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 – July 2026
BBRA GENERAL Our monthly BBRA meeting took place on 08 July. Please be advised that the Minutes of the Meetings held since January 2026 are available on the website of the BBRA. Betty’s Bay is one of the villages that attracts tourists frequently, not only to pay a visit to the penguins and the Harold Porter Gardens, but also the area in general. What is heart-warming is that an email was received from one of the tourists living in Switzerland: “I collect some patch and would like to ask is it posibel to get one frome Bettys bay with the Pinguins” (sic). We believe that this might be an opportunity to “splash” Betty’s Bay worldwide and it was decided that the BBRA will investigate the possibility of having a “Sew-on Betty’s Bay Patch Logo”. Watch this space! A new group called OVAC (Overstrand Accountability Collective) invited the BBRA to be part of this broader Ratepayer’s Association Group, trying to represent the Communities (Gansbaai to Rooi Els) at large. The BBRA EXCO, however, has declined this invite because we believe we have a very good relationship with the Overstrand Municipality (OM) and do not want to lose this. The proposed development of Erf 4030 Betty’s Bay...
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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Latest Updates
After the Overstrand Eco-Indaba
Ten of the 23 organisations that attended the Eco Indaba in March 2026 were represented at the inaugural meeting. Various reasons were given why more didn’t attend, such as ‘not enough time before the invite was sent out’ and possible public march disruption on the day. Six organisations present became…
Speeding on the R44: Twenty-Five Wild Animals Killed on the Road in First Five Months in 2026
Since the start of 2026, the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre has recorded 25 roadkill incidents in the Kogelberg Biosphere on roads including the R44 and R43. These incidents include: 4 porcupines 3 grysboks 3 spotted eagle owls 3 caracals 2 tortoises And several other species that call…
Wildlife: In Honour of our Bokkie – A Reminder For Responsible Dog Ownership in Betty’s Bay
Living in Betty’s Bay, one is blessed each day with wonderful sightings of our resident wildlife and birds, surrounded by gorgeous seascapes and mountains. On a morning walk through the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, you may come across our 23‑strong baboon troop going about their business, youngsters chattering and clambering…
We Know How to Mourn Other Humans – But What About Ecological Grief?
Megan Mayhew Bergman Fri 10 Jul 2026 12.00 BST https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/10/ecological-grief?CMP As so much of the world is changing and habitat, ecosystems, areas as we knew and loved, and species are transformed and lost – we may not know how to express and deal with the feeling we experience. It’s…
Honouring the Biosphere: A Call for Responsible Baboon Management
In an article published in the Argus on 10 July, titled Don’t Fall for the Big ‘Us‑and‑Them’, Rudi Buys explores how polarising narratives are used to divide communities, particularly in political contexts. He warns of the destructive consequences when groups are encouraged to see one another as adversaries, often leading…
Perspectives on Biosphere Living: Lights at Night
Ode to the Starry Night My Neighbour’s ☠☣⚠‼ Light Starry, starry wonderful starry night Oh how beautiful, how bright Wait, oh wait, oh dear wait It’s my neighbour’s ☠☣⚠‼ light That has blinded my night sight How I wish upon star That I could see…
Stony Point Nature Reserve: Caracal Predation and the Fence
I missed the 9 June Community Engagement due to illness, but on 9 July I heard a shortened form of the SANCCOB and CapeNature presentations at the Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) for Stony Point Nature Reserve and MPA. Here are some of the points and my thoughts: The drastic…
BBC4thSaturday: Winter Birding, 27 June 2026
Thanks to Keith Hamilton for his fascinating talk on winter birding, presented with his beautiful bird photographs. Contrary to what you may think, Keith pointed out that winter is a good time for birding as the fynbos is in flower and the proteas, ericas and aloes attract nectar and insect…
Hacking – The Battle for Betty’s Bay: Report on Hack No 748
Twenty-eight volunteers met on a chilly morning at the parking area on the western side of Malkopvlei (Bass Lake) to clear the public open space bounded by Edward Avenue, Green, Bass and Anglers roads. The goal was to complete the removal of, primarily, rooikrans from this area following the excellent…
Hangklip Community Care Centre (HCCC)
HCCC provides welfare services to the Hangklip community, i.e. residents of Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi Els. During the month of June our kitchen distributed 58 food parcels and prepared 590 scrumptious meals. Our semiweekly pilates classes, weekly bridge afternoons and monthly friendship circle meetings continued during June as…
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.