Central Gauteng’s Casey Twidale, Dewan de Bruin from Southern Cape and Gauteng North quartet Lourenda Steyn, Phenyo Sebata and brothers Roelof and Cilliers Craig will represent South Africa in the 32nd Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan from 23-26 June.

Western Province duo Kaitlyn van de Vyver and Codi Ruiters will compete in the Ciputra Golfpreneur Junior World Championship in Indonesia from 10-12 June alongside Amy Stanton from Central Gauteng and Boland’s Devin Petersen.

The six players heading to Japan already enjoyed success together this year, helping South Africa secure a clean sweep of the boys and girls titles at the All Africa Junior Team Championships in Kenya in March.

“We are proud to see these talented young golfers earn the opportunity to represent South Africa on some of the biggest stages in junior golf,” said South African Golf Association President Peet van Schalkwyk.

“Their performances throughout the season, and particularly at the All Africa Junior Team Championships, have demonstrated both their ability and their character. International competition provides an invaluable learning experience, and we are confident they will embrace the challenge, compete with pride and continue to grow as players and ambassadors for South African golf.”

Womens Golf South Africa President Madeleine de Wet will manage the South African Girls Team in Japan, while Southern Cape Golf Union Director of Golf Heinrich Lourens will oversee the Boys Team. Former Womens Golf South Africa President Susan Andrew will accompany the four-player team travelling to Indonesia.

“Dewan and Roelof gained valuable experience at the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup last year, and we are delighted that Casey, Cilliers, Lourenda and Phenyo will now have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s leading junior golfers,” said De Wet.

“This championship consistently attracts outstanding talent from across the globe and offers an exceptional platform for personal growth and international exposure. Experiences like these help shape future champions, both on and off the golf course.”

Before travelling to Japan, Twidale, Steyn and Sebata will compete in the prestigious ANNIKA Invitational Europe presented by Ahlsell, hosted by major champion Annika Sörenstam at Upsala Golf Club in Sweden from 16-18 June.

“Competing in Sweden before heading to Japan gives our girls an additional opportunity to measure themselves against elite international fields and gain valuable experience in different conditions,” De Wet added. “Exposure to events of this calibre is a vital part of their development pathway.”

Van de Vyver and Stanton, both members of the GolfRSA National Women’s Squad, and South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB) pair Petersen and Ruiters will make their debut in Jakarta, where they will compete in both the individual and team competitions.

“Over the years, we have seen first-hand how these international championships contribute to the development of young South African golfers,” said GolfRSA CEO and SAGDB Managing Director Grant Hepburn.

“Many players who represented South Africa at these events have gone on to enjoy success at the highest levels of amateur and professional golf. The opportunity to compete against the world’s best juniors, experience different cultures and perform under international pressure is invaluable.”

Recent DP World Tour winner Casey Jarvis was a member of South Africa’s victorious Toyota Junior Golf World Cup team in 2014 alongside Korn Ferry Tour winner and former world number one amateur Christo Lamprecht and Sunshine Tour champions Martin Vorster and Sam Simpson.

Ladies European Tour champion and Sunshine Ladies Tour Order of Merit winner Casandra Alexander, as well as Sunshine Ladies Tour winners Caitlyn Macnab, Danielle du Toit, Cara Gorlei and Kiera Floyd, all competed in Jakarta during their amateur careers. Former SAGDB players Franklin Manchest, Kieron van Wyk and Cole Stevens also used the championship as a springboard to higher honours.

“With competitors from more than 20 countries, including traditional golfing powerhouses such as the United States, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, these championships provide an outstanding benchmark for our players,” Hepburn said.

“Each member of these teams has shown tremendous potential over the past year. We are excited to see them challenge themselves on the international stage, gain valuable experience and continue their journey towards achieving their golfing ambitions.”

The Toyota Junior Golf World Cup will be played on the Ishino Course at Chukyo Golf Club in Japan, while the Ciputra Golfpreneur Junior World Championship will be contested at Damai Indah Golf’s Pantai Indah Kapuk Course in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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In observation of World Food Safety Day, the EHPs of the Klein Karoo area, are supporting the theme: Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions – safe food everywhere” by promoting cleanliness and food safety at spaza shops in the Oudtshoorn and Ladismith areas. “Through inspections, education, and engagement with shop owners, EHPs encourage proper hygiene practices, safe food handling and regular cleaning of premises,” said GRMD’s Municipal Health Chief: Klein Karoo, Desmond Paulse.

“This year’s theme aims to inspire action to help prevent and manage foodborne risks to safeguard food security and healthy communities.”

GRDM’s highly competent team of EHPs regularly conducts inspections not only to spaza shops, but also to manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, to name a few. This is done to monitor compliance with hygienic and preparation standards. Paulse added that these actions help reduce foodborne health risks, improve compliance with food safety standards, and contribute to healthier communities.

The EHPs placed particular emphasis on cleaning and proper disinfection as these are effective methods to ensure safer food for human consumption. “Clean and hygienic shops play an important role in food safety. A clean shop helps prevent contamination, reduces the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and protects customers from a range of foodborne illnesses,” said Paulse.

The EHPs encourage spaza shop owners to adhere to good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning, proper food storage, and safe handling of food, to ensure that food remains safe and of high quality.

On World Food Safety Day, as GRDM, we recognise that maintaining clean shops remains essential for protecting public health.

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At the age of 79, Morris, who lives in Hertford, England, participated in his second consecutive Simola Hillclimb this year. He was part of the line-up for Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill for the past two editions, continuing his long association with Formula Ford single-seater racing over the decades.

What is remarkable about his legacy is that Morris raced against – and often outperformed – some of the biggest names in single-seaters, including future Formula 1 stars. One name that stands out is Ayrton Senna, whom Morris not only competed against in Formula Ford in the UK during the early 1980s, but also beat on numerous occasions. Their rivalry marked one of Senna’s earliest on and off-track feuds with his closest rivals – a trait that would become a hallmark of the three-time Formula 1 champion’s fiercely uncompromising approach to racing and his rise to the very top of the sport.

“I started racing in Formula Ford 1600 in England at the end of 1971 with no money at all. In 1972 I set a fastest lap during a race at Thruxton, which got me noticed by Dave Lazenby who owned Hawke Racing Cars,” Morris says. “Dave gave me some help, and by 1976 I was racing for Lazenby as a team-mate to Derek Daly and Bernard Devaney.” Daly went on to race in Formula 1 from 1978 to 1982, followed by stints in CART and IMSA, while Devaney progressed up to Formula 3.

“My 1976 season was successful, and the following year I moved up to Formula Ford 2000, but that didn’t work out too well. So, in 1978, I came back to Formula Ford 1600 and did quite well, particularly at the Formula Ford Festival where I achieved three second-places, three thirds and two fourths over the years,” Morris says. In 1979, he was team-mates in the works PRS team with Tommy Byrne, who subsequently won the 1981 Formula Ford Festival, the 1982 British Formula 3 championship and competed in two Formula 1 races.

The Festival has taken place annually since 1972, originating at the Snetterton circuit before moving to Brands Hatch in 1976, where it remains today. Held at the end of the British racing season, it has provided a consistent platform for established and up-and-coming racing drivers to prove their mettle in various iterations of Ford-powered single-seaters, and for talent scouts to identify future stars.

Some of the famous F1 drivers that have won the Festival include Daly (1976), Johnny Herbert (1985), Roland Ratzenberger (1986), Eddie Irvine (1987), Jan Magnussen (1992), Mark Webber (1996) and Jenson Button (1998). South African Alan van der Merwe was the 2001 champion, going on to win the British Formula 3 title in 2003, and becoming a part-time test driver for the BAR-Honda F1 team. He raced in A1 Grand Prix from 2006 to 2009, and served as F1’s medical car driver from 2009 to 2021.

Head-to-head with Senna

“In 1980 I was supported by Alan Cornock of Royale in the British Formula Ford 1600 championship, and the following year I raced in the works Royale against the factory Van Diemen cars, which meant I was racing Senna, Alfonso Toledano and Enrique Mansilla,” Morris says.

Despite still working a regular job, Morris proved how competitive he was during the 1981 season by taking a clean sweep of the victories at Thruxton, Silverstone and Brands Hatch. In each instance he beat Senna, Toledano and Mansilla, who were all professional full-time racing drivers. He was second behind Senna at Oulton Park, Donington Park, Mallory Park and Snetterton, with the Royale better suited to the faster circuits and the Van Diemen claiming the advantage on the tighter tracks.

Senna was ultimately crowned British Formula Ford 1600 champion in 1981, with Morris finishing runner-up after leading the series for most of the year, but ultimately losing crucial points with a big crash.

“Funny enough, Senna was horrible to me. We were actually horrible to each other in 1981 because we were both so both competitive,” Morris says. “You’ve heard how focused Senna was, and when I beat him half a dozen times, he was furious. He moved on to Formula Ford 2000 in 1982, and I remained as a works driver in the 1600 category, where I won the BRDC Formula Ford 1600 championship that year driving a Royale RP31M.”

Morris has raced on and off ever since, with his son Steve continuing the legacy. “We had about five years of karting all over Europe with Steve, and then he got a works drive with BMW and later with Subaru in the South African Production Car Championship,” Morris says. “I had driven for Ian Schofield in England a couple of times, and in 2005 he invited me to come race in South Africa. So, from 2005 to 2016 I was racing here and in England in Formula Fords, sports cars and a bit of Formula 3.”

In 2016 Morris had bad cycling accident, breaking 10 ribs, a shoulder blade, two vertebrae, and suffering a punctured lung. As a result, he didn’t race in South Africa for a couple of years, but he eventually came back to compete here, and is still racing most weekends – mostly locally or in England where he remains a top competitor in classic Formula Fords, and is currently second in the British championship. He has also competed in the annual Phillip Island Classic in Australia.

A Simola Hillclimb convert

Morris participated in his first-ever hillclimb at Simola last year, and instantly became a big fan of the event. The Simola Hillclimb is South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, and the fastest hillclimb in the world.

“I wasn’t really impressed with hillclimbs until I came here,” he says. “On race circuits you have all that track time, learning the lines and knowing how to place the car to the inch. At a hillclimb it’s very difficult, as you need to very quickly learn the lines in just a few runs, and you don’t know how much grip you’ve got. This makes it a huge challenge, but also great fun.”

The car that Morris competes with in Classic Car Friday is a Royale RP31 Formula Ford – a replica of his Ford Kent-engined British championship-winning car from 1982. Despite tricky wet conditions at the 2025 Simola Hillclimb, he qualified 6^th in class H9 for open-wheel single-seaters with a time of 53.309 seconds, and finished 10^th in the Classic Conqueror Top 10 Shootout (53.470 sec). In the dry conditions experienced this year, Morris went significantly quicker, posting a time of 50.876 seconds in qualifying, which placed him fifth in H9.

Morris is no stranger to newer-generation machines, having regularly campaigned the EcoBoost 1.6-litre turbocharged 2014 Formula Ford in the local series. At the 2025 Simola Hillclimb, he powered this car to victory in class C1 of King of the Hill with a time of 46.441 seconds in the Class Finals, and secured the runner-up spot (47.444 sec) in the final Top 10 Shootout for the Single Seaters Sports Cars and Sports Prototypes category. This year he finished second in class (46.599 sec), and would have been classified sixth in the Top 10 Shootout, but his final 47.281-second run was deleted for clipping a track limit marker.

“People who haven’t been to the Simola Hillclimb don’t understand how good this place is,” Morris says. “It’s such a challenge for the driver, and the atmosphere is just fabulous. I love it, and I certainly hope to be back next year.

“I’ve been extremely lucky to have the contacts and the cars to compete in South Africa, and I’m especially grateful to Ian Schofield and the Simola Hillclimb for having me here,” he says. “I turn 80 in January next year, and as long as I’m reasonably competitive, I’ll keep going as long as I can.”

The 17^th edition of the Simola Hillclimb will take place from 29 April to 2 May 2027.

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The conference served as a strategic platform to review the current tourism year, celebrate achievements, identify challenges and collectively shape priorities for the future growth of the tourism sector in George and the wider region.

The George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism management team presented an overview of current performance and future plans, highlighting opportunities to strengthen destination marketing, improve stakeholder collaboration and maximise tourism’s contribution to economic growth and job creation.

A key presentation by the George Joint Marketing Association demonstrated the value of collaborative destination marketing in increasing visibility and driving greater participation in local golf and trail experiences.

Stakeholders also received updates on funding and support opportunities available within the sector from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), conservation-based tourism concessions at the CapeNature reserve in George, as well as interesting developments related to George Airport expansion and improved regional connectivity, all of which have the potential to enhance the destination’s competitiveness. Another feature of the conference was an interactive open forum discussion that challenged participants to move beyond identifying problems and focus on practical solutions.

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism also launched a call to participate in the destination marketing toolkit – designed to support tourism businesses in promoting the destination alongside their own products and services. The plug-and-play resource soon to be circulated aims to facilitate coordinated destination marketing across multiple platforms.

The programme further included a case study on sustainability and Fairtrade accreditation, showcasing the long-term benefits of responsible tourism practices and their role in strengthening individual product and overall destination appeal.

Feedback from attendees reflected the positive impact of the conference and the value of creating a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Irene Koegelenberg, Key Accounts Manager at UXi Artisan Development, praised the event and the opportunities it created for stakeholder engagement.

“Thank you so much for including the UXi Artisan Development team in this wonderful event. It was both informative and inspiring. We really appreciate the opportunity to be part of such a well-organised and engaging programme. We look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate going forward and would love to remain involved in future initiatives.”

Janine Olivier, Marketing Manager at Redberry Farm, highlighted the practical and solution-focused nature of the discussions.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me was the question, ‘What are we doing?’ We can often complain and bring topics forward for discussion, but we don’t always come up with proactive solutions and instead pass the responsibility on to someone else. It was great to see and hear the passion for tourism in our town, and it makes me proud to be part of this industry.”

Olivier further commended the organisation of the conference and the value of the open forum discussions, describing the event as informative, engaging and inspiring.

The programme was well-supported by prizes donated by the industry for allocation at the conference, adding to the live draw excitement between sessions. Highlights included overnight stays at the Fairy Knowe Hotel, Town Lodge, Harvil House, Premier Express Inn and Caledon 23 Guest House.

The positive feedback received from delegates on-the-ground and afterwards reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for tourism stakeholders to connect, collaborate and jointly address challenges facing the industry. The strong participation throughout the day by influential business managers and owners demonstrated a shared commitment to growing tourism, strengthening the visitor economy and positioning greater George as a leading destination in South Africa.

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism extend its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, presenters, partners and attendees who contributed to the success of the conference. The event reaffirmed the sector’s collective commitment to working together to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable tourism growth for the benefit of the entire region.

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A Distinctive Aesthetic for the New Generation

Moving away from homogeneous market styling, the EMZOOM introduces a striking “mecha-inspired” exterior that immediately captures younger demographics. Featuring a bold front fascia, sculpted side profiles, and piercing LED headlamps, the vehicle delivers a sharp, assertive visual identity. This dynamic styling thoughtfully blends modern aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring the EMZOOM is as purposeful as it is striking.

Premium Comfort Meets Smart Agility

Beneath its bold exterior, the EMZOOM embodies GAC’s “people-oriented” engineering. Designed to support diverse lifestyles, from urban commutes to weekend explorations, the cabin offers class-leading spatial versatility, sporty seating, and a highly adaptable cargo area. Backed by an efficient turbocharged powertrain, the EMZOOM proves that compact dimensions can still deliver exhilarating, responsive performance.

Serving as a highly connected digital companion, the EMZOOM also features a smart cockpit with expansive displays, seamless smartphone integration, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These intuitive technologies make navigating complex urban environments simpler and more reliable.

Since its global debut, the EMZOOM has garnered enthusiastic feedback across diverse continents. By offering both unapologetic personal expression and real-world practicality, it continues to win the favor of young drivers worldwide, injecting vibrant new energy into the international automotive landscape.

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social.

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In what would be their third season in the professional set-up the Badgers has recruited the former Protea batting hero, Mignon du Preez in their line-up.  Du Preez, who has retired from international cricket, has played in 154 one-day internationals and 114 T20 internationals for her country.  She is a vital acquisition in the quest of the Badgers to contest for silverware in the competition.

Further good news for the Badgers is that their international star, Annerie Dercksen, will also continue to play her provincial cricket for the Oudtshoorn based franchise.  Local supporters will be happy to see the name of Jané Winster, a former Badgers hero, back on the Badgers team sheet.  Winster has spent the past season with the North West Dragons. 

Other newcomers are the wicket/keeper batter from North West, Verinussa Reddy, the all-rounder from the Dolphins Courtney Gouden and the former Dutch international – wicket keeper/batter who also represented Western Province, Babette de Leede.  She represented the Netherlands in 13 ODI’s and 95 T20’s.  Aluncedo Dunga (from Eastern Province) was was on loan with the Badgers were also rewarded with a contract.

The Board of Directors has also put faith in the coaching team and has renewed the contracts of Wynand de Ridder (Head Coach), Yolandi Potgieter (Assistant Coach) and Gabbi Lee van der Westhuizen (Strength and Conditioning Coach).  De Ridder has retained seven players of the past season in his contracted group.

The Cricket Services Manager of SWD Cricket, Gary Moos, who oversees the women’s professional program has shared his excitement with the newly contracted squad.  “The past season was challenging to stay in the professional league, but we are confident that with the new squad we will be a competitive team that will compete for trophies”, he concluded.

The contracted squad is:

ELEVEN PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS FOR 2026/27

Izel Cilliers, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg, Zintle Kula, Mignon du Preez, Khayakazi Mathe, Vernussa Reddy, Courtney Gouden, Kiara Fisher, Aluncedo Dunga, Yolandi Potgieter and Jané Winster

HIGH PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS 

Lucian Swartz and Babette de Leede

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VICTORIA BAY, SOUTH AFRICA – The countdown to the 2026 Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro continues, with event organisers confirming a range of prizes, partner activations and event activities ahead of competition getting underway in June.

The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and Rip Curl Vic Bay Pro Junior will once again bring South Africa’s top surfers to Victoria Bay as they compete for valuable World Surf League ranking points, prize money and national recognition.

Surfing And Coastal Living

The event has proudly welcomed Harcourts as a supporting sponsor. The partnership reflects the strong connection between surfing, coastal lifestyles and the communities that continue to thrive around South Africa’s premier beachfront destinations. Victoria Bay and the Garden Route remain among South Africa’s most sought-after coastal regions, creating a natural alignment between the event and one of the country’s leading property brands.

Prizes Add Extra Incentive

Supporting sponsor The Royal St Andrews Hotel has contributed a four-night stay at the iconic Port Alfred Hotel during the 2027 Port Alfred Easter Festival. The prize creates a connection between the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro and the Easter Festival, where the Royal St Andrews Hotel Rip Curl Cup QS 4,000 is confirmed to take place over Easter 2027.

Bliz Eyewear has further strengthened the prize offering, with premium eyewear products set to be awarded to the winners of both the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro QS 2,000 and the Rip Curl Vic Bay Pro Junior events.

Adding further incentive for competitors, leading surfboard manufacturer Bilt International will award two premium surfboards during the event.

Bilt International manufactures surfboards for some of the world’s most respected brands, including Channel Islands Surfboards, …Lost Surfboards by Mayhem, Chilli Surfboards and its own Bilt Surfboards range.

Two boards from these brands will be awarded for various breakout performances during the Rip Curl Vic Bay Pro Junior. The awards are designed to recognise surfers who seize their opportunity, exceed expectations and make their mark during the event.

Opening Function At The Pottery

Competition weekend will begin with the official event opening function at The Pottery in George on Thursday, 18 June at 18:00.

Hosted by The Pottery, one of the event’s supporting sponsors, the relaxed meet-and-greet gathering will bring together competitors, sponsors, officials and invited guests ahead of the opening day of competition.

With world-class waves, valuable ranking points, prize money and a growing list of prizes and partner activations, the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the flagship events on the World Surf League Africa calendar.

Watch Live

The Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro will be broadcast live on WorldSurfLeague.com and on the free WSL app, bringing all the action from Victoria Bay to a global audience.

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This engagement was in partnerships with the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and attended by various tourism businesses and industry stakeholder across the region such as SANPARKS, CapeNature, Wesgro, Local Tourism Offices, established and emerging business enterprises, and the hospitality industry.

The Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger welcomed everyone present under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities, Support & Benefits Across Key Tourism Institutions” reflecting our collective commitment to strengthening tourism growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region.

These industry leading voices dissected a myriad of areas that requires improvement and highlighted opportunities across the entire tourism value chain. If this is realised, it could potentially open pathways for increased collaboration – a shared commitment to grow the region’s tourism industry.

South African Tourism representative responsible for stakeholder relations, Tony Nkadimeng, acknowledged that although the Garden Route had experienced natural disasters such as fires and the recent floods, the tourism industry remained resilient despite these challenges. “Regardless of these challenges, we are encouraged to see that the industry is still thriving,” he said.

Capitalising on its recognition as the best scenic route, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Regional Office, together with the stakeholders at workshops, explored existing opportunities for the region to entrench its brand equity among both domestic and international travellers.

Dealing with matters pertinent to the Sector, the discussions centred around strengthening tourism marketing initiatives, promoting sports tourism such as golfing, supporting small businesses, especially women-led enterprises and positioning the Garden Route and Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism destination.

Chief Director-Enterprise Development & Transformation from the National Department of Tourism, Sbonelo Nzimande, said: “We have made a concerted effort in supporting women-led businesses, digitising services offered by small businesses and enabling transactions for operators in the rural areas as well”. Nzimande added that Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises needed to embrace research, technology, innovation and creativity to move the needle in the trajectory of their entrepreneurship endeavours.

Smalls businesses were also encouraged to apply for grading through the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Hospitality businesses called for strategic coordination from the GRDM to ensure the sector becomes more attractive to investment. Funding and compliance were cited as the biggest stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs who emphasised the need to bridge the gap in the dissemination of information and mentorship.

Tourism, LED and EPWP Manager at the GRDM, Richard Dyantyi, recognised small businesses and various stakeholders for their contributions in the region and how these efforts made a tangible difference to the tourism landscape.

“This engagement will not be another talk-shop. I will ensure that the GRDM management and political leadership reflect on the issues raised at this platform so that when we meet again, I will be able to report back on what we have done from our side,” he said.

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According to Dr Cathy Fox from the State Veterinary Service, a second farm located in the northern parts of Oudtshoorn tested positive yesterday. The premises, described as a small dairy farm with a herd of 36 cattle, reported animals presenting minor lesions. Samples were collected as a precautionary measure and have since been laboratory confirmed as positive.

The affected farm has been formally notified and placed under quarantine. Response actions have been initiated, including the establishment of a biosecurity perimeter to prevent further spread and to contain the virus within the affected area.

Stakeholder Notifications & Biosecurity Coordination

Communication approach for operational updates:

The existing “FMD Garden Route” WhatsApp group will be used to share updates regarding Vehicle Control Points (VCPs) to avoid fragmented communication.

VEHICLE CONTROL POINTS (VCPS) / CHECKPOINTS: PLACEMENT, RESOURCING & RESPONSIBILITIES

To maintain the 10km biosecurity perimeter around both of the affected farms, three Vehicle Control Points (VCPs) are considered sufficient to regulate movement into and out of the affected area while optimising the use of available manpower.

𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖

Applications for the closure of Western Cape Provincial Roads must be directed to Gerhard Otto, gotto@gardenroute.gov.za. Residents will be able to access these roads, but not other motorists or cyclists.

Role players involved in approving these applications, include the GRDM Disaster Management Centre, Western Cape Provincial Government Roads Engineer, the South African Police Service and the affected local municipality law enforcement.

𝗙𝗠𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦

All FMD resources, including updates, are uploaded here: https://tinyurl.com/32u2avdt
WCG Department of Agriculture updates, are uploaded here: https://tinyurl.com/3nt3bn2e
WCG FMD Hotline Number: 080 928 4102 (Press 1 for FMD)
National Dept. Agriculture: 0860 246 640

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦

Garden Route Emergency Call Centre
044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

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Van Schalkwyk, who managed the South African team to a historic first Eisenhower Trophy triumph at the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships in Singapore, succeeds Henk Smith after serving four years as Junior Vice-President and Vice-President, while De Wet takes over from Susan Andrew following a distinguished three-year term as WGSA Vice-President.

Thinus Labuschagne from Limpopo was elected SAGA Vice-President after serving two years as Junior Vice-President, while WGSA welcomed Mpumalanga’s Petricia Buurman as its newly elected Vice-President.

Mpumalanga’s Coenie du Preez steps into the role of Junior Vice-President.

Van Schalkwyk assumes office exactly 50 years after competing in his first Inter-Provincial Tournament. He represented North West from 1979 to 1998 and began managing the province’s premier team in 2000. His administrative career started in 1995 and included terms as North West Golf Union Vice-President and President, while he has also served on the SAGA Election Committee since 2020.

“It is a tremendous honour to be entrusted with the leadership of The South African Golf Association,” Van Schalkwyk said. “The game in South Africa continues to grow because of the strong partnerships between SAGA, Womens Golf South Africa and GolfRSA. Over the past decade, we have worked diligently to strengthen amateur golf, create opportunities for players and unions, and contribute meaningfully to the broader golf industry.

“I look forward to continuing that collaborative approach as we work together to grow and advance the game at every level.”

De Wet brings more than a decade of golf administration experience to the role, having progressed through structures at Silver Lakes Golf Club, Gauteng North Golf Union and WGSA. Her corporate background includes leadership and management roles across several listed organisations.

“It is a privilege to take on this role and continue serving women’s golf in South Africa,” she said. “We have seen encouraging growth in participation in recent years, particularly among women and girls, and I believe there is tremendous opportunity to build on that momentum.

“I look forward to working closely with GolfRSA and SAGA to continue creating pathways for young talent, strengthening our unions and ensuring that more players across the country have access to opportunities within the game.”

Labuschagne, a respected businessman and long-serving golf administrator, earned his PGA diploma in 2008 and began his service in amateur golf as Club Captain at Chrome Golf Club. He served as President of Limpopo Golf Union from 2017 and joined the SAGA executive in 2019. He also managed the victorious South African teams at the 2025 Africa Region 5 Golf Tournament and the 2026 All-Africa Junior Team Championship in Kenya.

“Junior golf remains incredibly close to my heart,” said Labuschagne.

“I am passionate about growing the game among young players and helping create opportunities for the next generation to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.”

Buurman, currently the Vice-President of Mpumalanga, has been involved in golf administration since 2014 and served in several roles within Mpumalanga golf before being elected President of Mpumalanga Women’s Golf in 2024. She managed the victorious Mpumalanga teams during their SA Women’s IPT triumphs in 2024 and 2026.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence shown in me by the unions,” Buurman said. “I look forward to contributing towards the continued growth of women’s golf in South Africa and helping create opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and succeed in the game.”

Mbombela Golf Club General Manager Du Preez has served Mpumalanga golf for nearly three decades, including two terms of three years as the Mpumalanga Golf Union President. During his tenure in golf administration, he championed career pathway opportunities for South African Golf Development Board graduates and managed 32 numerous provincial teams at Inter-Provincial level.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve SAGA in this new role,” Du Preez said.

“Golf has the power to change lives, and I look forward to helping strengthen development structures and supporting the continued growth of amateur golf across South Africa.”

GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn welcomed the outcome of the elections, which took place during the WGSA Annual General Meeting at Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate on 16 May and the SAGA Annual General Meeting at Country Club Johannesburg on 23 May.

“Henk Smith and Susan Andrew have both made an enormous contribution to amateur golf in South Africa through their leadership, dedication and unwavering support of GolfRSA,” Hepburn said.

“We are grateful for the role they played in strengthening relationships within the game and helping drive the continued growth of amateur golf in this country.

“We congratulate Peet, Madeleine, Thinus, Petricia and Coenie on their appointments. They have all done a huge amount for golf in our country already, and I look forward to working closely with them as team as we continue building a stronger and more inclusive future for South African golf together.”

Outgoing President Smith congratulated Van Schalkwyk on his appointment and expressed confidence in the association’s future.

“It has been an honour to serve SAGA and contribute to the continued growth and success of amateur golf in South Africa,” Smith said. “I would like to thank everyone who played a role during my term, and I have no doubt that the game will continue to thrive under Peet’s leadership.”

Andrew thanked the golfing community for its support during her tenure and said she was proud of the progress made in the women’s game.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve Womens Golf South Africa and to witness the continued growth of the women’s game during my tenure,” Andrew said. “I am incredibly proud of our players, unions, volunteers and partners, and I have every confidence that WGSA will continue to go from strength to strength under Madeleine’s leadership.”

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With the new memorandum of understanding, AfriForum’s cooperation with the Municipality, as well as projects aimed at supporting progress, are formally established. Among other things, AfriForum and the Knysna Municipality have agreed to work together to address service delivery challenges in the community.

The agreement ensures that AfriForum can assist with upgrading and maintaining infrastructure, undertake projects to improve public spaces, and conduct supplementary audits and independent monitoring of water quality and landfill sites. These functions are aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency while ensuring that the community receives the services to which it is entitled.

Over the past year, the branch has proven that it is both willing and capable of making a meaningful difference: AfriForum’s first neighbourhood team in the Western Cape was launched in Knysna; the branch successfully introduced a recycling service; all road markings and speed bumps in Buffels Bay were repainted; more than 20 tonnes of tar were used to repair potholes in Knysna and Sedgefield; and the public bathrooms in Sedgefield and Buffels Bay were refurbished and repainted. In 2024, the branch also repaired the road leading to the site where garden refuse is dumped. Annual audits are conducted to determine whether the site complies with the necessary requirements for responsible waste management.

“These projects are proof that the branch can make a substantial contribution and come up with practical solutions that benefit the entire community,” says Marthinus Erasmus, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Southern Cape.

“We believe that real progress is possible when communities and local authorities work together. This agreement serves as proof that AfriForum is willing to build and cooperate – not only for today, but also for the future of every resident of Knysna.”

The first joint project between AfriForum and the Knysna Municipality will commence shortly. As part of this initiative, the branch will assist with the installation of 185 high-efficiency toilets in the Smutsville neighbourhood.

AfriForum encourages residents to be a part of the branch’s projects and to help build a culture of self-reliance, responsibility and community pride. Join today and help the Knysna branch do even more. Send an email to marthinus.erasmus@afriforum.co.za or contact Marthinus on 081 216 9602 for more information.

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Represented by Lucy Tully and Plett Tourism acting CEO, Cindy Wilson-Trollip, the association engaged in meaningful one-to-one conversations during the three-day exhibition. This included pre-scheduled appointments with high-value stakeholders and walk-up engagements at the stand. Plett Tourism was joined by the HOD of Bitou Municipality Planning and Development, Smangaliso Mtengwane and Wandisile Sebezo from Bitou Municipality’s Local Economic Development office.

“WTM reaffirmed that Plett is not only competing on a global stage, it’s leading with purpose,” says Mtengwane. “The engagement, partnerships, and international interest we experienced highlighted a destination that balances luxury with authenticity, and growth with sustainability. Plett continues to captivate the world by offering meaningful, responsible travel experiences that resonate with today’s conscious traveller. We are looking forward to doing more for the tourism industry of Plett with the new network created.” 

The primary objective of this year’s attendance was to reinforce Plettenberg Bay’s positioning within the global market as a leader in sustainable tourism. Key highlights from the event included:

• Strategic Global Networking: Direct exposure to international buyers and media partners from key source markets, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, and India.
• Market Intelligence: Attendance at thought-leadership panels and sessions provided valuable insights into emerging trends like travel tech and sustainable aviation.
• Brand Reinforcement: Consistent messaging focused on Plett as a premium destination for long-stay, high-value audiences.

Beyond direct networking, participation in specialised workshops and panels that highlighted shifts in global travel expectations, provided key insights and underscored that sustainability has moved from being a differentiator to a core expectation for modern travellers. Discussions on luxury travel revealed a growing demand for authentic, immersive experiences – such as wellness and storytelling – where “meaning” is valued over mere opulence. Sessions on “cultural experience narratives” emphasised the importance of ethical, human-centered tourism, advocating for co-creation with local communities for mutual benefit in experiential travel. 

“WTM Africa remains a critical platform for destination visibility and credibility,” Tully noted, with the focus on building long-term growth and high-quality partnerships rather than immediate transactional returns. Trade interest was particularly strong from European and UK markets, alongside emerging interest from India.

By participating in high-level discussions and sustainability-focused sessions, Plett Tourism continues to grow partnerships in the media and travel industries, and align its digital voice and marketing strategy with the evolving needs of the international traveller.

This year, Plett Tourism proudly displayed “The Toy Project” products on the stand. The Toy Project is a skills and employment initiative for previously unemployed women living in the Wittedrift community.  These quirky and authentic toys are 100% handmade, using little more than needle and thread. No two are identical – each reflects the individual style and personal expression of its creator. Find out more on www.toyproject.co.za.

For more information on Plettenberg Bay’s upcoming events and tourism initiatives, please visit the Plett Tourism website www.pletttourism.com.

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The launch event was held at Boplaas’s tasting room in Hartenbos, a region that André is very fond of and where he regularly vacations. It is also just a short distance from Boplaas’s vineyards and barrel cellar in Calitzdorp.

The creation of this special rum is thanks to a perfect combination of circumstances. The Nel family of Boplaas are avid rugby supporters with quite a few friends in the national team. Master distiller Daniel Nel also occasionally releases a rum within the Boplaas range that showcases the exceptional qualities of unusual wood aging. André, on the other hand, not only represents the national team and captain the Sharks of KwaZulu-Natal, but is also a major rum enthusiast.

According to Esterhuizen, he has had the opportunity to taste some of the world’s best rums during his rugby career. Nevertheless, Boplaas remained a favorite of his—not only because of the long family history behind the brand, but also because of the Nels’ high premium on quality, which ensures their products are world-class.

“Adding a new premium rum to the Boplaas portfolio is always a proud milestone for us, but being able to do it in partnership with a national icon like André Esterhuizen has made this project truly extraordinary,” says Daniel.

“André shares our deep passion for craftsmanship and patience, which was clear from day one. Together we embarked on a meticulous journey until we found the absolute perfect expression. The liquid we have now bottled, I hope, is proof of that dedication—blending the strong, uncompromising character André is known for on the rugby field with the refined, rich complexity that defines Boplaas products. We cannot wait for rum enthusiasts and South Africans to experience it.”

The Boplaas 1880 10-year-aged André Esterhuizen Rum displays its luxurious colours in a rich tapestry of flavours and aromas typical of top-class rums. It hints at sun-dried peaches, vanilla, and roasted nuts, delivering a satisfying taste that lingers on the tongue with a long finish.

These characteristics develop completely naturally, reflecting the influence of various casks used throughout its development over the years. The rum initially spent five years in bourbon casks. It then rested for a further five years in Boplaas’s own tawny port casks.

What makes the rum even more unique is where it is aged. The warm Little Karoo climate, with its large temperature fluctuations during the day and low humidity, allows for faster aging and a more concentrated profile. This means that even though the rum is 10 years old, it takes on the aroma and flavour profile of much older rums.

Furthermore, the rum’s alcohol strength differs from common examples

Where most rums are diluted with water to achieve the conventional alcohol content of 43% before bottling, the Boplaas André Esterhuizen Rum is bottled—as is the worldwide practice with exceptional releases—at the strength it comes straight out of the cask. This ensures that the rum undergoes no disruption to its natural flavour, which makes this type of spirit a favourite among connoisseurs. Boplaas André Esterhuizen Rum is a single-cask rum with an alcohol level of 60%.

The rum can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or ice, but it is also very versatile. At the launch event in Hartenbos, guests were able to experience this exact characteristic of the rum firsthand, as it was served in cocktails and mixed drinks.

Availability and Contact Information

The Boplaas André Esterhuizen Rum is available at Boplaas’s tasting rooms in Calitzdorp, George and Hartenbos, as well as online at www.boplaas.co.za. The price is R1,200 per bottle and it comes packaged in a luxury wooden box. Get in contact with us if you would like to order a signed bottle.

For more information:

• Email: admin@boplaas.co.za
• Phone: 044 213 3326
• Facebook: Boplaas1880
• Instagram: @boplaaswines

The post Springbok, André Esterhuizen, Teams Up with Boplaas to Launch Rum on the Garden Route appeared first on The Gremlin.

“Our focus, when creating the Garden Route Giro, was to develop a gravel stage race which inspired exciting racing for the elite men’s and women’s titles, but also rewarded regular riders with a memorable and enjoyable experience,” Henco Rademeyer, of Dryland Event Management, explained. “The positive feedback we’ve received suggests that we have created something special, and we’re excited to build on the positives of 2026 to make 2027’s race even more remarkable.”

“The Garden Route Giro route will remain challenging, but balance distance and difficulty with fast tar road sections and breathtaking views. For every mountain pass ascent, there will, of course, be a thrilling descent, and we’ve seen that the strength of the groups makes traversing undulating roads fun, fast, and efficient. We will be launching the 2027 route at the end of August 2026, but gravel enthusiasts can bank on six days of proper gravel, with about 600 kilometres of racing and 11 000 metres of accumulated ascent,” Rademeyer confirmed.

A buzz was created around the inaugural edition. The vibe in the peloton was one of insiders sharing a love of a band yet to make it mainstream. Of intrepid adventurers being rewarded for opting not to wait and see, but to dive in and experience something truly remarkable.

“I loved the intimate setting and the routes. The family feeling and small towns,” former South African road, mountain bike marathon, and gravel champion Cherise Willeit praised. “The shorter routes with enough time to relax and connect are a big plus,” industry stalwart Charl Neethling added. “That, plus community inclusion at every race village, a comfortable race village setup in each town, and effective organisation, all came together to make it a special week.”

Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s Douglas Ryder is no stranger to bike races. Ryder was among a select group who made use of the Platinum accommodation packages and enjoyed some of the Garden Route’s most luxurious boutique hotels while racing his gravel bike. “I loved the gravel, the routes, the premium package accommodation, and the people in the organisation,” Ryder smiled.

2026 participants returning for 2027 will be rewarded with exclusive early access, allowing them to enter 24 hours before general entries open and they will also be sent a limited-edition Garden Route Giro Founders’ cycling jersey, custom-made by First Ascent. This jersey will be shipped free of charge to the riders, regardless of where they are in the world. 

On the bike, the success of the first Garden Route Giro was the diversity of the route. Starting among the pastures of the Hessequa, an undulating opening day was followed by four mountainous days as the race crossed into and out of the Klein Karoo en route to Knysna, in the Garden Route. A final indigenous forest fill stage took the race to Wilderness, and a similar theme will be followed in 2027. Green fields will give way to semi-arid plains, valleys of surprising floral diversity, and high mountains dotted with flowering proteas.

11 months out from the 2027 edition, it is too early to predict road conditions. Though it is safe to expect proper gravel, long smooth and fast hard-packed segments, some rutted and rough sections, and the odd rocky corner on a technical descent. Weather, in the build-up to the event, will play a role in determining the exact state of the roads, but that is part of the adventure of gravel.

Off the bike, the highlights are easier to predict. Dryland Event Management will once again be calling upon the local communities to showcase their hospitality and to provide much of the catering, under the expert guidance of Chef Gerbie van Deventer. Biogen’s world-class sports nutrition will power water points and post-stage recovery. In the afternoons, a chill zone will provide snacks and drinks to aid in further recovery.

All race entries include lunch, which will be served in the various race villages, but for 2027, breakfasts and dinners have been included in the tented accommodation packages too. Participants opting to stay in the race village will enjoy a simple breakfast on-site, as well as a hearty dinner filled with local favourites, only small-town South Africa can prepare to perfection.

The Gold and Platinum packages also include breakfast but do not include dinner, giving riders the flexibility to enjoy the wide variety of local restaurants at their own pace. However, the hotels and restaurant chefs are well aware of the nutritional demands of a stage race and will ensure that meals available to riders are both high quality and suited to endurance fuelling needs.

2027 participants will receive an official race garment, a First Ascent race bag, as well as gravel gifts from other partners to fill a jam-packed registration bag. The ride-only entry structure allows for the creation of a bespoke Garden Route Giro experience, where everyone can select the accommodation level and extras they desire to enhance their six days of gravel racing.

To share in the stories from the 2026 race and gain inspiration for the stories that will continue in 2027, follow @gardenroutegiro on Instagram and like the Garden Route Giro Facebook page.

Entries to the 2027 event, which is set to take place from 19 to 24 April next year, open on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 12:00 [South African Time | GMT +2]. South African based gravel riders can visit www.gardenroutegiro.co.za for more information and to enter online, while international participants can click through to entries.dryland.co.za to discover all the key details and for online entries.

*Tented accommodation packages include breakfast and dinner. Lunches are included with the Race Entry.

Dryland Event Management

Dryland Event Management hosts thirteen events annually across three of South Africa’s nine provinces. These include single-day mountain- and gravel bike races, mountain bike stage races, and multi-day trail runs. Famed for their hospitality and attention to detail, as well as their superb relationships with private land owners, Dryland welcomes 10,000 participants across their various events each year. To find out more, visit www.dryland.co.za.

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Hosted in Durban at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, during the second week of May, the event showcased the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracted international buyers and media from across the world.

The Indaba brought together Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors included provincial authorities, provincial products and African countries, accommodation, tour operators, game lodges, transport, online travel, luxury products, hidden gems, media publications and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors included transport, camping and safari companies.

This year, the GR&KK team again exhibited their tourism offerings at this well-known marketing platform with a secured 12 m² space at the DEC Hall. “By exhibiting on the GR&KK platform with two of the region’s Local Tourism Offices including George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism, as well as Visit Knysna Tourism, sent a strong unified message to all tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” Johnson highlighted. “This platform provided the region the opportunity to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more tours and travels to the GR&KK,” he added.

Officially opened with an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, the event reflected on a government that understands that tourism is a central pillar of growth, jobs, investment, and transformation.

It further proceeded with palpable energy and a clear sense of purpose on its Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), on 11 May, setting a visionary tone for the continent’s premier leisure tourism trade show. The BONDAY programme launches critical conversations around policy, entrepreneurship, destination competitiveness, sports tourism, culture, and digital transformation. These are all designed to showcase new growth opportunities for African tourism economies.

By collaborating with African neighbours (e.g., Namibia, Botswana, Kenya), the region expands into new markets, sustains visitor numbers, and balances the tourism season across all 12 months – although R835 million was spent on tourism it total, it supported more than 1,122 jobs across the region.

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The men’s team of the club has won the Premier League and T20 competition, whilst their female team has also made a clean sweep by winning both the Women’s Division 1 50- over and T20 competitions.

The CEO of SWD Cricket, Albertus Kennedy, was the guest speaker at the event.

Present at the awards were:

Dawie Nolan and Tisha McGreggor from the club’s main sponsor – Warthog Sharepners, Albertus Kennedy (CEO of SWD Cricket), Leroy Hector (President of Pacaltsdorp United CC),  Pieter Stuurman (T20 player of the Season), Kevin Damons (B-team player of the Season), and Ricardo Majolla (Player of the Season).

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A dozen eateries across villages on Route 12 – Glentana, Grootbrak River, Kleinbrak River, Hartenbos, Herbertsdale and Mossel Bay – have signed up for this year’s celebration of wine, food, music and more.

Participating restaurants are located in Glentana (Meat@Sea/Tumblr Tasting Room); Grootbrak (Twin Trees, Charcoal & Charm, and Peperboom); Hartenbos (Boplaas Tasting Room in Hart & Bosch and Misty Valley in Ruiterbos); Herbertsdale (ReedValley); Kleinbrak (Van Loveren and Salty River Beerhouse); and Mossel Bay (Bahia Bleu, Hussar Grill, O’Hey Café & Bakery, and Royal Blue Lounge Café).

Wine-experience seekers can kick off their Wine & Whatever tour wherever it suits best. Tickets at R200 include a map to venues and a wine glass, to be collected at any participating eatery. Read on for more on the wines and craft brews to be sampled:

* Misty Valley will bring a unique tasting experience to W&WE26, with gin tastings comprising products from Harmony Distillery, Ginzansi, Honeybush Gin, Aloe Ferox Dry Gin, and Limited Edition Old Tom Barrel Aged Gin.

* Hussar Grill will treat guests to an unforgettable Pinotage tasting. These include Survivor, Rhino Run, Landskroon, Neil Ellis, Christiana, and Hussar 60th.

* Charcoal & Charm will bring bold flavours to W&WE26. Treats featured will include Deetlefs Stonecross Malbec 2024 – an intense deep purple wine with notes of blackberry, mulberry, violets, liquorice, and ripe plums.

* At Twin Trees, guests will enjoy curated tastings from an exceptional selection of South African wines such as Gabriëlskloof The Blend, Perdeberg Endura, Salt Rock Red Blend, Stellenbosch Hills Reserve Red Blend, and Jordan Chameleon Red.

* Salty River Beerhouse will feature tastings of Devils Peak Craft Beer and a variety of craft gins. Whether you’re a beer lover or gin fundi, Salty River guarantees a fun and refreshing encounter.

* During W&WE26 weekend, ReedValley guests will enjoy a curated tasting of four remarkable EdenValley house wines, each emphasising the singular character and elegance of the region’s vineyards, from crisp, refreshing notes to bold and expressive flavours.

* Boplaas Hartenbos Tasting Room will offer award-winning varietals including Alvarinho 2025, Tinta Barocca 2023, Merlot 2024, and Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2020.

* Swing past Meat@Sea’s Tumblr Tasting Room to savour Alvi’s Drift Cap Classique Brut Nature, Alvi’s Drift Brut Rosé, Groot Phesantekraal Cap Classique, Groot Phesantekraal Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Zonin DOC Prosecco, and Zonin Limoneto Spritz.

* At Bahia Bleu, Wine-experience seekers will be treated to a range of magnificent Merlots including HPF Posmeester, Budsberg, Wildcard, and the locally-produced Jakkalsvlei Merlot.

* Van Loveren will avail a selection of its award-winning wines at its Klipheuwel tasting room – a newly-revamped space with beautiful views.

* O’Hey Café & Bakery is famous for artisan sourdough baked fresh every morning. With its crisp golden crust, soft airy centre and slow-fermented goodness, it’s perfect with butter, soup, cheese… and most definitely the range of Chenin Blancs that will be on offer during W&WE26.

Royal Blue Lounge Café will showcase Org de Rac, which pioneered 100% certified organic wine-farming in South Africa. Org de Rac’s overriding focus is superlative quality, from vine to bottle and beyond.

Peperboom needs no introduction to residents of Groot Brak and surrounds. W&WE26 guests can look forward to enjoying a selection of fine wines to complement items on its well-loved menu.

Book your Wine & Whatever tickets at www.quicket.co.za/events/374061-wine-whatever-26/ or any participating restaurant. The Experience kicks off with a concert entitled ‘With or Without You: The Songs of U2’ at the Mossel Bay Town Hall on Thursday 4 June.

Says spokesman Christoff Beukes: “This year, we celebrate 50 years of U2 so join us for a powerful live retrospective as we strip back the layers and unleash the soul of U2’s golden era.”

Joining Christoff on guitar and vocals is Doug Bean, along with Renaldo (bass & vocals) and Ezra Isaacs (drums). “This isn’t just a concert. It’s a celebration of the music that made us want to start a band and change the world. Come experience the passion and nostalgia.” Book.at www.quicket.co.za/events/373341-songs-of-u2-live-in-mosselbay/#/. 

The event is promoted by Algoa FM and through social media campaigns. Look out for updates on street posters and in future editions of the Mossel Bay Advertiser. Then diarise 4 to 6 June and bring along your family and friends.

This year’s Wine & Whatever Experience is an opportunity to discover new restaurants and tastes, enjoy excellent music and be part of a Route 12-community event. Call 084 583 3144 or email mimi@gojipr.net for additional information.

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The two top batsmen, George van Heerden and Ruan Terblanche will join Division 1 team’s next season.  Van Heerden, who also captained the Badgers in the white ball format will move to the Knights (in Bloemfontein), who have been promoted to division 1.  He was in superb form with the bat during his tenure of two seasons with the Badgers.  Terblanche, who spent three seasons with the Oudtshoorn based team, has been contracted by Boland after having a fine season with the bat. A third player, the all-rounder Kyle Jacobs, will join the Northern Cape Heat.

The most significant new acquisition is the former Protea top order batsman, Janneman Malan. The 30-year-old Malan has represented the Proteas in 23 One-Day-internationals and 11 T20 tests.  He scored three international centuries with a highest score of 177.  The middle of the three brothers, André, represented the Badgers (between 2021 and 2023) whilst the eldest sibling, Pieter, also represented South Africa in red ball cricket.

Other newcomers are the hard-hitting Dolphins top order batsman, Slade van Staden, and the all-rounder from the Titans – Leo Sadler.  To beef up the bowling department Modise Maloka (from the Knights) and Nipho Mpongose (from Northern Cape) will join the Badgers.

Enathi Khitshini, who captained the SA Schools team last season, was rewarded with a high-performance contract.

Coach, Lotle Sesesle, has however put faith in the majority of his players of the past season and has retained such players.  The Board of Directors has also put faith in the coaching team and has renewed the contracts of Sesele (Head Coach), Warren Bell (Assistant Coach) and Tyler Easton (Strength and Conditioning Coach).

It was recently announced that Cricket South Africa (CSA) will apply various changes to the structure of the domestic competition ahead of the 2026/27 season.  The seven teams in division two of first-class cricket will contest 12 three-day matches – at home and away – each.  Previously, the division two first-class season comprised six four day matches per team.

The CEO of SWD Cricket, Albertus Kennedy, has shared his excitement with the newly contracted squad.  “Winning teams at all levels – especially our flagship teams – is an important strategic objective of the company”, he said. “Our ambition is that the current personnel will take us to division 1 in the next two years promotion/relegation cycle of domestic cricket in South Africa”, he concluded.

The contracted squad is:

ELEVEN PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS FOR 2026/27

Liam Alder, Banele Cele, Benni Hansen, Zack Momberg, Pheko Moletsane, Nathan Engelbrecht, Yaseen Valli, Janneman Malan, Slade van Staden, Leo Sadler and Modise Maloka

HIGH PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS 

Enathi Kitshini, Nipho Mpungose, and Jade Richter

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