Good morning! Grab a cup of coffee and lets get right into todays newsletter☕
Just for laughs😂
New SARS Declaration Now Mandatory
Somerset West Officers Honoured
Restaurant of the week
Events happening
Weekend’s Weather
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go camping.
They pitch their tent and fall asleep.
In the middle of the night, Holmes wakes Watson.
"Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."
Watson says,
"I see millions of stars."
Holmes asks,
"And what does that tell you?"
Watson replies,
"Astronomically, it tells me there are millions of galaxies.
Astrologically, Saturn is in Leo.
Horologically, I estimate it's around 3 a.m.
Meteorologically, tomorrow should be a beautiful day.
Theologically, it reminds me how small we are in God's vast universe."
Holmes stares at him for a moment.
Then says,
"Watson... someone has stolen our tent."
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New SARS Declaration Now Mandatory
South Africans travelling abroad now have an extra step to complete before leaving or entering the country. From 1 July 2026, SARS has made its new online traveller declaration compulsory for most international travellers.
The digital system is designed to speed up customs processing and replace most paper declaration forms, allowing travellers to declare goods, cash, and other items before they travel.
Travellers must submit the declaration within 24 hours before departure, and the requirement applies to those travelling by air, road, rail, or sea. Children must also be declared by a parent or guardian, while passengers remaining in international transit areas are generally exempt. Personal belongings do not need to be declared, but goods exceeding duty-free allowances and qualifying amounts of cash still do.
The new system aims to make border crossings quicker and more efficient while improving customs compliance for everyone travelling into or out of South Africa.
Click here: to read more about SARS travel declaration
Somerset West Officers Honoured
Four Somerset West police officers have been recognised for their 20 years of dedicated service to the community during a medal parade held at Bishop Lavis Police College.
The officers received their long-service medals during a ceremony led by outgoing Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, recognising their commitment to protecting and serving the community.
Sergeants Luncedo Gqokoma, Jeremy Fourie, Elton Isaacs, and Juan Fourie were among officers honoured for reaching the 20-year milestone, while other members were recognised for 30 and 40 years of service and received promotions during the ceremony.
The recognition celebrates the dedication and professionalism of Somerset West's police officers and acknowledges their years of service to the local community.
Every underdog still standing has a live market price.
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Trade responsibly.
3 Kitch3ns
If you can never decide between pizza, sushi, or a grilled steak, this Somerset West restaurant has you covered.
Located at 3 Kitch3ns, this unique dining concept brings three separate kitchens together in one restaurant, giving everyone at the table plenty of choice. urrounded by trees at Silver Forest, makes it just as enjoyable for a casual breakfast as it is for a family dinner.
A few menu highlights:
Wood-fired pizzas made fresh to order
Gourmet sushi and signature platters
Steaks, seafood, burgers, and grills
Breakfast served daily with a complimentary Mimosa or orange juice Whether you're planning a date night, family meal, or catching up with friends, it's a great spot where everyone can order something they'll enjoy.
📍 3 Kitch3ns, Silver Forest, Somerset West
Click here: To check out 3 Kitch3ns
Events coming up this week (29 June-5 July)
Jungle Book | June 30 – July 11
Location: Corner Lourensford Road & Swalle Street, Somerset West
Description:
Step into the heart of the jungle with this magical stage adaptation of The Jungle Book, inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story.
PRIME CIRCLE Live at Daisy Jones Bar | 19:00, July 3
Location: Summerhill Wines, Stellenbosch
Description:
One of South Africa’s most iconic rock bands returns to the stage for a powerful live performance at Daisy Jones Bar.
Sip & Paint Afternoon at Du Vin Restaurant | 15:00–18:30, July 3
Location: Du Vin Restaurant, Kanu Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Description:
Spend a relaxing afternoon painting, sipping, and socialising at Du Vin Restaurant's Sip & Paint event.
Watershed – Live at Lourensford | 19:00, July 3
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Experience an intimate evening with one of South Africa’s most beloved bands as Watershed performs live in the atmospheric Lourensford Wine Cellar.
Quiz Night | 19:00, July 3
Location: Skilpadvlei Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Description:
Gather your team for an evening of trivia, friendly competition, and great wine at Skilpadvlei Wine Farm's Quiz Night.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at Asara Wine Estate & Hotel | 18:00–22:30, July 4
Location: Asara Wine Estate & Hotel, Stellenbosch
Description:
Experience the music of one of the world's most beloved bands as Rumours of Fleetwood Mac brings the iconic songs of Fleetwood Mac to life in a spectacular tribute performance.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac at Asara Wine Estate & Hotel | 18:00–22:30, July 4
Location: Asara Wine Estate & Hotel, Stellenbosch
Description:
Experience the music of one of the world's most beloved bands as Rumours of Fleetwood Mac brings the iconic songs of Fleetwood Mac to life in a spectacular tribute performance.
Rock Dress Up Party | 18:30, July 4
Location: Gordon's Bay Harbour, Gordon's Bay
Description:
Dress up as your favourite rock legend and enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, and great company at Gordon's Bay Yacht Club.
Events coming up next week (6 July-12 July)
Botanical Drawing Masterclass | 09:30–16:30, July 8
Location: Vergelegen Wine Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Immerse yourself in a full day of botanical drawing at Vergelegen’s beautiful Camellia Garden under the guidance of renowned botanical artist Sally Arnold. This advanced masterclass is designed to help participants refine their observational drawing skills while exploring the beauty and detail of botanical subjects.
Gimme Shelter – A Night of Rolling Stones Music | 19:30, July 9
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Experience the timeless music of The Rolling Stones in this high-energy tribute show at The Drama Factory. Performed by four of Cape Town’s top musicians, the concert celebrates the legendary band's greatest hits with powerful live performances and authentic rock-and-roll energy.
French Fête at Leopard's Leap | 17:00, July 10
Location: Leopard's Leap Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Description:
Celebrate the start of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Weekend with a festive French-inspired evening at Leopard's Leap Wine Estate. Enjoy an atmosphere filled with French flair, exceptional food and wine, live entertainment, and the charm of one of the Cape Winelands' most celebrated events.
Golden Oldies – Performed by Akkedis | 19:00, July 10
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Enjoy an evening of timeless classics as the legendary Akkedis Band brings its popular Golden Oldies show to the Lourensford Wine Cellar. Featuring beloved hits from decades past, the performance promises a nostalgic journey through some of the greatest songs ever recorded.
Franschhoek Bastille Festival | 12:00, July 11
Location: Franschhoek
Description:
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival, where French heritage meets the best of the Cape Winelands. Enjoy exceptional wine tastings, delicious food, live entertainment, and a lively village filled with French-inspired festivities.
Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament | July 11–12
Location: Dutch Reformed Church, Franschhoek
Description:
Join the annual Franschhoek Bastille Boules Tournament for a weekend of friendly competition and community spirit. Teams of three will compete in this traditional French game as part of the Franschhoek Bastille Festival celebrations, with all proceeds supporting the SPCA Franschhoek.
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