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Good morning, Somerset Westers!
I hope everybody had a lovely Heritage Day and got to spend some quality time with family and friends. There are plenty of events happening around the area this weekend, so if you’ve got nothing planned, take a quick scroll through our events section and find something to do.
Have a great day and enjoy the weekend!
Helderberg Crime Statistics Released
Local Hero Saves Swimmer at Strand Beach
Could This Somerset West Eyesore Finally Be Sold?
Meet Helderberg’s New Subcouncil Manager
Restaurant of the Week
Local Trivia
Events Happening
Weekend’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Helderberg Crime Statistics Released
The latest quarterly crime statistics for April to June 2026 show several Helderberg police stations ranking among the Western Cape and South Africa’s highest for particular offences. Somerset West appeared across 13 crime categories, including 205 commercial crime cases, placing it third in the Western Cape and 28th nationally for this category. It also recorded 55 residential burglaries and nine house robberies.
Lwandle recorded some of the area’s highest levels of violent crime, including 21 murders, 19 rapes and 73 aggravated robberies. Meanwhile, Strand recorded 495 drug-related crimes, placing the station among the highest nationally for crimes detected through police action. Strand also recorded 135 property-related crimes, including 71 cases of theft from motor vehicles.
In Macassar, 13 rape cases placed the station 28th in the Western Cape, while 54 cases of serious assault and 52 residential burglaries were recorded. Gordon’s Bay featured in only one provincial top-30 category, ranking 13th for culpable homicide with four cases.
Click here: to read more
Local Hero Saves Swimmer at Strand Beach
A 26-year-old Strand man was rescued after being caught in strong rip currents at Strand Beach on Monday, 21 September. Emergency services were activated at around 15:28 after reports of a swimmer in distress.
Local commercial airline pilot Johan Otto had just finished paddling when he noticed bystanders pointing towards the struggling swimmer. Otto launched his surf-ski and reached the man around 50 metres offshore, using the craft to keep him afloat. When the exhausted swimmer could no longer hold on, Otto secured his hands in the ski’s foot straps and began swimming them towards shore.
An unidentified man and an NSRI Gordon’s Bay rescue swimmer then helped bring the pair safely onto the beach. The swimmer was treated for serious non-fatal drowning symptoms before being transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition. He is expected to make a full recovery, with the NSRI praising Otto’s quick actions for helping save the man’s life.
Could This Somerset West Eyesore Finally Be Sold?
A derelict government-owned house on the corner of Jubilee Crescent and Andries Pretorius Street in Somerset West could finally get a new owner. The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) says it intends to dispose of the property if no other state department expresses interest in using it.
The property has been a source of frustration for residents for more than a decade. The City began proceedings to have it declared a problem building in 2017, with the declaration formally made in 2019. That process ended in 2023 after the DPWI committed to maintaining the site and providing 24-hour security.
If no government department takes over the property, it will be offered for disposal through a public auction, with the successful buyer becoming responsible for it. Until then, security will remain in place and overgrown vegetation will continue to be cleared. The DPWI says no renovation or demolition is currently planned while the disposal process is being finalised.
Meet Helderberg’s New Subcouncil Manager
Romeo de Lange has been appointed manager of Subcouncil 8, which covers communities across the Helderberg. He took over from acting manager Nonzuzo Jacob at the beginning of July, bringing experience in municipal governance and service-delivery coordination.
The subcouncil serves a diverse area including Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Nomzamo, Lwandle, Macassar, Firgrove and Sir Lowry’s Pass. De Lange identified key priorities including housing and informal-settlement upgrades, roads, stormwater and river management, safety, public facilities and coastal management.
As subcouncil manager, De Lange acts as a link between residents, councillors and the City of Cape Town, while coordinating service delivery across departments and supporting ward committees. With local elections approaching in November, he says strengthening trust, transparency and communication with residents will be an immediate priority.
Elon's Building Something in Tesla's Secret Labs.
Something is being built inside Tesla's facilities that almost no one is talking about — yet.
According to insider sources, Elon Musk has quietly developed a breakthrough product he claims will be "10x bigger than the largest product in history." The target launch date is July 22. And when it drops, the window to position quietly will already be closing.
Most investors will hear about this after the stock has moved. You don't have to be one of them. Our analyst named 3 stocks positioned to ride the launch — with entry guidance, price targets, a bonus 4th supply-chain pick, and a 3-phase playbook for when to buy, add, and take profits.
The Grille Shack
A Retro Roadside Diner Just Outside Gordon’s Bay
If you’re looking for a meal with a little more character, The Grille Shack is definitely worth a stop.
Located at PitStop Lodge, around 5 km from Gordon’s Bay, the restaurant takes inspiration from a 1950s American roadside diner, mixed with a distinctly South African twist. It’s designed for road-trippers, families, cyclists and anyone exploring Clarence Drive.
Here’s what you can expect:
Big burgers, including their massive triple-patty Grille Shack Burger
Spareribs, steaks and grills
Fresh seafood, including calamari, hake, prawns and mussels
Loaded sharing pans packed with ribs, wings, nachos and more
All-day comfort food, breakfasts and indulgent desserts
A pet-friendly, relaxed roadside atmosphere
Prices are fairly reasonable too, with the Classic Cheeseburger at R135, 400g sirloin at R255, and their famous Big Daddy full rack of ribs at R365 on the current menu.
It’s a great excuse to take a drive along Clarence Drive, enjoy the scenery and stop for a proper roadside feast.
📍 Clarence Drive, approximately 5 km from Gordon’s Bay
Click here: to check out the grille shack/
🚢Did you know? Gordon’s Bay has a long history of maritime and naval training, a connection that continues to form an important part of the town’s identity.
The area became associated with formal nautical training through the South African Training Ship General Botha, which prepared generations of young men for careers at sea. This maritime tradition later continued with the establishment of the South African Naval College in Gordon’s Bay, where naval officers have received training.
The town’s naval heritage can still be seen today, most famously in the enormous “GB” letters on the mountainside overlooking Gordon’s Bay — a reminder of the General Botha and the town’s longstanding connection with life at sea.
Events coming up this week (21-27 Sep)
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.
