In achieving energy and water security and climate resilience, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) seeks to highlight the importance of resource resilience for business competitiveness, job creation and economic growth. 

To support this, the Department, which aims to strengthen green economy ecosystem businesses, has partnered with GreenCape to host a series of information help desks providing business support on renewable energy, water and sustainable agriculture.

This help desk will be available in Mossel Bay for businesses across all sectors (agriculture, construction, infrastructure, utilities, manufacturing, food and beverage, tourism and hospitality and corporate services, etc.) that seek support implementing renewable energy or water technologies to be more energy and water resilient.

Green economy sector desk experts will provide direct, in-person, one-on-one support to businesses on energy-related and water-related matters at these help desks. 

Businesses are invited to register to access the green economy support help desks that will be coming to Mossel Bay in July. The help desks are free and give direct access to green economy sector experts and technical, financial, and legal information on renewable energy, water and sustainable agriculture. The details are:

Date: 31 July 2025

Venue: Side Hall, Mossel Bay Community Hall, 101 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay

District: Mossel Bay, Garden Route

Target audience: Businesses and SMMEs in the Garden Route

Register: https://forms.gle/Ktakq2MdxqgqtSd1A

The help desk aims to provide direct support to businesses, SMMEs, and companies across the Western Cape province. Each help desk will provide access to:

• One-on-one consultations with green economy sector desk experts
• Resources that will assist businesses with investment decisions on building energy and/or water resilience 
• Networking opportunities with other businesses.

Inquiries can be directed to events@green-cape.co.za for more information on the help desk.

About GreenCape:

GreenCape is a not-for-profit company that drives the widespread adoption of economically viable green economy solutions from South Africa. The team works with businesses, investors, academia and government to unlock the investment and employment potential of green technologies and services, and to support a transition to a resilient green economy. GreenCape’s vision is to create a thriving and prosperous Africa using green economy principles. Our aim is to be globally relevant in driving the uptake of green economy infrastructure solutions in the developing world context.

Website: www.green-cape.co.za

Twitter: @thegreencape

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-cape/

Instagram: @greencape_za

Phone: 021 881 0250

“Founded in 2019 by Caroline Ungersbock and James Byrne, the awards honour and promote works with exceptional and innovative content created on several continents and splurged on various platforms,” explains Mossel Bay Tourism Chief Operations Officer, Lieschke Steven-Jennings.

“ITFFA aims to contribute towards stimulating development and growth of the national and African audio-visual industry and, at the same time, give visibility and recognition to the many talented operators that form an integral part of the global creative community.”

Invited to enter this exclusive and unique competition were the producers of TV ads, promotional films, video campaigns, videos for social media and blogs, reports, documentaries, and TV magazines tasked with the promotion of tourism destinations, products and services.

The competition is open to public and private entities such as advertising and PR agencies; tourism boards, bureaux and associations; destinations; digital agencies; hotels, resorts and hospitality companies; marketing agencies; municipalities; airlines and cruise lines; tourist attractions; production companies; and independent film makers and students.

In the running this year were 448 films entered from 60 countries. Finally, 280 films were selected to go through the final judging process, and 110 films were awarded Gold, Silver or Finalist awards.

Mossel Bay Tourism’s film Route 12 was selected as finalist for either a gold or silver award under the category ‘Tourism Destinations – Regions’. This category is intended for videos that promote a region, county, state, community or island.

“It was the first year that Mossel Bay Tourism submitted a film and it was a huge honour to win two Silver Awards. Mossel Bay ranked among the top 34 films from more than 440 entries worldwide. Congrats to everyone who made this possible – we are honoured to be part of Africa’s growing film tourism movement,” says Lieschke.

Official jury members – 34 experts from several related spheres, including Lieschke, served on the panel this year – award points to each film submitted. If enough points are received, a film is selected as finalist.

Mossel Bay’s impact at the 2025 ITFFA Awards is significant: the video that gained its place in the top contenders, showcases how Lieschke and her team had to come up with a clever plan to market its large geographical area comprising 12 diverse areas.

“This prestigious recognition places Mossel Bay on the global stage for film tourism, and we couldn’t be prouder of how our story continues to inspire and attract visitors from all corners of the world,” Lieschke concludes.

Take note that the film industry has spent more than R350-million over the past year in South Africa on tourism-related services and products, with an estimated 15% increase forecast for 2026. Click on www.facebook.com/share/p/19aE8S4f99/ for pics of the awards.

The session, spearheaded by iOceans youth facilitator Andrea Bradfield, featured an engaging presentation by Jessica Van der Schyff, Mossel Bay Tourism Information Officer. Her PowerPoint presentation, Iconic Mossel Bay, highlighted the region’s tourism gems and career pathways, including exciting opportunities with MSC Cruises—offering students a vision of how local knowledge can lead to global experiences.

Adding depth to the discussion, Recardo Klein shared his inspiring journey from two decades in retail to becoming a certified Marine Guide, underscoring the value of transferable skills and passion for people. Olwethu Mthimkhulu, a standout talent from iOcean Trust, spoke about starting as a volunteer and now working at the Diaz Museum, where he also assists with aquarium maintenance—proof that showing up and stepping forward can change lives.

The interactive session was launched with the imaginative “Passport to Dreams” prompt: “If you had a free plane or cruise ticket anywhere in the world, where would you go—and who would you take with you, and why?” Learners stood, introduced themselves, and shared their travel dreams—creating a vibrant, global energy in the room.

To deepen the learning experience, Tourism learners will soon embark on outreach visits to ICONIC local sites including UNESCO World Heritage site at Pinnacle Point, the Diaz Museum, the Penguin Sanctuary, and the Cape St. Blaize Trail—transforming theory into hands-on experience.

Core Message of the Day:

Show up. Shine. Someone is watching—and your ship might just be about to come in.

This outreach not only delivered practical insights but also served as a reminder that the tourism industry thrives on attitude, presence, and a spirit of service. As students prepare to become ambassadors of South Africa’s hospitality, they are reminded: “You’re already on the journey.”

Thank you to the dedicated lecturers for the invitation and Jane De Vos, Tourism Lecturer for hosting the interaction. 

“Dit is uiters belangrik dat mense van ’n jong ouderdom af die basiese beginsels en veiligheidsreëls leer voordat hulle ’n wapen hanteer. Veiligheid en voldoende opleiding in beveiliging is vir AfriForum en sy 160 takke oor die land heen ’n groot prioriteit. Dit is bemoedigend om te sien dat ons jeuglede die tyd afgestaan het om oor wapenveiligheid te leer en hulself te bemagtig,” sê Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Suid-Kaap.

Kennis is mag en kennis in die korrekte hantering van ’n vuurwapen kan in ’n noodsituasie die verskil tussen lewe en dood beteken. Neem vandag nog jou veiligheid in jou eie hande en raak betrokke by jou naaste AfriForum-veiligheidstruktuur. Stuur ’n e-pos aan marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za of skakel Erasmus by 081 216 9602 om meer hieroor te wete te kom.

Marthinus Erasmus

Distrikskoördineerder: Suid-Kaap

AfriForum

Sel: 081 216 9602

Epos: marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za

These sites – known as the Cradle of Human Culture – formed part of the South African World Heritage Site nomination, ‘The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa.’

The event took place in Mossel Bay, where a team of local and international scientists have worked for close to 30 years unearthing evidence of early modern humans and their social, behavioural and technical innovations. The evidence dates from as early as 162 000 years ago, displaying the development of more complex cognitive abilities in our ancestors.

Guests at the activation ceremony included Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie; Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Andrew Stroebel; Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Dirk Kotzé; traditional Khoisan leaders from the Gouriqua Khoi Khoranna Kraal and Klaas Dora Khoi Kraal; South African Heritage Resources Agency and KwaZulu-Natal Amafa Institute, among others.

Professor Curtis Marean, director of the science team at Pinnacle Point and world-renowned paleoanthropologist, said, “World Heritage status recognises that the scientific results here are of extraordinary importance and universal human value. This is the first documentation of how early humans made a shift to embed their lives in the sea, leading to fundamental transformations in their society.”

Provincial Minister Mackenzie said, “The Cradle of Human Culture is an inclusive heritage destination, demonstrating our shared origins as human beings. Today was a deeply meaningful occasion recognising the many years of hard work leading to this global achievement. This is something we can all celebrate as South Africans, and that we must preserve for future generations. Today we mark not only the inscription, but the journey it has taken to reach it. And from here we set off on a new journey to grow the tourism potential, cultural value, and further scientific study of the Cradle of Human Culture.”

Premier Alan Winde. “We already have so much to be proud of culturally in our province, and now we have one more reason to boast. The international recognition of these sites will help to raise awareness of the need for us to preserve and cherish our heritage. We must also leverage this honour to create more economic opportunities, in a sustainable manner that enhances our cultural offerings and history.”

Another activation ceremony will be held at Diepkloof Rock Shelter on the West Coast, launching the next phase in managing, protecting, and developing the sites.

The Western Cape Government delegation joins colleagues from other provinces and national government in New Delhi for this Session taking place between 21 and 31 July 2024.

South Africa has put forward two nominations, following years of rigorous stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and international evaluation. Successful nominations will be protected under the World Heritage Convention and inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The nomination titled ‘The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa’ includes three Middle Stone Age sites that contribute significant evidence for understanding the origins of modern human behaviour.

These sites are:

• Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay in the Western Cape
• Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape
• Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal.

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said, “These sites are not only global archaeological treasures but also symbols of our resilience, creativity, and capacity for innovation. They remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural and natural heritage for future generations. It is incredible to imagine the early humans who lived in and passed through these places. I am excited about the potential for World Heritage Site status to boost tourism, economic development, and enable job creation.”

Premier Alan Wine added, “The Western Cape is privileged to have such an abundance of cultural offerings and we must make full use of their significance to deepen our collective knowledge, but also harness their potential to further our economic growth to create many more jobs in this space.”

A further release will follow once the outcomes of the Session are announced.

Wynand Enslin sal dien as buurtwagleier met Heinrich Ninaber as operasionele spanleier, Charles Vorster as inligtingspanleier en Anne-Marie Storm Buys as steunspanleier. 

Die bestuursverkiesing is voorafgegaan deur ’n aanbieding deur David Olivier, AfriForum se hoof van veiligheid vir die suidstreek. ’n Groot aantal Danabaai-inwoners het die vergadering bygewoon, wat daarop dui dat mense besorgd is oor hul omgewing se sekuriteit en opsoek is na bykomende oplossings om hulself en hul geliefdes te beskerm. Ná afloop van die aanbieding het die inwoners ook heelwat vrae gehad. 

Olivier het tydens sy aanbieding beklemtoon hoe belangrik opleiding vir buurtwaglede en bestuurslede is en ’n uiteensetting gegee van die opleiding wat AfriForum aan hul lede voorsien. AfriForum se Danabaai-buurtwaglede sal in die volgende paar weke opleiding ondergaan en toegerus word met die nodige toerusting vir patrollies. Hulle sal ook toegang kry tot AfriForum se radionetwerk en herleiers en toegang hê tot regshulp en die groter AfriForum-veiligheidsnetwerk. Die stigting van AfriForum se Danabaai-buurtwag plaas AfriForum se veiligheidstrukture in die Suid-Kaap nou op 16 en die Wes-Kaap op 50. 

Volgens Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Suid-Kaap, kan die beveiliging van ’n gebied nie in silo’s bedryf word nie en die Danabaai-buurtwag sluit hom hiermee aan by ’n netwerk van ander AfriForum-strukture. “AfriForum glo daarin dat alle veiligheidsrolspelers in die gemeenskap moet saamwerk aan ’n gemeenskaplike doel en ons vat graag hande met die groter Mosselbaai-gemeenskap en omliggende gebied om dit te beveilig.” 

“Die uitdagings met veiligheid wat ons gemeenskappe deesdae in die gesig staar, vereis dat buurtwaglede toegerus is met die nodige kennis om met selfvertroue op te tree en goeie besluitneming aan die dag te kan lê. AfriForum bied vir ons ’n uitgebreide opleidingsprogram en ons sal dus spoedig daarmee afskop,” sê Enslin, die buurtwagleier. 

Heinrich Ninaber, Charles Vorster, Wynand Enslin en Anne-Marie Storm Buys is deel van die nuwe Danabaai-buurtwag se bestuur

Wynand Enslin

Leier: Danabaai-buurtwag

AfriForum

Sel: 083 638 7823

E-pos: wynandenslin007@gmail.com 

David Olivier

Hoof van veiligheid: Suidstreek

AfriForum

Sel: 066 487 6810

E-pos: david.olivier@afriforum.co.za 

Marthinus Erasmus

Distrikskoördineerder: Suid-Kaap

AfriForum

Sel: 081 216 9602

E-pos: marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za

The two teams have advanced to the final after Outeniqua High and Oakdale Agricultural High School both withdrew from the semi-finals due to their players’ involvement in winter sports codes.

The summarised scorecard is:

Point High vs Bridgton Hub

POINT HIGH SCHOOL 200 all out – 48.3 overs (Jesse Lewis 74, Rickus van Rooyen 28, Ducayne Plaaitjies 29/3, Lastio Williams 3/30)

BRIDGTON HUB 198 all out – 44.1 overs (Keano Coericius 40, Wilvino Meyer 33, Warren Jullies 23, Daylen Williams 23, Rickus van Rooyen 3/41)

Point High School won by 2 runs.

The team of Point High School who won the SWD U/19 Super league competition is:
Front Row: Fanie Keyser, Curtly Kannemeyer (coach), Jesse Lewis (captain), Gerhard Brandt and Lincin Stevens
Back Row: Mr Rudolf Botha (coach), MC Smit, Ricus van Rooyen, Jan-Ockie Meyer, Kai Schoeman, Umar Kajee, Marinus van der Mescht, Hardus Kleyhans, Ian van der Westhuysen and Stephan Heyneke

Die nuwe bestuur is: Jean Lategan (voorsitter), Pieter de Villiers (ondervoorsitter), Amanda Lategan (sekretaris), Lukas Swart (tesourier), Etienne Erlank (gemeenskapsveiligheid), Magnus Stone (omgewingsake en jeug), Andre Slippers (plaaslikeregeringsake), Joy Cook (bemarking en projekte) en Louis Cook (kultuur en toerisme).

“Dis bemoedigend om te sien hoe gemeenskapslede bereid is om hul tyd en energie af te staan om ’n verskil in hul gemeenskap te maak. Ons is dankbaar vir die vorige bestuur wat die weg gebaan het vir die nuwe bestuur om gemeenskapskwessies aan te pak,” sê Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Suid-Kaap.

Erasmus het ook spesiaal vir die Cook-egpaar, stigterslede van die tak, uitgesonder wat ná 12 jaar as onderskeidelik voorsitter en sekretaris uittree om voorts nuwe rolle by die tak aan te neem.

Lategan, die nuutverkose voorsitter, het onderneem om die gemeenskap by alle aangeleenthede te betrek, en te fokus op ’n samewerkingsverhouding met die plaaslike regering en ander rolspelers. Gemeenskapsveiligheid sal ook een van die belangrikste fokuspunte vir die tak wees.

Gemeenskapslede word aangemoedig om by hul naaste AfriForum-tak betrokke te raak om ’n daadwerklike verskil in hul gemeenskap te maak. Stuur ’n e-pos aan marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za of kontak hom by 081 216 9602 vir meer inligting.

Foto: Van links na regs – (agter) Marthinus Erasmus, Deon De Jager, Flip Buys, Andre Slippers, Jean Lategan, Etienne Erlank, Kallie Kriel. (Voor) Magnus Stone, Lukas Swart, Louis Cook, Amanda Lategan, Pieter De Villiers, Joy Cook.

Marthinus Erasmus

Distrikskoördineerder: Suid-Kaap

AfriForum

Epos: marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za

The inward immigration clearance (processing) procedure took place under the port’s recently attained Port of Entry status and saw six hundred (600) passengers and four hundred (400) crew members being processed at the port’s temporary Cruise Reception Facility before departing to enjoy exciting mountain trails and passes, breath-taking blue flag beaches, Gin and Wine farms, Private Game Reserves, and the cradle of human culture.

This being the first of three (3) calls by Silver Spirit this season, directly from international waters solidifies the Port of Mossel Bay’s vision of becoming a gateway for cruise tourism to the Garden Route, thereby, ensuring the smooth and efficient processing of international passengers arriving in the region.

The port of entry status will be used to ensure that regulatory requirements into our country comply with immigration laws and ensure the security for both travellers and the country is complied with fully.
Silver Spirit’s next international vessel calls will be on 19 January 2024 and 03 February 2024, respectively.