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Good morning, Somerset Westers!
We hope everyone has a good voting day and the chance to vote for a representative who reflects their values.
The weather’s looking lovely today, so enjoy some time outdoors if you can. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
Parents Warned as Measles Cases Rise in Helderberg
Classical Trio Returns for Helderberg Concert
Sardine Fishing Put on Hold Across South Africa
Meet the 10 Women Changing South Africa
Homes of the Week
Events Happening
Wednesday/Thursday’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Parents Warned as Measles Cases Rise in Helderberg
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has reported an increase in measles cases in the Helderberg, Strand, Macassar and Eerste River, prompting health officials to urge parents to check that their children’s vaccinations are up to date. The rise comes amid declining childhood immunisation levels nationally.
Measles is highly contagious and commonly causes high fever, a rash, runny nose, red eyes and coughing. In severe cases, it can lead to complications including pneumonia, diarrhoea, brain infection and blindness, with infants under two and malnourished children at greater risk.
Health authorities are increasing targeted vaccination outreach in areas where cases are rising. Routine and catch-up vaccinations are available free at public health facilities, while parents are also encouraged to give consent when vaccination teams visit schools. Children showing possible symptoms should be kept at home and taken to a clinic if they become unusually sleepy or struggle to eat or drink.
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Classical Trio Returns for Helderberg Concert
The Baxter Trio will return to Helderberg Village on Sunday, 15 November for the Helderberg Village Music Society’s final concert of the 2026 season. The trio consists of François du Toit on piano, Farida Bacharova on violin and Graham du Plessis on cello.
The programme will feature two major works: Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor and Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor. The musicians last performed at Helderberg Village in June 2025.
The concert takes place at Talani Terrace, with guests arriving from 15:30 ahead of the 16:00 performance. Tickets cost R130 and are available through Quicket. Non-residents must book in advance through Quicket to gain access to Helderberg Village.
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Sardine Fishing Put on Hold Across South Africa
South Africa has temporarily suspended directed sardine fishing while the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment considers new catch limits following a mass mortality event linked to pilchard herpesvirus (PHV). Previous management measures expired on 31 October, and no further sardine fishing will be allowed until new measures are approved.
The outbreak affected sardines between late July and early September, although authorities say no major recurrence has been reported since then. A small number of juvenile sardines washed ashore near Mossel Bay on 23 October, and samples are still being tested to determine whether the incident is connected to the earlier outbreak.
Environmental groups are calling for the suspension to remain in place until a new sardine biomass survey establishes how much of the population remains. The issue is also important for African penguins, snoek and small-scale fishing communities, which depend heavily on sardines. Authorities say PHV is not known to infect humans, and commercially caught sardines remain safe to eat, although people should not collect or consume dead or dying fish found on beaches.
Meet the 10 Women Changing South Africa
Ten women working across South Africa’s social-impact sector have been recognised as the 2026 Proteas of Mzansi by Nation Builder. The initiative celebrates women leading organisations that support vulnerable communities, improve education, promote disability rights and create opportunities for young people.
This year’s honourees include Irene Snell Carroll of Age-in-Action Western Cape, Levona Solomons of Arise and Shine Initiative for People with Disabilities, Lyndi Lawson of Umuzi and seven other community leaders from across the country. Their work ranges from elderly care and skills development to after-school programmes, youth support and community upliftment.
The women were honoured at an event at KWV’s Cathedral Cellar in Paarl and have now joined the Nation Builder Network. Through the programme, they will receive access to mentorship, leadership development, business coaching and other professional support aimed at helping them strengthen the organisations and communities they serve.
Home 1: Under R3
Price: R800,000 (Auction Starting Bid)
Address: Whispering Pines / Gordon's Bay
Details: 1 Bed / 1 Bath
Erf Size: 52 m²
Built/Completion: Renovated Top-Floor Apartment – Non-Distressed Auction
Parking: 1 Parking
Extras: Mountain views, fully furnished, recently renovated, top-floor position, low-maintenance living, no pets allowed. Higher undisclosed reserve price applies.
Click here: to check out the full listing
Home 2: Between R3m – R5m
Price: R4,195,000
Address: 110 Station Road, Kelderhof Country Village / Somerset West
Details: 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Erf Size: 301 m²
Built/Completion: Family Home – Secure Estate
Parking: 2 Garages + 2 Parking
Extras: 24/7 estate security, spacious open-plan living area, covered patio with built-in braai, wrap-around garden, pet-friendly, solar geyser, secure country estate living.
Click here: to check out the full listing
Home 3 R5m and above
Price: R7,750,000
Address: Heldervue / Somerset West
Details: 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Erf Size: 1,000 m² (Floor Size: 260 m²)
Built/Completion: Recently Renovated Family Home
Parking: 2 Garages + 4 Parking
Extras: Spectacular mountain and ocean views, modern open-plan kitchen with separate scullery, enclosed braai room, expansive balcony, swimming pool, landscaped garden, separate studio flat/gym/office, study, pet-friendly, fibre internet, water tank, irrigation system, alarm system, CCTV and electric gate.
Click here: to check out the full listing
Events coming up this week (2-8 Nov)
November Sokkie Bootcamp | 19:15, November 4
Location: Laerskool Noord-Eind, Paarl
Description:
Get your dancing shoes ready for the November Sokkie Bootcamp, hosted by Phox Dance Academy. Learn and practise popular dance styles, including Sokkie, Langarm and Two-Step, in a fun and welcoming group environment.
AFTERHRS at Punk Stellies | 20:00, November 6
Location: Punk Stellies, 3 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch
Description:
When the day clocks out, the party begins at AFTERHRS, a late-night event at Punk Stellies.
Koelenhof Blood Drive | 10:00–15:00, November 6
Location: Koelenhof Wine Cellar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Make a difference and help save lives at the Koelenhof Blood Drive. The community is invited to come together for a meaningful cause by donating blood and helping those in need.
South African Table | 12:00, November 6
Location: Leopard’s Leap Wine, Franschhoek
Description:
Celebrate the rich flavours and traditions of South African cuisine at South African Table, a special food and wine experience hosted by Leopard’s Leap.
Stories en Sterre | 19:00, November 6
Location: Drostdy Teater, 48 Alexander Street, Stellenbosch
Description:
Experience an evening of music, storytelling and nostalgia with Stories en Sterre, presented by Christof van der Berg at Drostdy Teater.
Creedence: A Clear Water Revival | 18:00–21:30, November 7
Location: Café Roux, Noordhoek Farm Village, Cape Town
Description:
Relive the legendary music of Creedence Clearwater Revival with Creedence: A Clear Water Revival, a live tribute celebrating the unforgettable songs and distinctive sound of one of America's most iconic rock bands.
GBYC Commodore’s Ball | 18:30, November 7
Location: Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, Gordon’s Bay Harbour
Description:
Get dressed up for an elegant evening at the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club Commodore’s Ball, a special celebration filled with music, glamour and sophistication.
Plektrum – Die Mauritz Lotz-Verhaal | 15:00, November 8
Location: Drostdy Teater, 48 Alexander Street, Stellenbosch
Description:
Discover the remarkable musical journey of Mauritz Lotz, one of South Africa’s celebrated guitarists, in Plektrum – Die Mauritz Lotz-Verhaal.
All You Need Is Love | 16:00, November 8
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Get ready for an afternoon of rock ’n’ roll nostalgia with All You Need Is Love, a lively musical celebration featuring Duck Chowles, Andy Murray and the Retro Rewind Band.
Events coming up next week (9-15 Nov)
Classical Music Concert: Karim Sulayman & José Dias | 17:00, November 13
Location: La Motte Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Description:
Enjoy an elegant evening of classical music at La Motte Wine Estate, featuring internationally acclaimed Lebanese-American tenor Karim Sulayman alongside talented pianist José Dias.
Coenie@70 met Coenie de Villiers | 19:00, November 13
Location: Drostdy Teater, 48 Alexander Street, Stellenbosch
Description:
Celebrate the remarkable career and 70th birthday of Coenie de Villiers, one of South Africa’s most beloved musicians and storytellers, with a special performance at Drostdy Teater.
Shadow Mastery | 10:00–13:30, November 14
Location: Yogadore Somerset West, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the power of self-awareness and personal growth at Shadow Mastery, a workshop focused on exploring the hidden parts of ourselves and turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.
The Winelands Blues Festival 2026 | 14:00, November 14
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Summerhill Wines, Stellenbosch
Description:
Get ready for an afternoon of soulful music as The Winelands Blues Festival returns to Daisy Jones Bar for 2026.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac | 18:00–22:30, November 14
Location: Asara Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Description:
Back by popular demand, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac returns to the beautiful Asara Wine Estate for an evening celebrating the legendary music of Fleetwood Mac.
Motor Mania in the Park | 09:00–14:00, November 14
Location: Poinsettia Park, Heldervue, Somerset West
Description:
Calling all car enthusiasts and families! Join the Friends of Poinsettia Park for Motor Mania in the Park, a fun-filled community fundraiser showcasing an exciting collection of classic cars, sports cars, exotic vehicles, 4x4s and motorcycles.
Enjoy delicious hotdogs, pancakes, refreshments and coffee while the kids have fun with jumping castles and tractor rides. With plenty of impressive vehicles on display, there's something for the whole family.
Entrance is R30 per adult and R10 per child, with all proceeds going towards the upkeep and maintenance of Poinsettia Park.
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