SEAVISTA:
Mandiesinillegalelectricityconnectionattempt
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
VERNON Uithaler (42) died from electrocution while allegedly attempting to make an illegal electrical connection in Sea Vista, St Francis Bay, on July 15
Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that St Francis Bay police have opened an inquest docket following the incident
He said that at about 20:00 on July 15, police were summoned to a report of unnatural death at Steenbras Street, Sea Vista
"At the scene, police found the body of a man with burn wounds who was declared dead at the scene," said Nkohli
"It is suspected that Uithaler was electrocuted while tampering with an electric transformer in an attempt to make an illegal electrical connection "
The incident has reignited calls from the Sea Vista Property Owners for urgent intervention to address what they describe as an escalating crisis of illegal electricity connections in the area
Nathaar Cupido, Chairperson of the Sea Vista Property Owners, witnessed the tragic events unfold
He said that he passed the scene twice on July 15 while the victim was on the pole
Cupido said that after passing the scene the first time, he heard whispers from his alleged accomplices encouraging him to
come down from the pole
However, when he returned the second time, which was only a few minutes later, he was back on the pole
"About three minutes after I walked past the second time, I was informed that an individual was lying on the ground after being electrocuted He had a faint pulse, and a resident began performing CPR," said Cupido
"I was told that the ambulance service was contacted, but he passed away shortly after the electrocution "
Cupido emphasised that this was not an isolated incident
He said that they have multiple illegal connections throughout the area, with Elf Street and Roman Street being a major concern
"The incident on July 15 is not unique as this specific transformer has been used without consequence for some time," said Cupido
He further expressed frustration at what he perceives as a lack of coordinated response from authorities
Cupido also argued that both perpetrators and those receiving illegal electricity should face prosecution
He said that the Sea Vista Property Owners have been calling for coordinated action between the South African Police Service, Law Enforcement, and electrical departments
"In previous correspondence to the Kouga Municipality, we have asked that all
departments work in unison," Cupido said
He further said that the community has been experiencing "ungazetted loadshedding" for years due to illegal connections
"We have been suffering with this electrical matter for a very long time Our lives have been affected by these illegal perpetrators
“Ungazetted loadshedding is what we are experiencing It is unlawful and needs to be actioned," Cupido said
He said that the recent electrocution incident highlights ongoing tensions between informal settlement residents seeking access to electricity and property owners concerned about infrastructure damage and safety
He further described how quickly illegal connections proliferate with one pole appearing and then multiple poles being targeted since there are no repercussions
In a statement released by the Kouga Municipality on July 16, the municipality extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim who tragically lost his life due to electrocution
The statement further said that the municipality acknowledges that there have been similar tragedies in informal settlements in the past
"Illegal electricity connections are not only unlawful but extremely dangerous They pose a significant risk of injury or death to individuals, especially children, and often lead to electrical fires, damage
to municipal infrastructure, and prolonged outages that affect entire communities," the statement said
Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, once again urged residents to refrain from making illegal connections and to report any tampering with electrical infrastructure
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and appeal to our residents to never risk their lives for electricity Our teams have made countless appeals to residents to refrain from illegal connections and pointed out the risks attached to it Illegal connections are a threat to lives and the safety of our communities Kouga Local Municipality is actively working to address electricity access challenges, and we ask for the public s patience and cooperation," said Bornman
The statement said that to mitigate such incidents, Kouga Municipality is fast-tracking the electrification of informal settlements throughout the region
As part of these efforts, Phase 1 of the Sea Vista Electrification Project is set to launch in August this year, bringing legal and safe electricity access to more households in the area
Patensiewomantransformsdumpinggroundintofoodgarden
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
WHAT was once a neglected dumping ground next to Ramaphosa Village's local graveyard has been transformed into a flourishing vegetable garden, thanks to the determination and vision of community member Roseline Chimwenje from Patensie
Chimwenje's remarkable project stands as a powerful testament to turning challenges into opportunities, promoting both food security and environmental restoration in the Patensie area
The inspiration for her ambitious undertaking came from a deeply personal place Chimwenje said that after noticing how her community suffered from hunger, particularly the most vulnerable, the elderly and the little ones, she was compelled to fight against starvation in every way possible "I looked around for a small piece of land to start a small farm While search-
ing for land, I discovered the dumping ground, which was neglected by all," said Chimwenje
What followed was two months of backbreaking solo work
Chimwenje said that she used her own two hands to cultivate the land before she began planting
"For two months, I cut all the trees with an axe and pulled them out I then began cleaning using a shovel and rake I had to do this all alone because I did not have money to pay people to help m a s p v b s d
unlocked," said Chimwenje
Starting with limited resources, she used her R350 government grant to purchase her first seeds and borrowed tools from community members
Chimwenje said that the impact on her community has been significant
"The vegetable garden helped with food security in my community," said Chimwenje
"The garden has provided easy access for my people to get food "
• Residents are encouraged to report illegal connections or damaged infrastructure to the municipality via the Kouga Call Centre at 042 200 2200 a massive scale and employ some helpers to create employment opportunities while increasing food production," said Chimwenje
For those considering similar projects, she offers encouraging words
"Nothing is impossible for someone who wants to start something new They should forget about the negative side and focus on executing their idea," said Chimwenje
WêreldklassportgerieweindieKouga
VERONICA FOURIE
VAKANSIEGANGERS in die Kouga area ken dit as dit mekka van branderplankry, lieflike strande en ‘n wye keuse van restourante Maar sportliefhebbers kan van die beste sportgeriewe hier geniet
By die St Francis Links gholfbaan word groot kampioenskappe gespeel waar internasionale spelers graag deelneem Die baan is hoog aangeslaan en uitmuntend versorg Die uitsig van die baan af is in alle rigtings asmerowend Daar is ook gewilde piekniekplekke waar lede die sonsopkoms of sonsondergang kan bewonder Orals verras diere soos bokkies en skilpaaie die spelers “The Links is beyond gholf,” sê die hoofuitvoerende beampte Jeff Clause Hy wys trots na die pragtige huise om die baan en verduidelik wat ‘n goeie belegging dit is vir veral jong families met kinders In die villa kan wooneenhede gehuur word
Daar is spesiale geriewe vir inwoners Die afstandbeheerde koepel oor die swembad hou die water teen ‘n aangename temperatuur
Die klubhuis is pas opgradeer en die grasdak vervang Dit gee van binne steeds die gevoel van ‘n gras-
Die hoofuitvoerende beampte van die St Francis Links gholfbaan, Jeff Clause, en die gasvryheidsbestuurder, Pieter Germishuys staan voor die pas opgeknapte klubhuis. Dit bied ‘n panoramiese uitsig oor die see en gholfbaan.
dak
Die vriendelike gasvryheidsbestuurder, Pieter Germishuys en sy uithaler span bederf gaste met prentjiemooi versnaperinge en etes
Die klubhuis kan verskillende loka-
FOTO: VERONICA FOURIE
le inrig vir geleenthede soos troues en konferensies
RiverClubhetmodernegeriewe
Sommer ‘n klipgooi van die spoggerige gholfbaan, is die River Club
Hierdie geriewe is van hoë standard waar kampioene sake kan uitspook
Die padel bane van wêreldgehalte is byna heeltyd vol bespreek Daar word selfs waterpolo in die reuse swembad gespeel Die gimnasium is van top gehalte, en so ook die ‘spinning’ lokaal met ‘n klomp oefenfietse Daar word ook Pilates en aerobiese oefeninge aangebied
Dan is daar nog al die professionele hulp wat sportmense kan benodig: van ‘n biokinetikus en fisioterapeut Daar is ook suurstof herstelgerief
Die pickle ball bane is reeds gebou Mense kan ook die sauna en die ysbad benut
Die algemene bestuurder, Russel Sadler, wys trots die gedeelte met slaapplek vir dertig mense “Die idee is dat sportspanne hier kom oefen vir ‘n paar dae en sommer hier bly Hier is ‘n winkel en restaurant en al die geriewe wat nodig is om fiks te word ” Binnekort sal daar ook troues en ander geleenthede aangebied kan word Vir minder aktiewes, kan die gerieflike bootvaarte op die kanale by St Francisbaai geniet word Dit neem besoekers op ‘n aangename besigtigingsroete, verby al die spoghuise Vir meer inligting, kontak die toerisme kantoor by 042 294 0076
MandelaDayCommunityLunchfeedsmanyinJBay
WHILE the world's top surfers took on Supertubes in the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, something equally powerful unfolded on Mandela Day, July 18: a mass gathering around shared tables, cooked with love and served with dignity
More than 1,500 residents of Jeffreys Bay came together at Pellsrus Primary School for the first-ever JBay Community Lunch, where a hot meal carried the weight of a much bigger dream: to feed 200 people every week for a year
Organised during the WSL JBay Open by The House of Mandela, the Faulkner Family Trust, and a growing coalition of local churches, artists, surf leaders, and residents, the lunch is a call to action, and a grassroots tribute to Madiba's spirit of Ubuntu: "I am because we are " Rooted in the philosophy of umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu a person is a person through other people, this gathering reminds us that true strength lies in community
It's a celebration of shared dignity, mutual care, and the powerful truth that no one thrives alone
Kweku Mandela-Amuah, Event Director and grandson of Nelson Mandela, said, "Food grown, cooked, and shared by communities builds lasting bonds more than anything else "Here, we honour the mothers' recipes, the farmers' soil, and the shared responsibility to care for one
another, as we always have " At the heart of the experience are homegrown flavour and soul
Local gogos cooked alongside guest chef, Hardy McQueen, while schoolchildren performed and shared stories
Artists, like YoungstaCPT, DJ Doowap and Don Delicious, brought music that resonated across generations
In a town world-renowned for its
waves, this event turned the tide, shining a light on the true heartbeat of Jeffreys Bay: mothers, surfers, teachers, builders, and dreamers who breathe life into this coastline
The lunch is just the start
In a province where one in four households face food insecurity, plans are already in motion to transform this moment into a sustainable feeding programme (at just R5 a meal) powered by local kitchens,
rotating chefs, and a growing volunteer network all fuelled by the values of Ubuntu
Professional surfer and organiser, Joshe Faulkner, said, "When we break bread together, we break barriers too This is not charity, it's reciprocal care "
In JBay, it's not just the waves that unite it's the land, the people, and the spirit of sharing that keep hope alive
Squeaker Squad launchesin
JeffreysBay
MARCIA BOYENS
LOCAL reading champion, Mareli Thalwitzer, is turning the page on traditional literacy programmes with the launch of Squeaker Squad, a creative and inclusive reading hub based in Jeffreys Bay
Well known in education circles for her years as a librarian at Victory Christian School and her work at Edublox reading centre, Thalwitzer has now opened her own space aimed at helping children (and their parents) fall in love with books, whether for the first time or all over again
“Squeaker Squad is more than just a reading programme,” Thalwitzer explained “It’s a place where kids can be themselves, feel encouraged, and find joy in reading No pressure, no boredom, just books and fun And yes, there are guinea pigs involved ”
The space, which offers a mix of one-on-one reading support, book-themed activities, and a unique library system, is designed to make reading accessible, enjoyable and interactive Children can buy, barter or borrow books, including pre-loved favourites and new releases
Thalwitzer said her mission is to cultivate lifelong reading habits through creativity, confidence-building and connection With services that span early literacy to reading comprehension and learner support, the programme is open to all ages, from young children to tweens, teens, and even adults
As Thalwitzer puts it, “Books have always been the air I breathe I live to help others discover the same joy, wonder and comfort that reading has brought into my life ” And with two guinea pigs reportedly cheering from the sidelines, it seems Squeaker Squad is already squeaking its way into the hearts of young readers across town
If you would like to learn more about Squeaker Squad, feel free to visit them at 15 Oosterland street in Jeffreys Bay or contact Mareli at mareli@squeakersquad co za
From left are Joshe Faulkner (Professional surfer and organiser), Celestine Stuurman (Pellsrus Primary School principal) and Kweku Mandela-Amuah (Event Director and grandson of Nelson Mandela).
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Agter Links na Regs: Heini Davids; Johan Esterhuizen; Jacques Deysel
Voor Links na Regs: Elanie van der Walt; Nolene Barends; Felicia Classen; Tanielle Kettledas; Janiece Greyling;Annelie Marx
Links na Regs: Stompie du Bruyn (30jaar); Louette Gouws (22jaar) Paul de Vos (16jaar); Jeswayne Leonard (19jaar) Ralton Potgieter (13jaar); Koos Swartz (19jaar)
GabrielaBryan,ConnorO’LearywinCoronaCeroOpenJ-Bay
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
GABRIELA Bryan (HAW) and Connor O'Leary (JPN) won the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No 10 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT) on July 18
It was all-time Supertubes conditions, with solid four-to-six-foot surf in offshore wind, with the world's best putting on a high-performance show in front of thousands of surf fans lining the beach
Molly Picklum (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA) finished runners-up after producing some of the top performances throughout the week
Reflecting on the success of the event, Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said, "It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that I reflect on the success of the 2025 edition of the World Surf League Corona Cero J-Bay
"
He said that welcoming some of the world's finest surfers, visitors, and supporters to the breathtaking shores of Jeffreys Bay has once again reinforced their reputation as a "premier surfing and tourism destination"
Bornman said that more than just a sporting spectacle, the JBay event was a powerful platform to showcase Kouga's world-class hospitality, vibrant community spirit, and unwavering commitment to promoting tourism on both local and international stages He further said that the event not only entertained the larger surfing community, but also gave a significant boost to the local economy and job creation during the winter months
"Kouga continues to position itself as a top destination for both leisure and business travel, with offerings that rival the best in the world We
remain focused on growing our tourism sector and expanding opportunities for our residents," said Bornman
He further congratulated all the winners of this year's Corona Cero Open J-Bay, saying their incredible performances inspired all in attendance
"I want to thank the WSL and the amazing local organisers of the event for their incredible hard work to set up what was our largest and best-attended event ever We look forward to building on this success and welcoming the world back to Jeffreys Bay in 2026 for another unforgettable event," said Bornman
The next stop on the 2025 CT will be the Lexus Tahiti Pro, the final regular-season event before the one-day, winner-take-all Lexus WSL Finals in Cloudbreak, Fiji
Only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the world rankings will compete in the event
KougageediepasaaninSAgewigoptel
HANNES SCHOEMAN
IN wat as ’n enorme prestasie beskou word is Jefferysbaai en Humandorp tans tien Suid-Afrikaanse junior gewigoptelkampioene ryker
Dít nadat hulle die vloer gevee het met hul teenstanders by die nasionale kampioenskappe in die Kaap
Geen ander plattelandse dorpe in Suid-Afrika kan met dié prestasie spog nie Wat dié streek vermag het, wys dat die sport in die Oos-Kaap in goeie hande is Jeffreysbaai, die Oos-Kaapse juweel, het sopas nege medaljes – waarvan sewe goud – gewen
“Om sewe goud, een silwer- en een bronsmedalje te kon huis toe bring beteken ongelooflik baie vir ons gemeenskap,” sê die Oos-Kaapse hoofafrigter, Pieter Pretorius
“Ek is uiteraard in die wolke met dié merkwaardige prestasie Ek het realisties na sewe medaljes gemik, maar nege is die kersie op die koek
“Dan het ons buurman Humansdorp die Oos-Kaapse naam ’n verdere hupstoot gegee met drie goues en een brons, terwyl die deelnemers van die
Lumar Karolse is Suid-Afrika se voorste o.14-kragman. FOTO: VERSKAF
Baai ook met ’n goud en 'n silwer teruggekeer het huis toe ”
Met só ’n vyfstervertoning is dit geen verrassing dat die Oos-Kapenaars die jongste SA ranglyste domineer nie
In die o 10-afdeling is Faygon Goeda van die Laerskool Pellsrus op Jeffreysbaai in die eerste posisie, terwyl Ruwellyn Bantom van dieselfde skool los voor is in die o 12-afdeling met 207 56 punte Sy naaste teenstander in die tweede plek is Sokhella Blessing van Gauteg met 157 70
Die o 14-afdeling word deur Pellsrus-leerders oorheers Lumar Karolse is gemaklik in die eerste plek, met Bantom derde, Marlin Matthews vierde, Jason Hallem vyfde en Juandre Kramer sesde
Dan het die Oos-Kaap ook die spantrofee vir seuns en meisies in die jeugafdeling ingepalm Intussen lyk die toekoms van die sport rooskleurig Al die o 14-seuns is volgende jaar steeds o 14, Bantom is steeds o 12 in 2026 en die o 17-meisies is die volgende twee jaar nog o 17
Pretorius sê sy groot uitdaging nou is om o 10-deelnemers te ontgin Pretorius se sukses kan meebring dat talle ander jonges na vore sal tree om die sport te beoefen
Hy kan dalk ook nog ’n borgskap of twee losslaan om sy atlete na die volgende vlak te neem
GLA’sannual ‘Survivor:TribalWars’kicks-off
GLOBAL Leadership Academy is proud to announce the completion of Tribal Wars – Season 3, the latest instalment of its very own Survivor-style reality series
Kouga residents are invited to the exclusive Live Premiere on July 25 at 17:30 at GLA
Over five action-packed episodes, Tribal Wars follows Grade 11 learners as they navigate a series of reward and immunity challenges, tribal councils, shifting alliances, and dramatic twists all while being tested mentally, physically and emotionally in the Kouga wilderness
But make no mistake: this is far more than just entertainment
Tribal Wars is a cornerstone of GLA's intentional leadership devel-
opment programme for Grade 11
learners Grounded in the school's mission to "Make Disciples and Shape Leaders," the experience offers young people a chance to grow in courage, character and conviction far from the routine of the classroom
Principal Stefan Kleyn said, "This year, everything changed "
"What started as a game became a personal journey of faith, resilience, and transformation Learners overcame fears, stepped out boldly, and discovered new strength within And yes there's a never-before-seen twist that changed everything "
The entire production, filming and editing were executed by GLA staff members The public now has the chance to experience it all: All five ep-
isodes One unforgettable night
Tickets are R25 per person, available at the GLA school office or the door Additionally, for the first time ever, guests at the premiere will get to meet the castaways in person and hear directly from them what it was like to live through Tribal Wars
Their stories of growth, challenge and transformation will be shared first-hand
Whether you're a supporter of local schools, a fan of reality TV, or simply curious to see what happens when "faith meets fire," this is an event not to miss
Bring your friends, bring your tribe, and see what happens when ordinary learners take on an extraordinary challenge and come out changed
men's spots and two women's spots remaining
VERONICAVERTEL:
MET die onlangse rugby kragmeting tussen onse Springbokke en die span van Italië, het ek self beleef hoe sport 'n nasie saamsnoer! Die opgewondenheid het reeds begin borrel toe vriendin Soria my saamnooi Sommer in 'n japtrap het die groep gegroei tot tien en 'n properse taxi is gereël om ons te vervoer Met plakkers van die landsvlag op ons almal se wange, groen Springbok hemde, Bok-keppe, -sokkies, en -serpe, is ons Baai toe Almal het opgedaag met moed, hoop en geloof in die Bokke Opbeurende musiek dra by tot die warm hartklop en afwagting By die hek is mense selfs gemoedelik met die deursoeking vir verbode artikels, en het net gefokus om by die duur sitplekke uit te kom Die Nelson Mandela Stadion is 'n belewenis Dis 'n indrukwekkende plek wat ontwerp is in die vorm van 'n blom en die blomblare omvou die stadion Ek was bevoorreg om as SAUK radio joernalis gereeld oor die vordering met die bou daarvan verslag te gedoen het Toe ek daar sit, het my gedagtes gedwaal na die projek wat in 2009 voltooi is – betyds vir die 2010 FIFA sokker wêreldbeker toernooie Ek was daar toe die eerste van die 46-duisend sitplekke by dié wêreldklas stadion aangekom het Ek vergaap my aan die verskeidenheid plakate en uitrustings 'n Jong man reg voor my het die onderbroek wat Faf bekend gemaak het, sommer bo-oor sy jean aangetrek So ver die oog kon sien, was dit 'n see van groen in die stadion wat gepak is
met Bok-ondersteuners! Dit was goeie bewys dat Oos-Kapenaars dit werd is om ínternasionale wedstryde hier te kry Hier was laas in 2021 so 'n wedstryd Soos van die nuweling Bokke se trane gerol het, wel emosies in 'n mens op wanneer die volkslied gesing word Jy voel één met die skare My rugbykennis is maar karig Gewoonlik kyk ek die groot wedstryde op televisie waar my broer Japie kan verduidelik wat gebeur en ons weer kan kyk Maar o wee, hier by die stadion is ek verlore! Die groot skerm help darem Ek word meegevoer deur die massa se juiging Die Mexican wave gaan telkens sommer twee keer suksesvol reg rondom die stadion Dis altyd mooi om op televisie te sien, maar dis opwindend om deel te wees daarvan! Sewe keer het die Bokke agter die pale gaan druk! Dit bruis in my en kan nie help om spontaan saam met almal op te spring en hande in die lug met die Suid-Afrikaanse vlag te waai nie! Die samehorigheid is oorweldigend Vandag is ons almal Suid-Afrikaners Die Bokke is óns span Hulle wen met 45-0! Vergete is politiek, misdaad en inflasie Daar is wel dreunsang wanneer iets opwindend op die veld gebeur; maar ek sou darem graag wou hoor hoe weerklink een van Leon Schuster se mees onlangse rugbyliedjies se refrein: "Ama bokka, ma bokka, bokka Dis die Bokmasjien The lean mean green Is the Bokmasjien (hey) Bokka ma bokka bokka Bring daai beker weer Olé olé olé Vir die vierde keer"
Following the finals on July 18 at Jeffreys Bay, there are now four
The seeding and final positions will all come down to the world-renowned Teahupo'o from August 7 through to August 16
Connor O’Leary of Japan (left) and Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii after the final at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay on July 18. PHOTO: KODY MCGREGOR/WORLD SURF LEAGUE
The Tow Tribes, Hooku and Manoi.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
VERONICA FOURIE