SD Fourie launches her fifth novel: Local Strandveld author SD Fourie celebrated the launch of Vlam van die Sprokkelhout.

The historical novel connects two women from different eras with the history of slavery, Struisbaai and the Strandveld.

Elim Flower Festival: Elim’s annual Flower Festival takes place on 3 October, with the theme “Waar die as gloei, sal die blomme bloei” following the devastating fires. The day includes music, stalls, activities, food, a nature outing and a book launch.

A busy community weekend: The paper highlights several upcoming events, including the Herberg-aan-See bazaar, the VGK Blompark bazaar, the annual Galjoen Competition and the three-day Rewilding Greater Gansbaai Festival.

Breast Cancer Awareness Walks: Four Wednesday afternoon walks will take place in Franskraal during October. Each week focuses on a different breast-cancer awareness topic, with participants encouraged to wear pink.

OK Foods Trolley Run: Mark Arendse from Laerskool Gansbaai filled two shopping trolleys worth about R3,000 in one minute as part of OK Foods' annual event supporting the school.

Animal welfare in Blompark: A major sterilisation campaign resulted in 46 dogs being sterilised, while free rabies vaccinations were also provided. The community was reminded about responsible breeding and animal care.

Local artist wins major international awards: South African botanical artist Jenny Hyde-Johnson became the first South African artist to win both the Best Botanical Art Exhibit and Best Botanical Artwork awards at the 2026 RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show. Her work features the unique fynbos of Grootbos.

Community improvement: Residents of Silwerjare in Blompark planted flowers to improve the entrance to the area, showing how small community projects can make a visible difference.

Gansbaai school sporting success: Laerskool Gansbaai won the overall netball title at the Build It Gansbaai tournament, while its soccer team won the Geesbeker and R2,000.

Coastal clean-up: Franskraal residents participated in International Coastal Cleanup Day. Just 15 people collected 20 bags of rubbish, plus additional larger waste.

L2L practice walk: The second Lighuis-na-Lighuis practice walk is planned for 27 September, covering approximately 14 km from Franskraal to Die Gruis and back.

Check out the full version of th newspaper here.