Hennie on 082 712 1269.
LIKWIDASIE- EN DISTRIBUSIEREKENING IN BESTORWE BOEDEL WAT TER INSAE Lê Boedel wyle ELIZABETH MA RGARET KOCH , Identiteitsnommer: 450903 0032 08 5,gebore3 September 1945 en oorlede 22 Februarie 2026,wie ge tr oud wa sB inne gemeenskapvan goed met
JAMESBRENDAN LYNCH
In die Boedel vanwyleJAMES BRENDANLYNCH, Identiteitsnr. PW1231255, vanDiazlaan18, St.Francisbaai, provinsie Oos-Kaap. Boedelnr. 1786/2023. Kragtens Artikel35(5) van die Wetopdie Administrasievan Boedels, No.66van 1965,wordhiermee kennis gegee dat afskriftevan die EersteenFinaleLikwidasie- en Distribusierekeninge in die boedel oopsal wees
PETRUS JACOBUS WIESE In die Boedel vanwylePETRUS JACOBUS WIESE, Identiteitsnr. 410903 5005 08 6, vanSeetuinweg 98, Jeffreysbaai, provinsie Oos-Kaap. Boedelnr. 1852/ 2026 Kragtens Artikel35(5) van die Wetopdie Administrasievan Boedels, No.66van 1965,wordhiermee kennis gegee dat afskriftevan die EersteenFinaleLikwidasie- en Distribusierekeninge
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 wordgewaarsku om die adverteerder se getuigskrifte deeglik te oorweegennategaan. EP Media en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enige van die geadverteerde dienste of goederenie.
5X2DISCLAI-KG211124
Joslin Bauer (left) received the 2025KuduAward for CommunityContribution to Conservation on behalfofthe Earthlings in November 2025.Withher is Pat Bopape, managerofthe Tsitsikamma Section of theGarden Route National
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Floodsforceroutechangefor2026TransBaviaans
THE2026 Trans Baviaans 24-hour mountain bike race will go aheadon8August despite devastating floods thatstruck the Baviaanskloof region in May, with organisersconfirmingthat an alternative routewill replace the traditional course from Willowmore to Jeffreys Bay.
According to organisers, for over two decades, theTrans Baviaans has presented ultra-endurancefanatics with one of the mostrewarding challenges in SouthAfrican mountain biking
Thestatement said that, traversing thelargest wilderness area in South Africa, the BaviaanskloofNature Reserve and the greater conservation areasofthe Kouga and Baviaans Mountain Ranges, the 24-hour race is unique for many reasons.
"The remoteness of the route from Willowmore to Jeffreys Bay is but one of themany attractions, though this remotenessalso brings with it challenges," the statement noted.
The statement added that because of thedevastating flooding, which wracked the region in May, an alternative routewillhave to be used forthisyear's TransBaviaans.
Race founder Wikus van der Walt said, "We'd liketoreassureriders that the 2026Trans Baviaans will be going ahead."
"There will also be routechanges, butthe ethosofthe Trans Baviaans willremain unchanged,"saidVan derWalt.
He saidthe event was founded as an adventure in 2004,and though the modern worldhas expanded its reach into wild places over the22 years since, theBaviaans hasremained refreshinglyuntamed,though that does bringits own challenges for organising bike races.
"In recent years, extensive work on theroad through the Kloof has made therace faster, with theInsect Scienceteam shattering the course record last year on gravel bikes. Thisyear, the floods haveundone the roadengineers' work, andwewill see arugged, rough, and very memorable edition of the Trans Baviaans, but no course records will be broken," saidVan der
Walt The statement said Mother Nature has produced many asurprise during the 21 editions of Trans Baviaans to date. Most recently,freezing rain made the 2022 race particularlymemorable.
"One edition which standsout for me is the Langsbaviaans of 2011," said Van der Walt. "Thatyear, flooding aweek beforethe race had us scramblingfor an alternative route to the Nature Reserve section through the Baviaanskloof. Wedecided to take the route to the northeast of the Baviaanskloof Mountain range and along theGrootrivier Pass. The route was dubbed the Langsbaviaans by the riders, and it looks as thoughthis year will see something similar taking place."
Race Director Marelize Rhodes said they are still workingout the exact details.
"Water levels arestill dropping in the Groot and Kouga Rivers, and work on the roadsisongoing. Wehavea likely route plotted out, as well as an alternative,and aroute we'dlovetodoif the work progresses faster than expected over
TweevanKougahaaldistrikte-rolbalspan
HANNES SCHOEMAN
TWEE spelers van die Kouga-streek isindie PE &distrikte se vrouerolbalspan ingesluit wat van 8tot 10 Julie op Somerset-Oos teen ander Oos-Kaapsestreke deelneem. Hulle is June Scheepers vanJeffreysbaai en Belinda Weddell van St. Francisbaai. Albei is ervare spelers wat groot waarde tot die span kan voeg. Hulle sal ook op hulallerbeste wil weesomKouga se naam hoog te houendie spanopdie wenpad te plaas.
Die span is goed gebalanseerd en lyk gereed om sy titel van verlede jaar suskesvol te verdedig. Die oud-Uitenhage-sportlegende Lynette Vermaak is ook lid van die span. Dis ’n lang en roemrykesportpadwat sy gestap het sedertsyindie jare sewentig en tagtigasjong meisie op Uitenhage groot naam begin maak het.
“Ek speel al sowat vyf jaar gereeld rolbal vir die Walmer-klub. Dis uiters opwindend en ek genietelke oomblik.Ekhet verlede jaar ook die span gehaalensien daarna uit om weer teendie ander streke se bestes mee te ding,” sê sy.
’n Ander Uitenhage-tennislegende,Linky Boshoff, het ook al haar slagvir die PE en distriktespangewys. Sy wasindie sewentigerjare een van die wêreld se voorste spelers en het haar stempel by Wimbledon,die Franse Ope en dieAmerikaanse Ope behoorlik afgedruk. Lynette hetSuid-Afrika as hokkiespeler in 1982,1983 en 1985 binnenshuis en buitenshuis verteenwoordig en as meesterstennisspeler haar land verskeie kereverteenwoordig. Sy is die tweelingsuster van Yvonne Vermaak,wat in die tagtigerjare ook een van diewêreldsebesteswas by Wimbledon,die Amerikaanse Ope, Australiese Ope en die Franse Ope
DiePEenDistriktespanis: DeziRosenblatt (Woods), Nadenevan Vuuren (Despatch), Chrizel Kilian(Uitenhage),Lynette Vermaak (Walmer),Karen Korkie (Westview), Di Ahrens (Woods), Jenny Brent (Woods), June Scheepers (Jeffreysbaai), Belinda Weddell (St. Francis), Desire Vermaak (Woods), Denise Musson(PE) en Anna Minnie(Despatch). Hulle teenstanders is Oostelike areas, ELSDBA/Gonubie, Frontier, Noordoostelike Distrikte, Ciskei en Middellande
DIARY|DAGBOEK
SAARP Jbay SocialClub: Althoughthe club meetings arenormallyonthethirdThursdayofeachmonth,thenext meetingistoday, on 16 July,atthe Bowls Club.Comeand enjoyfreetea and sandwichesfrom09:15.New members (over50) areinvited to join the club.Formoreinfo,contact membership secretary Charmaine Prinsloo on 066550 8736 or JackyOpperman on 083465 7071.
Milkwood SaturdayMarket: Don’tmiss the handmade crafts,jewellery, décor items, wood-crafteditems, clothing,treats,freshvegetables,flowers,bottledproducts, second-hand items and moreatthe marketon25July, from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting). Themarket is locatedonthe GLA road next to Fountains Mall. It will also takeplace on 8August.
EasyArt:Don’tmisseasyartwithoilpencilsforbeginners at Oppi-Spektrum Coffee Shop in thePoliclinic in Jeffreys Bayon25July, at 09:00. WhatsApp Marleneon066 486 8611
Jeffreys BayCar BootSale: Join the bargain hunt in Da Gama Road, oppositethe caravanpark, from 08:00 to 13:00on1August.Theentranceisat2PetuniaStreet.ContactCorine at 082 9222260 Nifty FiftiesPlus Club: Theclub forseniorsinJeffreys
Baywill have ameeting on Friday,7August,at 09:30 at the Methodist Church, oppositethe Caravan Park, Da Gama Road. The entranceisat2Petunia Street.Goearlyand enjoyasocial morning withtea and asandwich. The door feeisR10.Qualifyforluckydrawprizesandlistentoaguest speaker.Contact083 2770088. CommunityMarket: Our Marketfor Our Communitywill takeplace at Newton Hall on 15 August.Contact 082 828 1899 forinfo.
Ons Tuiste Basaar: OnsTuiste Humansdorp gaan weer op 5September in die kerksaal by NGKMoedergemeente Humansdorp vanaf 08:00 basaarhou.Maak jouselfnou al gereed vir die lekker eetgoed, kindervermaak,spenstafel, en vele meer.Donasiesiswelkom. Virmeer inligting, kontakOns Tuiste by 042295 1159, Surikaby082 6966545 (WhatsApp)ofbesoekdie OnsTuiste Facebook-blad St Francis Anglican Church: The church on the corner of St Francis and Goedehoop Streets in Jeffreys Bayinvites all to itsEucharistserviceevery Sundayat08:30. SendyourDiaryentriestokougaexpress@novusmedia. co.za. Thedeadline forentriesisonTuesdaysat14:00 EntriesmaybeinEnglishorAfrikaans.
the next six weeks,"said Rhodes.
"Wereccied the traditional route, as far as it waspossibletodoso, as well as the alternative routes over the weekend,and we'recertain that the 2026 edition will take place on 8August. Changes to the route are virtually inevitable, though, and as aresult, the checkpoints will be in new locations. Riders will therefore need to be flexible in their approach to thisyear's race and not mentally prepare to have checkpoint boxes at the 93-, 123-, 140-, and 172-kilometre marks."
Rhodes said they would,however, ensure that the checkpoints are located in places where riders need them, before and after long climbs or particularly challenging sections of the route, to make it easier to fuel appropriately for those segments.
The statement said the 2026 Trans Baviaans route would be published, and GPX navigation files would be sent to 2026 participantstoload onto theirbike computersatleast one week before the event.
The statement added that this routeannounce-
ment will also include the checkpoint locations and information for supporters detailing where to meet theirteams at anew Checkpoint 5-style support zone. "Withthe road works ongoing, we'reholding off on announcing the routeindetailatthis point, as it may be possible to avoid some of the changes," said Rhodes.
The Kouga Local Municipalityhas partnered with the Trans Baviaans on athree-year sponsorship agreement and is equally committed to ensuring asuccessful 2026 edition.
Kougaspeaker, Lorraine Maree, said, "The Trans Baviaans is more than asporting event; it is aglobally recognised showcase of everything that makes Kougaspecial, our spectacular landscapes, warmhospitality, quality accommodation, unique tourism attractions, and worldclass adventure experiences."
Rhodes said Kouga's involvement means they are working with local government, local landowners, and local businesses to stage amemorableevent.
"Trans Baviaans fills Willowmore to capacity and is the small Karoo town's biggest event of the year. The financial benefit to Willowmore cannot be overstated. Jeffreys Bay is bigger and enjoys more tourism throughout the year, but in the absence of the World Surf League contestatJBay thisyear, Trans Baviaans provides much-needed bed-and-breakfast,aswell as hotel bookings at the end of winter when the town is quiet. We are working to ensure that riders and theirsupporters will maintain theiraccommodation and restaurant bookings, or book meals and beds if they haven't yet, because the floods have impacted tourism terribly,"said Rhodes. "I hope Trans Baviaans can kick-start areturn of visitors to the Baviaanskloof region."
Forregular updates on the road and routeconditions leading up to the 2026 Trans Baviaans, which takes place on 8August, follow @ transbaviaans on Instagram or like the Trans Baviaans 24HR MTB Race Facebook page. Formore information, visit www.transbaviaans.co.za
GewigoptellersmaaionderSAmedaljes
HANNES SCHOEMAN
GEWIGOPTELLERS vandie Pellsrus-klub op Jeffreysbaai het die Suid-Afrikaanse ouderdomsgroep-kampioenskappe in Johannesburg heeltemal oorheersenopnuut gewys dat’nblink toekoms op diesportin die Oos-Kaap wag. Die span van nege lede het met agtgoue medaljes en een silwer teruggekeer huis toe. Maar die prestasie eindig nie daar nie.
Lumar Karolse (o.56kg-afdeling) het sy nasionale o.14-titel suksesvol verdedig, terwyl Junique Windvogel (o.53kg) ook goud in die o.14-meisiesafdeling verower het. Karolseen Windvogel is albei as Kampioen van Kampioene gekroon. Windvogel was ook diealgehele kampioen in die o.17-afdeling.
Dan het Pellsrus ook met dietrofee vir diebeste o.14-seunspan weggestap. Dietoejuigingwas ook groot nadat Karolseen Windvogel albei virdie nasionale jeugspan gekwalifiseer het. Ander goue medaljes is gewen deur Kennith Mandeka, Ruwellen Bantom (diebeste o.12 atleet by diekampioenskappe), Marlin Matthews,Jason Hallem, Lunay Booysen en Theolien Ruiters. Klein Chester Karolse (7)het self rede om gelukkigtevoel nadat hy in sy eersteverskyning by dieSAkampioenskappe ’n silwermedaljegewen het. Atlete van Humansdorp het ook tot dieOos-Kaapse sukses bygedra. SphiwoGrootboom het in die55kg-afdeling goudgewen metLiamNolly en IsaihMiggels wat metsilwer teruggekeer het.Brons is aan Ceyton Booysen en Jerome Jacobstoegeken.
TheTrans Baviaans routefor 2026willbeannouncedatleastone week before therace. PHOTO: LLEWELLYN LLOYD/REBLEX PHOTOGRAPHY
Pellsrus se sterre is vanlinks (agter) Jason Hallem, Theolien Ruiters en Lunay Ruiters. Middel: KennethMandeka,MarlinMatthews, Ruwellyn Bantom, Chester Karolse, (voor) Lumar Karolse, en Junique Windvogel. FOTO:VERSKAF