Kouga Express - E-Edition - 9 July 2026

Newhopeforlong-delayedSarahBaartmanCentre

MOREthan adecade after construction firstbegan, the Sarah BaartmanCentre of Remembrance in Hankeyhas beenformallyhanded over to anew contractorina ceremony led by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, who warned that governmentwould notallow themistakes that stalled the project for years to be repeated.

According to aKouga Municipalitystatement, the ceremonial handover tookplace on 4July.

The statement stated that the project, which has faced construction delays for more than adecade, is intended to honour the legacy of Sarah Baartman whilepreservingthe history and heritage of Khoi andSan communities.

Macpherson was joined by ProfRaymond Nkado(Deputy Chairperson of theIndependent Development Trust Board); Council-

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson at the Sarah BaartmanCentreof Remembrance in Hankey PHOTOS: FACEBOOK

lorLorraine Maree (Speaker of the Kouga Municipal Council); Cynthia August (Ward 9Councillor); Kouga Local Municipality councillors; Chief Edmund Stuurman (Khoi leader)and members of the Khoisan community.

Speakingatthe handover, Macpherson acknowledged that the incomplete Centrehad becomea symbol of delayand had failed to giveSarah Baartman's legacythe dignity andrecognition it deserved.

He said when he assumedoffice two years ago, the Sarah BaartmanCentre was among several stalled infrastructureprojectsinherited by his department.

“The Department could not continueas agraveyardofunfinished projects,” said Macpherson.

He saidthe centre had been identified as oneofthe Department of PublicWorks and Infrastructure'stop ten failed priority projects requiring urgent intervention

According to Macpherson, government subsequentlyintroduced focused oversight mechanisms, appointed the Independent Development Trust as the implementing agent, andstrengthened procurement, planning and community engagement processes beforeappointing anew contractor.

“The handover to the newly appointed contractor is the result of that work,”said Macpherson.

“It isnot the end of the journey. It is not yet avictory lap. But it is areal and importantturning point.”

According to the municipality, the centre is envisioned as aplace of remembrance, learning andcultural preservation, while also creatingopportunities fortourism,localeconomic developmentand community pride.

The municipality furthersaidSarah Baartman's remainswere repatriatedfrom France andreburied in Hankey in 2002, followingyears of campaigning to restore her dignity andensure that her story is told from aSouth Africanperspective.

Maree saidthe municipality welcomed therenewed commitment to completing the project.

“The Sarah BaartmanCentreofRemembrance holdsdeep cultural, historicaland emotional significancefor the peopleof Hankey,Kougaand the broaderEastern Cape. Its completion willprovide afitting

R102reopensaftersinkholerepairs

THE R102 between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp has reopened following the completion of repair work to asinkhole causedbyextensive damage to the existing stormwater infrastructure.

The roadhad been closed while repairs were carried out after investigationsconfirmed that the existingstormwater system had sustained significantdamage,resulting in theformation of the sinkhole.

During the rehabilitation project, thedamaged stormwater pipe was replacedwith a larger-capacity pipe to improve stormwater conveyance and reduce the risk of future failures.

In aFacebook post,Kouga ExecutiveMayor HattinghBornman thanked allthoseinvolved in restoringthe route.

“A sincere thank you to our municipal team for their determination and hard workindriving this matter forward, and to the Provincial Department of Transport forrespondingto our call and acting swiftly to repair theroad,” said Bornman.

He also acknowledged the impact the road closure had on the community.

“I understand the significant inconvenience this closurecaused our residents, businesses, andeveryone who relies on theR102. Thank youfor your patience, understanding, and support while the repairs wereunderway,” said Bornman

He furtherexpressed special appreciation to residents of Protea Street in Boskloof,where traffichad been diverted duringthe repair period

“Weknow this resulted in increased traffic anddisruption, andwesincerelyappreciate theresidents of Protea Street’s cooperation

space to honour Sarah Baartman’s life and legacy, whilecontributing to heritage tourism and localdevelopment,” saidMaree Macpherson said the newly appointed contractor had been tasked notonlywith completing the infrastructure,but alsowith restoring public confidenceafter yearsofdelays.

“Thisisnot an ordinary project. Youare not simplyhere to complete abuilding. You arehere to help repaira breach of trust,” said Macpherson. He warned that government would closely monitorimplementation andwould notallow the project to fall victim to the problems

thathad delayed it foryears.

“Wewill notallow the mistakes of the past to be repeated. We will notallow late payment, poor contractmanagement, weak oversight, community exclusion, or poor performance to drag this projectbackinto failure,” said Macpherson.

Thecompleted Centreisexpected to create opportunitiesfor local workers andbusinesses,while supportingtourism,education andeconomicgrowth in the region Macphersonsaidheaimstoreturn to Hankey by the endof2027 to formally hand the completed facility over to the Department of Sport, Arts andCulture.

throughout the repair period,”said Bornman

He said the projectdemonstrated the value of cooperation between different spheres of government

“Itisalways encouraging to see different spheresof government working together to resolvechallenges and restore critical infrastructure for our communities,”said Bornman

Bornman wished motorists well as normal traffic resumes on the route.

AnimalRescuereunitesdogswithMalawianowners

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

ASUCCESSFUL reunion between adog and itsowner in Malawi has given St Francis Animal Rescue hope as it continues effortstoreuniteanother belovedpet with its owner after allegedxenophobic threats forced foreignnationals to leave Sea Vista.

Founder and chairperson of St Francis Animal Rescue, Susan Rae Fox, saidmembers of the organisation first met Stephen Black Lion Singhini six years ago when he brought his Africanispuppy, Fireman, to an outreach for vaccinations,deworming and flea and tick treatment

Fox said Singhini had been working in South Africa while his wifeand three children lived in Malawi,where he sent money each month to help supportthem.

With no other family in South Africa, Fireman became his best friend and constant companion.

Fox said during Fireman’s firstyear, St Francis Animal Rescue provided booster vaccinations, alead, collar and blankets

Although volunteerssaw the pair less frequentlyasthe dog grew older, shesaid they regularlyspotted Singhini driving withFireman sitting beside him in hisbakkie

Fox said after alleged xenophobicthreats in Sea Vista forced many Malawian and Zimbabwean residents to leave, Singhini sent the organisation aheartfeltmessage sayinghe would rather die than leaveFireman behind. Since theyknew the sentiment to be true, she said they were determined to do every-

thingpossible to get Fireman to Singhini in Malawi

“While we care about theinjusticeand cruelty of these attacksupon innocentpeople,our primary focusisonthe dogs and cats belonging to people forcedtofleefrom Sea Vista,” saidFox.

Tohelpreunite Singhiniwith Fireman, Fox saidthe organisation is workingwith Gqeber-

ha-basedpet relocation company Move APet to fly thedog to Lilongwe,Malawi.

Shesaid they had also received assistance from Bev Trataris at theLilongwe Society for theProtection andCare of Animals (LSPCA), whowouldbeorganising arrival fees and a clearing agent at thedestination, and assistingwith information about the second legof thejourney from Lilongwe to Karonga, where

144Langkloofanimalssterilisedinthreedays

RAZAAN PLAATJIES

AVOLUNTEER-DRIVEN animal welfareorganisation has given 144 animals across the Langkloof ahealthier start to lifeduring a three-daysterilisationcampaign aimedatimproving animal welfare in underserved communities

ARKAnimalRescue, establishedin2025, completedthe campaignfrom29 June to 1 July, sterilising 100dogs and 44 cats from communities along the Langkloof R62. Founded by Michelle du Plessis and Lizette Ehlers, theorganisationwas established to addressthe lack of animal welfare services in the region.

What began as asmall initiativeinKaree-

douw hassince expanded to support animals in Joubertina,Krakeel, Misgund, Louterwater and Harlem Du Plessis said throughout the campaign, volunteersbegan loading animals in the townships from 06:00 each daybefore transporting them for pre-operative examinations, sterilisation procedures andpost-operative care.

She said thatanimals were returned safely to their ownersafter 18:00, with volunteers ensuring eachhad awarmplace to sleep, fresh food and clean water before leaving.

In additiontobeing sterilised, Du Plessis said every animal was vaccinated against rabies, dewormed, treated forticks and fleas, andsent home with abag of food,and someanimals even received kennels.

Members of the Vetsol veterinaryteam, fromleft, are UsisiphoOzFunde (veterinarytechnician),Luvalo Kwakhona(veterinarytechnician), DagmarAtkinson(veterinary nurse) and Dr Tinashe Chimatira (veterinarian). PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Milkwood SaturdayMarket: Don’t missthe handmade crafts,jewellery,décor items, wood-crafteditems, clothing, treats,fresh vegetables,flowers, bottledproducts,second-hand items and moreatthe market on 11 July,from 09:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting).The marketislocated on the GLA road next to FountainsMall. It will also takeplace on 25 July

Basic First Aid: Join in learning basicfirstaid on 11 July at 09:00 at Oppi-Spektrum Coffee Shop inJeffreys Bay. Formoreinfo,WhatsApp Marlene on 066 486 8611 Humansdorp SPCAAssisiAGM: The Humansdorp SPCAAssisi will be having their annual generalmeeting

Singhini’s familylives, approximately 10 hours from Lilongwe Foxsaid they ensured that Fireman received allthe required vaccinations, wasmicrochippedand underwent afullhealth check by Dr Annelise Barker at theHumansdorp Vet Clinic.

“Fireman is currently completingthe required 30-daywaiting period before he can be flown to LilongweinMalawi. Alarge travel crateisbeing built forhim, while an import permit is also being processed,” said Fox.

She thanked supporters from across South Africa whose donations are expected to cover Fireman’s air travel, Singhini’s bus fare, import permit and agent fees, and thesecond stage of their journey.

“St Francis Animal Rescue is deeply grateful forall those whowere touched by theplight of Stephen and Fireman. Thank youfor your kindness,” said Fox.

She said fundsremaining afterthe successfuljourney of Singhini and his dogtoMalawi will be used to helppetsleftbehind by immigrantsforced to flee at short notice.

In aseparatecase, Foxconfirmed that adog named Rex has alreadybeen reunited with his owner.

She said Rex’s owner, adocumented foreign national who had worked in South Africa for many years, wasforced to leavethe country to seek safety during alleged xenophobic protests, leaving thedog behind.

“St Francis Animal Rescue placed Rex in foster care until his owner wasable to relocate, and thepair havenow been reunited to begin anew life together,” said Fox.

She said the campaignwas acollective effort madepossible by volunteers, veterinaryprofessionals and donors.

“Over three incredible days, 144 Langkloof animals were giventhe chance to start a healthier, happier future,” saidDuPlessis.

“It was atrue labour of love.”

Du Plessis said every animal received careful attention throughout the process.

She also thanked Shannon Blewett(private veterinary technician), the Vetsol veterinary team, including Dagmar Atkinson (veterinary nurse), Luvalo Kwakhona (veterinarytechnician), Usisipho Oz Funde (veterinarytechnician), and Dr Tinashe Chimatira (veterinarian), fortheir care and professionalism.

Du Plessis also praised the organisation’s volunteers fortheir dedication, including Monique Smith, Celeste Swart, Jannike Oosthuizen, Bianca Eloff, Martie Fourie,Lizette Ehlers, Michelle Du Plessis andSheldon Williams

“Your commitment, early mornings,late evenings, hard work and unwaveringcompassion make thismissionpossible. You continue to inspire us every single day,”saidDuPlessis.

She said the next mass sterilisation drive would take place on 26, 27 and28August, when they aim to sterilise 200 animals.

Du Plessis also said ARK Animal Rescue operates entirely throughvolunteersand dependsonpublicsupport.

“Many people forgetthat ARK Animal Rescue Kareedouw and Langkloof is entirely volunteer-driven. We receive no guaranteed fundingand rely solely on the generosity of donors, sponsorsand supporters who believe in our mission,”saidDuPlessis.

She also expressed gratitudetoananonymous donor who funded the sterilisation campaign.

Du Plessis also thanked every additional donor, volunteer, driver, animal owner and supporter who contributed to the successofthe campaign

DIARY|DAGBOEK

on 14 Julyat18:30 at the Jeffreys BayBowling Club.A Zoom link is also available.For moreinformation, contact Louiseat 082879 6509. EasyArt: Don’tmiss easy art withoil pencils forbeginners at Oppi-Spektrum Coffee Shopinthe Policlinic in Jeffreys Bayon25Julyat09:00. WhatsApp Marleneon 066 4868611. Jeffreys BayCar BootSale: Join thebargain hunt in Da Gama Road,oppositethe caravanpark, from 08:00 to 13:00 on 1August. The entranceisat2 Petunia Street ContactCorine at 082 9222260 NiftyFiftiesPlus Club: The club forseniors in Jeffreys

Baywill have ameeting on Friday, 7August, at 09:30 at theMethodistChurch, oppositethe Caravan Park, Da Gama Road.The entranceisat2Petunia Street.Goearly and enjoya social morning with tea andasandwich.The door feeisR10.Qualify forluckydrawprizes and listento aguest speaker.Contact083 2770088 CommunityMarket: Our Market forOur Community will takeplace at Newton Hall on 15 August.Contact082 828 1899 forinfo. OnsTuisteBasaar: OnsTuisteHumansdorp gaan weer op 5September in die kerksaal by NGK Moedergemeente Humansdorp vanaf 08:00 basaar hou. Maak jouself

manyanimals that were assisted duringARK Animal Rescue’sthree-day sterilisation campaign

“You have changedthe lives of 144 animals, and together we arebuilding akinder future for the animals of the Langkloof,” saidDuPlessis.

Sheadded that the impact of the campaign would extend well beyond the three days.

“Everysterilisation prevents futuresuffering. Everyact of kindnesscreates lasting change.Together, we aremaking adifference, oneanimal at atime,” said Du Plessis.

To raisemuch-needed fundsfor ARKAnimal Rescue, retired veterinarynurse, SandraHardie, will host apresentation on the history of Goedgeloof, an area within St FrancisBay, as well as the broader historyofthe town, at St FrancisLinks

Theevent will startat18:00, and the costis R100 per person.

To book for the event, send an emailtoinfo@ stfrancislinks.com.

noualgereed vir die lekker eetgoed, kindervermaak, spenstafel, en vele meer.Donasiesiswelkom. Vir meer inligting,kontak OnsTuiste by 042 295 1159,Surikaby082 6966545(WhatsApp)ofbesoekdie OnsTuiste Facebook-blad. St Francis Anglican Church: Thechurch on thecorner of St Francis andGoedehoop Streets in Jeffreys Bay invites all to itsEucharistserviceevery Sunday at 08:30

Send your Diary entriestokougaexpress@novusmedia.co.za. The deadline forentriesisonTuesdaysat 14:00.Entriesmay be in EnglishorAfrikaans

Vantwyfeltottriomf metsoetmosterdresep

ELLEN HANCKE

“VERGEET daarvan, daar is nie werk in Jeffreysbaai nie. Moenie daarheen trek as julle nie reeds in poste aangestel is nie!”

Dit was die woorde wat’negpaar begroethet, toe hulle op die drumpel gestaan het om hierheenteverhuis.Entoe Karlien en Jackvan Niekerk die gewilde Clarensvir Jeffreysbaai verruil, was baie kennisse en vriende skepties.

As ’n gebore en getoë Vrystater was haarkunstige en raakvatter ma Neoleen, vir Karlien ’n absolute rolmodel Haar pa Frik Lourens het op hul plaas Petrusrust geboer en haarmawas ’n onderwyseres.

Karlien het op haar ma se vasberade spoor geloop en dit is dus niks vreemd datKarlien hier op Jeffreysbaai ’nongewoneloopbaan oopgekap hetnie.

NadatKarlien en Jack mekaar op Tukkies ontmoethet, waar beide politieke wetenskap geswothet, is hullegetroud. Haar eerste pos was as die kurator van ’n kunsgalery in Rosebank, Johannesburg

“Die interaksie met bekende en gevestigde kunstenaars was ’n belewenis.So ook die reël van uitstallingsen bywoon van kunsveilings.”

Omdat Jack van die huis af kan werk, was die kunstige omgewing van Clarens ’n uitstekende volgende keuse.

Karlien vertel dat die bekende landskapskilder Johan Smit, ’n nuwe galery gebou het.Syeie werk is in een deel van die galeryuitgestal en werk van bekende SA kunstenaars in ’n naasliggende vleuel

Karlien was dus ’n geskikte keuse om diekuns, keramiek, glaswerk en van die ou meesters se werke te bestuur. Haar ma het ook vir tien jaar in Clarens kom bly, maar met haar afsterwe het hulle besluit om naby Jack se familie in Jeffreysbaai te wees

Karlien wou aanvanklik ’nkunsgalery open, maar met drie galerye wat effens noustrop getrek het, het sydaarteen besluit

Verlede jaar met Kersfees, gebeur daar toe ’n vreemde lekkerte. Die familiekui-

ers gaan immer gepaardmet gourmet-etes en dit is toe datKarlien besluit het om haar ma se lekker mosterdresep te maak. Skoonma Elizabeth is ’n Britse boorling en houvan fynonthaalkuns.

Almal was dit eens dat Karlien se mosterdresep ’n yslike lekkerte wasen moedig toe virKarlien aan om dit op groot maat te begin maak.

“My vernuf in diekombuiswas basies beperk tot dit wat’nmens met ’n eier kon doen. Daar was hordesblapse. As die mosterd nie geskifhet nie, het die bottels gebars. Danweer was dittewaterig,of het dit aangebrand of teen diekombuismure beland,” vertel sy laggend.

Haar besoek aan twee plaaslike vriende LG en Johan se koffiewinkel, het haar bemoedig.Hulle het plaaslike produkte vir hul artisan koffiewinkel, Wyworrie, gesoek en dit wasdie beginvan ’n wenverhaal!

Karlien het aanvanklik nege bottels mosterd op ’n daggemaak. Die tydrowende proses van kook en preserveer was’nbeproewende storie.

Toe begin diebestellings inkomvir haar produk genaamd Suster’kie -Mase Mostert. Die spesiale mosterd se etiket het opsigself ’n storie.

“Mymamma het my altyd ‘Susterkie’ genoem. En ons voorsate se konneksie met die Mostertmeule in Kaapstad,moes iewers ingewerkword, vandaar dieMostertmet ’nt!”

En natuurlik wasdie konsep van die Bybelse mosterdsaadjiewat op haar verhaal van toepassing is, ook belangrik. Dit was egter’nbesoek aan ’n bekendesanger se koffiewinkelfranchise op George, wat allesin ’n nuwe koersgestuur het.

Vandag maak Karlien 10 liter soetmosterd in twee dae.Syhet afsetgebiede landwyd en ook hier plaaslik. Sy voorsien ook voorraad aan organiese markte en aan 12takke van ElvisBrew.

“Ekis’nbaiedankbaremens. Dit maak nie saak waar jy is nie, of wat jouproduk is nie, jou onsigbaregeloofswortels sal spoedig ontwikkel vanuit ’n miniskule mosterdsaadjie.

“Doen altyd jou bes en dieHere doen die res.”

Becourageous,shaveforCANSAthisSaturday

FOUNTAINS Mall will host theannual CANSAShavathon on Saturday, 11 July, from 10:00 to 15:00, giving the communityan opportunity to show solidarity with those affected by cancer while raisingvital funds forone of South Africa’s mostrecognised cancer organisations

The CANSAShavathon is one of CANSA’s best-known fundraising and awareness campaigns. It began in 2003 in the Eastern Cape

andhas since growninto anationalmovement.

Thisyear’stheme,“Be Courageous”, captures the spirit of the event: standing with cancer survivors, supporting those currently undergoing treatment, and remembering lovedones who have passed away

Participation is open to everyone. Those whowishtotake part canshave their hair, spray or stencil their hair in bright temporary colours, or donate hair of 25 centime-

BritishschoolraisesR43,400 forJeffreysBaycharity

A20-YEAR educationalpartnership between St Faith’sSchool in Cambridge, England, and Makukhanye Primary School in JeffreysBay has resulted in R43,400being raised for the SOS Project in Jeffreys Bay, as learners from the British school took part in acharity fundraising challengefollowing their seventh official visit to Jeffreys Bay in April.

The relationship between the two schools spans more than 20 years, built on cultural exchange, shared learning and community support.

During their recent stay, St Faith’s learners not only spent time in classrooms and community spaces butalso learnedabout the essential work of the SOS Project, alocal charity providing food, clothing, and welfare supportto vulnerable families.

Liz Kennerley, aStFaith’s staff member accompanying the group, described the experienceastransformative for the youngvisitors.

“It has been alife-changing experience for our learners to cometoSouthAfrica and experience the wonderful hospitality, beautiful landscape and stunning wildlife. Their visit to Makukhanye Primarygave them achance to make friends and find thethingsthey have in common with the local children, even though theirown livesare very different,”said Kennerley.

Theconnection between St Faith’s and Makukhanye Primary was established by Martije Viljoen and sustained by Wessel Vosloo,akey figure in fostering collaborationbetween the two schools.

As Chairperson of theSOS Project, Vosloo outlined thecharity’s ongoing work and the challenges it faces in sustaining regular support for the community.

During their visit, St Faith’s made a financial contribution and pledged continued assistance in the years ahead.

Uponreturning to theUK, Year 8

learners (aged 12–13) took partinthe school’s annual £5 Charity Challenge, avoluntary initiativeinwhich each learner receives a£5(approximately R109)interest-free loan and has six weekstogenerate as much profitas possible for charity

Nicholas Kennedy,one of the learners, explained the process: “The school gives us a£5interest-free loan, and we have sixweeks to make as much profit as we can. All the profitisdonated to charity, and we repay the loan. Everyone chooses how to invest their money: some people havemade bracelets, some have 3D printed fidgettoys, othershave run stalls selling food and drinks.”

This year marked the first timeevery learner in the year group chose to participate.

Learners were permitted to runstalls atschool on two occasions, with all other trading taking place in their own time.

Another learner,Huxley Phillips, reflected on the motivation behind their efforts: “We are proudtoworkwith Makukhanye Primary, and now we can help support the community through the SOS Project. The workthey do is so important, helping people to have ahot meal and clothes when they need them. We have raised £2,000 (R43,400), and we know that it will help the charity carry on their really important work.”

Despite thegeographical distance, over 9,600kmbetween Cambridge and Jeffreys Bay, the partnership remains strong.

Vosloocontinues to keep St Faith’s informed about the evolving needsof the SOS Project, enabling the school community to respond quickly and meaningfully.

St Faith’s has reaffirmedits commitment to supporting bothMakukhanye Primary and the SOS Project well into the future, ensuring that the bondbetween the two communities remains vibrant and impactful.

tres or longer to help make wigs forcancer patients. Those who prefer nottoshaveor spray maycontribute aBail OutFee instead Donationsare R50 foradults andR25 for children under 12. Fundsraised go directlytowardsCANSA’s work, including emotional support and counselling, patient care programmes, cancer screening and early detection initiatives, health education,medicalequipment hire, CANSACareHomes forpatients who

must travelfor treatmentand ongoing cancerresearch andadvocacy.

TheShavathon alsooffersanopportunity forschools,workplaces, churches andcommunity groups to come together around a powerful shared message: “You arenot alone.Westand with you.”

For more information, contact RianaRoux on 071 744 1702 or CANSAstaff partnerMariusdeVries on 083 481 7404 or at mdevries@ cansa.org.za

Puppieslookingforforeverhomes

THEJBay AnimalRescue Sanctuary, whichsterilises at least 80 animals every month in the Kougaregion, is in Ocean View Township in Jeffreys Bay.

Theorganisation is looking for forever homes forthese animals:

Charlie is amixed breed, medium-sized male dog. He is around 8to9weeks old. Chelsea is afemale dog, and she is around 8to9 weeks old.She is alsoa medium-sized mixed breed.

Jack is amale dogand is amedium-sized mixed breed. He is around 10 weeks old.

Milo is amixed breed, Staffie-type male dog, who is around 9weeks old.

To encouragepet adoption, the Sanctuarywill be running an adoption special of R1,000 per adoption until31July. The fee includes three vaccines, deworming and sterilisation.

TheSanctuarycurrently has 15 puppies needing ahome

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