The Village Guy

22/12/2025

Boxing Day Cycling is taking place at Faure Street this Friday. I dont think I need to explain how big and historic this event is.

For those that dont know, its the world’s oldest continuous cycling event (since 1897), the biggest track cycling event in Africa, it’s also one of the most spectated in-stadium sporting events on the continent.

Previous years this event was marketed several weeks before the event. It was the talk of the town, and everybody knew about Paarl Boxing Day in Paarl.

What has happened? No big banners on the Main Road, no posters on lamp poles on the streets, very little marketing and exposure for the event this year.

This event needs to be kept alive like in previous years - it used to be huge, and needs to kept that way.

If you want to see our local youth and senior cyclists in action - head over to Faure Street Stadium on Friday!

Races start at 12pm, and tickets:
Main Pavilion: R50
Side Pavilion: R40
General entrance: R25

21/12/2025

Stunning photo of firefighters at Laborie Estate yesterday - these guys are the real superheroes - Wow!

20/12/2025

A fire broke out at Laborie Estate shortly after midday and initially required support from Stellenbosch Municipality, Cape Winelands District Municipality, the Fire Protection Association (FPA), and DFW Fire & Rescue NPC.

Two structures — the Cucina Di Giovanni restaurant and the first wing of the accommodation facilities — were destroyed earlier in the incident. The historic Manor House and the second accommodation wing were successfully protected and are now out of danger.

18/12/2025

Local author, , popped in to drop off her latest book just in time for Christmas.

Her book, The Collars of the Christmas Kittens, is perfect for the young reader over this holiday period.

Contact her on Instagram to get hold of a copy.

The story is very cute!

14/12/2025

Paarl Gimnasium High School bans cellphones at the school.

14/12/2025

You really dont need to leave town for an amazing hike.

I did the Happy Valley hiking trail in Bains Kloof, Wellington. Its simply breathtaking.

Parked at Eerste Tol, a short walk, climb over the wooden staircase to the start of the hike. Its a 10km hike, and ends off at a breathtaking rock pool.

There is a shorter route to the rock pool, if you want to the kids along, or for first time hikers. Its really not that difficult.

Dont forget your hiking permit. You can get it at the Cape Nature offices in Mill Street, Paarl.

Do you self a favour, go try it out!

13/12/2025

12/12/2025

I remember this team playing an ODI at Parys Cricket Field here in Paarl.

We all had our mini cricket bats and caps ready for autographs.

Fielders on boundary line would run over and sign our bats between balls and overs.

I think they played quite a few matches on this field.

11/12/2025

I found this very useful

Tired of spam calls. You can opt out here:

https://www.nationaloptout.org/

How does this work?

There are roughly 300 members belonging to the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa

If your name is on the OPT OUT list, they will not contact you (as per national legislation)

This period lasts for 3 years (then you need to register again)

09/12/2025

A massive congratulations to Paarl’s Cleto van Rooi, who has been included in cast of one of the most iconic and beloved musicals in theatre history, Cats The Musical.

Cleto will performing at the Artscape over the festive season!

Well done Cleto!!!

08/12/2025

A dream debut for Paarl’s Kyla Dames as she is awarded with the Player of the match in the SA Netball team African Cup opener!!

Well done Kyla!!!

08/12/2025

A huge congratulations to Paarl netball player, Kyla Dames, who has been included in the SA Netball Senior woman’s team for the 2025 Africa Netball Cup in Malawi this month.

Just a few months ago Kyla was playing for the u/21 SA Netball team at the Youth World Cup, and now she is into the senior team!!!

Well done Kyla!!!