Dear Betty’s Bay Community
I am writing to extend my thanks 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.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and engaged community. 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
The Poison of False Rumours in Betty’s Bay
To those that engage in the despicable act of false accusations towards our councillor and structures.
There is no greater betrayal to a community than individuals who deliberately spread deceit and those who shield them from accountability. These people act without conscience, eroding trust and tearing at the fabric of our town with lies, exaggerations, and baseless accusations. Their actions are not just social misconduct; they are legal offenses that carry serious consequences under South African law.
The Rumour Spreader: A Threat to Truth and Integrity
Those who manufacture and spread false narratives do so with malice, seeking to harm, manipulate, and divide. They thrive on creating confusion and hostility, preying on uncertainty and fanning the flames of conflict. This is not misguided gossip, it is deliberate, reckless sabotage, often motivated by jealousy, personal vendettas, or a desperate desire for attention.
These individuals are not contributors to this town. They do not build; they destroy and often pretend that they just want to help people. They do not resolve issues; they manufacture chaos. They lack integrity, respect, and community spirit, exempting themselves from any positive impact on Betty’s Bay. Their actions are despicable, and their influence must be dismantled.
The Protector: An Enabler of Harm
Worse still are those who defend, excuse, or turn a blind eye to such shameful behaviour. These enablers shield toxic individuals rather than protect the community they claim to care about. By defending lies, they make themselves complicit in the harm caused to innocent people and structures.
Such individuals do not stand for truth, fairness, or justice, they stand for self-preservation and cowardice. By aligning with deception, they forfeit respect and trust. They willingly sabotage unity and public good to serve their own hidden agendas, proving that they are no better than the liars themselves.
Legal Consequences for Both the Spreader and the Protector
South African law provides clear pathways to hold such individuals accountable. Anyone engaging in malicious rumour-spreading or defending those who do so may face:
- Defamation Charges (Slander or Libel), False verbal or written statements that damage a person’s reputation can lead to lawsuits under the South African Defamation Law.
- Crimen Injuria. The deliberate impairment of a person’s dignity, including harmful false claims, can result in criminal charges.
- Harassment Act Violations. If persistent false rumours cause emotional or psychological distress, legal recourse exists under South Africa’s Protection from Harassment Act.
- Civil Damages. Victims of defamation can sue for financial damages, especially if the harm affects their personal or professional life.
Make no mistake, this community will not tolerate deceit and manipulation. Those who actively harm others or structures with false rumours and their disgraceful protection have exempted themselves from any benefits of community goodwill. They are not contributors to Betty’s Bay but parasites, feeding on division while contributing nothing of value.
We urge every resident to stand for truth and accountability. If you have concerns, address them responsibly, through proper forums and community discussions. Do not allow lies, deception, or cowardly enabling to be the narrative of our town.
Betty’s Bay deserves better. It deserves a community built on honesty, fairness, and respect, not disgraceful rumourmongering. Again, if the shoe fits, wear it.
Key Bookkeeping Rules & Guidelines
In South Africa, the bookkeeping and financial compliance of an association like our ratepayer’s association are governed by several laws and regulations, particularly those set by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Tax Administration Act, and we comply with them all.
Record Keeping Requirements
Associations must maintain accurate financial records in their original form, stored securely and in an orderly fashion.
These records must be available for inspection, audit, or investigation by SARS.
Electronic records are permitted but must comply with SARS regulations, and any deviation requires SARS authorization.
Retention Periods
If an association has submitted tax returns, records must be kept for five years from the date of submission.
If an association has not submitted a required return, records must be kept indefinitely until the return is filed.
If an association is under audit or investigation, records must be retained until the process is concluded.
Compliance with Tax Laws
Associations must ensure they file tax returns if required and report any taxable income, capital gains, or losses.
They must comply with VAT, employee tax, and other financial obligations if applicable.
Non-compliance can result in penalties, audits, and legal consequences.
What Makes an Association Compliant?
Maintaining financial records in accordance with SARS guidelines.
Submitting tax returns and fulfilling tax obligations.
Transparency & Accountability. Ensuring financial transactions are documented and accessible for audits.
Adherence to Regulatory Requirements. Following the Tax Administration Act and other relevant laws.
The Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association are happy to announce that we comply with the above requirements and statements.
Traffic Management
Debunked: SANRAL has no plans to change SA’s speed limits
If you’re concerned that your next trip to Durban will be at a snail’s pace, breathe a sigh of relief because the speed limits on South Africa’s roads are not being reduced.
If you’ve heard the news about proposed speed limit reductions on South African roads, it’s time to set the record straight.
Here’s what you need to know
The rumour mill:
Recently, a message circulated on social media claiming that the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) was set to reduce speed limits on various roads. This information caused quite a stir, leading many to worry about travel times in Durban and beyond.
Fact-checking by SANRAL
SANRAL quickly confirmed that the information was false. According to Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s communications head, the agency does not possess the authority to alter speed limits. Their role is limited to managing the national road network’s financing, planning, maintenance, and development, as outlined by the SANRAL Act of 1998.
The fake speed limits:
The misinformation purported that urban roads would see a reduction from 60 km/h to 50 km/h, while rural roads would drop from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. It also claimed that highway speeds would be restricted to 110 km/h from the current 120 km/h and that school zones would have a strict 30 km/h limit during school hours.
Legislative process required:
Any changes to speed limits necessitate a legislative process. This includes a proposal from the Department of Transport (DOT) which must be published and opened for public comment before any decision is made. Previous proposals for speed limit reductions have faced public opposition and were ultimately rejected.
Current speed limits and enforcement:
The Automobile Association (AA) argues that existing speed limits are adequate for road safety but stresses the need for improved enforcement. It’s highlighted that speeding will persist unless effective policing of speed limits is established, stating that drivers often ignore limits regardless of how low they may be set.
Changes on the horizon
There is no greater certainty than change. Change is an inevitable aspect of growth, and by embracing it, we position ourselves for continued success. In the context of the BBRA, we are transitioning as we bid farewell to our outgoing treasurer and welcome a new individual to assume this vital role. Additionally, we remain committed to encouraging homeowner involvement through volunteer opportunities; however, participation depends on individual willingness and availability, and we appreciate all those who choose to support our community efforts.
Furthermore, there have been significant organizational changes within the Overstrand Municipality, with new personnel appointed to serve our community. Some positions remain vacant, which may present certain challenges. In response, I have requested the relevant portfolios to explore co-management agreements between the community and the municipality. Our immediate priorities include the maintenance and care of our ablution facilities, as well as the preservation of both the existing and new boardwalks in Betty’s Bay.
Our engineering team in Kleinmond has been instrumental in supporting us, particularly regarding parking and access solutions. Amund will provide additional details on these initiatives. (See the Engineering section below. Ed)
Ward Delimitation Public Meeting
Date: 02 June 2025
Day: Monday
Time: 10:00
Venue: Auditorium, Hermanus
Agenda:
- Opening and welcome by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB)
- Presentation by the MDB
- Discussion on the presentation by all present.
- Presentation by other proposals by proposer
- Discussion on the other proposals by all present.
- Vote of thanks by the MDB.
- Close meeting by MDB.
A Thank You to Our Community
We extend our thanks to every member of our community who has taken the time to report incidents that negatively affect our beloved surroundings. Your vigilance and commitment play a crucial role in preserving the integrity and safety of our shared spaces. By reporting concerns, you help us address issues before they escalate, ensuring that our environment remains a sanctuary for both people and wildlife.
Moreover, we would like to commend those who have embraced and adapted to the lifestyle that makes Betty’s Bay so special. Change is never easy but seeing how many individuals have adopted responsible practices has had a profound impact on our biosphere. Your willingness to adjust your habits, especially in ways that positively influence local wildlife, is invaluable.
One of the most significant shifts we’ve seen is in the behaviour of wildlife due to decreased human interference. When wild animals are not fed by humans, they maintain their natural instincts, reducing dependency and preventing dangerous interactions. By respecting their space, we allow them to thrive without disruption, preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem.
Additionally, reducing the footprint of pet dogs and cats in the area has been vital for the protection of our local fauna. Many native species are vulnerable to predation and disturbances caused by domestic pets. By managing pets responsibly, keeping them indoors or within secure areas, we ensure the survival of our indigenous wildlife while maintaining harmony between humans and nature.
These efforts collectively safeguard the beauty and biodiversity of Betty’s Bay. Your choices matter, and every positive action contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future. Let’s continue working together, embracing change, and fostering an environment where nature and community flourish side by side.
A special thanks
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Andre De Kock for his generous contributions. Andre has donated three vital signs monitors, two blood pressure monitors, and three oxygen tank sets to BEST. The equipment will be carefully evaluated and prepared for use as needed.
In addition, Andre has provided radios and radio stations to support the neighbourhood watch program. These resources will enable effective communication during times when electricity is unavailable and mobile network services are disrupted, allowing us to operate via VHF radios.
These contributions significantly enhance our capabilities and demonstrate meaningful support to our community.
A special thank you to BB Glass and Jock’s Bay Hardware for our new notice board at the Crassula Hall.
We also thank Andre Vermaak for donating a four-camera system that will also be installed at the Crassula Hall.
Service Quality and Structural Changes: ASK and ADT
I listened to all the chatter and made notes on key concerns raised by our community, and I addressed them with ASK and ADT. This is the return communications from them for your information.
ASK IT was not acquired by Fidelity-ADT and is not part of this transaction. Services were not affected by this change, and will not be affected, as the communication links are on two different spectrums. If residents are experiencing connectivity issues, they need to communicate this with the ASK IT Support team. We only had one fibre break in Pringle Bay this past week, nothing else anywhere that I am aware of. Please ensure that residents contact ASK IT support at 028 125 0047 for assistance.
Security Concerns:
All existing staff in the Response Department, the Control Room Department and the Admin and Technical Department, are the same (No staff member lost their work because of the new acquisition), there have only been two replacements. These new replacements are undergoing training as we speak.
If there are concerns regarding the response department’s transparency, then please share more details, as this policy has not changed, we will stay open and transparent in all our communications. I am the Fidelity-ADT Business consultant in the area, with the following management team: Marius Boshoff (Branch Manager); Wayne Kruger (Community Operations Manager); Lukho Ngetu (Control Room Supervisor) and Donovan (Response Manager) and we will ensure the same professional service delivery ASK Security delivered will be delivered by Fidelity-ADT, you have my word on this.
For transparency, we are in the process of arranging an additional Fidelity-ADT Response Unit to Betty’s Bay for day shifts to assist in the daily operations due to the sheer geographical size of Betty’s Bay.
As mentioned, the entire ASK Security Operation is still in place, local offices, local control room, local tech team, local management, nothing has changed, and any rumour doing the rounds saying otherwise is false information.
Package Deals and Financial Implications:
The fee structure for residents will not change for 2025 in any way, the only change is that the Fidelity-ADT will invoice separately from ASK IT for their respective services.
Communication and Community Relations:
On the 10th of April I personally sent out notice of this acquisition whereby I mentioned that nothing changed except the logo and banking details. Further communication from Fidelity-ADT failed slightly and that we apologise for the public holidays made things a little difficult, poor excuse I know, but we have been working hard since the 2nd of May 2025 to fix the lack of communication by addressing the issues and sorting them out one by one. Communications will come jointly from the Local Office here, and from Fidelity-ADT communications centre. The local Facebook Page is managed by me.
Additional Community Concerns:
All staff are local, and we will continue to strive to employ local personnel, as long as they meet the criteria. Fidelity-ADT will become more community orientated as that is what they strive for, supporting locals is the forefront of our presence here.
Commitment to Partnership and Safety Improvement:
- Enhanced response protocols to improve incident resolution times.
I agree on this point, the training from Fidelity-ADT is by far the highest standard I have come across, and our staff will greatly benefit from this going forward.
- Participate in regular training engagements between your response teams
and our volunteers.
Good idea, I will have Donovan and Wayne make contact with you in this regard.
- Improved communication channels for real-time information sharing at night.
If you have concerns, please raise them with us and we will ensure we improve where needed.
- Joint safety initiatives that demonstrate our collaborative approach to crime prevention and intelligence sharing.
100% agree, when can we arrange the next crime prevention initiatives?
We will additionally communicate to all our clients within the next few weeks on further education materials on how everything will work going forward, however we limit it, to ensure we do not land up in Spam folders unnecessarily.
I would like to arrange a coffee date with you, Marius, Wayne and myself as soon as possible.
We thank you for your cooperation and we will continue to strive for excellence within ASK IT and Fidelity-ADT.
A Simple Solution to a Big Problem
We all know how crucial emergency numbers are, yet time and time again, we find ourselves scrambling to find them when we need them most. Despite sharing these numbers in our community groups, they often get lost in the chat, and people end up asking for them again, sometimes in moments of crisis.
Enter Andrew Stoy, with a brilliantly simple and effective idea! Instead of relying on digital messages, we’re bringing important emergency contacts into the real world, on stickers. These stickers, placed in the front windows of as many homes as possible, will act as a visible, always-accessible resource for anyone in need.
Imagine this: Someone finds themselves in an emergency and needs help fast. Instead of searching through countless messages, they can simply glance at the nearest home, read the displayed numbers, and make the call immediately. It’s quick, efficient, and could genuinely save lives.
Let’s come together to make this happen! If you’re willing to display a sticker in your window, it could make a world of difference for someone in need. Small changes lead to big impacts, let’s make our community safer, one window at a time.
We are in the process of getting 1000 stickers made and would appreciate your help in purchasing these stickers and we will make some more.
(Example displayed in a window. Ed)
Cleanup
“Hendrik Louw from Silversands, extends his thanks to the incredible individuals and small teams who have stepped up to tackle the daunting cleanup between the dunes at Silversands. The poachers left behind a heartbreaking mess, but your tireless efforts, backbreaking yet fuelled by passion, are bringing hope and healing to this wounded landscape. Together, you’re not just removing debris; you’re restoring the soul of this place, one determined effort at a time. Your dedication is nothing short of heroic, and it’s this spirit that will return Silversands to its rightful, natural glory. Thank you for being the change this land so desperately needs.”
Be involved
I encourage every homeowner to get actively involved in some sort of community activity through the Ratepayers Association portfolios.
Wayne Jackson
Chairman