Kouga Express - E-Edition - 12 March 2026

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Ward2residentspetitionmunicipalityoversafetyconcerns

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

RESIDENTS of Ward 2have taken a united stand on ongoing safety concerns on DolphinDrive and uncertainty surrounding the Aston Bay CaravanPark, withtwo petitions formally handed over to the Kouga Local Municipalityon25February

The petitions, signed by atotal of 1,347 residents, were submittedtothe office of theKouga Local Municipality Speaker, Lorraine Maree, and receivedbyMunicipal Manager Charl du Plessis.

Of thesignatures, 754relate to concerns about Dolphin Drive, while 593 addressthe situation at the Aston Bay CaravanPark

Elaborating on the two petitions, Chairperson of the AstonBay Ratepayers and Residents Association, ChristiedeKlerk,said the Dolphin Drivepetition callsfor the construction of asecurity wall, improved safety measures along the road, and the development of an alternative access roadtoAston Bay, Paradise Beach and the Marina

He said that they received welcome reassurance fromthe municipality that asecuritywall will be constructed between Dolphin Drive and the new provincial housing development at Apiesdraai.

De Klerk alleges that Du Plessis has informed them that construction of the wall is expected to be completed by June

“The wall will enhance safetyfor residents and road usersand help reduce trafficnoisefor homeowners along thatsectionofDolphin Drive.

In addition,afence will be erected along the remaining stretch of Dolphin Drivetowards King’s College,” saidDeKlerk.

Furthermore, he said that the second petitionconcerns the situation at the Aston Bay CaravanPark.

De Klerk said thatthe petition calls for asustainablesolution regarding the occupancy of state land and seeks ahousing solution for the occupants, as well as clarity on the future ownership of the land. Bothpetitions were also submitted to JeffreysBay StationCommander, Lieutenant Colonel Makhoasa Kiviet.

De Klerk said that the strong support for the petitions reflects the determination of the community to address the ongoing issues.

“With the handover of petitions, the violent incidents on Dolphin Drive between JBay and Aston Bay will receive attention and the continued uncertaintyonthe futureofthe Aston BayCaravan Park,which has been taken over by illegal occupants,” said De Klerk.“This is asignificant demonstrationofpeople’s poweron unresolved issues.”

De Klerk added that the association regards the support forthe petitions as aclear indication of community resolve.

“The AstonBay Ratepayers Association regardsthe strong support, 754 signatures for Dolphin Drive and 593for theCaravan Park, as aclear indication of community resolve and people power in addressing these two pressing matters,” said De Klerk.

Further elaboratingonthe Dolphin Drivematter, he said thatsafety concernsalongthe road have intensified followingseveral incidents sincethe festive season.

De Klerksaid that some road users were attackedand injured, and,over the years, the deteriorating safety situation on the road hasbeen raised several timeswithauthorities.

He believesthatmore law enforcement visibilityfrom the policeand municipal law enforcement is needed.

Amongthe incidents reported, De Klerksaid that aWard2assistant was travelling on her scooter on DolphinDrivewhen someone attempted to hither withapole.

In another incident,aBritish visitor in MarinaMartinique wasrobbed of her belongings while sitting in her vehicle with the window open, injuringher arm.

De Klerksaid that an Aston Bay resident commutingtoworkonhis bicycle was robbed of the bicycle, while several vehicles have been stoned.

To make mattersworse, he said that residents also reported gangs frightening motorists during fights alongsidethe road, and tyre burning nextto Dolphin Drive in the lead-up to GuyFawkesDay. De Klerk confirmedthatpolice officers were presentatthe tyre-burning incidents.

“Due to the incidents during the festive season, KougaMunicipal Law EnforcementcalledonMarina Security, the Aston Bay Neighbourhood Watch and security companies to assist with additional patrols along DolphinDrive,” said De Klerk.

He said thatthe situation at the AstonBay Caravan Park was also discussed in November 2025 during ameeting withDean Macpherson, Minister of PublicWorks and Infrastructure.

The meeting wasattended by Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, DrVickyKnoetze,opposition leader in theEastern Cape Legislature, and representatives fromthe Aston Bay Ratepayers, including De Klerk, Ben Jonker and Alwyn Kloppers.

De Klerksaid that during the meeting,the Ratepayers Committee expressed growing frustration among residents regardingalleged issues of drug andalcohol abuse, crimeand childexploitation.

From left are Christie de Klerk, MunicipalManager Charl du Plessis, Speaker Lorraine Mareeand Alwyn Kloppers at the handoverofthe twopetitions,signed by 1,347 residents.

“Residents areseeking aswift resolution to these problems. The committee welcomed the possibility of a tripartite meeting and urgedthe minister to address the matters before the local government elections, while also expressing appreciation forthe opportunity to raise the issues,” said De Klerk.

Sincehanding over the two petitions, he said that the municipality has indicated that it will, in due course, formally respond to both petitions.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, said that when the delegation of petitioners handed over the two petitions at the Jeffreys Bay Police Station, they were referred to the municipality, as the matter they were raising had nothing to do with the South African Police Service(SAPS).

Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes said that the Kouga Local Municipality is awareofthe recent incidents thatoccurred on Dolphin Drive and that the municipality has consistently taken action in response to safety concerns raised by the community.Hesaidthat all complaints are treated seriously, and appropriate measures are implemented as required.

“Increased patrols are already underwayand are being conducted in partnership with private security companies as well as the Municipal LawEnforcement Unit to ensure improved visibility and rapid response.

Surveillance cameras have also been installed and aremonitored by the Incident Command Center, 24/7,” said Jantjes.

He further said that the municipality also holds regular meetingswith SAPS to address ongoing concerns.

Regarding the petition, Jantjes said that the request foranalternative access route to Aston Bay, Paradise Beach, and the Marina has been noted and that the matter is currently under consideration at astrategic

planning level.

“It is important to notethat the development of anew access route requires comprehensive technical assessments, including feasibility studies, environmental impact considerations, land ownership verification, and theavailabilityoffunding, before it can be formally pursued,” said Jantjes.

He further said that to dateno formal feasibility studies have been completed specifically for theproposed alternative access route.

Jantjes said that such studies would need to be commissioned as part of the planning process should the project be prioritised and funding become available.

He said that responsibility for the development of such infrastructure would depend on theclassification of the road and theland jurisdiction involved.

“If the road falls within municipal jurisdiction, it would be managed by the local municipality. However,where provincial roads or stateowned land are involved, coordination with theProvincial Department of Transport and other relevant authorities would be required,” said Jantjes.

He further said that themunicipality engages with Provincial and National Departments, particularly the Department of Transport,where matters involve provincial road networks, regulatory requirements, or potential funding support

Jantjes said that intergovernmental coordination remains an important component of addressing infrastructure challenges.

In addition, he said that themunicipality continues to engage with the Department of Transport regarding road safety matters, particularly in areas where provincial jurisdiction applies.

Jantjes said that this may include technical support,safetyassessments, and potential infrastructure

interventions where applicable. While policing is not aprimary constitutional function of local government,hesaid that municipalities are increasinglyrequired to provide leadership and coordination during emergencies, particularly in environmentswhere resources within the SAPS are limited.

Jantjes further said that strengthening municipal safety structures therefore remains an important step in supporting communitywellbeing.

He said that theKouga Council has supported theestablishment of astandalone Safety and Security Directorate following amotion that was tabled at theCouncil meeting on 29 January

“The decision comes in response to growing concerns around communitysafetyascrime and security challenges continue to increase across South Africa. Residents need to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, schools, businesses, and public spaces, and municipalities have an important roletoplay in strengthening support structures that contribute to safer communities,” said Jantjes.

He said that previously, safety and security functions formed part of the broader CommunityServices Directorate.

Jantjes further said that as the scope and urgency of safety-related matters have grown, theneed for a dedicated directoratehas become increasinglyevident to ensure improved focus, coordination, and operational efficiency across themunicipality.

“The establishment of adedicated Safety and Security Directorateisexpected to strengthen rapid response and accountabilityacross Kouga, improve coordination with theSAPS, provincial and local law enforcement structures, and disaster management teams,andenhancethemunicipality's abilitytorespond effectivelytosafety-related challenges,” said Jantjes.

“The Municipal Manager has been mandated to begin implementing the restructuring process in line with all relevant legislative requirements. Arevised municipal organisational structure will be submitted to Council in due course.”

Jantjes said that theestablishment of thedirectorate forms part of the municipality’songoing commitment to strengthening service delivery, improving coordination in matters affecting communitysafety, and ensuring responsive governance for the benefit of all residents.

No comment was given by themunicipalityregarding allegations of the construction of asecuritywall along Dolphin Drive and thenew provincial housing development at Apiesdraai or on theoccupation of state land at Aston Bay Caravan Park

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

ACLEAN-UP campaign led by former learners and alocal non-profit organisation has brought renewed hope to Mzingisi Primary School in KwaNomzamo, Humansdorp, following ongoing vandalism and damage to the school's property.

Retired social worker, Dr NontsikeleloMajola, aformer learner who joined Mzingisi Primary when it first opened in 1979, recently returned to her almamater and discovered that the school needed assistance after vandalism

and

hadoccurred.

Majolafoundedthe non-profit organisationUbuhlanti Community Development Center in October 2024 after noticingvarious negativeelementsinher community when she moved back to Humansdorp.

The organisation wasofficially registered inJanuary2025, and she now serves asits secretary, focusing on fighting vandalism and gangsterism inthe community.

"The schoolhas been broken into multiple times,and variousitems were stolen,suchasgarden tools, equipment, alawnmower and food

from their feeding scheme. The ceiling has been damaged, copper has been stolen and the windows arebroken. Alot of damagehas been done to the school," said Majola

On 28 February,Ubuhlanti, together with former learners and community members, began cleaning the school and clearing the overgrown bush behind the premises.

Majola explainedthat criminals often jump over the fencewhere the bush is located to gain entry.

"Wehaveidentified these entrance spots, and we are working towards improving the safety of the school premises,"saidMajola.

She believes that when peopleenter an institution,the environment tells astory and shapes their mood, as it directly influences concentration and psychologicalwell-being

Majola also highlighted that there is no playground forlearners and shared that since establishing the NPO, former learners located throughout South Africa have started aWhatsApp grouptoshare ideasonhow to improvethe condition of the school.

Thankfully, she said that community members have also generously assisted by guarding the school overnight.

Majola said that following unsatisfactory service from the security companyhired to guardthe school, aresolution was found after ameeting between the school and the company.

Elaboratingonthe resolution, she said that they have agreed that the security company'soffice will be located on the school's premises.

"Wehavereceived positive feedback from the school after the cleaninginitiative began," said Majola.

She added that many learners in

Humansdorp begintheir education at Mzingisi Primary,and she therefore used the opportunityto encourage young childrentostay away from negative elements within the community.

Sincethey areanewly registered NPO, Majolasaidthattheydonot have funding,but aredesperately in need of an officeand volunteers to help improve the situation in their community.

She said thattheywould appreciate volunteers to assist with the continuationofthe cleaningproject.

Principal MzolisiNikanidescribed Mzingisi Primary as a quintile 3school situated in acommunityaffected by unemployment and substance abuse, addingthat the school hasbeenunder constant attackbycriminals

"The vandalism at the school has

continued formorethanfiveyears buthas intensified in the last year," said Nikani "Thevandalismoccursalmosteveryweekendand during the school holidays."

Nikani said thatithas been a strenuous exercise forthe school to replace stolen anddamaged items

He hasappealed to the public to offer their support to the volunteers by providing themwith refreshments as theyintend to continuewith the clean-upinitiative until the school is completely clean

"I am happy thatthe community hascomeonboard to assist in improving the school,"saidNikani.

"I believe thatthe criminals will nowsee thatthe community is involved in the school, whichwill stopthe vandalism."

Tsitsikamma’siconicsuspensionbridgetocloseforreconstruction

THEsuspension bridge,located in the Tsitsikamma sectionofthe Garden RouteNational Park, is currently undergoing aplanned reconstruction to ensure ty, longevity, and conti joyment by future gene The reconstruction to be complete by the 2026.

AccordingtoJPL ParksHead of Commun and Spokesperson, the bridge is part of a2-kilometre ing trail, featuring sta paths and stairs suita

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tors of all ages He said that since its original construction in 1969, the bridge has provided visitors with breath-

that the work is being carried out in phases.

Louw said that bridgestwo and three arecurrently closed and are

He said that visitors areadvised to adhere to all signage andsafety instructionswhile enjoying thetrail.

YoungHankeylearnerreceives life-changingprostheticleg

RAZAANPLAATJIES

OLUTHANDO “Olu” Nkosinkulu (7), a learner at Hankey Primary School, is embracing new opportunities after receiving aprosthetic legthankstothe generosityof adoctor and aGoodSamaritan.

As previously reported, when Oluthando's mother,Natasha, wassevenmonths pregnant, doctors discovered that his foot wasconnected underneathhis knee and warned that the baby might not survive. When he was born, doctors confirmed he had no otherdisabilities except for his short leg.

On 4August 2018, aday before hisfirst birthday,part of his foot wasamputated and theleg lengthenedtoaccommodate a futureprosthesis.

Natasha said the journey to securingthe prosthetic leg began in 2025 afterheoutgrew his previousone.

She decided to take mattersinto her own handsand made an appointment with his doctor, Dr Ruan Lundt.

To her surprise, she said that Lundt offered to pay for the most expensive part of the prosthetic leg andsuggestedshe pay theoutstanding balance.

“The previous prosthetic was very difficult forOlu to move aroundin. He constantly fell and was very scared of wearing it because he was very young and wecould not affordthe proper support andprosthetic that wouldfit him,” said Natasha.

After receiving aquotationfrom Lundt, eventsunfoldedquickly when avideo of Oluthandoscoring atry during arugby match while running withonlyone leg

went viral in August 2025.

After the video went viral, Natashasaid aGood Samaritan, named Hennie van Zyl, contacted her.

He requested the medical quotation details and, within10minutes, sentproof of payment for Oluthando’s prosthetic leg

“I wasshocked when Oom Henniesent proof of payment.I will never forgetthat day. Iwas in tears, and Icouldnot believe it,” said Natasha.

Natasha saidthe moment that Oluthando first triedonhis new legwas emotionalfor theentire family.

“As afamily, we were very excited for Olu, andwhen Isaw how the legfitted and the wayOlu walked so comfortablyinit, it was like adream come true. All Iever wantedfor him wastofeel alittle normal and to have aleg that makes himfeel comfortable,” said Natasha.

Oluthando first received atrainingcast in August andwas fitted withhis official prostheticleg in December 2025

According to Natasha, the new prosthetic was specially designed for hisneeds.

As Oluthando is adevoted Springbok rugby fan, the prostheticleg wasnot only functional butalso featured abeautiful Springbok-themed design.

“This leg wasspecifically designed for the type of stump that Oluhas, and the doctor also made perfectlysurethat it would work for Olu. He loveshis prosthetic leg, he wears it to school and enjoysoutings with hisleg,” saidNatasha.

Although the prostheticallows himto walk comfortably, shesaid that Oluthando cannotyet play rugby withitsince he is notabletorun in it,and it couldpotential-

ly hurtanother child during arugby game.

Natasha said that her son was excited when he received the leg and remains hopeful about the future

“He wassohappy and excited for the way forward. Oluisaverywise child and often asks when he will get ablade to start running. Ijustcontinue to assure him that everything will happeninGod’stime,” said Natasha.

She said that he also hopes to one day meet Van Zyl and thank him in person for hisgenerous donation

Whilerunning and sportremain difficult, the prosthetichas made ameaningful difference in hisdailylife.

Natasha said that he can do chores in and around the houseand assist his father,Thanduxolo, in thegarden.

Shesaid that he also enjoys being able to take astrollinthe mall.

“The fact that Olunow has aleg and I don’t havetostress that he’sgetting older and still operates on crutches is abig relieffor us,eventhough we know that Olu will always need medical support,” said Natasha.

To assist withOluthando’slifelong medical expenses, she said that they will continue with plans to establish atrust fund.

Further elaboratingonthe trust fund, shesaid that over the next five years, they plan to raise approximately R500,000 to cover allhis prostheticneeds and medical support

WhileOlu continues to adapt to his new leg, Natasha saidthe family remains hopefulaboutthe support they may still receive through theirongoing BackaBuddy campaign.

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TEATERBYDIESEE:19-21MAART

DieliefdevolgensMagdaenErhard

JEFFREYSBAAI Toerisme en LC

Events Services, ondersteun deurdie Kouga Munisipaliteit, bied tussen 19 en 21 Maart 2026 die tweede Teater by die See aan.

Op Vrydagaand 20 Maart besluit

MagdaenErhard Louw om die pad te vat en die verhoog te betree -so naelkouend en mompelend soos net hulle kan!

Die tema van hulle teaterdebuut is die liefde, maar die liefde uit Magda en Erhard se perspektief is effens anders as die liefde waarvan ons in boeke lees of in films sien. In hierdie teaterproduksie neem Erhard en Magda die gehoor deur die proses totdat hulle uiteindelik ook saam die waansinnigheid van die liefde en die lewe aanspreek. Hullegesels openhartig oor vergifnis, hoe om in die eg verbind te bly sonder om gearresteer te word óf daardieeinste eg teverbreek.

Hullepak die bul by die horings oor die groot lewenskwessies: leënessindroom, volpens-sindrome en al die ander sindrome wat mensmaar moet aanvaarsoos die middeljare jou genadeloos tref.

Dit is 'n komiese stuk, maar ook een met 'n dieper boodskap-dat ons uiteindelik maar die pad met iemand wil stap,alirriteer hulle ons of dryf ons na drank! Die gehoor word deel van die ervaring met interaktiewe momente wat die grensetussenverhoog en saal laat vervaag. Nadat soveel mense al genoemhet dathulle met hierdie twee karakters

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Besprekings:

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Die volledige program kan besigtigword op Teater by die See se Facebook-blad asook Jeffreysbaai Toerisme se webblad (www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za/teater-by-die-see).

Virmeer navrae kontak die Toerismekantoor op 042 293 2923 of 064 966 9933.

KOUGAKOLLIG:THELMAPRETORIUS-DUTOIT

Wonderwêreldvankunstigewildsboer

ELLEN

SY is fyntjies gebou, baie kunstig, lief vir watersport, maar kan ook ’n barshou met ’n jaggeweer skiet. Kouga Kollig kuier vandeesweek by ’n wildsboer, Thelma Pretorius-du Toit, van Astonbaai.

Die gebore Bloemfonteiner se ouers was “Sterk Gert” en Tissie Pretorius. Thelma was die oudste van hul vier kinders. Sy was 16 jaar oueras hul laatlamboetie, wat tydensCovid oorlede is.

Na haar laerskoolopleiding op Bultfontein, is sy na Oranje Meisieskool as koshuisganger.

Sy het Kuns as ’n ekstra vak op skool geneem. Iets waaroor sy baie dankbaaris.

Thelma is na skool na die Hugenote

Kollege op Wellington en het daarna verder by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch geswot.

Sy is sesmaande later met ’n Vrystaatse boer, Bart du Toit getroud. Vier kinders is uit hul huwelik gebore.Bart was ’n kommersiële boernes haar pa, en het met mielies, koring, sonneblomme,skaap en bees geboer.

Thelma het ook haar eie besigheid op die plaas in die Bloemfonteinse distrikbegin. Sy het begin met ’n enkelebaal wol, spinwiele aangekoop en vrouens begin bemagtig en hulle ook borduurwerk geleer. Kort voor lankishul handewerk op buitelandsemarkte verkoopterwyl die wol verkoop is aan die SA Wewersgilde

In 2000 isBart egtertragies oorlede nadat ’n bosluis hom gebyt het. Skielik hetdie verantwoordelikheid van die boerdery op Thelmaseskouers gerus.

Syhet die boerderygronde uitverhuur,maar haar belofte aan Bart gestandgedoen deur die wildsboerdery te behou.

“Ek hetmet ’njagterspa grootgeword en onsdrie dogters is geleer om te boerenom ook alles vir onsself te kan doen. Bakkie-ry,jag en trekkerbestuur was van kleins-af deel van ons lewens.”

Metdie jagplaas se verantwoordelikhede en die groot toename in jagtogte vir buitelanders, het Thelma haar tyd al hoemeer tussen hul Astonbaaise strandhuis en die plaas begin verdeel.

Sy vertel dat daar nogalsoms rare insidente tydensjagtogte kangebeur.Sohet ’nryk Amerikaner met ’n baie opsigtelike skelpienk jaggeweer op die lughawe aangeland. Nodeloos om te noem dat sy roer soos ’n seer vingersou uitstaan!

’n Ander buitelandse jagter was so gespanne en oorstelp (iets watwildsplaaseienaars “bokkoors” noem),

RAZAANPLAATJIES

YOUNG filmmakers from across the Kouga and Kou-Kamma regions will soon have the opportunity to showcasetheircreativity when the Reel Ubuntu Film Festival takes place on 20 March at King’s College in Jeffreys Bay.

The festival marks the culmination of the Ubuntu Youth Bootcamp,athree-day film production training camp hosted by Galaxy Casting Productions in Octoberlast yearatthe Gamtoos Ferry Hotel near Jeffreys Bay.

The initiative forms partofthe Reel Ubuntu Project, ayouth development programme aimed at equipping high school learners with film production skills while encouraging culturalstorytelling.

Assistant Producer of Galaxy Casting, Marshall Geswint,saidthe journey from the bootcamp to the upcoming festival has been inspiring forboth organisersand participants.

“What began as athree-day intensive training programme with young people from different schools has now grown into aplatform where their voices and stories will be showcased publicly,”said Geswint.

He further saidthat it has been an incredible experience watching the participants gradually move from learning the basics of storytelling to acting and producing shorts films of theirown.

During the three-day bootcamp, approximately 30 participants were introduced to various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting,actingand camerawork.

Geswintsaidseveral standout moments duringthe training highlighted the impact of the programme

dathyThelma gevra het of sy nie

liewer ’n bokvir hom kan inhardloop en vang nie!

Haar meeste jagters kom van Amerika, Spanje, Portugal, Oostenryk, Duitsland en Nederland.

“Die jagters is almal gekoor vleisdisse. Ek wissel my spyskaart om al die vormsvan wildsvleis in te sluit: Kop-en-pote potjie, vars lewer op die kole, jagterspot, wildswors, varkribbetjies, Mystery Kebabs,kampvuur roosterkoek, en as ligte happies ‘Pumba se wraakribbetjies’, Jagters Sushi en oom Sarel se ‘Alles-wat-beweeg pot’.”

Afgesien van haar wildsboerdery, teel Thelma ook met AlabaiRussian Shepherd-honde en boer sy ook met mini-Pomeranians.

Op die plaas kuier sy en haar kinders en kleinkinders saam in die buitelug en om die braaivleisvuur. By die ruim Astonbaaise strooidakhuis is die gunsteling kuierplek onder ’n groot boom of op die stoep waar hulle die vars seelug kan inadem

“Ek het ook ’n spesiale hoekie op my dek waar ek graag my stiltetyd hou. En ek stap baie graag.Inwoude, langs die see en in die veld.”

Thelma het ook ’n spesiale deernis vir Afrikaans as hartstaal.

“Ons moet almal meer lees en ook ons kinders en kleinkinders aanmoedig om die sielskosvan boeke te leer ken.”

“Ek het destyds vir Bart belowe om sy nalatenskap en liefde vir hul plaas voort te dra. Vandag se jeug is dalk bedrewe met tegnologie, maar ons moet ons nageslag meer blootstel aan die natuur, buitelewe en almal moet meer vars lug inkry.”

Thelmaleef haar geloof ernstig uit en glo datdie alomteenwoordigheid vandie Skepper haar weë bepaal Haar lewensmantra is: “Leef in die oomblik en dans op die musiek wat nóú vir jou speel.”

first-time filmmakers.

“The themes of each film reflect real issues that young people face in their communities,including friendship, peer pressure, resilience, and hope,”said Geswint

He added that many participants have continued to develop their creative skills since the bootcamp.

Geswint further saidthat since the bootcamp, several learners have continued practising acting, writing scripts,and even creating their own shortvideos.

He saidthat the programme has also sparked interestincareers within the creative industries

“The bootcamp exposed them to career possibilities they had never considered before. It has opened their eyes to the creative industries as aviable path for their future,” saidGeswint.

Attendees at the March 20 screeningcan expect an inspiringand entertaining evening celebrating young creative talent.

Geswint saidthat the screening will feature the shortfilmsproduced by the participants,giving audiences achance to experience the storiescreated by theseyoung filmmakers.

He further explained that the true success of the initiative lies in the growth of the participants

“Success is measured not only by the films produced but also by the transformation in the participants themselves. Seeing young people gainconfidence, develop new skills, and believe in their creative potential is the greatest achievement,” saidGeswint.

He saidthat the vision is for the Reel UbuntuFilm Festival to become an annual event that continues to grow each year

“Some of the most memorable moments were seeing learners who were initially shy suddenly find their confidence in front of the camera. Another highlight was when the participants worked together to write theirown scripts and bring their stories to life,” saidGeswint.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many of the participants had never been exposed to filmmaking before, so everything from scriptwriting to acting and camera work was anew experience.”

Each team produced ashortfilm that willbescreened at the Reel Ubuntu Film Festival, where awinning school will receive afilmmaker’skit packed with cameras and equipment to help them continue their creative journey.

Thewinner will be announced on the evening of the festival. Thefestival represents the culmination of months of creativity, teamwork and personal growth,” saidGeswint.

He further saidthe quality of the filmshas been impressive, considering that many participants were

Geswint added that they want it to become arecognisedplatform where young filmmakers from the region can showcase their work and connect with industryprofessionals.

Plansare also in place to expand the programme to reach more schools and learners in the future.

As partofthe bootcamp, participating schools included Victory Skills CentreinHumansdorp, King’s College in Jeffreys Bay, HumansdorpSecondarySchool, Hankey SecondarySchool and Paul Sauer High School in Kareedouw.

“The Reel Ubuntu Film Festival is morethan just afilm screening; it is acelebration of youth creativity and community collaboration. It highlights the incredible potential that exists within our young people when they aregiven the opportunity to learn, create, and express themselves,”saidGeswint.

Thescreening will take place at King’s College in Jeffreys Bay at 18:00.

For moreinfo, contact Denzilon 065 8577 430 or 081 536 4803, or email info@galaxycastings.co.za

EP Media en Novus Media kan nie bevestig of enigevan die geadverteerde dienste of produkte veilig is vir gebruik of die verlangde uitwerking of resultaat sal hê nie. Lesers word gewaarsku om die adverteerdersegetuigskriftedeeglik te oorweeg en na te gaan.EPMedia en Novus Media aanvaar hoegenaamd geen aanspreeklikheid ten opsigte van enigevan die geadverteerde dienste of goederenie.

AnnualGrea

JEFFREYS Bay is gearing up most exciting community events

—The AnnualGreat TrolleyP

Aftera thrilling sponsor draw set for Saturday, 25 April, at with the action kickingoff at Thistradition began back in after year it has grown into ah local calendar.

Fromits humble beginnings brant showcase, the GreatT continued to unitebusinesse families in acelebration of crea workand community spirit. None of this would be possibl incrediblesupportofthe event

Global Leadership Academ each brand that makes this day

Hartroeren

ALTA van Aardt, lid en beoorde VLVHumansdorp-tak, het onlan derwysmemoirs metkollegas ge tak se vergadering.

VanAardt het haar interessan inge aan haar skoolhoujare oorge gehoor sowel aan die lag as aan het. Sy het vertel van haar tyd op Hennenman in die Vrystaatse waar sy honger leerlinge teë broodjies gedeel het en waar skool toe geneem het om tydens Later het sy by 'n spesiale skool houtwerk en sweiswerkonderrig, sieskarremet draad gesweis het laat maakhet. Van Aardt heto gendesituasies met leerders ui like omstandighede vertel.

Die ervare onderwyser hetald we standerd 7(graad 9) onderrig verkieslik vermyhet

VoorsitterAnnalenevan Niek

Leon Klugeg

3 Maart

LEON Kluge was op 3Maart gasspreker by Jeffreysbaai Tuinbouklub se gala-aand, waar 250 gastevan oor die hele OosKaap die glansgeleentheid bygewoon het.

Die onderwerpvan aanbieding was “Op reis na die Chelsea-blommeskou -in woord en beeld”.

Die aand het begin met ’n uur van musiek en gesellige samesyn, voordat die aanbieding deur Leon gedoen is. Die spreker het die gaste in vervoering gehad met sy vertelling hoe só 'n skoutuin beplan en op die planke gekry word. Die aand is afgesluitmet ’n onthaalenfeestelike saamkuier.

Leon is ’n bekroonde Suid-Afrikaanse landskapontwerper, wie se uitdagende en emosionele tuinontwerpe besoekers re-

stem in hedendaagse tuinontwerp geword, met ’n portefeulje wat oor kontinente en kulture strek. werk is vertoon

Leon Klugebydie tuinmet sy goud medalje.FOTO: VERSKAF

Sy werk is vertoon in vooraanstaande internasionale uitstallings regoor die wêreld, insluitend die Chelsea-blommeskou in Londen, waar hy vier goue medaljes verower het.

JBayrescuedogsseeklovingforeverhomes

JBAYAnimal Rescue Sanctuary, which sterilises at least 80 animals every month in the Kouga region, is in Ocean View Township in Jeffreys Bay. The organisation is looking for forever homes for these animals.

Zuri is acute littlemixed-breed female dog. She is 6weeks old and will be amedium-sized dog. River is a6-week-old male dog. He will be medium-sized when fully grown.

Rocky is a4-month-old male dog. He is such asweet, gentle soul. He will be medium-sized when fullygrown

Bowie is abeautiful, loving male dog. He preferably needs to be the only pet. He is castrated andneeds aloving forever home

For more information, or to visit the clinic, contact Cindy Muller at 083 320 4173, email jbayanimals@gmail.com,orvisit JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary at www.Jbayanimalsanctuary co.za

DIARY|DAGBOEK

is free.The market will alsotakeplace on 28 March. Teater by dieSee: Moenie die kunsuitstalling en Joseph Clark (Queen&Choirs)misloopnie.Ditsalop19MaartbydieNGGemeente Jeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus plaasvind. Kaartjiesisaanlyn by Quicket te koop.Kontak Jeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064 9669933 of besoek www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za. SAARP Jbay Social Club: Meetingsare on the thirdThursday of each month.The next meeting is at 10:00 on 19 March at the Bowls Club.New members(over50) areinvited to join. Formoreinfocontactmembership secretary Charmaine Prinsloo at 066 550 8736 or Jackie Opperman at 083465 7071 Teater by dieSee: 'n Kunsuitstalling,verskeidenheidskonsert,blomme-werkswinkel (JBayTVET Kollege),skryfkuns-kursus, boekvoorlesing (SupertubesGastehuis), en Magda Louw en haar Erhardsal te sien wees op 20 Maart by Teater by die See. Dit sal by die NG Gemeente Jeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus plaasvind. Kaartjiesis aanlynbyQuickettekoop.KontakJeffreysbaaiToerismeby064966 9933 of besoek www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za. Teater by dieSee: Die dag se programsluit in: 'n ‘beelde vanJeffreysbaai’-toer,boekvoorlesings(VerdaVide en JBay TVET Kollege) kinderteater, blomme-werkswinkel (JBayTVET Kollege),kookkuns (JBayTVET Kollege),'ntalentkompetisie en Frank Opperman se ‘Reünie’.Dit sal op 21 Maart by die NG Gemeente Jeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus plaasvind. Kaartjiesisaanlyn by Quicket te koop Kontak Jeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064966 9933ofbesoek www jeffreysbaytourism.co.za.

AstonBay Market: Don’t miss the market at the AstonBay CommunityHall on 28 March from 09:00 to 15:00 Basaar Op Loerie: Komgenietdie eetgoed, koffiewinkel, saailinge, groente,Oos-KaapBoerboelskouenmeerbydieBasaaropLoerieop 28 Maart vanaf 09:00 in die Nartjiefeesstoor.Kontak 073480 9523. NiftyFiftiesPlusClub: The club forseniorsinJeffreys Baywill have a meeting on Friday,10 April,at 09:30 at the MethodistChurch oppositethe Caravan Park in Da Gama Road.The entranceisat2 Petunia Street.Comeearlyforteaandasandwich.ThereisadoorfeeofR10 Qualifyfor luckydrawprizes and listentoaguest speaker. Formore info,contact083 2770088

Send your Diary entries to kougaexpress@novusmedia.co.za. The deadline forentriesisonTuesdaysat14:00.Entriesmay be in EnglishorAfrikaans