A Rare dwarf Nguni calf has been born in Cape Town. The calf, which does not have a name yet, was born on the 26th of December at Vergelegen in Somerset West. The birth is quite a coup for the 3000-hectare wine estate, which includes a 400-hectare game camp located within a 1980-hectare nature reserve.

A rare dwarf Nguni calf has been born in Cape Town

Vergelegen’s environmental manager, Eben Olderwagen, says the dwarf Nguni calf is one of their most unusual newcomers. The calf has short, stocky legs and a distinctive brown-and-white spotted hide. Olderwagen says the little calf is expected to grow no taller than between knee and waist height when fully grown. He added that Dwarf Nguni cattle have a much shorter lifespan than standard Nguni, usually around 4 years. This is compared to up to 20 years for a normal Nguni.

Olderwagen said, “His mother is very protective and closely monitors anyone who approaches.”

There’s also another young Nguni that the new calf can play or hang out with. Olderwagen says Henry is mostly white in colour and something of a celebrity on the estate. Henry is bottle-fed and tame and has formed a close bond with hospitality and events manager Sue Steenkamp, and enjoys spending time in her garden. He says both calves were late arrivals.

There’s also another young Nguni

Vergelegen also welcomed an impressive 133 Nguni calves between July and September last year. This brings the total Nguni herd to around 450 animals. Other animals you can find at Vergelen include eland, bontebok, and spotted eagle owls.

From a media statement: Further excitement is expected soon, with two Rau quagga mares heavily pregnant. Vergelegen is currently home to 10 Rau quagga. The first seven animals – one stallion, five mares and a foal – were relocated from Pampoenvlei in the Atlantis – Darling area in May 2022. The Rau quagga at Vergelegen forms part of an ambitious conservation initiative, launched in 1987, to selectively breed southern plains zebra that closely resemble the extinct quagga, which once roamed South Africa in vast herds before being hunted to extinction in the late 19th century.

Two Rau quagga mares are heavily pregnant

Unlike other zebras, quagga typically have stripes only on the head, neck and front portion of the body, with brownish upper sections and unstriped, pale legs and bellies. Visitors who would like to find out more about the wildlife and biodiversity initiatives at Vergelegen can book a guided environmental tour in an open-top game drive vehicle. These are weather permitting, departing from the wine tasting centre at 10.00. Duration is around two hours and costs R950 per person, which includes a wine tasting, branded cap and water bottle. Maximum nine people. Members of the public are able to visit Vergelegen daily from 08h30-17h00 (last entry 16h00). There is an entrance fee of R30/person, or R10/pensioners and scholars. Good news for pensioners is that they can enjoy free entry on Mondays.

Stretch your Rand this year. Here are some money-savvy tips for 2026. The Integrated Advice Product Head at FNB, Ester Ochse, says with the festive season behind us and new year expenses weighing heavily, many South Africans felt the pinch of “Janu-worry.” But now, she says, the time has come for people to reflect on their savings journey. She says small tweaks to your spending habits can free up cash and help you start saving, even when it feels impossible.

Stretch your Rand

Ochse shares simple ways that can help households ease financial strain and navigate the year on a stronger footing:

Use your rewards: Redeem your eBucks to cover essentials like groceries, fuel, or electricity. “How many times have you, in a crunch, reached out to your eBucks as opposed to your money to buy electricity, data or airtime?” asks Ochse. eBucks can be a valuable tool to ease payment pressures.

Avoid unplanned spending: Payday often tempts impulse buys. Review your recent transactions and wait a week before making non-essential purchases to curb spending urges.

Prep your meals: Meal prepping at home saves money and promotes healthier eating. Stretch meals with staples like rice and beans, adding portions of protein to bulk up.

Cut transport costs: Carpooling with colleagues or parents on school runs reduces fuel expenses and benefits the environment.

“Every rand matters,” says Ochse.

More money-savvy tips for 2026

Refresh your financial setup: Review your smart budget, beneficiary details, and track spending via the FNB App to avoid future stress.

Set clear money goals: Just as fitness goals are popular in January, financial goals should be too. Whether it’s paying off debt or saving R20 000, writing them down and placing them on a vision board keeps you motivated.

Embrace digital tools: Platforms like FNB eWallet make it easier to send money, pay for essentials, and manage finances seamlessly. In 2025 alone, South Africans used eWallet for over 69 million transactions, covering groceries, fuel, airtime, and electricity.

“The versatility of our eWallet platform allows customers to not only send money but also make purchases and manage their finances seamlessly,” says Hema Morar, Executive Head of FNB eWallet.

 

Out-of-the-box ideas to save more

• Use your library card and online reading apps: Borrow e-books and audiobooks for free.
• Avoid taking kids shopping: Reduce impulse buys by planning your shop visits or shopping online to earn eBucks, e.g., via PnP as soon as possible.
• Join community swap groups: Exchange clothes, toys, or household items instead of buying new.
• Plan no-spend weekends: Explore free local parks, museums, or community events.

“By making mindful choices, embracing digital tools, and setting clear financial goals, South Africans can navigate 2026 with confidence and lay the foundation for a financially healthier year.”