KougaMunicipalitySpeaker:CouncillorLorraineMareeelected
KOUGA Local Municipality has officially welcomed Councillor Lorraine Maree as its new
Speaker following her election at a Special Council Meeting on March 27.
In a statement released by the municipality, it said that Maree steps into the role following the resignation of former Speaker, Brenton Williams, bringing with her a wealth of experience in local governance and community leadership. She was elected as the Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward Councillor for Ward 12 – covering St Francis Bay, Paradise Beach, and Cape St Francis – during the 2021 Local Government Election, succeeding the late stalwart, Alderman Ben Rheeder.
“Prior to her election, she played a key role in the ward’s development, serving as a member of the ward committee for several years,” the statement said
“Her leadership capabilities were further recognised in 2021 when she was appointed as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for the Infrastructure and Engineering portfolio.”
The statement further said that following a restructuring of portfolios in 2023, she took on the role of MMC for Finance and Economic Development, where she made significant contributions to Kouga’s financial planning and economic growth strategies.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, on behalf of the Council, extended his congratulations and best wishes to Maree, expressing confidence in her ability to guide the Council with integrity and dedication.
“We look forward to working with Speaker Maree as she takes on this important leadership role,” said Bornman.
“Her experience and commitment to service delivery will undoubtedly strengthen the work of Council and the municipality as a whole.”
Formermunicipalemployeesfacemultiple chargesinlicencecorruptionscandal
THREE former Kouga Local Municipality employees, John Heinrich Natal, Enrico Jay Biko, and Melisizwe Eric Nkomo, briefly appeared in the Humansdorp Magistrates Court on March 27 on charges of fraud, corruption, and contravention of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 The trio was arrested following a three-year investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Corruption Unit
According to police spokes-
person, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, it is alleged that the three men, aged between 49 and 55, were working for Kouga Local Municipality and were attached to the Humansdorp Traffic Department as examiners “It is said that the three suspects were issuing driving licences to motorists without conducting physical examinations (tests), as prescribed in the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996,” said Nkohli
Natal, Biko, and Nkomo were each released on R500 bail, and the matter was postponed to April 11 for a regional court date
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla, said, “This arrest demonstrates the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to root out corruption, which is an occupational hazard in the public sector and also endangers public safety ”
Buildingindustrytakescentrestageatmunicipalityforum
KOUGA Local Municipality's Planning and Development Directorate recently hosted a groundbreaking forum to spotlight the building industry
The event, held in partnership with industry experts, focused on addressing emerging trends, showcasing innovative practices, and elevating town planning and construction standards
Setting the stage for a more innovative and collaborative future, the forum highlighted the significance of collaboration between the municipality and industry stakeholders in creating a progressive, complaint, and forward-thinking building sector
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, welcomed attendees, emphasising the importance of uniting key players in the sector
“Development is central to the growth and progress in Kouga I value the contributions of stakeholders despite challenges on our end Your positive outlook inspires us to improve municipal processes,” said Bornman
He acknowledged existing issues, including staff constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, while reaffirming the municipality's
commitment to simplifying industry interactions
Bornman also described the Kouga Local Municipality as a model for sustainable development in South Africa “I envision a municipality where businesses thrive, and residents enjoy better lives However, we can’t achieve this vision alone,” he added Lawrence Ramakuwela, Director of Planning and Development, highlighted the forum’s objectives: fostering dialogue on current trends, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges related to building plan submissions
The event provided a dynamic space for collaboration among architects, engineers, developers, estate agents, and government officials, ensuring compliance with regulations while championing innovation
Among the distinguished speakers was Advocate Toto Fiduli, Registrar of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), who delivered an address on “Enhancing Building Plans’ Conformity with Building Regulations and Standards ” Fiduli highlighted SACAP’s regulatory requirements and the necessity for improving the quality
of building plan submissions Dr Rodney Milford followed with an engaging presentation on “SANS 10400 and the National Building Regulations: A Need for Change ” Rudolf Opperman, a technical specialist in architecture and the National Building Regulations, explored critical aspects in his talks, “Unlocking the Building Legislation” and “Application of the Building Legislation ”
Adding a professional perspective, Jacques Deetlefs offered an overview of collaboration with the Kouga Municipality’s Building Control from the viewpoint of a registered professional Closing the day’s discussions, Dr Gillian Adendorff, Director of Adendorff Architects and Interiors, presented an inspiring address, “Charting Your Course Through Foresight,” focusing on visionary planning and industry resilience
In closing, Ramakuwela emphasised the importance of continued collaboration, proposing the establishment of a representative structure to address industry concerns more effectively “Let us document the issues, find solutions and review progress at future forums,” he urged attendees ”
Councillor Lorraine Maree has been appointed as the Speaker of Kouga Local Municipality PHOTO: SUPPLIED
EasternCapeagri-businessesbenefit
A BLENDED finance scheme aimed at Eastern Cape-based agricultural businesses is driving the growth, competitiveness, and productivity of 30 agri-entrepreneurs who have received R50 5 million in funding since its inception in 2023
An initiative of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), the scheme disbursed the R50 5 million to qualifying agricultural businesses as a part loan and part incentive
The ECRDA contributed R33 3 million to fund the incentive portion of the blended finance scheme, while the ECDC ringfenced R25 million for loan funding to qualifying businesses
Of the R50 5 million disbursed by December 31, R28 3 million went to the incentive portion, while R22 2 million is loan funding
The 30 funded farmers are from the Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman, OR Tambo, and Alfred Nzo district municipalities
They also include farmers from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Buffalo City Metro
The main products produced by the funded farmers include beef, dairy, chickens, sorghum, cannabis, yellow and white maize, macadamia nuts, as well as seasonal crops such as spinach and cabbage ECDC executive manager for enterprise finance and business support, Zinzile Nkonki, said, “The response to the scheme was overwhelming, to the extent that we were not able to fund all farmers that had applied for consideration due to limited resources
“The blended finance scheme mainly funds input costs, production, and processing equipment of qualifying applicants as set out in their respective business plans These include fertilisers, seeds, irrigation, mechanisation, livestock feed, and other agricultural operations activities against which a clear income stream will be derived It also provides asset-based finance for tractors, vehicles, agricultural machinery, and other movable assets required in agricultural operations of the applicant enterprises
“The ECDC, in partnership with the ECRDA, launched the pilot phase of the Agri-Blended Finance Scheme to promote access to finance for agri-businesses operating in the agriculture value chain, by providing de-risked loans given the highrisk nature of the agriculture sector which often results in funding institutions being reluctant to issue funding This is a useful instrument in an environment where agriculture funding is mainly directed at established commercial agricultural enterprises ”
Nkonki said the Agri-Blended Finance scheme aims to leverage public and private sector resources to increase the scope of available support (financial, technical, and non-financial), to unlock and enhance agricultural value chains with a clear commercial intent
The idea is to use blended finance instruments such as this one to de-risk credit and financial risks that tend to render agri-businesses unfundable
One of these agri-businesses is LM Holdings, whose 15 Idutywa-based co-operatives farm sorghum, white maize, soya beans, and other grains The scheme dis-
bursed R3 9 million to the business, with R1 9 million being an incentive and R1 9 million a loan
Their business model involves partnering with communal landowners and smallholder farmers in commercialising the use of their land
“The funding helped LM Holdings to acquire production inputs, a planter, boom spray, and harvester The business also has United National Breweries in Durban as their market,” said Nkonki
“This season, LM Holdings has cultivated 600 hectares in the Ngxakaxa cooperative, 300 hectares in the Chachazela cooperative, 150 hectares in the Qhorha cooperative, 210 hectares in the Ndakeni cooperative, 150 hectares in the Nqandu cooperative, 90 hectares in the Mangwevini Cooperative, and 200 hectares in the Fort Malan cooperative
“The crops planted in these cooperatives include sorghum, soybean, sunflower, white and yellow maize ”
Founded by two rural youths, Mzimasi Jalisa (29) and Siphe Joyi (31), Jay Jay Farming is based in rural Mputhi in Mthatha
Jay Jay Farming received R2 2 million from the Agri-Blended Finance Scheme
Of this amount, R1 084 million was an incentive and R1 1 million a loan
The funds went to the procurement of maize crop production inputs, the development of infrastructure such as the construction of a storage shed, and toward working capital
A total of 202 hectares have been planted with white maize, while 130 hectares have been cultivated with soya beans
The business has employed 15 permanent workers and employs a further 15 seasonal workers
Their produce is being sold to Mthatha, Ngcobo, and Kokstad retailers, animal
feed companies, and local communities
Also based in Mthatha, EC Poultry received R1 026 million from the scheme, with R706 400 being an incentive and R320 367 a loan
The enterprise specialises in the rearing of chickens (layers) and the cultivation of vegetables
The funding facilitated the purchase of feed, medication, and vaccines, as well as infrastructure development for the installation of a solar-powered borehole, storeroom, and fencing
Additionally, a storeroom is being constructed
Fencing has been completed for an area of over 3 5 hectares
The business has access to markets for eggs, while cabbages are sold to local hawkers and residents
Furthermore, the project maintains a positive relationship with the Department of Defence, which is advocating for the farm to supply its branches
“The farmers are repaying the loan portion of the scheme, with pineapple farmers enabled by off-take agreements
Farmers have different revenue intervals informing the repayment plans agreed upon with the ECDC For example, most maize farmers will repay their loan portions after the June to August harvest
Similarly, beef cattle farmers generate revenues on the sale of weaners, hence repayment terms for several farmers have been structured accordingly
“This means if production stock was funded, the scheme considers the gestation period as well as the time it takes for a calf to be ready for the market as a weaner Crop farmers are generally granted a moratorium to allow them sufficient time to grow their seasonal crops so that they are ready for the market,” said Nkonki
Jay Jay Farming received R2 2 million from the Agri-Blended
AMUST-ATTENDEVENTFORALL:
DonotmissthefirstKouga CareersExpo2025
KOUGA Local Municipality is proud to announce the inaugural Kouga Careers Expo 2025 – a transformative event designed to empower the region’s youth and create pathways to success
Taking place on 10 and 11 April 2025 at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay, this groundbreaking exhibition will offer career guidance, training opportunities, and employment resources for senior learners and unemployed youth
Entry to the exhibition is free Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, will officially open the event, with Shadow MEC for Basic Education, MPL Horatio Hendricks, in attendance
Engage, Network, and Explore
The Kouga Careers Expo 2025 extends a warm invitation to all stake-
holders – including learners, parents, business owners, residents, and both employed and unemployed individuals
This event is more than just a career exhibition, it is a platform for growth, networking, and unlocking new possibilities
“Kouga’s future lies in the hands of our young people, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools they need to succeed,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman
“This expo is a testament to our commitment to education, skills development, and employment opportunities. I encourage all members of our community to attend, engage, and be part of this initiative that will shape the future of our region ”
Building a Sustainable Future
The expo is a collaborative effort
spearheaded by Kouga Local Municipality’s Special Programmes Unit in the Office of the Executive Mayor, in partnership with Inkanyezi and Mentors Country Estate
It aims to bridge the gap between young individuals and key stakeholders in academia, business, and government, fostering a stronger, more sustainable local economy
What to Expect at the Expo
This two-day event will feature a dynamic range of interactive and informative opportunities, all free of charge to schools and visitors:
• Career Counselling & Assessments
– Personalized guidance, including online career assessments with instant, detailed reports
• Department of Education-Approved Guidance – A comprehensive tool aligned with the Grade 12 Life
Orientation syllabus, offering stepby-step career planning support
• Exhibitions & Networking – Direct engagement with employers, educational institutions, government agencies (including the Department of Labour and SETAs), and community-based organisations
“This event is about creating opportunities for everyone, whether you are a student exploring career paths, a job seeker looking for employment prospects, or a business owner eager to connect with emerging talent,” added Bornman “By coming together, we can build a future where every individual in Kouga has the chance to thrive.”
More Information
For more info, contact Kouga Special Programmes Unit Coordinator, Mishka Pillay at mpillay@ kouga gov za or 064 686 3338
Adolescentrecoverycentreasuccessoneyearlater
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
NEARLY one year after establishing South Africa’s first privately owned rehabilitation centre for adolescents in Jeffreys Bay, Rise Recovery has been successfully treating children from all over the country and plans to offer a school curriculum to extend the three-week programme in the next two years
As previously reported, co-directors, George van der Watt, Marlize Watermeyer, and Chanette van der Merwe, have extensive experience in the mental health industry, both in the private sector and within communities
Consequently, they have been approached by parents seeking guidance on managing teenagers’ negative behaviour
The three then decided to establish a cen-
tre for adolescents in Dogwood Street, Jeffreys Bay, in May 2024
At their secure, access-controlled estate, which caters for 12 adolescents, they offer a unique recovery programme where they draw from existing therapeutic recovery programmes and combine this with life skills and an outdoor experiential approach
According to Rise Recovery’s website, the centre has an attending general practitioner, a registered nurse, counsellors, registered psychologists, and occupational therapists from the Health Professions Council of South Africa
Furthermore, the centre offers treatment for both chemical addictions and behavioural addictions
Now, nearly a year later, Van der Watt reports that the centre is thriving, referring to it as “the best treatment facility for
Kougaresidentsinvitedtoparticipate inCustomerSatisfactionSurvey
THE Kouga Local Municipality is calling on residents and stakeholders to share their experiences and help shape the future of service delivery by participating in the 2024/2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey
According to a media release, the survey is now open and will remain available until May 3, 2025
With the financial year ending on June 30, this survey provides an essential platform for the community to evaluate municipal services and suggest areas for improvement
The focus is on core service delivery areas, including water, electricity, refuse removal, sanitation and roads
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised the importance of community input in strengthening service delivery
“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and their feedback is invaluable in helping us identify what is working well and where we need to improve
This survey is an opportunity for every resident and stakeholder to actively contribute to the future of Kouga I encourage everyone to take part and make their voices heard,” said Bornman
This initiative does not replace community meetings but rather enhances public participation and accountability in municipal governance
How to participate
The survey is available online at https:// arcg.is/TP5PW Residents are encouraged to complete the survey before May 3 and play a role in shaping a more responsive and effective municipality
SupportingKougalearners throughpsychosocialprogrammes
RECOGNISING that psychosocial challenges are barriers to education and other community development initiatives, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm continues to invest in learner and youth awareness programmes across the Kouga Municipality Support extends to the Humansdorp, Hankey, and Thornhill Victim Support Centres, as well as the long-term beneficiary, the Jeffreys Bay Trauma Support Centre, the only non-profit organisation in this area providing professional therapy and counselling services
These initiatives form part of the wind farm’s commitment to supporting holistic community development, ensuring that local children and youth have the necessary skills to navigate complex social issues
As part of this Psychosocial Support Programme, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm recently funded a youth empowerment awareness event in Hankey
This event, held at the Hankey Sports Fields, was a collaborative effort with key community organisations
Over 200 children participated, comprising 54 Grade RR learners and 154 Grade 7 learners
The event aimed to equip them with coping strategies and life skills relevant to their age groups
Grade RR learners took part in activities designed to address issues such as parental substance abuse and domestic violence
A theatrical performance engaged the children in a relatable manner, followed by discussions to reinforce key messages
Sets of emotion-themed cards were provided to crèche teachers as a tool to continue these discussions in a supportive environment
Grade 7 learners explored the theme, “Change Does Not Need to Be Scary”, through role-playing different parenting styles angry, safe, and dominant
These activities sparked discussions about emotional responses and personal experiences, helping learners develop healthy coping strategies and resilience
These learners additionally received educational materials on emotional expression, managing change, and communication skills
Sergeant Salinda James from SAPS spoke to the learners about their rights and self-respect, while the Department of Social Development led a listening exercise, giving children a safe space to share their thoughts
Maryke Pretorius, Project Manager at Jeffreys Bay Trauma Support Centre, said, “This campaign underscores the collective commitment of the participating organisations to empower and support the youth in navigating complex family dynamics and personal development ”
Part of Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Economic Development Programme, the Psychosocial Support Programme, has received positive feedback from learners, parents, and teachers
Participants gained insight into different emotional responses and the importance of being heard, with discussions on self-respect, teachers, and parents being well received
children in South Africa,” and mentioned that the Department of Social Development played a crucial role in launching the programme
He stated that they offer both group and individual therapy sessions based on the child's needs
Van der Watt said that after completing the three-week in-patient care programme at their facility in Jeffreys Bay, each child receives a detailed discharge report and is referred to their nearest healthcare professional to continue with their aftercare programme
Since the facility serves both local children and those from across South Africa, he mentioned that they have established a robust network of healthcare professionals nationwide to ensure each child receives ongoing treatment
“The children who make use of the facility
have follow-up appointments with a social worker during their treatment at the centre, before their discharge and once they are home again They continue with treatment for about a year,” said Van der Watt
Although they would like to extend the programme to give the children more time at the centre, he explained that the children need to attend school
Therefore, they have kept the programme length to three weeks, with plans to extend it at a later stage
“Over the next two years, we plan to integrate a school curriculum into the centre to ensure that children stay up to date with their schoolwork, allowing us to extend the programme for a longer period,” said Van der Watt
For more information, visit the Rise Recovery website at www risecare co za or contact George van der Watt on 064 774 7618
TheolineRuiterssekraglaatdieoërek
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE merkwaardige opgang in gewigoptel van ’n 14-jarige leerling aan die Laerskool Pellsrus op Jeffreysbaai het kenners in vervoering
Om binne agt maande as ’n beginner vir die Suid-Afrikaanse kampioenskap te kwalifiseer, dui op ’n blink toekoms vir Theoline Ruiters
Toe verlede jaar se SA kampioenskappe gehou is, het Theoline nog nie eers daaraan gedink om ’n gewigopteller te word nie
Maar sedert sy die eerste keer
by die gimnasium ingestap het, het sy die oë laat rek deur vir die nasionale kampioenskap te kwalifiseer in die o 17-jeug- en o 20 junior-afdeling
Teen ’n liggaamsgewig van 42,36kg het sy ’n totaal van 79kg, terwyl die kwalifiserende standaard vir die jeugkategorie 65kg en vir die SA Junior 79kg is
Ruiters is ook die eerste meisiedeelnemer sedert Luane Viljoen wat in 2019 die laaste een was wat vir die SA kampioenskap kon kwalifiseer Haar afrigter, Pieter Pretori-
us, sê Ruiters het natuurlike talent
“Dit is bitter min dat ’n deelnemer sommer so met die intrapslag presteer
“Daar is by my geen twyfel dat sy ’n blink toekoms het nie “As sy binne agt maande só maklik die kwalifiserende standaard kon haal, dink net wat sy vandag oor ’n jaar of twee kan doen,” sê hy 2019 was ook die laaste jaar dat die OP ’n seun gehad het wat vir die verlangde standaard gekwalifiseer het
Vanjaar het die OP sommer
SwimmerYvette Jacobszmakes wavesforacause
AT first glance, Yvette Jacobsz, a Jeffreys Bay local, might seem like an ordinary woman, but she is an unsung hero someone truly inspiring
A life of service and strength
Jacobsz has been a dedicated NSRI volunteer since 2018, holding Level 3 medical qualifications and a Class 4 coxswain (skipper) certification
She is also an NSRI surf rescue swimmer (lifeguard) and a passionate open-water swimmer in her free time
On March 16, Jacobsz completed her second Bell Buoy Challenge in extremely tough conditions
Just seven days later, on March 24, she took on an even greater feat her first Robben Island to Blouberg Crossing
She completed the challenge in just a swimsuit (skins), braving the icy Atlantic waters with nothing but determination Among the 19 swimmers who completed the crossing that day, Jacobsz was the only woman to do it in skins
She conquered the 7 5km swim in a remarkable two hours and 31 minutes, enduring frigid temperatures
Swimmingforacause
Jacobsz participated in Die Groot Swem 2025, a swimming event dedicated to raising funds for the INANI Start Well Foundation, which fights against childhood stunting.
According to the Groot Swem website, the swimming event focuses on raising funds to fight against childhood stunting.
The swimmers brave the waves from Robben Island to Blouberg, Cape Town, a 7.5km swim in icy temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This year, the 19 participating swimmers collectively raised over R1 million for the cause, and there is still time to contribute.
More than just a swim
When asked what the highlight of the swim was for her, Jacobsz said, “Walking out of the ocean, knowing I had ticked two bucket list goals - completing this iconic crossing and doing it for something bigger than myself; making a difference in children’s lives.”
For more information or to contribute to the Groot Swem initiative, visit their website at www grootswem co za -ISSUEDBY
twee kwalifiseerders in Lumar
Karolse en Jason Hallem Albei is 12 jaar oud Karolse het in die o 49kg-afdeling met 95kg geslaag – een kilogram meer as die kwalifiserende standaard Hallem het met 97kg geslaag met die kwalifiserende standaard 94kg
Die afrigter Pieter Pretorius se sukses met die jonges is verstommend Sy sukses oor baie jare spreek vanself toe hy sy dogter Mona tot wêreldklasatleet gebrei het Hy het ook van Suid-Afrika se beste juniors afgerig waarvan sommiges ook
van wêreldgehalte was
Met Suid-Afrika se beste afrigter om die jonges touwys te maak, is dit geen verrassing dat Pellsrus nou amptelik een van die sterkste gewigoptelklubs in die Oos-Kaap is nie
Dit is ook die eerste keer in die geskiedenis van die sport in Suid-Afrika dat ’n skool dié uitsonderlike kompliment kry
Regdeur Suid-Afrika vorm senior klubs die ruggraat van hul provinsie
Dis duidelik dat die OP ’n groot tekort aan senior deelnemers het
Theoline Ruiters (voor) maak gereed om die gewig uit te
Yvette Jacobsz.
PHOTO: RIEG & EIDIE RRAD PHOTO | FILM
Donationassistschessclubtohostbeginners’tournament
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
THANKS to a generous donation from local business True Technologies, the Aston Bay Chess Club in Jeffreys Bay will be hosting a beginners' chess tournament for 20 young people, where they will be taught how to become skilled chess players
Kouga Sports Council, with Chalwyn Lippert as president, has joined the chess tournament as a partner
George Werner, the chess tournament organiser, said that the chess club, which was established in 2023, currently has about 50 members from the community
"It's important for young children to play chess because it assists with their intellectual and mental abilities, teaches them to focus and concentrate, and improves their cognitive abilities," said Werner
He mentioned that Tina Ekerman, the director of True Technologies and a member of the Aston Bay Chess Club, is passionate about chess and the development of young people
To assist more young people in the area, Werner said that True Technologies generously donated funding to the club to offer a six-week chess tournament for beginners
He mentioned that they are looking for 20 children in Grades 1 to 7 who are interested in participating in the tournament
The tournament will serve as chess training with five coaches
Werner said that they are also seeking assistance from five coaches in the area
"The objective of the training is to broaden the number of youngsters who play chess," said Werner
He mentioned that the coaches will focus on teaching each child 35 fundamental principles of playing good chess
Werner added that the children will be given chess puzzles to solve and will play
multiple chess games under the guidance of their coach to develop effective strategies In addition to the six-week programme, he said that each child would be given a free one-year membership to the club and would be given automatic entry to the open tournament later this year
Werner further said that the top players that emerge will also be given specialised
coaching by highly skilled and qualified professional coaches
"The tournament will impact local communities by improving school results, keeping kids off the streets, and making them happier with a sense of accomplishment," said Werner
The first prize for the tournament winner will be R500 and a trophy, with R300 for second place and R200 for third The
top three coaches will receive the same prizes
Werner said that the training would begin once they have a total of 20 children and five coaches who have registered for the chess training tournament
For information or to register as a participant or coach, send a WhatsApp message to George Werner at 071 346 6922 or email george@actnow co za
Municipalitystrengthenscommunity safetythroughinteractiveforum
KOUGA Local Municipality recently hosted an engaging and interactive Community Safety Forum, bringing together different stakeholders to prioritise community safety and foster collaborative solutions to crime prevention
The forum aimed to strengthen the relationship between the municipality and the community, while ensuring that public safety remains a high priority across all relevant departments
The primary objectives of the forum
include providing training opportunities, developing best practices for crime prevention, and establishing effective communication and reporting structures
By working closely with organised community structures, the forum seeks to ensure that the safety and well-being of residents come first
During the session, participants actively exchanged ideas and shared suggestions on how to improve community safety
Localorganisationhoststhrilling holidayprogramme
THE Humansdorp-based non-profit organisation, Douglas Matsha People’s Association (Domapa), hosted an exciting school holiday programme at the Humansdorp Library starting on March 31, with the final session scheduled for April 4
Loyiso Matsha, the president and a retired schoolteacher, stated that at least 18 children in Grades 2 to 9 registered for the programme
He said that they focused on two subjects, Mathematics and English
They also incorporated poetry writing, reading, and music into their daily activities
Matsha, a former South African Boys' Singles Tennis champion, said that some of the more physical activities included learning to play table tennis and chess
“Keeping children busy during the school holidays has a dual effect Children are kept away from mischief whilst learning useful material,” said Matsha Children in attendance were from various schools in the region, includ-
ing Graslaagte Primary School, St Patrick's Primary School, Mzingisi Primary School, JBay Academy, and Nico Malan High School
Matsha announced that on the final day, April 4, each child would receive a progress report and a small prize
“Unlike other holiday programmes where children are only taught academic work, Domapa offers a package of academics, cultural activities, and sports,” said Matsha
He further said that the holiday programme would expand in June to include Grades 8 and 9 accounting
“The holiday school has an incremental approach The aim is to include Grade 10 in 2026, and eventually Grades 11 and 12 in subsequent years,” said Matsha
“The penultimate aim is to have a Saturday school and eventually establish a private school in Kouga ”
For more information or to register for the June holiday programme, send a WhatsApp message to Loyiso Matsha at 071 381 6226
Chess players from the Aston Bay Chess Club.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Department of Social Development
MahindraXUV3XOhasalltherightproportions
WALLACE DU PLESSIS
THE Mahindra XUV 3XO is a wellequipped, polished little crossover pitched just right for the South African motorist It offers value for money, good safety, frugal consumption and fair performance, and is just big enough for a family of four
That is perhaps the reason it is already selling around 500 units a month locally
Did I mention it is good-looking inside and out? I know it is subjective, but it is a good-looking car which should not date quickly
The nose of the car is balanced; everything is in the right proportions for me
The LED headlamps and running lights look purposeful At the rear, the light bar running across the whole width of the car makes a statement and complements the large black bumper
The 2 600mm wheelbase means the interior is surprisingly large and comfortable
The width of the car, at 1 821mm, lends it a feeling of lux with real elbow and shoulder room
You still get physical controls for the ventilation system, as well as a proper volume knob There are USB A and USB C ports in the front and a USB-C port in the back
The steering wheel has audio, display and cruise control buttons
From the MX3 model up the car sports a sunroof, 26cm Infotainment screen, smartphone integration, cruise control and a wireless charger, but from the AX5 up it is very well equipped with among others a digital cluster screen, rearview camera, leather steering wheel, tyre monitoring, auto headlamps and passive keyless entry
In addition, the AX7L has a Harmon Kardon audio system, leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 65 W USB-C port, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 360-degree surround-view camera system
The flagship AX7L also comes with soft-touch synthetic leather on the upper dash and door trims It really gives the car a bit of a larney feel
The #XO has a three-cylinder 1 2L turbo petrol engine producing 85kW and 200Nm using a proper six-speed torque converter Aisin gearbox
It has a function called Smart Drive, which gives you three drive modes, Zip, Zap and Zoom, as well as steering modes
But I just left everything on standard
which works really well
Although Hindrance claims 6 5 L/ 100 km I got an average of 7 8 litres per 100km Car magazine actually got an average consumption figure of 7 0 L/100 km for the slightly longer time they drove the car These in general, were mainly town driving
The 3XO has ADAS Level 2 autonomous driving assistance from the AX5 Lux model up See the explanation at the bottom It did prove a little intrusive at times but can be switched off via embedded menus It will be very useful in poor visibility and busy traffic conditions
For additional safety, six airbags are included as standard across the range
I really liked the blind-spot video feed when indicating to either side You get a video feed of your blind spot in the instrument display in front of you One gets used to it very quickly and it adds a level of safety
Other safety equipment includes a 360 surround-view camera system, ABS and ECS, as well as an electronic parking brake with auto hold
The 3XO is the only turbocharged crossover in the sub-R300 000 segment
The base model is the MX2 MT at R254999, The MX3 MT is R27499 and the auto R20000 more, the AX5 is R319999 and auto R25000 more
The AX5 L AT is R374999 The top-ofthe-range AX7L AT is R404999
I think the AX5 L hits the sweet spot It has level 2 ADAS (Advanced driver assistance system), 360-degree surround view and an electronic parking brake with auto hold making it a much safer car Little luxuries include a cooled glove box and auto-dimming headlights
Note: ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technologies can help drivers with tasks such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, staying within lanes, detecting blind spots, and avoiding collisions
Level 2 implies the car can take over steering and braking/accelerating, though the driver must remain alert and ready to take over at any moment It is a suite of technologies
The 3XO has a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and a five-year or 150 000 km mechanical warranty
The direct competition will include the Honda Elevate, VW T-Cross, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mazda CX-3, Kia Sonet, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Toyota Urban Cruiser
The flagship AX7L also comes with soft-touch synthetic leather on the upper dash and door trims.
PHOTO: WALLACE DU PLESSIS
LongboardChampionshipsreturnstoJBay
THE highly anticipated 2025 South African Longboard Championships, presented by Ryd and sanctioned by Surfing South Africa, are set to return to the iconic Point in Jeffreys Bay from May 6 to 11
This prestigious event will see nearly 200 longboard surfers from across South Africa competing for the coveted national titles and a chance to represent the country at the 2026 ISA Longboard World Championships
Known for its world-class longboarding wave, Jeffreys Bay offers the perfect backdrop for this long-standing competition, highlighting the nation’s best longboard surfers across many generations Among the returning champions is the 2024 South African Longboard Champion, Sam Christianson, who will attempt to defend his Open Men’s title for the fifth consecutive year
Christianson’s unmatched dominance in the sport has made him a favourite to watch, and his effort to retain the national title will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the competition
In the Open Women’s division, St Francis Bay's Crystal Hulett is also returning to defend her 2024 title
Hulett’s precision and style have earned her a place as one of South Africa’s premier longboarders, and she is expected to deliver yet another inspiring performance
Kouga Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said, “We are thrilled to host this prestigious event in our town Jeffreys Bay is renowned for its hospitality, and we warmly invite all to experience the exceptional accommodation, restaurants, and adventures that make our municipality a remarkable destination
“We look forward to welcoming surfers, spectators, and tourists from across the globe ”
This year’s event is supported by key sponsors, including Vissla, Ryd Brand, Kouga Municipality, and True Technologies
These partners continue to play an integral role in the growth and success of South African longboarding, and their contributions are crucial to making the 2025 Championships a truly unforgettable experience
The event is open to spectators, and all are welcome to join the fun at Point, Jeffreys Bay, from May 6 to 11, for a week of world-class surfing, thrilling competition, and a celebration of South Africa’s longboarding community
Longboard surfer, Sam Christianson. PHOTO: DOMINIC BARNARDT
