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Good morning Somerset westers! I hope everybody had a lovely weekend. I know I did—right up until Saturday evening, when the Springboks played. 😅 Let’s try our best to forget about that one this week.
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get right into the news.
Why Medical Aid Alone May No Longer Be Enough
A Heartbreaking Loss for Strand Secondary
5 Places Best Seen Before Breakfast
Activity of the Week
Scoop’s Kitchen
Events Happening
Monday/ Tuesday’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Why Medical Aid Alone May No Longer Be Enough
South Africans with medical aid are increasingly facing unexpected out-of-pocket costs, as healthcare expenses rise and schemes introduce more co-payments, sub-limits, network restrictions and benefit limits. Healthcare cost inflation is currently estimated at around 9–11%, significantly higher than general inflation.
While medical schemes must still fully cover Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), many expenses outside these benefits may not be covered in full. Specialists can also charge considerably more than medical scheme rates, leaving members responsible for the difference.
This has increased the importance of gap cover, which can help cover certain shortfalls between what medical aid pays and what healthcare providers charge. However, gap cover also has annual limits and exclusions, meaning consumers are encouraged to regularly review both their medical aid and gap cover to understand exactly where they may still be financially exposed.
Click here: to read more about medical aid shortcomings
A Heartbreaking Loss for Strand Secondary
The Strand Secondary School community is mourning the death of 17-year-old Grade 11 learner Tapiwa, who passed away on the school premises during school hours on Tuesday, 18 August. The circumstances surrounding his death are not yet known. Strand police have opened an inquest, and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Following the incident, the school dismissed learners early and informed parents while forensic officials carried out the necessary procedures.
Messages of support and condolences have since poured in for Tapiwa's family, friends, classmates and teachers. The school remembered him for his kindness, smile and spirit, while the investigation into his death remains ongoing.
5 Places Best Seen Before Breakfast
Some of South Africa’s best-known destinations offer a completely different experience early in the morning, when wildlife is more active, temperatures are cooler and popular attractions are still relatively quiet.
The five highlighted destinations are Addo Elephant National Park, where early mornings offer better chances of spotting elephants, lions and hyenas; Golden Gate Highlands National Park, where the Maloti Mountains and sandstone cliffs are particularly striking in the softer morning light; and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where visitors can combine wildlife viewing, birding and the coastline before temperatures rise.
Also featured are the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain in Limpopo, one of the country’s top birding areas with more than 430 recorded species, and Kalk Bay in the Western Cape, where early visitors can watch fishing boats return to the harbour, see the seals and explore the waterfront before the village becomes busier.
Whether it’s wildlife, hiking, birding or exploring the coast, an early start can mean fewer crowds and a chance to experience these destinations at their best.
The Eye Cream Proven to Boost Collagen by 130%
The skin around your eyes ages decades faster than the rest of your face. Collagen declines, hydration drops, and tissue becomes thinner and more fragile — leading to fine lines, crepiness, and a loss of firmness that's hard to ignore.
The OS-01 EYE Cream from OneSkin was formulated for this ultra-vulnerable area. Its highly potent concentration of the OS-01 Peptide™ — a patented molecule engineered by longevity scientists to target senescent cells, which accumulate faster in eye skin — means visible results: smoother texture, fewer fine lines and more resilient skin.
In lab studies, OS-01 EYE increased collagen by +130%*, supporting the structural foundation that healthy skin needs for firmness and volume. And with 100% of participants reporting improved overall appearance and 96% reporting better hydration, the results speak for themselves.**
*Explore the claims at oneskin.co
**Based on a third-party 12-month clinical study with 23 participants aged 47–60.
Stellenbosch Wine Tractor
Stellenbosch Wine Tractor hop-on-hop off wine tasting tour 🍇
A Relaxed Way to Explore Stellenbosch Wine Farms
Some wine tastings feel rushed. Others let you take your time and enjoy the day.
The Stellenbosch Wine Tractor offers exactly that.
This hop-on, hop-off tour in Stellenbosch takes you between different wine estates on a tractor ride, so you can explore without driving.
What to expect:
Hop between multiple wine farms
Enjoy tastings at each stop
Scenic vineyard views along the way
Go at your own pace
It’s an easy, social way to experience the Stellenbosch wine route.
📍 Stellenbosch Wine Route
🕒 Booking required
Click here: To check out the Stellenbosch wine tractor
🥭 Mango, Avocado & Grilled Chicken Bowl
Fresh, colourful and packed with flavour. Smoky grilled chicken, creamy avocado and sweet mango come together in this easy, healthy bowl finished with fresh lime and coriander.
⏱️ 30 mins · 👥 Serves 4 · 🥗 Healthy & high-protein
Events coming up this week (24-30 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.
Events coming up next week (31 Aug-4 Sep)
Lekker Lekker – ‘Thanks for Sharing’ Tour | 13:00, August 30
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Get ready for an afternoon of drag, comedy, and music as Lekker Lekker Media brings its Thanks for Sharing Tour to Stellenbosch. Hosted by Astella Performance, the show combines glamour, laughs, live entertainment, and plenty of personality in one energetic production.
André the Hilarious Hypnotist Live | 17:00, September 1
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Kick off spring with something a little different as André the Hilarious Hypnotist takes the stage at Daisy Jones Bar. Expect an entertaining and unpredictable show combining hypnosis, comedy, and plenty of audience participation.
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. This three-week programme includes three group classes designed to help you build confidence and improve your sokkie skills in a fun, relaxed environment.
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. The performance celebrates multiple generations of music, from legendary blues and arena rock to iconic hits from the 80s and 2000s.
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.
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.
