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Good morning Somerset westers! It’s Friday! I hope everybody’s had a good week and is looking forward to a great weekend ahead. Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get right into it.
In today’s edition:
Major New 5G Network on the Way
School Spirit Takes Over Somerset West
One Woman's Mission to Improve Somerset West
Property Shortage Hits Strand
Restaurant of the week
Local trivia
Events happening
Weekend’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Major New 5G Network on the Way
Comsol Networks is investing billions of rand to build a new 5G network across South Africa, with plans to deploy around 2,000 base stations nationwide by the end of 2028. The company has partnered with technology manufacturer ZTE for the rollout.
Comsol currently operates around 450 sites covering roughly one million households, but plans to expand to national coverage. Unlike traditional mobile networks, the new network will operate primarily on a wholesale and business-to-business basis, allowing other service providers to use its infrastructure.
The expansion could be particularly useful in areas where installing fibre is difficult or expensive, with 5G providing high-speed home internet wirelessly through a router. Only around 15% of South African households currently connect through fibre, leaving significant room for alternative broadband networks to grow.
Click here: to read more about new 5G network on the way
School Spirit Takes Over Somerset West
The BUCO Winter Interschools is underway at Somerset West Primary School, bringing together learners from Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Mikro primary schools for a week-long programme running from 17–22 August.
The event goes beyond traditional school sport, with learners competing in coding and robotics, chess, art and cross-country, before attention turns to hockey on Friday and a full programme of rugby and netball on Saturday. Age groups range from the younger grades through to the headline under-13A matches.
The interschools aims to give children opportunities to develop their sporting, academic and creative talents, while encouraging teamwork, school spirit and good sportsmanship between the participating Helderberg schools.
One Woman's Mission to Improve Somerset West
Lifelong Somerset West resident Michelle Engelbrecht is being recognised this Women’s Month for her work improving the town and tackling local community challenges. She is the co-founder and director of the Somerset West Community Association (SWCA), established in 2025 with a focus on public spaces, heritage and environmental restoration.
Engelbrecht’s community involvement stretches back years. In 2022, she founded Somerset West City Revival, which focused on revitalising the CBD. She has also worked to improve wheelchair accessibility in Somerset West, including proposals for Caledon Street, after seeing first-hand the difficulties her grandmother experienced navigating the town in a wheelchair.
Today, the SWCA operates largely through local volunteers, with the goal of turning community concerns into practical projects under its vision of “Reclaim, Restore, Reimagine.” Engelbrecht says residents don’t need to wait for positions of authority to start making a positive difference in their community.
Property Shortage Hits Strand
Residential property sales in Strand fell by 22% during the first half of 2026, largely because fewer homes are coming onto the market rather than a major decline in buyer demand. A total of 301 properties worth R526.8 million changed hands between January and June.
The sectional-title market remains particularly strong, with 146 properties sold at an average price of R1.8 million, up from R1.65 million in 2025. At the higher end, Greenways Estate recorded an average price of R6.55 million, including the period's highest sale at R13 million.
Despite fewer transactions, demand for Strand property is expected to remain healthy, supported by its relative affordability compared with Somerset West, coastal lifestyle and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
Click here: to read more about Strand’s property shortage
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Fancy Frank’s Somerset West
A Lively Comfort Food Spot with Something for Everyone
If you’re looking for a place that mixes bold comfort food with a fun, social vibe, Fancy Franks is one to know. Offering a wide range of crowd-pleasing options from burgers to pizzas and more.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Gourmet burgers with bold, loaded toppings
Tex-Mex options like tacos and wings
Wood-fired pizzas and grilled dishes
Starters and sides like jalapeño poppers and fries
A full drinks menu with cocktails, beers, and happy hour specials
The menu is designed to be varied, flavour-packed, and easy to share, making it a good fit for groups or casual nights out.
📍 2 De Beers Avenue Golf Village, Somerset West 7130 South Africa
🕒 Open daily 11am - 12am
It’s more than just a meal — it’s a full experience with food, drinks, and a social atmosphere all in one place
Click here: To explore the full menu.
Did you know? Before it became known as Strand, the seaside town was once called Mostert's Bay, a name linked to the Mostert family who were among the early landowners in the area.
The settlement developed along the shores of False Bay, where fishing, farming and the beautiful coastline shaped the community's early years. As the area grew, it became an increasingly popular seaside destination, particularly for visitors looking to escape Cape Town during the summer months.
The name eventually changed to Strand, the Afrikaans word for “beach.” Today, Strand has grown far beyond its early beginnings, but its long beachfront and connection to False Bay remain at the heart of the town's identity.
Events coming up this week (17-22 Aug)
Juan Boucher Live | 19:00, August 21
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
South African singer-songwriter Juan Boucher takes to the stage at the Lourensford Wine Cellar for a special live performance. Set amongst the estate’s impressive silver wine tanks and atmospheric cellar surroundings, the evening promises an intimate setting for fans to experience his distinctive sound and popular songs live.
Road to Graceland | 14:30, August 23
Location: The Old Mushroom Farm
Description:
Take a musical journey through the remarkable career of Paul Simon with Road to Graceland, an intimate acoustic tribute performed by The Black Labels – Rob and Garth Warren.
Events coming up next week (23-29 Aug)
Snake Awareness and Handling Course | 08:30–16:30, August 29
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the fascinating world of South Africa’s snakes at this full-day Snake Awareness and Handling Course hosted by Helderberg Eco Rangers and African Reptiles and Venom.
Spring Market & Open Day | 09:00–13:00, August 29
Location: 2nd Somerset West Scout Hall, 111 Drama Street, Somerset West
Description:
Welcome the new season at The Honeybush Collective Primary School’s Spring Market & Open Day. Spend the morning browsing the market, connecting with the local community, and discovering more about the school in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.
Amphora Wine Festival | 10:00–14:00, August 29
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the fascinating world of amphora wines at this unique wine festival hosted at Lourensford Estate. The event brings together producers and wine enthusiasts to celebrate wines made using the ancient tradition of fermenting and ageing wine in clay amphora vessels.
Springboard | 10:00–13:30, August 29
Location: 24 Morkel Street, Somerset West
Description:
Put the spring back in your step with Springboard, a personal mastery and life coaching experience focused on helping you live more intentionally and skilfully.
Sip & Paint Your Pet for Welfare | 11:00–14:00, August 29
Location: Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, Gordon’s Bay Harbour
Description:
Turn your favourite pet into a work of art while supporting a great local cause at Sip & Paint Your Pet for Welfare. Hosted by Mindscape Art Studio in collaboration with Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club and Animal Welfare Helderberg, this creative event combines painting, socialising, and community support.
Kenny & Dolly Country | 17:30, August 29
Location: Macnut Farm Wedding & Function Venue
Description:
Dust off your boots and get ready for a country-inspired evening with Kenny & Dolly Country. This lively show celebrates the spirit of classic country music with plenty of familiar favourites, sing-along moments, and boot-scootin’ fun.
