Kouga Express - E-Edition - 5 March 2026

GangmemberssentencedforbrutalHumansdorpclubmurder

THEActing Sarah Baartman District Commissioner has welcomed the sentencing of 10 members of the “Die 18 Varke” gang, following their conviction for the murder of Jason “Yskas” Heynes (25) outside apopular club in Humansdorp in November 2022.

Police spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli said that on 26 February, the Humansdorp Regional Court had imposed hefty sentences on the10accused for the attack and stabbingofHeynes on 19 No-

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

FRUSTRATION is mounting amongresidents of KwaNomzamoover the continued neglectoftwo long-standingstreets that have never been tarred.

Resident Xolani Woni said Mhlonyane Street and VumazonkeStreet, both namedafter respectedcommunity members,havebeenoverlookedfor decades despiteminor developments elsewhere in thearea.

The streetsare named after the late teacher andReverend Albert Mhlonyane of the Presbyterian Church of Africa andthe late Mzingisi Primary School teacher Petros Vumazonke.

“Eversince Iwas alittle boy, in these streets of KwaNomzamo, nothing has ever been done to them,and they have neverbeentarred,”saidWoni.

He believesthe condition of theroads showsalackofrespect

“Thisshows disrespect from our municipal leaders for the members the streets arenamed after, andthe residents living in thosestreets,”said Woni.

He further saidthatwhilethere have been minordevelopments in KwaNomzamo,these twostreets have continually been left out.

“I’m notsure exactly what thereasons arefor this neglectofMhlonyane and VumazonkeStreets,”saidWoni.

He alleges that thelack of progress discourages former residents from returninghome. “Many of KwaNomzamo’speople who have left Humansdorp and live in other parts of SouthAfrica andabroad show no interest in coming back home, and one of thereasons is because of the lack of progress in their hometown,”saidWoni.

Reflectingonthe years gone by, he said that in the more than 40 years he haslived in KwaNomzamo, he has never seen any work done on the two streets, except for large machines scrapingthe road afterrainy days

“Thisisa very sore [sic] sightfor us who were born in KwaNomzamo,” said Woni.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with local leadership.

Woni alleges that the communityhas electedcouncillorswho make countless excuseswhenasked about issuesrelated to thearea andoften place theblame on opposition politicalparties.

He further questioned ward representation and alleges that many of their ward councillors do not stay in the area Woni said that it is importantfor councillorstostay in the same area so that they can identify the needsof the residents.

“My suggestion for thenextelections would be to elect an individual who staysinthe same location as the people theyare working for so that they can easilybereached when there are urgent mattersthat need their attention,” said Woni

Accordingtothe Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman,Mhlonyane Street and Vumazonke Street were graded in October2025.

He said that both roadsform part of themunicipality’sgravelroad network andare subjecttoongoing maintenance through routine grading programmes. Bornman further said that mainte-

vember 2022 in Jacob Street, Arcadia, Humansdorp.

“Heynes sustained multiplestab wounds and succumbed to his injuries,” said Nkohli.

Hesaid that 12 men were initially nabbed for Heynes’ murder, butthe other two have since died in separate gang-related violenceincidents while they were out on bail.

Nkohli saidthat in 2025, following their conviction, the accused had theirbailrevoked and were remanded in custody

He said that lifeimprisonmentwas imposed on two of the accused, Tyrone Williams (22) and Bradley Moses (27), while JohnBreda(21), Juvandre Witbooi (24), Breyton Geswint (21), WhayvaunBooysen (21), Baron Moses (21) and Bkorn De Jong (21) were sentenced to 23 yearsofdirect imprisonment.

Nkohlisaidthat the remainingtwo accused, who were minorsatthe time of the offence, were also sentenced.

AliAhmed (20) was sentencedtonine yearsand fourmonths of direct impris-

nance scheduling is conducted in line withoperational plans and remains dependent on prevailing weather conditions and resourceavailability.

“At present, there is no confirmed timeline forthe upgrading of these streets fromgravel to asurfaced (tarred) standard,” said Bornman

He said thatthe upgrading of gravel roads issubject to several key considerations, including the availability of capital budget, prioritisation within the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), and existing infrastructure backlogs across the municipality

Additionalconsiderations forupgradinginclude traffic volumes and the strategicimportance of the road within the broader road network, and the allocation of external grant funding, such as MunicipalInfrastructure Grant (MIG) funding

“Currently, funding forthe upgrading of gravel roads to tarred surfaces has notyet been secured. Given prevailing budget constraints and competing service delivery priorities, such upgrades can only proceed once sufficient capitalfunding becomes available, and the projects are formally prioritised within the approved planning framework,” said Bornman.

He said that road infrastructure upgradesare implemented in phases and remain largely dependent on the availability of approved capitalfunding streams.

Bornman said that at present,the following roadsare being upgraded throughMIG funding: MtsilaStreet, Mjekula Street, andKetse Street.

He said that these projects form part of the municipality’s current approved capitalprogramme and are proceeding in accordance with the allocated funding and implementationschedule.

Bornman further said that Mhlonyane Street and Vumazonke Street werenot intentionally excluded from previous development initiatives.

“Road upgrade projects are prioritised in accordance with approved planning frameworks, available funding, and detailed technical assessments. Due to financial constraints and thesubstantial infrastructure backlog across themunicipality, upgrades areimplemented in phased approaches.

“Thisensures that different sections of KwaNomzamo, as well as other areas within themunicipality, receiveattention overtimebasedonpriority,need, andavailable resources,” said Bornman.

He saidthat over the past 20 years, maintenanceand development workhas been done on thetwo streets.

FollowinggradinginOctober 2025, Bornmansaidthatthe streets will continue to be included in themunicipality’sroutine gravel road maintenance programme

He further said that gravel roads require regulargradingand reshaping,

onment,and Cashane Swarts (19) was sentenced to eight yearsand 20 months of directimprisonment

Acting SarahBaartman DistrictCommissioner Brigadier Asogran Naidoosaid, “Gangsterism is devastating communities, andthis court'sruling will definitely cause ahugedent in gang-related activities, especially in areassuchasHumansdorp.

“Schools anduniversities arebetter facilitiesfor youth than Correctional Centres,” said Naidoo.

particularly following rainfallevents, to ensure they remain safeand navigablefor motorists.

Bornman said that while themunicipality recognises and honours thesignificance of streets named after respected communityleaders, such as Albert Mhlonyane and Jama Vumazonke, the prioritisation of infrastructure maintenance and upgrades is determined by technical assessmentsand available budgetary resources, rather than the street name.

“The municipality is committedto ensuring that all municipal roads are maintained appropriatelyand equitably within thelimits of available resources,” said Bornman.

He said that themunicipality considers thefollowing when prioritising road upgrades: traffic volumes and public transport routes, access to schools, clinics, and economic nodes, and existing infrastructure conditions and service backlogs.

Additional considerations are stormwater requirements, budget availability, funding conditions, and alignment with IDP and approved capital programme.

Bornman said that while permanent upgrades are being planned and funding sourced for these tworoads, the following temporary measures can be implemented: inclusion in theweekly grading plan, reshaping and regravelling wherematerial loss has occurred, improvement of stormwater drainage to reduce erosion, and installation of mitre drains where required.

“These interventions assist in improving accessibilityand extending thelifespan of gravel surfaces,” said Bornman.

Regarding Woni’s concern about councillors not located in their area of service, Bornman said that themunicipality does not have authorityover the residential location of acouncillor, as this is regulated by national electoral legislation.

“Councillors, however, are elected representatives and remain fully accountable to thecommunities they serve, irrespective of their place of residence,” said Bornman.

To ensure that councillors are accessible to residents for urgent matters, he said that wardcommitteemeetings are hosted, public participation processes are adhered to,and IDP consultation meetings are conducted.

Additionally, scheduled office hours and communityengagementsare offered to residents, and there is direct communication via MMC and official contact channels.

Addressing Woni’s allegations about councillors blaming opposition parties rather than focusing on providing solutions to infrastructure problems, Bornman said that themunicipality remains focused on service delivery and the planning and implementation of infrastructure projectsinline with approved policies and budget allocations.

“The municipality’s responsibility is to provide technical guidance, implement approved projects, and maintain infrastructure within theresources available. KwaNomzamo continues to benefit from ongoing infrastructure investment, including thecurrent MIG-funded projects,” said Bornman.

Cyberlablaunchushersinanewdigitalwave

DESCRIBED by Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive School head boy, Meshack Dube, as a“digital wave”, the school’s new Cyberlab was officially opened on Friday– just twomonthsafter a visit by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi and global IT partner Software AG.

The Minister’s visit in November was facilitated by the Kouga Local Municipality’sSpecial ProgrammesUnit. Following that engagement, Software AG established the laband has since provided training to both educators and learners.

The impact of the programme wasalready evident, with two learnerspresenting projects, includinganapplication called EduBuddy, designed to supportpupils who for some reason areunable to attend school. The school also celebrated the launch of its first website, developed by four learners under the guidance of atrainer.Learnerswho completedthe training received certificates in recognition of their achievement.

The official opening unfolded in three parts: an introductory briefing, theunveiling of a commemorative plaque, and the main event in the school hall.

Among thoseinattendancewere Malatsi, Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, Software AG executive, Bjarne Sørensen from Denmark, theprincipal,Nomxolisi Makayi, and hereducators, provincialand district education officials, members of the provincial legislature, councillors, School GoverningBodymembers, including the chairperson, Mzwandile Yali, and other invited guests, who were treated to a coding androbotics demonstration.

Dube said that while peoplenormally associate Jeffreys Bay with ocean waves,the screens in the Cyberlab would now reveal a different kind of wave –digital waves.

“Theskills we will developare the surfboardsofthe 21st century. We arecelebrating an exciting milestone, and on behalf of all the learners, Iexpress my heartfeltgratitude to everyonewho made this possible.

“Technology drivesthe world today, and access to digital resourcesisnolonger aluxury but anecessity. We have beengiven an opportunity,and with it comes the responsibility to value these assets. This is aninvestment in

our future.”

In turn, Sørensen expressedhis gratitude for being part of theoccasion and shared apersonalstory aboutusingatablet andkeyboard to communicate with hismother, who later in life experienced hearingchallenges.

“Withthese two devices, we were able to have aconversation for thefirst timein years,” he said, encouraginglearners to make themostofthe opportunitiesbeforethem.“I hope this builds yourcourage andself-confidence and inspiresyou.”

Bornman said it was aprivilege to witness the progressmade at the school

“This is atestamenttothe hardwork of the principal and teachers, as well as the positive mindset of the learners. Take hold of these opportunities. TheCyberlab shouldmake you thirsty formore, becauseyou now have access to theworldonmany levels.”

He also thanked Malatsi forhonouring his commitmenttothe school following his November visit. In hiskeynote address, Malatsi said that once his department became aware of theschool’s needs,they partnered with Software AG to build digital infrastructure and expandaccesstodigital opportunities.

“The conversationdid not take long because Software AG shares our vision of empowering communities that previously lacked access to digital opportunities. Partnershipslike these are essential. Governmentalone cannot solve everychallenge; we need partners across society,” he said.

He addedthathis missionistoensure learnerscan engage directly with digital resources in theirstudiesand that these resources are both affordableand accessible “Theremust also be awillingness to learn and to strive for excellence. Many schools

IndigenoustreesplantedatLoerieheuwelPrimary

THE Eastern Cape ProvincialLegislature on 23 February strengthened itscommitment to environmental sustainability andcommunity upliftment through the planting of five indigenous trees at Loerieheuwel Primary School in Kouga.

The initiative forms part of the Legislature’s provincial greening campaign, which seeks to promoteclimate awareness, restore indigenous biodiversity, and instil environmental responsibility among young people.

The event was attended by aMember of the ProvincialLegislature,DrVicky Knoetze,the KougaLocal Municipality Speaker, Lorraine Maree, KougaPRCouncillorGregory Stuurman, Bongani Finizafrom theDepartment of Forestry, Fisheriesand theEnvironment (DFFE), andrepresentativesfrom Old Mutual Engaging with learners,Knoetze emphasisedthe importanceofenvironmental stewardship from an earlyage.

“One ofthe ways to combat climate change

is to plant trees.

“Today you are plantingtrees that future generationswill enjoy and benefit from,” she said.

Speaker Mareehighlighted thecritical role trees play in sustaininglife and improving the quality of the environment

“Trees arenot onlyfor shade; they provide oxygenand support life.Just as waterisessential, so tooare trees,”she said,whilethanking theDFFE for selectingLoerieheuwel Primary

in theEastern Cape couldhavebenefited, butthis school stood out because of thecommitment shownbythe local community, the teachers, and thelocal government.That gives us confidence in sustained growth and development

“I am particularly proud that one of your matric learners ranked in theTop 10 in the province. Let that inspire theClass of 2026 to maintain –and even raise –the standard.” Malatsi encouraged learners to use theCyberlab to transform not onlytheir ownlives butalsothose of their families and communities.

“In theyears to come, we want to hear stories of software developers, robotics innovators and data analysts emerging from this very school –young people whocan say that access to this Cyberlab opened thedoor for them to participateinthe digital economy.”

forthe planting programme. In additiontothe environmental focus, theschool received school shoes and dignity packsduring asymbolichandover, reflecting aholistic approach that linksenvironmental care with learner well-being and human dignity.

The indigenous trees, planted on theschool grounds, will provide shade, enhance the school environment, and serveasaliving educational resource forenvironmental learning.

MediaandCommunicationteam

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DIE TIERPLESIER

HTS DANIEL PIENAAR THS

Korn eruaar die Tieregees uan die oudste tegnieseskoal in die land! Stop in die uoetspore uan duisende uoorjouendeel in die gees uan131jaar se tradisies uandie Tier!

• Die aand begin18:00

• (Jr.7's in laerskooldrag

•Motorwedren-rondte

•Vertoning in die saal

•Werkswinkels oop uir besigtiging

KIESREG! KIESTEGNIES! KIESJOUTOEKOMS

D

THE TIGERTIMES

HTSDANIEL PIENAARTHS

Come experience theTiger spirit the oldest technicalschoolin the country! Walkin the ootsteps thousandsbefore you and sharein the spirit

131 years Tigertraditions!

•Theeveningstartsat18:00

• <Jr. 7's come in primanJ school uniform

•Motorracinglap(Rally)

• Showinthehall

•Workshopsopenforviewing

HT!

CHOOSETECHNICAL! CHOOSEYOUR FUTURE!

THEATREBYTHESEA:19-21MARCH

JosephClarkbringsQueen magictoJeffreysBay

JEFFREYS Bay Tourism andLCEvents Services, proudly supported by KougaMunicipality, present the second annual Theatrebythe Seafestivalfrom19to21March 2026.

This spectacular seaside cultural celebration kicksoff with an absolutely electrifying performance on 19 March, featuringthe legendary Joseph Clark -widely acclaimed as the “King of Queen” -who will mesmerise audiences with Queen'stimelessmusical legacy.

Prepare to be utterly spellbound as Joseph Clark delivers his signature powerhouse performance,breathing newlife intoFreddie Mercury’s iconic repertoire. Backed by themagnificent Nico Malan School Choir, audiences will be treated to legendary classics including We Will Rock You, Another One Bitesthe Dust, We Are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody to Love,and countlessother beloved anthems.

With overthirty years of experience bringing Queen’smusic to life, Joseph has captivated audiencesacrossthe globe with hisinimitable style, magnetic charisma, and commanding stagepresence.

His performances have gracedstages throughout South Africa, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Middle East, numerous African nations, and, most recently, the deeply meaningful venue of Zanzibar -Freddie Mercury’s very birthplace.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Joseph’s artistic journeybegan in classical ballet,where he performed as aprincipal danceracross the United States. His talents brought him to South Africa to dance the leading roles of thePrincein Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet.His transition into musicaltheatre proved extraordinary,becomingone of the lead vocalists in theoriginalproduction of Queen at the Opera

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Bookinginformation

Tickets are available exclusively through Quicket:

• Premiumseating(first8rows): R250 per person

Generaladmission: R200 per person

View the complete programme on the Theatre by the Sea Facebook pageorvisit Jeffreys BayTourism’s website at www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za/teater-by-die-see For enquiries, contact the Jeffreys BayTourism Office on 042 293 2923 or 064 966 9933.

J’Baai-fotograaf wennasionale voëlfoto-toekenning

ELLENHANCKE

HY beskouhomself nie as ’n professionele fotograaf nie, maar Colin Smith van Jeffreysbaai het onlangs sommer ’n groot toekenning virsyfotografielosgeslaan.

Colinsegunsteling foto’s vanvoëls,het hom onlangsonderskei as “South African BirdPhotographer of the Year.”

Colinwat pasafgetreehet,iseintliknog ’n groentjie-fotograaf. Hy hetsoonlangs as Oktober verlede jaar,eers beginom ernstigfoto’steneem.Een vansypragfoto’s, van’njong kuifkopvisvanger, is by Intaka Eiland se vleilande naby Century City in Kaapstad geneem.

Op 4Februarieisdie foto aangewys as diefoto vandie dagdeurBirdlife South Africa.Dit het hom laat deurdringnadie volgende rondte, waarnahyuiteindelik met dielouereweggestap het.

Wanneer ’n mens sy groot“kamerakanon” sien, danverstaan’nmensdie gesegdedat hoe beter joutoerusting is, deste beter saljou foto’s wees.Hierdie Sony A1 merk2kamera metsy400/800 lens, kan 30 foto’sbinne ’n sekonde neem Colinverduidelik dat’nmensbaie geduldmoethêomdaardieeen besonderse beeld vastevang.

“Ditisnie virmyvreemd om 2,000 foto’steneem en danslegs meteen of twee tevrede te wees nie.”

Sy vrou Wendyenhul dogter Kaitlyn het ’n fynoog virdetail en Wendy is ewe entoesiasties oorhaarman se soeke na daardiespesiale foto. “Sy salhaarinsette lewer en my ookopuitstappies vergesel. Ons pak’npiekniekmandjie mettoebroodjies, ’n fles koffieenander versnaperinge Wendy sal ’n boek lees terwylektevoet diesoektog aanpak.”

Hy is ookgek daaroor om foto’s vanverskillende soorte loeries te neem.Interessant genoeg, is dieCaprivi-streekendie Krugerwildtuin se loeries heeltemalanders as dieloeries teendie kus Colin publiseer sy foto’s op sosialeplatforms.

Sy eerste kamerawas ’n P950 Nikon voordat hy sy sakgeskudhet virsynuutste kamera, maar Colin sê datbaievan diemoderne selfone ookpuikfoto’skan neem Birdlife South Africaspog met165 000 lede en volgensColin is Suid-Afrikaners entoesiastiese voëlkykers

Colin het’ninteressante manier om registervan al dievoëlsoorte wat al voor sy lens belandhet,tehou.Hymerkelke gevonde soort, met’nrooi plakker in sy uitgebreide voëlregisters

Colin se pa JohanSmith (80) is ’n groot voëlkyk-entoesias.Syboekeversameling strek vanaf die1800’s en Colin is noudie trotse eienaarvan diemeesomvattende versameling boeke

Dieorganisasie TheBirding Life bestaan uitmeeras10000 lede

Diefinaliste in diekompetisieisdeur dieledeseaantalnominasiesbepaal. Daar was uiteindelik28finaliste en dít was al virColin ’n grootpluimpieom sovertekon vorder.

“Omasdie nasionale wenneraangewys te word, hetmystoutste verwagtinge oortref.”

Colin maak niegebruik vanvoëlskuilings of kamoefleerdragnie

“Ekstap maar te voet en ditisnie altyd maklikomvoëls in vlugafteneem nie.”

Na ’n besoek aanBirds of Edenhet hy dieervaringsogeniet, dathyook daarvan beginhou hetomgevlerktes buitehul natuurlike habitat te skiet.

• Diegene watgraag na Colin se buitengewone foto’s wilgaan kyk, kandit op sy Instagram-profieldoen: always.wild.photography

Een vandie rare voëlspesieswaarna Colinallank op soek is,isdie Narina Trogan. Ditisegter ’n skugtervoëlsoort en hy hoopomdit in dieKouga-omgewing raak te loop. Hy geniet ditomveral in die Hankey-omgewing by Innie Kloof foto’s te gaan neem.Die AddoOlifantpark is ook ’n gunsteling bestemming

Produksiebringpurekomiesewanorde

WILLEMIEN GREEN

TEATERLIEFHEBBERSkan hulselfgereed maak vir 'n aand (of middag!) vanskaterlag wanneer "See How They Run!" binnekortby die Isithatha-teater inGqeberha op dieplanke sal verskyn.

Onder die bekwame leidingvan diebekenderegisseur Robin Williams, bring hierdie klassieke Britse klug uit die pen van Philip King purekomiese wanordenadie Baai Dieproduksiespogmet bekende plaaslike talent LeslieSpeyers, AnnalineStiglingh, Bennie Gerber, Rachel Lategan, Matthew Hamilton en Arthur Daniels.

Nuwelinge wat hul merk maak sluit in Erin Bartlett, Matthew Osborne en Dieter Vogts. Hierdie dinamiese kombinasie van talentvolle verhoogakteurs beloof om energie, komiese tydsberekening en hope verhoogpretaan te bied.

Dieverhaal speel af tydens dieoorlogsjare in Engeland, waar 'n kleindorpsgemeenskap se vrede heeltemal ontspoor.

Wanneer die predikant, "Vicar" Lionel Toop, se voormalige vrou Penelope –'naktrisemet flair –'nouvriendskap metdie soldaat Clive Montgomery hervat,begin die moeilikheid. Die vriendskapvind onder'n sogenaamde"geestelike dekmantel"plaas om sodoende 'n skandaal te vermy,maar ontaardgou in totale chaos. En dítisnet die begin Voeg daarby 'n ontsnapte krygsgevangene, die neurotiese ds.Arthur Humphrey,die streng Biskop van Lax,'nnuuskierigeoujongnooi,mejuffrou Skillon, die diensmeisie Ida en 'n agterdogtige Sersant Towers en

jy kry deure watklap, broekewat afval en geestelikes watvinniger vermeerder as wat enigiemand kanbyhou!

"See how they Run!" is 'n prettige komedie waar totale paniek,histerie en hope misverstandeaan dieordevan diedag is. Hierdie is Robin Williams &Co. se vierde produksie sedert hul suksesvolle debuut in 2024 met "Curl Up &Dye", watelke aand uitverkoopwas. Die maatskappy is deur Williams en Bennie Gerber gestig watdie Isithatha-teater hul trotse tuiste gemaak het. Hul vorigeproduksies sluit "Jingle AllThe Way"en"The Rainmaker" in. Elkeen hiervanhet hoë verwagtinge oortref –en"See How They Run!" beloof om geen uitsondering te wees nie.

"See How They Run!" word van12tot 22 Maart 2026 by dieIsithatha-teaterin9de Laan in Walmer aangebied

Die opvoering,wat net so effens meer as tweeure duur, bestaan uit drie bedrywe met tweepouses tussenin waar 'n lafenis virdie keel gekoop kanword en diebene so bietjie gerek kanword.

Dieaandvertonings beginom19:30, met naweekmatinees watom15:00 sal begin. Die kaartjies hiervoor kosR160 perpersoon en kandeur Webtickets of by 'n Pickn Pay-kiosk gekoop word

Daar is 'n beperkte aantal sitplekke beskikbaar, so spring op om jou plekteverseker en so diejaar op 'n vrolike noot voorttesit. 'n Kontantkroeg en snoepie asook veiligeparkering sal beskikbaarwees.

Besoek @robsandcompany op Facebook om op hoogte vanwat agterdie skermsgebeur te bly.

ClubChampionshipcontinues withRound2onSaturday

VictoryRaceway’snext event -ClubChampionshipRound 2-willtake place at their premises in Victoria Drive, Walmer,onSaturday,7March. Classescompeting: 1600Saloons, 1660s, 2.1 Modifieds, Hot Rods, HeavyMetalsand American Saloons.Gates open at 13:00 andracing will startfrom 18:00. EntryisR70 per adultand R40for children under12. Track parking is R50 per vehicle. Avariety of foodstalls will be available.For more info, contact Maggie at 082656 8830. Pictured is theHeavy Metal classinaction

PETERHENNING

Nuwe Seekattuin bringkleurna J’Baai

ELLEN HANCKE

’n SPLINTERNUWE Seekattuin in St Francisstraat vorm deel van Kunskoors se Tuinkoors-kompetisie van 1tot 3Mei, 2026

Die verwaarloosde gebied voor The View-woonstelkompleks ondergaan’n dramatiese metamorfose met ’n reuse betonseekat, klipgrot en beplante keerwalle.

Tuinkoors-inskrywings sluit 22 Maart. Die tuinkompetisie het sewe kategorieë, van kleintuine tot plaastuine. Inskrywingsgelde is R100 per kategorie. Beoordeling vind tussen 8en11April plaas Vir meerinligting en inskrywings, besoekwww. kunskoors.co.za, of kontak Uteby083 2864907 of Teresa by 082332 2650.

DIARY|DAGBOEK

March:

St Francis AnglicanChurch: The church on the corner of St Francis andGoedehoop Streets in Jeffreys Bayinvites all to their Eucharist serviceevery Sundayat08:30,theirLenten services every Wednesdayat08:30 until 25 March and their Palm Sundayserviceat08:30 on 29 March. MaundyThursday and Good Fridayservices to be announced.

March and April:

Aqua WaterTherapyand Rehab: The Policlinic has aheatedindoor swimming pool. Classes areonMondays,Wednesdays,Fridays and Saturdays.All ages arewelcome.Contact Yolande (professional/ qualified H2O therapist) at 082 8777640.

6March

Nifty FiftiesPlus Club: The club forseniorsinJeffreys Baywill have ameeting on Friday, 6March, at 09:30 atthe MethodistChurch oppositethe Caravan Park in Da Gama Road. The entranceis at 2 Petunia Street.Come earlyfor tea and asandwich. Thereis adoor feeofR10.Qualify forluckydrawprizes and listentoaguest speaker. Formoreinfo, contact083 2770088.The next meeting will be on Friday, 10 April.

7March:

Jeffreys BayCar BootSale: Join the bargainhunt in Da Gama Road, opposite the caravanpark, from 08:00 to 13:00 on 7March. The entranceisat2Petunia Street.Contact Corine at 082922 2260

14 March:

Milkwood SaturdayMarket: Don’t miss the next market on 14 March, from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting).Locatedonthe GLA road next to Fountains Mall. Handmadecrafts, jewellery,décor items, clothing, food, flowers,bottled products,second-hand items andmoreare sold.Entry is free.The marketwill alsotakeplace on 28 March.

19 March:

Teater by die See: Moenie die kunsuitstalling en Joseph Clark (Queen &Choirs) misloop nie.Dit salop19Maart by die NG GemeenteJeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus plaasvind. KaartjiesisaanlynbyQuicket te koop.Kontak Jeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064 966 9933ofbesoek www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za.

20 Maart:

Teater by die See: 'n Kunsuitstalling, verskeidenheidskonsert, blomme-werkswinkel (JBayTVET Kollege),skryfkuns-kursus, boekvoorlesing (SupertubesGastehuis),enMagda Louw en haar Erhardsal te sien wees op 20 MaartbyTeaterbydie See.Dit sal by die NG GemeenteJeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus plaasvind. Kaartjies is aanlyn by Quicket te koop.KontakJeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064 966 9933 of besoek www.jeffreysbaytourism.co.za

21 Maart:

Teater by die See: Die dag se programsluit in: 'n ‘beelde vanJeffreysbaai’-toer,boekvoorlesings(VerdaVide en JBayTVET Kollege) kinderteater, blomme-werkswinkel (JBayTVETKollege),kookkuns (JBayTVET Kollege),'ntalentkompetisie en FrankOppermanse ‘Reünie’.Dit sal op 21 Maart by die NGGemeenteJeffreysbaai Kompleks-kampus plaasvind. Kaartjies is aanlyn by Quickettekoop Kontak Jeffreysbaai Toerisme by 064 9669933 of besoek www. jeffreysbaytourism.co.za.

28 March: AstonBay Market: Don’t miss the market at the AstonBay CommunityHall on 28 March from 09:00 to 15:00.

• Send your Diary entriestokougaexpress@novusmedia.co.za. Thedeadline forentriesisonTuesdaysat 14:00. Entriesmay be in English or Afrikaans

KOUGAKOLLIG: MARIETJIE BEUKES

Skrywerweefwerklikheiden fiksiesaaminreisverhale

ELLEN HANCKE

“EKword onsigbaar as ek skryf, dan gaan ek na ’n plek waar niemand my kan planie.”

Om stories met diewerklikheid te verweef,isbeslis een van Marietjie Beukes van Jeffreysbaai se sterkste eienskappe.

Sy is ’n reisverhaalskrywer by uitstek. Sy vertel ook dat haar boeke op werklike reise geskoei is, maar dat daar ook ’n heerlike element van “bygeliegde fiksie” verweef is in haar boeke.

Marietjie Beukes is ’n geborePretorianer en was een van dievier dogters van Hannes en KowieScholtz. En toe sy in graad 12 was, het ’n laatlamseun almal kom verras. Haar skooldae het in Wonderboom Pretoria beginengeëindig

Haar geskiedenisonnie, meneer Steyn, het eietydsegeskiedenis by haar ingeskerp. Vir dieDuitse onderwyser was sy effe skrikkerig,maar musiek was haar lewe!

Omdat Wonderboom se skole nie musiek as vak aangebied het nie, het Marietjie van graad 4tot graad 12 privaat musieklesse geneem.

Haar rustigemusiekjuffrou het haar deur 7Unisa- praktiese eksamens en 5 teorie-eksamens gelei. Na matriek is sy na diePretoriaOnderwyskollege waar haar hoofvakke Klasmusiek en Wiskundewas. Sy het later ook ’n B.Mus-graad aan Unisa verwerf

Marietjie vertel dat sy letterlik soms dag en nag musiek geoefen het. Sy het ook gereeld as orreliste by troues en begrafnisse opgetree.

“Ek was baiebetrokke by dieChristen Studente Vereniging en ek het baievroeg al besef dat ek ’n passie virSendingwerk het.”

Tydens haar studentejareontmoet sy ’n tokkelok en sy en Piet Beukes trou aan die eindevan sy vyfdejaar

Hulle het aanvanklikin’nwoonstel in Pretoria gewoon, waar Piet wat ’n enigste kind was, spesiale vriende in sy boeke gevind het deur besonder baieenwyd te lees.

Die Beukes-egpaar het groot empatie met mense wat deur hul omstandighede rondgegooi was in die lewe. Nadat sy studies voltooi is, het haar man eers beroepe na ’n paar Bosveldgemeentes aanvaar,voordat hulle na Secunda beroepis.

Kortvoor lank het hulle na Johannesburg verhuis, waar ds.Piet ’n gespesialiseerde pos in diearbeidsbediening aanvaar het.

Intussen het hul twee seuns en ’n dogter ryker geword. Al drieisbaie musikaal en bespeel onderskeidelik trompet, viool en tjello.

Marietjie het aanvanklikMusiek en Wiskundegegee. Later het sy diedwarsfluit leer bespeel en kort voor lank was sy deel van ’n Simfonie-orkes en Kamermusiekgroepe.

Die Beukese het na hul aftredevir ’n tydlank die eiendomsmarkbetree. Baie hard gewerk en toe met hul wêreldreise se deeglike beplanning begin.

“Ons is nie gewone toergroepreisigers nie. Ons lees deeglik op oor dielande wat ons gaan besoek en gesels ook met mense wat reedsdaar was. Ons trek ons tekkies aan, pak ons rugsakke en beginelke straatjie en stegie verken en leer graag dieinwoners van ’n nuwe land ken.”

Marietjie vertel dat sy tien jaar geledebesluit het om ’n aanlyn-skryfkursus te volg. Haar eerste publikasie, Toersprokies 1,isin2021gepubliseer.

Die boekdek hul reise na Grieke-

land, Oostenryk en Switserland

Met dielees van Willie Burger se Reis na dieHart vanMenswees het ’n verskuiwing in die egpaar se ingesteldheid plaasgevind.

“Ek en my man het daarna opnuut na mense en dinge om onsbegin kyk. Tydens Covid het ek metmeningbeginskryf. Na die nuus van dieoorlye van ’n vriendin, het ek gaan sit en ’n liefdesverhaal geskryf.”

Dit handel oor ’n Italiaanse egpaar watmet hul wittebrood na dieKruger-Wildtuin reis. Hulle word deur Covid“vasgevang” en word ingeperkenafgesluit in ’n eiewêreld waarin hulle die verskillendevlakke van intimiteit beleef. Die boek Liefdeskoors verskynin 2023 en speel deels af in dieagtergrond van hul reis na ItaliëenFrankryk. ’n Verlate plaashuis metregop gesteentes en ’n leë swaai,skenk geboorte aan ’n nuwe koers en skryfMarietjie haar eerste spanningsverhaal.

Toersprokies 2 verskyn in 2024. Hier dartel Marietjie se vingers oor die geskiedenisenbelewenis van musiek, kuns, cuisine, veralheerlike straatkos. Sy beskryfhul ontmoetings met vreemdes, vergryphulle aan antieke en nuwe geskiedenis en argitektuur

“Ons reisbelewenisse is so gepen, dat mense wat nooit kan reis nie, dit deur ons oë beleef.”

Toersprokies 3 is pas uit dieoond en het onlangs verskyn en handel oor reise na drie Engelssprekendelande te wete Amerika,EngelandenSkotland.

Weereens bewysMarietjie haar veelsydigheid deur haar vertellings te wissel tussen antieke Etruskiese kuns van 2500 jaar gelede tot by die vier jong manne wat meisies laat

swymelhet:Die Beatles!

Die reisgenote se ervaring by daardieouhuis in Skotland, word tansdeur ds.Piet in Engels vertaal en salend 2026 beskikbaarwees.

Nouhet Marietjie boonop beginom haar hand aan tweenuwegenreste waag: kinderverhale en ’n femininity-versameling sketse oor vrouese lewenservarings

Haar liefde vir musiek bly egter ’n prioriteit wat jare gelede beginhet toe sy en haar pa saam na Ueie Keuse op dieradiogeluister het.

“Soms het dieradiosein verloor, dan moesekopspring,dit ’n vinnige klap geeomweer diesuiwer klanke oor dieeterteherstel.”

Marietjie het tweegunstelingskrywers, naamlikDeonMeyer en John Grisham. Met laasgenoemde se Street Lawyer wat haar ook toe in diekoers van “bloederige leesstof” gelei het. Audrey Blignaut se essays en ander Afrikaanseskrywers se keurigetaalgebruik,isook virhaar spesiaal Haar lewensmotto is: “Kyksag na joumedemens: Gee hoop, geeom.” Na hul intrek op Jeffreysbaai,het dieBeukes-egpaar goeie vriendegemaak en ook hul voëlkykstokperdjie voortgesit. En dan is Marietjie nog boonop ook ’n ywerigeMoringaboer wat haar eie plante droog, in tabletvormplaas en selfverpak.

In haar rustydjies besoek sy graag koffiewinkels, waar sy op allerlei kopvakansies gaan en nuweavonture bedink Marietjie se jongsteboekwordop14 en 21 Maartbydie Towerbos Feetjietuin van Veronica Drake bekendgestel. Vir meer inligtingkontak Marietjie by 076 733 3488 of Veronica by 071 433 5368.

LOSTORDESTROYED

DEED

7295

Notice is hereby given in termsofregulation 68 of the DeedsRegistriesAct,1937, of the intentiontoapplyfor theissue ofa certified copy of Deedof Transfer T10534 /2001CTN passed by CAT HA RI NA MA RI A VORSTER, Identity Number 2905270037 08 6, Married out of community of property in favour of DAVID FRANK VANDER MERWE, IdentityNumber 381018 5015 08 7and JUNE VAN DER MERWE,Identity Number 4106070047 08 0, Married in communityof propertytoeachother in respectofcertain ERF 656

JEFFREYS BAY IN THE AREA OF JEFFREYS BAY TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL, DI VI S IO NO F HUMANSDORP, PROVINCE OF THEEASTERN CAPE, whichhas beenlost or destroyed

All interested persons having objectiontothe issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writingwiththe Registrar of Deed: EASTERN CAPE at QONCE within twoweeks from the dateofthe publication of this notice. Dated at UPINGTON this 18th

ERF 7840

JEFFREYS BAY FORMJJJ

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby givenin terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to ap- ply forthe issue ofacerti- fied copy of TitleDeedNo. T54119/2006CTNpassedby JAN TAIT PLAVEIERS CC, RegistrationNo.:2002/ 020318/23 in favourofSTEPHANUS IGNATIUSBESTER, Identity No.: 581209507208

1, MarriedOut of Community ofProperty, in respect of certainERF 7840 JEFFREYSBAY, IN THEKOUGA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY,DIVISI ON HUMANSDORP, EASTERNCAPEPROVINCE whichhas beenlost or destroyed. All interested personshaving objectiontothe issueof such copy are hereby required to lodge the samein writing with the Registrar of DeedatEastern Cape: Qonce withintwo weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Dated at JEFFREYS BAYthis 25th dayofFEBRUARY 2026.

Applicant: SI BESTER Unit 1Blaaukrans Office

LOST OR DESTROYED

DEED

Notice is hereby givenin terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issueofa certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER NUMBER T7963 /2020passedbyMAURITZ

VANWYK DE VRIES, Identity Number 700604 5175 08 0, Married outof community of property in favour of GIDEONKAPP, Identity Number 890113 5266 08 9, Unmarriedin respectofcertain ERF8079

JEFFREYS BAYINTHE

KOUG AL OC AL

MUNICIPALITY, DIVISION OF HUMANSDORP, EASTERNCAPEPROVINCE IN EXTENT: 600(SIX HUNDRED) SQUARE

METRESHeldbyDeedof TransferNumberT7963 /2020which hasbeenlost or destroyed.

Allperson having objection to the issueofsuchcopy are hereby required to lodgethe same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds at QONCE within two weeks afterthe date of the publicationofthisnotice

DATEDatJeffreysBay on thisthe day of 2026

SCHAEFER ATTORNEYS 182CAPEROAD,

BOEDELKENNISGEWINGS

BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE 4201

In HA PLESSIS, 32 17 Ke frey 59 Sk in ve te be on vanaf Ekse FU MENT

Su De ge DF Malanstr 1 Hartswater 8570

Tel: 053474 2072 E-pos: stephan@ fulcrumbb.co.za

6330

Ep os :c arik e @slabbertattorneys.co.za Tel. 042 2934271

BOEDELS: LIKWIDASIEEN DISTRIBUSIE 4205

LGOLFDAY

KougaLocalMunicipality is pleasedtoinvite businessesand individuals to take part in the Annual Mayoral Golf Day, taking placeonFriday,17April 2026, at theprestigious St FrancisLinks,StFrancis Bay -named SouthAfrica'sBestGolfCoursefor 2025 by the12thAnnualWorld Golf Awards.

The MayoralFund supportsa wide rangeofdeserving causes within the Kougacommunity It providesassistance to NGOs implementing upliftmentinitiatives,aswellastoyoung people with exceptional potential whohavebeen selected to representtheir schoolsatdistrict, provincial,and national platformsbut lack thefinancial meansfor travel or essential equipment. In addition,the fundextends support towardstertiarystudies,ensuringthataccess to opportunityisnot limited by circumstance.

Participants areinvited to enterata costofR1250 perpersonorR5000 fora team of four.The entry fee includes: Participationinthe official petition

nner

We rganisationtosupport this worthy causebyentering ateamor sp Sp

F ,pleasecontact:Monique Basson(Mediaand Communication M son@kouga.gov.za.

PLATINUM SPONSOR