Thursday
Corine van Dyk en haar man Jan(links), en ’n bedrewe SA jukskeispeler NicoNell, werk skouer aanskouer om van die droom’n realiteit te maak. Diejukskeibane wordlangsdie ingangsroetenadie plaaslike gholfklubaangelê.
“Hy neef naby mekaar begin huisbou. Ietswaaroor ons nie ’n enkele dag spyt is nie.”
FOTO: ELLEN HANCKE
KOUGA Municipality has formally requested increased water allocation and the transfer of Churchill and Impofu dam management from Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, citing serious concerns over significantwater losses and allegedly inefficient dam managementduring the current severe drought crisis.
On aFacebook post, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman indicated that on 11 March, he wrote to the MinisterofWater and Sanitation,PemmyMajodina, regarding the management of Churchill Dam and Impofu Dam on the Kromme River System.
According to him,these dams supply watertoboth the Kouga Local Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
However, since 2000,there has beennoformal service level agreement on Kouga’s water allocation, and they currently receive only 11 megalitres per day,which is no longer sufficient for agrowing municipality
“In my letter, Irequestedthat Kouga’s allocation be reviewed to between15and 20 megalitres per day and proposed that themanagement of the dams be transferred to Gamtoos Water Users’ Association, which already successfully manages the Kouga Dam,” said Bornman.
He further said that securing a reliable water supply is critical for residents, the economy and future growth.
Rienette Colesky,CEO of the Gamtoos WaterUsers’ Association, said that the association currently focuses on managing the Kouga Dam and supplyingits domestic users whichinclude Hankey,Patensie and the NMBM.
They also supply water to the agricultural users in theGamtoos Valley.
“We manage the water every single day. This way, we can see what is runninginto Loerie Dam, we see what the demand is alongside the scheme, and we release out of Kouga have managed to do well in the past few cially whenthe dam was during the drought,”s
Concerns overwater practices
She said that the Metro than one water resource able, such as access dacht Dam and Gariep serve its needs.
Colesky said that
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Gariep Water has never been under any restrictions so far, they have acertain assurance of supply from the eastern side.
She said that the Metroisthe operator of Churchill and Impofu dams,and it has an obligation to manage water as efficiently as possible.
“Impofu and Churchill have beenover abstracted by the Metro for many, many years, and in a sense, it is difficult to understand whether those resourceswill ever recover to full capacity if you look at the history,” said Colesky
She believes that the two dams have not been managed well for many years.
Colesky said that no water manager is above the responsibility to takecare of their water resources as best as possible.
“Theseresources are not justfor us but for our future. It is therefore important to show discipline to ensure thatresources are protected,”said Colesky.
She claimed that the Metrois not applying proper water demand management.
She also said that it is losing more than 60% to non-revenue water, which is water that cannot be accounted for, such as water lost throughbroken water pipes.
Colesky then assumed that because of the loss of water,only 40% of the Metro’swater is billed
She therefore questions whethersufficient funding is available for proper water demand management, believing that the current approach has been afailure.
Colesky believes that another failure is that the Metro has not stayed within its water allocation quota for Churchill and Impofu for many years.Thisisnot the right way tomanage awater resource
“There is an urgent need that whoever operates the two dams does it in adisciplined and accountable manner,”said Colesky
“Better water demand management should bedriven in the Metro.”
Colesky saidthat they are al-
the most prolonged droughtcycles recordedinthe region.
In response to the severity of the situation, he saidthat the municipality declared adrought disaster in February 2026 and activated its approved Drought Mitigation Plan, which providesthe operational frameworkguiding all current interventions to protect water supply, reduce losses, and stabilise the system
Soyaya said that water resource management in South Africa is governed by the Department of Water and Sanitation through national licensing conditions and dam operating rules.
He said that abstraction from the Churchill and Impofudams forms partofa regulated regional supplysystem and is therefore subject to national oversight and compliance monitoring.
“Municipalities do not independently determine abstraction volumes outsidethe framework authorised by the Department of Water and Sanitation,” said Soyaya.
He said that claims that NMB is losing 60% of itswater must be understood withinthe broader context of non-revenue water experienced across municipal water systems nationally
“These losses arise from acombination of factorsincludingageing infrastructure, historical network design, metreinaccuracies, illegal connections, and operational pressures associated with prolonged droughtconditions,” saidSoyaya.
He further said thatthe current droughthas required the municipalitytoimplement aggressive pressuremanagement, valve operations, and network reconfiguration to preservedam storage levels and maintain supplyacross the metro.
Soyaya said that these necessary interventions placeadditional stress on older asbestos cement andsteel pipelines, often exposing latent weaknesses thatwould not normally surface under standard operating conditions.
“This does notrepresent institu-
tional plumbing contractors to supplement existing municipal teams, particularlyinhigh-loss areas where rapid intervention is required
At thesame time, Soyaya said that recruitment processes are underwaytofill vacant plumber and artisan postswithin the Water and Sanitation Directorateinorder to strengthen internal technical capacity.
He further said that leak repairs are prioritised through arisk-based operational model that focuses first on major water losses, infrastructure failures that threaten supply stability,and leaksaffecting reservoirs or pressure zones.
“These measures form part of acoordinated programme to reduce non-revenue waterwhile maintaining service delivery undersevere drought conditions,” said Soyaya.
He further said that NMB has also implemented several water augmentation initiatives as part of its drought mitigation programme. These include expansion of the Nooitgedacht Water Supply Scheme, development of groundwaterwellfields, upgrades to watertreatment works, and theintroduction of advanced pressure management and system monitoring technologies.
Soyaya said that these interventions are designed to diversify supplysources, increase system resilience, and reduce reliance on asingle surface water source during periods of prolonged drought
Regarding suggestions that the management of theKromme bulkwater system should be transferred away from the municipality, he said that it is important to notethat bulkwater systems operatewithin national regulatory frameworks overseen by theDepartment of Water and Sanitation.
“Any structural changes to dam management arrangementsmust be guided by national policy, technical feasibility assessments, and the broader regional water security considerations affecting the Eastern Cape, not only one singlemunicipality,” said Soyaya.
“The Municipality remains open to constructive engagement with theDepartment of Water and Sanitation, regional municipalities, and water boards to ensure that themost appropriatelong-term governance model is adopted for shared waterresources.”
Soyaya said that characterisations of NMB as “incompetent” in watermanagement do not reflect thecomplexity of the drought conditions currently affecting theregion nor the scaleofinterventions already underway to stabilise thesystem.
He said that themunicipality continues to implement infrastructure upgrades, demand management measures, and operational improvements under extremelyconstrained hydrological conditions.
“The drought affecting the Eastern Cape has significantly reduced dam inflows and placed sustained pressure on availablestorage capacity across multiple years,”said Soyaya.
“Protecting watersupplyunder these conditions requires a combination of infrastructure maintenance, system optimisation, regulatory compliance and regional cooperation.”
Soyaya said that NMB remains fully committedto transparent governance, accountablemanagement of waterresources, and cooperative engagement with national and regional stakeholders to safeguard long-term watersecurity for allcommunities in theregion.
RESIDENTS of Jeffreys Bay are now able to access key HomeAffairsservicesclosertohome, with the Capitec branch at Fountains Malloffering Smart ID services as part of anew digital partnershipbetween the Department of Home Affairsand SouthAfrica’s banking sector
In aFacebook post, Kouga ExecutiveMayor Hattingh Bornman said that the new digital partnershipwill allow residentstoapplyfor or replace their Smart ID cards quickly andconveniently at their local bank branch.
“Thisinitiative brings government services closer to our communities andwill help reduce the long queues many people experience at Home Affairsoffices,”said Bornman
“Importantly,this is just the beginning. More bank branches across the country will beadded as theprogramme expands,further improvingaccesstothese essential services.”
Bornmanfurther thanked Minister Dr Leon Schreiberand the Department of Home Affairs fordriving this important reform andensuring that communities liketheirs benefit frommodern, accessible public services.
In apress release by the South African Government, it stated thatinstead of beingrequired to travel greatdistancesand stand in long queues to access one of theonly 349 Home Affairsoffices around the country, the new modeloffersa modern alternative.
The new system provides afully digital experience where it takesjust minutes for an applicant to complete asecure Smart ID application using cutting-edge technology, integrated with theirlocal bank branch right in thecommunity wheretheylive.
“Thisinitiativerepresentsamajor step change in the Department’s ongoing reform programme, Home Affairs @home, which embraces digitaltransformation toremake how SouthAfricans access identity and civic services,”the statementsaid.
“Itsignals ourcommitment to thisnew era in whichHome Affairsservices movecloser to the people, through digital and automated
channels thateliminate the scopefor manipulation,while delivering unparalleled efficiency.”
By modernising and extending the existing technologicalintegrationbetween Home Affairs and the banking sector, known as the Online Verification Service, the Department is decentralising and dramatically expanding the number of secureand dignified servicepoints available to citizens across the country.
Accordingtothe statement, forthe first time underthisnew model, South Africanscan now visit one of nine branches of participating banks to apply for SmartIDs, beginning with branchesoperated by Capitec Bank and Standard Bank,which are now live. Thenumber of live branches has grownto17.
First National Bank is currently in the final phaseoftesting,and other banks thatjoined theDigital Partnership last yearare at varying stages of development.
Thelaunch, whichtook place on 9March, represents asignificant evolution of the
long-standing collaboration between Home Affairs and South Africa’sbankingsector.
Under the previous model, banks hosted miniature Home Affairs offices inside theirbranches, where clients were required to complete applications on the eHomeAffairs platform, make bookingsonline, and visit the branch primarily for biometric capture.
In contrast, the new model is fully digitalised.
“Participating banks connect directly to Home Affairs systems through asecureAPIbased DigitalGateway, allowingapplications to be completed within amatter of minutes throughthe bank'sown service environment, without the need to fill in asingle piece of paper,” the statement said.
Inside the 17 branches launched recently, clients can complete aSmart ID application in just five to ten minutes, without having to make abooking aheadoftheir visit.
According to the statement, this same service will be extended to every corner of South Africa over the coming year, as more bank branch-
es areenrolled.
Therollout will take place in phases to ensure system stability andoperationalreadiness.
“Approximately 16 million SouthAfricans still rely on thegreen ID book, which is widely recognised as one of the most defrauded documents on the African continent. Acceleratingthe transitiontothe SmartIDistherefore critical to strengthening thecountry’s identity system andprotecting citizens from identity fraud,”the statement said.
As the system stabilises,throughout 2026, the Department will expand the range of services available through the Digital Partnership not only to hundreds morebank branches,but the Department will also enable first-time Smart ID applications, passportservices, courierdelivery, and applications through banking apps
To ensurearesponsible rollout, the Department and its banking partners will start small, testthoroughly, and stabilise the system before rapidly expanding the rollout acrossthe country throughout this calendar year
According to the statement, this expansion forms partofthe Department’s commitment under the Medium-Term Development Plan to scale the new Digital PartnershipModel to 1,000 participating bank branches acrossSouth Africaby2029, dramatically increasing access to services and ensuringthe end of long queues at Home Affairs offices.
Schreiber said, “Thissignifies by far the biggest milestone to date on our reformdriveto deliver Home Affairs @home. By embracing digital transformation, we areredefining what public service deliverylooks like in the modernage. Thefact that we have already reached this milestone after just 20 months in office, means that we areontrack to deliver on our goal to invertthe principle of how government services work. Instead of forcing people to go to Home Affairs to endurelong queues and manualprocesses,weare using technological security and efficiency to bringHome Affairs to the people, deliveringaccess, inclusionand dignity for all.”
PELLSRUSPrimary School in Jeffreys Bay is making strides in strengthening mathematics education throughits Family Maths programme, an initiative aimed at equipping both parents and learners with essential skills and confidenceinthe subject.
Theprogramme, introduced in 2023 following aDepartment of Education launch attended by two schools in the Kouga and KouKamma region, including aTsitsikamma-based school and Pellsrus Primary, is funded by Sanral and supported through partnerships with NelsonMandela University (NMU)and the University of the Free State.
It alignswith the Department’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS),ensuring that learning remains consistent with national standards.
Grade3mathematics teacher and Head of Department, Rejune Roman, said theprogramme focuses on empowering parents, teachersand learners by breaking down key mathematical concepts and showing how maths can be incorporated into everyday life
“The programme empowers parents,teachers and learners to learn key concepts in maths and to incorporate the subject in everydaylife,”saidRoman
She said thatthroughhands-on activities and practical learning methods, the initiative caters to different learning styles while encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’seducation.
Roman said that teachers received training at the programme’slaunch and have since been facilitating workshops for parents to better support learning at home Despite its benefits, she noted that attendance has been achallenge,with only about half of the Grade 3parents participatingeach year.“It has been disappointing that only half of the Grade3parents have joined when we know the financialcontributions the sponsors have made and the effort placed into the programme,” said Roman She acknowledgedthat many parents face work commitments and other obstacles, adding thataround 70 parents have attended the
workshops annually over the programme’s three-year span, which is set to conclude this year
Roman saidthat each participating parent receives amaths kit, which is used during workshops held three times ayear from term one to term three. Sheemphasised the importance of practical learning at home.
“We want to encourage parents to usepractical tools at home instead of spending money on expensive tools.I encourage them to use potatoes at home to count. Mathematicsisall around us. It is not restricted to schoo.”
Shehighlighted that Grade 3isa critical stage where learners build foundational mathematical concepts and vocabularythat will carry through their schooling.
“We see quicker progress in learners when theparentsare involved. Learnerswho practiseathome aremoreactively involvedinthe classroom andare moreconfident in their knowledge of their schoolwork. Evenshy kids arewilling to participate more in class.”
She saidthatthe programme alsohelps change perceptionsaround mathematics, particularly among parents who may feel intimidated by the subject.“Once they have completed the workshop, the parents realise that mathsisnot adifficult subject.Thereis so much fun to be had in maths,”saidRoman.
“Many parents completed school many years ago and believe that maths has changed, but while methods may change, the fundamentals stay the same. We want to empower parents to assist their children,”saidRoman
Sheencouraged parents to reach out to the school for supportwhen needed. “We want parents to know that they arefreetocall the school or visitthe teachers if they need assistance. Education is acollective responsibility of the school, learners and community. When parents areinvolved, the learners prosper, whichiswhatthe school values.”
Sheexpressed appreciation for the support received from thetwo universities andSanral for thethree-year Family Mathsprogramme.
Although the current programme is setto endthis year,Roman saidthat the school plans to continue hosting workshops independently.
Die Van Dyk-egpaar vertel dat hulle netuitgetreehet in dieNoordeenbeslis nie afgetree het nie.
VeralCorine, het’nbaie besige sosiale lewe gehadenverskeie gemeenskapsprojekte daar gestig en gelei.
Nadat hulle op Jeffreysbaai aangelandhet, hetCorine gou by die politiek betrokke geraak en ookverskeie gemeenskapsprojekte gestig. Hulgesamentlike droomoor ’n Jukskeibaan vir hul nuwetuisdorphet verlede jaar begin vorm aanneem.
VolgensCorinewas hulle gelukkig om ’n stukkie van die Jeffreysbaai Gholfklub te kon “erf.”
“Ons het gou besef dat hier knap Jukskeispelers in dieKougagebied woon. Een vanons vrywilligers Nico Nell,neem juis eersdaags aan die SA Kampioenskappedeel.
Corine het self die logo en klubwapen vandie nuutgestigdeJukskeiklub ontwerp. Syhet ook gesorg met die hulp van Christa Venter dat’nuithangbord met“Watch this Space” op die hoek vandie nuwe terrein aangebringword. “Die samewerking vanborge is die kern van sukses van die projek. Om een baan by ’n Jukskeibaan te bou, beloop ’n eenmalige borgskap van sowat R8 000. So ’n baan sal uiteindelik die naam vandie borg dra en ook die nodige publisiteitkry tydens toernooie.
“Ons hetreeds die grondslagfase onder die knie. Dieterrein het ondermeer probleme gebied met die verwydering vanenorme rotse wat nou langsdie bane ’n deel sal word van ngemeenskapstuin.”
Ekstrafondse vir hierdie projek word op ’n innoverende wyse gein.
“Ons het reeds ’n Valentynsdans by Die Werf gehou. ’nSop-en-Sjerrie fondsinsameling Juk-
skeidans word ook op 23 Mei by DieWerflangs dieFountains Mall gehou.”
Die Jukskeiersdroom groot. Daar word ’n spesiale afdeling vir die jeug van diekontrei beplan.
“Ook wil ons graag toernooiemet buurprovinsies en dorpe reël. Daarvoor salons met groot dankbaarheidvan diegholfklubsefasiliteite gebruik kan maak.
“Ons wil egter later ’n klein klubhuisie oprig waar spelers darem ’n versnaperingtydens wedstryde kan geniet.”
Corine sê hulle is groot dank verskuldigaan die volgende mense wat arbeid,ondersteuning en of boumateriaal geskenk het: Clinton Grebe virsyplaveisel, plastiek en arbeid; Bucovir 40 sakke sement; Nolans vir kompakteerdersen Skip vir ekstra sand; CC Prints virdie naam en borge bord; KougaStaal vir staalpenne in die grond; die KougaMunisipaliteit en diebestuur vandie Jeffreysbaai Gholfklub.
Daai is egter nog ’n groot behoefte aan gruis,plaveistene, silikoonsand vir die sandkuile, grassooieasook skadunet en houtbankies vir besoekers
“Eintlik wil ons mense nooi om ’n hele sentrale sportklub te ondersteun. Terwyl pappas gholf speel, en mammas ’n draai op dietennisbaan maak, sal ons kinders dan ook muurbal en jukskei kan speel of dierolbalbane aangrensend kan geniet.”
Meer as ’n 100 mense het reeds belangstelling in diespeel van Jukskei getoon.
Diegene wat niks weet van diespel nie, sal ook dienodige onderrig en afrigtingkan kry. Daar word ook spesiale toeganklikheid en voorsiening beplan virpersone in rolstoele. Lede van diegemeenskap wat skeiehet en niebeplan om weer te speel nie, kan gerus vir Corine skakel by 082 922 2260.
Sy is ook in beheer van diekaartjieverkope vir23Mei se SopenSherry dans geleentheid.
FOLLOWING the success of last year’s inaugural event, preparations are underwayfor thenextKouga Careers Expo, which aims to further expand opportunities for learners and young people across the region
This year’sexpo will run from 23 to 24 April at MentorsCountry Estate in Jeffreys Bay.
Thefirst Kouga Careers Expo, held in April 2025 at Mentors Country Estate,marked an important milestonefor youth development and employment opportunities in theKouga region
InkanyeziEvents member, Deon Engelke, said organisers are building on thestrong foundation established during theinaugural event
“The exhibition already provides additional world-class resources free to all visitinglearners such as theCareer Guidance Workbook/ Textbook and OnlineCareer Testing, which the initiative will buildon,”said Engelke He added that the long-term vision is to further expand the programme tosupport both learners andteachers
“The aim is for the event to eventually include aprogramme to equip Life Orientation teachers andtomentor learners. Existingand new ideasall require funding andawider rangeoforganisations, including the Coastal Six, agroup of wind farms in the region,who are enabling this vision at the beginning of
2026,” said Engelke.
Engelke said the Kouga Local Municipality and Mentors Country Estate remainkey partners in the initiative.
He said that the sponsors play the leading role in achieving the initiative’s objectives, which have an impact on the Kouga region’s socio-economicgrowth.
Engelkefurther said that feedback from schools and exhibitors whoattended the first expo has also shaped planning for the upcoming event.
“Based onthe resounding positivefeedback from schoolsand exhibiting entities, the successful recipe for career guidance through the initiative will largelybemaintained,” said Engelke.
He explained that this year's event willinclude more interactive features focusing on technology and entrepreneurship
“The idea is to showcase technology,including 4IR, inpractice as ameans of exposing learners to areas including Virtual Reality and Robotics that they may have had limited exposure to,” saidEngelke.
He emphasised that entrepreneurshipisan important focusarea for young people as it has thepotential to make many school-leavers self-sufficient and is an essential aptitude to foster.
In addition, Engelkesaidthat self-employment is akey aspect of dealing with the scourge of unemployment, not onlyinKouga
butalso across the country.
Theexpoisexpected to once againattract learnersfromacross the region
“The target remains every highschool in Kouga, while this year we plantoinvite schools from surrounding areas, including those in the Langkloof and Tsitsikamma,” saidEngelke.
“It is hoped that the wider communityand unemployed youth will also attend,taking the numberstoabove 2,000 people.Weare working with the host partner, theKouga Local Municipality, and exhibitors such as the Department of Labour and Employment to make the community outside of schools aware of the opportunity.”
Up to 15 high schoolsare expected to attend the event, wherelearners will engagewith around 50 exhibiting organisations, includingeducational institutions, government departments, SETAs and businesses.
Among the exhibitors will be organisations representing variousindustries.
“Thereare several new exhibitors representing different sectors, forexample,Bay Radiology is keen to use theinitiativeto buildaskills pipeline of radiologists,” said Engelke.
He further saidthat the relationship with the Kouga Local Municipality hasstrengthened since the first expo.
Engelke saidthat the municipality,includingExecutive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, has
THE non-profit organisation, SOS ProjectJeffreysBay, continues to support vulnerable members of the community, providing assistance to families in need while relying on the dedicationofvolunteers and donors tokeep the initiative running.
Theproject startedin2002 as an offshoot of the Dutch Reformed Church with theaim of supporting the underprivileged, thepoor,the sick andsenior citizens in local communities Chairperson Wessel Vosloo said that overthe years, theinitiative has grown to serve people from all levels of societywho require assistance.
He said that running aproject of this magnitudecomes withchallenges, as participants come from diverse backgrounds, culturesand opinions
However, faith and ashared commitment tohelping othershavehelped unite those involved.
“Theglue that keeps the membersand volunteerstogether is their faith in the Lord and their willingness to use their hands, talents andabilities to become involved,”said Vosloo.
He addedthat the continued success of the project restslargely on the dedication of volunteers.
“Thesuccess of thisprojectistherefore in the hands of the volunteers and the graceofGod, which we experienced abundantly during the pastyear. We givehonour to God alone,” said Vosloo.
The DutchReformed Churchand the Baptist Church remainthe project’smainsponsors, supported by individuals whose monthly donations enable the projecttocontinue assisting poor andvulnerable communities in Jeffreys
Bay.
“We would like to reiterate our sinceregratitude and appreciation forthe generous contributions received over the past fiscal year,” said Vosloo.
He said that during the past financial year, volunteers were able to arrange aChristmas party for70children, including Christmas gifts, despite receiving little financial assistance fromthe project.
Theprojectcurrently provides financial assistance to 44 families, while its soup kitchen serves fresh soup and breadtobetween 120 and 150 visitors weekly, with each serving being sufficient for three to four individuals
Vosloo said that clothing supplied by the non-profit organisation, Lady Lighthouse, is also distributed on soup days.
He further said that support provided to beneficiaries remains subject to an ongoing process of re-evaluation. Despite the organisation’sgreatsuccess this year,Vosloo said that they face several challenges,including an ageing volunteer base and rising food costs that place astrain on its financial resources.
He further said thatthe soup kitchen currently operates from the premises of the Uniting Reformed Church, where funding is needed to paint and upgrade the facilities ChristianWomen’sMinistriesofthe Uniting Reformed Church has also continued to work hand in hand with the organisation to cook the soup Unfortunately,Vosloo said that efforts to reopen an additionalsoup kitchen were alsounsuccessful.
takenownership of theevent
He said that withouttheir support, theinitiative wouldnot have started in Kouga. Engelke addedthatthe municipality has committedtohostingthe event for three yearstoensure its growth andcontinuity
“Sincethe successful pilot initiatedbythe KLM, themunicipality hasagreed to play therole of host partner for aperiod of three years, which enablescontinuityand growth, providing agreat basetobuildon,” said Engelke
Looking ahead, organisers hope theinitiative will continue to grow in impact
Engelke said that theaim is for theevent to eventually includea programme to equip LifeOrientationteachers andtomentor learners in Kougawith theaim of ensuring that 80% of Kouga matrics have aclear and confirmed studyortraining path beforethey leave school.
He further said that thesuccess of theexpo will ultimately depend on howlearners use theopportunities available to them
“The success of theevent will be determined by theextent to which learners aremotivated to sourceinformation with openmindsand use theavailable resources to move into action.The table is set,” said Engelke
•For moreinformation,visit theWorking World Expo website at www.workingworldexpo.co.za
He saidthatthey also hope to provide soup twice perweek,but this has not been possible due to insufficient funds
“Looking ahead, the organisationhopes to attract morevolunteers, strengthen relationships within the community, streamline services, securenew donorsand work moreclosely with other similar organisations andNPOs in thearea,” said Vosloo.
“We also hope and pray that morebusinesses will come on boardtoassist our soup kitchen with gas.”
ELLEN HANCKE
“SO baie mense sien op ons neer. Kyk netweg as hulleons sien. Of dink nie eersdaaraan dat ons nie vir ’n salaris werk nie.”
Aan die woord is twee karwagte vanJeffreysbaai, SusanCharlotte de Beer(54) en haar lewensmaat, Adriaan Koortz (51).
Die twee karwagte werk al onderskeidelik 14 en 9jaar by die Fountains Mall op die dorp. ’n Maklike lewe is dit beslis nie. Afgesien van lang ure op hul voete in die hete son, is daar ook die dae dat die winderg waai en ook reën. “En wat ons die hartseerste maak, is wanneer mense dink ons is lastig en onsnie eers groet nie.Ons gee nie om dat ons soms 50c of R1 kry nie. Ons doen ’n eerlike werk en elke sent word waardeer.”
Adriaan beaam dat mense nie besef hoe dit voel om honger te gaan slaap en regtig swaar te kry nie. Beide van hullegeniet hul werkas karwagte en glo dat Jeffreysbaai na baie rondswerwery, die ideale dorp vir hulle is. Susan was ’n nooi Norval en sy is in Betlehem gebore en het ook daar skoolgegaan. Beide haar ouers was boorlinge van Oudtshoorn.
“Ek het wonderlike ouers gehad. My pa het op die Spoorweë gewerk en my mawas ’n verpleegsuster.Hulle het na hul troue Betlehem toe getrek.”
Susanenhaar suster Adele wasbaie geheg aanhul drie boetas. Deon is ’n onderwyser in Australië, Richard wat ook ’n tydinEngeland geblyhet, is ’n sakeman in Pretoria. Hul boetie Thys is ongelukkig netnaCovid oorlede. Susanvertel dat sy in ’n spesiale skool was, maar wonderlike waardes by haar ouers geleer het.
“My pa was baie streng met ons, maar ons het baie praktiese dinge by hom geleer. My ma was ’n absolute engel, watons diebeste in die lewe wou gee.Syhet ons geleer vannetheid, trots, dankbaarheid en nederigheid.”
Susan het na skool Bloemfontein toe getrek om daar te gaan werk. Sy het daar begin as ’n
karwag, toeas’nassistent in ’n groentewinkel gewerk, voordat sy getroud is en ’n dogter, Janie, gehad het
Susan het egter deur ’n groot krisis in haar lewe gegaan. Sy het ’n pos as ’n voertuigbestuurder by ’n groot afleweringsmaatskappy in Bloemfontein gekry.
“Ekhet ’n goeie salaris verdienenwas baie gelukkig in my werk. Op ’n dag het allesverander toeekin’nbaie groot ongeluk was.”
Sy vertel dat sy eers gedink het haar beserings was niebaie ernstignie.Sywas drie maande in en uit’nstaatshospitaal in Bloemfontein.
“Die wonde aan my een been wasbaie diep en het septies geraak. In die begin is die plekke toegewerk en toe het die moeilikheidbegin. Later isdie helebeen weer oopgemaak, dooie weefsel is weggehaal en ek moes met die oop wondindie hospitaal bly lê.”
Susansêdat sy toe verskriklik moedeloos en depressief geraak het. Haar familie het haar goed bygestaan en sy het bly glo dat sy niehaar been gaanverloor nie.
Sy het op ’n dag besluit om terug te vegteen
die dokterssediagnose, dat sy nooit weer sou kon loop nie.
“Ek het aan die begin met ’n rolstoel oor die weggekom. Toe met krukke beginloop en daarna vir ’n jaar lankindie veld geoefen om weer te konloop.”
Haar been keilhaar nog steedsbytye op, maar haar positiewe ingesteldheid maak datsy steedskan werk
“Ekhet baie rondgeval en toenaJeffreysbaai getrek omdat my sussie hier gebly het.”
Adriaan is op Potchefstroom gebore en hy het daar grootgeword. Hy het laterook hierheen getrek en die twee het dadelikaanklank by mekaar gevind. By geleentheid het hulle ’n tydlank in Gqeberha probeer werk kry en moes hulle vieruur in die oggend begin stap, om ’n behoorlike diensdoenplekkie by dieGreenacres Malltekry.
’n Wonderlike vriendin het hulle toegehelp om nader aan die inkopiesentrum by haar te kom bly, maar die lewe in diestadwas uiteindelik net te duur vir hulle
TeruginJeffreysbaai, was hulle gou weer op
hul posbydie Fountains Mall.
“Ons werk onder ’n wonderlike supervisor, Willie Viljoen. Hy is ’n gebore karwag watso mooi met diepubliekwerk,enook viralons karwagte helpomons werk betertedoen.”
Adriaan sê datdie publiek dink dathulle vir ’n salaris werk. “Dit is dalk so in ander groot plekke,maar ons betaal ons eie taxigeld, ons eie bibs en ons werksetes en drinkgoed.”
Die paartjie is ditegtereens dathulle nooit weer sal weggaan vanJeffreysbaai nie.
“Ons bly in ’n klein woonstelletjie.Adriaan maak diekos en ek maak allesaan diekant en wasdie wasgoed.Enekhou ’n oog oorAdriaan, hy mag gladnie gaan werk as hy nie geskeer het nie!”
Oorhul fooitjies is hulle baie dankbaar en hulle verdien gemiddeld saam sowat R200 per dag. Daar is egterook daedat hulle minder verdien.
“Ons kandarem elke maand ons huurgeld, ons kosenons taxigeld betaal.Enons kononlangsvir dieeerstekeer in baie jare, by my dogter en haar aanstaandeenmytweekleindogters in Pretoria gaan kuier.”
Susan en Adriaan vertel dathulle ook al meer as dubbeld geseën is, wanneer mense virhulle ’n ekstra fooitjie of ’n koeldrankie of iets te ete gee.
Daar wasook al ’n keer toeiemand hulle met R100 geseën het
“Natuurlik is daar mense watniks vir ons gee nie, maar ons bly altyd ordentlik en helpveral oumense as ditnodig is,” sê Adriaan. Hul diepstedankbaarheid is teenoor hul goeie supervisor en dieeienaar van’nhuurmotor wat hulle teen ’n baie spesialeprysoplaai en laatmiddagweer gaan aflaai.
“Ons is diemeesteaandemaar baie moeg, maar ons geniet ditbaie om langsdie see te gaan stap.Enekspeel graag speletjies op my foon,” sê Susan.
“My ma en pa sou baie trots op my gewees het as hulle konsien dateknie opgegeehet in die lewe nie, en datekallesonthou wathulle my geleer het.”
StFrancisAnglicanChurch: Thechurch on the corner of St Francis and GoedehoopStreets in Jeffreys Bayinvites all to their Eucharistserviceevery Sundayat08:30, theirLenten services every Wednesdayat08:30until 25 March and their Palm Sundayserviceat 08:30 on 29 March.Maundy Thursday and GoodFriday services to be announced. Aqua WaterTherapyand Rehab: The Policlinic has aheatedindoor swimming pool. Classes areonMondays,Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All ages are welcome.ContactYolande (professional/qualified H2O therapist) at 082877 7640
SAARP Jbay SocialClub: Meetingsare on the third Thursdayofeach month.The nextmeeting is at 10:00 on 19 Marchatthe Bowls Club.New members(over50) areinvited to join. Formoreinfocontactmembership secretary Charmaine Prinsloo at 066 550 8736 or Jackie
Opperman at 083 4657071.
Teater by die See: 'n Kunsuitstalling, verskeidenheidskonsert,blomme-werkswinkel (JBayTVET Kollege), skryfkuns-kursus,boekvoorlesing (SupertubesGastehuis),enMagdaLouwenhaarErhardsaltesienweesop20 MaartbyTeaterbydie See.Dit sal by die NG Gemeente Jeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampusplaasvind. Kaartjiesis aanlynbyQuicket te koop.Kontak Jeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064 966 9933 of besoek www.jeffreysbaytourism. co.za.
TeaterbydieSee:Diedagseprogramsluitin:'n‘beelde vanJeffreysbaai’-toer, boekvoorlesings(VerdaVide en JBayTVET Kollege),kinderteater, blomme-werkswinkel (JBayTVET Kollege),kookkuns (JBayTVETKollege),'n talentkompetisieenFrank Oppermanse‘Reünie’.Dit sal op 21 Maart by die NG GemeenteJeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampusplaasvind.KaartjiesisaanlynbyQuickette
koop.Kontak Jeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064 966 9933of besoek www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za.
Tuinkompetisie: Neem deel aan dieTuinkompetisie, kry joutuin/park/besigheid se tuin in die kollig, wysjou groen vingersenwen ongelooflikepryse en spogregte vir die mooiste tuininJeffreysbaai! Diekoste beloop R100 per inskrywing. Diesluitingsdatum is 21 Maart.Skryf sommer elektroniesinbywww.kunskoors.co.za.Vir meer inligting, kontak Uteby083 286 4907 of Teresa by 082 332 2650
AstonBayMarket:Don’tmissthemarketattheAston
BayCommunityHall on 28 March from 09:00 to 15:00
Milkwood Saturday Market: Don’t miss the next market on 28 March,from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting). Locatedonthe GLA road next to Fountains Mall. Handmade crafts,jewellery,décor items, clothing, food, flowers, bottledproducts,second-hand items and more are
sold.Entry is free.The market will alsotakeplace on 28 March.
Basaar Op Loerie: Komgeniet dieeetgoed,koffiewinkel, saailinge, groente, Oos-Kaap Boerboelskou en meer by die Basaar op Loerieop28Maart vanaf 09:00 in die Nartjiefeesstoor.Kontak 073480 9523
Nifty FiftiesPlus Club: The clubfor seniorsinJeffreys Baywill have ameeting on Friday, 10 April, at 09:30 at the Methodist Church oppositethe Caravan Park in Da Gama Road. The entranceisat2 Petunia Street.Come earlyfor tea and asandwich. Thereisadoor feeofR10 Qualifyforluckydrawprizesandlistentoaguestspeaker Formoreinfo,contact083 2770088.
Send your Diary entries to kougaexpress@novusmedia.co.za. Thedeadlinefor entries is on Tuesdays at14:00.EntriesmaybeinEnglishorAfrikaans
ELLEN HANCKE
HOE word ’n seun nman? En hoeword ’n land nuut-ofhergebore?
Hierdie woorde sou inderdaad voor die deurvan Dana Snymansebiografiese karakter in sy treffende boek Seun en die daaropvolgendetoneelstuk se tong geplaas kon word.
Kouga-kontrei se toneelliefhebberskan metgroot afwagting uitsien na een van die hoogtepunte by vanjaar se Kunskoors 2026 wat vanaf 1tot 3Mei op Jeffreysbaai plaasvind.
Seun met die gesouteakteurWilhelm van derWalt in die titelrol, is ’n stuk wat al met talle toekennings spog.
Dana Snymanisnie netbekendvir sy getrouekarakters in vele van sy verhoogstukke,sketse en skrywes nie,maar oortrefhomself met die karaktergetroue jongman wat op sy eie karaktergeskoeiis en wat met vele binne-oorloë spartel. Op ’n brose 18-jarige ouderdom moeshy hoor dat hy geweeg en te ligbevind is vir dieweermag. En sy predikantpahet saam met andere geglo dat dit sy seunna“wasdom”sou kon lei.
Nie alleen moes dit vir Dana na ’n nuwe verantwoordeliksfase voer nie, maar sou die verwarrende tagtigerjare se politiek hom ook boonop “met vele kwelvrae” laat. Dana slaag briljant daarin om die oorgangsfases binnehomselfen ook in sy geliefde Vaderland te laat dubbelspoor na
Gesoute akteur Wilhelm van derWaltvertolk dietitelrolin
donkertes en ook na ligter oomblikke. Wilhelmvan derWaltiseen van die land se top akteurs. Ditisdus ook nievreemd dathierdie produksie al met vyf toekennings spog nie.
Seun is ondermeer by Aardklop 2025 met dieBeste Toneelaanbieding bekroon, het dieBesteRegietoekenning aan Nico Scheepers besorg, die Gehoorgunstelingtoekenning gewenbyAardklop en het ook
by Stellenbosch se Woordfees 2025 aan Wilhelmdie BesteEenmanvertoning besorg.
Diestorielyn is een van enorme ontnugtering, moedige en verwarrende verwerking, kliefendeverwerping en diepe selfondersoek.
Seun word op 1Mei 2026 om 13:00 in die Oase Oudotoriumopgevoer. Virmeer inligtingen VIP kaartjies, kontak Soria Swart by 082 684 4350.
BEDERF jouma, ouma of tante met'n kaartjie na dieMoedersdag Damestee wat op 9Mei by Arabest op Despatch gaan plaasvind
Die damestee dien as fondsinameling tenbate van 'n Kariegapaartjie, Ian Rudman en Eileen Cronje. Hulle is albeiin2025 metkankergediagnoseer.
Rudman en Cronje was saam op skool. Hulle was matriekleerdersin 2020 by dieHoërskoolBrandwag.
Die damestee gaan 'n Tjhoko demonstrasie, gasspreker, lekkereetgoed en stalletjiesinsluit.
Dit salopSaterdag, 9Mei om 14:00 by Arabest plaasvind.
Kaartjiesisbeperk en beloop R200 perpersoon
Besigheidseienaarskan hulle produkte bemarkdeur pamflette wat op diedag uitgedeelsal word of deur skenkingstemaak virdie gelukkige trekkings
Vir kaartjies, donasies, skenkings en meer inligting, kontak Lizette by 084 496 2123 of Karenby081 399 8521.
CREDIBLE & RELIABLE SERVICES
MAMA ANGELA
-Broken relationship & marriage -Bring back lost lover -Financial problems -Job promotion -Unfinished job -Drinking &drug addicts -Spirit of depression & anxiety Call/Whatsapp 073 493 7295
GESOEK
LIQUIDATIONAND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT IN DECEASEDESTATELYING FOR INSPECTION
Estate Late JOAN ALICE
TERBLANCHE, Identity Number: 641202 0092 08 7,born 02 December 1964, Unmarried, of 13 SAFFERY STREET, HUMANSDORP, EASTERN CAPE, 6300. Estate Number: 001656/2025.
Noticeisherebygiven, in terms of Section 35(5) of the Administration of Estates Act, No. 66 of 1965,that copies of the First andFinal Liquidation and Distribution Accountinthe above-mentioned estate will lie open forinspection by all interested parties fora period of 21 days from the date of publication hereof at the offices of the Master of the High Court, PortElizabeth andthe Magistrate's Office, Humansdorp
Shouldnoobjection be lodged with the relevantMasterduringthe stipulated period,the executor shall proceed with payments in accordancewith the account.
JL VAN WYK
LIKWIDASIE-EN
DISTRIBUSIEREKENING IN BESTORWEBOEDEL WATTER INSAE Lê
Boedel wyle PastoorDaniël
TheodorusEdward Nell
Identiteitsnommer: 371004 5024 08 1,gebore4
Oktober1937enoorlede 29 Oktober 2025 van 37 Bushwillowstraat, Jeffreysbaai, Oos-Kaap.Boedelnr 6674/2025.
Kennis geskied hiermee, kragtens Artikel 35(5) van die Wet op die Administrasie van Boedels, nr.66van 1965, dat afskrifte van dieEerste
JACOBUS STEFANUS GERICKE
In die boedel vanwyle JACOBUS STEFANUS GERICKE, Identiteitsnr. 580628 5016 08 0, gebore op 28 Junie 1958, buite gemeenskapvan goed getroud, vanHuisFormosa Joubertina.Boedelnr 000475/2026. Alle persone met vorderinge teen bogemelde boedel moet ditbinne 30 daevanaf datumvan publikasie hiervan by diebetrokke Eksekuteur inlewer CW MALANJOUBERTINA INGELYF Prokureursvir Eksekuteur Olivierstraat 8 Posbus5 Joubertina 6410 Tel 042 2731300
BOEDELS: LIKWIDASIE EN DISTRIBUSIE 4205
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE Rugby vir Jesus-projek is Saterdag (21 Maart) terug op Jeffreysbaai wanneer
Terence Gibbon gaanprobeer om syeie wêreldrekord vir die aantal opsitte in drie minute te verbeter. Sy rekord staan tans op 185 opsitte.
Terence gaan sy aanslag om 10:00 in die BaptisteKerk maak waar hy groot ondersteuning verwag. Hy hou reeds die wêreldrekordvan 305 opsitte in vyf minute. Die rekords word deurdie GuinnessBook of WorldRecords en die Elite World Records erken.
Na Terence se poging word ’n fondsinsameling gehou ten bate vandie 7th Heaven-kinderhuis op die dorp.Hygaan daarna sy geloofsgetuienislewer.
Terence sê dis ’n wonderwerk dat hy leef.
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DAAR is trane en verslaendheid op Jeffreysbaai nadat ’n gebrek aan borgskappedrie jong gewigoptellers se drome verpletterhet.
Lumar Karolse, Theolien Ruiters enJunique Windvogel moes aan die Suid-Afrikaanse jeug en junior-spanonttrek word wat van 27 April tot 2Mei aan die Statebondspele in Samoa deelneem omdat'npoging om fondse in te samel niks opgelewer het nie.
“Dis hartverskeurend om die teleurstelling op my lifters se gesigte te sien.Ekkan dink hoe gebrokehulle moet voel. Onshet gebid, gesmeekenalles probeer vir borgskappeuit die Kouga-streek om die drie talentvolle lifters internasionaal te laat deelneem.
“Niks het egter vir ons uitgewerk nie. In my lang loopbaanasafrigterwas dit die donkerste uurinmylewe om hulle mee te deel dathulle niekan saam reisSamoa toenie,” sê die afrigter,PieterPretorius.
Hy sê die gebrek aan geleenthede om internasionaal te kan deelneem kan virhulledemotiverend wees en hullelaat twyfel aan hul vermoëns
“Vir my as afrigter om hulle gemotiveerd te houismoeilik,maar ek herinner hulle aan hulvordering, fokus op hul sterkpunteenstel bereikbare doelwitte
“Onsvier klein oorwinnings enbeklemtoon die belangrikheid van persoonlike groei,” sê hy Hy sê sy lifters druk dikwels hulfrustrasie uit,voel vasgekeer en wonder of hul harde werk die moeitewerd is.“Sommigeisnaby aan tou opgee, maar ons probeerfokusopdie groter prentjie en die liefde vir diesport,” sê hy DieSuid-Afrikaanse Gewigoptelfederasiehet nouvoorgestel datdie Kouga-deelnemers nou eerder fokus op Afrika-kampioenskappevan 5tot 13 Oktober in Algerië omdat dit Pretorius-hulle meer tyd sal gee om fondse in te samel.
“Ek kom uit ’n baiemorsigeagtergrond
Ek was 40 jaar lank verslaaf aan drank en 20jaar lank aan harde dwelms. Daar was ook oor diejare baiesake teen my vir dronk bestuur en aanranding,maar Jesus het my hiervan verlos.
“Ek het in 2022 by Andrew Johnson se Rugby vir Jesus-projek aangesluit en is nou deel van’ngroot groep oud-rugbyspelers wat dieHeredien en Christeliketoesprake lewer.Dis wonderlik om ’n tweede kans in die lewe te kry
“Vir die res van my lewe is Jesus my álles. Ek is geseënd om Hom in my lewe te hê,” sê Terence.
Terence versoek Kouga-inwoners om alle ongebruikte klerevir diefondsinsameling teskenk.
“Daaristans 16 kinders in diekinderhuis wat geen fondsevan diestaat ontvang nie. Ons hoop en biddat diefondsinsameling groot verligting virhulle sal bring.”
HANNESSCHOEMAN
DIE JBay Dolphins-krieketspanhet hul beste vir laaste gelos toe hulle die jaarlikse Pynappel-toernooi by Port Alfred met ’n oortuigendeoorwinning afgesluit het
Die Dolphins was een van dieuitstaande spanne by dietoernooi en was vir drama en ’n rekordvertoning verantwoordelik.
In die laaste wedstrydvan dietoernooi het die Jeffreysbaai-manne Cathcart met ’nallemintige 213 lopies geklop. Hulle hetinhul toegelate 50 boulbeurte 471/8 aangeteken waarop Cathcart tot net 258 lopies beperk is.
Danie van Wyk was die groot uitblinker met ’n skitterende 126.
Dit het veertien viere en negesesse ingesluit. Sy lopies het van net 48 balle gekom.
Louisvan Dykhet ook ’n honderdtal aangeteken. Hy het twaalf viere en ’n ses geslaan.
Ander waardevolle bydraes het gekom van Leon Bothma (57), Digby Beyleveld (56) en Luciano Arries (52)
Die toernooi het met groot drama begininJBay se wedstrydteen Owls van dieBaai
Ruan Thomas,wat ook dievoorsitter vandie klub is, het ’n bal agterna gesit om ’n grenshou te keer, maar met’n
desperate poging om diebal af te sny het hy sleg geval en sy skouerbeen gebreek Wat daarna gebeur het,het diegroot besprekingspunt geword. Ruanhet later in groot pyn na diekolfkampiegestap om te gaan kolf.
Hy het egtervasgebyt vir20lopies wat ’n reuse-ses en tweegrenshoue ingesluit het Vir diédapperstap het hy bewondering van al diedeelnemendespanne en toeskouers gekry wat sy waagmoed geprys het
Dit was ’n trotse JBay-span wat huiswaarts gekeer het en daar word reeds planne beraam virvolgendejaar se toernooi
Twazi, Corney de Klerk,Ruan Thomas,Juanvan Niekerk,LeonBothma, JoahnCairncross,enZaneWoodland. FOTO:VERSKAF