I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and active participation as members of the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association. Your dedication and commitment to our community are truly remarkable and inspire us to continue working towards the betterment of our beautiful town.
Thanks to your invaluable contributions, we have been able to achieve significant milestones and address the needs and concerns of our residents. Your involvement in our initiatives, from community clean-ups to advocacy efforts, has made a profound impact on preserving the unique charm and natural beauty of Betty’s Bay. Your support not only strengthens our collective voice but also fosters a sense of unity and collaboration that is essential for our continued success.
As we move forward, we remain committed to representing your interests and working diligently to enhance the quality of life in Betty’s Bay. Together, we can achieve even greater things and ensure a vibrant and thriving future for our beloved village.
Thank you once again for your steadfast support and dedication. We look forward to your continued involvement and contributions to our association.
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 (Secretary) Stony Point
Essential Services
- Rob Boyd (BEST) Central
- Jorika Rabie (Fire and Rescue) Stony Point
- Francois Lesch (Neighbourhood Watch) Rondevlei
- Elsa Stofberg (Conservation) Stony Point
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
- Andre Kotze (Rondevlei Rep) Rondevlei
- Calan Bennett (Central Rep) Central
2030 plan
We are at a pivotal moment in our community’s journey towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient future.
The electricity and water challenges we face necessitate serious consideration of solutions. Our strength lies in our municipal structures and infrastructure, but we must explore innovative solutions to secure ourselves from the frustration of electricity and water outages.
The BBRA is proposing a plan that requires a collective buy-in from homeowners. We need to address our water outage problems proactively by implementing initiatives such as water buffer systems and partially-off-the-Eskom-grid solar systems. These efforts will ensure we maintain essential services to our homes, regardless of electricity and water interruptions.
Our vision is clear: to reduce dependency on external service providers while ensuring sustainability and a high quality of life. This involves engaging our community through meetings, forming a dedicated task team, and launching awareness campaigns on self-sufficiency practices.
Collaborating with experts and piloting small projects will demonstrate the benefits and feasibility of our initiatives. I have appeal to all registered installers, solar electricians, and plumbers that live in Betty’s Bay to attend a meeting. We will need their advice and involvement. Let us come together to create a self-sufficient, sustainable and vibrant Betty’s Bay.
Parking on Clarence Drive/R44 is a dangerous game. You are responsible for your own safety
I would like to address a pressing concern we’ve been encountering regarding parking in front of The Hub, Coffee on Clarence, Jock’s Bay Hardware, and Penguin Place. I understand that parking in the Clarence Drive/R44 area poses risks, and I have received numerous inquiries from frustrated individuals about this matter.
While I acknowledge the dangers associated with parking in this location, I must clarify that I do not have authority over the provincial department responsible for managing this roadway. The BBRA has expressed our concerns to the municipality, which is advocating on our behalf to the provincial authorities. Positive strides are being made in this regard.
I kindly ask that those who have been reaching out to me about this issue refrain from being rude and disrespectful. If parking in front of these establishments concerns you, I encourage you to explore alternative parking solutions. For those visiting The Hub, please consider utilizing the parking available at the rear of the building. If you are heading to Coffee on Clarence, Jock’s Bay Hardware, Sea Biscuit, BB Glass, or CULIVE, there is official municipal parking conveniently located in front of the hardware store and the other establishments mentioned. It is advisable to avoid parking directly on Clarence Drive/R44.
It is crucial to note that when exiting the parking spaces on Clarence Drive/R44, u-turns are not permitted. Please exit the parking area and drive away from that section, utilizing nearby side roads to rejoin Clarence Drive/R44 in the desired direction.
Additionally, travellers heading toward Kleinmond must be aware of the solid white line indicating that a right turn into Penguin Place parking is prohibited. Please bypass this area and follow the same procedure as mentioned above to access the nearest side road.
We cannot control the actions of individuals who disregard speed limits or safety regulations, and regrettably, this is a broader societal issue.
On a personal note, I have made some adjustments for my own safety. When visiting the hardware store, I utilize the public parking in front of BB Glass and the hardware store itself. When I wish to enjoy a coffee, I prefer the Deli, which offers ample parking both at the front and back of the building, off Clarence Drive. These choices have contributed to my sense of safety.
I trust that you will take these suggestions to heart. We have worked diligently to address parking safety concerns around The Hub and Penguin Place, and we must now await the provincial government’s implementation of road safety and speed reduction measures. We currently do not have an estimated timeline for these developments. For more information, please reach out to the provincial road traffic engineer, whose contact details can be obtained through a simple search.
Lastly, I would appreciate it if local businesses could guide their patrons toward safer parking alternatives as outlined above.
This has got nothing to do with business, as someone tried to imply, this is all to do with safety and choices and I am sharing the choices I have made for me.
I understand that accessing Clarence Drive from the parking lot and Twist Street can be quite challenging. While I do not have a specific solution, I believe that eliminating parking on that side of Clarence Drive could improve visibility of oncoming traffic. Additionally, installing yellow plastic poles along the solid white line could help deter motorists from making u-turns. I recognize that these suggestions may seem unconventional, but I want to share my genuine thoughts on the matter.
Our councillor, Theresa Els gave us feedback regarding this matter as follows:
With regards to previous messages regarding the speed on the R44, the proposal to reduce the speed limit has been on the table since 2009. There were meetings in Betty’s Bay with the Provincial Road Engineer who has the mandate for the road. The answer was, unfortunately, not favourable at the time due to the road design and specification of the road.
We have, once again, at the end of 2024, contacted the Provincial Road Engineering Authority to give us guidance and to request that the reduction of the speed limit on the R44 leading through the residential areas be re-considered. This is a standing agenda item on the Ward 10 committee and is being pushed through the office of the mayor as well.
As we receive updates, we will share through the correct platform, which is the ward committee.
The property status mechanism adopted for the information map
I appreciate everyone who contributed to the discussion regarding the property status in relation to ratepayer and residents’ membership. Various opinions and ideas were shared, however, there was a common thread of synergy among many inputs from the groups, private messages, and emails. I would also like to extend my gratitude to those homeowners abroad who participated in the conversation.
To summarize and propose a solution moving forward:
- Individuals join for diverse reasons and show support to the BBRA through their membership.
- Property ownership does not significantly impact membership.
- Our approach should focus on rewarding rather than penalizing paying members.
- We should encourage others to join, highlighting the benefits of membership.
- Both ratepayers and residents who rent homes may join the association.
- Honorary members should also have their properties recognized as ‘green’.
- The influence of large family groups on voting decisions must be acknowledged.
- We should address the significant number of property owners who are currently unknown to us.
- There is considerable value in being part of the BBRA.
- We must show respect to members who choose not to participate in the membership map.
- Consideration should be given to adjusting membership fees, with allowances for senior members and
- …those facing financial hardships.
Based on the discussions, I recommend the following guidelines for adoption:
- If a couple living together pays a membership fee of R200, both individuals will be considered active members, and their property will be designated as ‘green’.
- If a couple living together pays a membership fee of R100, only one individual will be recognized as an active member, and their property will remain ‘green’.
- If a couple pays R200 and owns multiple properties, all their properties will be designated as ‘green’.
- If a couple pays R100 and owns multiple properties, only their primary residence will be designated as ‘green’.
- If a single individual pays R100, that person’s property, along with any additional properties they own, will be designated as ‘green’.
- If a couple renting a home pays R200, that property will be designated as green.
- If a couple renting a home has one individual who pays R100, that property will be designated as ‘green’.
- If a couple renting a home owns property elsewhere in Betty’s Bay and pays R200, both the rental property and their owned property will be designated as ‘green’.
- If a couple renting a home owns property elsewhere and pays R100, only the rental property will be designated as ‘green’.
- If more than two paid-up members reside in one home, that home will be designated as ‘green’.
The above guidelines will apply to the primary owner/couple. For holiday homes, paid-up members may still benefit from the above recommendations.
Fair Play: Our goal is to see the entirety of Betty’s Bay designated as ‘green’. We trust you to uphold honesty and fairness, and we will not impose strict oversight of these guidelines. Your commitment to transparency will be recognized unless otherwise warranted, at which point we may need to re-evaluate the status of the respective properties.
Note: Please consider this proposal a working document until it is formally integrated into the mapping system. Currently, our constitution does not address the objectives we are seeking to achieve. This matter will be a defined voting item at the next Annual General Meeting.
Conclusion: The tiered or layered membership fees idea to accommodate different circumstances while still encouraging active participation is a sound approach. The option for holiday homeowners ensures that everyone can benefit. Overall, this framework seems like the best way to foster engagement and enhance our shared environment.
Control of unreasonable levels of dust and noise:
- No person shall during the course of any building, demolition or excavation work use any machinery, engine, apparatus, tool or contrivance which in the opinion of the local authority may unreasonably disturb or interfere with the well-being of the neighbourhood
- on a public holiday or Sunday
- before 06:00 or after 17:00 on any Saturday
- before 06:00 or after 18:00 on any day other than those days contemplated in subparagraphs a, and b.
- Please comply with this ruling and be considerate of the community.
Historical Information on Betty’s Bay Associations
Skip Krige is currently gathering information to develop a comprehensive book and is seeking our assistance. Specifically, he needs detailed historical information about the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association and the Betty’s Bay Residents Association.
If you have knowledge regarding the origins of these associations, such as their founding dates, the individuals involved, and the reasons for their establishment, please contribute your insights. I can only provide a limited perspective on events from 2022, so your input will be invaluable.
I kindly ask those who possess relevant information to share it with me through WhatsApp at 082 928 1260 or via email at wayrayjack@gmail.com. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated as part of this community project.
Conservation and Nature Based Solutions
Why is it so important to protect and maintain our wetlands in the Betty’s Bay Biosphere? It is crucial for several reasons:
- Biodiversity: Wetlands are home to an array of species, some of which are endemic or endangered. Preserving these habitats helps ensure the survival of these species and maintains ecological diversity.
- Water Purification: Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water. They improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, sediments and contaminants.
- Flood Control: Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rains. This reduces the risk of flooding and mitigates the impact of storms.
- Cultural and Recreational Value: Wetlands in the Betty’s Bay Biosphere offer recreational opportunities like bird watching, hiking, and educational activities. They also hold cultural significance for local communities.
- Economic Benefits: Wetlands contribute to the local economy through tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. Their ecological services, such as water purification and flood control, also have significant economic value.
Maintaining the health of these wetlands ensures that these vital functions continue to benefit both the environment and local communities. Plus, it provides an opportunity for us all to experience the wonder and beauty of nature.
What’s new
We have a new operations person in the Betty’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch in Francois Lesch. He is the go-to guy for Neighbourhood Watch issues from now on. It gives me great pleasure in sharing his number with you: 067 967 9461.
The latest agenda items for discussion at the ward committee
Engineering: There is a pressing need to increase parking space in key areas of Betty’s Bay, specifically at the Main Beach, Penguin Place and Silversands beach.
Environmental Management & Conservation: We request guidance on the correct process and contact person to expedite the sourcing of signage indicating breeding birds on our beaches
Fire: We seek to address potential fire hazards on municipal land adjacent to private properties.
Parks: Please consider a program for clearing verges at all intersections. While we understand that not all verges can be cleared, we believe it is crucial for safety reasons to have the verges at intersections cleared of vegetation.
Law Enforcement: We would appreciate a greater presence of law enforcement agencies on our beaches and seaboard walks.
Communication: We request that at least one member from Law Enforcement be tasked to be on Betty’s Bay community group and the SeaWatch group. Not to communicate per se, but to hear first-hand what is happening in the village and proactively respond to anything deemed necessary.
Safety and security
In light of the increasing prevalence of scams and fraudulent activities within our communities, it is important to exercise caution when approached by individuals offering services at our doors, whether it pertains to paving or other products like Wendy houses.
I would like to propose the following guidance: If you have not specifically sought out a service or product, or been informed by the municipality about it, please avoid engaging with any unsolicited offers from hawkers. Simply decline and end the conversation promptly.
Additionally, if possible, we request that you capture a photo or short video of the individual or individuals who approached you, as well as the vehicle they were using. Please refrain from sharing this information on social media. Instead, share it directly with Francois, along with a brief explanation of the incident, so he can take the appropriate steps. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Warm regards
Wayne Jackson
Chairman