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Good morning Somerset westers! Happy Friday! Unfortunately, it’s not a long weekend this weekend, but at least it’s a weekend nonetheless.
I hope you all take some time to recharge and spend time with your family and loved ones. We’ve got another great edition for you today, so grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get into it.
In today’s edition:
Helderberg Rugby Looks to the Future
Helderberg Businesses Among Cape's Best
New Leadership for Somerset West CPF
South Africa's Smoking Laws Are About to Change
Restaurant of the week
Local trivia
Events happening
Weekend’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
Helderberg Rugby Looks to the Future
A new junior rugby programme has officially launched in the Helderberg through a partnership between Mr Accuracy Rugby Academy and Helderberg Rugby Club, creating more opportunities for young players outside the traditional school rugby season. The programme has already attracted 70 players.
The initiative caters for players from under-9 to under-13, providing additional matches, structured development and access to experienced coaches. The academy has already produced 15 Western Province under-12 and under-13 players, with the partnership aiming to create a pathway that could eventually see youngsters progress into Helderberg's senior teams.
The programme will soon face its first major test at the Morningstar Junior 7-a-Side Tournament, where Helderberg will field four teams across the under-11 and under-13 divisions. The long-term goal is to strengthen grassroots rugby and give more local children the opportunity to develop their skills and represent the Helderberg.
Click here: to read more Helderberg junior rugby
Helderberg Businesses Among Cape's Best
The Helderberg is making a strong showing in the 2026 Kfm Best of the Cape Awards, with local businesses represented in 15 of the 30 categories. Finalists stretch across Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Paardevlei and the wider Helderberg region.
Local contenders include 96 Winery Road for Best Date Night Restaurant, Goldfish Cafe and Sage & Thyme for Best Breakfast Spot, and Weirdough, Bäckerei and Miss Dimples for Best Bakery. Vergelegen is competing for Best Wine Farm Experience, while Triggerfish Brewery, Triple Three Distillery, The Butcher & Son, Lourensford Market and Grille Shack are among several other local finalists.
The strong representation highlights the variety of restaurants, markets, producers and experiences found across the Helderberg. Voting closed Thursday, 13 August, with the winners set to be announced on Friday, 21 August.
New Leadership for Somerset West CPF
The Somerset West Community Policing Forum (CPF) has elected a new executive committee after operating for six months without formal leadership. Ellen Esau, previously the neighbourhood watch coordinator, has been elected chairperson, with Anthony Beer serving as deputy chairperson.
The new committee also includes Tony van Minnen as treasurer, Erna Wentzel as secretary, Louisa Lourens as deputy secretary, Dominic Eiman as project coordinator and George Kruger as public relations officer. Van Minnen is the only member remaining from the previous executive committee.
The election follows the breakdown of the previous leadership structure earlier this year. Somerset West Police Station Commander Colonel Jacolize Fleischmann welcomed the new team, saying they bring valuable experience and are looking forward to serving the wider Somerset West community.
South Africa's Smoking Laws Are About to Change
South Africa’s proposed new smoking laws have moved another step forward, with Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health beginning detailed discussions on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The bill still needs to pass through Parliament before becoming law.
The proposed rules would ban smoking and vaping in indoor public spaces, introduce plain packaging with graphic health warnings, remove tobacco products from retail displays and further restrict advertising and vending-machine sales. Vaping and e-cigarette products would also face tighter regulation, while violations could result in significant fines or even imprisonment.
Lawmakers are still considering amendments, including how traditional cigarettes and non-combustible nicotine products should be treated differently. Once the committee completes its work, the bill will head to the National Assembly for further debate.
Click here: to read more about smoking law changes
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Ciao Bella Pizzeria
A Strand Favourite for Wood-Fired Pizza
If you’re craving proper pizza in Strand, Ciao Bella Pizzeria has been serving locals since 2011 and has built a reputation for its relaxed atmosphere and Italian comfort food.
The big attraction is the thin-base, wood-fired pizza, but the menu also includes pasta and other Italian favourites. And if you’re really hungry, their flagship Grande pizza measures a massive 45cm.
A few options worth trying:
Ciao Bella Pizza
California Pizza
Carbonara
Meaty Bella
Classic Margherita
With a casual setting, takeaway and delivery available, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed pizza night.
📍 16 Pickle Street, Strand
Click here: to check out the restaurant
Did you know? Gordon's Bay is named after Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch military officer, explorer and naturalist who travelled extensively through southern Africa during the late 1700s.
Gordon was commander of the Dutch East India Company's garrison at the Cape and undertook several major expeditions into the interior. He carefully mapped landscapes, recorded wildlife and documented the people and places he encountered, leaving behind detailed journals, drawings and maps.
The bay became associated with Gordon during the Dutch colonial period and eventually took his name. More than two centuries later, Gordon's Bay still carries the name of one of the Cape's best-known early European explorers.
Events coming up this week (10-16 Aug)
Timo ODV Live at Harleys on Main | 20:00–02:00, August 15
Location: Harleys on Main, Somerset West
Description:
Get ready for an energetic night out as Timo ODV takes the stage at Harleys on Main for an evening of live entertainment, music, and dancing. With the party continuing into the early hours, guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere, great beats, and an unforgettable night in the heart of Somerset West.
Events coming up next 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.
