In partnership with
Good morning, Somerset Westers!
Midweek check-in! I hope the week’s been lovely so far. Before we get into today’s edition, hit reply and let me know—what’s your favourite segment?
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get into it!
R100,000 Land in the Western Cape
Vergelegen Wins Best Wine Farm Again
Local Woman Honoured for Changing Young Lives
Western Cape Blood Stocks Hit Critical Levels
Homes of the Week
Events Happening
Wednesday/Thursday’s Weather
-Karl Berger
NEWS
R100,000 Land in the Western Cape
While the average home price in the Western Cape sits at around R1.82 million, the small town of Klawer along the N7 stands out as the only town in the province currently offering vacant land listed for as little as R100,000.
Located around 20km from Vredendal, Klawer has seen considerable growth, with its population increasing from 6,234 in 2011 to 14,277 in 2022. Younger buyers are also entering the market, with people aged 18–49 accounting for nearly 63% of recent property transactions. The average home price has climbed to around R725,000, its highest level in nine years.
The affordability comes with trade-offs. Klawer has two primary schools, a clinic and police station, but residents need to travel to Vredendal for a high school and many larger amenities. Still, the combination of affordable property and ongoing development could make the town attractive to remote workers, retirees and property investors.
Click here: to read more about affordable land opportunities
Vergelegen Wins Best Wine Farm Again
Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West has been named Best Wine Farm Experience in the 2026 Kfm Best of the Cape Awards, claiming the title for the second consecutive year. The awards are publicly nominated and voted for, with Vergelegen recognised for its gardens, natural surroundings, wine, food and hospitality.
The historic estate attracts around 160,000 visitors each year. Managing director Wayne Coetzer credited the achievement to Vergelegen’s staff and thanked visitors and supporters who voted for the estate.
The recognition comes as Vergelegen continues rebuilding following the March fire, with the renovated Stables restaurant expected to reopen in November with seating for up to 80 guests. The estate is also upgrading its children’s play area as part of improvements to its visitor facilities.
Local Woman Honoured for Changing Young Lives
Somerset West resident and Masikhule founder Léanne Keet has received the prestigious Paul Harris Award with one Sapphire from the Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club, recognising her longstanding contribution to early childhood development in the Helderberg.
Since founding Masikhule in 2005, Keet and her team have provided training and educational resources to more than 60 early childhood development centres across the Helderberg. The organisation delivers learning materials every two weeks and has also incorporated early intervention and occupational therapy into its programmes.
In 2025 alone, Masikhule completed 954 deliveries containing more than 32,800 educational items. Keet credited the achievement to the wider Masikhule team, while the Rotary Club praised her years of dedicated and sustainable service to the local community.
Western Cape Blood Stocks Hit Critical Levels
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations after stocks across the province fell below the recommended five-day supply. Currently, seven of the eight blood groups are below the required level.
The situation is particularly serious for O positive and O negative, which have dropped to just a two-day supply. A positive, B negative and AB negative are at three days, while B positive and AB positive have around four days available. Blood is needed daily for emergencies, childbirth, operations and patients undergoing treatment for various illnesses.
WCBS is asking all eligible donors, regardless of blood type, to come forward. Donating takes approximately 30 minutes, and a single donation can help save up to three lives.
Click here: to find out more
200 Ways To Make Money With AI
Turns out, AI is good for more than writing emails and generating LinkedIn posts. This guide is packed with 200+ actionable ways to build income with AI.
Inside you'll discover:
200 curated AI income ideas for beginners and pros alike
Easy-to-start opportunities you can launch this week
Real world applications for today’s top AI tools
AI powered business models built for today’s economy
Creative ways to turn trends into revenue
AI is changing how people work and how people earn, far beyond the simple “write me an email” prompt. Discover the possibilities and download the free guide to start cashing in today.
Home 1: Under R2m
Price: From R1,500,000
Address: Asrin Drive, Heritage Park / Somerset West
Details: 1 Bed / 1 Bath
Built/Completion: Assisted Living Apartment
Parking: 1 Parking Bay
Extras: Assisted Living Suite at Helderberg Manor, designed for independent retirement living with assistance available when needed, fibre internet, borehole, backup battery/inverter, private suite in a secure retirement setting.
Click here: To check out the full listing
Home 2: Between R2m – R4m
Price: R3,250,000
Address: 201 Meadow Lane, Sitari Country Estate / Somerset West
Details: 125 m² / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built/Completion: First-Floor Apartment
Parking: 2 Parking Bays
Extras: North-facing corner apartment, vineyard views, abundant natural light, open-plan living areas, enclosed braai room with built-in braai and stacker windows, pet-friendly, fibre internet, solar geyser, secure estate living.
Click here: To check out the full listing
Home 3: Above R4m
Price: R7,950,000
Address: Rome Glen / Somerset West
Details: 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Erf Size: 1,563 m²
Built/Completion: House
Parking: 2 Garages + 2 Parking Bays
Extras: Elevated position with panoramic False Bay and Table Mountain views, spacious open-plan living areas, modern open trusses, solid birchwood flooring, study, pet-friendly, swimming pool, garden, fibre internet, water tank, solar geyser, backup battery/inverter.
Click here: To check out the full listing
Events coming up this week (24-30 Aug)
Bird Walk | 08:00, August 29
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 offers a wonderful opportunity to discover and observe some of the reserve’s diverse birdlife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fynbos Medicinal Plant Workshop | 08:00–15:00, August 29
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Discover the fascinating history and traditional uses of medicinal plants at this full-day Fynbos Medicinal Plant Workshop.
Tree Identification Walk | 08:00, August 30
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Spend your Sunday morning exploring the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve on a guided Tree Identification Walk.
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.
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.
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.
