PHOTO: WERNER NORTIER
FloodsbatterKouga,Kou-Kammafarmingcommunities
RAZAANPLAATJIES
FARMING communities in the Langkloof and Gamtoos Valley are continuing to count the cost of widespread flood damage and ongoing road infrastructure challenges followingrecent severe weather conditions in the EasternCape.
The collapse of asection of theR62 between Kareedouw and Joubertina has createdmajor logistical and financial difficulties for farmers transporting produce to export markets.
According to Rey Rademeyer, chairman of the Langkloof Farmers Association based in Louterwater, many farmers have experienced major damage to their farming properties.
Rademeyer said the biggest challenge at present is the impact that damage to asection of theR62, referred to in the farming community as “containerdraai”, has had on travel time.
“Farmers from Joubertina and surrounding areas whoneed to transport produce to the Port of Gqeberha for export are now required to travelanadditional 600km through George before heading to theport,” said Rademeyer.
He said that this has come with great financial implications with the increase in diesel prices.
“It has cost farmers acombined total of approximatelyR350,000 aday to transport produce to the Port of Gqeberha, with between 25 and 35 containers travelling the route daily,” said Rademeyer
Apart from transportation difficulties, he said that farmers have also experienced varying levels of damage to their farms, with some reporting minor damage and others severe damage.
Rademeyer further said that restoration of the farms could cost millions of rands.
While Rademeyer is adeciduous fruit farmer,hesaid the affected road is also used to transport many other types of produce.
He further said that the road closure has affected access for ambulances and other emergency services, while shops in the area have battled to stock essential items.
According to Rademeyer, the farmers' association is currently in discussions with South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) regarding repairs to the road, which is expected to reopen on 10 June.
SANRAL first confirmedon 7May that the affected section of the R62 hadbeen closed following thecollapse of the road between Kareedouw andJoubertina At the time, SANRAL advised motorists to usethe alternative route via theN2to the Western Cape.
On 14 May, the SANRAL spokesperson, Lwando Mahlasela, said aninitial meetinghad been held with engineers and that asurveyor would first need to determine the extent of the wash-away before afull assessment couldbecompleted.
“The whole road had beenwashed away, and the wash-away was about 8m to 10m deep and needed to be reinstated,” said Mahlasela.
He further said the road would remain closed until the initial assessment had been completedand that time frames would be determined duringthe assessmentprocess.
The impact of the flooding has also been severe in the Gamtoos Valley.
Grewar Oosthuizen, deputy chairman of AgriGamtoos AgriculturalAssociation, saidwhen the Kouga Dam began flood-
ing in less than 18 hours, the Groot River flowing out of the Karoo wasalready flooded.
“Soon theGamtoos Riverwas alsoflooded,and it became apparent that people had to evacuate,” saidOosthuizen.
He said about five farm owners and approximately 200 farm workershad to evacuate
Oosthuizensaidthat thankfully,the farm workerswerewell taken care of by thelocal churches and the farmers,and have since returned home and started cleaning up theflood damage
He said another major challenge was that thevalley had no electricity and that roads had been closed,withsome of the main gravel roads washing away Oosthuizensaid the farmingcommunity began repairingroads to makethem temporarily operational so that residents could regain access to towns and farmers could reach theirpackhouses. “Thankfully, this process is about 80% complete,” said Oosthuizen.
He said emergency repairs to roadswere carriedout by farmers themselves,who often had to rent large machinery to clean up affectedareas
Oosthuizen saidfarmers arenow compilinga report for the relevant state department in the hopeofbeing refunded for repair work carriedout on state roads. He added that while several areas had been cutoff from electricityfor some time,Eskomwas still working towards restoring power to the Andrieskraal and Cambriaareas.
AccordingtoOosthuizen, an initial high-leveldamage estimate indicates that at least 20% of the 18.6 million citrus cartons intended for exportwereaffectedby thefloods, amounting to approximately 3.7 million cartons.
He said each carton is valued at about R190
In addition to the citrus losses, Oosthuizensaid there had also been damage to infrastructure and vegetable crop farms, with some farms losing up to 80% of their crops.
“On average, we estimate atotal of R1.5 billion in damage,” saidOosthuizen.
He saiditremains difficult to fully assess the extent of the damage because farmers still do not know how orchardsthat were completely submerged will recover Oosthuizen said the valleystretches from the Gamtoos Rivertothe Baviaanskloof,coveringapproximately 50km of farmingland.
He saidthat while some farmers escaped damage,otherssufferedsevere losses. “Thereiscurrentlya lot of focus on getting the roadsworking again andcontinuingtomop up the damage caused to farms to identify the full extent of thedamage,” saidOosthuizen.
“Thankfully, thefarmers arequiteresilient.”
Earlier this month,the Eastern Cape Department of Transport described the collapseofthe R62asthe most significant road infrastructure damagerecorded due to ongoing adverse weather conditions in theprovince.
MECfor TransportXolile Nqatha previouslysaidthe collapseofthe R62was likely to havefar-reaching economic implicationsfor farming communities in Joubertina andKareedouw,whoseproduce supports both domestic and export markets.
Humansdorp: Repeat robber jailed20years
BRADLEY Mafomi (20) hasbeensentenced by the Humansdorp RegionalCourton15 May 2026 to five years’ directimprisonment for robbery with aweaponother than afirearm, and 15 years’directimprisonment for robbery with aggravatingcircumstances, following two violent robberies targetingfemale victims in the Humansdorp area.
He was further declaredunfit to possess
afirearm
According to police spokesperson, CaptainMariusMcCarthy,inthe first incident, the 18-year-old victim was walking with friends when the accused approached them with aknife, searchedthroughtheir pockets, andtooktheir phones. McCarthysaidthe accused was arrested on 12 September 2025 and made his first appearance in court on 2October2025.
He was released on bail on 25 October 2025, but four days later committedanother robbery, forcibly taking the cellphone of a26-year-old womaninHumansdorp.
“He was arrested the followingday and remained in custodyuntil the conclusion of the trialand sentencingon15May 2026,” said McCarthy
TheActing SarahBaartman District Commissioner, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo,
praisedthe work of the investigatingofficers
“This15-yeardirectimprisonment sentence is atestamenttothe relentless efforts of ourinvestigating officers, whobuilt airtight cases,”saidNaidoo
“Bytaking this violent individualoff the streets without the option of afineora suspendedsentence, we have made ourcommunity safertoday.”
A sectionofthe R62has collapsed.
Damageto farmarea in the Gamtoos Valley PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
FloodsleavehistoricGamtoosFerryHotelinruins
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
THE owners of Gamtoos Ferry Hotel are facing the devastating task of rebuilding after severe flooding caused extensive damage to the historic property earlier thismonth.
TheGamtoos Valley was among theworsthitareas after the KougaMunicipality issued an urgentevacuation order for the area on 7May when the Kouga Dam exceeded full capacity and began spilling.
Theevacuation followed the South African Weather Service’s Level 8warning fordisruptive raininthe Kouga andKou-Kamma areas.
Co-owner AnnetteHerselmansaidthey received an alerton8May at about 15:00 warning that flooding was moving towardsthe Gamtoos Valley as water overflowedfrom theKouga Dam and surrounding catchment areas.
“From 15:00 to about 18:00, we hadabout 10 people travel to the hotel with atruck whothen helped to load as muchfurniture as possible onto the truck and as quicklyas possible,” said Annette.
She said staff members hadalready been sent home earlier that week as aprecaution aheadofthe expected heavy rainfall.
According to Annette, they were informed at about20:00 that they neededtoleavethe area before the Gamtoos RiverBridgewas submerged.
“Thiswould then prevent us fromleaving the areaifthe bridge were underwater,” said Annette.
She said the situation became increasingly difficult as the hotel hadnoelectricity during theevacuation efforts, and by 18:00, theystopped loading the truckasithad becometoo dark to seeclearly.
Annette said the floodwaters began rising rapidly from 20:00 and reachedtheir highest pointatabout 03:00 on 9May beforeeventuallybeginning to subside
“At this point it is very difficult to say what the extent of the damage isaswehave to wait forthe water to dryupcompletely,” said Annette.
“Inthe meantime, we have continued to remove all furniture and cleanupthe water and mud.”
Annette said they wouldonly be able to meet with an assessor once everything had
dried sufficiently.
Thankfully, the Gamtoos River Bridgehas since reopened,allowing travel to and from the area.
Annette said the last major floodtoaffect the hotel occurred in the 1970s, but described the recent flood as farworse.
Annette and her husband, Roy, tookownership of thehotelinApril 2023, and had since expanded the property significantly
“Duringthistime, we have built awedding venue, restaurant and additionalrooms,” said Annette.
“All of thishas been destroyed, and we have to start over again.”
Fornow,Annette said that the focus remainsonrecoveryefforts.
“At the moment, our priority is to geteverything dry and clean. Thereafter, we will workongetting back on our feet,”saidAnnette
“Wewillworkoneachsection and then continue from there.”
Annette said it wasstilltoo early to determinewhenthe hotelwould fullyreopen, althoughthey hoped to reopen part of the property withinapproximately three months.
Thedisaster has also affected the hotel's employees, with Annette confirming that staffmembershad to be let go temporarily while the business works to recover.
Shedescribed the experience as emotionally overwhelming.
“The floodand damagetothe hotel are a veryemotionaland verytragicprocess. It is aheartbreaking experience, and Ifeel hopeless because we have lost everything,” said Annette
“Wehavebeen working forthree years to build thisand now we are trying our best to get everything together.”
In the meantime, the hotelisarrangingfor functions to be transferred to nearby venues untilit can host events again.
Despite the devastation, Annette said the supportfrom the community has brought some comfort, with many feeling their pain.
“The community has been veryhelpful, andwehavehad alot of peopleoffer their assistance following the flood,”she said
“Weare verythankful forall the assistancewehave received thus far, including that from Kouga ExecutiveMayor Hattingh Bornman.”
KougaCouncilmovestounlockfundingafterfloods
ATaSpecial Council Meeting heldon14 May, Kouga Local Municipalityapproved urgent resolutions aimed at unlocking disaster relief funding following the devastating floods that battered theregion between5 and 11 May2026 andcaused an estimated R170.3 million in damage to municipal infrastructure.
According to astatement released by the municipality,the Council officially noted the submission made on 11 May to theSarah Baartman District Municipality requesting the declaration of aLocal State of Disaster for the Kouga municipal area after severe flooding caused widespread damage to municipal infrastructure, roads, homes, electrical networks and essential services.
The Council further resolved that the Sarah Baartman DistrictMunicipalitybe requested, in terms of Section 41ofthe Disaster Management Act57of2002, to submit theresolution to the Provincial Disaster ManagementCentre for gazetting and escalationtothe National Disaster Management Centre
The municipality indicated that the Flood Report covering the period from 5 to 11 May 2026, detailing the extensive damage, recommendations, and financial implications, was also formally noted by Council.
Kouga ExecutiveMayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the municipalityfaced enormous financial pressure following the floods, with roads,electrical infrastructure, bridges, stormwater systems, buildings, and other critical municipal infrastructure sustaining extensive damage.
“Initial high-level assessments place the estimated repair costs at approximately R170.3 million (excluding VAT).
Thesefigures arebased on preliminary visual assessments, andthe final costs mayincrease as detailed technical investigations continue,”said Bornman
“The municipality simply does nothave thefinancial capacity to absorb damage of thismagnitude within its existing budget.The declaration of aLocalState of Disaster is therefore crucialtounlock provincial andnational disaster funding needed to restore infrastructure andassist affected communities.”
The severe flooding followed days of intense rainfall associated with acut-off low-pressure system overthe Eastern Cape.
Between 5and 7May 2026, the South African Weather Serviceissued an Orange Level 8warning for disruptive rainfall, cautioning residents aboutwidespread flooding,overflowing rivers andinfrastructure damage.
According to the municipality, in some areas more than 100mmofrain fell within ashort period, overwhelming stormwater systemsand causing rivers to burst their banks across the Kouga region.
The municipality indicated thatone of themajor contributing factors to the disasterwas the rapid rise of the Kouga Dam, which reportedly surged fromapproximately 40% capacitytoabove 100% withinhours, driven by heavy inflows.
By 7May 2026, the damhad exceeded capacity, prompting emergency warningsand evacuation notices for residents
living alongthe Gamtoos River and downstream flood-prone areas.
Themunicipality said that among the hardest-hit communities were Hankey, Patensie, Loerie,Thornhill, Gamtoos Mouth, Sea Vista,Oyster Bay, Humansdorp (KwaNomzamo andKruisfontein) andpartsofJeffreys Bay, wherefloodwaters inundated homesand informal structures, forcing families to flee to temporary shelters andcommunity halls.
In Hankey,several homes were flooded, andfamilies hadtobeevacuated to the Vusumzi Landu Hall, while ongoing floodwaters anddamaged access routes delayed further assessments
At Kingsway in Gamtoos Mouth, 46 residents hadtobeevacuated after rising floodwaters threatened homes and surrounding properties.
The municipality indicated that Sea Vista’sinformal settlement area was among the worst affected, with widespreadflooding impacting vulnerable households.
In KwaNomzamoand Kruisfontein, numerous informal structures were flooded andhad their roofs ripped off by strong winds, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 35 families.
Thornhill andLoerie also experienced severe flooding, with multiple structures inundated andapproximately 40 people movedtotemporary shelters.
Some22families from Loeriewereaccommodated at the Loerie Community Hall.
In Jeffreys Bay, approximately 15 families were evacuated to thePellsrus Community Hall.
“The disaster has had adevastating impact on many vulnerable residents, particularly thoselivinginlow-lying and informal settlement areas,”said Bornman.
“Families lost homes, belongings, and in some cases access to essential services. Many residents had to be evacuated under extremely difficult conditions as floodwatersrose rapidly.”
Themunicipality indicated that preliminaryestimates suggest approximately 100 emergency housing structures may be required to assist displaced households, with around R400,000 needed for emergency housing interventions and immediate relief efforts.
“Priority would be given to infrastructure posing immediate risks to public safety, as well as areas where further deterioration could result in additional damage during futureweather events,” saidBornman.
“The municipality remains committed to restoring services, supporting affected residents, and working with provincial and national government to secure the necessaryresources for recoveryand rehabilitation.”
Bornman praised emergency teams, municipal officials, disaster management personnel, volunteers and residents, who worked tirelessly throughout the crisis.
“Our emergency services, disaster management teams,rescue organisations and municipal workers displayed extraordinarycommitment under extremely difficult conditions. Theirdedication helped save lives, protect property, and support vulnerable residentsduringthisdisaster,” said Bornman.
The Gamtoos FerryHotel flooded earlier this month.
The Gamtoos FerryHotel following therecent flood.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
KougainvitespubliccommentondraftProblemBuildingBy-Law
RESIDENTS and stakeholders
across Kouga are invited to comment on the draft Kouga Local Municipality Problem Building By-Law,aimedatimproving public safety,protectingvulnerable occupants, and addressing neglected and unsafe buildings across the region.
The draft by-law was published in accordancewith Section 12(3), read withSection 21 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), and is now available for public inspection on the municipal website and at municipal offices.
The proposed by-law will apply across the entire Kouga municipal area, including Jeffreys Bay,
Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, CapeStFrancis,OysterBay, Hankey, Loerie, Patensie, Thornhill and surrounding rural areas
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the by-law formed part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to creating safer, healthier, and more sustainablecommunities.
“Problem buildings notonly pose serious health andsafety risks to occupantsand neighbouring properties, but they can also contribute to urbandecay, criminal activity, and declining communitywell-being,” he said.
“This draft by-law will provide the municipality witha clear legal framework to proactively identify and address unsafe,
abandoned, hijacked, or neglected buildings, while ensuring thatall actions are implementedfairly andwithin the framework of the Constitution.”
The main objectivesofthe bylaw include ensuring thatall buildings andstructures are maintained in astructurally sound, safe andhabitablecondition, in line with national building regulationsand municipal standards.
Theby-law also seeks to establish aproactive inspection and enforcement framework to enable the municipality to take appropriateaction where buildings pose risks to public health, safety and welfare.
Bornman said the municipal-
ity also wanted to ensure that the rights and dignityofvulnerableoccupantswere protected throughout any intervention process.
“Werecognise that some occupants of problem buildings may be vulnerable persons whorequire protection and fair treatment.The by-lawtherefore places strong emphasis on procedural fairness and compliance with the constitutional right to access adequate housing,” he said Another keyfocus of theproposed legislation is combating unlawful occupation, building hijackings, and exploitativemanagement practices that negatively impact residents and surrounding neighbourhoods.
‘ThisAbility’filmtrailer receives strong support
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
JEFFREYS Bay filmmaker, Vicki
Fourie, is preparing to take her short crime thriller ThisAbility to local and internationalfilm festivals following the release of thefilm’s official trailer, which has already generated strong public interest and supportfrom members of the d/Deaf community.
The film, which was shot in Jeffreys Bay after Fouriesecured a prestigious National Film and VideoFoundation(NFVF) grant in 2025, follows the story of Abongile,aDeaf teenager who witnesses amurder inside South Africa’s violent taxi underworld and is forced to fight for survival.
Fourie said the reactiontothe trailer has been overwhelmingly positive
“The response so far has been incredibly encouraging. I’ve receivedmessages of excitement, support and pride from friends, industry colleagues, fellow creatives and members of the d/ Deaf and disability communities, with many saying theycannot wait to see the full film,” said Fourie.
“It has been very humbling and exciting to witness the enthusiasm already building around the film in such ashort time.”
Filming took placeinJeffreys Bay over four days in October last year, withlocations including local taxiranks and awarehouse on Vlakteplaas.
The film stars Xabi Ndodana, as Abongile, and Fiks Mahola, as Mandla, while Fourieherself portrays Patricia, the leader of the taxi syndicate featured in
the film.
According to Fourie, one of the main aims of ThisAbility wasto challenge traditionalportrayals of Deaf characters on screen.
“I believe that the film’smessage is resonating with audiences already. Even from the early reactions to the trailer, many people have responded not only to the suspenseand emotion of the story, but also to the fact that the Deaf protagonistisportrayed as strong, capable and central to the narrative rather than being defined by limitation,” said Fourie.
She further said the film seeks to move away from narratives centred on pity.
“ThisAbility is not about asking
audiences to feel pity;itisabout shifting perspectiveand showing that Deafness can exist alongside strength, intelligence, resilience and power,” said Fourie
She added that she hopes the film will encouragebroader conversations within the South African film industry around representation and inclusive casting.
“I hope ThisAbility will encourage the South African film industry to think more broadly and moreinclusively about casting, representationand the kindsof roles d/Deaf performers are allowed to inhabit,”said Fourie.
“Too often, d/Deaf characters are either absent from mainstream storytelling or portrayed only through narratives centred
on struggle or pity.”
Although Fourie hadoriginally hoped to castaDeafactress in the lead role,she said theproduction was unable to find the right performerduring thecasting process.
She said that theteamworked carefully to ensure theportrayal remained respectfuland authentic.
At the same time,Fourie also appearsinthe film as aDeafperformer,with her characternot framed around her Deafness.
She saidthatshe was simply “part of the world of thestory”
“That balance was importantto me because trueinclusionmeans allowing d/Deafperformersto play complex, human rolesbe-
“This by-lawisnot onlyabout enforcement,but it is also about restoring dignity, improving living conditions, supporting sustainable human settlements, and protecting communities from unsafeand exploitative conditions,” Bornman added.
Residents, businesses, organisations and interested parties are encouraged to submit written commentstoNico Lappert,Building Control, KougaLocal Municipality, 16 WoltemadeStreet, Jeffreys Bay,orvia email at nlappert@kouga.gov.za.
Allsubmissions must be made in writingand must clearlystate thename and contact details of theperson or organisation submittingthe comment or objection.
yondstereotypes or limitations,” said Fourie
She further confirmed that submissions to film festivals are currently underway both locally andinternationally.
“InSouth Africa, Iamtargeting prominent local film festivals andindustry platforms that celebrate independent cinemaand diverse storytelling. In theUnited States, thefocusisonmajor international festivals,respected independent film showcases, genre festivals,and disability-focused festivals that highlight inclusivestorytellingand representation,” said Fourie.
She addedthatthe film would alsobesubmittedtofestivals in Europe,Canada, Australia and SouthAmerica.
Fourie said that thegoal is to position ThisAbility on platforms that notonlyappreciate cinematic quality, butalsoembrace accessibility,diversityand authentic representation.
While earlier plansincluded thepossibility of alocal premiere in JeffreysBay, she said that this would no longerbepossible followingher relocation to theUnited Statesbeforethe completion of thefilm
However,she said theKouga communityremainedanimportantpartofher creative journey
“JeffreysBay andthe Kouga communitywill always remain ameaningfulpartofmyjourney as both awriter andfilmmaker,” said Fourie
“I filmedand built so much of my creative career there, so even from abroad, it meansa great deal to share this milestone with thecommunitythatsupported me for manyyears.”
Looking ahead, Fourie said she hopedtosecure larger-scale financing for future film and documentaryprojects exploring identity,culture, migration and social issues affecting SouthAfricans.
“I wanttocontinue creating work that is emotionally honest, visually powerful andable to sparkmeaningful conversations both locally andinternationally,” said Fourie
She alsoencouragedother d/ Deafand hard-of-hearing creativestocontinue pursuingopportunities within thefilm industry
“Do notallow societytodefine yourlimits for you.Being d/Deaf or hard of hearing doesnot make yourstoriesless valuable.In manyways,itgives you aunique way of seeing andexperiencing theworld that can bring something powerful andoriginalto film, writing andstorytelling,” said Fourie
Fiks MaholaasMandla.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
VickiFourie as Patricia.
WhythenewLDVD90makessenseforSASUVbuyers
IS the LDVD90 just anotherChinese SUVenteringthe South African market?
With an increasing number of newmodels and brandslaunching locally, someconsumers may be experiencing ‘newmodel fatigue.’But greater competition ultimately benefits buyers by expanding choice and driving price competitiveness across the segment.
Despitethe growing varietyofoptionsavailable,the D90 stands out in LDV’slineup,not simplybecause itisthe brand’s onlySUV in aportfoliobetter known forbakkiesand commercial vehicles,but also becauseitdelivers strong value in the full-size7-seater category. Often pricedbelowestablishedrivals, it offersa compelling mix of space, capabilityand features thatpositionsit as aseriouscontender in itssegment.
Localreviews have praisedthe D90 forits high, commanding driving position, spaciousinterior and strong on-roadpresence, as well as beinga well-built solidcar thatisbig in everyrespect.
TheD90 is currentlysoldunderslightly differentnames in India, the Middle East, China and Australia. Reviewsfromthese regionsconsistently highlightits strong valueproposition,its spacious cabinand practicalthird-row seating making it well-suited to largerfamilies. International reviewershavealso noted thatitoffers acomfortable highwayride, well-suited, to long-distancetravel.
More recent updateshaveintroducedimproved interior qualityand enhanced technology,contributing to amorerefineddriving experience thatfeels easier to handle than expected Overall, the latest cabin redesign hassignificantly addedtothe vehicle’sperceived upmarketand premium feel.
Fortunately forSouth Africanconsumers, the D90availablelocallybenefits from aseries of faceliftsand enhancements,reflecting the most recent updatestothe model’sdesign, technology and overall refinement. The D90Flag-
ship is pricedfromR899,900and is backed by a 5-year/200,000kmmechanicalwarranty and a 5-year/100,000kmserviceplan, underlining LDV’s confidenceinits long-term reliability.
The LDVD90 is afull-sized seven-seater SUV thatcombinesrobustperformancewith refined comfortand advanced technology,offering a rangeoffeaturestypicallyreserved forhigher-specvariants of competing models. This vehiclehas proper,not crossover, SUV capabilities built on aladder-frame platform, similar to that of bakkie-based SUVs.Ithas astrong,boldlook, complementedbyanassertive grille design and modern LED headlights,with exterior colour choicesincluding MetalBlack,Metal Ash, Natural WhiteorSpruce Green.
The interior features electricallyadjustable frontseats,with the driver’sseatequipped with lumbar support, massageand heating functions as standard AkeysellingpointoftheD90isitsdieselperformance, poweredbya2.0-litretwin-turbodiesel engineproducing 160kWand 500Nmoftorque, paired with an 8-speed automatictransmission.
The Flagship features selectable 4WD with Low Range, plus front, centre,and rear differential locks –afullthree-lockoff-roadsystemthatrivals farpricier SUVs.Drivers canselect from multiple drive modes, including Sport, Normal and Eco, and the D90 Flagship cantow abrakedtrailer of up to 3,100kg, making it aformidablechoice forthosewho need genuine real-worldcapability. It rideson 20-inchdiamond-cutalloywheels. Despite itsvalue-focusedpositioning,the D90 Flagship offersfeaturestypicallyfound in more premium SUVs. These include dual 12.3-inch digital display screens thatprovide afullyintegrated driverand infotainmentinterface, Bluetooth connectivity,dualwireless charging pads, adaptive cruise control, apower-operated rear liftgate,a12-speakerJBL premium sound system, a360-degree surround-view camerasystemand a panoramicsunroof
Thisvehicle has astrong bold look, complemented by an assertivegrille design andmodernLED headlights, with exteriorcolour choicesincluding MetalBlack, Metal Ash, Natural WhiteorSpruce Green. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
Safety equipmentisalso comprehensive, with six airbags,automatic emergency braking,lane keepassist,blindspotmonitoring,rearcross-traffic alert, and electronicstabilitycontrol all included as standard. The LDVD90 deliversa combinedfuelconsumption figure of 9.1L/100km and amaximum speedof175km/h. This SUVreallyisthe full package–comfort, capability, and practicalityand valueall in one –and, backed by a5-starANCAP safety rating, it couldwell be amarketdisruptor within South Africa’s SUV segment Formoreinformation, go to www.ldvsouthafrica.co.za
VisitLDVHumansdorptoday
Readytoexperiencethese exceptionalvehicles foryourself? The team at LDVHumansdorp is standing by to help youfind the perfect matchfor your needsand discuss the flexible financing options available
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Don’tmissthis opportunitytodiscover whyLDV vehicles arebecoming the smart choice fordiscerning drivers.Contact Kolieand the team todaytoarrangeyourtest drive.Yournextadventure starts at LDV Humansdorp
Terryse300sek.omspanbySA’stekry
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE Jeffreysbaaier Terence Gibbon, wat deesdae naam maak met wêreldrekords in opsitte, gaan sy pogingsnou aanwend om geldintesamel sodat Pellsrus se gewigoptellers hulle slag by die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskappe kan gaan wys.
Sy eerste poging is Saterdag(23 Mei) by Ruan’s Gymopdie strandfront waar hy gaan poog om sy eierekord van 305 opsitte binnevyf minute te verbeter. Hiermee hoop Gibbonomdie span se reis- en verblyfkoste te dek vir die SA kampioenskappe op 4Julie in Johannesburg.
“Hierdie kindersisdie ware helde,” sê Gibbon.
“Ons het 11-jariges soos Ruwellyn ‘Pocket Hercules’Bantom wat 102kg bymekaarsit. Hulle doenelke week die onmoontlike. Ek kan darem 300 sekondes se ongemak verduur sodat hulle hulkanskry.
“Ons leerons lifters om voluit te gaan wan-
Agter,van links is LumarKarolse(verdedigendeSA o.14-kampioen), Marlon Matthews, Junique Windvogel, Terence Gibbon, Lunay Booysen,Pieter Pretorius (afrigter) en voor,Kenneth Mandeka FOTO: VERSKAF
neerdit tel,” sê Gibbon.
“Saterdag is my beurt. Hulle lig die gewig.Ek vat die pyn.Asmy300 sekondes hulle op daai platform kry, is dit die moeite werd,”sêhy.
Die hoofafrigter, Pieter Pretorius, sê die klub
loop op deursettingsvermoë, niebegroting nie.
“Talent is nie die probleem nie. Fondse is. Dat Terry so instaan wys wat gemeenskap beteken. Hy lig hulle op sonder om aan ’n gewig te vat.”
Pellsrus se gewigoptellers is reeds ’n Kouga-kragbron, ten spytevan beperkte hulpbronne.
Die klub het onlangs sy derde lifter in die elite “Klub 100” verwelkom. Tog bly die reis na die nasionale kampioenskappe die grootste struikelblok vir gesinne.
“Ons vra nie aalmoese nie,” sê Pretorius. “Ons vra die gemeenskap om moeite met moeite te rugsteun. Terry verdien elke sent met elke sit-up.”
Die amptelike wêreldrekordpogingisoop vir diepubliek.
Besighedeeninwonerskan peropsit borg of direk aan dieklub se kampioenskap-fonds skenk. Vir borgskappe en meerinligting, kontak Pieter Pretorius op 063 1332523.
LunaPaigebringmusiekproduksienaJeffreysbaai
LUNA Paige vertrek binnekort weeroptoeren DieReisigers, 'n musiekproduksie wat reeds gehorelandswydbekoor het, gaan 'n draai in Gqeberha en op Jeffreysbaai maak.
Die produksie is benoem vir Beste MusiekproduksiebyAardklop 2025 en hetgespeel by Woordfees(2025), KKNK (2026) en Suidoosterfees (2026).
Internasionaal het die werk reeds nuwe lewe gekry in Luna se Nederlandse produksie, Droomland. Terselfdertyd groei haar musikale momentum plaaslik,met radio- en televisiegehore watsterk aanklank gevindhet by haar vorige enkelsnitte, Rustyd &Herhaal en Die Oral.Haar derde enkelsnit, Die Lyf, wordin Junie vrygestel.
"Ek poog om die waarde van 'n betekenisvolle
verhouding tussen siel en liggaam uit te lig," sê Paige. "Ons samelew ing en sosiale media herinner ons daagliks aan hoe mooi, lelik, gesondofongesond ons liggame is, soveel so datons dikwels gesondheid met perfeksie verwar. My tyd langs die Caminohet my opnuut dankbaar gemaak vir 'n volledig funksionerende liggaam al was dit somshinkepink en all behalwe perfek."
DIARY|DAGBOEK
BasicFirstAid: All arewelcome to join andlearn the basics andknowhow to respondinanemergencyon23May,30 Mayor13JuneatOppiSpektrumCoffeeShopinthePoliclinic in Jeffreys Bay.WhatsApp Marleneon066 486 8611. SAARPJbaySocialClub: Whilemeetingsare normallyon thethirdThursdayofeachmonth,thenextwillbeheldon28 Mayatthe Bowls Club.Enjoy free teaand sandwiches from 09:15.New members(over50) areinvited to join. Formore info,contactmembership secretary CharmainePrinsloo on 066 550 8736 or Jacky Opperman on 083465 7071 Milkwood SaturdayMarket: Don’t miss the hand-made crafts,jewellery,décor items, wood crafteditems, clothing, treats,fresh vegetables,flowers, bottledproducts,second-hand items andmoreatthe market on 30 May, from 09:00 to 13:00(weatherpermitting). Attie will be on stage forliveentertainment. Themarket is locatedonthe GLA road next to Fountains Mall.
NiftyFiftiesPlusClub: Theclub forseniorsinJeffreys Bay will have ameeting on Friday, 5June at 09:30 at theMethodistChurch, oppositethe Caravan Park in Da GamaRoad. Theentrance is at 2Petunia Street.Come earlyand enjoya socialmorningwith tea andasandwich.Entry is R10.Qualify forluckydrawprizes andlistentoaguest speaker.Contact 083277 0088.
Jeffreys BayCar Boot Sale: Join the bargain hunt in Da GamaRoad,oppositethe caravanpark,from 08:00 to 13:00 on 6June.The entrance is at 2Petunia Street.ContactCorineat082 9222260
Dievollengte album Die Reisigers, grootliks geïnspireer deur PaigeseCamino-ervaring, wordinSeptember bekendgestel.
Voor Paigedie ateljee invaar om haar nuwe
ADVERTORIAL:COASTALHIREJEFFREYSBAY
AstonBayCommunityMarket:Don’tmissthemarketat AstonBay CommunityHall on 6June,from09:00 to 13:00 Comefindeverythingyouneedtomakeherfeeltrulyspecial. WhatsApp 082828 1899
voltooi, bring sy hi-
Restaurant Donderdag, 11 Junie. Die deure maak 17:30 vir aandete. Kaartjies
album te voltooi,bringsyhierdie eksklusiewe en intieme vertoning na gehoreindie Oos-Kaap en dieOverberg. Die toer gaan 'n draai maak by Unwind Tapa Bar en Restaurant op Jeffreysbaai op Donderdag,11Junie. Diedeure aak om 17:30 oop viraandete. jies is teen R180 by Quicket beskikbaar.Vir navrae, kontak Riaan by 082 416 3569.
Vir meer inligting,besoek: www.lunamusic co.za/shows
C-Fees: Maak regvir die NG Gemeente Jeffreysbaai se jaarlikse C-Fees op 20 Junie vanaf08:00bydie Kompleks-kampus.Dit beloof om ’n dag gevul metpret,plesier,stalletjiesen tonne lekker eetgoed te wees Friends of theLibrary: Fullyoperational on Wednesdays andFridays from 09:00 to 12:00. Alarge variety of booksin very good condition areavailableatvery lowprices in the NewtonHallinGoedehoopStreet.Allfundsgotowardsbuying booksfor the Jeffreys BayLibrary StFrancisAnglicanChurch: Thechurch on thecorner of St Francis andGoedehoop StreetsinJeffreys Bayinvites all to itsEucharistserviceevery Sundayat08:30
SendyourDiaryentriestokougaexpress@novusmedia. co.za.ThedeadlineforentriesisonTuesdaysat14:00 EntriesmaybeinEnglishorAfrikaans
CoastalHireopensnewJeffreysBaybranch
BUSINESSES,contractors,farmers and DIYenthusiastsinJeffreysBay nowhave access to awiderangeof brand-newequipmentfollowing the opening of Coastal Hire’snewestbranchin thetownearlier this month.
CoastalHireJeffreysBay officially openedits doorson4May 2026,becoming theeighthbranchopenedbythe Meiring familyinSouthAfrica
With yearsofexperienceinthe equipment hireindustry,the familyaims to providereliable service, expert advice and affordable hiring solutionstothe Kougacommunity Located at Shops1and 2A, FountainsEstate,Blaaukrans Street,the branchoffers alarge rangeofequipmentsuited to everyone from private individuals and DIYusers to contractors, businesses and large corporate companies
Hiring equipmentprovidesacost-effective alternative to buying expensivemachinery,particularly forshort-term or onceoff projects
Branchmanagers Francois deMan and Zania de Man bring extensive rience to the branch, having pr ouslymanagedaCoastal Hir branchinErmelo, Mpumalanga.Theyattributetheir every success to the grace of God.
Francois hasworkedfor CoastalHirefor 17 years, while Zania hasbeenwith the companyfor 13 years.
The branchalready employs driverHowardStompies, and is currentlylooking employatleast three additional local staff members to assist the managementteam.
Amongthe most popular equipmentare ladders, waterpumps, generators,mixers, carpet cleanersand compactors
The JeffreysBay branchalso plans to expand itsrangesoon with additional equipment, including sitetoilets,cherry pickersand aders.
All equipmentatthe branchisbrand newand undergoes serviceand maintenanceafter everyuse to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
Staff membersalso providedemonstra-
tions on howtooperate equipmentsafely and offer customersahandyguide booklet
The branchoffersbothshort-term and long-term hiresolutionsand delivers equipmentupto200 km away foranaddeddelivery fee, while localdeliveries within JeffreysBay arefree.
Customer serviceincludesfriendlyassistance, effective advice and guidancetohelp customersselect the correctequipmentfor the job.
Customerscan also makeuse of the Coastal Hiresmartphone application andfollow
CoastalHireJeffreysBay on social media forupdatesonspecials andevents. More information is availableonthe CoastalHirewebsite.
CoastalHireJeffreysBay is open from 07:00 to 17:00 MondaytoFridayand from 07:30to12:00 on Saturdays. Customerscan contactthe branch on 042 0110370, viaWhatsApp on 066 5234872or viaemail on jeffreysbay@coastalhire.co.za
The business intends to establish alongterm presence in the JeffreysBay community.
Coastal Hire Jeffreys Bay staff. Fromleftare driver Howard Stompies andbranch managers ZaniadeMan andFrancoisdeMan.
Luna Paige. FOTO: ANSURETTE PRETORIUS