A Heartfelt Thank You to All Ratepayers and Residents
Dear Betty’s Bay Community,
As we approach the end of the year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support and dedication throughout 2024. This year has been challenging, but your efforts have made a significant difference in our community.
To those who have supported the soup kitchen, your generosity has provided warmth and nourishment to many. Your contributions have been invaluable and deeply appreciated.
To everyone who has made donations to our various portfolios, your support has enabled us to continue our important work and projects. Your kindness and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
A special thank you to those who have paid their membership fees and to everyone who has offered their time and resources. Your involvement and dedication have been crucial in helping us achieve our goals and maintain our beautiful community.
This year was not easy, and we understand that next year will bring its own set of challenges. However, united we stand, determined to keep Betty’s Bay in the best shape possible. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact and uphold the spirit of community and cooperation that defines us.
Thank you once again for your steadfast support. Let us continue to work together, hand in hand, to build a brighter and stronger future for Betty’s Bay.
HCCC
We would like to inform you about a recent development concerning the Hangklip Community Care Centre (HCCC). Due to unfortunate circumstances, the HCCC has lost its operational premises. In an effort to support our community, the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association (BBRA) has offered temporary assistance to the HCCC by providing them with access to the kitchen at Crassula Hall. This support will enable them to continue preparing meals for those in need.
It is essential to clarify that the BBRA has not adopted the HCCC in its entirety. Our support is strictly limited to the kitchen and cooking activities. We do not have any involvement or interest in other aspects of their operations. This arrangement is intended to be temporary, and we do not foresee a long-term relationship with the HCCC under its current leadership.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this temporary solution to help our community members in need.
Important Notice: Embracing Sustainable Development & Living
The Overstrand Municipality, in collaboration with esteemed role players, has produced a crucial document titled “Sustainable Development & Living.” This document is essential for all current and future residents of our community. I strongly encourage each one of you to read it and apply its guidelines to your daily lives and those of your neighbours.
Non-compliance with these guidelines and by-laws undermines our collective efforts to maintain a harmonious and sustainable community. If you notice any neighbours not adhering to these rules, I urge you to compile a portfolio of evidence, including photographs and witness statements, and send it to lawkm@overstrand.gov. This proactive approach will ensure that everyone abides by the regulations.
We must strive for full compliance in all aspects of living here, not just the rules that suit us.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have made positive changes.
Dog Owners: Thank you for keeping your dogs on leads and cleaning up after them. This simple act significantly impacts our community.
Residents Adopting Baboon-Proof Bins: Your efforts in removing bird feeders and using prescribed baboon-proof bins are appreciated.
Community Consciousness: Awareness about not placing black bags on the pavement and adhering to waste management guidelines is crucial. This practice is easily rectified with co-operation.
One pressing issue that needs addressing is speeding within our community. Driving fast in Betty’s Bay is not only rude and ill-mannered but also endangers our precious wildlife. This problem won’t be solved by law enforcement alone; we need to report these incidents and compile portfolios of evidence to hold these drivers accountable or pray that they remove themselves from our community.
Let’s work together to ensure a compliant, safe, and sustainable environment for all that live here.
Preparing for a Busy Year-End: Parking Etiquette at the Beaches
As we approach the festive season, we anticipate a significant influx of holidaymakers, especially at our beautiful beaches. This period is always bustling with visitors, and our parking areas are expected to be particularly congested.
Parking Challenges: Unfortunately, our current parking facilities are inadequate to accommodate the large number of vehicles, often leading to illegal and double parking. This situation not only causes inconvenience but can also obstruct access for emergency services, which is a serious concern.
Call to Action: I urge all residents to lead by example and follow proper parking etiquette. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
Do Not Block Driveways: Ensure you do not park in front of anyone’s driveway, preventing access for the property owners.
Leave Space for Emergency Services: Always leave enough space for emergency vehicles to move in and out smoothly. This is crucial for the safety and well-being of everyone.
Be Considerate: Park within designated areas and avoid double parking, which can cause unnecessary congestion and frustration.
Car Guards: While we do not have official car guards in place, you may encounter individuals offering to assist with parking. Please approach these interactions with caution but also an open mind. They may be genuinely trying to help, and your understanding and kindness can make a difference.
Community Spirit: Together, we can make this festive season enjoyable and safe for everyone. Let us all contribute to a well-organized and hospitable Betty’s Bay, ensuring that our beaches remain a pleasure for both residents and visitors.
Attention to Home-owners: Responsible Renting in Betty’s Bay
This is a heartfelt plea to those who rent out their homes to groups, particularly for party events. Betty’s Bay is cherished for its tranquillity, serene environment and the peaceful experience it offers to both residents and visitors. It is imperative that we preserve this unique ambiance.
When renting out your homes, please carefully consider who will be staying in your property. The presence of guests who engage in disruptive behaviour—such as excessive drinking, foul language, and loud music from morning until night—severely undermines the peace and quiet we all value. This type of conduct, especially over the weekends from Friday to Sunday, is not only disrespectful of our permanent residents but also of those who come here seeking solace and relaxation. It can be particularly distressing for families, elderly residents, and those who cherish the quietness of Betty’s Bay.
Public Decorum: Inappropriate language and drunken behaviour can tarnish the community’s reputation and create an uncomfortable environment for everyone.
Wildlife Disturbance: Betty’s Bay is home to diverse wildlife. Loud noises and disruptive activities can negatively impact these creatures, contributing to environmental degradation.
We urge all home-owners to set clear guidelines for their guests to ensure they respect our community’s values and the quiet charm of Betty’s Bay. Consider implementing the following measures:
Screen Guests: Thoroughly vet potential renters to ensure they are responsible and respectful.
House Rules: Clearly communicate rules about noise levels, behaviour, and respect for neighbours.
Security Deposits: Implement security deposits that can be forfeited if guests violate community guidelines.
Your cooperation is vital in maintaining the serene environment that makes Betty’s Bay a wonderful place to live and visit. By ensuring your guests adhere to these standards, you help uphold the integrity and beauty of our beloved community.
Thank you for your understanding and commitment to preserving the tranquillity of Betty’s Bay.
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 finance.bbrpa@gmail.com
New
For all proof of payments please send to:
finance.bbrpa@gmail.com and bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com
BANK DETAILS:
R100 per person per year
Account Name: Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association
Branch: ABSA Hermanus
Account type: Cheque
Account Number: 4066616439
Our Ref: Your Surname & Erf Number
Thank you
THE BBRA COMMITTEE
EXCO
- Chairman: Wayne Jackson
- Vice Chairman: Amund Beneke
- Administrator: Nelma Basson
- Treasurer: Hannelie Coetzee
The portfolios are represented as follows.
- Administrator: Nelma Basson, Stony Point
- Treasurer: Hannelie Coetzee, Stony Point
- Fire and Rescue: Jorika Rabie, Stony Point
- BEST: Rob Boyd, Central
- Safety & Security: Wayne Jackson, Stony Point
- Town planning and property development: Amund Beneke, Sunny Seas
- 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
Festive Season Safety and Security Update
As we approach the festive season, we are pleased to announce that the Betty’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch, in partnership with CULIVE, Sandown Bay Security, and ASK Security, will be at your service to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period for all.
We are excited to share that our new control room will soon be operational, centralising our communications and camera network, which now includes 84 cameras. This advancement will enhance our ability to monitor and respond to incidents efficiently.
Our goal is to transition our dedicated volunteers from street patrols to the control room, where they will coordinate with patrol vehicles. This strategic shift will improve our response times and overall safety coverage. We are proud to have five patrol vehicles ready to operate around the clock, providing 24/7 security assistance throughout the festive season.
We appreciate your continued support and cooperation as we work together to maintain the safety and tranquillity of Betty’s Bay.
Wishing you a happy and secure holiday season!
Bank details for the Betty’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch
Bank: ABSA
Account type: Cheque
Account number: 4103276493
Branch code: 632005
Warm regards
Wayne Jackson
Chairman