Hoperides thewaves
SeaVistaresidentsfrustratedbyongoingpoweroutages
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
ONGOING power outages in Sea Vista, St Francis Bay, have left homeowners frustrated, with residents claiming illegal electricity connections are contributing to repeated disruptions.
Resident Richard Kiva said the electricity supply was currently restored on his line, but the problem continued to affect parts of Sea Vista as illegal connections remained in place.
He said the electricityproblemswere not limited to his household,adding that his family living in other parts of Sea Vista also experienced ongoing outages.
Kiva said his household had suffered damage to its electricitysupply, which he attributed to illegal connections
“I had awhole power supplydamagedbecause of the illegal connections,” said Kiva.
He added that he had informed the Kouga Municipality of the damage, and was allegedly instructed to file a case in the Small Claims Court.
Resident Garth Jordaan said power outages had become increasinglyfrequent, with his household being without electricity for extended periods
“We experiencepower outages often, and it has only gotten wors July,the power was off for days duetoillegal connectio Jordaan.
He said he had reported the Kouga Municipality was told that the illegal needed to be removed tance could be provided.
According to Jordaan, supply had been interrupted than aweek, while municip had disconnected illegal
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but left cables on the ground.
“The Kouga Municipality doesdisconnect the illegal connections but then leave the cables on the ground,” claimedJordaan.
He saidthe outages had madeeveryday activities difficultfor residents.
“It’s difficultbecause we havetoprepare in the dark and when we come home from work it’soff. Power is needed for dailylife.”
Jordaan said he had reported the matter to the municipality on numerous occasions sincethe introduction of the callcentre and had keptthe reference numbers as proof. He said the outages hadalsoresulted in financial losses for his family.
Jordaan said in 2023 he lost alot of meat that was in his fridge and he had lost householdappliances duetothe ongoing power interruptions. “I lost a fridge, asound system and afew days agoIlostmymicrowave. We are hopelessasthis matter falls on deaf ears. As ahomeowner, I’mhopeless.”
Executive MayorHattinghBornman saidKougaMunicipality is awareof the ongoing concerns regarding electricity interruptions and illegal electricity connections in Sea Vista.
He said illegal connections place severepressure on the electricity net-
commenced.
Meanwhile, Bornman said Phase 2 of the electrification programme is currently underway and will provide electricity to approximately 200 additional householdsinareasthat remain vulnerable to illegal connections and networkoverloading.
“The land on which these households aresituated is owned by the Department of Public Works. Kouga Local Municipality obtained the necessary permissionfromthe department to proceed with the electrification of the affected areas,” said Bornman.
He said the municipality notes that the continued growth of informal and unapproved structures, including those erected forrental accommodation, places increasing pressure on an alreadyconstrained electricity network.
Bornman said where electricity is accessed illegally, the networkisexposed to excessiveloading, infrastructure damage and repeated supply interruptions. “Municipal electricity teams respond to reports of power outages and illegal electricity connections daily. However,the removal of illegal connections is often complicated by immediate reconnections, intimidation of municipal staff and the need for
in the applicable legal framework.
He said thisfurther complicates enforcement efforts, particularly where illegal connections are restoredshortly after disconnection.
Bornman said the municipality works closely with law enforcement to conduct disconnection operations and safeguard municipal officialsduring theseinterventions.
He said the municipality has engaged extensively with the Sea Vista communitytoraise awareness of the importance of protecting both residentsand municipal infrastructure.
“Through theseengagements, residentshave been encouraged to help prevent the erection of new informal structures that place additionalstrain on the electricity network,” said Bornman.
He added that the municipality receives reportsand complaints regarding illegal electricity connections and power interruptions in Sea Vistathrough the municipal call centre and other channels.
Bornman said thesereports are attended to as operational capacity and safety conditions allow.
“Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidentsthrough the official channels and to provide any information that could assist the municipality and law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting thoseresponsible for illegal electricityconnections,” said Bornman. He said previous successful prosecutions have demonstrated that community cooperation plays avital roleinaddressing thischallenge. Regarding claims for damage to appliances allegedly caused by electricitysupply interruptions, Bornman said residentsmay submit a formal claim to the municipality’s Claims Department.
“Claims will be assessed in accordance with the municipality’s claims procedures, and the necessary supporting documentation must be provided,”said Bornman.
“Kouga Municipalityremains committed to improving the reliability of electricity supply in Sea Vistathrough the ongoing electrification programme, daily operational responses, enforcement action and collaboration with law enforcement agencies,” said Bornman.
Thyspuntnuclearproposalfacesunitedcommunityopposition
KOUGA residents have unitedagainst Eskom’s proposed5,200MW nuclear power station at Thyspunt in St Francis Bay,raising concerns about the project’s potential impact on the environment, livelihoods, heritage and the regional economy.
Theconcernswereraisedduringa SpeakOut eventhosted by non-profitorganisationEarthlife Africa Johannesburg in Jeffreys Bayon 11 July, where fishers, environmental groups, heritage advocates and community leaders called for greater public participation in decisionsaffecting the area’s future
According to Earthlife Africa Johannesburg, attendees warned that the developmentcould threaten local livelihoods, biodiversity, culturalheritage, public safety andthe regional economy, whileadding asubstantial financial burden for South Africans.
Makoma Lekalakala, director of EarthlifeAfrica Johannesburg, saidmany residents had opposed the development for around 20 years. “Thepeople who live here understand exactly what is at stake. Throughoutthe daywe heard the same message from small-scale fisherswho want to protect their livelihoods, First Nations representatives who want to protect their heritage, and conservationists and residents concerned about the environmentand future generations. They all agree, Thyspunt is not asuitable place for anuclear power station,” said Lekalakala.
As previously reported, Eskom’s Nuclear DraftScoping Reportstates that the proposed Thyspunt Nuclear Power Plantinthe Kouga LocalMunicipalitywill have acapacity of up to 5,200MW, usinglarge PressurisedWaterReactors and/or SmallModular Reactors. The site was selected over Bantamsklipfollowingacomparativeassessment,with advantagesincluding Eskom-ownedland, existing studies,transmission access and reduced infrastructure needs.
The facility will occupyabout 250 hectares and use aseawater cooling system Eskom stated that environmental impacts were manageable, with no fatal flaws identified.
According to Earthlife AfricaJohannesburg, Thyspunt is home to significant biodiversity, Khoisan heritage and acoastal economy built on fishing, tourism and agriculture.
Speakerswarned that harbour construction, dredgingand spoil dumped into the ocean could damage chokka breeding grounds, alter oceancurrents andthreaten internationally recognised surf breaks thatattractvisitors.
Local fisher, Phenius Nkatshuka, said smallscale fishing communities had already experiencedthe consequences of coastal construction.
“We have seen what happens when marine environments aredisturbed. Fish stocks disappear, and livelihoodssuffer. Families here depend on the ocean every day. We cannotrisk losingthe resources that have sustained our communitiesfor generations,” said Nkatshuka.
According to the organisation, residents also questionedclaims that the project would create jobs,arguing that construction employment would be temporary, while impacts on existing industriescould be permanent.
The organisation said residents warned that thousands of outside workers could placepressure on housing, healthcare, water andmunicipal services.
Community member, Zamu Williams,said local people had spent decades building opportunitiesthroughtourism,fishing andcultural activities. “Wehavecreated livelihoods that keepyoung people active and give them hope. We cannot sacrificethose opportunities for promises that disappearonce constructionis complete,” said Williams.
The organisation said safety and emergency planning were also major concerns, with residents questioning whether evacuationwould
Bailgrantedto69protestaccused
THE case against 69 people arrested following violent anti-immigrantprotests in Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay,has been postponedto23October forfurther investigation after the accusedappeared in theHumansdorp Magistrate’s Court on 20 July and were released on bail.
Policespokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, said aMarch andMarch protest planned in Ocean View on 16 July hadturned violent, resultinginthe arrestof69suspects aged between18and 52 on chargesofpublicviolence.
Following the protest,she said at least 23 spaza shopswere looted,several foreign nationalswere placed in temporary shelter for their safety, and three injured people were referred for medical treatment.
Policespokesperson,CaptainMarius McCarthy, saidthat following their court appearance, the 69 suspects were released on bail on condition that they do notbecome involved in public unrest or protestaction.
“No further information can be disclosed due to the sensitivity of the investigation,” saidMcCarthy.
Meanwhile, ProvincialCommissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncatahas directedthe district to intensifysearchand-seizure operations to recover looted property
Gantanasaid investigators are also activelyprobingthe roleofthe march leadersininstigating the violence on 16
July,withthe possibility of further arrests as theinvestigation unfolds
Shesaid clarification hadalso been issuedregardinga housefire that was widelyreported in connection with the protests.
“Thestructure wasnot burned as aresult of theprotest action, but rather due to an electrical fault,”said Gantana Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said on Facebook that, while the municipality believed more could have been done to prevent the criminal acts thatfollowed, it acknowledged and thankedthe South African PoliceService (SAPS), the Public Order Policing (POP)unit, the South African National DefenceForce (SANDF), private security companies, Community PolicingForums, neighbourhood watches and all other role players who assisted in responding to the unrest.
Hesaid it was important to recognise that crime preventionand public safety are primarily functions of the national sphereofgovernment.
“As alocal municipality, we continue tocall on NationalGovernment to provide SAPS with the resources, personnel and specialised capacity needed to catch criminals,securesuccessfulconvictions and cleanupour communities. Residents deservetolive in safe neighbourhoods wherethe rule of lawisupheld, and we will continue advocatingfor thesupport required to achieve this,”said Bornman.
be possible during aseriousincident due to limited road access, the growing holiday population and ongoingN2roadworks
Lydia Peterson, acommunity organiserwith the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI),saidcommunities were being asked to accept major risks without clear answers.
“People areoften overwhelmed by technical language, but the questions areactually very simple. Is thissafe? Canour countryaffordit? What happens to thewaste?Who carriesthe risk if something goes wrong?” said Peterson. She said thatafter examiningavailable information, she believed Thyspunt was too risky, too expensiveand an unsuitable location for a projectofthis scale.
According to Earthlife AfricaJohannesburg, environmental organisations also challenged the need fora large nuclear facility at atime when energy systems were increasingly shifting towards renewable and decentralisedgeneration.
Gary Koekemoer fromthe Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa(WESSA) said the proposal failed the testofsustainable development.
“Thyspunt is one of South Africa’smost significant natural and culturallandscapes It protects irreplaceable biodiversity, ancient Khoisan heritage and one of the country’s last intact dune systems. Once these resources are destroyed, they are gone forever,” said Koekemoer. He said South Africaneeded reliable energy but not at the expenseofplaces that could not be replaced.
The organisation said speakers questioned the economic justification of theproject, warning that costs would ultimately be carriedby ordinary South Africans.
SAFCEI’s Ntombizodidi Mapapu said the scale of the proposed investment highlighted difficult choices facing government.
“Imagine whatthat moneycould achieve if
it were invested in the things our communities desperately need –schools, clinics,housingand opportunities for young people. South Africans deserve an honest conversationabout priorities,” said Mapapu.
Earthlife AfricaJohannesburgsaidresidents warned that construction would fundamentally change the region through heavy vehicle movements, yearsofactivity and pressure on already strained infrastructure.
Trudi Malan from Thyspunt Alliance said residents could not accept promiseswithout practical commitments.
“People aretold there will be jobs and development, but communities have heardthese promises before. If thousands of additional workers areexpected to come here, where are the schools, hospitals,housing and roads to supportthem? Those services should exist beforeconstruction begins,” said Malan.
Residents also raised concerns about publicparticipation, arguing that communities directly affected by the proposal musthave a meaningful role in determining theirfuture.
Community member,CynthiaWildscutt, said families were thinking about futuregenerations.“We want our children and grandchildren to inherit clean oceans, healthy communities and opportunities to build their futures here. Once our environment is damaged, we cannot simply restore it,” said Wildscutt.
Earthlife AfricaJohannesburgsaidthe Speak Outevent showed that oppositiontothe proposed nuclear development extended across sectors, with participants united by concerns over safety, affordability, environmental protection and publicparticipation.
“Our message is straightforward. Communities have spoken with one voice. They are asking for an energy futurethat protects people,respects our constitutional rights andsafeguards the natural and cultural heritage that makes Thyspunt unique. Nothing about us, without us,”saidLekalakala.
Kougaurgesvigilancedespiteno newFoot-and-MouthDiseasecases
KOUGA Local Municipality has reassured residents that no new cases of Foot-andMouth Disease (FMD) have been detected in the municipality, with theState Veterinarian confirming thatonlyone farm in the Thornhill areahas been affected Despite the positive update, themunicipality is urging livestock owners to remain on highalert andcontinue to followstrict biosecurity measures to prevent thedisease from spreading.
According to astatement issued by the municipality, confirmed cases have been identified in Thornhill, theonlytownin the municipality currently affected
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said the State Veterinarian had confirmed thatthe outbreak remains limited to asingle farm in the Thornhill area, and thatnoadditionalcases have been reported.
Themunicipality said cases have also been confirmed in surrounding areas outside Kouga.
“Foot-and-Mouth Disease is ahighly contagiousviral disease that affectscloven-hoofed animals, including cattle,sheep, goatsand pigs. The disease has severe economic consequences for theagricultural sector andcan spreadrapidly if strict biosecurity measures are not followed,”the statement said.
Livestock owners areadvised to:
- Regularlyinspecttheir animals forsigns of FMD, including excessivesalivation, blisters or soresinthe
mouth, on thetongue, teats andfeet, lameness, and reluctance to move
- Immediatelyreport anysuspectedcases to the neareststateveterinarian.
- Avoid moving livestock onto or off propertiesunless it is forslaughter purposes.
- Refrain from buyinganimals from unknown or unverified sources.
- Restrictunnecessary visitorsand vehiclesfrom entering livestock areas, andensurethatequipment, vehiclesand footwearare cleaned anddisinfected.
- Keep accurate recordsofanimalmovements.
“Residentsare encouraged to rely on official communications from theDepartment of Agriculture and KougaLocal Municipality for accurateupdates,” thestatement said.
The municipality said communal livestock owners are encouraged to work closelywith local animal health officials and traditional leadership to ensure that disease control measures are implemented effectively.
Whilethe latest updateindicates thesituation in Kougaremains contained, municipal officialsstressed that continued vigilance is essential to prevent any further spread of thedisease. The municipality also appealed to thepublic not to spread unverified information about theoutbreak
“Residentsare encouraged to rely on official communications from theDepartment of Agriculture and KougaLocal Municipality for accurateupdates,” thestatement said.
OceanViewsewernetworkstoreceiveR6.1millionupgrade
KOUGA Local Municipality will commence the upgrade of the Ocean View sewer pipe this July,withthe project aimed at improving sewer infrastructure capacity and supporting the needs of both existing and future residential areasinOcean View.
According to aKouga Municipality statement,the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)-funded project represents an investment of R6,123,132 and is scheduledfor completion by 28 February 2027.
The statement noted that the scope of work includes the construction of anew 1.4km collectorsewer that will intercept andconvey sewageflows from existing and future residential developments in Ocean View.
In addition, the new infrastructure will connect these flows to the existing OceanView Pump Station, improving the efficiencyand reliabilityofthe local sewer network.
KougaExecutive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the project forms part of the municipality'scommitment to ensuring that essential infrastructure keeps pace with community needs and future development.
“Reliable sanitation infrastructure is essential for healthy and sustainable communities. This project will strengthen thesewer network in Ocean View by providing thenecessary capacity to accommodate current demandwhile also making provision for future growth,” said Bornman.Headdedthatinvestment in basic infrastructure remains akey priority to ensure effective servicedelivery.
“Projects such as the Ocean View sewer pipe upgrade demonstrate the importance of planning ahead and investing in infrastructure that supports development, protects theenvironment andimprovesthe quality of services provided to residents,” said Bornman
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RAZAAN PLAATJIES
SurfinginitiativebringshopetoSeaVistayouth Adoptarescue petthisJuly
APARTNERSHIP between the 9Miles Project, Wave Point Foundation and the Rotary ClubofSt Francis is helping to create opportunities for children in Sea Vista throughsurfing,mentorshipand youth development programmes.
The 9Miles Project, founded by Nigel and Sher’Neil Savel in response to the need for safe and nurturing environments for children from marginalised coastal communities, was initially established in Cape Town.
The organisation now operates across three priority sites: Cape Town, Elands Bay and St Francis Bay.
Programmefacilitator, Showney Adams, said the St Francis Surf and Youth Projectwas established in April 2017, as part of the 9Miles Project. She said the programmes initially ran at the Main Beach Lifesaving hut until 2019, with staff from Cape Town visiting thearea every six to eight weeks whilea localcoach remained on the ground to support the programme.
Adams said that as the boys in the programme matured, thefocus evolved towards young adult initiatives, including internshipsand life skills development.
She said that in 2025,the 9Miles Project relaunched its workin Sea Vista by hosting holiday programmes for children in the area andintroducing aweekly surf and mentorship programme for 15 children.
The project, which began working with Jeffreys Bay-based Wave Point Foundation earlier this year, currentlyhosts weekly surfand mentorship sessions for children in Sea Vista.
Adams said Wave Point Foundation visitsthe area onceaweek to assist children with surfing, but
the partnership hashighlightedthe need for more equipmenttoallow more young people toparticipate
“Wave Point is rallyingtogether to get donations ofsurfitemsfor these children, many of whom do not have any surfing clothing or equipment,” said Adams.
She added that more children oftenjoin the 9Miles Project during school holidays
The project currently runsvarious programmes managedbyAdams,Danielle Paulsen (programme manager) and Jaywin Coenraad (surfing coach and life skills facilitator)
Adams said thatwhile theprogramme had continued to run smoothly sincerestartinginJune 2025, alack of volunteers remained achallenge. “We currently only run the programme twice aweek, but if we had morevolunteers, we could run the programme multiple times aweek,”saidAdams.
She said the project also does not currently have adedicated facility and relies on localchurches to host programmes on rainydays
“It is avery nice programme,but it needs alot of hands to do alot more in the community,” said Adams
Wave Point Foundation founder Cjay Jansen saidthe organisation was established in Jeffreys Bayin 2020 to raise, develop andempower future leaders through its healing,learning and leadingmodel.
He saidthe foundation supports children from disadvantagedcommunities throughsurf-based therapy, supplementary education and character and leadership development
“Surfing helps childrenregulate emotionally, rebuild confidence and experience belonging. The ocean gives rhythm andsafety; consistent mentors build trust,” saidJansen.
The foundation currently has
40 children participating in its weekly surfingand mentoring programme,with sessionstaking place fourdays aweekfor both primary and high school learners
Jansen said atypical afternoon begins with awelcome activity, including freeplay, table tennisor games.
He said primary school learners participate in leadership sessions focusedoncharacter development before puttingonwetsuits and headingintothe water, while high school learners receive support with homework and reading.
Jansen said thefocusalternates betweenthe groups throughout the week. He also said the programme hadresultedinnoticeable improvements among thechildren.
“Since joining, thekids show noticeably more confidence and more respect for one another. They are calmer, thankstothe therapeutic natureofsurfing, andmostimportantly, theirreading andsocial skills haveimproved,” said Jansen.
To helpmore children accessthe programme,Wave PointFoundationisseekingdonations of second-handsurfboards, bodyboards andwetsuits.
Jansensaid that as surfing is an expensive sport, donated equipment made asignificant difference for childrenwho would otherwise nothave access to the necessary gear.
“Wetsuits and surfboards are thebiggest expense. Donated gear makes ahuge difference when there is no budget to equip every child, and rightnow,inwinter, a wetsuit makes amassive difference in thecoldwater,”said Jansen. He said wetsuits are currently the mosturgent need, particularly for childrenaged between nine and 15 years old, for bothboys andgirls
To assist, theRotary Club of St Francishas launched acollection drive to gather second-hand surf-
boards, bodyboards and wetsuits.
Rotary Club member, Sam Verbaan,said the initiative followed a proposal and sponsorship request from Jansen.
“Rotary then decided to organise adrive for the donation of second-hand surfboards, wetsuits and bodyboards to support thisinitiative,” saidVerbaan.
The collection began on 2July and will run until 31 July. Verbaan said theinitiative aligned with Rotary’songoing goal of supporting sustainable youth development sporting projects in the community.
“This initiative showsour intent to be involved in asport-focused project with immediateneeds, a project that not only focuses on teachingkids to surf, but also providesasafe, consistent space whereyoung people can develop discipline, self-esteem and asense of belonging,” said Verbaan.
He added that the St Francis communitywas uniquely positioned to support the initiative.
“We live in an environment that affords us the ability to make full useofour ocean. By supporting this initiative, we are giving the kids from Sea Vistathe opportunity to alsoenjoy the benefits that our ocean has to offer, and to learn skills that might otherwise not be affordedtothem,”said Verbaan. He said donations of second-hand surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits can be dropped off at Pam GoldingStFrancis Bay, River Club St Francis Bay and Seal Point EstatesinCape St Francis. Jansenencouraged members of thepublic to support the initiative and become involved.
“Share Wave Point with friends and family. We would love people to come down to the beach and see theimpact surfing is having on the kids in our community,”said Jansen.
Centrecelebratesfirstmatricfarewellmilestone
RAZAAN PLAATJIES
KAREEDOUW Online reached a significant milestone on 11 July, whenthe community-based homeschool support and tutoring centre celebratedits first-ever matric farewell.
The occasion honoured Heraldine Fisse, the first learner to complete her matric journey with the centre, which opened its doors in 2024. Around 30 guests attended the celebration,including Heraldine’s family, school staff and community members who have supported Kareedouw Online since its inception.
Co-founder Melodie Lezar said the day’s programmebegan witha photo shoot before guests gathered for awelcome, speeches, gift-giving and prayer.
After enjoying ameal together, family and friends shared their gratitude and words of encouragementbefore the celebration concludedwith cake.
As akeepsake, Heraldine received adaily devotional from the centre as asymbol of its hope that she will carry herfaith with herinto the next chapter of her life.
Melodie saidthe farewell represented far more thanone learner’s achievement.
“Celebrating our very first matric farewell was an incrediblyspecial and emotional milestone for KareedouwOnline. As acentre that was established to provide opportunities for learnerswho often do not fit into traditional schooling environments, seeing our first matriclearner reachthis important stage was areminder of why we started this
journey,” saidMelodie.
“Itwas notonlyacelebration of Heraldine’s achievement, butalso acelebration of God’s faithfulness andthe growth of our school community.”
Melodie said themilestone was particularly meaningful given that the centrehad only been established in 2024
“To host ourfirst matric farewell so soon after opening wasaproud moment thatdemonstrated what can be achieved when learners are given the right support, encouragement andopportunities to succeed,” said Melodie.
Heraldine first joined Kareedouw Online as apart-time learner in 2024
before laterenrolling full-time.
According to co-founder, Shawn Lezar, staff watched her develop from “a quiet, reservedyoung girl into aconfident and determined young woman” over the pasttwo years
He said Heraldinefaced personal responsibilitiesduringher matric year butremained committed to her studies.
“Throughout her journey, our role was to provide encouragement, academicsupport,guidance and a nurturing environment whereshe couldgrow in confidence and believe in her ownpotential.Weare incrediblyproudofthe resilience and determination she demonstrat-
THEJBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary, which sterilises at least 80 animals everymonth in the Kouga region, is in Ocean View Township in Jeffreys Bay.
Theorganisationislooking for forever homes for theseanimals: Charlie is abeautiful, medium-sized mixed-breed male dog. He is approximately 10 to 12 weeks old.
Tiger is abeautiful young male dog. Unfortunately, hisprevious ownerswereunable to keep him, and he is not coping well with beinginacage. He is atruly special soul with lots of energy, so he needs afamily who will take him for walks and give himplenty of love and attention. He gets along well with other dogs and is good with children.
Chelsea is approximately 10 to 12 weeks old. Sheisamedium-sized mixed-breed female dog. Pepper is averyspecial young female dog. Shearrived at the sanctuaryextremely underweight and in poor condition, but she has made an incredible recoveryand is now looking much healthier Sheisready to find aloving family to call her own.
To encourage pet adoption, the Sanctuarywill be running an adoption special of R1,000 per adoption until31July. Thefee includes three vaccines, deworming and sterilisation. For moreinfo or to visitthe clinic, contact Cindy Muller at 083 320 4173, email jbayanimals@gmail.com, or visit JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary at www.Jbayanimalsanctuary.co.za
ed,” said Shawn.
He added that celebrating the achievement with thewider community reflected thecentre’s values.
“Kareedouw Online is deeply rooted in thelocal community, and we believe that every success story belongs not onlytothe learner but also to thewider communitythat supportsand encourages them. CelebratingHeraldine’s achievement publicly sendsamessageofhopeto other young people and their families,” said Shawn.
Since opening with just two learnersin2024, thecentre has grownto serve 36 learners ranging from two years oldtomatric.
As previously reported,itfocuses on supporting children wholearn differently, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Downsyndrome and other learning differences
Shawnsaid thegrowth reflected the increasing need foralternative educational support in thecommunity butalsobrought new challenges
“Our biggest challenges include securing sustainable funding,expandingour facilities, obtaining educational resources and ensuringthat we can continue providing qualitysupport to learners while keepingeducation affordable for families,” said Shawn.
Thecommunity-based homeschool support and tutoring centre dependsonfundraising,sponsorships and donations to continue its work.
For more information or to support Kareedouw Online, email kareedouwonline@gmail.com or contact 060 965 7015.
Chelsea.
Pepper. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Charlie.
