From the Chairman – August 2024

by Wayne Jackson

Posted on 2 Sep, 2024

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of our initiatives. Your contributions have been invaluable, and our success is directly linked to the backing we receive from our community.

A special thanks to those who have taken on responsibilities within the various portfolios, particularly in Community Development.

 Last month, we identified a need for a soup kitchen in Mooiuitsig, along with a breakfast program for children on Saturday mornings. What began as an initiative to provide soup for children and seniors quickly evolved into a larger community effort. Shameez prepares approximately 50 litres of high-quality and delicious soup, which also provides meals for adults. Due to the surplus, we were able to extend this effort to those in Stony Point as well. It has been eye-opening to realize the extent of food insecurity within our community. Considering this, I am committed to sustaining this initiative for as long as possible.

 I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of certain ratepayers and residents who contribute regularly. This spirit of giving is what we strive to cultivate within our community. While some members prefer to remain anonymous, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly recognize and thank the following individuals for their contributions:

 

– Mary Bateman                                                             Bass Lake

– Sue Maas                                                                   Silversands

– Anne Fairey                                                                Silversands

– Polly Erasmus                                                             Stony Point

– Chrissi and Morag Smith                                             Stony Point

– Alexandra Watson                                                       Bass Lake

– Conrad Louw                                                              Silversands

– Anita and Tinnie Louw                                                 Sunny Seas

– Elsa and Theo Winckler                                               Stony Point

– Trevor Arendse                                                           Silversands

– Andre and Marlene Kotze                                            Rondevlei

– Andre and Kleintjie Van Wyk                                        Bonheur Beskuit

– Willem                                                                        Ollie’s Fine Meats and Sausages

– James Windt                                                               JJ Windt Construction

– Laurence Weddle                                                        The Delli

– Shameez and TJ Joubert                                             BBRA

– Claudele Jackson                                                        BBRA

– Abigail and Duncan Davids                                          BBRA

– Karon Scholefield                                                        BBRA

 

Thank you once again for your kindness and support. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in our community.

 

MEMBERSHIP – (R100 per member per annum)

Maintaining an active membership is crucial as it directly impacts our capacity to successfully accomplish tasks and objectives.

BANKING DETAILS – New

Account Name:

Branch:

Account type:

Account Number:

Our Ref:

Bettys Bay Ratepayers Association

ABSA Hermanus

Cheque

4066616439

Your Surname & Erf Number

Please send all proof of payments to: finance.bbrpa@gmail.com

This includes payments to the Neighbourhood Watch

Thank you

 

THE COMMITTEE

The portfolios are represented as follows.

  1. Treasurer Hannelie Coetzee                      Stony Point
  2. Disaster Management Liz Buncker                               Stony Point
  3. Fire and Rescue Jorika Rabie                             Stony Point
  4. BEST Rob Boyd                                 Central
  5. Safety & Security Wayne Jackson                        Stony Point
  6. Engineering Amund Beneke                         Sunny Seas
  7. Nature Based Solutions Liezel Bohdanowicz                   Central
  8. Crassula Hall Claudele Jackson                      Stony Point
  9. Events Shameez Joubert                      Rondevlei
  10. Property and Development Karon Scholefield                      Stony Point
  11. Community Development Abigail Davids                           Central
  12. Web page and media Wendy Lucas                            Silversands
  13. Editor/newsletters Vivienne von der Heyden           Jock’s Bay

 The Business portfolio has been restructured and is now referred to as the Events portfolio, while the Community Development portfolio has acquired the Betty’s Bay Business Guild.

 

BETTY’S BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UPDATE:

 We are pleased to report that our camera project has successfully installed 76 cameras, progressing toward our goal of 144 cameras. Currently, we are exploring various monitoring options within Betty’s Bay and collaborating with our residents, who serve as our vigilant eyes and ears. Upon completion of the installation, we will seek additional funding to finalize this important project.

 With the influx of new residents in Betty’s Bay, we kindly encourage everyone to inform our newcomers about the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association and its various portfolios.

 We are fortunate that crime remains low and manageable in our area. However, it is important to note that during times when visitors and contractors are present, maintaining effective oversight can become challenging. It is crucial that our community remains vigilant; any suspicious activity or individuals should be reported to either our team or your designated security company.

 Recently, we have observed a decrease in funding and donations for the Neighbourhood Watch, with contributions coming primarily from two members on a monthly basis. We are uncertain about the reasons for this decline, but it is essential to emphasize that your financial support is vital for our success in three key areas:

 

  1. Intelligence gathering
  2. Proactive and reactive monitoring of cameras
  3. Equipping our patrols effectively

 Additionally, we are proud to announce that we maintain an ongoing partnership with certain anti-poaching groups, sharing our resources to enhance their effectiveness. We are hopeful to further develop the Sea Watch initiative to the point where they have dedicated equipment to focus specifically on anti-poaching efforts.

 Without adequate funding, our ability to achieve these objectives will be severely limited. Thank you for your continued support.

 

FINANCE

Please note that all payments made to the BBRA must send proof of payment to finance.bbrpa@gmail.com

 

Observations and Notes

 I have observed a significant increase in dog owners responsibly picking up after their pets. This is a very positive development, and I would like to express my gratitude for your efforts.

 It appears that baboons are beginning to encroach on areas that were previously outside of their usual feeding zones. We need to be proactive in this situation by encouraging neighbours to refrain from placing loose black bags of rubbish outdoors. Instead, we should utilize animal-proof bins. For those who continue to disregard this request, please report the erf number to us so that we can address it with the appropriate authorities.

 Recently, a new resident in Betty’s Bay has expressed dissatisfaction with the barking of neighbouring dogs and has been noticeably impolite to others during walks with his own dogs. I would like to emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research before purchasing a home in Betty’s Bay. It is unhelpful to move here and then criticize existing neighbours, claiming, “This is not why I moved to Betty’s Bay.”

 Additionally, it is essential to remember that if you move to Betty’s Bay and then later voice complaints about the lack of certain facilities, please ensure that you have done your due diligence beforehand. I kindly request that estate agents assist potential buyers in this regard.

 For both legal and illegal holiday rentals, please ensure that all necessary emergency information is readily available on the fridge for the safety of guests.

 There are individuals in Betty’s Bay who have shown intentions to harm our baboon population. If you witness any such activities, please report them to us immediately.

 We have also noticed an increase in speeding among some residents, which is inconsiderate and poses a danger to everyone. I urge all drivers to exercise caution and drive at reduced speeds. When reporting a speeding incident, please include the vehicle’s registration number as well as the erf number where the resident lives.

 Please remember to report any issues you encounter to the relevant authorities and obtain a reference number, which will allow us to follow up on the matter.

 I have found that some residents do not know their neighbours. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to introduce themselves and foster a sense of community. There are residents and plot owners we are unable to contact because their identities or the means to reach them remain unknown.

 There have been discussions between our local traffic agency and the traffic engineer regarding the proposals we submitted for traffic calming measures on Clarence. I am still awaiting feedback on this issue.

 Our application to lease erf 4030 for a community garden is set to be shared for public opinion soon and will be published in a relevant newspaper.

 I would also like to thank residents who have taken the initiative to manage their verges and have collaborated to mitigate fire hazards adjacent to their homes.

 I would like to address the littering by visitors, builders, and ourselves in the pathways and roads of Betty’s Bay. It would be wonderful to see more community clean-up events once the weather warms up.

 I have noticed that residents continue to feed birds in their gardens, which inadvertently attracts baboons. I encourage you to allow wildlife to thrive naturally without human intervention.

 Please participate in the events held on the first Thursdays in Betty’s Bay and/or Kleinmond.

 The Ward 10 committee visited Overhills last week to address various issues, including stormwater management, sewage systems, cleanliness, and infrastructure. We will make adjustments to our Integrated Development Plan (IDP) moving forward, with the aim of securing Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding to enhance living conditions for our workforce.

 Our basic cooperation structure is as follows: The Municipality provides us with essential services and infrastructure, including water supply, libraries, clinics and ambulance services, disaster management, safety, and security.

 If you encounter an issue, we recommend directing your complaint to the specific service provider responsible for that area. Should you find that your concerns are not adequately addressed, please reach out to the Betty’s Bay Residents Association (BBRA) via email, detailing your complaint. If we experience difficulties, we will seek assistance from our councillor. This approach is the most efficient way to resolve problems.

 It has come to our attention that many residents contact the Mayor directly after not receiving satisfactory results for an extended period, sometimes waiting a month or even a year. This approach can be counter-productive. Therefore, we encourage you to follow the established processes and to contact us via email without excessive delay. Thank you for your co-operation.

 It can be challenging to derive constructive feedback from individuals who consistently express negativity and criticism towards others. I kindly request that when issues are raised, they be accompanied by potential solutions, and that individuals take ownership of their concerns. It is important that we all contribute to resolving problems collectively rather than relying on others to address issues that we can manage ourselves. Let us all take responsibility for our communal responsibilities.

 

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO HAVE ON YOUR FRIDGE

FIRE control room                                 028 312 2400

BEST                                                   066 165 6061

Law Enforcement Complaints                028 313 8996

SAPS                                                   028 271 8200

Ambulance Provincial                            10177

Ambulance ER24 Somerset West          084 124

Ambulance Hermanus:                          066 222 7219

CMC Ambulance                                   066 222 7219

Safety Issues                                        028 313 8980

DFFE (Poaching)                                  0283132703

NSRI: Sea Rescue                                063 699 2765

 

Warm regards

Wayne Jackson

Chairman

MARKETPLACE

Our markets are ongoing, and the contact person is Shameez Joubert on 073 199 0896.