Kouga Express - E-Edition - 27 November 2025

ConcernsriseasKougaDamlevelsgraduallydrop

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

FOLLOWING the Kouga Dam’s first overflow in eight years during September 2023, new water allocations are now in place as dam levels decline to 59 67% amid persistent dry conditions and growing concerns over the region’s drought vulnerability

As previously reported, on 29 September 2023, the Kouga Dam overflowed for the first time since 2015, which was a significant milestone considering the dam has only spilt 33 times since its construction in 1971

In 2015, the Kouga Dam was at 100% but continued to decrease until the breakthrough in September 2023 Now, two years later, the dam levels have remained stable

However, recently, Rienette Colesky, CEO of the Gamtoos Water Users' Association, has noted that the current conditions in the catchment area remain concerning since they have not had any significant rainfall for some time

“It is very dry throughout the catchment area and throughout the Kouga area We have not received heavy rain for some time in the catchment area,” said Colesky

With the Kouga Dam levels at 59 67% as of 24 November, she has acknowledged the region’s vulnerability due to its drought history

“The dam level is well within limits and standards, but I do not feel comfortable with a dam of 59 67% mainly because the region went through a terrible drought previously,” said Colesky

She said that typically, this time of

year would see rainfall that assists with increasing dam levels by about 10% or more, but no significant precipitation has materialised On a positive note, Colesky said that agricultural users performed well during the past water year, which ended on 31 October She said that agricultural users used less than allocated for the year, at least 22% lower than allocated Colesky confirmed that the new water allocations were announced following a meeting with the Department of Water and Sanitation on 21 November She said that the agricultural users in the Gamtoos, as well as in the catchment area, have been allocated 80% and restricted by 20% of their full quota, while the Kouga Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (domestic users) have been allocated 90%

“Personally, I think that is a fair allocation, considering the total storage of the Algoa Water Supply System, which is currently at about 55 88% whereas last year it was on 77 6%,” said Colesky

Despite the restrictions, Colesky expressed some optimism about the agricultural allocation She further said that analysts have found the allocation to all users to be fair, which suggests that the dam levels will be sustained

“I am very glad for the agricultural users I think it’s a fair allocation in terms of agriculture,” said Colesky

Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa, confirmed that the annual operating analysis for the Algoa Water Supply System for the 2025-2026 operating year (1 Nov 2025 - 31 October 2026) was conducted by the depart-

ment and the results were presented at the stakeholders’ forum meeting held on 21 November

“Restrictions were recommended by the collective We are currently in the process of taking these recommendations to the delegated authority for gazetting in the South African Government Gazette,” said Mavasa She said that further details about the restrictions will be communicated once gazetted

According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality,the dam levels as of 24 Novemberareasfollows:

• Churchill: 61 34%

• Impofu: 4566%,

• Loerie: 7802%

• Kouga: 5967%,

• Groendal: 8556%

Kouga Municipality offers reward after attacks on Humansdorp infrastructure

KOUGA Local Municipality is condemning the escalating criminal activities that continue to hamper service delivery in Humansdorp and has offered a reward for information that could lead to successful prosecution of the perpetrators

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the coordinated acts of sabotage have now reached crisis levels, placing both municipal infrastructure and residents at severe risk

“What we are witnessing is not simple vandalism, they are deliberate attacks on our high-voltage electricity network,” said Bornman

“These actions are endangering lives, destabilising essential services, and robbing the entire community of a reliable electricity sup-

ply ” Criminals have been targeting the electricity grid by throwing wires and other foreign objects across overhead lines, intentionally triggering power outages

These disruptions often escalate into catastrophic infrastructure failures, including transformer damage, substation explosions, and severe voltage dips that destroy household appliances

During these forced blackouts, the perpetrators exploit the darkness to steal copper cables directly from residents’ homes, often preying on the most vulnerable

“It must be clearly understood that the cables being stolen from residents’ homes are private property,” Bornman emphasised

“The municipality is therefore not legally obligated to replace them, and the financial burden falls entirely on affected families ”

Evidence gathered by municipal authorities indicates that most of the incidents are concentrated in Ward 4, with strong indications that the offenders reside within Wards 4 and 5

Despite the relentless setbacks, municipal staff continue to serve the community with dedication Many sacrifice rest and family time to return to work early to stabilise the network

“Our teams work tirelessly, but the constant criminal interference makes it impossible for them to execute routine tasks, for example, repairs to streetlights, transformers, substations, and overhead lines

are being delayed because staff are spending most of their time responding to sabotage,” added Bornman

Copper theft remains at the heart of the crisis Replacing copper infrastructure with alternative materials would require massive financial investment, funding that is urgently needed for network upgrades and essential maintenance

In the previous financial year alone, copper theft cost the municipality over R6 million

“These are funds that should have gone toward strengthening and modernising our network,” Bornman emphasised “Instead, criminals are stealing not only copper but also the community’s future ”

Bornman issued a passionate call for collective responsibility “The

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Send us an email to kougaexpress@ novusmedia.co.za with a brief summary and your contact details.

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a form that is available via a link on the Kouga Express Facebook page

Qualifying entries will be uploaded to our Christmas Baby 2025 album on the Kouga Express Facebook page Allow at least one to two working days for entries to be reviewed and

Competitionrules:

• Only babies who are celebrating their FIRST Christmas may enter

• Only babies who reside in the Kouga area may enter

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community must take ownership of its infrastructure The municipality cannot always be everywhere, nor can we provide 24/7 protection for the entire network,” he said “We need residents to partner with us ”

To support ongoing efforts, the municipality has announced a R10,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible All tip-offs will remain strictly anonymous “We implore every resident: if you see something, say something Your information could save a transformer, an entire neighbourhood’s electricity supply, especially the vulnerable or even a life,” said Bornman “Together, we can protect our infrastructure and safeguard service delivery in Humansdorp

to (except in the case of twins, triplets, etc.)

• The person entering the baby must be the parent/legal guardian or have permission from the parent/legal guardian

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

PROGRESS is finally being made on the long-delayed toilet renovation project at Pellsrus Primary School in Jeffreys Bay, following intervention by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, with completion now expected by January 2026

As previously reported, the school’s 1,200 learners have been enduring a sanitation crisis since 2024, when a R2 million bathroom renovation project was brought to a halt after contractors allegedly disappeared from the site

The learners were left with just six portable toilets after previously having adequate facilities with 17 toilets for boys and 19 for girls

The renovation contract began in 2024 and was originally scheduled for completion in February this year

According to Vivian Van Eyck, Chairperson of the School Governing Body, following Gwarube's visit to the school on 17 November, significant action has been taken to address the crisis

Speaking about her visit, Gwarube explained the situation

She said that part of the reason for the delay in the commencement of construction was that the contractor walked off the site due to cash flow issues

Thankfully, Gwarube said that

the contractor’s services have been terminated and a new contractor has been appointed

She further emphasised the need for accountability in government contracting

“I think for me the bigger issue here is that it’s very, very

important that contractors who do not finish work, who do not complete work or who do subpar work should not find government work ever again We should blacklist contractors who are doing this kind of work because it's unacceptable,” said Gwarube

“It’s also about a waste of money because ultimately now the new contractor has to come on and has to start, and at least continue from the work that was there ”

Despite the setback, Gwarube remains optimistic about the

progress

“I’m pleased to now know that the contractor is already on site and that they anticipate that they’ll be done with the project when the children come back to school in January 2026 ”

She noted that only about 20% of the work remains and confirmed that mobile ablution facilities have been provided by the implementing agent at no extra cost to the department as an interim measure

Van Eyck confirmed that significant progress has been made since Gwarube’s visit

“Thankfully, since the minister’s visit on 17 November, the new contractors have been busy working on the school toilets They have been working from early in the morning to late at night,” said Van Eyck

He further revealed that during Gwarube’s visit, they found that the old toilets were still there but the toilet pipes had been removed

Van Eyck said that since R2 million was allocated for the project, he hopes to receive answers as to what the money was used for

“My question is where did all the money go to considering that there is only approximately R700,000 left,” said Van Eyck

He further expressed urgency about completion time and has informed Gwarube that he wants the contractors to be done with the project in two weeks’ time

JeffreysBayComprehensive toreceivenew4IRLab

JEFFREYS Bay Comprehensive

School is set to benefit from a new Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) laboratory, following an announcement by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi during an oversight visit to the school this week

The initiative is supported by global IT company Software AG, which will construct the lab and provide training for teachers and learners MP Mlindi Nhanha, Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, and representatives from Software AG accompanied Malatsi

Principal Nomxolisi Makayi welcomed the development, noting that the school currently has no computer lab “We are looking forward to the cyber lab that will prepare our learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” she said

Software AG Transformation Director Ndazi Nokoawe said the company aims to bridge the digital divide by establishing 4IR labs in under-resourced schools “We not only build

these labs; we also train the trainer and train the learners,” she said She stressed that the infrastructure must be safeguarded to ensure the sustainability of the programme

“If the equipment goes missing, we cannot continue with the programme I must report to my principals in Germany about the work we’ve done, which in turn could translate into more funding if all goes well ”

Bornman thanked the department and Software AG for selecting the school as a beneficiary, saying the investment would help secure a better future for local learners Malatsi said equal access to digital infrastructure was essential for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

“That is the only way we are going to make sure every young person in this digital economy has the strongest chance to compete with their peers,” he said

He added that partnerships between government and the private sector remain crucial to extending technological benefits to all communities

Ndazi Nokoawe (Software AG Transformation Director), Solly Malatsi (Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies), Nomxolisi Makayi (Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive School Principal) and Hattingh Bornman (Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor).

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

NOVUS Media, ’n afdeling van die JSE-genoteerde Novus Holdings, het vandag die bekendstelling van Die Papier aangekondig: ’n weeklikse, Afrikaanse koerant wat van 6 Maart 2026 af sal verskyn Hierdie strategiese uitbreiding versterk Novus Media se posisie in die drukmedia-mark, waar dit voortgaan om titels te bekom en te bou wat waarde aan teikengehore bied

Oor'DiePapier'

Die Papier sal elke Vrydag in druk- en ook digitale formaat gepubliseer word, en sal omvattende dekking bied van die week se nuus en die naweek se gebeure, asook gemeenskapstories, sake-ontwikkelings, sport, kultuur en leefstylinhoud wat spesifiek vir Afrikaanssprekende lesers oor Suid-Afrika heen van belang is

André van der Veen, HUB van Novus Holdings, sê dat die geleentheid om gedrukte publikasies in gefokusde markte te ontwikkel en te ondersteun steeds aantreklik bly, maar wys daarop dat dit ’n nuwe manier van werk en ’n gedetailleerde fokus op lesersbehoeftes vereis “Die span by Novus Media is opgewonde om Die Papier bekend te stel en sal ons druk- en digitale kundigheid kombineer om daaglikse digitale nuus saam met ’n weeklikse koerant te lewer Vir baie Afrikaanse lesers is daar ’n sterk begeerte om nuus in ’n koerantformaat te lees, en ons is vol vertroue dat die Afrikaanse gemeenskap Die Papier sal ondersteun onder die leierskap van Esmé Smit en Barnard Beukman ”

“Die Papier is betekenisvol in ons evolusie aangesien dit ons eerste nasionale nuuspublikasie is,” sê Esmé Smit, direkteur van Novus Media “Ons het die geleentheid in die mark opgemerk vir gehalte- Afrikaanse joernalistiek wat werklik nasionaal met gemeenskappe in druk- én digitale formaat skakel Hirdie publikasie sal die ryke tradisie van Afrikaanse media eer terwyl dit moderne tegnieke en digitale vernuwing omhels Die bekendstelling van Die Papier spreek die groeiende vraag na gehalte- Afrikaanse inhoud aan Met meer as 7 miljoen Afrikaanssprekendes in Suid-Afrika, beoog die publikasie om as ’n belangrike skakel tussen lesers en hul gemeenskap te dien ” Barnard Beukman, wat as die eerste redakteur aangestel is, voeg by: “Die besluit om ’n nuwe koerant te begin verteenwoordig ’n historiese oomblik Dit spreek Afrikaanse lesers se volgehoue behoefte aan, ook as Suid-Afrikaners, soos beskryf deur Arthur Miller, ’n Amerikaanse skrywer: "’n Goeie koerant is ’n nasie in gesprek met homself " Volgens Beukman sal Die Papier se unieke kenmerk in die Afrikaanse media-aanbod gehalte-joernalistiek wees, eerder as blote verslaggewing “Ons gaan die nuwe tuiste saam met lesers vorm, want kwessies waarin hulle belangstel en wat hulle interesseer gaan sentraal staan Jonger lesers gaan ook tuis voel, want ons gaan die gapings oorbrug na belangstellings en formate wat hulle tans net op sosiale media

kan ervaar Ek wil vra dat die Afrikaanse gemeenskap die koerant van die eerste dag af ondersteun en ons help om dit as ’n spieël van hul wêreld te vestig ”

OorNovusMedia

Gestig in 2024, het Novus Media, ’n afdeling van Novus Holdings, homself gevestig as ’n multimedia-organisasie wat diverse gemeenskappe oor Suid-Afrika heen bedien Tans publiseer die maatskappy 21 gemeenskapskoerante oor Suid-Afrika heen, Rooi Rose, Soccer Laduma en Kick Off-tydskrif, tesame met veelvuldige hoë-verkeer- digitale platforms, almal verbind tot die lewering van gehalte-joernalistiek

Vooruitsig

Die bekendstelling van Die Papier is deel van Novus Media se breër strategie om sy reikwydte uit te brei en gemeenskapsverbintenisse te verdiep Die maatskappy sal sinergieë tussen sy bestaande publikasies en die nuwe Afrikaanse weekblad benut om ’n mediaplatform vir handelsmerkeienaars te skep om met die Afrikaanse gemeenskap te skakel en verbeterde inhoud aan lesers te bied

“Die dag 6 Maart 2026 sal die begin van ’n opwindende nuwe hoofstuk wees,” voeg Smit by “Ons belê in gemeenskapstories en ingeligte burgerskap, terwyl ons brûe oor Suid-Afrika se diverse landskap heen bou In vandag se wêreld dra plaaslike joernalistiek by tot demokratiese diskoers – en dit is presies wat Die Papier sal wees ”

ievekeepsyourPharmacytakingcareofthe e community and building a relationship with dy and to always stay humble and appreciate ram OTC division helped you service your edication and products at an a�ordable price e of our sta� we can o�er the community riticalroleinprimaryhealthcare

KougafirefighterconquersToughestFirefighterAlivechallenge

IT took a terrible car crash – and the terrifying moment when the wreck burst into flames – to steer Kouga Local Municipality firefighter Benito Wabanie (31), toward his true calling

Today, he speaks with quiet pride as he shares that, on his second attempt as an individual contestant, he has completed the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in George – one of the most demanding tests of endurance, strength, and courage a firefighter can face

Born in Gqeberha and raised in Knysna, Wabanie once dreamed of a future as a mechanic But life had other plans Everything shifted in the split second after a horrific accident

“The car caught fire, and I ran to a nearby petrol station for a fire extinguisher, only to find it did not work,” he recalls “That moment changed everything That is where my journey to becoming a firefighter began ”

His path – though winding – led him closer to the calling he had not yet recognised After school, he kept himself focused and determined: working in a spaza shop, enrolling for boiler making in Mossel Bay, studying firefighting in Welkom, serving a three-month contract as a general worker at the Knysna Municipality, and

even driving a taxi Each chapter strengthened his determination to live a life of purpose

“Before Covid-19 hit, I was a volunteer firefighter at George Municipality, and on my off days I worked on a taxi to earn a little bit of money I then got contracted as a firefighter during the fire season in Ladismith in the Western Cape,” he says The work felt right – like home

Then, in 2021, opportunity finally met preparation A firefighter post was advertised in Humansdorp

“I applied and after a long time, I was phoned for a fitness test and interview Then everything went silent again,” he recalls “The post was re-advertised and I applied again I was invited to do the fitness test and the interview again

“And on a Friday morning, I received the call that I was successful I had to rush from Knysna to get to Jeffreys Bay before 13:00 to sign my paperwork ”

In June 2021, Wabanie officially joined the Kouga Local Municipality Fire Department – fully stepping into the purpose that had been pursuing him since the day he faced flames without a working fire extinguisher

But his journey was far from over In 2022, he entered the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Af-

Gqeberhakunstenaarbring juwelierswarenaJ’baai

VERONICA FOURIE

SANTIE Amery is ’n plaaslike kunstenaar van Gqeberha, wat haar lewe lank haar wêreld met kuns kleurvol maak

Sy werk met waterverf en olie, skets graag in die natuur en het die afgelope jaar begin om haar eie juweelreeks te skep

Hiervoor gebruik sy dieselfde metode wat glaskunstenaars gebruik om glasvensters te soldeer Haar eie mini kunswerke word tussen mikroskoopglas in ’n silwer soldeerraampie vasgelê Ook gemanipuleerde koperdraad en skerwe porselein en glas kry ’n nuwe

lewe as unieke juweelstukke

Loodvrye soldeersel word gebruik wat veilig is vir menslike gebruik

Elke juweelstuk is enig in sy soort, uniek en baie besonders

Om kunssinnig en met vreugde te skep is haar grootste fokus

Die TV joernaalprogram Kwêla van KykNet saai in Desember ’n insetsel oor Santie en haar kuns uit

Op Maandag 1 Desember, hou Santie ’n uitstalling van haar juwele aan huis van Logy Murray, vanaf 17:00 tot 19:00, by Eedenglen

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rica competition for the first time

The course pushed him to his limits, and despite his courage, he was unable to finish

The TFA competition is a thrilling and punishing event that brings together firefighters from across the country to test skills and endurance under pressure Participants face obstacle courses, ladder climbs, hose drags, and equipment hauls – all designed to simulate real-life firefighting

challenges and showcase strength, agility, and resilience

Three years later, Wabanie returned – stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever

“In 2025, I tried again and reached the goal I’d set: to complete it,” he says “It is not always about winning but about competing

“What was so special is that my mother and my deputy fire chief, Marlin Sodien, were there to cheer me on Although our Man-

ager of Fire and Disaster Management, Dewald Barnard, could not attend, he phoned throughout the day to offer encouragement and check in on my progress I was so proud of myself for completing the TFA When I finished, I thanked God because I had prayed that He help me to complete it ”

Wabanie said that his two-yearold son Chad Rhys is his lucky charm

“Before I competed, I went to him in Knysna and said Daddy has come to fetch his lucky charm, and after completing TFA, I went back to tell him that he was indeed my lucky charm ”

According to results published on the TFA website, Wabanie completed the competition in just over 11 minutes

Now, with the finish line behind him and his ambitions rising, he is already looking to 2026

“Next year, I plan to improve my time and do the competition with a few of my colleagues from Kouga’s fire stations We will fly the Kouga flag high ” Training for the TFA, he adds, takes discipline and creativity

“I did not have the equipment to prepare for TFA, but I used things such as tyres Personally, I do CrossFit and endurance training like running More importantly, your mindset must be in the right space ”

Fatherchannelslossintolife-saving communitytournament

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

WHEN Madodana Kota lost his 16-year-old son, Lukhanyo Tshunungwa, in a devastating car accident on 3 January 2016, the grief threatened to consume his family, but from that unimaginable pain, something remarkable emerged: a community-wide movement that has touched thousands of lives and potentially saved many more

Madodana said that before his passing, his son was quiet, a dedicated learner, well-behaved and soft-spoken

He said that he was also enthusiastic about developing his soccer skills and played for Thornhill United Junior Football Club as one of the youngest players on the first team

Madodana said that five children died alongside Lukhanyo on the R102 near Thornhill due to drinking and driving, and speeding, a tragedy that brought the entire community to a standstill

"The devastating death of my son was a painful experience for my family It was particularly painful for his grandmother, who died three months after his death My mother and I took care of him, so the loss was very painful for us," said Madodana

Despite their deep-rooted grief, Madodana and his wife, Zoleka, began looking into ways they could remember their son while creating awareness in their community about the dangers of drunk driving

"Since Lukhanyo loved soccer, we decided to host an annual soccer tournament in his memory and use the opportunity to make people aware of drinking and driving and remind people that speed kills," said Madodana

Finally, in 2018, the idea crystallised into action when the first Lukhanyo Memorial Tournament was held with just eight teams, and in 2019, the non-profit organisation, Lukhanyo Memorial Trust, was established

Now in its seventh edition, the tournament has doubled in size to 16 soccer teams

Furthermore, this year marks a significant expansion with the addition of netball to further share their drunk driving campaign with girls in the community

Madodana said that the tournament weekend, which runs from 28 to 30 November at the Thornhill Sports Field, is carefully orchestrated to maximise both sporting excitement and educational impact

"We start on Friday evening when the teams arrive, and the announcer explains the purpose of the tournament and why we're having this event," said Madodana

"With the formal opening ceremonies on Saturday, we have speakers from different departments and role players speaking about drinking and driving and that speed kills, and also with the closing ceremony " The timing is intentional

Held on the last weekend of November, the tournament coincides with the beginning of the festive season, traditionally a high-risk period for road accidents

"The Arrive Alive campaign and the opening of the season start this weekend The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence also starts at this time of year With these campaigns, we believe that we are assisting the South African government to spread awareness about these issues," said Madodana

Thankfully, he said that the community response has been overwhelmingly positive

"The communities are very positive about this campaign, and the attendance of people coming to watch this event has grown," said Madodana Beyond awareness, the tournament provides tangible benefits to local schools

Madodana said that the soccer balls and netball balls that are used during this event are given to local schools in the Kouga area, and with the money raised through the tournament, they plan to host a back-to-school programme early in January, when they will hand out sanitary products and school clothing

For Madodana, the tournament represents something deeper than sport or even road safety education; it's about community responsibility and healing

"We need to be clear with this, it's not the government's role alone to spread the news, but we as community members have a role to play by educating our youth, senior citizens and children by getting involved, by supporting this event, by giving out pamphlets of road safety and educating people about drunk driving," said Madodana

"Drinking and driving and speeding kills future leaders and also leaves families in this time of happiness in pain " The Lukhanyo Memorial Soccer and Netball Speed Awareness Tournament will take place at Thornhill Sports Field from 28 to 30

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LIKWIDASIE EN

4205

LIKWIDASIE- EN DISTRIBUSIEREKENING IN BESTORWE BOEDEL WAT TER INSAE Lê Boedel wyle JANIETTA

MARLENE JANSE VAN RENSBURG, Identiteitsnommer: 460820 0086 08 6, gebore 20 Augustus 1946 en oorlede 26 April 2025, 'n W e d u w e e v a n 1 0 Melkhoutstraat, Jeffreysbaai, Oos-Kaap. Boedelnr 2314/2025.

Kennis geskied hiermee, kragtens Artikel 35(5) van die Wet op die Administrasie van Boedels, nr.66 van 1965, dat afskrifte die

LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT IN A DECEASED ESTATE LYING FOR INSPECTION Estate Late KATHLEEN ANN COETZEE (IDENTITY NUMBER 511224 0185 189) of 06 Greenwich, Port St Francis Leighton Hullet Drive, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape Province, 6312; who died on 08 April 2025. MASTER REFERENCE NUMBER: 2788/2025

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 35 (5) of Act 66 of 1965 that the First and Final Liquidation and Distribution Account in the above estate will lie for inspection at the office of the Master of the High Court, Port Elizabeth, and the Magistrate Court, Humansdorp, for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days from the date of publication hereof.

CHRISTIAAN CHRISTOFFEL JOHANNES COETZEE EXECUTOR

ALBERT SAUNDERS Agent for the Executor PO Box 34 ST FRANCIS BAY 6312 042-2940315 erin@stfrancislegal.co.za

LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION

ACCOUNT IN DECEASED ESTATE LYING FOR INSPECTION

Estate of the Late K E N N E T H C E C I L MATTHEWS Identity Number: 390823 5062 08 1, born 23rd August 1939 and deceased 28th April 2025, who was married in community of property to Judith Anita Matthews, Identity number: 551228 0098 08 7 from 43 Outeniqua Villas, Aston Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape Estate Number: 3079/2025

Notice is hereby given, in terms of Section 35(5) of the Administration of Act, 66 of 1965,

Entriesfor2025USNJBayTouchiestoopensoon

THE annual USN JBay Touchies, which has been referred to as the best touch rugby tournament in South Africa, will see 36 teams from all over the country battle it out on Jeffreys Bay Main Beach on 26 December from 08:00 to see who the 2025 Kings of the Beach will be

The tournament began in 2018 and is now in its eighth year, with USN as the main sponsor, and is now a fixture in JBay's December calendar

Christo Botha, event organiser for USN, said that spectators can expect fast and furious touch rugby with non-stop action on the two fields on Main Beach

He said that there will be three different leagues: a pro league, a women's league, and a social league for the holiday teams

"As in previous years, the highlight of the tournament will be the game between the JBay Rugby

Club Legends and Kouga Municipality Legends," said Botha

"This game will be at 14:00 and live streamed on Facebook page 1Touch "

He said that there will be lots of freebies for everyone on the beach, making it possible for all the sponsors to be involved in the event

The Christian Ellis trophy for the referee of the tournament is also once again up for grabs

Botha said that the event is a celebration of the Kouga communities and is well supported by the local communities

The current pro league champions, the Blues from Jeffreys Bay, will be participating

In addition, he said that Metrofibre and Kouga Municipality had joined hands and sponsored 16 local teams with fully sublimated clothing for the event

"The touch rugby tournament is a JBay tradition on 26 December, and keeping it alive is very im-

portant for USN," said Botha

The cost is R150 per team of eight players, but is limited to 36 teams

Botha said that entries open on 1 December, and all ages, genders and sizes are welcome to enter a team

"Only 36 slots are available, and it is therefore important for participants to enter immediately to avoid disappointment," said Botha

The prize giving and afterparty will once again be at Je Vista Social Café, which is another highlight of the event with lots of prizes and cash up for grabs

Botha has thanked USN, the Kouga Municipality and the 30 other sponsors for their support towards the success of the event

Fidelity/ADT and Relay EMS will also be present on the day to ensure that everyone is safe at the event

For more information contact Christo Botha on 072 238 4463 or email 1Touch@igen co za

JBayRecyclingProject’sannualChristmaspartytocelebrate300children

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

THE JBay Recycling Project is gearing up for its biggest Christmas celebration yet, expecting 300 children to attend this year s festive gathering on 8 December at their recycling site along Sarah Baartman Avenue in Pellsrus, Jeffreys Bay

As previously reported, since its inception in 2011, the NPO s mission has been to alleviate poverty and pollution by providing access to basic essentials for children, while simultaneously cleaning up the environment and educating the youth about the importance of a healthy environment

Tanja Lategan, JBay Recycling Project coordinator, said that this year they have had an average of 183 children join their

recycling drop-offs each Monday, which has meant they have had to increase their capacity recently

To celebrate these young recyclers, the organisation hosts an annual Christmas celebration and expects at least 300 children to join this year s event

The celebration has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the growing economic pressures facing local families "We used to just include toys and treats, but since the cost of living has hit families increasingly hard, we are including more basic groceries and toiletries every year We also do our best to reward regular contributors by offering them a gift to thank them on behalf of the community for the effort they have made," said Lategan

Fourrescuepuppies needlovinghomes

JBAY Animal Rescue Sanctuary, which sterilises at least 80 animals every month in the Kouga region, is located in Ocean View Township in Jeffreys Bay

The organisation is looking for forever homes for these four puppies Angel is 9 weeks old

She is a mixed breed and medium-sized Daisy is a mixed breed and medium-sized She is

around 12 weeks old

Brina is 7 weeks old and she is a small to medium-sized mixed breed Snow is 7 weeks old and she is a mixed breed and medium-sized For more information, or to visit the clinic, contact Cindy Muller at 083 320 4173, email jbayanimals@gmail com, or visit JBay Animal Rescue Sanctuary at www Jbayanimalsanctuary.co.za

Lategan said that the project's environmental achievements this year have been substantial, with 80 tons of recycling collected

"The environmental impact of recycling is difficult to quantify in one simple number You can look at carbon miles, CO2 emissions or monetary value, but is it possible to put a value on clean streets and beaches, the lives of wild creatures, and clean air to breathe?" said Lategan

"Removing 80 tons of recycling saves all the resources involved in producing those materials from scratch, which includes extracting crude oil, mining and smelting metals, cutting down trees, and making glass by extracting, melting and moulding raw materials, all processes that take a massive toll on the envi-

ronment "

Lategan said that this year's Christmas party will take place on 8 December, with setup beginning at 10:00

Since it is going to be a busy day, being their last recycling day for the year, which will begin at 12 noon, she said that they would appreciate additional volunteers

Last year's celebration set a high standard, with each child receiving a comprehensive package including 500g porridge, 240g peanut butter, a noodle kit, tin fish, a packet of biscuits, sweets, flavoured milk, a boerewors roll, a cupcake, and a stocking treat such as a soft toy or pack of cards

To ensure that each child receives similar items and more, Lategan said that they have set

up an online donation platform on their website where they seek R200 per child She said that they would also appreciate donations of braai materials, coal, wood, boerewors, rolls, and ketchup

Lategan further thanked all those who have contributed towards the JBay Recycling Project's success

"Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Project, whether through time, donations, or encouragement Your contribution directly impacts the children and helps us end the year with hope, dignity, and joy," said Lategan

For more information, contact Tanja Lategan at 084 684 6771 or email jbayrecyclingproject@ gmail com

To donate, visit the JBay Recycling Project website

DIARY|DAGBOEK

Friends of the Library - Jeffreys Bay: SupportyourlocallibrarybybuyingbooksfromThe Book End venue in the Newton Hall in Goedehoop Street They are open Wednesdays and Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00 Browse through a selection of practically new books at very affordable prices All funds go towards buying books for the Jeffreys Bay Library

Milkwood Saturday Market: Drive in and browse through our local, friendly market under the milkwood trees on 29 November from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting) They are located on the GLA road next to the Fountains Mall Homemade crafts, clothing, homemade goods fresh vegetables flowers honey braai goods,biltong,farm fresh meat,good food and

more are sold

Kersmark: Kom snuffel deur die handgemaakte items, witolifanttafel en lekker eetgoed by die Kersmaark Dit sal vanaf 4 tot 6 Desember plaasvind by die NG Gemeenrte

Jeffreysbaai Da Gama Kampus Die mark sal op DonderdagenVrydagvanaf09:00tot16:00,en

Saterdag vanaf 09:00 tot 13:00 oop wees

Basaar: Kom hou lekker basaar op 6 Desember vanaf 08:00 tot 13:00 by die AP Kerk Jeffreysbaai op die hoek van Dolly Vaarden en Koraalstraat

JeffreysBayCarBootSale: Join the bargain hunt in Da Gama Road, opposite the caravan park from 08:00 to 13:00 on 6 December The entrance is at 2 Petunia Street Contact Corine at 082 922 2260 Carols and Coffee: Join JBay Baptist Church at 4 Dolly Varden Street for a Carols and Coffee service on 7 December at 17:30 Christmas with "The Chosen”: NG Gemeente: Kompleks Kampus hou op 7 Desember om 18:00 Christmas with The Chosen Kom beleef ’n aand waar ons die geboorte van Jesus Christusherdenk Dieaandsluitinkersliedereen ’n filmverhaal uit The Chosen wat die geboorte