The Kogelbaai wildfire has been contained after several days of firefighting, during which strong and changing winds pushed the blaze across the City of Cape Town boundary towards Gordon’s Bay. CapeNature confirmed on Monday, 28 September, that the firelines were secure and no further flare-ups had been reported.

The fire initially started on mountain slopes in the Overstrand Municipality before moving towards Kogelbaai and crossing into the City boundary below Steenbras Dam. Difficult terrain prevented crews from reaching parts of the blaze, prompting the use of a drone to monitor its movement. Firefighters worked through the night, while the road to Rooi Els was temporarily closed.

Additional firefighting resources were positioned in Strand in case conditions worsened, with Strand Fire Station taking operational control supported by Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Fire Station. No injuries were reported and no lives or properties were threatened. Crews are now carrying out mopping-up operations.

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Residential property sales in Somerset West fell during the first half of 2026, with 526 properties worth R2.17 billion changing hands between January and June. According to a new market report, monthly sales volumes were 25% lower than in 2025, although the slowdown was not seen across every part of the market.

The luxury market performed particularly strongly, with properties priced above R5 million generating around R1 billion in sales. A total of 106 homes priced between R5 million and R10 million sold for R657 million, with monthly sales volumes in this bracket up 38%. The most expensive sale was a Spanish Farm property for R31.5 million, while homes in Helena Heights, Erinvale and Boskloof Eco Estate also sold for R20 million or more.

Across the freehold market, 272 properties sold at an average price of around R5.5 million. Several suburbs also recorded significant price increases, including Westridge, Heritage Park and Audas Estate, while the highest sectional-title transaction was an R11.4 million unit in Helderberg Village.

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Strong winds across False Bay forced organisers of the PBRSA International Inflatable Super Series 2026 to cancel racing on Tuesday, 29 September. The scheduled 100km long-haul race from Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club was postponed after conditions on the water were deemed unsafe.

The competition is now at its halfway point after two action-packed opening days at Strand Beach. Team 88 has been setting the pace in the Prostock class, taking overall victories across both opening days. Racing is scheduled to resume at Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club on Wednesday, 30 September, followed by the rescheduled 100km long-haul on Thursday and further circuit racing on Friday.

The opening weekend also saw a serious incident involving Team M71 pilot Dwayne van der Vyver, who fell from his boat and was struck by another craft. Doctors confirmed he suffered no spinal fractures or permanent spinal cord damage and retained full mobility, although his injuries forced Team M71 to withdraw from the remainder of the competition. The series concludes with prize-giving on Saturday, 3 October.

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Helderberg artist Clare Menck will demonstrate watercolour painting and an unusual printmaking technique at the Western Cape Art Society’s monthly meeting in Somerset West. The demonstration takes place at the Rotary Club Hall on Lourensford Road on Thursday, 8 October, from 18:30, with visitors asked to arrive from 18:00.

Menck is known for her figurative paintings and prints, exploring subjects including swimmers, self-portraits and the human figure. Her major exhibition, Hidden Life: 20 Years of Painting, toured South Africa, with selected works later included in an international exhibition at the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum in Germany.

During the Somerset West demonstration, Menck will show how watercolour can also be used for monotype printmaking, using a pasta-making machine as a makeshift printing press — a technique attendees can try at home. Entry costs R20 for WCAS members and R30 for non-members, including tea, coffee and snacks.

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