We are very excited to welcome you to the first issue of the Port Alfred Easter Festival Magazine.
The Port Alfred Easter Festival, presented by Sunshine Coast Tourism, has been confirmed for at least 3 years and our goal is to grow it bigger and better year on year.
It might be the first edition of the Festival, but it definitely isn’t the first time Port Alfred has hosted these kinds of events and festivals. There have been several festivals and events over the years, with some successes and some fantastic gatherings. Surfing events go back to the Oakley Junior Champs, the Guido’s and Samsung events from back in the day, and last year’s more recent Rip Curl GromSearch tournament.
In fact, it was from that very event that Justin Bekker, the Managing Director of the Royal St Andrews Hotel and chairman of the Events Committee for Sunshine Coast Tourism, had an idea, and his idea was a seed that germinated as the Port Alfred Easter Festival.
The concept started as six events on the calendar, with the two surf tournaments being the anchor events of the Festival with the Bodyboarding Challenge confirmed alongside them. It didn’t remain as six events for long, as word spread and positivity grew around the concept of a Festival over the
We soon reached ten events, and now we have sixteen events. There was talk of more, but eventually, the organisers had to cap it at sixteen before everything started maxing out.
There is so much on the go; you can see the full calendar and schedule inside the magazine, but apart from the surfing and bodyboarding events, here are the concepts and elements of the Festival that have captivated us the most:
- The Unofficial Lazy Triathlon. Competitors can engineer their own sprint triathlon by competing in the parkrun, the Cycle Asylum 10km fun ride and the Sports n All marina Easter Swim. It won’t be easy, but it can be done and will be very rewarding. The event organisers will watch to see who performs well and check the times of those who attempt all three, just out of interest.
- The Good Time Fair. Happening during the day at Van der Riet Street on Friday, 29 March, before moving on to Wharf Street for the night experience, this market soon evolved into a ‘street carnival’ as interest grew. Due to unprecedented interest, it has found its forever name as the ‘Good Time Fair On The River’ and will host live music and have food and market stalls. It’s going to be awesome.
- The Masibambisana Boxing Tournament is an amateur event at the Jauka Hall. The local Masibambisana Boxing Academy who are organising the tournament has the most amazing tagline in the history of taglines with its “Building better kids, one punch at a time” slogan. They give kids in Nemato Township training and discipline to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.
- The Bands At The Beach Music Festival. Thanks to a partnership between Royal St Andrews Hotel and Guidos Restaurant, one of the biggest music concerts ever held in Port Alfred will be happening next to the beach in front of Guidos. With an exceptional line up including Georgetown, Arno Carstens, Wonderboom, aKing and December Streets for Saturday 30 March from late afternoon and into the night, there will be some banging tunes for all.
Thanks must go to Justin Bekker and his marketing team at the Royal St Andrews Hotel, Rip Curl South Africa and Sunshine Coast Port Alfred Tourism. Thanks to all who have sponsored events in the Festival and those who have supported this magazine. Good luck to all competitors in your chosen events or sports, and for those just here to have a good time, thank you for coming. Enjoy all that Port Alred has to offer.
Port Alfred Easter Festival Organisers
Port Alfred Easter Festival Magazine is Creative director: Mark Campbell/ BasilWaits Creative Media Editor: Craig Jarvis info@easterfestival.co.za
What is your history with the Royal St Andrews Hotel?
My father, Martin Bekker, fell in love with Port Alfred in 2007 after visiting friends who lived in the town and decided to move down permanently in 2013 with my mother, Linda Bekker. That same year, he learned that the Royal St Andrews Hotel was for sale and jumped at it. He loved the town but knew it needed investment to grow its tourism market. So in 2014, he closed the hotel for renovations, which took two years to complete, added an extra 40 rooms and conferencing venues, and upgraded the restaurants while giving the hotel a fresh new look and keeping its heritage as a historic building intact. In 2016, the Royal St Andrews Hotel re-opened and began marketing the town as a destination for visitors to experience. Sadly, my father passed away in January 2022 after a long battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, and the reigns fell on me to take over where he left off and fill his enormous shoes. I decided to move down to Port Alfred in 2021, and after my father passed, I tried to juggle my career in the IT industry with the hotel for the first eight months. It soon became very apparent where my true passion lay and where I wanted to devote my time, so in August 2022, I resigned from my job and started working at the hotel full-time.
What did you do, exactly, before the Royal St Andrews Hotel?
I was the Chief Operations Officer for a company in Durban called Dreamware Technology, which provides computer hardware solutions for companies and consumers. I have been in the IT industry since 2017 and have dabbled in many things, from graphic design to photography, writing and bartending. I studied BCom Accounting Sciences fresh out of boarding school at Pretoria Boys High School. I quickly realised I wasn’t built for a career in accounting, so I decided to try to find my path. At the time, I felt like I was stumbling through life in many different directions, not knowing where I would land. It was quite amazing to see how all those different skillsets I’d developed are coming in handy at RSAH and in my role in tourism with Sunshine Coast Tourism. How challenging was it for you to understand the business and to assimilate yourself into the industry?
The most challenging part was the human factor. Getting to know everybody, their roles and responsibilities, and slowly gaining trust which is an ongoing process. The business part comes naturally to me as I’ve been involved in managing and running a few businesses before, and my father occasionally included me in a few decisions while he was in charge. But the hotel is just
a building; the staff are the heart that gives it life and is responsible for its reputation, function and character. It was essential to come in with respect and know that I was learning from them. No one is above anyone else; we’re all in this together, working toward many small goals which ultimately add up to a much larger goal of making the town of Port Alfred and the Eastern Cape as a whole a serious holiday destination for visitors and a place to consider moving to. What is the most challenging part of your job?
There are many day-to-day challenges, from knowing how to work with various personalities and ensuring every department works optimally to planning for the next ten years to ensure we keep growing. However, I wouldn’t describe it as difficult; this is the most rewarding and happiest I’ve ever been in a work environment. Existential dread used to be the order of the day in almost every other job I’ve had. However, this has been a breath of fresh air, even if it is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.
What do you do to unwind when things get stressful?
I’ve always enjoyed sports and exercise, so going for a run or a swim, playing tennis at the Port Alfred Tennis Club, or hitting the gym are great stress relievers. Playing
pool at Kenny’s Sports Bar with friends and a few beers after a long day is also a great way to unwind. When social batteries are completely depleted, I used to be an avid gamer, so jumping into a League of Legends match occasionally and spending a quiet night at home is great, too. However, my mind never stops, so I often research things into the early hours of the morning.
What is your favourite place to be in Port Alfred?
The Royal St Andrews Hotel. As much as it is work, I end up being there almost seven days a week and love interacting with the staff.
Who is the person you look up to / respect the most, and why?
My father. Growing up, I always looked up to him; he was a massive inspiration. I always ask myself what he would do and think when it comes to making decisions. I hope I accomplish even half as much as he did in life and hope he’s proud of the man I’ve become.
What is your favourite meal from Thistle?
Definitely the Swordfish. I can’t get enough of it!
What are your feelings about the Port Alfred Easter Festival?
I am incredibly excited. I knew it was a great concept and endeavour for the town when the idea was conceived, but I was worried about how it would be received. With the last two months of working on it and planning every day, finally presenting it to a room of people for the first time and seeing their excitement and willingness to get involved is hard to put into words. I am now more excited and optimistic than ever that it will be a huge success and help the town’s local economy significantly.
Where do you see the Port Alfred Easter Festival going in three years?
I see it becoming a big annual attraction for visitors and locals alike. Obviously, the idea is to grow it and make it bigger and better, but it will also teach us what works and what doesn’t work so we can better organise it and streamline it for the next year.
What is the one thing in your life that constantly makes you smile or laugh and realise that everything will be cool? South Africans. If you are lucky enough to travel a bit, you’ll quickly realise we’re
“Still, dammit, we are the most amazing nation, and we often take for granted how good we have it.”
a very different breed from the rest of the world, and we often hear comments from international visitors who come to the hotel confirming this. Times may be challenging, and there’s a lot of negativity out there. Still, dammit, we are the most amazing nation, and we often take for granted how good we have it. Our people are incredible; I see it from our staff every day. Everybody gives back and very humbly so. I was speaking to one of our guests last week, an elderly lady from the UK who still enjoys travelling during the UK’s winter months. She said that South Africa is the only country she’s been to in the world where every single time she lands at one of our airports, someone will help her with her bags. She values our manners, friendliness and respect. I waved at one of our staff as I drove past him in town earlier today and saw him skipping and jumping down the road behind me out of pure joy, which put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. Little things like that make our country great and always put a smile on my face and give me hope for the future of our country.
presented by The Royal St Andrews Hotel
The Rip Curl GromSearch Port Alfred is part of a five-event series at various locations on our coastline.
Apart from Port Alfred, these venues include Kommetjie in Cape Town, Scottburgh, KZN South Coast, Nahoon Reef in East London and Seal Point in Cape St Francis.
The Rip Curl GromSearch is in its third year of this new, re-energised series. It has quickly become the country’s most popular junior surfing series.
In 2023, the Rip Curl GromSearch Port Alfred was blessed with booming surf. Massive waves smashed into the West Pier and wrapped into the Kowie Rivermouth before marching over the sand bank and on to the competitors.
Surfers had to muster enough courage to get out there, which was quite a challenge at times with the strong current and outside sets. Still, everyone surfed incredibly, with many surfers pushing their personal limits in the big surf, finding courage that they didn’t know they had.
The Kowie Boardriders played a big part in the event on the ground, helping with
setting up the contest site, packing up, doing any quick rides into town if needed and helping by ensuring the car park was clean. All rubbish was removed from the beach. They have committed to similar help at this event.
Port Alfred is a popular stop for all surfers, and when the waves at East Beach turn on, they can be some of the best in the world. Surfers from across the country will be attending the event and on the hunt for Series Points and prizemoney on offer. South Africa has some brilliant junior surfers, and these events get them contest experience and teach them heat strategy and other such nuances. We can expect red-hot performances in all divisions, from U12 Boys and Girls, U14 Boys and Girls, the Premier U16 Boys and Girls Divisions and the U18 Boys and Girls.
The Rip Curl GromSearch water safety will be handled by NSRI Station 11 Port Alfred, an extremely professional and experienced team. Their help is greatly appreciated.
The Rip Curl GromSearch is a Surfing South Africa event supported by Sea Harvest.
The NSRI Port Alfred Station does tremendous work for water safety in the town. It assists with medical emergencies and supports the local community with water and swimming education. They are a huge asset to have in the area, and it is integral that we support them and help raise funds for them to continue to function and grow in their capacity. They exist solely through donations and volunteer work from hardworking and selfless individuals who often fly under the radar and are underappreciated in their sacrifices to ensure our safety on the river and ocean.
For this reason, R100 from every ticket sold for the Bands and Beer Music Fest held on 30 March and a percentage of the proceeds from sales on the day will be donated
toward the NSRI Port Alfred Station. The NSRI will also provide water safety during the RipCurl GromSearch and RipCurl Cup over the weekend to ensure all participants have any assistance they may need.
Not only this, the NSRI will also be holding another one of their very successful Survival Swim Training Programmes over the weekend in partnership with the Royal St Andrews Hotel to provide critical and life-saving skills to the underserved youths of Nemato. We look forward to implementing a successful fundraising endeavour for the amazing work the NSRI does in this little piece of heaven we are proud to call home.
Georgetown, Arno Carstens, Wonderboom, aKING and December Streets
As part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival, the Bands At The Beach Music Fest will feature some of South Africa’s top bands, including Georgetown, Arno Carstens, Wonderboom, aKING and December Streets. The event aims to raise funds for Port Alfred’s NSRI Station with a target of R150 000 from a portion of ticket sales and to host an exciting music fest on an action-packed weekend during the Port Alfred Easter Festival.
The Bands At The Beach Music Fest will have a kiddie’s play area with childminders and a jumping castle, so you are welcome to bring the whole family along.
Food, alcohol, and cold drinks will be sold in partnership with SAB, Jägermeister, Red Bull, and Coca-Cola. Bring your camping chairs and enjoy some fantastic music from the stage while soaking up the afternoon sun by the beach and partying late into the night. Once the event finishes at 22:00, Guidos Beach Bar will be open with several local DJs playing to get you through to the early hours of the next morning.
The NSRI Port Alfred Station is run by a group of selfless individuals who volunteer to help keep our rivers and seas safe for locals and visitors to our beautiful town. They also allow the community to run a successful survival swimming programme, which teaches people how to swim and educates them on the dangers of currents in the ocean. The NSRI will be doing water safety for the East Beach Rip Curl surf tournaments and the West Beach Bodyboarding Challenge. The station survives on donations from the public to ensure they keep doing their fantastic work.
December Streets
With their vibrant and eclectic sound, Wonderboom has left an indelible mark on the music scene. Formed in 1996, their music effortlessly blends rock, pop, and alternative influences, creating a distinctive and infectious sound that resonates with a diverse audience.
The band gained widespread recognition with their debut album released in 1996. The album’s success propelled Wonderboom into the spotlight, and they quickly became a household name in the South African music scene. Known for their energetic live performances, Wonderboom has become synonymous with dynamic stage presence and musical prowess.
Over the years, Wonderboom has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed albums. The band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has endeared them to fans across generations.
In addition to their musical achievements, Wonderboom has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s rock landscape and has inspired countless aspiring musicians. The band’s longevity and enduring popularity showcase their resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing music industry.
Wonderboom performing live at the Bands At The Beach concert at the Port Alfred Easter Festival Tickets from Quicket
Arno Carstens is performing live at the Bands At The Beach concert at the Port Alfred Easter Festival
Tickets from Quicket
The South African singer Arno Carstens has had a fascinating career marked by musical talent and diverse accomplishments. Arno started making waves in the music scene from a young age. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the band The Springbok Nude Girls during the 1990s, gaining recognition for their energetic performances and unique sound that blended rock, punk, and alternative influences.
Arno Carstens’ solo career took flight after the band’s success, and he became known for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. In 2003, he released his debut solo album, “Another Universe,” showcasing his versatility as an artist. The album received critical acclaim, establishing Arno as a solo force in the music industry. Over the years, he has continued to produce albums that explore various genres, displaying his musical range and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Beyond his solo work, Arno Carstens
Georgetown performing live at the Bands At The Beach concert at the Port Alfred Easter Festival.
Tickets from Quicket
Georgetown brings a fresh and vibrant sound to the music scene. Formed in 2014, they have created a unique blend of indie folk and alternative rock that captivates audiences.
One of Georgetown’s notable achievements is its debut album, “The Dog Show,” released in 2015. The album features a collection of tracks that showcase the band’s versatility and musical prowess.
Georgetown’s music often explores love, life, and the human experience, connecting with listeners personally. Their melodic compositions and relatable lyrics contribute to the band’s
has collaborated with renowned artists, further solidifying his place in the global music scene. His collaborative efforts have demonstrated his adaptability and willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds. Arno’s commitment to his craft and his ability to evolve with the ever-changing music landscape has contributed to the longevity of his career.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Arno Carstens has ventured into philanthropy, using his platform to support charitable causes. His involvement in initiatives that focus on education and community development reflects his desire to make a positive impact beyond music.
growing popularity in South Africa and internationally.
Known for their energetic and engaging live performances, Georgetown has become a sought-after act at various music festivals and venues. The band’s stage presence and genuine passion for music create an atmosphere that resonates with fans.
Georgetown stands out in a musical landscape that continually evolves with its authentic sound and commitment to creating music that leaves a lasting impression. As they continue to grow and develop, Georgetown remains a promising force in South Africa’s vibrant music scene, captivating audiences with their heartfelt melodies and genuine approach to storytelling through song.
aKING has carved its name in the country’s music scene with a unique blend of rock, alternative, and indie influences. Formed in 2007 in Cape Town, their music resonates with a broad audience and is characterized by meaningful lyrics, captivating melodies, and a sound that effortlessly crosses genres.
The band gained significant recognition with their debut album, “Dutch Courage,” released in 2008. This album marked the beginning of aKING’s journey to the forefront of South African music, showcasing their ability to craft emotionally charged and memorable songs. The success of “Dutch Courage” set the stage for subsequent releases, including albums like “Against All Odds” and “Morning After.”
Known for their powerful live performances, aKING has become a staple in the South African music festival circuit. Their shows are celebrated for the raw energy and authenticity that the band brings to the stage. The quartet’s musical evolution over the years reflects a commitment to growth and experimentation while staying true to their artistic roots.
aKING’s impact extends beyond their albums and concerts. They have played a vital role in shaping the contemporary South African music landscape, inspiring a new generation of musicians. With catchy tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and a dynamic stage presence, aKING continues to capture the hearts of fans across the country.
December Streets has carved a niche in the country’s music landscape with its infectious pop and indie sound. The band, hailing from Pretoria, was formed in 2009. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks, upbeat rhythms, and relatable lyrics, making them a favourite among a diverse audience.
The band first gained attention with their debut EP released in 2011. This marked the beginning of December Streets’ journey into the hearts of music enthusiasts in South Africa and beyond. The band has gained a reputation for delivering dynamic and captivating live performances, making them a popular choice for major music festivals. Their music creates an energetic atmosphere that goes down well with their fans, making their shows a must-see experience.
One of December Streets’ notable achievements is its ability to seamlessly blend various musical elements, resulting in a sound that defies easy categorization. The band’s commitment to evolving their sound while maintaining a sense of authenticity has contributed to their enduring popularity.
Beyond its musical prowess, December Streets has been celebrated, delivering fresh and dynamic energy into the
industry. With a fan base that spans generations, the band continues to impress with their catchy tunes and relatable lyrics. Their journey has been one of versatility, inventiveness, and capacity to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Their music is characterized by catchy hooks, upbeat rhythms, and relatable lyrics, making them a favourite among a diverse audience.
On 30 March the RPAGC will run a special whereby all Affiliated Visitors will only pay members green fee rates for the day (R175.00 reduced from R375.00)
The Royal Port Alfred Golf Course is one of only four golf clubs in South Africa which have been granted the right to use the “Royal” prefix.
This is what their website has to say about that prefix and how they got it.
During a visit to Port Alfred in 1921 by Her Royal Highness Princess Alice of Connaught, the wife of the Governor General and Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, a ceremony was held on the verandah of the club where she bestowed names on the holes of the course. 12 of these remain, including that of the 17th “Connaught”. She was so impressed by her visit that she returned to the club on 6 April 1923 with her husband, Prince Arthur of Connaught, who was to comment that “the links
surpassed anything that ever I had ever expected”. Arising from this visit, the “Royal” status was bestowed on the club by King George on 6 February 1924. The publicity surrounding the Princess’s visit resulted in the SAGU holding the 1922 S.A. Open & Amateur at Port Alfred. The Open was won by Mr F Jangle & the Amateur by W.C. Stent. The 1927 Ladies’ Championship & the 1932 Men’s Championships were also held at Port Alfred. In May 1925, another royal visitor, the Prince of Wales (later Edward V111), spent a week relaxing in Port Alfred and playing several games on the links. He later presented the Prince of Wales Cup to the club through his Equerry PW Leigh to be played for in a challenge as decided by club members. Prince George (later Duke of Kent) arrived at the Kowie on board the White Train in May 1925 and played as much golf as possible during his stay.
Spectacular Fishing Tournament presented by Buco.
Thanks to its warm, reef-rich waters off Port Alfred, it offers various species that can be targeted from a ski boat. Read on for a look at some of the pelagics and reef species that might be encountered during the Easter Weekend.
Geelbek
Named for its distinctive yellowish lower jaw (in Afrikaans), it boasts a sleek, silver body with occasional hints of blue or green. Its dorsal fin has a series of spines. At the same time, the deeply forked tail contributes to its aerodynamic appearance and makes it a strong fighter. They frequent nearshore waters (often when the swell is up), making them easily accessible to both land-based and boat anglers.
Regarding feeding habits, Geelbek primarily consumes smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid, enticing anglers to use bait such as sardines, squid, or artificial lures to attract this captivating species.
Kob
The Dusky Kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) is at the top of every offshore fisherman’s list. This soughtafter fish species is highly valued for their fighting abilities and the impressive size they can grow.
Stocks of this iconic species are under pressure, so bag and size limits will be strictly enforced, and for those being released, we recommend the best fishhandling practices.
These are usually targeted about eight miles offshore. These fish are famous for their speed and strength, making them an exhilarating challenge and a sought-after catch.
They’re usually caught while trolling. If the bait fish migration up the coast starts early, the chances of finding tuna during the comp are high.
Dorado
Often targeted spinning with artificial lures around the ‘cray traps,’ these colourful and agile fish are great fun to catch. Renowned
for its strength and impressive aerial displays, Dorado provides an exhilarating experience that any passionate angler will appreciate.
Yellowtail
Arguably, it is South Africa’s most iconic pelagic species fish. The yellowtail is a dirty fighter found in big schools or small packs. Known for their nature and powerful runs, yellowtail offers an exciting, albeit often frustrating (if you know about their ‘lockjaw’ habits, then you know) target.
In addition, anglers can target bottom fish such as gagaraad, roman, Scotsman, and santer. Port Alfred offers an experience for fishing enthusiasts with its untapped potential for offshore game fishing. From the marlin to the fast yellowfin tuna, the agile Dorado, and the strong yellowtail, each species adds to the diverse range of fishing adventures awaiting those who explore these waters.
By Jazz Kuschke
Fancy a dip in the marina during the Port Alfred Easter Festival? Why not join the fun at the Sports N All Marina Easter Swim?
The Sports n All Marina Easter Swim on Saturday, 30 March, is co-sponsored by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and Edge Finance, and there is R7,500 in prizes.
The actual swim is 1km, and the fastest few home will be in the running for a share of the prize pool.
The swim starts at 12 midday at the Halyards Hotel and finishes where it began.
The swimmers will start swimming into the tide but will then be able to ride the tide back home. The course allows for more of a cross-tide swim rather than directly into or against the tide. Still determining which is more fun, but the tide will play a part in the day’s swim.
Entry is open; anyone can enter.
So, just how hardcore is the swim? At this stage, the swim organisers allow wetsuits to be worn for the swim. It’s still early days for the event. At this point of the event’s evolution, this year’s swim is more about having fun and good times (and maybe some of that R7,5k dosh), so wetsuits will be permitted.
Safety will be done by Gardmed on land; there will be two rescue boats on the water, an additional boat, and safety canoeists alongside the swimmers.
Still, just be careful of the big fish.
The event is hosted at the Halyards Hotel pool/bar area. They will have some great food/beer/cool drinks specials on the day and a prizegiving. The sponsors will also give some product prizes to non-competitors and spectators in attendance.
Entry for the swim is R80pp on arrival on the day, and there will be a card machine, but cash is preferred. No pre-entries.
The inaugural Rip Curl Cup is an exciting new event that will take place after the Rip Curl GromSearch. The Rip Curl Cup has only two divisions: Open Men and Open Women.
Prize Money.
There is R75k prizemoney to be shared across these two divisions. The Men’s and Women’s winners get R20k, and the second-placed surfers will receive R10k. Third place will receive R5k, and fourth place in each division will pocket R2,5k.
Team Rip Curl South Africa
The Rip Curl South Africa team members will all be competing in the Rip Curl Cup. They are:
Gemma Hanafey (East London), Blake Crankshaw (Wilderness), Ben Esterhuyse (Cape Town), Kai Stubbs (Scarborough), Rylan Jarvis (Cape St Francis) and Jack Erlank (S Francis Bay.)
East Beach
East Beach is predominantly a right-hand sand-bottom break, wrapping off the East Pier. On perfect conditions, it provides long waves, ideal for high-performance ripping, and occasionally throws a few perfect barrels. It was a well-known wave, and surfers like Jordy Smith, Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and Dane Reynolds have all had a few bombs here over the years.
The Rip Curl Cup is the first in what will be a three-year minimum deal from the sponsors, and this event will undoubtedly grow over the next few years and become a permanent fixture on the Surfing South Africa calendar.
Water Safety for the Rip Curl Cup will be handled by NSRI Station 11 Port Alfred.
The Rip Curl Cup is a Surfing South Africa event supported by Sea Harvest.
“Jordy Smith, Kelly Slater, Fanning,Mick and DanehaveReynolds all had a few bombs here over the years”
VEGAN WRAP... R50
CHICKEN MAYO WRAP... R50
CHICKEN, BACON & AVO WRAP... R65
AVO, FETA & CUCUMBER WRAP... R45
CHEESE & TOMATO WRAP ...R40
HAM, CHEESE & TOMATO WRAP... R50
SALMON, CREAM CHEESE & TOMATO... R65
The SA Bodyboarding Challenge will take place at West Beach on March 30 and 31. It is a South African Bodyboarding Association-sanctioned event.
The heat is coming for the 2024 first South African contest of the year. A full circle has been done, and we will start where we ended off last year, back at West Beach Port Alfred.
We will see some new ladies hitting the circuit this year to take that yearly crown.
As some juniors move into the pro division and the boys move up, we will see a few new stars being born.
The men and masters are hotly contested, with four local boys wanting that first win at home.
But the excitement has risen to see KZN and current SA Champ Wesley Coetzee come and take on current West Beach champion Hugo Naude in the Pro division.
The two explosive riders will bring the heat to the water.
Yet coming back is local area boy Daren Halse. With his local experience, he is the dark horse of the contest.
Yet one of the biggest matchups is two local friends now not free surfing together but going up drop-knee against each other. Ashley and Darren are set to be the event’s matchup. Both NMBA teammates, it won’t be the fact in the water.
Head judge Vaughn Harris has set the bar high, so we will surely see these guys busting out some explosive manoeuvres.
The contest will set the tone for this year’s SA Champs, which will be held in Port Alfred in September. Who will lay claim to this break?
The Masibambisana Amateur Boxing Tournament is part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival
It is presented By The Masibambisana Boxing Academy in conjunction with the Sunshine Life Centre
The Masibambisana Amateur Boxing Tournament is proudly sponsored by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and Pick n Pay Port Alfred
Date: 31 March 2024
Time: 11 am
Venue: Jauka Hall
Admission: Children R10; Adult R20
Catering: Food and drinks for sale at the venue
Competitors: 6 clubs, 48 boxers, four age groups from 12 years to 25 years. Fights: 22 fights of 3 x 3minute rounds
Main event: The Elites, 19 to 25 years old
Other entertainment: DJs, traditional dancing and poetry VIP: SA Champion Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu showcasing his championship belts
Tournament Description:
There will be six boxing clubs from all over Sarah Baartman district. They are:
● Modern Boxing Club from Somerset East
● Masibambane Boxing Club from Makanda
● Golden Gloves Boxing Club from Makanda
● Masibambisane Boxing Academy from Port Alfred
● Kirkwood Boxing Club from Makanda
● Thembalethu Boxing Club from Makanda
Each club will bring two referees and one level 2 coach. Each club will bring two boxers per division as follows:
● Cadets: 1 x boy and 1 x girl (age 12 to 14 years)
● Juniors: 1 x boy and 1 x girl (15 to 16 years)
● Youth: 1 x boy and 1 x girl (17 to 18years)
● Elite: 1 x male and 1 x female (19 to 25 years)
The tournament will start at 11 am. The boxers will compete in 22 bouts to determine a winner for each division. A bout has three rounds of 3 minutes each for males and 2 minutes for females.
Prizes will be:
● Gold medal for winners of each division
● Silver for second positions
● Best bout Trophy for each division
● Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
The event will provide other entertainment, including DJs taking care of the music, poetry and traditional dancing by students of Kuyasa Combined School and a dancing group from Kentin on Sea.
One of the main attractions of this event will be Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu, who will showcase his Provincial, National and International trophy belts.
How about a selfie with Vuyani while you are wearing a world champion boxing trophy belt?
The Thistle Restaurant
Relaxed and intimate fine dining
If you’re in the mood for something unique while at the Port Alfred Easter Festival, do yourself and your family or partner a favour and head over to the Thistle Restaurant at the Royal St Andrews Hotel. It’s an intimate restaurant, the lights are low, and the kitchen is behind glass, so you can see the staff preparing your meals.
It’s hard to choose favourites, but the beef carpaccio starter is quite exquisite, light and bursting with flavour, The Carbonaravioli is slightly heavier than the Carpaccio, so it’s ideal for those who have arrived hungry. Homemade Ravioli pockets filled with egg and topped with bacon bits and parmesan cheese. Decadent and delicious.
For mains, Asian-style Pork Belly is an unusual flavour combination that works on so many levels. Even if you are a pork belly specialist, you’ll be surprised by the delectable combination of delicate pork with egg noodle stir fry. That sort of meal will see you finish off your plate, every last morsel.
The most popular seafood meal is swordfish,
and everyone talks about it. It comes with a creamy lemon butternut puree, savoury basmati rice, and lemon beurre blanc.
There are also some very well-thought-out wine pairing suggestions at the restaurant, and their wine selection is excellent.
Another deliciously decadent item on the menu is their famous Eton Mess dessert. It’s a medley of meringue, fruit, and berry compote. Although it sounds like a mishmash, it is delightfully soft, delicious, and awesomely presented.
The Thistle Restaurant at the Royal St Andrews Hotel is open Monday to Saturday, and they regret no children under 10 Dress Code is smart casual.
Also housed at the Royal St Andrews Hotel, the Highlander Pub is a firm favourite for many reasons. Whether you want to watch a sports game on the big screens, have a few drinks with friends, or smash some comfort food after a long surf at East Beach, The Highlander never disappoints. It serves typical pub grub, but some delicious items on the menu stand out. The Mexican line, shrimp or Mexican tacos,
are delicious, as are the nachos. The nacho portion is large, so leave some space. The loaded cheesy fries will definitely blunt the hungriest of appetites, and the Kamikaze fries are hot. You will need a beer or two to wash them down. There are all sorts of steak cuts, burgers and fries, and an extensive seafood variety on the menu. Their burgers are also amazing, notably their Fiery Scotsman Burger, which comes with a side of Kamikaze fries, with which you need a beer accompaniment. Talking of beer, they have their own.
The legendary Highlander Lager, as well as Highlander Light and Highlander Heavy, are locally brewed with care and pride by Port Alfred’s own Little Brewery on the River.
Highlander Light
This clean, crisp beer is crystal clear and pale straw in colour. It is very mildly fruity in taste and has a dry and refreshing finish.
Highlander Lager
This traditional lager-style beer perfectly combines the sweetness of pale and roasted malt with the bitterness of local and imported hops.
Highlander Heavy
With a rich and opulent amber hue and subtle caramel flavour, this fine beer is slightly sweeter and full-bodied with a smooth finish.
Tennis dates back to 12th century France when it was played as a handball game called ‘paume’ or palm. The game involved hitting a ball back and forth by hand. In time, a black leather glove was used, and then, from there, a handle was added to the glove, which formed the first racquet.
The game was initially played by monks as a form of entertainment during ceremonial occasions. Monks all over Europe enjoyed playing the “jeu de Paume” game during the 14th century. Over time, the game spread and evolved throughout Europe and beyond.
The word ‘tennis’ is believed to have derived from an earlier
version of the game played by monks in the 12th century. Their version of the game involved throwing and catching a ball while shouting “tenez,” which means to take heed.
Original tennis balls were crafted from wood; until later, a cellulose material was used to make the balls bouncier.
While most sports keep the scoring system simple, tennis… not. The scoring system is believed to come from medieval France, and a clock face was used to indicate the scores. For every point scored, the hand was moved to the next quarter (15, 30, 45). The winner was the first player to reach 60, and the game
The Sunshine Coast Open Tennis Tournament is a Mixed Doubles and Doubles Tournament on the 30th and 31st of March at the Port Alfred Tennis Club.
The Sunshine Coast Junior Tennis Tournament will take place on the 30th of March at Port Alfred School.
Both tournaments are sponsored by the Royal St Andrews Hotel and Edge Financial Group.
To register, please contact Jo-Anne van Rensburg at 082 329 3399
Welcome to our family-oriented tennis club! We are dedicated to promoting sports participation among both youth and adults. Our club is designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Sports can positively impact physical and mental health, and we strive to create a health-promoting setting for our members.
Our focus is not just on winning but on creating a sense of community, team spirit, and camaraderie among our members. Sports can improve schools and the community, provide opportunities for youth, spur economic development, and improve the quality of life for everyone. ended.
However, this needs to be clarified, considering the scoring system is now 15, 30 and 40. One explanation for the discrepancy is that players had to win by two points. Therefore, the hand was moved to 40 and then 50, with the win coming on the hour.
Another theory is that the scoring system was created about the number of yards the ball travelled. Today’s courts measure a standard 78 feet long, but in the early days courts were 90 yards long, with 45 yards per side. Each time a player scored, players moved 15-feet forward. The third point was scored with both players at the net, so the final point was 10 yards.
#5. King Henry VIII Had a Tennis Court
English King Henry VIII built a tennis court at Hampton Court Palace. While this exact court no longer exists, a similar court was built in 1625. It is still in use today. The game was played mainly by the royal and wealthy members of society. In fact, the Wimbledon district of London
formed the All-England Croquet Club. To this day, the game is played by royalty and wealthy benefactors.
#6. The Invention of Lawn Tennis
In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield invented a version of tennis that could be played outdoors on a lawn. He called the game ‘Sphairistike,’ Greek for “playing ball.” It was played by rich English people on the Manor House lawn. This is the first instance where tennis began to look like the game we know and love today. In 1874, the first lawn tennis tournament was played in the USA.
#7. First of Many
1881, the first US Open was played after America founded The United States National Lawn Tennis Association.
In 1896, tennis was first played in the Olympic games. In 1897, the French Championships were opened to women tennis players for the first time in French history.
Committee:
Lindsay Luppnow - Chairperson
Dawie van Wyk - Vice-Chairperson
Judie van Wyk
Bill Rowlston
Ren Mouton
Claire Wright
Sue Waugh
Jo Rice
Mandy Roesstorff
Peter Abrahams
PARRA’s main objective is to interact with the Ndlambe Local Municipality on behalf of the ratepayers and residents of Port Alfred. Our aim is to engage with the Municipality using a non-confrontational approach and hold them accountable for issues related to their services.
PARRA was founded to improve Port Alfred for all its ratepayers and residents and promote the town as a tourist and business destination. To date, PARRA has maintained a good working relationship with all the senior municipal officials, and we strive to continue to do so.
The past year has been a building exercise for PARRA. We focused on laying formal foundations for the Association by creating a new logo, launching our website, and recreating our Facebook page. We believe that it was necessary to create a professional and modern mechanism of communication with our members and the community we represent. Much of the incredible work our Exco was doing prior to this was not
being effectively communicated.
PARRA has maintained a good working relationship with various role players for many years, including Sunshine Coast Tourism, PA Business Forum, the local media, and Ndlambe LM. In 2023, we continued to build on these relationships and found them incredibly effective in making meaningful co ntributions to the community. We regularly meet with various departments at the Municipality to effectively create change and address issues affecting our members.
With regards to the Port Alfred Easter Festival:
We hope this will become an annual event that grows from strength to strength. It is an amazing opportunity to showcase all that our town and its surroundings have to offer.
With regards to current projects:
We are working as part of a collaborative project upgrading the East Beach Kiosk & toilets.
Art Project on Wharf Street
With regards to security issues in Port Alfred:
We work closely with Sunshine Coast Tourism & PA Business Forum, which incorporates the security aspects. The head of our Business Forum also owns the largest security company in the area. Therefore, we are kept abreast of issues as they arise.
With regards to challenges faced: We are a voluntary group, and many residents believe we must solve all the town’s issues. We obviously try our best, but usually, those residents/ratepayers who are not active members (i.e. not paid their annual membership) expect the most from us.
We also find a high level of apathy from the younger community, who are unhappy with things but unwilling to get involved. We need to grow our membership and Exco portfolios with people who can assist us in getting more done.
With regards to membership
People can sign up as members by visiting our website and conveniently signing up at https://parra.org.za/ membership/ or sending an email to membership@parra.org.za. We can then send a manual sign-up form and banking details for payment.
In closing...
We want to see Port Alfred improve and become a real contender against other small coastal towns. We need investment, visitors, and business to flourish, and therefore, we actively aim to be part of the solution. The Port Alfred Easter Festival is a massive step in this direction, and we support this exciting initiative.
Lindsay Luppnow - Chairperson
As part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival, The Good Time Fair is coming to the Kowie from 10am right into the evening on Friday the 29th of March, uniting Wharf Street and Van Der Riet Street for the first time. All shops and restaurants will be open to join in the celebration.
The Good Time Fair kicks off The Port Alfred Easter Festival in style. The Easter Festival is a town-wide celebration uniting many events and attractions all over Port Alfred for everyone and their families to enjoy.
Get ready for a day filled with entertainment, delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, and bustling markets.
The fun starts on Van Der Riet Street with a jumping castle, Easter Egg hunt, and mouth-watering breakfasts and lunches from 10am to 3pm. Then take a stroll over Putt Bridge to Wharf Street from 3pm for an afternoon and evening of live music, a second market, vibrant lights, tasty street food, two landmark restaurants to cater to your every whim, karaoke, a wife-carrying competition (win your wife’s weight in beer!) and even a thrilling walk-the-plank challenge right into the Kowie River!
Stay tuned for more updates and details about all the exciting activities and events at the Good Time Fair. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day of fun and unity!
“It’s a social game, so good sportsmanship and a friendly spirit are part of the fun.”
Lawn Bowls is a chill and fun game played on a flat, rectangular grassy area called the “rink.” The rules are easy to catch, making it a perfect game for players of all ages. Each player or team aims to roll their bowls (slightly flattened on one side) closer to a smaller target ball called the “jack” than their opponents.
The game starts with a coin toss to decide who goes first. Players take turns to roll their bowls down the green, trying to get them as close to the jack as possible. The player or team with the bowl nearest to the jack scores points. The bowls can curve as they roll, adding a bit of strategy to the game.
Players can knock opponents’ bowls away or use their own bowls to block the path to make things interesting. The jack can be moved around during the game, adding a layer of tactics.
Scoring is straightforward. A point is scored for each bowl closer to the jack than any of the opponents’ bowls. The game usually goes for a set number of “ends,” and the player or team with the most points at the end wins.
Notably, players must stay on the mat when rolling their bowls and respect the “foot fault” rule. It’s a social game, so good sportsmanship and a friendly spirit are part of the fun.
Overall, Lawn Bowls is a simple yet strategic game combining precision, a bit of strategy, and a lot of fun on the green.
Croquet is a fun game played on a flat lawn with mallets, balls, and hoops. The goal is to hit your ball through the course of hoops in a specific order and be the first to finish. The rules are simple and make for a fun and friendly game.
Players take turns hitting their coloured balls with a mallet, aiming to send them through the hoops in a particular sequence. The order is green, red, yellow, and blue. The player who completes the course first is the winner.
But wait, there’s a catch! You can also try to knock your opponent’s balls out of the way or send them flying off course. It adds a bit of strategy and mischief to the game.
Each turn involves one “stroke,” where you hit your ball with the mallet. The number of strokes you take to get through a hoop or hit another ball matters. If you make it in one stroke, that’s awesome, but if it takes more, those add up.
Watch out for the boundaries, though – going out of bounds means a penalty. The game is all about skill, a bit of luck, and having a good time with friends on a sunny day. It’s a friendly competition where laughter and fun are as important as making your way through the hoops.
Causeway Street 30 March at 8am
Come join us for a little 5km parkrun ramble on Saturday morning. Also, remember that if you’re doing the Unofficial Lazy Triathlon, it all starts at the parkrun.
Port Alfred parkrun is a free weekly 5km timed walk or run. We meet every Saturday at 8am, so Saturday 30 March at 8am.
Causeway Street, Port Alfred, South Africa
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before you first come
along. Only ever register with parkrun once and don’t forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
We all take part for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace! It’s all about having fun, getting some fresh air, getting those legs moving and being outdoors. Or you can go as fast as you can and go for your PB (personal best - the fastest time you’ve clocked for a parkrun!
The World Surf League (WSL) uses a set of clear and straightforward criteria to judge surfing competitions, and it is the same criteria that will be used by the Surfing South Africa judges at the Rip Curl GromSearch and the Rip Curl Cup. When surfers ride those waves, judges evaluate their performance based on critical elements. Let’s dive into the basics of how these surfing superheroes earn their scores.
First up is “Commitment and Degree of Difficulty.” This is all about how bold surfers are on those waves. The more daring the moves and the more challenging the waves, the better the score. Judges want to see surfers pushing their limits and going for those epic manoeuvres.
Then comes “Innovative and Progressive Maneuvers.” Surfing is all about creativity; judges love it when surfers bring something new. If a surfer pulls off a unique and mind-blowing move that no one else is doing, they get extra points for being inventive.
“Combination of Major Maneuvers” is another crucial aspect. Judges keep an eye on how surfers link their moves together. A smooth and connected flow between different manoeuvres
can make a big difference in the final score. It’s like putting together a puzzle of awesome moves on the waves.
Of course, style matters too. The “Style and Flow” category focuses on how surfers make everything look effortless and cool. Judges appreciate a surfer’s personal flair and smooth transitions between manoeuvres. A surfer’s style can set them apart and add a touch of finesse to their performance. Lastly, there’s “Variety of Maneuvers.” Judges want to see surfers mixing it up, showing off various tricks and skills, whether powerful turns, epic airs, or stylish cutbacks; the more variety, the better.
By keeping an eye on these criteria, the judges ensure a fair and exciting competition where surfers showcase their best moves, creativity, and unique styles, making each WSL event a thrilling spectacle for surfing fans worldwide.
The more daring the moves and the more challenging the waves, the better the score.Gemma Hanafey © Louis Wulff
Who wants to enjoy a ten km cycle around the beautiful town of Port Alfred? Then the Cycle Asylum 10km Fun Ride is for you.
Sponsored by Royal St Andrews Hotel and Edge Finance, along with the Port Alfred Round Table, this ride is bound to be loads of fun.
The cycle starts at the Royal St Andrews Hotel at 10am on Saturday, 30 March, and finishes back at the Hotel.
Port Alfred has some tough competitors, and ex-pro cyclist Brandon Smith might make an appearance. Then things will get real.
The only rules are the age restriction - over 16s only, and safety headgear is a requirement, with no exceptions. There will be some road closures for about two hours during the event. The cycle has full permissions and will be a smooth and well-run event.
Finally, engaging in cycling presents a multifaceted source of enjoyment. Firstly, it provides a dynamic avenue for exploration, allowing riders to discover new locales, relish the outdoors, and maintain physical activity.
Moreover, the sense of accomplishment derived from conquering challenging routes elevates the overall appeal of road cycling. As enthusiasts gather, a unique social dynamic emerges, contributing significantly to the widespread appeal of road cycling.
And then, of course, there’s the thrill of the race, as we have here at the Cycle Asylum event. It’s a fun ride, but the competitive aspect adds another layer of excitement to the world of cycling. The competitive element injects adrenaline, adding to the excitement of friendly competition. It’s a well-rounded activity.
Then, you have the option of competing in your own triathlon. Add the parkrun to the swim and cycle races, and you have all three. There is enough time between races to make your way
to the next start, so finishing your first triathlon at the first Port Alfred Easter Festival could be quite an achievement.
To enter the Cycle Fun Ride will be R100pp, and there will be pre-entries and cash entries on the day.
The after-race function will likely drift over to the Highlander Pub for some loosening up.
