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Good morning, Somerset Westers!
It’s Fridayyy! If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, we’ve got a plethora of events happening in and around the area. Just take a quick squiz at our events section and find something that catches your eye.
I hope everybody has a great weekend, and without further ado, let’s get right into today’s Scoop!
Tragic Update in Strand Beach Search
Helderberg Pirates Are Looking for New Players
Aberdeen Road Repairs Finally on the Way
Gordon’s Bay Paints for a Good Cause
Restaurant of the Week
Local Trivia
Events Happening
Weekend’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Tragic Update in Strand Beach Search
The search at Strand Beach has turned tragic after rescue teams recovered the body of an adult man on Thursday morning, 3 September, near the Lourens River mouth. Authorities believe the deceased is the 39-year-old man from Mfuleni who disappeared in the surf the previous afternoon, although formal identification by his family is still underway.
The 39-year-old and his 22-year-old colleague from Belhar had entered the water after another member of their group got into difficulty while swimming in choppy conditions. The original swimmer was rescued by an unidentified surfer, but the two men who attempted to help him were caught in strong rip currents and disappeared.
Police divers, assisted by NSRI Gordon’s Bay and EMS, recovered the body. Strand police have opened an inquest docket, while police divers are continuing their search in the surf zone for the second missing man.
Click here: to read more about what happened on Strand beach
Helderberg Pirates Are Looking for New Players
The Helderberg Pirates Baseball Club is inviting local youngsters and families to an open day at Radloff Park in Somerset West this Saturday, 5 September, from 10:00 to 13:00. The event is aimed at players from under-10 through under-18 and is open to beginners as well as youngsters who already have baseball experience.
Visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at baseball, meet the team and learn more about the club in a relaxed environment. No previous experience is required, and families and other members of the community are also welcome to attend.
The open day wraps up at 13:00, but visitors can stay afterwards to watch the Helderberg Pirates senior team play a full baseball game. Snacks, cold drinks and a bar service will also be available throughout the afternoon.
Aberdeen Road Repairs Finally on the Way
The City of Cape Town has confirmed that repairs to the collapsed culvert on Aberdeen Road in Somerset West are expected to begin in October, following concerns from residents about the lengthy delay. The culvert, which carries stormwater beneath the road, collapsed earlier this year and has resulted in a section of the road being closed.
According to the City, the project requires more than simply replacing the damaged section. The planned work includes reconstructing the culvert, stabilising the surrounding area and repairing the affected roadway, with the necessary procurement and technical processes currently being completed.
The closure has caused inconvenience for residents and motorists who regularly use Aberdeen Road, with traffic having to be diverted through surrounding streets. The City has asked residents to remain patient while preparations are finalised, with further information on the construction timeline and traffic arrangements expected once work gets underway.
Gordon’s Bay Paints for a Good Cause
A community paint-and-sip fundraiser held at The Thirsty Oyster Tavern in Gordon’s Bay has raised R6,800 for Helderberg Animal Welfare Society (HAWS), bringing local residents together for an evening of creativity while supporting animals in need.
The event was organised by Janine Pearce, with local businesses contributing prizes and support. Guests were guided through creating their own artwork, while the evening also included a lucky draw and other activities to raise additional funds for the animal welfare organisation.
HAWS relies heavily on donations and community fundraising to continue caring for vulnerable animals across the Helderberg. Organisers thanked everyone who attended and the businesses that contributed, with the event demonstrating how smaller community initiatives can collectively make a meaningful difference to local animal welfare.
It's Here: Pique's New Caffeine-Free Afternoon Energy
I quit my afternoon coffee. Not because I wanted to — because I found something better.
You know that wall you hit every day around 2–3 PM? I used to just accept it as the cost of doing anything. Another coffee, a quick spike, then the crash — and somehow I'd still feel dehydrated by dinner.
Then I tried X·E Fountain, Pique's brand-new electrolyte energy drink, and I genuinely wasn't ready for how good "no crash" could feel.
No caffeine jitters. No 4 PM slump. Just clean, steady energy that actually hydrates me instead of draining me. It's built with a premium Vitamin B Complex for natural cellular energy, Magnesium Malate + Taurate for real focus, and a full electrolyte blend that makes it feel like a treat, not a chore.
The cucumber-celery-lime flavor is so crisp and refreshing — it's basically stolen my afternoon coffee slot completely.
Rykaart's Restaurant at Longridge Wine Estate
If you’re looking for somewhere special for a long lunch, Rykaart's Restaurant at Longridge Wine Estate offers a dining experience that feels a little different from your typical restaurant.
Set at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains, Rykaart’s serves a three-course, family-style menu designed for the whole table to share. The seasonal dishes make use of sustainable produce from Longridge and surrounding farms.
Here’s what you can expect:
Three-course seasonal menu served family-style
Farm-to-table ingredients and produce
Longridge wines available to pair with your meal
Beautiful views across False Bay and towards Table Mountain
A relaxed experience inspired by home-cooked meals around the family table
Whether it’s a special occasion or simply an excuse for a long Winelands lunch, Rykaart’s is well worth adding to your list.
📍 Longridge Wine Estate, Helderberg Pad, Stellenbosch
Click here: To check out Rykaart's
Did you know? During the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), the Helderberg formed part of an important transport corridor linking Cape Town with communities farther east.
By the time war broke out, the railway already passed through Somerset West and Strand, connecting the area to Cape Town and the wider Cape railway network. Railways became enormously important during the conflict, allowing British forces to move soldiers, equipment, horses and supplies over distances that would previously have taken days by wagon.
Although the major battles of the war took place far from Somerset West, the railway meant the Helderberg was still connected to the enormous military and logistical effort taking place across southern Africa. For local residents, the conflict was therefore not quite as distant as a modern map might suggest.
Events coming up this week (31 Aug-6 Sep)
September Sokkie Bootcamp | 18:00–18:45, September 1, 8 & 15
Location: Phox Dance Academy, 333 Main Road, Paarl
Description:
Brush up on your dance moves with the September Sokkie Bootcamp at Phox Dance Academy.
Arena Rock, Blues Legends, Best of the 2000s & Best of the 80s | 18:00–21:00, September 3
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Get ready for an electrifying evening of live music as School of Rock Devonbosch takes over Daisy Jones Bar for its Season Show.
Bok van Blerk at Lourensford Market | 17:00–22:00, September 4
Location: Lourensford Market, Somerset West
Description:
Lourensford Market is kicking off its reopening with a special First Fridays celebration featuring popular South African artist Bok van Blerk. Spend the evening enjoying live music, great food, drinks, and the lively atmosphere of the market.
James Stewart & John Ellis Explore the Music of Sting & The Police | 19:30, September 4
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Experience the timeless music of Sting and The Police as award-winning musicians James Stewart and John Ellis come together for a special live performance at The Drama Factory.
Trap Vir Kinders 2026 | 08:00, September 5
Location: Waterstone Village, Somerset West
Description:
Get on your bike and join Trap Vir Kinders 2026, a community cycling initiative dedicated to supporting children in need. Hosted by Kolskoot RADIO, the event brings cyclists and the local community together for a morning of exercise, generosity, and making a positive difference.
Winelands Bridal Fair 2026 | September 5–6
Location: Klein Joostenberg, Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Description:
Plan your dream wedding all in one place at the Winelands Bridal Fair 2026. Taking place over two days at Klein Joostenberg, the fair brings together a wide selection of wedding professionals, suppliers, and inspiration for couples preparing for their big day.
The Parents Market | 09:00–13:00, September 5
Location: Kids Company Preschool, Somerset Links, Somerset West
Description:
Enjoy a family-friendly morning at The Parents Market, a market dedicated especially to kids and families. Browse a variety of stalls while enjoying a relaxed community atmosphere where parents can shop, connect, and spend time together.
Winelands Bridal Fair 2026 | September 5–6
Location: Klein Joostenberg Events Venue, Stellenbosch
Description:
Plan your dream wedding all in one place at the Winelands Bridal Fair 2026. The two-day event brings together wedding professionals, suppliers, and inspiration to help couples explore everything they need for their big day.
Bingo Night | 18:00–22:00, September 5
Location: BeGraceful Studio, c/o Drama and Swalle Street, Somerset West
Description:
Gather your friends for a fun-filled Saturday evening of Bingo at BeGraceful Studio. Test your luck, enjoy some friendly competition, and stand a chance to walk away with some great prizes.
The Party! 80s Theme Night Preview | 19:30, September 5
Location: Playhouse Theatre, Corner Lourensford Road & Swalle Street, Somerset West
Description:
Turn back the clock and get ready for an evening of pure 80s nostalgia at the Playhouse Theatre. This special preview night kicks off the celebrations for The Party! with three themed preview shows ahead of its official opening.
Elton And The Icons | 16:00, September 6
Location: The Drama Factory, Strand
Description:
Celebrate the unforgettable music of Sir Elton John and other legendary artists who helped shape a generation with Elton And The Icons. Acclaimed tribute artist Rainer Jadischke joins powerhouse vocalist Celeste Dreyer for an afternoon packed with iconic songs and energetic performances.
Events coming up next week (7-13 Sep)
Bird Walk | 06:30, September 12
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Start your Saturday morning surrounded by nature with a guided Bird Walk through the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve. Led by experienced guide Charles Britz, the walk is a great opportunity to spot and learn more about the variety of birdlife found throughout the reserve.
Peace Train – Cat Stevens Tribute | 14:30–17:30, September 13
Location: Allan Wilson Shell Hole
Description:
Take a nostalgic musical journey through the timeless songs of Cat Stevens with Peace Train. Featuring guitarist Daniel Rossouw alongside Kath McClelland, this tribute celebrates the music and enduring legacy of one of pop and folk music’s most beloved singer-songwriters.
