Cape St Francis
History has it that a Portuguese explorer, Manuel de
Perestrelo who was given the task of mapping the coast
in 1575, mentioned in his description of the coast and
Bay, with a reference to Cape Serras (now Cape St
Francis), "On the eastern side of the cape is a bay to
which I gave the name Saint Francis."
Many years later, in 1954, the land around this bay was
bought by Leighton Hulett who moved from Zululand with
his wife and children. Initially it was set up as a
fishing camp where he and his family and friends enjoyed
bathing and fishing in this isolated paradise. A small
township of 51 plots was laid out in 1956 and at that
stage it was still going to be called Cape St Francis.
This name was first changed to Sea Vista in 1960. After
the establishment of the first approved township Hulett
developed the marina glades, the town grew and after a
public referendum in 1979 the village name was
officially changed to St Francis Bay
In the mean time a number of fishing shacks/houses were
built some distance further on, around the lighthouse
point on John Booysen's farm and that smaller village
became known as Cape St Francis.
The lighthouse, called Cape St Francis Lighthouse or
Seal Point Light house, was built in 1878 at this cape
point to warn ships of the dangerous reefs that stretch
more than a kilometer out to the sea. It is the tallest
masonry tower on the South African coast standing at a
height of 27.75 m. Although it is no longer in full
operation it is open to the public and guided tours of
this historic lighthouse are available.
There is a very popular gift shop and tea garden at
the site and it is managed by the recently instituted
Ajubatus Marine and Wildlife Rescue. Ajubatus is a
service which has been set up by volunteers to respond
to injured and stranded animals and birds.
Many of the streets in Cape St Francis are named
after ship wrecks, e.g. The Hope 1840, Queen of the West
1850, The Spy 1851, Osprey 1853, Lady Heal 1859, Niagara
1870 , Lingenfjord 1938, Pres Reitz 1947.
Cape St Francis has its own unique atmosphere and
characteristics. Goodwill rules amongst its residents
and fishermen, surfers, bathers and all who love to
explore the beautiful walk ways feel at home. One often
used is on the Irma Booysen Nature Reserve. In the dunes
are still a few middens where shells and remains of
primitive implements could be found.
During the calamari/chokka season one can almost read
your paper by the light of the many boats going for
their catch during the night time. It is a fisherman's
paradise for old and young. The endangered Oyster
Catchers can be seen on the beach and rocks and even a
whale or two come to visit from time to time. Abalone (Perlemoen)
poachers have become a hazard lately but their is an
abundance of interesting sea life and one can still
enjoy our coastline the way nature intended.
Cape St Francis is a tranquil Eco-destination. This
pristine beach, the mild temperature and the longest
sunshine hours on the South African Coast ensure a
relaxed all year round destination. |
