Kouga Express- E-Edition - 30 April 2026

GRADE7’S

AREYOU UP FOR THE HALLENGE?

KareedouwOnlinegrowsintoalifelineforlocalfamilies

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

ASMALL but growing homeschool supportand tutoring centreinKareedouw is making ameaningful impact in the lives of local families, particularly those with neurodivergent children.

Kareedouw Online, established in 2024, operates from aprivate residence and currently serves 32 learners ranging from two years oldupto matric level

The centre offers aunique alternative to traditionalschooling by focusing on small, personalisedclasses,inclusive education, and support for families who may not otherwise have access to quality educational resources.

Co-founder, Melodie Lezar, said the initiative was born out of adeeply personal journey.

She said that as parents of two boys on the autism spectrum, the centre is very close to their heartsas they wantedtoprovide them with a placewhere they, and other children like them, could thrive.

“In 2023, we really felt God putting it on our hearts to move to theEastern Capeand start something that could eventually grow into aschool and skills centre,”said Melodie.

She saidthey started small, initially running aplaygroup and homeschooling their own children online.

“At the time, we didn’t know

where exactlywewere going; we just trusted God, and He led us to Kareedouw.That’swhere it all started,”said Melodie.

She added that the centre’s personalised approach sets it apartand they work in smallgroups to adapt to each child’s needs.

“We focus on the wholechild, academically, emotionally, developmentally and spiritually, and we meet each child where they are. It’s important to us to create acalm, structured space where everychild feels safe, valued and supported,” said Melodie.

She further said that the need for such aservice became increasingly clear as more families sought help.

“Many of the children coming to us had been overlooked or misunderstood in mainstream schools, and we could see they needed something different. That’swhen we really felt theimportance of creating aspace where they can learn in away that worksfor them,” saidMelodie.

Despite its growth,Kareedouw Online faces significant financial challenges,operating without government funding while supporting families whooften cannot afford the fullcostofspecialised education.

Co-founder, Shawn Lezar, saidthe centre’sbiggest challengeisbalancing daily operations with long-term sustainability.

He saidthe centre’s current facilitieslimit its ability to expand

“We currently operate from aprivateresidence, which has allowed us to beginthe work, butitlimits how many children we can help,” said Shawn.

He said that while they have land available and the vision to expand, they need funding to establish suitable classrooms, ablution facilities, safeplay areas, and learning spaces where children of all ages can thrive.

Shawn said thatthe centre is working towardsregistering as anon-profitorganisation, which would open doorstofunding opportunities and help build amoresustainable structure.

“Our immediate focusisPhase 1, which requires R732,494. Thiswill help secure operational stability, improvelearning resources, support staff, provide meals where needed, and lay the foundation for future growth,” said Shawn.

The centre has launched aBackaBuddy fundraising campaign titled “Help Us TransformLives Through Kareedouw Online” to support its development and meet growing demand,with plans to expand into a fully equipped community learning centrethat maintains its small, personalised approach.

“With the right support, Kareedouw Online can become sustainable and expand its impact. We are not driven by profit, butbya desire to serve children, especially those

who need smallerclasses, individual attention, andaplace where they can truly belong,” said Shawn He said that communitysupport has already playedavitalrole in the centre’s journey,with donations of meals, resources andskilledlabour helping to keep theinitiative running.

Shawn said that thegrowingwaiting list further highlightsthe need for accessible, inclusiveeducation in

KougaCareersExpohailedaresoundingsuccess

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

THE second annual Kouga Working World Careers Expo has been hailed ahuge success,building on the strong foundation laid by last year’s inaugural event.

Hosted by the Kouga Local Municipality with the support of the local wind farms collectively known as the Coastal 6, the expo took place at Mentors Country Estate on 23 and 24 April.

Inkanyezi Events member, Deon Engelke, said that the event attracted atotal of 2,600 visitors over the two days.

Aimed at empowering school leavers and unemployed youth across the Kougaregion and surrounding areas, he said that the expo provided access to study, funding and career opportunities, as well as valuable resources to help school leavers make informed decisions about their futures.

thearea

“Kareedouw Online is morethan just aschool; it’s acommunitybuilt on compassionand faith,with a heart to see every child reach their full potential. We wanttowalk alongsidefamiliesaswell, because we know thejourney is notalways easy,” said Shawn For moreinformation or to supportthe centre, send an emailtokareedouwonline@gmail.com.

with local wind farms and members of the business community.

“The success of the second expo demonstrates the growing impact of the initiative. Based on the resounding positive feedback from schools and exhibiting entities,the successful recipe for career guidance through the initiative will largely be maintained,”saidEngelke.

He added that the long-term vision remains focused on expanding the programme to further supportlearnersand educators.

Thestrong commitment from key stakeholders, including the Kouga Local Municipality and the Coastal 6windfarms, continues to drivethe initiative forward.

These included all KougaLocal Municipality directorates, 24 units of the SouthAfrican Police Service(SAPS), the SouthAfrican National Defence

Engelke said that more than 70 exhibitors,representing government, business and the educationalsector, showcased awiderangeofcareer pathways.

Force (SANDF), the South African Navy, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, local businesses andeducational institutions fromacross South Africa, along with corporate organisations.

Engelke further saidthat the event also drew increasing national attention, with Deputy Minister of Energy Samantha Jane Graham-Maré addressing morethan 350 learners and participants,while also engaging

“The commitment from key playerslike the Kouga Municipality and local wind farms to the priority of contributing and promoting youth employment in Kouga will ensure the continued success of the initiative and growth into other even more direct facets of career guidance and mentorshipofschool leavers and educators,”saidEngelke.

KeepingHankey,ThornhilladLoerieclean–onedayatatime

In communitieslikeKouga,itisoften thequietdedicationofindividuals behind the scenesthatkeepstowns functioning,clean,and thriving.Jonathan Jacobs is onesuchindividual –alocal whosejourney from truck drivertoGamtoos WasteSupervisorreflects not only personal determination, butalsoadeep-rooted commitmenttothe wellbeing of hiscommunity. His storyisa testamenttohow purpose-driven work,nomatterhow humbleitmay seem, canleave alasting impact.

Beforethe sun risesoverHankey,while most of the town is still asleep,Jonathan Jacobs is already at work –checking registers,coordinating teams, andpreparing for aday thatwill directlyshapethe health and cleanliness of hiscommunity.

It is arole thatdemandsbothgrit and heart, as he tackleseverything fromservice delivery challenges to the ongoing battle against illegaldumping

Yet, forJacobs, this is farmorethanroutine –itisamission to upliftthe place he calls home,one street,one site, andone conversationatatime

Born and raisedinHankey,withroots also in Humansdorp,Jacobs’ journeywith Kouga Local Municipalitybegan in 2018. Startingasatruck driverand part-time Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB)operator, his dedication and work ethicsaw him rise to the role of Gamtoos WasteSupervisor in2022. He is committedtoensuring thatThornhill and Loeriereceive the same levelof wastemanagementservice, dedicating his working days to operations across Hankey, Thornhill, and Loerie. His responsibilities include overseeing teams andaddressing illegaldumping through regular clean-up initiatives. In addition, he frequently assistsat the Hankey landfill, wherehehelps manage firesand, when required,operatesheavy machinery such as TLBsand tippertrucks. Butfor Jacobs,this is morethan just ajob –itisacalling

“I have always wanted abetterlife,”he says.“And thatincludeshelping my communitylivehealthier through proper waste management.”

Early mornings–dailyresponsibilities

Atypical dayinJacobs’ lifebegins with people.Beforeanything else,hechecksthe attendanceregister –making surehis team is presentand ready, and adjusting where needed.Fromthere, he reviewsany service complaints thathavecome in and ensures feedback is provided to residents His role quickly shiftsfromadministration to leadership on the ground. “I makesureall employees have what theyneedto do their

jobs safely –especiallywearingthe correct Personal Protective Equipment(PPE).After that,Imoveontositeinspections.”

These dailysitechecksare wherethe real work unfolds –ensuringwaste is managed effectively andthatthe environment remains cleanand safe forthe community.

More than just wastemanagement

ForJacobs, keepingHankeyclean is deeply personal.“To me,thisjob mattersbecause it is about maintaininga cleanenvironment It is aboutqualityoflife.”

Beyond managing waste, Jacobs plays an importanteducationalrole in the community –regularly engaging with residentsabout responsible wastedisposal andits impact on health.

Facingthe challengeofillegaldumping

One of the biggestchallenges Jacobs and his team face is illegaldumping–anissue thatrequiresconstantattention and communitycooperation

“Wecan cleananarea, andwithinminutes, dumping starts again,” he says Through ongoing awarenessprogrammes, Jacobs workstoeducateresidents about the dangersofillegaldumping, especiallyits health risks. Yet, the problem oftenpersists duetoeverydayhabits.

“In some cases, children aresenttothrow away rubbish butcannotreach thebins, so theyleave it next to them.That’show dumping starts,” he explains. Maintaining cleanliness requires both municipal effort and communityresponsibility.

Apassionfor people andmachinery

Despitethe challenges, Jacobs findsjoy in his work –especiallyinworking with his team and operatingheavy machinery “Working with earth-moving equipmentis in my genes,” he says proudly, reflectingon hislatefather,who didsimilar work.“Istill enjoy getting behind thecontrols –even driving the dozerwhenneeded.”

Amessage thatstartsathome

At the heartofJacobs’ work is asimplebut

powerfulmessage:“Do notlitter. Look after your environment andthe health of those youlove.

He believes thatrealchangebegins at home.“If we teachour children that litteringiswrong,wecan go along wayinkeepingour communities cleanand healthy,”he says

Behind the scenes, makingKouga work Through dedication,communityengagement, and ahands-onapproach,Jacobsisone of the manyunsung heroes working behind the scenes to keep Kougaclean, greenand running.Because forhim, everyday on the jobisanother opportunitytobuildacleaner, healthierfuture–one street at atime

DIARY|DAGBOEK

Jeffreys BayCar BootSale: Jointhe bargain hunt in Da Gama Road, oppositethe caravanpark, from 08:00 to 13:00 on 2May.The entranceisat 2Petunia Street.ContactCorine at 082 9222260 Jeffreysbaai Tuinbouklub: Die klub nooi alle natuurliefhebbersuit na hullevolgende vergadering op 5Mei om 14:00 vir 14:30 by dieNG Kerksaal in Da Gamaweg.Die spreker is Adré Kleynhans, ’n mikrobioloogwat spesialiseer in grondbiologie,en dieonderwerp is ‘Voordelevan mikro-organismes in die grond’.Toegang is R20 per persoon.Ledegeld is R100 per jaar.Koffie,teeenverversingswordbedien. Kontak Terésa by 082 332 2650 Alzheimerondersteuningsgroep: Diegroep se volgende byeenkoms is op Dinsdag, 5Mei om 15:00 in dieEedenglensaal. Almal is welkom. Kontak Anna-Marie Jacobsby082 8746328ofMarietjie Boonzaaier by 084 409 3119 Nifty FiftiesPlus Club: The club forseniorsin Jeffreys Baywill have ameeting on Friday,8 May at 09:30atthe MethodistChurch, opposite the CaravanPark in Da Gama Road. The entranceis at 2Petunia Street.Come earlyand enjoy asocial morningwith teaand asandwich. Entry is R10 Qualifyfor luckydrawprizes andlistentoaguest speaker.Contact083 2770088.The following meeting will be on Friday, 5June.

KougaJukskei: Die eerstealgemenejaarvergadering vanKougaJukskei salop9Mei om 10:00 by die Jeffreysbaai Gholfklub plaasvind. Die verkiesingvan die bestuur salplaasvind. Dieagenda sal ook dieaanvaarding vandie Grondwet,finansiële sake (ledegeld,ensovoorts),kompetisieinligting en ander algemene sakeinsluit.Vir meerinligting kontak Corinevan Dyk by 082 9222260 AstonBay CommunityMarket: Don’tmiss the

opportunitytofind something forMother’s Day at themarket at AstonBay CommunityHallon9 May, from 09:00 to 13:00.Come find everything youneed to makeher feel trulyspecial. WhatsApp 082 828 1899

Milkwood SaturdayMarket: Don’tmissthe hand-made crafts,jewellery,décor items, wood crafteditems,clothing,treats, freshvegetables, flowers,bottled products,second-hand items and more at the market on 9May,from09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting). Find agiftfor Mother’s Day on 9May.Attie will be on stagefor liveentertainment. The market is locatedonthe GLA road next to Fountains Mall. The market will also be held on 30 May.

Aqua WaterTherapyand Rehab: The Policlinic has aheatedindoor swimming pool. Classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays,Fridays and Saturdays All ages arewelcome.Contact Yolandé (professional/qualified H2O therapist) at 082 8777640. Hydrotherapyand Rehab forPets: Medical care and healing throughexerciseinaheatedpool forpets.Classes by Yolandé Burger take placeevery Thursday.Recommendedbyveterinarians. For more information, contactYolandé at 082 877 7640

Friends of the Library: Fullyoperational on Wednesdaysand Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00.A largevariety of booksinvery good condition are availableatverylow prices in the Newton Hall in Goedehoop Street.All funds go towardsbuying booksfor the Jeffreys BayLibrary

St Francis Anglican Church: The church on the corner of St Francis and Goedehoop Streets in JeffreysBay invitesall to itsEucharistservice every Sundayat 08:30

Send your Diary entriestokougaexpress@novusmedia.co. za

The deadline forentriesison Tuesdays at 14:00.Entriesmay be in English or Afrikaans.

Children’scharityinitiative returnstolocalcommunities

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

THESanta Shoebox Project is settomake its return to JeffreysBay andStFrancis Bay this year, with renewed efforts to support children in need across the Kougaregion

JeffreysBay-based coordinator Lisa-Marie Stoltz said she is honouredtotake on the role of leading the localinitiative, working alongsidesub-coordinators AeronStrydom and ChandreBurns.

“I am verylucky and honoured to have becomethe JeffreysBay-basedcoordinator forthe Santa Shoebox operationsinJeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay,” saidStoltz.

She explainedthat the project, which began in 2006 in Cape Town with just 180 shoeboxes, has growninto anationwide initiativewith more than 40 drop-offoperations, distributing more than1.35 million shoeboxes to date.

In 2025 alone,the project reachedover 76,500 children.

Stoltz said that the initiative plays avital role in addressing the needsofchildren from under-resourced communities

“The project is incredibly importantbecause many children in South Africaface poverty and lack access to necessities such as toiletries, clothing, and school supplies TheSanta Shoebox Projecthelps restore dignity and bring joybyproviding personalised gift boxes filled with essential items and treats,” said Stoltz.

She said that the project alsocontributes to longer-term change through its Legacy Projects, which focus on early childhood development, education,and literacy

Explaining how the initiativeworks, Stoltz said donors canpledgea shoebox for aspecific child.

“Donorsthen fill the shoebox with acombination of essential items andsmall gifts, apersonalised boxfor each childthatsets them up forthe yearahead,” said Stoltz These boxes arecollectedatdesignated drop-off points, checked by volunteers, and distributedtochildren throughapproved schools and care facilities.

Stoltz emphasised that all boxes donated by the JeffreysBay community will be distributed to children within the local community

She furthersaidthat her involvementin the project stems from along-standingpassion for community work.

Stoltz said that she has always been passionate about community work andgiving back, which is abig reasonwhy shechose to study psychology, particularlywhenit comes to working with and supportingchildren

She addedthat after completing herHonoursdegree, she wanted to continuemaking ameaningful impact whilepreparing to pursue her Master’s degreesoon

“Being part of thisinitiative allows me to work with children and contributetosomething that aligns closely with my future goals,” said Stoltz.

Thereintroduction of alocal drop-off point came after Stoltz initially planned to contribute afew shoeboxes herself.

However, after connectingwith project representatives, it becameclear thatJeffreys Bay didnot haveanactivedrop-off locationdespite aclear need

Stoltz said the teamthen decided to take the initiative to establish alocation forthis year.

The main collection event forthe area will take placeatFountains Mall, TheWerf, on 6and 7November, where community memberscan drop offtheir pledgedshoeboxes.

Facility applicationsfor participation in the project closed on 23 April, with final numbers to be confirmed once applications have been assessed

Stoltz encouraged residents to getinvolved by pledging ashoebox whenregistrations open on the website on 1September.

She said thatdonorscan select achild based on basicdetails such as name,age and gender and fill abox with essential itemsincluding toiletries,clothing,stationery, atoy,and asweet treat.

For those unable to pledge afullshoebox, the team willalso host pop-up “fill-a-box”styledonation drives, allowingindividuals

to contribute individualitems thatwill be used to complete boxes forchildrenwho maynot have been selected online.

“These donateditems will thenbeused to complete boxes forchildrenwho may nothavebeenselected on the website. As ateam, we will ensure thatevery childis included,” said Stoltz Following the Novemberdrop-off, distribution andhandover events will be arranged with participating facilities,with dates to be confirmed once finalnumbers areknown.

For more information, visitthe Santa Shoeboxwebsite or emailLisa-Marie Stoltz at lisa-marie@santashoebox.org.za.

Thárrostakesholisticapproachtochildsupport

RAZAANPLAATJIES

IN the heart of Hankey, Thárros Family Centre continues to support children and families through arange of programmes aimed at strengthening wellbeing, learning and family resilience.

Taise Sampson from Thárros Family Centre saidthat the organisation takesa holistic approach,recognising that children thrive when emotional wellbeing, safety, learning support andfamilysystems are strengthened together.

“We look at the broader picture of what children need to thrive: support, encouragement, safety, and opportunities to simply be children,” said Sampson.

She said that one of the core programmes is structured homework support, where children receivehelp with schoolwork, build confidence in learning, andbenefit from consistent adult guidance in asafe environment.

For many, this provides stability and encouragement during their school journey.

Sampson said that they offer homework support to Grades 1 to 3learners at Hankey Primary School from Monday to Thursday after school.

“We assist many learnersin Grade 1because we have found

thatquite afew have not been in GradeRinthe previousyear or have nothad anyeducation prior to starting Grade 1,” said Sampson She further saidthat this enablesthem to assist theGrade 1s with basic skills like holdinga pencil,writing their namesand practisingnumbers.

“By the end of Grade 1, our hope is thatthey areabletocope,” said Sampson

Thárrosalsorunsholiday clubprogrammesduring school breaks, offering childrena safe andengaging spacewhen school is notinsession.

Sampsonsaidthatthese programmes focus on play,creativity andpositive interaction, ensuring continued support beyond the classroom.

She saidthatthe organisation also integrates Protective Behaviourprinciplesintoits work with children, helping them understand personal safety and encouraging them to speaktoa trusted adult when they feel unsafe or uncertain.

“These are simple but powerful messages. We want children to knowthat they are heard, and that there is always someone they can talk to,nomatterhow difficult something may feel,”said Sampson In addition to workingdirectly

withchildren, she said thatThárros supportsfamiliesthrough parenting-related engagement and broadercommunityinitiatives.

Sampson said that theaim is not onlytosupport children in isolation,but to strengthen the familysystems around them

OperatinginHankey, shesaid that theorganisation works within acommunitywhere many familiesface socio-economic challenges,but wherethere is also resilience, connection and potential

“We seeresilience andpotentialevery day in the children we work with,” said Sampson.

“Our role is to walk alongside them and theirfamilies, to support them in practical ways, and to createspaceswhere they can grow.”

As Thárros continues its work, theorganisation remains focused on buildingconsistent, meaningfulsupport systems for children, ones that go beyondacademics and speak to the broader needs of childhood development.

“For thoseinvolved, the message is simple:withthe right support,childrencan flourish,” said Sampson

For moreinformation, visit Thárros FamilyCentre’s website at www.tharros.co.za or contact TaiseSampson at 083 500 0910.

KOUGAKOLLIG:JOHANJOUBERT(DEEL2)

ELLENHANCKE

AS jy ’n televisiespan, gaste en ’n sangeres teen ’n spoed uit’n vragvliegtuig moes boender omdat hul mede-passasiersbegin ontwaak het, dan is die gort gaar! Dit is maar een van dr. Johan Joubert van Jeffreysbaai se kleurvolle ervarings tydens sy drie dekadesasveeartsbyShamwari Wildreservaat.

Maar eersweer terug na 30 jaargelede. Nadat Johan Joubert besluit het om nberoepsverandering te maak, het hy besefhy moet Adrian Gardner,die besturende direkteur van Shamwari, probeer oortuigdat hulle hom nodig het. Johan vertel dat dr. Richard Burroughs, die alombekende bewaringsaktivis, toe reeds by Shamwari se projekte betrokke was. So ook ekoloog John O’Brien. Min het hulle kon dink dat hul verbintenis by Shamwari, oor drie dekades sou strek.

“Ek was basies ’n groentjie met karige kennis aangaande die beskerming en versorgingvan wild,maar ’n kitskursusbydr. IanPlayer in Natal, het gehelp.”

In 1996kom daar ’n oproep vanuit die Kruger Wildtuindat ’n troppieweerbarstige jong olifante na Shamwari oorgeskuifmoes word.Dr. KobusRaath was hier van groot hulp met die translokasieproses.

Johan vertel dat hulleblitssnel ’n tydelike boma virdie opgeskote olifane gebou het. Na 18 ureop die pad, het hulle aangeneem dat die olifante redelik inskiklik sou wees met hul aankoms in die Oos-Kaap. Toe nie, en hulle moes toesien hoedat die trop weerbarstiges die boma plattrap en dievlaktes na vryheid inhol!

Die bure is gebel, maar hoeverklaar jy dat nege olifante ontsnap het en in die rigting van die boere se plase gehol het! Dit is toedat

’n beesboermet sy ma op diefoon wasenvervaardskree dathyso pas’n olifant tussen sy beeste gesien het!

’n Helikopterisontbied. Die matriargvan diegroepdwaal toe af en sy en haarkleintjie hol na die sandduine in Alexandria se koers. Ditisook toe datJohan sy vuurdoopkry om uit ’n helikopter ’n dier te pyl. Vragmotors is ontbied om dietweeolifante teen die skuinste van die duine te kom haal. Die wen-asse het gewurg om diekosbare vrag van diekleinste olifantinveiligheid te kry.Dit is toe ooknet mooi die tyddat die outjie beginwakker word en Jo-

han se slaapdoepaopgeraak het! Diemammafant was nêrens te siene nie, maar diespanhet geweet sy het in dierigting van dieplaashuise gehardloopentoe daar skote gehoor is, het hulle geweet daar was geen ander uitweg nie. Die destydse olifantkalfie genaamd “Toothpick” is met bottelvoeding grootgemaak en is nou 30 jaar later, steeds op Shamwari waar hy deel uitmaakvan ’n trop van104 olifante. Na Johan se aankoms by Shamwari is daar begin met dieimplementering vannuwe genetiese materiaal. Aanvanklikwas daar in 1992 slegs’npaar bokke en

renostersopShamwari. In 1996 is daar allerlei nuwe spesiesgevestig en in 2000 is daar grootroofdiere ookhierheen gebring. Die getalle op diewildreservaat is sporadies aangevulvanaf Pilansberg en Madikwe Wildreservate. Twee jagluiperds is ook vanKapama naby Hoedspruit hierheen gebring. Toegebeur dieverskuiwingvan sesleeus vanaf Pilansberg. Diepers, ’n televisiespan en belangrikegaste word uitgenooi metdie doel om diepubliek meer bewaringsbewus te maak. Ditwas egter met hierdie bewuswordingsprojek,dat dingeamperlelik skeefgeloop het. Die gaste,’ntelevisiespanen sangeres ClaireJohnston, is tot op Lanseria-lughawe geneem, van waar hullesaam metses slapende leeus in die vragvliegtuig geklim het en tot op diegrens vanBotswana gevlieg het. Ongelukkig loop daar toe iets verkeerd met diestutpenonder diestert vandie vliegtuig. Intussen begindie kraagmanne se maanhareroer en met’nswak selfoonsein kon hulle niehulp ontbied hetnie. Klaasvakiesedoepa-voorraad is as gevolg vandie tydsverloop ooktoe al effe skraps. Die enigste oplossing was datdie gaste teruggeneemmoesword Lanseriatoe en dieleeus so gouas moontlik by Shamwari moes uitkom.Van Grahamstad af,was die grondpad na Shamwari nogmeer as ’n uur se ry weg. Dieleeus het met mening beginbykom. John O’Brien die ekoloogmoesinderhaasjaag om nogsusmiddels te gaan haal. Dieleeus moes aandie slaap gehouwordomdat elkeen nog onder operasie ’n radiosender in hul buikholtes moes kry. Johan en John hetgereeld saamgewerk aanbestuursplanne viranderNasionale Parke en Afrika en diewêrelddeurkruis. Tydens dieBurgeroorloë in Ru-

anda moes hulle ooktedoene kry metwildstroperyeniswild voor dievoetmet AK 47-gewere afgemaai.Hulle hetook konsultasiewerk in SirBani-Yas eiland (Abu Dhabi)gaandoensowel as in Morokko en Skotland. TerplaatseisJohan baie dankbaar metdie aanstelling van KolonelRodney Visseromwildstroperyindie Oos-Kaaphok te slaan.Een vandie kopsere met dieslagting vanrenosters,isom hulkleintjiesgroot te kry. Vir die proses word ’n merino-skaapooi saam metdie wesies gehoken daar vorm dadelik’nbandtussendie tweeuiteenlopende diere. Word dieskaap se vagegter te lank, moet hulle geskeerword. Diespierwitte skaap moet dan metmodderingesmeerword, anders wil die renostertjies nienaby hulle kamma-mammas kom nie. So ’n pleegsorgskap kan tot twee jaar duur Noumet sy aftrede, is Johanse hart by tweeprojekte,naamlik die uitbouvan dieRehabilitasie-sentrum op Shamwari en danook die Kabeljauws Natuurstigting waar hy by diestigting betrokke was. Johanwil ookgraag diekuslyne in dieKouga-omgewingsegroter St. Francisbaai, helpbewaar. “Ekotoerismekan hier tot ’n 5-sterbedryfuitgebreiword. Daar moet eerstens gewaakwordteen oorbeweiding en onvoldoende bewaringsaksiesskepprobleme.” Sy droomisomdie plant van meer inheemse bome, struike en gewasse in dieKouga-area aan te moedig. Diemensendie dier konflikwordverergerdeurarmoede en diegebrekaan fondse kelder dikwels bewaringsinisiatiewe

“Mygrootstewensisdat ouers en grootouers onsjeugsetyd voor TV en rekenaarskerms moet beperkendie helende kragte vandie natuurbesef.”

Patensie-inwonerlaatSuurveldblom

’n KRAGTIGE visie, gesteun deurdiep tegniese kundigheid en onwrikbare deursettingsvermoë, het daarin geslaag om ’n eensonwaarskynlike en uitdagende landskap te transformeer in ’n florerende sitrusboerdery –’nlandbou-suksesverhaal wat vandagtrotsindie hart van die Suurveld pronk.

Agter hierdie sukses staan boerRikus du Preez van Patensie, wie se toewyding en vooruitdenkendebenadering die grondslag gelê het vir wat vandag as ’n merkwaardige ondernemingbeskouword.

Die vrugte van hierdie sukses wordnie net plaaslik geniet nie, maar vind ook hulpad na markte in Europa.

Teen die hangevan die SuurveldnabyKareedouw –sowat 90km buitePatensie– waardie grondvlak en uitdagings volop is, het’ndroom wortelgeskiet wat vandag as ’n toonbeeld van innovasie en volharding staan.

Hier het Patensie-inwonerendie eerste sitrusboerindie Suurveld, Rikus du Preez,bewysdat selfsdie moeilikste grond vrug kandra –mitsdit metkennisenvisie bewerk word Dìt ten spyte vanmenige skeptici wat oortuig was dat hy die verkeerde koers inslaan –ofin hierdie geval, die verkeerde boom sou “klim”

Du Preez glimlag sielvol: “Ek hetgeweet ons moes ietsanders doen. Skaapboerderykon eenvoudig niedie koste van ons beperkte waterbronneregverdig nie. Ons moes ’ngewaskry watelkedruppel water tienvoudig meer waardevolmaak.”

Sy sukses is diep gewortel in meer as drie dekades se tegniese ervaring, wat reeds in 1989 beginhet as ’n tegniesebeampte in die Gamtoosvallei. Sy huidige rol as gif- enkunsmisagentenkonsultant het hierdie kennis verder verfyn.

“My tegniese agtergrond het my gehelp om oplossingstevind vir problemewat mense vir jare as onoorkomelik beskou het,” verduidelik hy

Diebeginvan’nnuwehoofstuk

Du Preez, wat op die familieplaas Doukomskraal naby Kareedouw grootgewordhet en sy skoolloopbaan by Marlow Landbouskool voltooi het,het in 2017 die eerstesitrusbome op die plaas geplant –nájare se boerdery wat slegs op skape gefokus was.

Die eerste oes –5.2 hektaar Eureka-suurlemoene en 1.93 hektaar Lisbon-suurlemoene–het egter’nverwoestende slag gekry toe hael dit heeltemalvernietig het, ’n terugslag wat minder vasberade boere moontlik sou laat tou opgooi het.

Tog het hierdie moeilike oomblik eerder die fondamentgelêvir nog groter deursettingsvermoëenvasberadenheid om weer op te bou. “Daardie eerste oes was ’n groot teleurstelling,” sê hy, “maar dithet my nie ontmoedig nie –inteendeel, dit hetmynet sterker gemaak en my vasberadenheid verdiep om nie netweerteprobeernie, maar om uiteindelik te slaag, maak nie saakwatter uitdagings oormy

RikusduPreezenGJduPreez.

pad kom nie.”

Groeideurdeursettingsvermoë

In die jare watgevolg het, het Du Preez doelgerigenstrategies sy aanplantingsuitgebrei, met elke nuwe fase wat gebouisopervaring, insig en ’n groeiende vertroue in die potensiaal van die grond. Ná die vroeë uitdagings het hy in 2018 verdere variëteite gevestig, insluitend Nova- en Tango-mandaryne, en teen 2020 sy voetspoor nog verder vergrootmet bykomendeNova-aanplantingssowel as Midnight-valencia. Vandag staan die boerdery as ’n indrukwekkende bewys vanwat moontlikiswanneer vasberadenheid en kundigheid hande vat. Met net meer as 10 000 sitrusbome en ongeveer 21 hektaargevestig, hetdie onderneming nienet

Pellsrusmaakdroomdebuutbysportdag

DIE Pellsrus-gewigoptelklub het ’n droomdebuut gemaak by Kouga se jaarlikse Burgemeestersbeker-kompetisie wat by die burgersentrumopHumansdorp aangebied is.

Die klub het met sy heel eerste deelname sy stempel behoorlikafgedruk deur met sewe goue medaljesweg te stap en as die dag se kampioenspan aangewys is. Geen ander klub konsoveel medaljes wen nie.

Pellsrus se teenstandersop die platform was die Kouga Gewigoptel, krag- en kondisioneringsklub, en Bethelsdorp van Gqeberha.

PellsrusenKouga het elk agt deelnemersgehad en Bethelsdorp twee.

Van Suid-Afrika se beste jeugtalent het hul vermoëns uitgestal.

Onder hulle was Lumar Karolse, wie verlede jaar Suid-Afrika se beste o.14-deelnemerwas,enRuwellyn Bantom, die land se beste o.12-deelnemer Hoewel geen provinsiale of nasionale rekords verbeterisnie, hetJunique Windvogel ’n persoonlike rekord in die ruk-

en-wip opgestel om met 55kg te slaag. Dit was 1kg beter as haar vorigebeste.

Die skare se gunstelinge was egter Pellsrusse jongste deelnemers, Chester Karolse (7) en Kenneth Mandeka (7) wat almal beïndruk het met hul selfvertroue en tegniek op dieplatform.

Met hul geesdriftigedeelname het die twee jonges diep in dieharte van die toeskouers ingekruip

Die hoofafrigter, Pieter Pretorius, sê:

“Pellsrus se deelname aan diégewilde kompetisie is ’n reusestapvir gewigoptel in Kouga.

“Dat ons sport virdie eerste keer by die Burgemeestersbeker ingesluit is, wys duidelik ons groei en dat ons prestasies raakgesien word

“Ons bedank dieorganiseerders en hoop en vertrou dat gewigoptel voortaan gereeld deel van diekompetisie sal wees.

“Ons atlete het gewys waartoe hulle in staat is –van ons sewejariges tot ons SA kampioene –enhet Pellsrus en dieOosKaap trotsgemaak.

“Ons sien daarna uit om in 2027 op dié historieseeerste uitgawe voort te bou,” sê hy.

Ondersteuning vanuitdie staat in hierdie verband sal derhalwe van groot waarde wees om dievolhoubaregroei van dieboerderyte help verseker

Slimwaterbestuur

Diegrootste uitdaging waarmee dieboerdery te kampe gehad het, was die vlak grond –slegs 400mm tot 600mm diep, met ’n ondeurdringbarekleilaag wat natuurlike wortelontwikkeling en waterdreinering beperkhet.

In plaas daarvan om deur hierdiebeperkinge gestuitteword, is ’n innoverende oplossing gevind in dievormvan kunswalle. Deur bome op verhoogde walle te plant, is diewortelsone effektief verdiep en oortollige water van die wortels weggelei, wat ’n gesonder groeimilieu vir die bome geskep het.

Du Preez lag saggies: “Sitrusbome wil nie met hulle voete in nat grond staan nie.”

Hierdievooruitdenkende benaderingtot waterbestuur word verder versterk deur sy baanbrekerswerkindie toepassing van hidroponiese besproeiingopsitrusreeds in 1993 –’nstelsel wat presiesebeheer oor water- en voedingstoediening moontlik maak en bydra tot optimale groeiendoeltreffendehulpbronbenutting.

Grondchemieenslimbeplanning

Die natuurlike suurheid van dieSuurveld-grond het nog ’n laag kompleksiteit bygevoeg, maar deur doelgerigte grondregstellings met kalk en gips is diepH-vlakke suksesvol gebalanseer Saam met hierdiechemiese aanpassings is slimbeplanning ook in dieuitlegvan die boorde toegepas,met ryewat strategies in ’n Suid-Noord-rigtinggeplantisommaksimum sonblootstelling te verseker en waterafloop doeltreffend te bestuur.

Strydteendiewind

FOTO:VERSKAF

plaaslike wortels nie, maar ook internasionale bereik, met uitvoerewat totinEuropa strek.

Bo en behalwe die landbouprestasie,speel die boerdery ’n betekenisvolle rolindie gemeenskap deur seisoenale werksgeleenthede aan sowat 40 mense te bied virses tot sewe maande van diejaar.

Du Preez het dievisie om die boerdery verder uit te brei tot sowat 60 hektaar, ’n stapwat beduidendeekonomiese en werkskeppingsgeleenthedekan ontsluit.

Hierdieuitbreidingisegter afhanklikvan die beskikbaarheid van addisionele water, wat die boor van nuwe boorgate sal vereis Met voldoende watervoorsiening sal dieonderneming nie net sy produksiekan verhoog nie, maar ook ’n groter bydrae tot plaaslike werkskepping kan lewer.

Wind, een van diestreek se mees aanhoudende uitdagings,iseweneens met sorg en strategiesebeplanning aangepak. Deur die boorde op noordelike hangetevestig,isnatuurlike beskerming teen sterk winde verkry, wat helpomvrugkwaliteit te bewaar Boonop word sekere variëteite, soos Novaen Tango-mandaryne, onderbeskermende nette verbou,wat dien as ’n ekstraskild teen dieelemente en dievrugte se kwaliteit verder beskerm.

Familieentoekomsvisie

Du Preez is getroud met Hildie, en hul kinders –Gerrit Johan (Boeta) en Rike-MariWiese –is reeds aktief betrokke by dieboerdery. “Omtesienhoe my kinders in dietegniese en wetenskaplike aspekte van hierdieboerdery glo, bevestigdat al my harde werkdie moeite werd was,” sê hy trots

Met dieoog op dietoekoms word daar reeds gekyk na diversifikasie, insluitend proefaanplantings van hoë-waarde grenadellas onder beskermendenette

GLArugbyenjoyssuccessfulseasonstart

THEGlobal Leadership Academy enjoyeda positive start to its rugby season recently with two solid victories againstDaniel Pienaar TechnicalHigh School.

GLA headcoach, Mikael van der Mescht, said that the U/15A sidedelivered ahard-fought 24–17 win overDaniel Pienaar’s U/15C team ina closely contested match.

He further said that with thescores locked at 17–17heading into the final minutes, GLA managed to break through with adecisive late try to securethe victory.

“Levi Meier produced astandout performance and wasnamed Man of the Match for his impact throughout the game,”said Vander Mescht

He said that the first team followed up with an impressive 42–17 win against Daniel Pienaar’sU/19 fifth team.

GLA showed strong attacking intent andcontrol, with tries scored by SangeFihla, Keanon Koopman, Cassie van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik van derMerwe and Tshireletso Masilo Koopman also delivered acomposed performance withthe boot, converting four of his

five attempts.

“Both teams showed encouraging structure, energyand commitment, markingastrong foundation forthe season ahead,”saidVan der Mescht.

According to the coaching staff, the focus this year extends beyondresults, with an emphasis on developing well-rounded sportsmen who growincharacter, discipline and leadership, both on and off the field.

The seasoncontinues with afull fixturelist ahead as GLArugby looks to build on this early momentum.

16:30 to 17:32

Source: www.kwathabeng.co.za/tides/JeffreysBay-tides.html

Poweringchampionstovictoryatclubchampionships

KELSTON Chery Jeffreys Bayproudly served as the main sponsorfor the prestigious2026St Francis LinksClubChampionships, heldon25 and 26 April.

This sponsorship continuesthe dealership’s strong partnership with St Francis Links, where theyhost monthlysponsor days throughout the year

The two-daychampionship eventshowcased exceptionalgolf talentacrossmultiple divisions, with competitorsba ling fortop honoursatthe award-winning St Francis Linkscourse

StFrancisLinksClubChampionshipswinners

Men’s winners

•ClubChampion: Chris vanRensburg

•Ne Champion: Ernest Bendeman

•ADivision GrossRunner-up: ChadEvans

•ADivision Ne Winner: Kaldin Mackrell

•BDivision GrossWinner: Lesley Krause

•B Division GrossRunner-up: SteveEmary

•B Division Ne Winner: Barry Davis

•Ne Champion: Lynn Slogrove

•ADivisionGross Runner-up: Debbie McCracken

•BDivision GrossWinner: Nicola Ritchie

•BDivision Ne Winner: Lesley Fisher

•CDivision Champion: RobynRoberts

•CDivision Runner-up: ArlaineOxenham

•Senior Division Champion: SallyNienaber

Thisevent followedcloselya er Kelston Chery Jeffreys Bay’ssupportasa sponsor of the Kouga MayoralGolfDay on 17 April, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the local golfing community

Congratulations to allthe champions andparticipantswho made the St Francis LinksClub Championships 2026 atremendoussuccess.KelstonCheryJeffreysBaylooksforwardtocontinuing their supportoflocal golf excellence. Chery Kelston Jeffreys Bayiscurrently the topseller of hybridvehiclesinthe country.Their amazing Chery TiggoPHEVmodels boast alarge range, with 1,260km easy to achieveona full charge and tank of fuel.