The wait's finally over

The time has come for the 20th Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival.

Tantalizing smells, eye-catching colour and a real Festival spirit has invaded the Somerset East Showgrounds. From early morning, stall owners and festival-goers alike have been arriving en mass to start their takeover of this quaint little town at the foot of the Boschberg Mountain.

This year, the array of stalls and entertainers will definitely allow you to ‘come hang’ with friends and family into the wee hours of the night.

Already on the first day of the Festival, festival-goers were not only treated to first-class entertainment, but they could also browse over 300 stalls and mingle with locals who are more than willing to show them around the grounds.

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Meet the people of Somerset East and surroundings: Part 4

Somerset East’s singing sensation

Trevisha Miggels is a bundle of joyous energy. This 18-year- old has been
singing since she was eight, and it has always been “her passion”.

“I listen to all types of music, but I especially enjoy Bach and Celine Dion,” says Trevisha,
who will matriculate from Gill College in Somerset East at the end of 2010.

At this year’s Biltong Festival, Trevisha is looking forward to seeing Emo Adams.
But she herself will be entertaining the crowd as she forms part of the Local Talent
slot that starts at 13:00 on the 16th July.

Trevisha was so kind to give us an impromptu performance when
we met her in Somerset East. Take a listen:

Meet the people of Somerset East and surroundings: Part 4

Education in Somerset East

”Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. “ – Nelson Mandela.

The town of Somerset East is proud and supportive of their educational institutions. On this blog we will feature two of the town’s schools.

Gill College



Founded in 1869, the picturesque Gill College welcomes visitors entering the town of Somerset East. The school was initially a university, and then became a boy’s school. A merging with Bellevue Girls School saw Gill College eventually begin its path to the school it is today: modern, cultured and dual medium.




This historic school’s ideal for all their learners is presented in their Coat of Arms. The life lesson the school wishes all their students to take away with them when they leave is to: “Never give up trying. Never lose faith in yourself. At the same time keep your faith in your fellowmen by being trusting and tolerant. For, by keeping faith in yourself and others, you will have provided yourself with a sheet-anchor which will prove your refuge and salvation in the stress of life.”

For more information on the school, you can visit http://www.gill.co.za/

William Oates Memorial School



Located in the historic Paulet Street in Somerset East, the William Oates Memorial School has a breathtaking view of the Boschberg Mountain as well as the town. Named after a Wesleyan Minister, this School educates children from some of the poorest families in the area.

Mr Isak du Plessis is currently the school’s principle and he ensures that these children receive physical and mental sustenance. Born and bred in Somerset East, Mr Du Plessis has spend 27 years in the education sector.





If you’d like to contribute to the school or assist them in providing food or stationary you can contact the school on
042 243 2062 or email them on williamoates@somerset.co.za.

Meet the people of Somerset East and surroundings: Part 3

A founding father speaks:

Mr JR Jordaan, long-time resident of Somerset East and one of the founding members of the Biltong Festival, tells us in this interview why he, along with fellow members of the ‘Landbou Vereniging’, proposed the Biltong Festival as a way of giving back to the community.