The Shell Museum in Jeffreys Baywilltransformintoabreathtaking
wonderland
1to3May
marine photographer Hesma Fivaz from St Francis Bay unveils herstunningcollection of intricate nudibranch images
PHOTO: GLENDA FOURIE
Communitytakesstandagainstvandalism
RAZAANPLAATJIES
ARECENT community march against ongoing vandalism at Mzingisi Primary School in KwaNomzamo, Humansdorp, has reinforced efforts to protect the school andrestore asafe learning environment.
The initiative, led by the school in partnership with anon-profit organisation, Ubuhlanti Community Development Centre, follows aseries of break-ins that have leftthe school damaged andstripped of essentialresources Retiredsocialworker and formerlearner of MzingisiPrimary,DrNontsikelelo Majola, said that the march beganatthe school before proceedingtothe Humansdorp PoliceStation, wherea memorandum outlining grievances and requests washandedovertothe Station Commander
Majola founded Ubuhlanti Community Development CentreinOctober 2024, after noticing various negative elements in her community when she moved back to Humansdorp.
The organisation was officially registered in January 2025, and she now serves as its secretary, focusing on fighting vandalismand gangsterisminthe community.
The march, which took place on 20 March, builds on earlier interventions by the organisation andcommunity members, including a clean-up campaignaimed at improving safety and restoring dignity to the school environment.
Majola said the continued incidents of vandalismremain aserious concernfor the community.
“The handover of the memorandum follows aspate of incidents where the school was broken into, which led to the environment
beingunsafefor bothlearners and educators. Moreover,school resources that weremeant to facilitate and supportquality teaching and learning were being destroyed,” said Majola.
She previously indicated that the school has been broken into multipletimes, and various itemshave been stolen, such as garden tools, equipment, alawn mower and food from their feedingscheme.
The ceiling has been damaged, copper has been stolen, and the windows are broken.
“The main aim of the march was to highlight the importance of protecting the right to education and ensuring asafe school environment for bothlearners and educators,” said Majola.
She further said thatlocal stakeholders also joined the initiative in ashow of support, calling for collective action to address vandalism affecting schools and other community institutions.
Police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, confirmed that amemorandum was handed over to the Humansdorp Police Station on 20 March.
He further said that the SAPS has put in place programmes throughout schools in Humansdorp to assist with issues related to crime.
The programmes form part of the Safe SchoolsProtocol. Regarding vandalism at the school, Nkohli said that the situation was not as dire as it was being portrayed.
“There has only been one incident reported thisyear of theft wheregas pipes were stolen. This incident is being investigated,” said Nkohli.
He further dismissed allegations of gangsterism withinthe school.
Nkohli said that the other issues mentioned in the memorandum wereunfounded.
Twoarrestedfor HumansdorpTrafficDepartmentbreak-in
TWO suspects were arrestedon27March in connection with ahighly sophisticated breakin at theHumansdorp Traffic Departmentthat resulted in thetheft of 17 state-controlled firearms,cash, andofficial documentsnearlyone year ago.
Accordingtopolice spokesperson Warrant OfficerNdiphiweMhlakuvana, the Gqeberha Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Humansdorpdetectives and the Jeffreys Bay Local Criminal RecordCentre(LCRC), made asignificant breakthrough in theinvestigation of ahighly sophisticated HumansdorpTraffic Departmenthousebreak-
ing andtheftincident that reportedly occurred in April 2025.
He said thattwo suspects aged between 40 and41were positively linked to the crime and arrested by the joint team in the early hours of 27 March
Mhlakuvana said thatthe arrest followed an intensive, intelligence-driven investigation intothe incident, whichwas discovered on 29 April2025 after officials returned from a long weekendand found that the department’s premises on HeughRoad,Humansdorp, had been unlawfully breached
“The alarm system was reportedly disabled, effectively circumventing detection, while a
reinforced walk-in safe was systematically dismantled throughstructural penetration of its cement and steel composition,”saidMhlakuvana. “A particular concern was the fact that asecondary safe within the primarysafe containing state-controlled firearms was also forcibly accessed.”
Mhlakuvana said that 17 firearms, cash and traffic-related face value documents were reportedly stolen during the commissionofthe offence.
Investigation by the Directorate for Priority CrimeInvestigation(DPCI) ensued He said that the meticulous investigation culminated in the arrest of the suspects at Gq-
eberha,and asilver-grey Toyota Corolla was seized.Mhlakuvanasaidthatthe suspects are expected to appear beforethe Humansdorp Magistrate’s Courton30March, facing charges of housebreaking and theft.
He saidthat the matter was remanded to 1 April for legal representation and that they remainincustody.
Due to the sensitivity of the case, Mhlakuvana saidthat the identities of the suspects will not be divulged.
“The investigation continues and the Hawks areappealing to anyone who might have witnessed thesecriminal activities to come forward,” saidMhlakuvana.
Kougaapproves2026/2027draftIntegratedDevelopmentPlan
THEDraft Medium-Term Revenue and ExpenditureFramework (MTREF) Budget for the 2026/2027 financialyear was approved at avirtual Ordinary Council Meeting heldon30 March 2026.
The approvalfollows adetailed planning processaligned with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and key service delivery priorities.
“The 2026/27 budget reflects our commitment to maintaining and improving financial sustainability while continuing to deliver quality services to our communities,” said Kouga ExecutiveMayor, Hattingh Bornman. “Wehave carefully balanced the need to fund essential services with cost containment measures to ensure operational efficiency.”
The budget was guided by National Treasury MFMA Circulars and informed by key principles,including the prioritisation of strategic focus areas, addressing maintenance and infrastructure backlogs, and enhancing the municipality’s revenue base. Despitesignificant challenges –such as rising bulk electricity and watercosts, infrastructure maintenance
requirements, and maintaining employee-related cost ratios –the municipality successfully compiled abudget that is both strategicand sustainable
For the 2026/27 financial year, total operating revenue is projected to increase by 6.2%, reaching R1,556 billion, while operating expenditure is estimated at R1,621 billion, resulting in abudgeted deficit of R68,101 million.
Major expenditure itemsincludebulk electricity purchases (29.88%), employee-related costs (29.43%), contracted services (9.6%), and depreciation (6.69%).
Funding formunicipal services will continue to be sourced primarily from service charges suchaselectricity, water, sanitation, and refuse collection (50.25%), property rates (21.04%),and government grants and subsidies (14.33%).
Tosupportservicedelivery,thefollowingincreases inpropertyratesandservicechargeshavebeenapproved,effective1July2026:
• Property rates: 4.5% Water: 6.5%
• Sanitation: 5%
• Refuse: 5%
• Electricity(averageincrease in income): 9.01% Environmental Management Fee: 5%.
Themunicipality also approved acapital budgetofR80,660 million for 2026/27, which will largely be funded through government grants.“Our focusremains on ensuring that capital projects arewell-planned and funded to deliver the greatest benefit to residentswhile keeping internal funding requirementsmanageable,” Bornman said.
Special provisions in the Property RatesPolicyensurethatqualifyingresidentsbenefitfromexemptions,reductions,and rebates, particularly pensionersandlow-incomehouseholds:
• R100,000,includingtheimpermissiblerateofR15,000 forownerswho qualify forEquitableShare
Residentialpropertieswitha market value of up to R400,000 including the impermissiblerateofR15,000
• R200,000 on one residential property, including the impermissiblerateofR 15,000 forratepayers60years andolder with agross householdincome notmorethan
R15,000
In addition, the free basic services threshold has been increased from two state pensions to R7 500, with the monthly electricity allocation being increased from 50kwh to 75kwh. Free basic services will therefore continue to be provided to eligible households, including water (9 kilolitres per household per month), sanitation (free minimum level service), refuse removal (removed at least once aweek), and electricity (75kwh per household per month), totalling over R73 million in support for 2026/27.
Bornman concluded, “This budget represents acareful balance between meeting the immediate needs of our communities and planning responsiblyfor the medium term. It ensures that Kougaremains financially sustainable while continuing to improve service delivery and infrastructure for all residents.”
The Draft Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Budget for the 2026/2027 financial year is available online at www.kouga.gov.za under documents for more information and comments.
SmileWeektransformsKougababy’slife
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
EIGHT-MONTH-OLD Asenathi from Humansdorp had herlife changed last week when she underwent surgery at Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital to correct asevere bilateral cleft lip.
The procedure, performed by Dr Chris van der Walt, was asuccess —and as the infantwas wheeledout of theatre, relief washed over hermother’s face.
The operation formedpart of alandmarkthree-day surgical initiative hosted by the Smile Foundation from 25 to 27 March,marking the final “Smile Week” for van der Walt after 16 years of service that has transformed the lives of more than 500 children
Speaking shortly after surgery, the head of plastic surgery at the hospital said the programme remains as vital as ever.
“We have 19 patients booked,” said van der Walt.
“This morning, we did the littlebaby with the bilateral cleft. It is quite adeformity to have, and everything went very well with the child, so I’m sure the parents are going to be very ecstatic.”
Little Asenathi, whose condition had affected her ability to feed and smile, was safely in her mother’s arms after the more than two-hour procedure.
Her mother, Ondela Ndudula, described the emotionaltoll of the experience.
“I was very nervous, and Iwas shaking, especiallyduring thesurgery, but now, after they came out of theatre, I’m just very happy,”she said. “There is abig difference after surgery becauseher lip was open before, born likethat,and now it is closed.I’m justsohappy.”
Vander Walt’s final Smile Week signals atransition, rather than acompletedeparture. After 25 surgicaloutreach weeks, he plans to step back from leadership whilecontinuing to support services at the hospital.
“We all make work decisions and I’m at the stage where Idecided to career out,” he said.
“This is my primary passion and love of plastic surgery, so Ihave already been approached by the hospitaland, with mu-
tual agreement, Iwill still continue to do sessions at the hospital.
“We will continue to offer support for the children. The clinical serviceswill remain, but thereisaneed for someone new to take thingsforward, especially with academic development.”
Despite stepping back,van derWalt said
that cleft careinthe provincecannotbe interrupted —particularly giventhe severe shortage of specialists.
“This kind of surgery is highlyspecialised,”heexplained. “I happentohave a passion for it, butunfortunately, I’mthe only plasticsurgeon who doesthisinthe whole Eastern Cape,soIcan’t notassist
FromchildhooddreamtoSeniorTrafficOfficer
LONG before he wore the uniform himself, recently promoted Kouga LocalMunicipality Senior Traffic OfficerEmile Groenewald was alreadydrawn to what it represented –discipline, pride, and service.
GrowingupinArcadia, Humansdorp, his earliest inspirationcame from the crisp, immaculate presenceofa traffic officer who left alastingimpression on him
Thatofficer washis friend’s father, TrafficSuperintendent Sean Williams. “Oom Seanwas the first trafficofficerI ever saw,” Groenewald recalls. “He was as neat as apin in his uniform. Iadmired that.”
Though inspired early on, Groenewald’s path was not withoutits turns. After matric, he initiallyhoped to follow in his parents’footsteps, both teachers
When he could not complete his studies, he entered the workforce at Lubners Furniture Store
Over seven to eight years, he steadily climbedthe ranks from general assistant to credit managerand later to assistantmanager–atestament tohis driveand resilience. Yetthe call to serveneverfaded.
When the opportunitytoattend TrafficCollege presented itself, Groenewald took abold step, funding his ownstudies. He returned to Kouga and began workingasatraffic officer on contractfrom 2009 to 2012.However,when contracts were notrenewed, he facedanunexpected setback.
Rather thangiving up,Groenewald
adapted. He pursued roles as atraffic safetyofficerwith companiessuch as Group5 and EC Traffic,continuing to build hisexperience and stay connected tohis passion.
“I loveworking with people,”hesays “Thatpositionallowed me to do that whilestayinginthe traffic space.”
His work along the N2 between Riviersonderend and Caledonbrought both growth and challenges.
Duringthe COVID-19 pandemic in 2021,travel restrictions left him unable to returnhome.
Despitethis, Groenewald remained focused on his goal.
“I continuously asked if there were no positions open in the traffic department,” he says. That persistencewould soon pay off.
In 2021, Groenewald received the call he hadlong hoped for–anopportunity to returntoKouga’s traffic department. He accepted without hesitation.
Today, as aSenior Traffic Officer, he reflects on his journey with humility andgratitude.
“I have alwaysbeen aservant of the people,” he says.
“Being promoted to this rank is an incentive to be of even greater service to the community.”
For those considering acareer in trafficservices, Groenewald offers grounded advice: passionmustleadthe way.
“You cannot do the job simply because it was thelast option or just forthe salary. You have to truly want to do it.”
Withhis sights set on becoming atrafficchief one day, Groenewaldcontinues to work diligently towards hisgoal
these children.
“It’s quite frightening to think about it. The Eastern Cape is thesecond biggest provinceinSouth Africa, andwehave onepersondoing this. We have to look beyondwhathappens now— we have to look at future training.”
He said efforts areunderway to build capacity, though training remains complex.
“Weare in theprocess of atrainingprogramme here, butitisnot easy to train surgeons because it is sucha specialised skill. If we can getitright,wewill hopefully have moreplastic surgeons joining thedepartment in future.”
Vander Walt’sjourney with the Smile Foundation began shortlyafterhearrived in theEastern Cape 17 yearsago.
“When Ifirst came here from the Western Cape,the Smile Week initiative had just started there, andIwas surprised it wasn’t in theEastern Cape,” he recalled. “With management, we made the decision to host thefirst Smile Week in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) around 2010.
“Wefirst hadhelpfromoutside, and then within two yearswewere running theSmile Weeksonour own —that’show thetransfer of skills happened,and before you know it, you do 25.”
BeyondGqeberha,hehas alsoextended services to underserved areas, leading annualoutreach teams to KuGompo City (formerly known as EastLondon) over thepastfiveyears.
The significance of theprogramme extendsfar beyondsurgery,saidSmile Foundation COO Tshidi Chabane-Xaba.
“This is essentialhealthcare. Without surgery,children like Asenathiface feeding difficulties, social isolation andshattered futures.
“Dr van derWalt doesn’t just operate; he helps give children thechance to live with confidenceand dignity.”
She added: “Dr van derWalt hasshown up for 16 yearswith quiet dedication, exceptional skill, andgenuinecarefor every child andfamily he encountered What he hasgiven cannotbecaptured only in surgeries or statistics —itlives on in people.”
The surgery was supportedbypartners, includingthe KougaWindFarm.
OndelaNdudulawith hereight-month-old daughter, Asenathi,and Dr Chrisvan der Walt PHOTO: NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
Sean Williams (Superintendent: Traffic),Emile Groenewald (Senior Traffic Officer), andStephanus Petersen (Manager: Safetyand Security). PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Underwaterphotographyexhibitioncelebratesnudibranchs
THE ShellMuseum in Jeffreys Bay will transform into an underwater wonderland from1to3May as renowned marine photographer, Hesma Fivaz, from St Francis Bay unveils her stunning collection of nudibranch images.
Fivaz’s passion for capturing the intricate beauty of marine life has taken her across someofthe world’s most breathtaking underwater ecosystems.
With an eye for detail anda deep appreciation for the wonders of the ocean, Fivaz specialisesinmacro underwater photography, highlightingthe colourful and often-overlooked tiny species that inhabit ourseas.
Her stunning images not only showcase the beauty of marine life but alsoraise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
As an award-winning photographer, Fivaz’s work has garnered recognition for its artistic excellence and for transporting viewersinto the magical world beneath the waves.
Through her lens, she invites people to explore and celebrate the delicate ecosystems that are essential to our planet'shealth.
The exhibition forms part of the Kunskoors Art Festival and Fivaz will focus on nudibranchs.
Nudibranchs, oftenreferred to as “sea slugs,” displayadazzling array of colours and patterns, making themafavouritesubjectfor underwater photographers
“Their unique forms and striking appearances not only capture the imagination but also play avital role in indicating and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems,” said Fivaz.
Nudibranchs are tiny, shell-less, soft-bodied marine molluscs found in oceans around the world, from icy polar regions to temperate and tropical reefs.
They inhabitawide range of depths,from
the intertidal zone down to approximately 700 metres.
“Their name is derivedfrom the Latin nudus (“naked”) andthe ancient Greek brankhia (“gills”), referring to the exposed, feather-likegills that adorn the backs of many species,” said Fivaz.
“Known for their extravagant, bright, and vivid colours andpatterns, nudibranchs range from soft pastel pinks to electric blues and neonoranges, often displayed in bold combinations of stripes, spots, swirls, andeven lace- or pearl-like designs.”
Thesestriking colours canserve as a warning to predators, while in other cases, helping themblend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them true masters of disguise.
Despitelacking protective shells, nudibranchs have evolved remarkable survival strategies.
Aeolid nudibranchs, whichfeed on hydrozoans, possess aparticularly fascinating
defence mechanism
They can store the stinging cells of their prey within their cerata,the brightly coloured, finger-like projections on their bodies andreuse them for their ownprotection.
These stolen toxins pass through their digestive system without causing harm.
“All nudibranchs are carnivorous, feeding on sponges, hydroids, bryozoans, and anemones,”said Fivaz
“Some species even consume other nudibranchs, their eggs, or occasionally prey on members of their own kind.”
In addition to their chemical defences, manynudibranchs use colour and texture to mimic their environment so effectively thatthey become almostinvisibleamong the coralsand sponges they inhabit.
Nudibranchs have very limited vision, ableonly to distinguish between light and dark.
However, they possess ahighly developed sense of smell, whichthey rely on to navi-
gatetheir environment and locatefood
They use apair of head-mounted, often retractable, club-like tentacles calledrhinophores that function like anose or ear, detecting watercurrents, food, and potential mates.
Join this one-of-a-kind exhibition and immerse yourselfina dazzling collection of underwater photography, showcasing the rich diversityofnudibranch species found in Jeffreys Bay and its surrounding waters. Each image reveals aglimpse into thevibrant lifebeneaththe surface, tellingstories of resilience, beauty, and ecological importance.
This exhibition not onlycelebrates the intricate wonders of marine lifebut also highlights theimportance of conservation and thedelicate balance that sustains our ocean ecosystems.
Formore information about theexhibition, contact Zuanda Badenhorst at 083 677 2053.
Goniobranchusgeminus.
Chromodoris annae
Hypselodoris apolegma. PHOTOS: HESMAFIVAZ
Humansdorpdansgroepbring nuweenergienadiegemeenskap
MARCIABOYENS
HUMANSDORP bewys opnuut dat talent geen grense ken nie. Hierdie groeiende kreatiewe energie het ’n naam en dit is die Finest Dance Crew, ’n jong, dinamiese dansgroep wat besig is om hul merk te maak en ’n positieweverskil in hul gemeenskap te bring.
Die groep bestaan uit drietoegewyde lede: Jozayy Visagie(16), tans in Graad 11, Julaiga Goeda (16), ook in Graad 11, en Davidthon Leander (20), wat reeds sy skoolloopbaan voltooi het. Sedert 2023 werk hulle saamom hul passie vir dans te ontwikkel en doelgerig aan hul drome te bou
Vir hierdie jong span is dans meer asnet beweging, dit is ’n maniervan leef. Hulle sien ditas’nkragtige hulpmiddel om mense bymekaar te bring, jongmense te inspireer en hoop in hul gemeenskap aan te wakker “Ons begin klein,maar ons droom groot,” sê Jozayy, wie se toewydingenpassie duidelik deur sy woorde en werk skyn. Hy voeg by: “Ek is nie net ’n danser nie…ekbou aan ’n droomsaam met my crew.Mypassieisdans,
my krag is my crew.”
DieFinestDance Crewsevisie strekverder as hul eie sukses. Hulle wil ander jongmense aanmoedig om hul talente te ontdek en te ontwikkel,englo datdissipline, samewerking en deursettingsvermoë die sleutel tot groei is.
’n Belangrikedeel van hul reis is die ondersteuning wat hulle ontvang het van die Lil RoyalsDance Academy.
Die akademie het nienet gehelp om hul tegniese vaardighedeteslyp nie, maar ook bygedra tothul persoonlikegroeienselfvertroue. Hierdievennootskap dien as ’n inspirerende voorbeeldvan hoe samewerking en mentorskap jongtalent kanhelpfloreer.
Saamwys FinestDance CrewenLil Royals DanceAcademy dat wanneer passieenondersteuning handevat, groot dinge moontlik is
Die groep is beskikbaar vir optredesengeleenthede,ensiendaarna uit om hul talent met’ngroter gehoor te deel
Vir besprekings of navrae kontak vir Jozayy op 071 965 4052 of Kingmainou op 069 195 7489. Humansdorp hét talent,envir Finest DanceCrew is hierdie net die begin.
Die Finest Dance Crew bestaan uit drie toegewydelede: Julaiga Goeda(16),Davidthon Leander (20), en Jozayy Visagie (16). FOTO: VERSKAF
DIARY|DAGBOEK
Aqua WaterTherapyand Rehab: The Policlinic has aheatedindoor swimming pool Classesare on Mondays,Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.All ages arewelcome.Contact Yolande (professional/qualified H2O therapist) at 082 8777640
Friends of the Library: Fullyoperational on Wednesdaysand Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00
Alarge variety of books in very good condition areavailableatverylow prices in the Newton Hall in Goedehoop Street.All funds go towards buying booksfor the Jeffreys BayLibrary St Francis AnglicanChurch: The church on the corner of St Francis and Goedehoop StreetsinJeffreysBay invites alltoits Eucharist serviceevery Sundayat08:30, itsMaundy Thursday serviceat08:30 on 2April, and its GoodFridayserviceat12:00 on 3April. Milkwood SaturdayMarket: Don'tmissthe hand-made crafts,jewellery,décor items, wood crafteditems,clothing, treats,fresh vegetables,flowers,bottled products,second-hand items and moreatthe market on 4April from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting). The market is locatedonthe GLAroad next to Fountains Mall. It willalsotakeplace on 11 April and 25 April.
VolleEvangelie Kerk vanGod: Almal is wel-
komomdie VolleEvangelie Kerk vanGod op Humansdorp se Goeie Vrydagdiensop3 April om 10:00 en Paas Sondag diensop5April om 09:30 by te woon. Kontak Pastoor Tinus by 076966 1128 Alzheimersondersteunigsgroep: Die volgende byeenkoms vandie Alzheimersondersteuningsgroep vind op Dinsdag, 7April, om 15:00 in die Eedenglensaal plaas.Almaliswelkom. Kontak Anna-Marie Jacobsby082 874 6328 of Marietjie Boonzaaier by 084 409 3119 Nifty FiftiesPlus Club: The club forseniors inJeffreysBay willhavea meeting on Friday, 10 April, at 09:30 at the MethodistChurch oppositethe Caravan Park in Da Gama Road The entranceisat2PetuniaStreet. Come early fortea and asandwich. Thereisadoor fee of R10.Qualify forlucky draw prizes and listen to aguest speaker. Formoreinfo, contact083 2770088. AstonBay Market: Don’t missthe market at the AstonBay CommunityHallon25April from 09:00 to 15:00.
• Sendyour Diary entriestokougaexpress@ novusmedia.co.za. The deadline forentries is on Tuesdays at 14:00.Entriesmay be in English or Afrikaans
PERSOONLIKE DIENSTE
REGSKENNISGEWINGS &TENDERS
BOEDELKENNISGEWINGS
NewkitunveiledforEbrahimPatelCommunityCup
ON the evening of 26 March, Kruisfontein United RC gathered at Palm Inn in Humansdorp for the officialEbrahim PatelCommunity Cup kit handover.
Setagainst abackdrop of quiet dignity and understated elegance, the occasion marked asignificant milestone for aclub that has become acornerstone of its community.
What unfolded was more than asimple handover; it was acelebration of unity, resilience, and collective pride.
Kruisfontein United, regarded as asymbol of hope for Humansdorp and Kouga, stood at the heart of an evening dedicated to honouring how far the club has come.
The event drew ahost of distinguished guests and speakers, each deliveringamessage that echoed the same powerful sentiment: this team representssomething far greater thanitself
In stirringwords of encouragement, Apostle Sebastiaan Witbooi reflected on thedeep symbolism of the jersey, likening it to thecoat of many coloursfrom the Bible’s Genesis chapter 37; agarment of honour, destiny, and purpose.
Club president Vernon Breda took to the podium to express the profound privilegeofcompeting in atournament of such prestige, while paying heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Ebrahim Patel, whose namethe cup bears EPCC tournament convenor for
Kruisfontein United RC, Jaques Alexander, deliveredboth the welcome andthe vote of thanks.
In his remarks, he emphasised the extraordinary magnitude of acommunityclub from Humansdorp competing at this leveland the deep honour that accompanies it.
The evening was further elevated by the presence of the Ebrahim Patel Community Cup tournament director, Romano Lekay, who spokepassionately about the vital roleofcommunity-based clubs
“They are the heartand blood of acommunity,” saidLekay, adding
that representing one's community is acalling farbigger than any individual.
Director of rugby and head coach, Frank Domingo, emphasised when announcing the squad that they have confidence in the players selected.
He believes they are ateam that has shown dedication, commitment, and passion throughout the season. They areout to write their own story in new territory.
Representatives fromthe Ebrahim Patel Community Cup sponsors, Score, Clicks, and FNB, added to the warmth of the occasion,
sharing encouraging words and reaffirming theircommitment to grassroots sportand development.
Kruisfontein United further thanked all theirlocal sponsors, as well as all theirsupporters.
As the nightended, Kruisfontein United captain Solomon Manxodidi delivereda message that left little to the imagination With quiet conviction,Manxodidi madeitclear:“Theteam is not heading to OuteniquaParksimply to take part; we aregoing to win the bigprize.”
TheEbrahimPatelCommunity Cup is settotake place over Easter weekend, running from 2
to 6April, at Outeniqua Park in George.
This year’s tournament will feature astrong field of competing teams, including: Botrivier RFC (Botrivier), Robertson RFC (Robertson), Safcol RFC (Grabouw), HeidelbergRFC (Heidelberg), Blanco RFC (George),Bridgton RFC (Oudtshoorn),Kruisfontein UnitedRFC (Humansdorp) and PE HarlequinsRFC (Gqeberha)
For moreinformation or to supportthe team financially, contact the club vice secretary, Eacelon Kettledas, at 061 567 0177 or via emailatkruisfonteinunitedrc@ gmail.com.
Kruisfontein United RC.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
