South African motorists could face the single biggest petrol price increase on record in November, with early Central Energy Fund data pointing to hikes of R4.29 per litre for Petrol 93 and R4.58 for Petrol 95. This comes just after October’s increases pushed fuel prices to record highs.

Diesel is also under pressure, with early projections showing increases of R2.56 to R2.91 per litre, while illuminating paraffin could rise by around R5 per litre. The biggest driver is international oil prices remaining above $100 a barrel, combined with a weaker rand.

The figures are still very early projections and could change considerably before November’s official adjustment, as fuel recoveries are recalculated daily. However, economists warn that another major increase would raise transport and production costs and could push inflation higher.

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The R14.9 million expansion of Lwandle Library is nearing completion, with the upgraded facility expected to reopen in November. The project will effectively double the size of the library, creating more space for reading, studying and internet access.

Construction began in March, and the main structural work, roofing and alterations to the existing building have already been completed. Work is now focused on ceilings, flooring, painting, joinery, a new entrance, signage and landscaping.

While the building remains closed, library staff are continuing outreach work in the community, including weekly visits to early childhood development centres with storytelling activities and book loans. Residents can meanwhile use neighbouring libraries in Strand, Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Sir Lowry’s Pass until the Lwandle facility reopens.

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Somerset West resident Freya Brett, 86, has received the 2026 Owl Award from BirdLife South Africa for her decades of service to bird conservation and environmental education. Brett has been a member of the Somerset West Bird Club for 36 years and has served continuously on its committee since 1998.

Her contributions include documenting the club’s history, organising speakers, supporting conservation projects and participating in the bi-annual Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount in the Overberg. For the past 33 years, she has also helped monitor Blue Cranes and other terrestrial birds, contributing valuable data on changes in bird populations and habitats.

Brett has also played a major role in the Eco-Schools programme, helping Helderberg schools create vegetable gardens, plant indigenous fynbos and develop wildlife-friendly spaces. She says inspiring young people to appreciate nature remains one of the most important parts of her conservation work.

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The annual CANSA Relay for Life Helderberg was held overnight from 3 to 4 October at Hendrik Louw Primary School in Strand, with around 40 teams initially registered. Gale-force winds created difficult conditions shortly after the event began, forcing many teams to dismantle their camps and leave early.

By 02:00 on Sunday morning, only six teams remained, but they chose to continue walking until dawn despite being offered the option of ending the event early. Around 60 cancer survivors, together with caregivers, family and friends, also took part in the symbolic opening laps.

The strong winds forced organisers to move the traditional Luminaria Ceremony indoors, where Hendrik Louw Primary learners performed a special production. Organisers thanked the school, Helderberg Crime Watch, volunteers, local donors and sponsors for helping the event continue despite the challenging weather.

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Silver has more than doubled gold's return since March 2020, even after a 53% correction from its January peak.

Our research team sees a familiar pattern. Silver's returns more than doubled gold's from 1974 to 1987. After the financial crisis, silver beat gold five-fold in three years.

The reason is size. In 2025, investors put about $15.6 billion into physical silver and silver ETFs, against $111.2 billion for gold. Small inflows move silver hard.

Silver is also in its sixth straight annual supply deficit. The Ultimate Silver Playbook explains what the team expects next. It's free.

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