Kouga Express - E-Edition - 30 October 2025

KougashowsitspinkpowerforBreastCancerAwareness

BREAST Cancer Awareness took centre stage this past month as Kouga Local Municipality’s Occupational Health and Safety and Skills Development sections led heartfelt initiatives to honour and celebrate everyone affected by or living with breast cancer

The month-long campaign began with “Wear-it-Pink Wednesdays,” where staff proudly donned shades of pink to show solidarity and raise awareness

The highlight of the campaign was the Pink T-shirt Walk held on Friday, 10 October, when staff “painted Jeffreys Bay pink” in a vibrant display of unity, well-

ness, and preventive health

Under the inspiring theme “A Lifestyle of Prevention,” participants walked from the Jeffreys Bay Main Building to Pellsrus Caravan Park, turning the streets into a moving wave of pink positivity

Bringing the energy and spirit to the event was MC Lucy More from Health1st (Centre for Occupational and Wellness Services) – one of the municipality’s trusted partners for medical surveillance The event seamlessly combined fun, fitness, and lifesaving information in one colourful celebration

Participants were treated to a lively post-walk programme featuring energis-

ing activities, inspiring testimonies from breast cancer survivors, and motivational messages from the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance and Economic Development, Shena Ruth, and Parks Department Supervisor, Levinia Maulgas The Department of Health also shared vital health insights, encouraging staff to embrace proactive wellness habits

MMC Melanie Nicholls and Ruth lit candles honouring those who have battled breast cancer

A special handprint tribute with staff leaving colourful handprints on fabric with different colours symbolising survivors, those affected, and those departed,

made the event even more special

Adding further value, Absa and Metropolitan Life offered financial wellness support to staff, while Radhiant’s mobile unit – equipped with advanced 3D mammography technology units capable of detecting abnormalities even in dense breast tissue – was on-site to provide accurate and convenient screenings

This annual initiative underscores Kouga Local Municipality’s commitment to promoting a culture of health, awareness, and empowerment among its employees and the broader community – a powerful reminder that prevention is always better than cure

StudentstransformSisikelelweDaycareinJeffreysBay

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

A DEDICATED team of students from The Leadership Experience LXP is working against the clock to transform the Sisikelelwe Daycare in Ocean View, Jeffreys Bay, from an informal settlement crèche into a vibrant, formal learning environment

With assistance from Jozell Mentoor as the project facilitator, project manager Davidene Mentoor leads the ambitious renovation effort

The team includes project secretary Zintle Krayi, project treasurer Yonda Mapili, and team member Reatile Khosa

The project, which began on 20 October, faces a tight deadline of 10 November to complete the comprehensive transformation

Mentoor said that as part of The Leadership Experience LXP year-long programme, they must embark on various projects, with one of them being a renovation project

The Leadership Experience LXP, based at the Victory4All centre in Jeffreys Bay, currently hosts 12 students who have travelled from across the country to participate in the Christian discipleship programme

Four of these students are specifically dedicated to the daycare renovation project, working with an ambitious budget of R50,000 to achieve their transformation goals

Mentoor said that the comprehensive renovation plan includes transforming two classrooms with interior and exterior painting, installing age-appropriate wall art, tiling floors, and providing new furniture

The team also plans to create an outdoor playground, ensuring children have both indoor and outdoor spaces that are colourful, good fun and safe

“Our goal is to change the situation of the crèche in the informal settlement and make it look formal with a formal structure,” said Mentoor

“The renovation aims to address the needs of principals, parents, and teachers while creating an environment where parents have an easier time leaving their kids for work, as well as trusting the school with teaching their children good principles ”

Mentoor further said that they want to create a place where the little kids will be more motivated to go to school and ensure children have a space that is colourful, fun and free

She said that the renovation seeks to equip the facility to host the kids for education and comfort while planting seeds of spiritual growth from a young age

For Mentoor, the project holds deep personal significance as she aspires to be a teacher soon

“Renovating part of the crèche is a dream come true as I am able to interact with the children,” said Mentoor

She said that the renovation extends beyond physical improvements, incorporating the programme's Christian foun-

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

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

THE official reopening of the upgraded Seekoei Estuary Causeway connecting Aston Bay and Paradise Beach in Jeffreys Bay has brought immense relief to locals who endured months of lengthy detours and daily disruptions

As previously reported, the R9 3 million project, funded largely through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant, transformed what was once a vulnerable low-water bridge into a robust, modern crossing designed to withstand the coastal elements that had plagued the previous structure

The newly upgraded causeway was opened on 14 October

For Mollie Gardner, who has called Paradise Beach home for eight years, the causeway's reopening couldn’t have come soon enough

She said that she was grateful that it had opened to the public since she had had to travel across the causeway daily, sometimes multiple times a day and even at night

Gardner, who describes the new structure as “beautiful as it is,” experienced firsthand the dangers of the old causeway

“It was dangerous as a result of multiple potholes which were caused by water spilling onto the causeway,” said Gardner “Even though it was previously in a bad state, since the renova-

tion it is much better ”

Having relied on the causeway daily, Gardner understands the true impact of its closure better than most

“People who do not use the causeway often do not know what impact it has on their lives when it is closed for months on end,” said Gardner

Lilla Hunter, who had been visiting her Aston Bay holiday home for 14 years and became a permanent resident six years ago upon retirement, described the six-month closure as very difficult and a great inconvenience

Her daily trips to Paradise Beach to visit friends and attend Pilates classes twice a week became major undertakings during the construction period

Hunter said that the old causeway had many issues She said that the road surface was destroyed and patching it didn’t help

Hunter further said that often the waves splashed over the causeway, which made it inaccessible, as seawater rusts cars badly

Despite the extended inconvenience, she maintains an optimistic outlook

“Thankfully, every cloud has a silver lining We are so grateful for the upgrade, as the water will now flow better through the culverts, and the upgrade was amazing Seeing it now is heartwarming and wouldn’t have been pos-

sible without our Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman at the helm, backed by the Democratic Alliance in our area,” said Hunter

Martin Humphry, a Paradise Beach resident of five years who travels over the causeway daily to get to town, believes the upgrade represents an 80% improvement over the previous structure

“The causeway has undergone a great improvement, and it is a change for the better,” said Humphry He further said that the new causeway is a lot safer with much better road quality and no potholes

Reflecting on the previous causeway, Humphry said that his guests often complained about having to use the “scary” old crossing to visit him

He believes the new design, with much more room below the causeway for water to travel, will prevent the flooding issues that plagued the old structure

Despite the positive overview, Humphry has identified one design concern that he hopes the municipality will address He said that the two speed humps on the causeway are too high, which has affected his exhaust pipe

“The speed hump hits my exhaust pipe each time I drive over it I now must stop my car entirely when going over the speed hump,” said

Humphry

“This is a critical problem The speed humps should have been more gradual ” In spite of this issue, Humphry is optimistic about the causeway’s impact on the community

“I believe that the revamped causeway will increase the value of property in Paradise Beach because it is much better than the old one,” said Humphry

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman said that following on-site inspections and re-measurements, the angle of incline of the speed humps at the upgraded Seekoei Estuary Causeway will be adjusted to enhance user-friendliness

“These speed humps are essential to safeguard the existing culverts, which were previously damaged by storms and heavy traffic,” said Bornman

He said that the improvement work will start soon Bornman further said that the causeway will remain open throughout the process, although traffic management measures will be in place to allow for the safe execution of the works

“Kouga Local Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and thanks all road users for their patience and cooperation during this period of improvement ”

ENTRIES for the Kouga Express Christmas Baby competition 2025 are now open!

We are looking for a baby to grace the front page of the last edition of the year, which will be published on Thursday, 18 December. The competition is for Kouga babies who are celebrating their first Christmas; therefore, babies who are entered need to be born after 25 December 2024.

ProDesign Photographers are once again this year's official photography sponsor and will be photographing the winner for the front page, as well as taking family photographs during the front page shoot. Parents can enter their own photos, or if they would like to have professional photos taken at a special rate, they can take advantage of open studio days at ProDesign Photographers in Westering, Gqeberha Dates for the open days will be announced next week.

To enter, parents need to complete 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 uploaded online.

panel of judges will choose the winner of the competition.

The closing date for entries is 16:00 on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. No late entries will be accepted

How to enter:

• A link to the competition will be available on our Facebook page Look for "Enter now for Christmas Baby competition".

Complete the form and upload your photo, which should be at least 1MB in size and in jpg format

Competition rules:

• Only babies who are celebrating their FIRST Christmas may enter

• Only babies who reside in the Kouga area may enter

• Only entries received via the Christmas Baby form will be accepted.

No photos that are posted on our Facebook timeline or inbox will be entered.

• You may only enter once for the duration of the competition, and only one photo per entrant will be allowed – choose your photo submission carefully No collages allowed.

tion ends on Tuesday, 2 December, at 16:00

• The winner will be rephotographed by Pro Design Photographers, and these photos will be used on the front page The winner will also be photographed with his/her parents.

Take note of the following:

• Baby's face needs to be clearly visible Avoid photos of the baby with a pacifier in his/her mouth.

• The photo must be as recent as possible Baby needs to be fully clothed

• Baby needs to be alone in the photo (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

For queries, send an email to kougaexpress@novusmedia.co.za and type "Christmas baby" in the subject line

For professional photo shoots by Pro Design Photographers, call 073 161 3176, send an email to liezel@pro-design.co.za or follow them on Facebook.

The competition is not a voting competition – the number of likes/reactions will not affect the outcome of the finalists. A

• Once a photo has been submitted, it cannot be swopped with another photo

• Photos do not need to have a Christmas theme

• Entries open today 30 October and the competi-

Oud-Humansdorperontdekkunstalentop60

ELLEN HANCKE

SY het geglo dat sy skaars ’n stokmannetjie kon teken

En op 60-jarige ouderdom ontdek die oud-Oos-Kapenaar, Sarina van der Watt, toe die teendeel

Vir Sarina was die grendeltyd en die verhuising na ’n nuwe land, die seisoen van nuwe ontdekkings

Die oud-Humansdorper het vanuit

Toowoomba Australië met Kouga Express gesels oor hoe sy haarself eintlik verras het oor haar nuutgevonde pad as kunstenares

Sarina (wie se nooiensvan Kriegler is) was ’n leerder aan die Laerskool Stulting op Humansdorp en dis hier waar sy haar man Mikie, wie die hoofseun was, ontmoet het

Die twee was dwarsdeur hul hoërskoolloopbaan aan die Hoërskool Nico Malan gekys

Engels was haar gunsteling skoolvak en sy het ekstra gewig in die vak gesit omdat sy gek was oor die onnie "Miss Jane" Geldenhuys

Sarina sê dat sy min kon weet dat haar voorliefde vir Engels haar baie jare later, baie goed te staan sou kom

Na matriek het Sarina by ’n prokureursfirma op die dorp begin werk Hierna het sy en Mikie (na hul troue) op St Albans gaan woon, waar hulle hul drie kinders grootgemaak het

Mikie het later besluit om by sy broer Johan se ingenieursfirma in George aan te sluit Johan was toevallig ook in 1970 hoofseun van die Hoërskool Nico Malan

Die twee plaasseuns van Melon in die Gamtoosvallei, se onderneming in die Suid-Kaap het met rasse skrede vooruitgegaan

Sarina, Mikie en hul jongste dogter Maike het in 2004 saam met Johan en sy gesin na die VSA verhuis

In 2011 het hulle na Australië verhuis waar Mikie ’n pos by ’n groot ingenieursfirma gekry het

Hul oudste kind, Junior en hul ander

dogter Allouise het daarna by hulle aangesluit

Sarina vertel dat hul verhuising na Australië dikwels gepaard gegaan het met diepe heimwee en verlange na Suid-Afrika

En dit is juis toe, gedurende die aanslag van Covid, dat sy uit verveling begin teken het

Eers versigtig en vol onsekerheid Later het haar selfvertroue met elke kwashaal begin toeneem

Aanlyn kunsklasse het haar aanvanklik baie gehelp

Sy het kort voor lank besef dat haar gesin se reaksie op haar skilderwerk so gunstig was, dat sy by ’n groep plaaslike kunstenaars aangesluit het

En dit is hier waar haar nuwe stokperdjie tot sy reg begin kom het Sarina het spoedig begin deelneem aan groepuitstallings

Die gebruik in Toowoomba is dat kunstenaars hul werk in openbare ruimtes soos poskantore en winkelsentrums mag uitstal

Haar eerste verkope het haar destyds opnuut met groot entoesiasme laat skilder

Deesdae is dit glad nie ongewoon vir Sarina om ’n hele paar skilderye in die bestek van ’n kort tydjie te verkoop nie

Sy het so opgang gemaak dat sy kort voor lank ’n lewenslange lid van ’n Australiese

Kunsakademie geword het

Sarina vertel dat sy ’n natuurlike flair vir olieverf as skildermedium het

“Dalk omdat ek my foute dan so effens kan verskans en of reg verf!”

Sy is ’n entoesiastiese lid van die Backroad Artist Group wat intussen ook ontaard het in ’n gesellige kuiergroep!

Sarina sê haar werk word baie deur die

Ou Meesters beïnvloed, maar dat sy veral ’n voorliefde vir Edward Seago se werke het

Sy geniet dit om portretstudies te doen, maar sy het ook ’n voorliefde vir landskappe en stillewes

Sarina en Mikie se laerskoolkys op Humansdorp, het onlangs gekulmineer in ’n 46-jarige huweliksherdenking

Hulle woon deesdae op Greenmont, ’n klein plattelandse dorpie sowat 20 minute se ry van Toowoomba af Al hul kinders woon ook in Australië

Junior werk tans as Menslike Hulpbronbestuurder by Savanna Energy Services en sy vrou Jenica, is ’n kleuterskoolonderwyseres Hulle het twee dogtertjies en woon twee strate ver van Sarina hulle af Allouise, hul middelkind, het haar Aussieman in Engeland ontmoet toe hulle albei daar gewerk het Sy is ’n klas-assistant by ’n Christelike skool terwyl haar man Robert ’n Industriële Chemikus by die Callide Kragstasie is Hulle woon met hul twee seuntjies in Biloela Kleinsus Maike is ook met ’n Aussie getroud Sy en Darren woon op Cambooya waar Maike by ’n privaathospitaal werk en Darren die bestuurder van ’n

Aldi Supermark is Hulle het ’n seun en ’n dogter

Sy verlang soms na haar dae as liga-tennispeler in Suid-Afrika, maar sy is steeds baie fiks en ’n mededingende “pickle ball”-speler

Hierbewens geniet sy en Mikie kuiers saam met hul kinders en kleinkinders en natuurlik roep die palet en doek haar gereeld om opdragwerke te voltooi! Sarina en Mikie kuier graag naweke saam met hul kinders en hul ses kleinkinders

Hierdie Kouga-kind het voorwaar bewys dat ’n voller lewe wel eers op 60-jarige ouderdom kan begin!

DIARY|DAGBOEK

Friends of the Library - Jeffreys Bay: Support your local library by buying books from The 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

Alzheimersondersteuningsgroep: Die volgende byeenkoms vind plaas op Dinsdag 4 November om 15:00 in die Eedenglen-saal Almal is welkom Kontak Anna-Marie Jacobs by 082 874 6328 of Marietjie Boonzaaier by 084 409 3119

Milkwood Saturday Market: Drive in and browse through our local, friendly market under the milkwood trees on 8 November from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting), and then again on 29 November 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

Aston Market: The market will take place in the Community Hall at Aston Bay Beach on 1 November from 09:00 to 13:00 For more info, WhatsApp 082 828 1899

Global Leadership Summit 2025: Moet dit nie misloop by die NG Gemeente Jeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus op Saterdag, 8 November vanaf 08:30 tot 16:30 nie Kaartjies is aanlyn beskikbaar by Quicket Vir meer inligting kontak 042 296 2451

Jeffreys Bay Car Boot Sale: Join the bargain hunt in Da Gama Road, opposite the caravan park, from 08:00 to 13:00. The next one will take place on 1 November The entrance is at 2 Petunia Street Contact Corine at 082 922 2260

Damesoggend: Hou solank die datum van Saterdag, 15 November oop vir die damesoggend met Liesel Krause-Wiid by die NG Gemeente Jeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus om 09:00 Kaartjies is aanlyn beskikbaar by Quicket of by die kerkkantoor Kontak 083 305 5520.

Send your entertainment tips to kougaexpress@novusmedia co za The deadline for entries is Tuesday at 14:00 Entries may be in English or Afrikaans

BelovedOnsTuisteHumansdorpmatronretiresafter21years

ments, she should’ve been a doctor,” said Zeelie

Highlighting her extraordinary work ethic, she said that Anker started work very early, at 06:15 every day, to take the report from the night shift and do rounds at residents’ rooms

She also worked late and came in after hours when emergencies occurred

Beyond her clinical duties, Anker’s care extended to every aspect of the facility

“She was constantly worried about all residents’ well-being She assisted with fundraising and crocheted beautiful tablecloths for fundraising She also took personal responsibility for renovating chairs’ upholstery,” said Zeelie

“She will be missed for her dedication and unselfishness, giving everything to the job Her many years of experience at Ons Tuiste are a great loss and we will all miss her dearly ”

Zeelie said that Anker’s farewell was a celebration of the new chapter in her life but was also very emotional as she left 21 years behind

As Anker transitions into retirement, she plans to embrace a slower pace of life

“Some of my plans for retirement include being home, enjoying needlework and doing things I previously did not have time to do,” said Anker

“I want to thank everyone who believed in me and I want to thank Ons Tuiste Everything in my life happened by the grace of God ”

GLAintroduces2026ambassadors

THE Global Leadership Academy Ambassadors for 2026 have been introduced – a remarkable group of learners who have shown that leadership is not about position, but about service

Over the past 10 months, these learners have journeyed through a leadership programme that challenged them to grow, to serve and to inspire

They have planned events, worked as teams, faced challenges, and discovered what it truly means to make a difference

The newly appointed 2026 GLA Ambassadors are:

Alistair Ludick, Daniel Beck, Lathita Kato, Meili Howell, Nomqhele Phiri, Mia McKenzie Geswint, Tehilla Meyer, Taillyn Booysen, Miah Kruger, Reuben Griezel and Mihette Melville

Paul du Plessis, Director of GLA, shared his congratulations with the group

“I want to congratulate every one of our newly elected ambassadors You have shown exceptional dedication, humility and courage throughout this journey As you step into this new season of leadership, remember that true greatness is found in serving others We believe in you, and we are excited to see how you will continue to shape the culture of GLA and inspire those around you,” said Du Plessis

The excitement continues as the team looks forward to their upcoming leadership camp, where the Head Leaders for 2026 will be chosen and announced

GLA holds firmly to the belief that leaders choose leaders because true leadership recognises and calls out greatness in others

“To our new ambassadors: the journey ahead is yours to shape Lead boldly, serve deeply, and never forget the incredible potential that lies within you,” said Du Plessis

NOTICE 259/2025

CHANGE OF VENUE AND DATE - SCHEDULED IDP AND BUDGET REPRESENTATIVE FORUM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all Stakeholders that the Kouga Municipality’s (IDP) IntegratedDevelopmentPlanRepresentative Forum Meeting has been rescheduled for 28 November 2025, Council Chambers, Jeffreys Bay, 09:00

For any enquiries, please contact the IDP Office at 0422002200 or email idp@kouga govza

BOEDELKENNISGEWINGS

BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE 4201

MARTHA MARIA SMITH

In die Boedel van wyle MARTHA MARIA SMITH, Identiteitsnr 3104070023087, Eedenglen Aftreeoord, Wonderboomsingel, Jeffreysbaai, 6330, provinsie OosKaap. Boedelnr 005223/ 2024. Kragtens Artikel 35 (5) van die Wet op die Administrasie van Boedels, No. 66 van 1965, word hiermee kennis gegee dat afskrifte van die Eerste en Finale Likwidasieen Distribusierekeninge in die boedels hie nder

to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds at QONCE within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice DATED at EAST LONDON on

CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATE Jeffreys Bay 6330 E m a i l : c a r i k e @slabbertattorneys.co za Tel. 042 293 4271

E-pos. neels@troos.co.za

BOEDELS: LIKWIDASIE EN DISTRIBUSIE 4205

Vreugdeentranetoe boerR5,000skenk

HANNES SCHOEMAN

DAAR was vreugde en trane toe ’n boer van die Vrystaat R5,000 geskenk het om vir die Jeffreysbaai-gewigopteller Lumar Karolse uitrusting aan te koop

Die 12-jarige gr 6-leerling aan die Laerskool Pellsrus het onlangs die Suid-Afrikaanse o 14-titel gewen nadat hy met skoolskoene en ’n geleende gewigoptel-uit-

rusting aan die nasionale junior kampioenskappe in die Kaap moes deelneem

Karolse se afrigter, Pieter Pretorius, sê:

“’n Vrou het my Saterdagoggend gebel en gevra of sy en haar man my gou kan kom sien

“Ek was oorweldig toe die boer wat op Jeffreysbaai vakansie gehou het, R5,000 in my hand stop om vir Lumar sy eie gewigoptelskoene en suit te koop

“Ek het trane in my oë gekry en kon nie glo wat besig was om voor my af te speel nie

“Wat ’n verrassing was dit nie Sommer so uit die bloute uit toe niemand dit verwag het nie

“Prys die Here vir sy genade En ja, daar is nog goeie mense daar buite “Die berig wat in die Kouga Express verskyn het waarin gesê is dat Lumar die SA titel met skoolskoene en ’n geleende suit gewen het, het vir ons deure oopgemaak Ons is almal ongelooflik dankbaar daarvoor ”

Op ’n vraag oor hoe Lumar oor die nuus gereageer het, sê Pretorius: “Hy was geskok, verbaas, maar ook oorweldig van vreugde

“Hy was die ene smiles En kon die dankbaarheid in sy oë sien Daar is nog ander van my atlete wat finansiële bystand nodig het, maar ons bly glo en neem dit dag vir dag Uiteraard kan Lumar nie wag vir sy volgende kompetisie nie Ek weet hy gaan sommer baie grênd lyk in sy skoene en suit ” Pretorius sê die vriendelike skenker het verkies om anoniem te bly Lumar Karolse. FOTO: VERSKAF

Fourorphanedkittensneedforeverhomes

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 male kittens The organisation has a total of 17 kittens, many of whom are orphans Since their mothers have passed away, they have to be bottle-fed

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

JeffreysBaygymnastsshine atSAChampionships

Jeffreys Bay’s Aqua Rhythmic

Drommedaris