Two baboons in Pringle Bay have captured attention after being filmed playing with a rugby ball. The light-hearted video was shared by Friends of Pringle Bay Baboons and shows the pair batting the ball around and interacting with it.

Pringle Bay is well known for its surrounding wildlife and regular baboon activity, but the unusual sight of the animals apparently enjoying a rugby ball has provided a more playful glimpse of the local troop.

The clip was shared on 27 October and has since been highlighted as a distinctly South African wildlife moment — combining one of the country’s most familiar animals with its much-loved sport.

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Somerset West resident Garry Buckland has launched Meet Your Mate, a locally developed web-based platform designed to help adults form new friendships, companionships and romantic relationships. The idea grew from his observation that meeting new people can become increasingly difficult as adults get older.

Unlike traditional dating apps that focus heavily on photographs and swiping, the platform matches people according to factors such as personality, interests, lifestyle and relationship preferences. For romantic matches, it also considers how people prefer to give and receive affection, including quality time, verbal appreciation, practical support and physical touch.

Meet Your Mate is initially focusing on building a community across Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay and Stellenbosch before expanding further. Early access is currently free, with the aim of building a large enough local membership base to begin introducing compatible people for both friendship and relationships.

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A 13-year-old Grade 8 learner at Helderberg High School in Somerset West has been expelled following an incident in which two 14-year-old pupils were stabbed on the school grounds on Friday, 23 October. Police say the teenager allegedly confronted a group of four learners before two were injured — one in the head and the other in the head and arm.

Both injured pupils were taken to hospital for treatment. The school confirmed that one learner was expelled with immediate effect following an internal process, while counselling and support have been made available to learners. Management has asked the public to respect the privacy of the minors involved.

The 13-year-old appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 27 October. While police initially investigated two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, the National Prosecuting Authority says he appeared on attempted murder charges. The case has been postponed to 14 December for further investigation.

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A total of 54 men took part in the 5km Hollard Daredevil Run in Gordon’s Bay on Friday, 23 October, wearing the event’s trademark purple Speedos to raise awareness around prostate and testicular cancer. The local run started at Krystal Beach Hotel in Harbour Island, headed towards the Old Harbour and then returned to the starting point.

The event raised funds for cancer research through CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Local prizes went to Smangaliso Makhatholela from SA Naval College for fastest runner, Barry Williams from NSRI Station 9 for best sportsmanship, and Dr Gareth Bain from Animal Welfare Society for best spirit.

The campaign highlights the importance of early detection, with one in eight men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, while testicular cancer most commonly affects men aged 15 to 49. Organisers say participation in Gordon’s Bay increased again this year and they hope to attract an even larger turnout in 2027.

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