Dear Betty’s Bay Community
Welcome back from a well-deserved holiday season. I would like to extend my warmest greetings and gratitude to each one of you for your continued support and engagement with the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers’ Association (BBRA).
I hope you had a fantastic time with your loved ones and are ready to embrace the exciting year ahead. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our various platforms and renewed their memberships. Your commitment has been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to make Betty’s Bay a better place for all.
As we gather momentum in 2025, it’s essential for us to recognize and address the rapid growth of our beloved community. This year, let’s strive to be more vigilant and neighbourly, ensuring that we maintain the charm and safety of Betty’s Bay. Additionally, we are encouraged to assist our municipality by keeping our verges clean, neat, and tidy.
One of the most efficient ways to stay connected and address communal concerns is by using the municipal app, Collab Citizen, which is available for download from the app store. Through this app, you can easily report any complaints or concerns, as well as submit your own water meter readings by simply sending a clear picture of your meter counter.
Let’s work together to create a harmonious and thriving community. May we all be blessed with good health and prosperity throughout the year.
MEET THE BBRA COMMITTEE FOR 2025
Executive Committee
- Wayne Jackson (Chairman & Membership) Stony Point
- Amund Beneke (Vice Chair & Engineering) Sunny Seas
- Hannelie Coetzee (Treasurer) Stony Point
- 4. Julia Frylinck (Administrator & Secretary) Stony Point
Essential Services
5.Rob Boyd (BEST) Central
6. Jorika Rabie (Fire and Rescue) Stony Point
7. Francois Lesch (Neighbourhood Watch) Rondevlei
8. Vacant (Conservation) Vacant
Community Services
- Abigail Davids (Community development) Central
- Shameez Joubert (Markets) Rondevlei
- Claudele Jackson (Crassula Hall) Stony Point
Communications
- Vivienne von der Heyden (Newsletter Editor) Jock’s Bay
- Wendy Lucas (Website custodian) Silversands
- Tersia Starke (Website assistant) Bass Lake
Oversight
- Jonathan Beattie (Stony Point Rep/BB Zone Chair) Stony Point
- Andre Kotze (Rondevlei Rep) Rondevlei
Feedback from the first Committee meeting:
Water pressure: During the December holiday period, we experienced unusually low water pressure, which raised concerns among us all. Subsequently, the entire network was inspected for leaks. Fortunately, two anomalies were identified by Gavin, one of our plumbers, who successfully resolved the issues.
Chlorine levels in water: There were several concerns regarding the chlorine levels in the water. An investigation confirmed that we are within acceptable limits and that the current level is 0.5mg, significantly below the maximum allowable limit of 5mg. The water is therefore safe for consumption.
Waste bin concerns: The issues regarding the waste bins have been resolved, and no further discussion is necessary on this matter.
Speed bumps: We have been reminded that it is illegal to have speed humps without proper markings. We will proceed with the replacement of existing planned speed humps, but no new speed humps will be installed on our roads until this matter has been thoroughly reviewed.
Camera at the Hub: Please be advised that there is a speed camera located between Harold Porter and the Hub. It might not be where you expect it to be.
Storm gutters: We continue to face challenges with storm gutter cleaning due to limited manpower within our teams. We encourage all residents to assist by keeping their verges and storm gutters clean whenever possible.
Environmental issues: Some members of local environmental groups have made municipal work increasingly difficult, including threats to damage maintenance vehicles. We must address this situation as it cannot continue.
It has been agreed that PayFast will be implemented to streamline operations. It was also agreed that a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) be registered, with the application scheduled for April. We hope to navigate the process smoothly with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), although a specific timeline has not yet been established. The Board of Directors will need to be discussed and finalised soon.
There is a need for an additional fire vehicle, and we welcome any contributions towards acquiring it. I must emphasise too that we should secure a lease for the land on which to build the station and engage companies in potential partnerships. At this point we have a dedicated project to raise funds to buy a vehicle suitable to be converted into a fire truck. Note that when donating money for this project please reference your erf number and “firetruck”, one word. Please do not use the reference “fire” on its own.
Please note that all donations should be designated for a specific project.
We express our gratitude to Rob Boyd and his BEST team for their hard work during the holiday break. It has been brought to our attention that a new emergency clinic has opened in Kleinmond, staffed with two doctors on call.
The Hangklip Community Care Centre (HCCC) has officially commenced operations at Crassula Hall. We are also exploring the establishment of a youth group, although several concerns still need to be addressed. Enquiries have been made for activities such as yoga and table tennis. Furthermore, we are considering the implementation of a noticeboard, for which a competitive quote has already been received.
The first market is scheduled for 1 February. It was agreed that we should ensure our market dates do not coincide with those of the NG church to prevent any potential conflicts and to provide an opportunity to support both markets more effectively.
We need to initiate the application process to lease the Crassula Hall once again, as the current lease will terminate at the end of September. The application process will commence in April, accompanied by our justifications for the lease renewal.
Conflict-of-interest advice: We have two practising Town Planners on our committee and at times a situation might arise where there is a conflict of interest. If this is the case, the member involved will excuse himself from the meeting. An affidavit will also be submitted for their protection in future dealings.
Parking at beaches: An investigation and maintenance upgrade is needed. We have far too little space for parking at all our beaches and open recreational spaces.
Collaborator app: Remember to use the app. We will add the link to the website.
Neighbourhood Watch: The operations section of the Watch has been handed over to Francois Lesch, who was warmly welcomed, especially by me.
Flooding concern: Preparation is needed for the rainy season. There are issues with regard to the lakes and storm gutter maintenance. These will all be addressed once again in due course at the appropriate forums.
Traffic impact statements: An impact study will be done on R44/Clarence Drive. However it must be realised that submissions can be a slow process.
Environmental specialist: We desperately need a person to fill this portfolio for 2025 as most of our decision-making processes evolve around nature-based solutions.
From February through to November, we will resume our open meetings to discuss issues and hold debates. The BBRA Committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 17:00 in the Crassula Hall. You are welcome to engage with the committee on any relevant matters. Your input will be recorded and assigned to the relevant portfolio. Once this process is complete, you may excuse yourself. The committee meeting will continue afterwards with only committee members present. Public attendance will not be permitted for the remainder of the meeting.
As we navigate through our shared challenges, let us always remember the strength and resilience that unite us. Each step we take towards improvement is a testament to our collective commitment to creating a better environment for everyone. Let’s continue to support one another and work towards a brighter, more harmonious future. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things.
Kind regards
Wayne Jackson