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Good morning Somerset Westers! Grab a cup of coffee and lets get right into todays newsletter☕
Where to Invest $100,000 Right Now, According to Experts
Investors face a dilemma. When the S&P 500 finished its worst quarter since 2022 last month, diversifiers like bonds and bitcoin fell too.
Even with the turnaround in mid-April, analysts at Goldman Sachs and Vanguard have projected low-single-digit annualized returns from 2024-2034.
Bloomberg asked where experts would personally invest $100,000 for their March monthly edition.
One answer that surfaced for a second time? Art.
It's what billionaires like Bezos and the Rockefellers have privately used to diversify for decades.
Why?
Appreciation. The ArtPrice100 Index outpaced the S&P 500 overall from 2000 to 2025
Low-correlation. The postwar contemporary segment has moved independently of traditional investments like stocks since ‘95.*
Resilience. A scarce, physical, and global asset class with decades of demonstrated demand.
Thanks to the world's premier art investing platform, now anyone can invest in works featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, without needing millions.
Shares in new offerings can sell quickly but...
*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
Did you know that Somerset West was once known simply as Somerset?
The word "West" was only added later to prevent confusion with Somerset East, another town in South Africa. Both towns were named after Lord Charles Somerset, who served as Governor of the Cape Colony from 1814 to 1826.
New Teacher Salary Figures Released for South Africa
Source: Businesstech
Teaching remains one of the country’s most important professions, but salary discussions continue as educators face rising living costs and growing workloads.
Teacher pay in South Africa varies depending on experience, qualifications, position, and whether they work in the public or private sector.
Here’s what current salary estimates show:
Entry-level public school teachers earn from around R13,600 per month after recent salary adjustments.
More experienced teachers and senior staff can earn significantly more depending on their salary notch and position.
Some senior educators and school managers can earn over R100,000 per month at the highest salary levels.
Teacher unions argue that a fair salary for most teachers should be closer to R25,000–R35,000 per month due to rising expenses.
The debate around teacher salaries remains ongoing, with concerns over inflation, medical aid costs, transport expenses, and retaining skilled educators in the profession.
For many teachers, the focus is not only on salary increases but also on improving long-term working conditions and support within schools.
Cape Town Ranked No. 2 for Adventure Beach travel
The city has officially been ranked as the second-best beach destination in the world for adventure seekers, thanks to its mix of coastline, outdoor activities, and natural beauty.
And it’s not just about relaxing on the sand.
Cape Town’s beaches offer everything from surfing and diving to hiking, paragliding, and exploring some of the most scenic coastal routes in the world.
Here’s what helped Cape Town earn the ranking:
World-famous beaches and coastline
Adventure activities like surfing, hiking, and diving
Scenic destinations including Cape Point and Boulders Beach
Unique mountain and ocean landscapes
For locals, it’s another reminder of what makes Cape Town special. For visitors, it’s one more reason to add the city to their travel list.
Click here: To read the full article
Visit Helderberg Nature Reserve
Set on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains, the reserve offers a mix of hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife, and some of the best views over False Bay and the surrounding Winelands.
And whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s what you can expect:
Walking and hiking trails ranging from short walks to full-day hikes
Beautiful fynbos landscapes with hundreds of indigenous plant species
Picnic spots and open lawns for families and groups
Wildlife and birdwatching opportunities throughout the reserve
Panoramic views over Somerset West, Strand, and False Bay
The reserve has become one of Somerset West’s most popular outdoor destinations, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from town.
📍 Helderberg Nature Reserve
🕒 Open daily (hours vary by season)
Click here: To check out Helderberg nature reserve
Events coming up this week (1-7 June)
Book Club Morning | 10:00–11:30, June 3
Location: Sunset Books
Description:
Enjoy a relaxed morning of books, coffee, and meaningful conversation at this cosy book club gathering.
Robari Liferights Open Day | 22:00, June 6
Description:
Discover the newly developed assisted living Life Right units at Robari Lodge during this upcoming open day hosted by the Helderberg Society for the Aged.
Bird Walk | 08:00, June 6
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve
Description:
Join a guided morning bird walk through Helderberg Nature Reserve and discover the rich birdlife found in the area.
Booking is essential for this popular reserve activity.
ERLA Triple Town Treasure Race | 09:00, June 6
Location: Elandskloof Road, Gordon’s Bay
Description:
Gather your team for an exciting treasure race adventure across the Helderberg.
Embroidery Workshop: Gregory the Heirloom Bear | 09:30–13:30, June 6
Location: Stellenbosch Square
Description:
Spend a slow and creative day stitching your own heirloom teddy bear in this hands-on embroidery workshop.
Mixed Media Session: Plant Studies | 15:00–17:00, June 6
Location: Stellenbosch Square
Description:
Explore the quiet beauty of plants through a creative mixed media session inspired by real botanical references.
Leather Belt Workshop | 09:30–12:30, June 7
Location: 31B Malan Street, Somerset West
Description:
Create your own handcrafted leather belt in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike.
Mother & Daughter Polymer Clay Workshop | 18:00–20:30, May 29
Location: Artjamming Somerset West
Description:
Enjoy a creative evening together designing handmade jewellery, charms, and keychains in this fun polymer clay workshop.
Beginner Sewing Workshop | 10:00–13:00, May 29
Location: Stellenbosch Square
Description:
Learn the basics of sewing in this beginner-friendly workshop designed for anyone wanting to start their creative sewing journey.
Paarl Trails MTB Outride | 08:00, May 30
Location: Novel Mazda
Description:
Join fellow mountain biking enthusiasts for a fun and social MTB outride hosted by Paarl Trails community.
Play Festival | 11:00–15:00, May 30
Location: 9 Fagan Street, Somerset West
Description:
Celebrate World Play Day with a fun-filled community festival hosted by Milkwood Toy Library and Che Africa Hub.
Nataniël in Konsert | 19:00, May 30
Location: Lourensford Estate, Somerset West
Description:
Acclaimed South African performer Nataniël returns to Lourensford Estate for an evening of storytelling, music, humour, and theatrical charm.
Ross Learmonth Returns to Triggerfish Brewing 2026 | 20:30, May 30
Location: Triggerfish Brewing, Somerset West
Description:
Ross Learmonth returns to Triggerfish Brewing for a live performance featuring a mix of fan favourites and newer material from his evolving solo career.
DOC JOHN’S BIRTHDAY BASH | 13:00, May 31
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Celebrate the legacy of South African music icon Doc John with a special live birthday bash featuring The Johns and Friends at Daisy Jones Bar..
Events coming up next week (8-14 June)
Paint & Sip Night-off Workshop – Twilight Fields | 18:00–20:30, June 8
Location: Goldfish Café & Take Away
Description:
Unwind with an evening of painting, colour, and creativity at this relaxed Paint & Sip workshop.
Geology Workshop | 08:00–15:00, June 13
Location: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
Description:
Join Andreas Groenewald for a full-day geological adventure exploring the fascinating stories hidden within the region’s rocks and landscapes.
JAXONFEST Vol.2 | 16:00, June 13
Location: Summerhill Wines, Stellenbosch
Description:
Get ready for an action-packed evening of rock and roll at JAXONFEST Vol. 2, where the worlds of Marvel and DC collide in a superhero-themed birthday bash.
Shane’s Gaul Regatta 2026 | June 13–14
Location: Gordon’s Bay Harbour, Gordon’s Bay
Description:
Set sail for a weekend of competitive racing and coastal excitement at the Shane’s Gaul Regatta 2026.
Ramon Alexander Quartet ft Buddy Wells | 13:00, June 14
Location: Daisy Jones Bar, Stellenbosch
Description:
Experience an afternoon of world-class jazz as the Ramon Alexander Quartet joins forces with acclaimed South African saxophonist Buddy Wells.
