Weekly diary | Weeklikse dagboek

THURSDAY 6 NOVEMBER

Somerset West: A U3A MONEY MATTERS meeting takes place at the Somerset West United church, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Bright streets, from 10:00 to 12:00. The meeting will feature Citadel chief economist Maarten Ackerman presenting “Beyond the Noise – A Global Outlook”. The session will examine the global economic impact of Trump’s presidency, challenges facing South African exports and economy, and investment strategies for navigating market uncertainty. Tea and refreshments available from 09:30. The cost for visitors is R15 and R10 for members. For more details, contact Danie on 082 783 9582 or dschoeman2745@gmail.com.

VRYDAG 7 TOT SONDAG 9 NOVEMBER

Grabouw: Moenie die BUITELEWE-EN-AVONTUUR-EKSPO misloop nie! Die ekspo is by die Elgin-Grabouw-sportklub langs die Eikenhoffdam, wat aan die Hottentots-Holland-natuurreservaat grens. Die gewilde geleentheid bevat alles vir die buitelewe – kamptoerusting, stap- en fietsrytoerusting, kameras, batterystelsels, sakke, braaiers, bergfietse, e-fietse, handgemaakte messe, vellies en buitelugklere. Woonwaens en sleepwaens word bymekaar geplaas om vergelyking maklik te maak, terwyl 4×4-voertuie-, 4×4-toerusting en 4×4-hulptoerusting ook uitgestal word. Die geleentheid is ‘n wonderlike dag-uitstappie vir die hele gesin, met honde aan leibande wat ook welkom is, fantastiese kosverkopers asook ‘n biertent, kindervermaak, nie-gemotoriseerde watersport, staproetes, fietsry- of 4×4-uitstappies. Kaartjies by die hek (R80 tot R150, afhangende van die dag) en kinders onder sewe jaar geniet gratis toegang. Vir nog: www.lrclassic.com.

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER

Betty’s Bay: CapeNature and Sanccob hosts the annual Penguin Palooza at STONY POINT NATURE RESERVE at 10:00. The free family-friendly event aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered African Penguin species that scientists warn could vanish from the wild by 2035. Locals can look forward to an outdoor market with local food and crafts, interactive exhibits, children’s activities, and the highlight, releasing rehabilitated penguins back into the wild. Fewer than 8 750 breeding pairs remain in South Africa, with populations declining by 8% annually. At Stony Point specifically, numbers plummeted from 1 200 individuals in 2023 to just 673 in 2024, representing only 27% of the colony’s size a decade ago. The African continent’s only penguin species faces threats from limited food availability, pollution, climate change, oil spills, and predation. CapeNature and Sanccob are collaborating with WWF-SA, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, BirdLife SA, and Betty’s Bay Conservancy to rehabilitate injured penguins and hand-rear abandoned eggs and chicks for release.

SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER

Somerset West: The COUNTRY CRAFT MARKET at Southey’s Vines in Main Road returns to the park-like surrounds from 09:00 to 14:00 today (15 November) and Saturday 29 November. The family-friendly market is renowned as the place to buy handcrafts of an exceptional quality. Well-behaved pooches on leashes are welcome and there is plenty of safe parking. For more information, call Lesley on 083 590 9197 or send an email to info@countrycraftmarket.org.

Stellenbosch: The KINGDOM FIRE CHURCH hosts God’s Design for Connection, with speakers Prof Vernon, head of internal medicine at Stellenbosch University, and his wife, physiotherapist Hymne Louw. Their teaching on “attachment” is rooted in self-study, neurological insight, and 30 years of mentoring. The session, from 14:00 to 18:00, is at the church at The Woodmill in Vredenburg Road. Mandatory booking can be done on Quicket at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/338652-conference-gods-design-for-connection/?ref=events-list#/).