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Monday 07:30 - 16:15 Tuesday 07:30 - 16:15 Wednesday 07:30 - 16:15 Thursday 07:30 - 16:15 Friday 07:30 - 15:00

Kouga Municipality, 33 Da Gama Road, Jeffrey's Bay (2026)

Kouga Municipality is a local authority responsible for the towns of Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis, Oyster Bay, Thornhill, Loerie, Hankey Patensie and the hinterland thereof. Kouga Municipality, situated just west of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, will use this social media platform to communicate and inform its residents of important and upcoming events and servic

e delivery matters, as well as Council decisions and other important information deemed of interest to customers and relevant stakeholders. For service faults and requests please contact the Kouga Municipality Call Centre at 042 200 2200 or download the free Link Powered by Vodacom app from the Google Play or App Store. Kouga Municipality will NOT condone or tolerate any of the following:
- Racism (including offensive comments based on ethnicity and nationality)
- Sexism / Homophobia
- Religious intolerance
- Cyber bullying
- Hate speech
- Derogatory language
- Comments inciting violence
- Politicking. We ask that comments remain relevant and do not include general banter or conversation as this dilutes the effectiveness of the comments section. Kouga Municipality reserves the right to:
► remove any comments that do not follow the above guidelines; and,
► ban users who repeatedly infringe the rules.

07/09/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆

Freshly baked sourdough bread ready to go greets you as you step into the home of Sadie Cakes owner Sadie-Lee Hansen in Jeffreys Bay.

Inside the home-bakery every corner tells a story. The hardworking oven, affectionately named Dolly after Hansen's great-grandmother, quietly turns out everything from artisan sourdough to elaborate celebration cakes. Not far from it stands Dixie, her trusted stand mixer and faithful baking companion.

Together, Dolly and Dixie have helped transform a childhood passion into a thriving home-based business that has become known for its handcrafted cakes, artisan breads and irresistible sweet treats.

"I bake anything from custom cakes to sourdough breads and everything in between," says Hansen. "Everything produced is made with my two hands using only the best quality ingredients, and I pride myself on ensuring that my customers are always catered to with complete satisfaction."

𝐀 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
Although Hansen always loved baking and making birthday cakes for friends, she never imagined it would become her career.

After finishing school, she moved to Cape Town to study psychology and explored a variety of careers, including guest relations, waitressing, modelling and acting. She eventually secured what she thought was her dream job at Shimansky Diamonds, only for the COVID-19 pandemic to bring those plans to an abrupt end.

While working at a small Italian coffee shop in Hout Bay, she spotted an opportunity that would change her life.

"I asked if I could bring in a cake every week to earn a little extra money," she recalls. "That's where it all started."

One wedding cake order soon led to another, business cards were printed, and five years later Sadie Cakes has become a flourishing business.

"I always say this business was born off the back of a very silly little idea that little did I know would lead to the most exciting and trying journey of my life."

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Remarkably, Hansen is entirely self-taught.

As a teenager she was fascinated by cooking programmes and especially Cake Boss, absorbing techniques long before she realised they would become the foundation of her career.

Once she began baking professionally, she immersed herself in YouTube tutorials, Instagram videos and online baking resources.

"It was a journey of trial and error," she laughs. "There were moments when spatulas went flying across my kitchen in frustration, but every challenge taught me something new."

Her determination paid off, proving that passion and persistence can be the best teachers.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠
One moment remains etched in her memory – completing her very first tiered wedding cake.

Using only the knowledge she had gained through research and determination, she assembled the cake in the tiny kitchen of her one-bedroomed flat in Hout Bay and stood back in disbelief.

"I cried a little because I was so proud. That's when the bug really bit."

Today, that same feeling of accomplishment still drives her every time she completes another masterpiece.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞
While Sadie Cakes is renowned for its rich chocolate cakes, the business has grown to include a wide variety of handcrafted treats.

Her current best sellers include:
 Fresh sourdough breads.
 Sourdough crackers.
 Belgian chocolate brownies.
 Bespoke celebration and wedding cakes.

Rather than limiting herself, she has built her business on one simple philosophy: say yes to new challenges.

"I loved learning new recipes and techniques, even if I'd never made something before."

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
For Hansen, creating a cake is about far more than baking.

She spends time getting to know each customer, asking about favourite colours, themes, interests and special details before designing something uniquely personal.

"I never duplicate another baker's work," she explains. "Instead, I take inspiration from different elements and create something completely unique for my customer."

That personal touch ensures every cake becomes part of someone's treasured celebration.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥
While wedding cakes are among Hansen's favourite creations, they also demand meticulous planning, precision and nerves of steel. From transporting multiple tiers safely to assembling them on-site – often against the clock and in unpredictable weather – each wedding cake presents its own unique challenges.

Yet it is the decorating stage where her creativity truly shines.

"I love getting my piping bags loaded, laying out my tools and starting with a blank canvas. Watching it come to life with each detail is the best feeling in the world."

Hansen's commitment to excellence extends well beyond the baking and decorating process. She goes the extra mile to ensure every wedding cake remains picture-perfect until the bride and groom cut the first slice.

"I once asked for an umbrella to be placed over a cake that had been set up outdoors on a scorching day," she recalls. "It was the best way to protect the buttercream icing from melting."

It is this attention to detail and unwavering dedication to her craft that have earned Hansen a reputation for creating cakes that are as reliable as they are beautiful.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
Building a business has not always been easy.

Competing in Cape Town's saturated baking market proved difficult, especially without an established network. At her mother's suggestion, Sadie relocated to Jeffreys Bay – a decision she now describes as life-changing.

"The incredible community and the support of my family helped me finally see real growth. If it wasn’t for my parents, I would not have been where I am, doing what I love,” she said.

She believes community support is one of the most valuable ingredients in any successful small business.

"My business would not be where it is today without the wonderful people around me."

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝
While exciting plans are on the horizon, Hansen is keeping them under wraps for now.

"My father always taught me to walk the walk before you talk the talk," she says with a smile.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, however, her advice is clear: "Just go for it and believe in yourself. We have so much access to knowledge and technology today. If you truly apply yourself, you'll be surprised by what you're capable of. Perseverance, passion and self-belief will open doors where there were once only walls."

Customers can place custom orders directly with Hansen via WhatsApp, follow Sadie Cakes on Facebook and Instagram, purchase selected products through The Green Box online platform, or join her sourdough WhatsApp group for regular ordering reminders and updates on upcoming markets and events.

07/09/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 - 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟏
𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑼𝒑𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆: 𝑱𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒚𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒚, 𝑨𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒚, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒔

Kouga Local Municipality hereby provides an update to residents, businesses and road users on the progress of Phase 1 of the municipality’s reseal of roads project, covering areas within wards 2, 3, 8, 11, 12 and 14, including Jeffreys Bay, Aston Bay, Paradise Beach and Pellsrus.

The municipality confirms that the outstanding roadworks have not been abandoned and remain part of the municipality’s programme to improve road conditions, enhance road safety and extend the service life of existing road infrastructure.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞?
Phase 1 includes a range of road rehabilitation and maintenance interventions, including:
• Pothole, base and surface repairs;
• Crack sealing;
• Approximately 28 km of asphalt overlays;
• Approximately 33 km of slurry seals;
• Repairs to identified stormwater problem areas in conjunction with the resealing works;
• Installation and replacement of road signage, particularly within the Jeffreys Bay CBD; and
• Road markings.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝
The municipality is pleased to report that substantial progress has been made on the project to date:

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
• Surface pre-treatment - 61 km
• Asphalt overlay - 22.47 km
• Slurry seal- 20.79 km
• Total surfacing completed| - 43.26 km of 61 km

The completed sections are currently being attended to through the finalisation of snags, remedial works and touch-ups to ensure that the completed work meets the required standards.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠?
The implementation of the project has been affected by a number of factors that were not fully foreseeable at the commencement of the works.

𝟏. 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬
Significant increases in the cost of asphalt, diesel and other construction inputs have placed additional financial pressure on the project. These increases are addressed through the applicable contractual price-adjustment provisions.

𝟐. 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
In certain instances, vehicles accessed sections of road before newly applied slurry had sufficiently cured. This resulted in damage to the treated surfaces and required sections to be repaired and, in some cases, reworked.

The municipality appeals to all motorists to observe temporary road closures, traffic-control measures and warning signage and to avoid driving on freshly treated road surfaces.

𝟑. 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞
Recent severe rainfall and flooding caused damage to some roads that had been identified for resealing. In these instances, additional repairs are required before the final surfacing treatment can be undertaken.

Kouga Local Municipality wishes to assure residents and road users that the outstanding sections remain a priority.

The municipality is currently undertaking the following measures:
• Finalising outstanding snags and touch-ups on completed sections;
• Reviewing and prioritising the outstanding roads, with consideration given to the condition and urgency of each section;
• Investigating internal measures to accelerate the implementation of portions of the outstanding work;
• Exploring available funding options and securing additional budget where required; and
• Aligning the remaining works with the Municipality’s broader road rehabilitation and maintenance programme.

Once implementation of the outstanding sections resumes, the municipality will issue a further public notification providing details of the affected roads, anticipated programme, construction activities and expected traffic disruptions.

Kouga Local Municipality acknowledges the inconvenience that roadworks and outstanding sections may cause and appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents, businesses and road users.

The municipality remains committed to delivering safer, durable and better-maintained roads and to ensuring that the available resources are directed towards areas of greatest need.

Residents are requested to exercise caution when travelling through construction areas, comply with temporary traffic arrangements and respect road closures and signage to protect both road users and construction teams.

06/09/2026

𝐒𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡
𝑨𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒚𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒚, 𝑺𝒚𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑷𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑨𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏.

____________________

When Sylvia Pheiffer relocated from Pretoria to a farm in the Eastern Cape in 2012, she never imagined that one day she would become the owner of a proudly South African lifestyle brand.

After seven years of farming tomatoes and sheep, and navigating a series of unforeseen challenges, Pheiffer and her family made the decision to start a new chapter in Jeffreys Bay.

It proved to be one of the best decisions she ever made.

"I love the ocean, the fresh air and the friendly community," she says. "The day I settled in Jeffreys Bay, I knew I had finally found the place where I belonged."

𝐀𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
Ironically, sewing was never part of Pheiffer 's plans.

"I actually detested sewing," she laughs. "Even my mom couldn't convince me to enjoy it. I always preferred reading, writing, crafting, painting and decorating."

Yet her love for creating something with her own hands never faded.

"Crafting has always been therapeutic for me. I love turning an idea into something tangible. Seeing the finished product and knowing I created it myself has always brought me great joy."

The inspiration behind Adore Lifestyle came from an unexpected source – friendship.

For years, Pheiffer exhibited handmade gifts at the annual Jeffreys Bay Christmas Market, while watching two close friends successfully build their own businesses.

"Their passion and fearless drive inspired me. They believed in me before I believed in myself," she says.

Those friends encouraged her to develop new products, refine her packaging and branding, and trust the creative process. Today, Sylvia credits their encouragement as the catalyst that transformed a hobby into a growing business.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐀 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞
After experimenting with different materials, Pheiffer discovered authentic South African Shweshwe fabric.

"It was love at first sight," she says. "The vibrant colours, timeless patterns and exceptional quality immediately captured my heart."

Today, Adore Lifestyle specialises in handcrafted bowl covers, reusable bag storers, peg bags, placemats, napkins and potholders made from authentic South African Shweshwe, Big Five and Timeless fabrics.

Every item combines practicality with distinctive South African style.

"Knowing these fabrics are manufactured in South Africa makes every product even more meaningful. I'm supporting local industry while sharing a piece of our heritage with visitors."

For Pheiffer, being proudly South African extends far beyond the fabric itself.

"It means celebrating our people, our heritage and our incredible creativity while supporting local manufacturers."

𝐀 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭
Although her product range continues to expand, one item remains especially close to her heart.

"The bowl cover is definitely my favourite," she says. "I never expected it to become my signature product, but customers loved it from the very beginning. It's practical, environmentally friendly and something every kitchen can use."

Many of Pheiffer 's ideas are inspired by visitors wanting to take home a uniquely South African souvenir.

"I love creating gifts that people can easily pack into their luggage and take home as a reminder of their time in South Africa. I hope every item carries a little piece of our culture."

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬
Seeing Adore Lifestyle grow from a kitchen-table idea into a recognised local brand remains one of Pheiffer's proudest achievements.

"Every returning customer and every kind word reminds me that taking that first step was worth it."
Like many entrepreneurs, the journey has not been without obstacles.

Launching a new product into the retail market, operating with limited resources, securing stockists, generating sustainable income and accessing funding have all presented challenges.

"I've learned to be patient, keep improving my products and reinvest every sale back into the business. Every challenge has taught me something valuable."

While Pheiffer is the face behind Adore Lifestyle, she is quick to acknowledge that the business is built on the support and dedication of those closest to her.

"My biggest gratitude firstly goes to my mom, who is hands-on with the daily packaging of every product. Her strength, dedication and unwavering support mean the world to me. I am also incredibly thankful for my family and especially my wonderful, dedicated seamstresses. Together we make an amazing team."

Living in Kouga has also played an important role in her success.

"The community here is incredibly supportive. I've met artists, entrepreneurs and small business owners who are always willing to encourage one another. That support has inspired me to keep creating and growing."

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Looking ahead, Pheiffer hopes Adore Lifestyle will create opportunities for others.

"My dream is to provide work for skilled seamstresses as well as opportunities for elderly people, widows and mothers who work from home. I'd also love to see my products stocked in more outlets so that more people can experience authentic South African craftsmanship."

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple.

"Start small. Focus on doing one product exceptionally well before expanding your range. Never underestimate the importance of beautiful presentation because that's what first captures a customer's attention."

Above all, Pheiffer hopes her products will preserve the nostalgia of South African heritage while finding a place in homes around the world.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐊𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭
When asked what she loves most about Kouga, Pheiffer 's answer comes without hesitation.

"Whether you visit the beaches, the mountains, the forests or simply experience the warmth of the people, Kouga has a way of capturing your heart. It certainly captured mine."

For more information, visit the Adore Lifestyle page.

05/09/2026

𝐀 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒔 𝑮𝒊𝒏

What began as a curiosity with a small still has grown into a proudly local craft spirit carrying the name and story of one of the Eastern Cape’s most distinctive landscapes.

Nestled near Patensie in the Gamtoos Valley, Gamtoos Gin is the creation of owner Johan van der Watt, whose journey into distilling was sparked by an old love for science and chemistry.

Van der Watt studied chemistry at university before taking a very different career path into photography and videography. His work took him around the world, particularly photographing and filming wildlife and safaris. Yet the scientist in him never disappeared.

“Even before COVID-19, the science side of me was still very much there,” he says.

He had already begun researching the possibility of establishing a small distillery on the farm and bought a small still to experiment with. His early creations included potato vodka and spirits made from different fruits, with the focus firmly on understanding the chemistry and possibilities of distillation.

Then COVID-19 changed everything.

With photography and videography work drying up almost overnight in 2020, Van der Watt suddenly had something he had never really had before: time.

He began experimenting more seriously with spirits and botanicals. Of all the products he produced, gin stood out.

“Of everything I tried, the gin was by far the product that worked best and the one I felt had the most potential,” he recalls.

There was no grand commercial plan at the outset. Instead, the distillery evolved organically, one piece of equipment and one experiment at a time.

“I would find a piece of equipment, do more research, make another plan, build another part of the system and gradually put the facility together,” Van der Watt explains.

𝐀 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞
For Van der Watt, creating gin was never only about producing a quality spirit. It was also about telling the story of the valley he calls home.

The Gamtoos Valley is synonymous with citrus farming, and the region’s agricultural character naturally found its way into the product. The name itself was equally important.

Gamtoos is traditionally associated with “The Roaring Lion”, a reference to the tremendous sound and power of the Gamtoos River when it comes down in flood. That powerful imagery became central to the brand, with the lion featuring prominently in its identity.

“It is really the heart of the brand,” says Van der Watt. “Anyone who lives in this valley understands how important the river is. It has shaped the landscape, agriculture and communities here for generations.”

The river, however, has shown both its nurturing and destructive sides. Ironically, the very waterway that inspired the brand has also tested the distillery, with recent flooding causing damage to the facility.

“It can sustain us, but it can also remind us very quickly of the power of nature,” he says.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞
Van der Watt moved to Patensie in 2019, and although he jokes that he did not necessarily choose the location for the distillery, but rather that “the location chose me”, the setting has proved remarkably appropriate.

With the Gamtoos River nearby and citrus farms surrounding the distillery, the location eventually became inseparable from the identity of the gin.

“My family roots are from this valley so I feel at home here,” he says.

Although experimentation began in 2020, Gamtoos Gin only officially entered the market after receiving its liquor licence in April 2024. Securing the licence was a significant milestone, particularly in an industry where navigating the regulatory requirements can be challenging for a small rural producer.

Since then, seeing the product embraced by the local community has been equally rewarding. Gamtoos Gin is available at local establishments such as Tollbos and Padlangs in Patensie.

𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Behind every bottle is a carefully developed recipe designed to showcase a traditional gin character while adding a distinctly local touch.

The gin uses a clean grain-based spirit as its foundation, providing what Van der Watt describes as a neutral and smooth “blank canvas”. The botanicals are then introduced through vapour infusion.

“Juniper is obviously the foundation of gin and provides that distinctive piney and aromatic character,” he explains.

Coriander contributes citrus and spice notes, while angelica root adds earthy depth and helps bring the botanicals together. Grains of paradise provide gentle peppery warmth, with cassia bark adding another layer of subtle spice.

The citrus component completes the profile, bringing freshness without overpowering the juniper.

“We wanted to make a very smooth, approachable gin with a traditional juniper backbone, subtle spice and just enough citrus to give it freshness without allowing the citrus to dominate,” says Van der Watt.

The result is intended to be versatile enough to enjoy with a traditional tonic, mixed with orange juice or even sipped neat.

𝐀 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
While the core recipe remains consistent, Van der Watt occasionally uses seasonal ingredients to create subtle variations.

“The core botanical recipe and ratios actually remain exactly the same from batch to batch,” he says. “What we occasionally change is the final flavour component.”

One example was a small batch made for Mooihoek, where strawberry was added as an additional component. Lime has proved particularly popular and is used when available.

This approach allows the distillery to experiment without losing the fundamental character of Gamtoos Gin.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞
For Van der Watt, the relationship between Gamtoos Gin and the agricultural community is fundamental.

“Gamtoos Gin would have very little meaning without the Gamtoos Valley and its agricultural community,” he says.

The citrus industry is not simply an ingredient source or backdrop to the brand. It represents generations of farming knowledge, livelihoods and a deep connection to the land.

“We want Gamtoos Gin to become another product that people can associate proudly with the valley,” he explains.

That sense of place is perhaps the greatest difference between Gamtoos Gin and a spirit produced anywhere else.

“All gins aren't created equal,” Van der Watt says. “With craft gin I think what makes a product special is often about more than simply the recipe. It is also the story behind it, the person who created it, why it was created and where the ingredients come from.”

𝐀 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲
Although the distillery is not currently set up as a formal tasting or visitor facility, the bottle itself serves as an ambassador for the valley.

Every bottle that leaves Patensie carries the name Gamtoos beyond the valley, potentially introducing new audiences to the region’s citrus farms, river, mountains, Baviaanskloof and rural communities.

“The Gamtoos Valley has far more to offer than many people realise,” says Van der Watt.

For a small rural craft business, building a brand comes with its share of challenges, from production costs and regulatory compliance to packaging, logistics and getting an emerging product onto the shelves.

The floods have added another dimension, demonstrating the resilience required to operate so closely alongside the Gamtoos River.

“A small business doesn't have endless resources or departments to solve every problem, so you learn to be practical and resilient,” says Van der Watt.

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
Looking ahead, the ambition is to grow Gamtoos Gin carefully while preserving the authenticity that lies at its heart.

Van der Watt hopes to expand the brand’s presence across the Eastern Cape and eventually further afield through selected restaurants, lodges, retailers and other outlets that appreciate both quality and provenance.

But the ultimate goal remains simple.

“More than anything, when somebody discovers Gamtoos Gin, I would like them to discover a little bit of the Gamtoos Valley with it,” he says.

04/09/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Kouga Local Municipality is committed to keeping residents informed and prepared.

Starting this week, the municipality will feature important water safety information every Friday, offering practical tips, safety reminders, and updates to help our communities stay safe and resilient.

04/09/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐲
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚, 𝒔𝒆𝒕, 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒆!

𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏, 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑾𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝑾𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅, 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒚 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒃 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒑, 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔.

____________________

If you are looking for an adventure that will have the kids laughing from start to finish, it is hard to beat a morning of sandboarding on the towering dunes of Jeffreys Bay.

It took less than five minutes for four young adventurers, aged between four and seven, to go from cautiously edging towards the top of a sand dune to racing down it with huge smiles and bursts of laughter.

One thrilling ride was all it took. As they sped down the slope with the wind in their faces, excited squeals quickly turned into shouts of, "Again!" Every trip to the bottom was followed by the same determined climb back to the top for another turn.

Not every run was flawless – and that was all part of the adventure. There were unexpected wipeouts, a few spectacular tumbles and plenty of sandy landings that left everyone in fits of laughter. But every fall was met with the same response: brush off the sand, grab the board and head back up for another go.

Every now and then, the boards would lose a little speed, slowing down halfway through the run. A quick coat of wax soon had them gliding effortlessly again, sending the young riders flying all the way to the bottom with even bigger smiles than before.

That is the magic of sandboarding with Wacky Wipeouts in Jeffreys Bay. It's one of those rare family adventures where children forget about screens, parents cannot resist joining in, and everyone heads home with tired legs, sandy shoes and memories they'll be talking about long after the last grain of sand has been shaken out.

𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬
Before anyone tackled the dunes, the friendly instructor gathered the group for a short safety briefing. He explained how to ride safely, demonstrated the correct techniques and made sure every child felt confident before heading onto the sand.

The next lesson came as a surprise to many first-timers – waxing the boards. A quick layer of wax allows the boards to glide effortlessly over the sand, making every run smoother, faster and far more exciting.

Then it was time to choose a style. Some youngsters eagerly stood up like snowboarders, while others preferred sitting or lying on their boards for an equally thrilling ride. There was no right or wrong way to do it – just plenty of laughter as everyone found their own favourite way down the dune.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞
Sliding down the dune was the easy part.

Getting back to the top? That quickly became the day's biggest workout.

Every climb felt a little steeper than the last as little legs pushed through the soft sand, stopping every now and then for a quick breather before tackling the final stretch. There were plenty of giggles, dramatic sighs and declarations that this would definitely be the "last run" – until they reached the top and immediately wanted another turn.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐞
One of the best things about sandboarding is how quickly children gain confidence. Even the youngest members of the group, who started the morning cautiously, were confidently zooming down the dunes after only a few runs.

The gentle dunes around Jeffreys Bay are ideal for beginners, while steeper slopes offer an extra thrill for older children and adults. Similar to snowboarding – but with warm sand instead of icy slopes—it's fast, exciting and surprisingly easy to master.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞
The dunes offer far more than an adrenaline rush.

Stretching out before visitors are spectacular views across St Francis Bay and the surrounding coastline. On lucky days, dolphins or even whales can be spotted playing offshore while everyone catches their breath between rides.

Fresh sea air, beautiful scenery, plenty of exercise and endless laughter combine to create an adventure that children will be talking about long after the sand has finally been emptied from their shoes.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Wacky Wipeouts offers guided sandboarding experiences every day, with trips departing at 10:00 and 14:00. All equipment is supplied, transport from Jeffreys Bay can be arranged and the activity is suitable for all ages.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬
 Easy to learn: No experience? No problem! Friendly instructors have kids gliding down the dunes in just a few minutes.
 Choose your adventure: Stand up, sit down or zoom down on your tummy – every ride is a new adventure.
 Soft landings: Unlike snow, the warm, soft sand makes tumbles part of the fun.
 Burn off energy: Climbing the dunes is all part of the excitement and a great way for kids to stay active before racing back down again.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
 Experience: Offers dedicated 2-hour family packages.
 Pricing:
o Family Rate (2 Adults + 2 Kids): R1000.
o Individual Adults: R300.
 Perks: All ages are welcome, and all gear is provided.
 Contact: 083 661 5393.

Address

33 Da Gama Road
Jeffrey's Bay
6330

Opening Hours

Monday	07:30 - 16:15
Tuesday	07:30 - 16:15
Wednesday	07:30 - 16:15
Thursday	07:30 - 16:15
Friday	07:30 - 15:00

Telephone

+27422910250

Website

http://www.kouga.gov.za/

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