Picture: The location of the Grace Fellowship Ministry (building with the red garage doors) pays testimony to the founders’ vision 30 years ago “To be a ministry to the poor, as a witness to the rich.” ten years later Masithandane NPO was established to become the hands and feet of the ministry. Today, the heartiest […]
knysna mayor jumps anc ship
Malcolm Luke Gawie from Smutsville, Sedgefield, started ‘Ubuntu on Wheels’ as a way of giving back to the community he grew up in. With so many challenges facing Smutsville, he simply wanted to ‘be the change he wanted to see’, and he believed that change starts with the children.
PICTURE: The mother and calf southern right whale wallowing in the shallows with landmark Gericke’s Point in clear view. What a pleasure to live in a place where even winter has its perks!Whilst the wind may be blowing in more and more of the dreaded chill factor, there are some visitors who still take delight […]
Yesterday, Sedgefield seemingly became a focal point of anti-immigrant tensions brought on by the controversial ‘30 June March and March’ campaign, with Slangepark in Smutsville emerging as the hot spot while the rest of Knysna reportedly remained comparatively calm – at least at time of this paper going to press. By early evening on the […]
Sedgefield’s Jesse Olivier has earned one of the Western Cape hospitality industry’s highest honours, being named the Showcook Reaching for Young Stars 2026 Young Chef of the Year at the prestigious TAJ Cape Town. He also won the prize for the best starter and main course; as well as the starter Food & Wine Pairing, together with his team mate, Blayze Morris (sommelier).
The former learner at Sedgefield Primary and York High, emerged victorious against some of the province’s most promising young culinary talents, proving that big dreams can indeed begin in small towns. Jesse is currently a third-year culinary student at the Chefs Training & Innovation Academy (CTIA) in Stellenbosch.
The Showcook Reaching for Young Stars competition is a prestigious annual South African competition and mentorship program. It pairs top hospitality and culinary students with leading wineries and industry experts. Organised by Showcook with the support of a large network of partners and sponsors, the project offers rising chefs and beverage students a springboard to launch their careers and gain international recognition.
The main competition took place at the International Hotel School (IHS) on 23rd May, where finalists had only four hours to complete the challenge under the watchful eyes of an esteemed panel of judges comprising respected chefs, hospitality professionals and industry specialists. The programme culminated in an awards luncheon at the Taj, where the winners were announced.
Every contestant was required to prepare a dish based on the same sponsored ingredients, with the same brief and within the same four-hour time limit. This created a level playing field, allowing judges to compare technical ability, flavour, presentation, organisation and professionalism directly across all competitors.
Jesse prepared a starter of Black Urud Dhal with Coconut, Tandoori Butter, Pickled Sultanas, Tamarind Paste, Lancewood Greek Yoghurt, and Crispy Garlic and Onions, followed by a main course of Smokey Aubergine and Tomato Curry with Confit Cauliflower, Semi-Dried Tomato and Chilli Oil, served with Rice Puffs and a Früt-inspired Mango, Ginger and Tamarind Chutney.
His outstanding performance earned him not only the coveted title of Young Chef of the Year, but also a fully sponsored three-month professional internship in France through InternAfrika and Lancewood.
Before embarking on his French internship next year, Jesse will complete his final studies at CTIA, then spend his last couple of months working ‘in the industry’.
Jesse’s achievement is a reminder that with the right talent, dedication and perseverance, even ‘small town’ people can be elevated onto both national and international.
stages.
Recent reports of xenophobic tension in parts of South Africa, catalysed by a planned national shutdown and demonstration set for June 30, 2026 by the anti-migrant group “March and March”, have prompted local leaders to urge calm as community members express concern over incidents and rumours circulating on social media.
Municipal officials, law‑enforcement representatives and civil-society groups have called on residents not to take the law into their own hands, and stressed that violence and vigilantism will only worsen tensions and put vulnerable people at risk. Authorities say they are monitoring the situation, investigating any allegations, and working with community leaders to ensure protection and lawful responses while encouraging residents to report credible threats through official channels.
In efforts to preempt any unlawful action, de-escalate tensions and provide a platform for the community to raise concerns through lawful channels, an urgent community engagement was organised by Councillor Levael Davis and held in Smutsville last week. It was attended by Knysna Mayor Matika, Councillors Vanston and Davis, SAPS, Knysna municipal officials, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), community representatives and community members.
Key concerns raised by the community included
The perceived increase in undocumented foreign nationals residing and working within Sedgefield and surrounding areas.
Community members at the meeting indicated that while they did not support violence, there had been reports of some locals taking the law into their own hands and attempting to remove individuals they suspected of being undocumented who are leasing private properties. They called on authorities to take decisive action through lawful enforcement mechanisms.
SAPS members present reported ongoing enforcement operations and highlighted that 744 undocumented persons had been arrested within the Knysna policing area during the last financial year, and a further 226 had been arrested between January and May this year. Reportedly, Knysna SAPS had recorded the highest number of undocumented person arrests amongst the 21 stations in the Garden Route District.
A commitment was made by local authorities and SAPS to continue compliance and enforcement operations, including planned interventions within the Sedgefield area. It was further noted that coordination structures had been established to improve preparedness and enable a proactive response.
Meanwhile, on a national level, the Department of Home Affairs has reminded South Africans that it is illegal for ordinary members of the public to demand sight of anyone’s immigration documents, Identity Documents, permits, or passports.
According to Home Affairs, only authorised law enforcement officers and designated immigration officials have the legal authority to inspect a person’s documentation, and citizens who take the law into their own hands by stopping, questioning, or demanding documents from others could face criminal charges.
Home Affairs says anyone wishing to report suspected illegal activities or undocumented immigrants can do so anonymously by calling the department’s toll-free hotline: 0800 601 190.