Betty’s Bay Ratepayers’ Association
Biosphere Living
Betty’s Bay is situated within the buffer/transitional zone of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and it is important to think of the Biosphere as not only a floral kingdom, but to take into account the entire ecosystem. The Kogelberg area was registered as a conservancy with Cape Nature in 2005.
The BBRA represents the interests of Betty's Bay ratepayers and residents. It aims to cultivate and encourage interest in local affairs, promote conservation and represent Betty's Bay on the municipal Ward committee.
Message from the Chairman
Message from the Chairman – October 2026
GENERAL One lives in Betty’s Bay. When one moves here, one is excited to experience the mountains to the north and the ocean (with the frequent sighting of whales and dolphins) to the south. And in between the fynbos and animals running “wild”. But then one becomes “used” to this and does not “enjoy” this privilege any more. It becomes part of one’s daily life. Which is a pity. With these great features one lives with, comes the added benefit of having the best of the best in the form of individuals/teams that are always available when one is in need. Here I refer to BEST (Rob Boyd and his team) and FIRE AND SAFETY (Jorika Rabie and her team) and the BB Neighbourhood Watch (Wayne Jackson/Bennie Sheppard and their team) who are always available - night or day. As an example: on Friday morning, 9 October, there was another medical incident at 00h30. One phone call and Rob (BEST) was on scene within 10 minutes, stabilising the patient before the ambulance arrived. The ambulance itself came an hour later, the issue being it had to travel from Hermanus. The patient is well, still in hospital but recovering. All thanks to the quick response from Rob, as First Respondent on...
BBRA General Meeting Dates
- 2026 Meeting dates to be announced
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 10 DECEMBER 2025 AT 18H00, CRASSULA HALL, BETTY’S BAY
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Perspectives on Biosphere Living
LIVING WITH NATURE: UNDERSTANDING UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVES Across the world, humanity faces a growing challenge: how do we protect our natural environment while allowing communities to develop, prosper, and improve their quality of life? For decades, conservation and development were often regarded as opposing interests. UNESCO\'s Biosphere Reserve Programme…
The Sardine Die-Off and it’s Impact on The African Penguin
THE ROLLERCOASTER OF FOOD AVAILABILITY FOR THE AFRICAN PENGUIN Last year: The fishing closures. This year: The sardine die-off On 18 March 2025, the Pretoria High Court made an ‘order of court’ into a negotiated settlement, reviewing and setting aside the Minister’s decision announced on 4 August 2023. BirdLife South…
BBC4thSaturday: Ocean and International Coastal Clean Up
September is “International Coastal Clean-up” (ICC) month! The BBC shifts its usual “4thSaturday” event to the third Saturday of September to participate in the ICC. This year, we had a double event. To highlight the impact of pollution and destructive human activities on oceans, we screened Sir David Attenborough’s OCEAN…
Hall News and Activities
The Crassula Hall continues to be an important community space, providing a venue for a variety of activities and events for residents of Betty’s Bay. Hall Maintenance and Improvements Repairs to the existing hall lighting are being carried out to improve the lighting around the facility. There is good progress towards finalising…
Drama and Theatre Arts
As a strategic BBRA project, this portfolio is a heritage initiative to promote diverse community cultural offerings. We wish to establish a register of the cultural offerings currently available in Betty’s Bay. Please contact me on email at bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com, or on my cell phone (083 427 3706) – by call,…
Conservation and Heritage
The Kogelberg Biosphere: UNESCO Status and the Vital Role of Betty’s Bay Conservation Protecting our natural heritage, strengthening our community, and safeguarding the future of the Cape Floral Kingdom. A global conservation treasure on our doorstep Betty’s Bay lies within the extraordinary natural landscape of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, one…
Betty’s Bay Emergency Support Team (BEST) – October 2026
September 2026 was a busier month. Eleven callouts were received: two motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), one motor bike accident (MBA), three fall injuries, two lacerations and three medical cases. The patients from both MVAs and the MBA were transported to hospital by CMC, ER24 and Metro ambulance. Two of the…
Town Planning and Property Development
Spatial Development Framework for Overstrand Municipal Area (OLM): The status remains that the Overstrand Local Municipality (OLM) and the service provider/consultant are still busy sorting out the “Status Quo Report”. Once we have more information, this will be communicated. Roads: The gravel roads on the western side of Betty’s…
Message from the Chairman – October 2026
GENERAL One lives in Betty’s Bay. When one moves here, one is excited to experience the mountains to the north and the ocean (with the frequent sighting of whales and dolphins) to the south. And in between the fynbos and animals running “wild”. But then one becomes “used” to this…
Penguin Fence Update
Following the Friday 28 August Penguin Fence information sharing session, hosted by CapeNature, I have put together an overview of what was discussed and, more importantly, what I believe emerged from the meeting. If I was reading the room correctly here are my thoughts: CapeNature began the meeting by informing…
BBRA Executive Committee
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Administrator & Secretary
Conservation of Leased Land
Elsa Stofberg
Neighbourhood Watch
Wayne Jackson
Town Planning and Property Development
Amund Beneke
Community Services
Community Development
Abigail Davids
Drama and Theatre Arts
Ilona Frege
Biosphere Stewardship
Marelize Smith
Zone Representatives & Oversight
Central Representative
Western Representative
Eastern Representative
Communications / Media
Newsletter Editor
Newsletter, Media & Website
General Queries
Website
Betty’s Bay For All
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Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.
Our Sponsors
Community Efforts
Become involved in the community
Betty's Bay Conservancy
For information on Biosphere Living, Animal Proofing your Home, Recycling, Beach Clean-ups and more.
Botanical Society
For information on Indigenous Gardens, Firewizing Fynbos, Plant and more and monthly talks.
Kogelberg Biosphere
Learn more from The Kogelberg Biosphere whos aim is to protect this vast natural wonder.
Wildlife
Established Wildlife rescue centre in Betty’s Bay.
Wildlife Rescue, South Africa aims to improve and standardize the level of wildlife rehabilitation training in South Africa.
Betty's Bay Pickle Ball
Free for paid-up Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association (BBRA) members or donation-based for non-BBRA members.
Join our inclusive community project and experience the thrill of pickleball.
KAWS
Assisting, feeding and rehoming of abandoned animals within the community between Rooi Els and Arrabella Golf Estate.
Adopt | Foster | Donate | Volunteer
Hangklip Athletics Club
Join us for Social, Road & Trail runs, Walks and Time trials from Rooi Els to Kleinmond. Meeting weekly on Monday in Kleinmond, Wednesday in Betty’s Bay and Thursday in Pringle Bay.
Betty's Bay Parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! Every Saturday at 8am at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
Butterfly Effect
Developing and implementing community-based projects that will make a long term, sustainable impact on the lives of the communities we support.
Kogelberg Garden Circle
Owners of gardens in Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els and Kleinmond get together once a month, usually on the third Tuesday. An initiative of the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society of SA.
The Betty's Bay Hack Group
A team of volunteers dedicated to eradicating invasive alien vegetation on Betty’s Bay. They meet every Wednesday and two Saturdays a month.
Hangklip Community Care Centre
HCCC is an independent registered NPO, based in Betty’s Bay providing nutritional services, social activities and home-based assisted independent living.