Good morning Somerset Westers! Grab a cup of coffee and lets get right into todays newsletter☕

Stay curious.

Morning Brew unpacks the biggest stories in business, finance, and tech every morning.

Explained clearly. Read quickly. And a little fun too.

Try it yourself and join 4 million+ professionals reading daily.

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears.
I have no body, but I come alive with wind.
What am I?

Answer at the bottom

Community Rallies Behind Francois’ Mission to Change Lives

A 1,500km Walk for a Good Cause

Somerset West resident Francois Janse van Rensburg is walking 1,500km from Windhoek to Somerset West to raise funds and awareness for the Somerset West Night Shelter.

The journey aims to:

  • Support the Somerset West Night Shelter

  • Raise awareness about homelessness

  • Help vulnerable individuals and families

It's an incredible challenge with a powerful purpose — proving that one person can make a real difference.

New Driving Licence Cards Are Coming to South Africa

South Africa is working on a new driving licence card system aimed at improving security and reducing fraud.

Here's what's planned:

  • A redesigned licence card with modern security features

  • Better protection against fraud and counterfeiting

  • An updated production system to improve reliability

  • A replacement for the current card design, which has been used for decades

The move comes as government looks to modernise the country's licensing system and address ongoing printing and renewal challenges.

Home 1: Under R2m
Price: R1,990,000

  • Address: Bizweni / Somerset West

  • Details: 85 m² / 1 Bed / 1 Bath

  • Built/Completion: Retirement Townhouse

  • Parking: 1 Garage

  • Extras: Secure retirement living, scenic mountain and Winelands views, open-plan layout, garden, swimming pool access, exclusive sole mandate, peaceful retirement village setting, no pets allowed.

Home 2: Between R2m – R4m
Price: R2,150,000

  • Address: 1 De Beers Avenue / De Velde, Somerset West

  • Details: 96 m² / 2 Bed / 2 Bath

  • Built/Completion: Apartment

  • Parking: 2 Parking Bays

  • Extras: North-facing second-floor unit, large balcony, Helderberg Mountain views, main bedroom with en-suite, pet-friendly, excellent condition, lifestyle estate living, swimming pool access, ideal for living or investment.

Home 9: Above R4m
Price: R6,500,000

  • Address: Helderberg Estate / Somerset West

  • Details: 451 m² / 3 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Erf Size: N/A

  • Built/Completion: House

  • Parking: 1 Garage + 2 Parking Bays

  • Extras: Beautifully renovated family home, spacious open-plan lounge, dining room and kitchen, gas stove, large scullery/laundry with second kitchen, courtyard and garden, pet-friendly, swimming pool, located in sought-after Hillcrest Estate.

🌳 Somerset West Trivia: The Giant Trees of Vergelegen

Did you know that some of the oldest trees in South Africa are right here in Somerset West?

At Vergelegen Wine Estate, there are huge camphor trees that were planted more than 300 years ago. That means they were growing long before cars, airplanes, and even before Somerset West became a town!

These giant trees were planted around the year 1700 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel. Over the years, they have watched people come and go, seen farms grow, and witnessed the area change into the busy town we know today.

Next time you visit Vergelegen, take a look at these incredible trees and imagine all the stories they could tell if they could talk! 🌳

Fun fact: These trees are older than South Africa itself!

Events coming up this week (1-7 June)

Book Club Morning | 10:00–11:30, June 3

Location: Sunset Books

Description:
Enjoy a relaxed morning of books, coffee, and meaningful conversation at this cosy book club gathering.

Robari Liferights Open Day | 22:00, June 6

Description:
Discover the newly developed assisted living Life Right units at Robari Lodge during this upcoming open day hosted by the Helderberg Society for the Aged.

Bird Walk | 08:00, June 6

Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve

Description:
Join a guided morning bird walk through Helderberg Nature Reserve and discover the rich birdlife found in the area.

Booking is essential for this popular reserve activity.

ERLA Triple Town Treasure Race | 09:00, June 6

Location: Elandskloof Road, Gordon’s Bay

Description:
Gather your team for an exciting treasure race adventure across the Helderberg.

Embroidery Workshop: Gregory the Heirloom Bear | 09:30–13:30, June 6

Location: Stellenbosch Square

Description:
Spend a slow and creative day stitching your own heirloom teddy bear in this hands-on embroidery workshop.

Mixed Media Session: Plant Studies | 15:00–17:00, June 6

Location: Stellenbosch Square

Description:
Explore the quiet beauty of plants through a creative mixed media session inspired by real botanical references.

Leather Belt Workshop | 09:30–12:30, June 7

Location: 31B Malan Street, Somerset West

Description:
Create your own handcrafted leather belt in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike.

Mother & Daughter Polymer Clay Workshop | 18:00–20:30, May 29

Location: Artjamming Somerset West

Description:
Enjoy a creative evening together designing handmade jewellery, charms, and keychains in this fun polymer clay workshop.

Beginner Sewing Workshop | 10:00–13:00, May 29

Location: Stellenbosch Square

Description:
Learn the basics of sewing in this beginner-friendly workshop designed for anyone wanting to start their creative sewing journey.

Paarl Trails MTB Outride | 08:00, May 30

Location: Novel Mazda

Description:
Join fellow mountain biking enthusiasts for a fun and social MTB outride hosted by Paarl Trails community.

Play Festival | 11:00–15:00, May 30

Location: 9 Fagan Street, Somerset West

Description:
Celebrate World Play Day with a fun-filled community festival hosted by Milkwood Toy Library and Che Africa Hub.

Nataniël in Konsert | 19:00, May 30

Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West

Description:
Acclaimed South African performer Nataniël returns to Lourensford Estate for an evening of storytelling, music, humour, and theatrical charm.

Ross Learmonth Returns to Triggerfish Brewing 2026 | 20:30, May 30

Location: Triggerfish Brewing, Somerset West

Description:
Ross Learmonth returns to Triggerfish Brewing for a live performance featuring a mix of fan favourites and newer material from his evolving solo career.

DOC JOHN’S BIRTHDAY BASH | 13:00, May 31

Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch

Description:
Celebrate the legacy of South African music icon Doc John with a special live birthday bash featuring The Johns and Friends at Daisy Jones Bar..

Events coming up next week (8-14 June)

Paint & Sip Night-off Workshop – Twilight Fields | 18:00–20:30, June 8

Location: Goldfish Café & Take Away

Description:
Unwind with an evening of painting, colour, and creativity at this relaxed Paint & Sip workshop.

Geology Workshop | 08:00–15:00, June 13

Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West

Description:
Join Andreas Groenewald for a full-day geological adventure exploring the fascinating stories hidden within the region’s rocks and landscapes.

Ramon Alexander Quartet ft Buddy Wells | 13:00, June 14

Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch

Description:
Experience an afternoon of world-class jazz as the Ramon Alexander Quartet joins forces with acclaimed South African saxophonist Buddy Wells.

Riddle Answer: An echo

Rate todays newsletter☀️

Login or Subscribe to participate

Keep Reading