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Good morning, Somerset Westers!
Hopefully, everybody’s had a good week so far and have some exciting plans for the weekend. If not, take a quick squiz at our events section and find yourself something fun to do.
Now, without further ado, let’s get right into today’s edition
City Takes Action on Gordon's Bay Baboons
E-Bike Concerns Grow in Somerset West
A Must-See Cabaret Comes to Somerset West
A Dangerous Fire Season Is Coming
Restaurant of the Week
Local Trivia
Events Happening
Weekend’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
City Takes Action on Gordon's Bay Baboons
The City of Cape Town has announced plans to capture and relocate the baboon troop regularly entering Gordon’s Bay, particularly around Mountainside and Gordon’s Bay Primary School. The City’s goal is to remove baboons from the urban area and reduce ongoing conflicts with residents, pets and properties.
Subject to CapeNature permit approval, specialist planning will take place during September and October, followed by cage-capturing and relocation during October and November. The troop will be moved to another part of the Steenbras Nature Reserve, followed by three months of intensive monitoring and a 12-month ranger presence. Any baboons returning to town will also be relocated, with darting used if necessary.
The City says the animals are mainly drawn into residential areas by household waste, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Last year, authorities recorded 123 baboon-related concerns in Gordon’s Bay, including reports of baboons on private properties, waste problems, attempted home entries and conflicts with pets. Residents are being encouraged to baboon-proof their properties and properly secure waste while the relocation plan is implemented.
Click here: to read more about the baboons
E-Bike Concerns Grow in Somerset West
Residents are raising concerns about young riders using high-powered electric bikes recklessly around Dummer Street and Aberdeen Park in Somerset West. Groups of youngsters, reportedly aged 12 to 15, have been seen riding at high speeds between vehicles and pedestrians, sometimes carrying passengers without helmets.
Concerns intensified after a recent collision involving a cyclist. The Somerset West Neighbourhood Watch says it regularly receives complaints about riders using pavements, riding without lights at dusk and ignoring traffic rules. The City says pavements are reserved for pedestrians, while current national legislation leaves e-bikes and e-scooters in a regulatory grey area.
Parents are being urged to ensure children understand the risks and follow traffic rules.
A Must-See Cabaret Comes to Somerset West
Award-winning Wela Kapela Productions is bringing its latest cabaret, Damsel in Distress, to The Drama Factory in Somerset West for two performances this September. The production stars acclaimed performer Kiruna-Lind Devar in her first solo cabaret.
The story follows Griselda, a librarian who escapes into books and imaginary journeys around the world while struggling with fears rooted in her past. Told through songs including I Love Paris, Mein Herr, At Seventeen and You Don’t Own Me, the production explores serious themes of gender-based violence and femicide, alongside hope, courage and survival.
Performances take place on Friday, 18 September at 19:30 and Saturday, 19 September at 15:00. Tickets cost R220, and the 80-minute production carries a PG recommendation due to its themes.
A Dangerous Fire Season Is Coming
The Western Cape is preparing for an eight-month fire season, twice the traditional length, as severe El Niño conditions and climate change increase the risk of wildfires. The high-risk period is now expected to stretch from October through May.
The warning follows the 2025/26 season, the province’s most severe in 25 years, when fires began weeks earlier than usual and placed significant pressure on firefighting resources. The province is responding by bringing firefighter training forward, prioritising the removal of invasive vegetation and keeping specialised helicopters and water bombers available.
Authorities say their rapid-response strategy extinguishes around 90% of fires within the first hour. Landowners are also being urged to clear invasive vegetation, reduce potential fuel and maintain firebreaks as the province prepares for a potentially difficult summer.
It's Here: Pique's New Caffeine-Free Afternoon Energy
I quit my afternoon coffee. Not because I wanted to — because I found something better.
You know that wall you hit every day around 2–3 PM? I used to just accept it as the cost of doing anything. Another coffee, a quick spike, then the crash — and somehow I'd still feel dehydrated by dinner.
Then I tried X·E Fountain, Pique's brand-new electrolyte energy drink, and I genuinely wasn't ready for how good "no crash" could feel.
No caffeine jitters. No 4 PM slump. Just clean, steady energy that actually hydrates me instead of draining me. It's built with a premium Vitamin B Complex for natural cellular energy, Magnesium Malate + Taurate for real focus, and a full electrolyte blend that makes it feel like a treat, not a chore.
The cucumber-celery-lime flavor is so crisp and refreshing — it's basically stolen my afternoon coffee slot completely.
Stud. The burger shop
No Frills, Just Proper Burgers in Somerset West
Sometimes you don’t need an overloaded menu — you just want a proper burger done well.
Stud. The Burger Shop - Somerset West keeps things simple with a deliberately limited takeaway menu built around single-origin Boran beef. The brand describes its approach as bringing back the classic, nostalgic burger without unnecessary extras.
Here’s what you can expect:
Proper beef burgers with a simple, classic approach
A small, focused menu rather than endless options
Fries and combos to complete the meal
Quick, casual takeaway-style dining
If you’re after a straightforward burger without all the fuss, it’s an easy local spot to try.
📍 1 Bright Street, Audas Estate, Somerset West
🕒 Open daily, 11AM–9PM
Stud. The Burger Shop website
Click here: To check out Stud
Did You Know? One of Somerset West’s First Churches Was Once a Wine Cellar
The history of Somerset West’s Methodist Church has an unusual beginning. In 1834, Methodist missionary Rev. Barnabas Shaw purchased land in the lower part of Somerset West, where an old building previously used as a wine store or cellar stood. Instead of constructing a church from scratch, the building was converted into a chapel and opened for worship that same year. The mission became particularly important to the local community around the time of the emancipation of enslaved people at the Cape.
As the congregation grew, the converted wine cellar was eventually too small. A new Gothic Revival church was constructed and officially opened in August 1861, reportedly attracting more than 1,000 people to the occasion. The church remains part of Somerset West’s historic landscape today—a fascinating reminder that one of the town’s early places of worship began life not as a church, but as a humble wine cellar.
Events coming up this week (24-30 Aug)
Bird Walk | 08:00, August 29
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Start your Saturday morning surrounded by nature with a guided Bird Walk through the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve. Led by experienced guide Charles Britz, the walk offers a wonderful opportunity to discover and observe some of the reserve’s diverse birdlife.
Snake Awareness and Handling Course | 08:30–16:30, August 29
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the fascinating world of South Africa’s snakes at this full-day Snake Awareness and Handling Course hosted by Helderberg Eco Rangers and African Reptiles and Venom.
Spring Market & Open Day | 09:00–13:00, August 29
Location: 2nd Somerset West Scout Hall, 111 Drama Street, Somerset West
Description:
Welcome the new season at The Honeybush Collective Primary School’s Spring Market & Open Day.
Amphora Wine Festival | 10:00–14:00, August 29
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the fascinating world of amphora wines at this unique wine festival hosted at Lourensford Estate.
Springboard | 10:00–13:30, August 29
Location: 24 Morkel Street, Somerset West
Description:
Put the spring back in your step with Springboard, a personal mastery and life coaching experience focused on helping you live more intentionally and skilfully.
Sip & Paint Your Pet for Welfare | 11:00–14:00, August 29
Location: Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, Gordon’s Bay Harbour
Description:
Turn your favourite pet into a work of art while supporting a great local cause at Sip & Paint Your Pet for Welfare.
Kenny & Dolly Country | 17:30, August 29
Location: Macnut Farm Wedding & Function Venue
Description:
Dust off your boots and get ready for a country-inspired evening with Kenny & Dolly Country. This lively show celebrates the spirit of classic country music with plenty of familiar favourites, sing-along moments, and boot-scootin’ fun.
Fynbos Medicinal Plant Workshop | 08:00–15:00, August 29
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the fascinating history and traditional uses of medicinal plants at this full-day Fynbos Medicinal Plant Workshop.
Tree Identification Walk | 08:00, August 30
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Spend your Sunday morning exploring the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve on a guided Tree Identification Walk.
Events coming up next week (31 Aug-4 Sep)
Lekker Lekker – ‘Thanks for Sharing’ Tour | 13:00, August 30
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Get ready for an afternoon of drag, comedy, and music as Lekker Lekker Media brings its Thanks for Sharing Tour to Stellenbosch. Hosted by Astella Performance, the show combines glamour, laughs, live entertainment, and plenty of personality in one energetic production.
André the Hilarious Hypnotist Live | 17:00, September 1
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Kick off spring with something a little different as André the Hilarious Hypnotist takes the stage at Daisy Jones Bar. Expect an entertaining and unpredictable show combining hypnosis, comedy, and plenty of audience participation.
September Sokkie Bootcamp | 18:00–18:45, September 1, 8 & 15
Location: Phox Dance Academy, 333 Main Road, Paarl
Description:
Brush up on your dance moves with the September Sokkie Bootcamp at Phox Dance Academy.
Arena Rock, Blues Legends, Best of the 2000s & Best of the 80s | 18:00–21:00, September 3
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Get ready for an electrifying evening of live music as School of Rock Devonbosch takes over Daisy Jones Bar for its Season Show.
Bok van Blerk at Lourensford Market | 17:00–22:00, September 4
Location: Lourensford Market, Somerset West
Description:
Lourensford Market is kicking off its reopening with a special First Fridays celebration featuring popular South African artist Bok van Blerk. Spend the evening enjoying live music, great food, drinks, and the lively atmosphere of the market.
Winelands Bridal Fair 2026 | September 5–6
Location: Klein Joostenberg, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Description:
Plan your dream wedding all in one place at the Winelands Bridal Fair 2026. Taking place over two days at Klein Joostenberg, the fair brings together a wide selection of wedding professionals, suppliers, and inspiration for couples preparing for their big day.
