From the Chairman’s Desk – August 2025

by Wayne Jackson

Posted on 26 Aug, 2025

To our amazing Betty’s Bay community, your generosity this month has made a tangible difference in supporting our three essential services. Whether through financial contributions or volunteer efforts, your involvement is what keeps our community strong. Thank you for standing with us.

 

KNOW YOUR BBRA

Executive Committee

  1. Wayne Jackson (Chairman & Membership)                     Stony Point
  2. Amund Beneke. (Vice Chair & Engineering).                    Sunny Seas
  3. Hannelie Coetzee (Treasurer)                                            Stony Point
  4. 4. Julia Frylinck. (Secretary)                                                Stony Point

Essential Services

  1. Rob Boyd. (BEST)                                                                Central
  2. Jorika Rabie. (Fire and Rescue)                                        Stony Point
  3. Wayne Jackson (Sea Watch)(Neighbourhood Watch)  Stony Point
  4. Elsa Stofberg (Conservation)                                           Stony Point

Community Services

  1. Abigail Davids. (Community development)                   Central
  2. Shameez Joubert (Markets)                                           Rondevlei
  3. Claudele Jackson (Crassula Hall)                                   Stony Point

Communications

  1. Wendy Lucas (Website custodian)                                Silversands
  2. Tersia Starke (Website assistant)                                  Bass Lake

Oversight

  1. Andre Kotze (Rondevlei Rep)                                        Rondevlei
  2. Calan Bennett (Central Rep)                                         Central

Please visit the relevant page on our website to engage with the appropriate portfolio leaders regarding areas of your interest. We welcome your suggestions for improvements to enhance our processes, foster progress, and promote a positive work environment.

 

Only if the shoe fits.

In line with our experiences we have endured this past month, I thought it relevant to make a few quotes.

“Progress often ruffles feathers, especially among those who resist change. If sour grapes are all some have left, let them ferment in their bitterness. The BBRA stands by its decisions and moves forward.”

“Truth has a way of rising, no matter how deep the lies are buried. Those who sow deceit will reap the consequences, and when the shoe fits, they’ll have no choice but to wear it.”

“The BBRA serves the community with purpose and vision, qualities not everyone possesses. Membership isn’t for the divisive, the self-serving, or those who mistake complaints for contribution. We seek those who build, not those who undermine.”

“To those with the courage to speak truth when silence would be easier – we see you, we thank you, and we honour your integrity. Whistleblowers are the conscience of our community, shining light where shadows linger. Your bravery makes us better. 

“To everyone who stands with us, believes in our mission, and contributes to our cause, your support is the foundation of everything we do. Whether through action, trust, or encouragement, you bring value to our work and inspire us to keep moving forward. Thank you for being the heart of our community.”

 

Clarification on BBRA Membership

The Betty’s Bay Ratepayers’ Association (BBRA) exists to serve the interests of all residents, guided by a philosophy of inclusivity and community service. While participation in municipal services through the payment of rates and taxes is important, it does not automatically grant membership or voting rights in the BBRA. Membership is open to all residents, and can be held in two forms:

Active Members: pay an annual fee and have full voting rights at our AGM.

Passive Members: do not pay a fee but are still part of the BBRA community and enjoy many of the same benefits, except voting rights. This option ensures that no one is excluded for financial reasons.

If you are not registered with us as either an active or passive member, you are not part of the Association. In that case, it would not be correct to refer to the BBRA as “our” or “your” association, as you have no formal rights, responsibilities, or involvement in its affairs.

We encourage all members to engage constructively and positively, supporting our initiatives and respecting the volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and resources to serving Betty’s Bay. Our volunteers are not paid staff, they give freely of their time to benefit the whole community, so it is important that our interactions remain respectful and collaborative.

From time to time, misinformation may circulate about the BBRA’s role or activities. Accurate information is always available directly from the BBRA through our official channels. If you are unsure of your membership status, or wish to join, please contact us so we can update our records.

I hope this explanation reaches everyone not currently on the BBRA membership database and helps clarify our membership criteria, while addressing any misunderstandings or misplaced expectations.

The BBRA reserves the right to accept or decline any request for membership or participation in the BBRA, at its sole discretion. While we welcome community engagement, all applications will be assessed based on alignment with our values, objectives, and the best interests of the Betty’s Bay community. The BBRA’s decisions regarding membership are final and not subject to debate.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support in maintaining a constructive and unified association.

 

Crassula Hall

I appreciate your continued engagement and support. I would like to request assistance with the following ongoing responsibilities, for which I do not possess the necessary expertise:

  1. Maintenance and repair tasks related to the hall’s facilities, including plumbing fixtures, doors, hinges, locks, and managing any necessary contractual work.
  2. Technical oversight and routine maintenance of our 5kW diesel generator.

If anyone is able to volunteer their time and expertise in these areas on a regular basis, it would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to reach out if you are interested or require further details.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

A Community-Driven Initiative

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Betty’s Bay’s Ablution Facilities

We have a unique opportunity to take pride in our community’s facilities and to work together to uplift and maintain them for years to come. Through a proposed co-management agreement with the municipality, we aim to take responsibility for all of Betty’s Bay’s ablution facilities, ensuring they reflect the same care and beauty as the rest of our beloved town.

This is a long-term project that will require planning, collaboration, and dedication. But with your support, we can:

  1. Restore and maintain existing ablution facilities to a standard we can all be proud of.
  2. Support the new Silversands parking ablution.
  3. Reclaim and revitalize the buried ablution facility at Jock’s Bay.

Why This Matters: Our public facilities are a reflection of our community’s spirit. By taking ownership, we ensure they remain clean, functional, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

How You Can Help: If you’re passionate about conservation, community improvement, or simply rolling up your sleeves to make a difference, we need you! Contact our Conservation Portfolio Principal to express your interest, share ideas, or volunteer your skills.

This initiative is only possible with your involvement. Let’s work together to leave a lasting legacy for Betty’s Bay.

Together, we can do more.

 

Wayne Jackson

Chairman