I really appreciate your awesome support for what we’re doing. Your dedication and generosity have played a huge role in our success. We wouldn’t be where we are without the strong backing from our fantastic community. Thanks for being such a key part of our journey!
A big shout-out to everyone who has consistently helped out at the soup kitchen. We started with a lot of people and now we have a smaller crew, but we still whip up a pot of soup every Wednesday. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Hangklip Community Care Centre Finds New Home
Hangklip Community Care Centre (HCCC), a long-standing charitable organization in Betty’s Bay, has faced a tumultuous year. After many years of serving the community from the Chapel on Lakeside Drive, HCCC found themselves without a home when the chapel reclaimed their space. Despite an exhaustive search for a new location, their efforts were initially in vain, leading to some desperate and regrettable tactics.
However, in a turn of events, the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association (BBRA) stepped in at the eleventh hour, offering HCCC a new home at Crassula Hall. This generous offer has provided a much-needed refuge for HCCC, allowing them to continue their vital work within the community.
The BBRA values the existence and contributions of HCCC and could not envision the community without their presence. To ensure a smooth transition and harmonious coexistence, the BBRA plans to write a letter of intent to the Municipality. This letter will seek guidance on accommodating HCCC, addressing key issues such as fees, time slots, storage, and boundaries.
Councillor Theresa Els has also pledged her support, indicating that she will assist in obtaining the necessary health and fire certificates required for HCCC to cook food on a regular schedule. These steps will enhance Crassula Hall’s role as a mini hub of activity in Betty’s Bay.
Additionally, the BBRA awaits feedback from the Municipality regarding a long-term lease for the property adjacent to Crassula Hall. The vision is to create a fynbos garden with a tea garden and benches, providing a relaxing space for the community. Although the Betty’s Bay Boat Club has objected to the land use application, the BBRA remains hopeful that common sense and appropriateness will prevail.
Stay tuned for further updates as we work towards a harmonious and vibrant community space at Crassula Hall.
Celebrating Councillor Theresa Els: A Beacon of Dedication and Integrity
The Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association (BBRA) is delighted to extend heartfelt congratulations to Councillor Theresa Els on her recent additional appointment as a member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Corporate Services at the Overberg District Municipality. This significant achievement is a testament to her unwavering dedication and hard work.
As the Ward 10 Councillor, which includes Betty’s Bay, Councillor Els has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving our community with integrity and diligence. The BBRA believes that the district has gained a hardworking and ethical individual who will undoubtedly add immense value to both the district and our local villages.
Councillor Els’s extra new role will undoubtedly come with increased responsibilities, and she will need our support now more than ever. We are confident that, with the community’s backing, she will continue to go from strength to strength, making a positive impact in her added position.
The BBRA is convinced that the Overberg District has gained a true gem in Councillor Els. Her dedication to public service and her ethical approach to governance are qualities that will benefit us all. We look forward to seeing the positive changes and developments she will bring to our district.
Once again, congratulations to Councillor Theresa Els. May she continue to shine brightly and lead with the same passion and integrity that have defined her career thus far. Let us rally together to support her in this additional chapter, ensuring she has the encouragement and resources she needs to succeed.
From the Seawatch office.
Our Overstrand Law Enforcement Agency has had another great success in their attempts to restrict abalone poaching. A dedicated group of individuals, supported by a vast network of information, is bravely working to disrupt the significant poaching operations that harm a substantial part of our once-thriving ecosystem. We should recognize and express our gratitude for the remarkable contributions these men and women make in their daily efforts. Honouring their dedication and exceptional leadership is the least we can do. This work involves considerable risk, and it is clear that effective political action is crucial to address these challenges. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) must reform the policies that currently govern this environmental crisis.
It is essential to acknowledge the reality of the situation and to consider returning the management of our marine resources to qualified scientists and local communities, effectively removing it from political influence. While this platform may not allow for an in-depth discussion, it is vital to emphasize that unless we interrupt this damaging cycle, we face dire consequences.
- Syndicates and gangs, both local and international, engage in illegal abalone diving.
- Our law enforcement agency successfully confiscates the abalone and associated equipment.
- Arrests occur, and the all-important docket is finalized for court. Individuals are temporarily detained in government facilities until a judge makes a decision regarding their release.
- The confiscated abalone is processed at a police station, which includes:
- Counting and weighing the abalone.
- Photography (including possible DNA sampling).
- Freezing the abalone for storage.
- Presenting the case in court.
- Allowing for the release of the accused under certain conditions or fines.
- Closing the case and auctioning the abalone.
- Individuals involved in poaching purchase the abalone back from the state.
- The proceeds from these auctions are funnelled back into the DFFE’s funding. This financial cycle creates a disincentive to halt illegal abalone trading and raises concerns regarding potential corruption.
- Policy must be amended to state the following:
- Proceeds from confiscated abalone, along with any seized vehicles, boats, and equipment, must be allocated back to the unit responsible for the bust, specifically the Overstrand Municipality’s Directorate for Public Safety in this case. Big incentive.
- Additionally, there must be an intervention regarding the processing of abalone. Rather than freezing the abalone for future sale, it should be incinerated to ensure that no financial benefit can be derived from these illegally harvested animals.
- Implementing these changes is essential, and we can later explore how to reclaim this industry and return it to the local and indigenous fishermen of South Africa, where it rightfully belongs.
Community Update: Exciting Changes and Innovations Ahead
Over the past few months, we have been diligently working to adjust the way we see ourselves and how we present information. This process has led to several changes to our norms and methodologies. Notably, we have increased our mapped zones from seven to eight and have adjusted a few boundaries for practical reasons.
As we get closer to merging the maps and data, I will share the updated information with everyone. I believe we will be one of the first villages in South Africa to implement such changes. This initiative is not solely my work but rather my idea brought to life by a dedicated member of our community, supported by the BBRA. We are thrilled to have him and his partner on board to help make our strategic vision a reality.
Soon I will be able to present our data in a dedicated map format for ease of reading and understanding, benefiting everyone. The series of maps will include information on ratepayers’ membership, crime statistics, the camera project, and will have many other uses. We have already started with the camera positions, crime stats, ratepayers’ membership, and a new zone map. I hope this will be a refreshing change for the better.
Please bear in mind that there may be some mistakes and incomplete data initially, but I count on each of you to help make all the necessary corrections in due time. We are also implementing a new way of contributing to the BBRA, which will allow us to know exactly who has joined or contributed. This gives us an opportunity to acknowledge your payment and thank you at the same time. This area of administration has been lacking, but we are committed to improving it.
As I often say, the destination is not always visible, but if we can see it in our mind’s eye, we will get there. Thank you all once again for your support.
MEMBERSHIP and FINANCE
Maintaining an active membership is crucial as it directly impacts our capacity to successfully accomplish tasks and objectives. Please refer all financial matters to the email address below. R100 per person per year
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New For all proof of payments please send to: This includes payments to the Neighbourhood Watch. Erf No followed by the word Watch Thank you |
BANK DETAILS Account Name: Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association Branch: ABSA Hermanus Account type: Cheque Account Number: 4066616439 Our Ref: Your Surname & Erf Number |
Please note that all payments made to the BBRA must include a proof of payment sent to finance.bbrpa@gmail.com. This process will change shortly.
THE COMMITTEE
The portfolios are represented as follows.
- Treasurer Hannelie Coetzee Stony Point
- Fire and Rescue Jorika Rabie Stony Point
- BEST Rob Boyd Central
- Safety & Security Wayne Jackson Stony Point
- Town planning, property development. Amund Beneke Sunny Seas
- Nature Based Solutions Liezel Bohdanowicz Central
- Crassula Hall Claudele Jackson Stony Point
- Markets Shameez Joubert Rondevlei
- Community Development Abigail Davids Central
- Web page and media Wendy Lucas Silversands
- Editor/newsletters Vivienne von der Heyden Jock’s Bay
BETTY’S BAY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Crime stats: There are no crime stats to speak of at this point.
Cameras: We are moving over to a camera-based Watch system to complement the patrollers and security companies.
Radios: We need sponsorship of about R2500 for our radio data each month.
The extra Zone: As I mentioned earlier we have now eight zones.
Community participation: Become a zone representative, become a secretary of the Watch or become the operations officer for the Watch of your area. We need younger people to start taking over!
Bank details for the Betty’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch
Bank: ABSA
Account type: Cheque
Account number: 4103276493
Branch code: 632005
Fire Safety in Betty’s Bay: A Community Effort
I would like to acknowledge and extend my gratitude to the residents who have taken the initiative to manage their verges and collaborate on reducing fire hazards adjacent to their homes. Your proactive efforts in maintaining and beautifying your verges not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our community but also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
The Importance of Fire Safety in Our Region
Betty’s Bay is particularly vulnerable to fires due to its unique environmental conditions. The dry, windy climate and dense vegetation create a high risk for wildfires which can spread rapidly and cause significant damage. By keeping these areas well-maintained you help to minimize the risk of fires, which is especially important in our region.
Community Cooperation and Best Practices
Your willingness to work together and share best practices for fire hazard reduction demonstrates a commendable spirit of cooperation and community-mindedness. Here are some key practices to keep in mind:
Regularly clear dry leaves and debris from your verges and gutters.
Trim overgrown vegetation to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard.
Create defensible spaces around your property to slow the spread of fires.
Stay informed about local fire warnings and adhere to any advisories or restrictions.
A Collective Effort for a Safer Community: Let’s continue to work together to ensure that Betty’s Bay remains a beautiful and safe place for all its residents.
Clean-Ups: A Call to Action
As we move into warmer weather, it would be fantastic to see an increase in community street clean-up events. With longer days and rising temperatures, it’s the perfect time for us to come together and take pride in our beautiful surroundings.
Why Participate?
Organizing and participating in street clean-up events not only helps to keep our neighbourhood clean and inviting but also fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility among residents. These events provide an excellent opportunity for neighbours to connect, work side by side, and strengthen community bonds.
How You Can Help
By dedicating a few hours to picking up litter, trimming overgrown vegetation, and ensuring our streets are well-maintained, we can make a significant positive impact on our environment. Here’s how you can get involved:
Join a scheduled clean-up event: Look out for announcements and join your neighbours in making a difference.
Organize your own clean-up: Gather a group of friends or family members and take initiative in your area.
Share best practices: Encourage others to maintain their verges and public spaces.
Benefits of Clean Streets
Clean streets contribute to the overall health and safety of our community, reducing hazards and creating a more pleasant living space for everyone.
Encouraging Note to the Community: Let’s Support Our Wildlife
I encourage everyone to minimize bird feeding in your gardens, as it inadvertently attracts baboons. Allowing wildlife to thrive naturally, without human intervention, is in everyone’s best interest. While feeding birds is often well-intentioned, it can have unintended consequences for our local ecosystem.
When we provide food for birds, it often attracts other wildlife, such as baboons, which can lead to increased human-wildlife conflicts. Baboons, in particular, are highly intelligent and opportunistic animals that quickly learn to associate humans with easy food sources. This can result in them becoming more bold and intrusive, posing risks to both the animals and residents.
By reducing bird feeding, we help to maintain the natural balance of our environment. Birds and other wildlife have evolved to find food sources on their own, and it is important that we allow them to continue these natural behaviours. This not only supports the health and well-being of the animals but also helps to preserve the integrity of our local ecosystem.
Let’s work together to ensure that our wildlife can thrive naturally, without human intervention. By doing so, we contribute to a healthier, more harmonious environment for all species, including ourselves.
Shared Responsibility: A Call for Constructive Collaboration
It can be difficult to accept constructive feedback from individuals who often convey negativity. However, it is crucial for the health and progress of our community that we approach concerns with a positive and solution-oriented mindset. I would appreciate it if concerns could be paired with potential solutions when they are presented. This approach not only makes the feedback more actionable but also fosters a collaborative spirit.
It is important for each of us to take responsibility for our issues and engage in collaborative problem-solving, rather than depending on others to resolve matters that we can address ourselves. When we take ownership of our challenges and work together to find solutions, we build a stronger, more resilient community.
Let us all commit to our shared responsibilities within the community. By doing so, we create an environment where everyone feels empowered to make a difference. Together, we can overcome obstacles, enhance our surroundings, and ensure that Betty’s Bay remains a wonderful place to live. Your proactive involvement and positive attitude are key to our collective success.
Warm regards
Wayne Jackson
Chairman