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Good morning, Somerset Westers
Hope everybody had a good weekend and had a chance to get outside, get active, and enjoy the lovely warm weather we had.
We’ve got plenty to get into today, so grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive right into today’s Scoop!
Capetonians Unite Against Gender-Based Violence
Somerset West Women Come Together for a Cause
Strand Learners Get a Glimpse of Their Future
Indigenous Cattle Are Thriving in Somerset West
Activity of the Week
Scoop’s Kitchen
Events Happening
Monday/ Tuesday’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Capetonians Unite Against Gender-Based Violence
A solidarity march against gender-based violence (GBV) is taking place in Cape Town, bringing together residents, activists and organisations to honour victims and call for safer communities for women. The demonstration forms part of continuing efforts to draw attention to the scale of violence against women in South Africa.
Participants are using the march to remember women who have lost their lives to violence while calling for justice, stronger protection and greater accountability. The gathering also aims to give survivors and affected families a platform to make their voices heard.
The march comes amid renewed concern about violence against women across the country, with recent cases once again placing women’s safety and gender-based violence firmly in the national spotlight.
Click here: to read more about the march
Somerset West Women Come Together for a Cause
Women from LIFE Church in Somerset West have donated more than 150 “Bags of Blessing” to the Somerset West police station, with the care packs set to support women experiencing trauma and other vulnerable women in the local community.
The initiative formed part of the church’s annual Tribe Conference, which coincided with Women’s Month. Each bag was filled with everyday essentials including sanitary products, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, facecloths, tissues, deodorant, lip balm and snacks, along with messages of encouragement.
The initiative was originally intended to recognise female police officers and clerks serving the community, but the donation grew large enough to assist women beyond the station as well. The additional care packs will be distributed to women experiencing trauma during local police women’s network outreach programmes.
Strand Learners Get a Glimpse of Their Future
High school learners from Strand, Somerset West and the wider Helderberg recently attended a career day aimed at exposing young people to a broader range of study and career opportunities. The event was organised by the Strand Moslem Female Association and brought learners together with professionals from different industries.
The initiative gave learners an opportunity to speak directly to professionals, ask questions and learn more about different career paths before making important decisions about their futures. The event also highlighted opportunities learners may not previously have considered or known how to pursue.
The career day forms part of efforts to provide young people in the Helderberg with greater access to career guidance and practical information, helping them make more informed choices about further education, training and employment after finishing school.
Indigenous Cattle Are Thriving in Somerset West
Vergelegen Wine Estate is celebrating a bumper calving season, with 137 Nguni calves born and another eight still expected. The new arrivals have pushed the estate’s herd to more than 450 animals, making it one of the largest privately owned Nguni studs in the Western Cape.
The new calves include both pure Nguni and Nguni-Angus crosses. Angus cattle were introduced to the estate in 2024 as part of a crossbreeding programme combining the Nguni’s natural hardiness with the larger size and growth characteristics of Aberdeen Angus cattle. Research cited in the article found that Nguni-Angus calves can weigh up to 32kg more at weaning than pure Nguni calves.
Vergelegen first introduced Nguni cattle in 2001, with its official stud registered in 2010. The indigenous breed is known for its distinctive multicoloured hides, resilience, fertility and ability to thrive in harsh African conditions. Visitors to the 326-year-old Somerset West estate can often see the herd while entering the property or during its guided fauna and flora eco tours.
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Steenbras Nature Reserve
One of the Helderberg’s Best Outdoor Adventures
Just beyond Gordon’s Bay, Steenbras River Gorge offers some of the most impressive hiking scenery in the Helderberg, with mountains, waterfalls and natural rock pools along the way.
The reserve forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and offers several hiking options, from easier walks to the popular Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools trail.
Here’s what you can expect:
🥾 Several hiking trails for different experience levels
💦 Crystal-clear mountain pools and waterfalls
⛰️ Beautiful mountain and ocean views
🦅 Opportunities to spot local wildlife and birdlife
🏊 Swimming in the natural pools along the Crystal Pools trail
The Crystal Pools trail is seasonal, opening from 1 November to 30 April, and visitors need to book and pay for a permit beforehand. Only 50 people per day are permitted on the trail, so booking ahead is important.
With summer approaching, it’s definitely one to add to the list for an outdoor adventure close to home.
📍 Steenbras Nature Reserve, near Gordon’s Bay
Click here: to check it out
Miso-Lime Salmon Soba Noodle Bowl
Sweet, savoury and packed with fresh Asian-inspired flavours. Caramelised salmon is tossed with buckwheat soba noodles, bok choy and red pepper in a creamy miso, lime and ginger sauce, then topped with fresh herbs and crunchy cashews.
⏱️ 27 mins · 👥 Serves 4 · 💪 38g protein & 10g fibre
Events coming up this week (21-27 Sep)
Wilderer Braai Day | 11:30–17:00, September 24
Location: La Grapperia Pizza & Bistro, Spice Route Paarl
Description:
Celebrate Heritage Day with Wilderer at La Grapperia for an afternoon of delicious food, fun activities and live music from Anton Vermelen.
There is a R20 cover charge per person, which will be added to your bill. Reservations are recommended
Murder Mystery: The Stayin’ Alive | 19:00, September 25
Location: The Smokey Brisket, Fountain Square, Somerset West
Description:
Step back into the 1970s for a hilariously over-the-top, fully interactive murder mystery night at The Smokey Brisket. With disco music, cocktails and questionable dance moves, guests become part of the action as the evening takes an unexpected turn.
Lee Cole Live at Triggerfish Brewing | 20:30, September 25
Location: Triggerfish Brewing, Paardevlei, Somerset West
Description:
South African singer-songwriter Lee Cole takes to the Triggerfish Brewing stage for an evening of live music featuring his popular hits, including I Don’t Wanna Wait, Pink Dragons and With or Without You. Tickets are R180 online via Quicket or R220 at the door.
Paarlberg Half Marathon + 5 & 10km Runs | 06:00, September 26
Location: 67 St Francis Avenue, Noorder-Paarl, Paarl
Description:
Lace up your running shoes for the Paarlberg Half Marathon, featuring 21.1km, 10km and 5km distances for runners of different fitness levels.
Potjiekos Competition 2026 | 08:00–15:00, September 26
Location: Sencit Resthaven – Old Age Home, Gordon’s Bay
Description:
Gather your friends, family or colleagues and put your potjie skills to the test at the 2026 Potjiekos Competition. This year’s theme is Boere Sport, with a day of cooking, friendly competition, games and plenty of South African spirit.
Teams can enter either the Professional or Rookie category for R250 per team. Proceeds will support vulnerable members of the community over the age of 60.
Salsa on the Bay | 19:00, September 26
Location: Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, Gordon’s Bay Harbour
Description:
Turn up the heat with Salsa on the Bay at Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club. Enjoy live music by Ernesto, a dance floor, dinner and plenty of salsa vibes, with a Best Dressed prize for whoever brings the most Latin flair.
Tickets are R230 for members and R260 for non-members, with dinner included. Dress code: A Splash of Salsa.
Creedence – A Clearwater Revival | 20:30, September 26
Location: Die Boer, Durbanville
Description:
Relive the legendary music of Creedence Clearwater Revival with Creedence – A Clearwater Revival, a tribute celebrating the iconic songwriting and unmistakable sound of one of America’s great rock bands.
Events coming up next week (28 Sep-4 Oct)
Christmas Lights and Market Festival Stellenbosch 2026 | October 2–4
Location: Stellenbosch – Venue to be announced
Description:
Get into the festive spirit at the Christmas Lights and Market Festival Stellenbosch 2026, a three-day celebration bringing Christmas festivities to Stellenbosch.
Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees-Langtafel | 18:30–22:30, October 2
Location: Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch
Description:
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees-Langtafel returns beneath the historic oak trees of Ryneveld Street for an evening of festive food, music and community.
Hotel California – Eagles Tribute | 19:30, October 2
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Back by popular demand, Hotel California: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute celebrates more than 20 years of unforgettable Eagles music with a talented six-piece live band.
Rocksteady – Woodstock & Beyond | 16:00, October 4
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Take a nostalgic musical journey through the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s with Rocksteady – Woodstock & Beyond. The show blends folk, psychedelic rock and classic rock while celebrating some of the era’s most influential artists.
