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Good morning, Somerset Westers!
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! We’ve got plenty to get through today, including lots of upcoming events. If you’re looking for something to do, take a quick squiz at our events section.
Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get straight into today’s Scoop!
Petrol and Diesel Prices Set to Fall
Somerset West Community Comes Through for Carlo
New Multi-Sport Facility Coming to Macassar
A Five-Day Whale-Watching Walk in the Western Cape
Activity of the Week
Scoop’s Kitchen
Events Happening
Monday/ Tuesday’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Petrol and Diesel Prices Set to Fall
South African motorists are set for some relief at the pumps in November, with final October data pointing to cuts of around 49 cents per litre for Petrol 93 and 33 cents for Petrol 95. Diesel could fall by approximately R1.58 to R1.68 per litre.
The reductions are largely being driven by a temporary National Treasury fuel tax relief package, which cuts petrol taxes by R1.50 per litre and diesel taxes by R3 per litre for November. Without this intervention, current fuel market conditions would actually be pointing to further price increases.
The official adjustment is expected to take effect on Wednesday, 4 November. If the projections hold, inland Petrol 95 would fall from R30.25 to around R29.92 per litre, while 0.005% diesel could drop from R33.29 to about R31.61 per litre. Final prices may still change slightly because factors such as the slate levy and other monthly adjustments have not yet been included.
Click here: to read more
Somerset West Community Comes Through for Carlo
A familiar face at Circle Centre in Somerset West has received a new chair after his previous one was stolen. Carlo, who has been part of the centre’s daily life since the 1990s, is well known to generations of local residents who regularly stop to greet him.
Local café Sage & Thyme reached out through its network after hearing about the theft, and My Office Furniture donated a replacement chair. The café also keeps a small account for Carlo, allowing community members to contribute towards meals and coffee for him.
The story sparked an outpouring of memories from Somerset West residents, many of whom said they have known Carlo since childhood. Some recalled seeing him at Circle Centre more than 25 years ago, highlighting how much of a familiar part of the local community he has become.
Click here: to read more
New Multi-Sport Facility Coming to Macassar
Construction is set to begin on a new R2 million-plus multi-purpose sports facility at Oklahoma Street Primary School in Macassar, after the Western Cape Government officially broke ground on the project on 29 October. The facility is intended to give learners a safe, all-weather space for sport and community activities.
The 648m² court will support sports including soccer, basketball, netball and volleyball and will include specialised sports surfacing, fencing and solar lighting. The school says the facility will allow sporting and cultural programmes to continue throughout the year, even when bad weather would normally force activities to be cancelled.
Construction is scheduled to run from 25 January to 1 March 2027, with the full project expected to be completed by 31 May 2027, subject to approvals and site readiness. Oklahoma Street Primary is one of 12 primary schools across the Western Cape benefiting from a wider provincial school-sport infrastructure programme.
A Five-Day Whale-Watching Walk in the Western Cape
A five-day guided slackpacking trail is giving hikers the chance to explore the Western Cape coastline during peak whale season. Wild Wellness’ Walk with Whales covers roughly 53km, taking participants through areas including Arniston, Struisbaai, Cape Agulhas and De Kelders.
The route combines coastal hiking with opportunities to see southern right whales from land, alongside fynbos, birdlife, historic fish traps, caves and shipwrecks. Luggage is transported between overnight stops, meaning hikers only carry daypacks, although participants should still be fit enough to spend up to six hours a day walking.
The experience runs during September and October, when whale activity along the Cape coast is at its peak. Bookings are already open for 2027, with prices starting at R12,950 per person sharing for shared accommodation and R16,750 for private en-suite accommodation.
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Polkadraai Strawberry Farm
Looking for a fun family outing near Somerset West? Polkadraai Strawberry Farm offers a wonderful day outdoors, with fresh strawberries, beautiful farm scenery, and plenty of activities for the whole family.
Here's what you can expect:
🍓 Pick your own strawberries from R65 per person
🚜 Tractor rides around the farm for R30
⛳ Mini golf for R30 per person
🐴 Pony rides for R30 per child
🚴 Mountain biking from R70 per day
🍔 Food court and children's playground
📍 Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch
🕘 Open daily: 9 AM–4 PM
Click here: to check out Polkadraai Strawberry Farm
Hot Honey Halloumi with Lentils & Nectarines
Golden halloumi is glazed with hot honey and served with juicy nectarines, lentils, kale, red onion and fresh mint. A creamy tahini-Dijon dressing brings everything together, while pumpkin and nigella seeds add crunch.
⏱️ Quick & easy · 🌱 Vegetarian · 🥗 High-fibre · 🍯 Sweet, salty & spicy
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.
📅 Have an event you'd like featured in Somerset West Scoop?
We'd love to hear about it! Simply WhatsApp us your event details and a relevant link to the number below.
📲 WhatsApp: [+27 71 548 6962]
