WEDNESDAY 20 AUGUST
Helderberg: The third annual INDIE AUTHORS RISE UP: FRINGE FIRESIDE CHATS book festival is on at various venues in Gordon’s Bay, Somerset West and Strand until Sunday 24 August. There are enriching sessions with mentors, candid insights from authors, legal guidance for writers, artists and other creatives, and a hands-on workshop unpacking AI’s role in the world of writing. More than 40 talented independent authors and self-publishing service providers are part of the event. Most tickets cost R60 each and include a glass of wine, while others offer free admission. For more information on the event and the full programme, visit www.indieauthorsriseup.co.za.
Somerset West: An adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is on stage at THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE until Saturday 23 August. What happens when you take the popular novel out of its Victorian England setting and place it in the early 2000s, an era of rising celebrity culture, instant gratification and the relentless pursuit of perfection? The bold adaptation by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa doesn’t change the heart of the story. The themes remain intact: the obsession with beauty, the weight of influence, the dangers of vanity and the consequences of a life without accountability. What shifts is the setting – a fast-paced, media-saturated world where Dorian’s descent feels more urgent, familiar and dangerous. The production is recommended for people over age 16 as a result of mature themes. Book your seat via Webtickets.
DONDERDAG 21 AUGUSTUS
Strand: Donderdag is Pensioentrekker-dag by SUNSET BOOKS in Kusweg. Die dag begin met ‘n groep wat van 10:00 tot 11:00 vierkante brei of hekel vir komberse en prosteses vir borskanker-
oorwinnaars, gevolg deur ‘n praatjie deur die plaaslike skrywer Anita Hamman van 14:30 tot 15:30. Sy gesels oor haar boek Jan & Marie van Riebeeck: Nederland tot Kaap, ‘n verhaal geweef uit die stof van die lewe, die Van Riebeeck-fami- lie se lief en leed, hartseer en vreugdes en die daaglikse stryd om die hier te “maak”. Toegang is gratis, maar besprekings is noodsaaklik via WhatsApp by 068 385 2563.
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST
Strand: In celebration of Women’s Month, SUNSET BOOKS hosts a book discussion and gender-based violence workshop from 14:00 to 15:30. Author Pride Nganje will address the systematic barriers that perpetuate GBV in this insightful workshop and discuss his book, Discipline is key. Admission costs R60, and includes the chance to win a copy of the book. To reserve your seat, send a WhatsApp message to 068 385 2563.
MAANDAG 25 AUGUSTUS
Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS of Christians Against Drugs (Cad) nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het, na hul byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NGK Strand Moedergemeente op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat. Bel Gerrit by 073 336 3119 of Werner by 082 826 0972.
WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST
Gordon’s Bay: A Tea-Cup Painting Workshop is offered at the GOLDFISH CAFÉ from 18:00 to 20:30. The hands-on workshop promises to be both relaxing and inspiring. The cost is R350 per person. For bookings and more information, send a WhatsApp message on 083 625 6622.
Strand: Aletta Francina de Kock se splinternuwe stand-up-komedie-vertoning, Effens Anders, bied ‘n komiese en eerlike blik op haar huidige lewe – met al die snaakse, aweregse en bloot bizarre dinge wat daarmee saamkom. Soos altyd bring sy haar skerp humorsin en natuurlike aanvoeling vir storievertelling en laat jou met haar unieke uitkyk op die wêreld skater van die lag. Kom lag saam en ontmoet die vrou met die mooiste kuite in die land – want met Aletta is niks ooit heeltemal normaal nie… alles is altyd Effens Anders! Die vertoning is om 19:30 op die planke by THE DRAMA FACTORY. Geen onder 16’s. Besoek www.dramafactory.co.za vir besprekings.
SATERDAG 30 AUGUSTUS
Strand: Die NG KERK LOURENSRIVIER hou sy jaarlikse Voedselfees van 09:00. Geniet potjiekos, vetkoek, pannekoek en meer! Daar is ook ‘n Tombola-tafel met opwindende pryse en kindervermaak vir die hele gesin. Almal is welkom om deel te wees van die gemeenskapsviering. Vir navrae, skakel 021 853 5991.
Somerset West: ST PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH hosts its monthly book sale from 09:00 to 12:00, featuring an exciting selection of “new” Afrikaans books alongside the usual collection of high-quality literature. There will be no book sale in September, so the August event is the last opportunity until October to discover literary treasures and support a worthy cause. Visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, and a selection of eats while browsing, with the convenience of a card machine for purchases. The event also features a fundraising car wash. All proceeds from the book sale directly benefit the church’s feeding programmes, ensuring every purchase makes a meaningful difference in the community. To donate books to the sale, phone Carole on 084 299 9023.
DINSDAG 2 SEPTEMBER
Strand: Die HELDERBERG SENIOR KLUB nooi alle afgetredenes uit na hul maandelikse byeenkoms by die NG kerk Helderberg in Firmountweg. Die gesellige oggend begin om 09:00 met tee en verversings, gevolg deur samesang en ‘n spesiale program om 09:30. Lede betaal slegs R10 vir tee, terwyl besoekers welkom is teen R20. Die hoogtepunt van die dag sal wees wanneer talentvolle musiekleerders van die Hoër Meisieskool Rhenish gaste met hul uitstaande musiekuitvoerings vermaak. Hierdie geleentheid bied die perfekte kans vir afgetredenes om nuwe vriende te maak, ou vriendskappe te hernu en deel te wees van ‘n lewendige gemeenskap. Almal is welkom om hierdie inspirerende oggend by te woon. Bel Apolonia Maritz by 021 853 7560 of 082 507 7091 vir enige navrae of meer inligting.
THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
Somerset West: MASIKHULE, a local NPO focused on early childhood development, celebrates its 20th anniversary and invites the community to its annual general meeting at Urban Voice church in Schapenberg Road from 14:30 to 16:00. The gathering will share achievements, future plans and express gratitude for community support over the years. RSVP for the gathering is required by Monday 1 September via email on info@masikhule.org.
