Chairman’s Message – October 2025

SECRETARY: We are looking for a caring, organised volunteer to serve as secretary of the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association. Our current secretary will be moving away at the end of October, and the new volunteer must be ready to begin in November.

Role Overview: The Secretary is a key leadership position responsible for helping to keep the BBRA running smoothly, ensuring accurate records, clear communication with members and stakeholders, and supporting effective, lawful governance.

Key Responsibilities:

Record keeping of meetings, decisions, motions, and correspondence.

Prepare and distribute agendas and minutes in a timely, professional manner.

Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence with the municipality.

 

SPEED HUMPS

From the Overstrand Municipality’s perspective

1. Process & Policy: Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps fall under the Overstrand Traffic Services and Roads Department. Requests are assessed against
2. Documented history of speeding or accidents in the location.
3. Presence of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, children, wildlife).
4. Environmental and engineering feasibility (drainage, gradient, emergency vehicle access).
5. Evidence Requirement: The Municipality will require supporting data, speed monitoring results, accident/incident reports, and possibly environmental impact notes.

 

1. Approval Path:
2. Submission via the Ward Councillor to Overstrand’s Traffic Services.
3. Site inspection and traffic study by municipal engineer
4. Recommendation to the relevant municipal committee for budget allocation or  approval for privately funded installation (if offered).
5. Wildlife Consideration: While municipal policy focuses on human safety, the presence of a recognised ecological corridor can strengthen the case, especially if supported by CapeNature or environmental NGOs.

From the BBRA’s point of view

1. Community Safety Mandate: The BBRA supports interventions that protect residents, visitors, and wildlife. Porter Drive has been repeatedly flagged for excessive speeding, and the proximity to Crassula Road makes it a high-risk zone for both pedestrians and animals.
2. Evidence Gathering. The BBRA can through the help of the community:
   1. Collate photographic and video evidence of speeding and wildlife casualties.
   2. Gather resident testimonies and incident logs.
   3. Engage the community to assist with speed monitoring and reporting.
3. Advocacy Strategy: The chairman of the BBRA will submit a formal, evidence-backed request to the Ward Councillor at a Ward 10 committee meeting and cc Overstrand Traffic Services.

We will highlight the dual safety imperative, human and environmental, in line with Overstrand’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) commitments to road safety and environmental stewardship.

Offer to co-fund or crowd-fund the installation if municipal budget constraints are cited, in line with municipal provisions for privately funded traffic calming. This money will come from a dedicated fund raiser by the community area requesting the hump.

1. Public Support: Mobilise residents to submit individual written endorsements to increase the weight of the request.
2. Recommended systematic actions.
3. Documented speeding problem.
4. Wildlife mortality data.
5. Alignment with municipal safety and environmental objectives.
6. Engage Ward Councillor to table the request at the next municipal safety and infrastructure meeting through the BBRA.
7. Collect supporting evidence over 2 to 3 months or as long as it takes to strengthen the case.
8. Explore co-funding options if municipal timelines and funding are inadequate.

I will support this request. Our portfolio holder for Town Planning and Property Development will need to follow due process otherwise we will be wasting our time.

 

Littering on Porter Drive

This is not on. It is impossible to ignore the fresh litter like bottles, packets, and refuse clearly tossed from passing vehicles. This is more than an eyesore; it’s an insult to our shared environment, a hazard to wildlife, and a stain on the pride we take in Betty’s Bay.

1. Remember not everyone that use this road have the same pride or care that we do, let’s try and understand this:
2. The Municipality can clear litter, but it cannot be everywhere, every day.
3. Enforcement against littering is possible, but catching offenders in the act is rare.

The only way to stop this is for us, as a community, to make it socially unacceptable and practically difficult for littering to continue.

1. We need Smart, Community‑Driven Solutions. Adopt‑a‑Spot Programme:

• Households, streets, or interest groups “adopt” a stretch of road or verge, committing to keep it clean and cut.
• One can coordinate a simple map and recognition system, celebrating those who keep their section spotless.
• Rapid Response Clean‑Up WhatsApp Group
• A small volunteer pool that can respond quickly when new littering is spotted, preventing it from becoming embedded in the fynbos.
• Photos of before/after shared to inspire others.
• Visible Anti‑Litter Signage
• BBRA‑branded signs along Porter Drive and other hotspots: short, hard‑hitting messages linking littering to harm of wildlife and community pride.
• Include Overstrand’s fine amount for littering to remind offenders there’s a legal cost.
• Neighbourhood Watch camera synergy
• Where cameras already monitor for safety, extend their use to identify habitual littering vehicles.
• Regular Community Clean‑Up Days
• Combine with social events, coffee, boerewors rolls, to make participation rewarding.
• Youth Engagement: Children often influence adult behaviour more effectively than fines.

1. Closing Call: Porter Drive is one of the gateways to our Silversands, Rondevlei, Stony Point and Central.
2. Every bottle, packet, or wrapper tossed from a car says, “we don’t care.” That is not who we are. Let’s prove it, together, by making littering a thing of the past in Betty’s Bay.

 

Response from OM Kleinmond on the back of a formal request

Speeding and Request for Speedbumps

We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding vehicle speeds along Porter Drive and Delport Street, particularly near the intersections with Crystal Road and Lakeside Drive.

Please note the following:

1. Porter Drive may be classified as an arterial/collector road, given its connectivity to a trunk road on both the western and eastern ends. In accordance with road design guidelines, the installation of speed humps on arterial/collector roads is not recommended, as they can hinder traffic flow and negatively impact the response times of emergency services.
2. The existing speed humps were installed many years ago, under different standards and circumstances. While they remain in place, no additional humps are currently planned for Porter Drive due to its road classification and associated design criteria.
3. Requests for speed humps on asphalt roads are also subject to capital funding availability and must be considered within the municipality’s broader budget and prioritisation framework.
4. Your request for additional traffic calming measures on Delport Road has been formally recorded and will be assessed in accordance with established traffic engineering principles. This evaluation will determine whether any speed control or reduction mechanisms can be implemented within the applicable legislative and financial frameworks. Kindly note that, at this stage, no assurance can be given regarding the implementation of such measures.
5. Potholes on Porter Drive: Please be advised that Works order No. 1676897 was logged on 3 October 2025 for pothole repairs in Betty’s Bay. The area in question will be addressed under this works order. In line with our standard operating procedures, the maintenance team is allocated a period of 15 working days to attend to pothole repair on asphalt surfaced roads works order.
6. Overgrown sidewalks: Sidewalk and road reserve maintenance is currently handled by the Parks Department. Your concerns regarding overgrown vegetation, inadequate clearing, and encroaching branches have been noted. To ensure a coordinated response, we have included Zandile Bavuma from the Parks Department in this email. She will be able to provide further details regarding maintenance schedules and any planned interventions for Delport Street.

Regards,

Denovan van Rhodie

Principal Technologist Civil Kleinmond

 

Our response

Subject: Thank You for Your Detailed Feedback

Dear Denovan

1. On behalf of Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for your thoughtful and comprehensive response to the concerns raised by our community.

2. We greatly appreciate the clarity you have provided regarding the classification of Porter Drive and the implications this has for traffic calming measures. While we understand the constraints around additional speed humps, it is reassuring to know that the request for Delport Street has been formally recorded and will be assessed within the appropriate frameworks. Your explanation helps us to communicate these realities more effectively to our members.

 

3. We are also grateful for the update on the pothole repairs and the confirmation that a works order has already been placed. This proactive step gives our residents confidence that the matter is receiving due attention.

 

4. Furthermore, we value your inclusion of the Parks Department in addressing the overgrown sidewalks. The coordinated approach you have facilitated is exactly the kind of collaboration that strengthens trust between the municipality and the community.

5. Please know that your willingness to engage with us in such a constructive and transparent manner is deeply appreciated. It not only addresses immediate concerns but also fosters a spirit of partnership that is vital for the long-term wellbeing of Betty’s Bay.

With gratitude and kind regards,

Wayne

Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association: Chairperson

 

THE CANNABIS HOUSE IN JOCK’S BAY

BBRA OBJECTION: ERF 2988, 203 CLARENCE DRIVE, BETTY’S BAY: APPLICATION FOR REZONING, CONSENT USE AND DETERMINATION OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY: WRAP PROJECT OFFICE ON BEHALF OF FPB GREEFF

 

1. Introduction: This memorandum provides an analysis of the application for Erf 2988, 203 Clarence Drive, Betty’s Bay, concerning its legality under South African law and its compliance with the Overstrand Municipal by-laws, Land Use Scheme, and zone regulations.
2. The application seeks to:
   1. Rezone the property from Single Residential (SR1) to Business Zone 3: Local Business (B3).
   2. Grant Consent Use for a dwelling unit on the ground floor.
   3. Grant Consent Use for a “place of assembly” for a private cannabis club.
   4. Determine an administrative penalty for the unauthorized land use.

3. Analysis of the “Cannabis Club” under South African Law

The application’s motivation heavily relies on the constitutional right to privacy for the personal use of cannabis. However, a critical distinction must be made between personal use and commercial or collective activities.

Constitutional Court Ruling (Prince Judgement): The 2018 ruling decriminalised the personal cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis by adults in a private space. It did not create a right to operate a commercial enterprise or a members-only club for the distribution of cannabis.

Current Legislative Gap: South Africa currently lacks a regulatory framework for the commercial sale, distribution, or “club” model of cannabis. The “Cannabis for Private Purposes Act” has been passed but is not yet in full operation, and it primarily addresses personal cultivation and possession, not commercial dispensaries or clubs.

Legality of the Proposed “Club/Shop”: The operation described, where members make “contributions or payments” for cannabis, strongly resembles a commercial transaction. This activity likely falls outside the protection of the Prince judgement. Until national legislation is enacted to regulate such trade, these operations exist in a legal grey area and may be subject to enforcement under existing laws against the dealing or distribution of cannabis.

Conclusion on Cannabis Legality: The Municipality must be cautious. While the constitutional right to personal use is clear, the operation of a “cannabis club/shop” is not currently a legally recognised land use under South African law. Approving a land use for an activity that may itself be illegal or unregulated creates significant legal and operational risk for the Municipality.

1. Analysis under Municipal By-Laws and Land Use Scheme
2. Rezoning from SR1 to B3
3. Compatibility: The motivation correctly identifies the property’s location adjacent to the Jock’s Bay Retail Centre, a designated commercial node in the Municipal SDF. The SDF’s support for infill development and small-scale economic activity in this node is a strong point in favour of the rezoning.
4. Precedent and Character: The presence of other mixed uses in the area supports the argument that the rezoning would not be out of character.
5. Compliance with B3 Parameters: The application demonstrates full compliance with the bulk and building line requirements for a B3 zone (coverage, floor factor, setbacks, parking). This technical compliance is a significant factor in favour of the rezoning, irrespective of the specific business.

Recommendation: The rezoning from SR1 to B3 appears spatially and technically justified based on the SDF and the property’s context. The use of the property for *a* shop is a permissible primary right under B3.

Consent Use for a “Place of Assembly”

1. This is the critical and most contentious component of the application.
2. The term “Place of Assembly” is a neutral planning term. The intended use as a “cannabis club” is the specific activity that must be evaluated.
3. Given the unresolved legal status of cannabis clubs (as outlined above), granting a Consent Use for this specific purpose is premature and legally risky.
4. The Municipality has the discretion to approve or refuse this Consent Use based on its likely impact on the area. The applicant’s argument that the use is discreet and generates minimal traffic is noted, but the nature of the activity itself is the primary concern.

Consent Use for a Ground Floor Dwelling

1. This is a standard requirement in a B3 zone, where a dwelling on the ground floor typically requires consent.
2. Provided the dwelling unit complies with all health and safety regulations, there is no apparent planning reason to refuse this consent.

Determination of an Administrative Penalty

1. The applicant has admitted to the unauthorized use (both the shop and the club). The By-Law provides for an administrative penalty in such cases.
2. The nature of the contravention is serious, as it involves establishing a use without any approval. However, the applicant is now following due process to ectify the situation.
3. It is recommended that the penalty be calculated in accordance with the By-Law and that payment of the penalty be made a condition of approval for any subsequent land use rights granted.
4. Overall Conclusion and Recommendations
5. The application presents two separable issues: the rezoning of the property and the approval of a specific, legally ambiguous use.

On Rezoning: The application for rezoning from SR1 to B3 is well-motivated from a town-planning perspective, considering the property’s location within a designated commercial node and its compliance with B3 development parameters. It is recommended that the rezoning be approved, subject to standard conditions.

On Consent Use (Cannabis Club): The application for Consent Use for a “place of assembly” for a cannabis club is fraught with legal uncertainty. South African law does not currently provide a framework for this activity. Therefore, it is recommended that this component of the application be refused, or alternatively, deferred pending the development of a national regulatory framework for cannabis. The grounds for refusal would be the illegal or unregulated nature of the proposed use, which makes it impossible for the Municipality to properly regulate and condition it, creating potential nuisances and enforcement challenges.

On Consent Use (Dwelling): This can be approved as a separate consent, contingent upon the approval of the rezoning.

On Administrative Penalty: The application for the determination of an administrative penalty should be approved, and the determined amount must be paid by the applicant as a condition for the issuance of any new land use rights.

In Summary: Approve the rezoning to B3 and the consent for the ground floor dwelling, thereby regularising the property’s potential for business use. Refuse the consent for the cannabis club due to the current lack of a legal framework. This approach allows the property to be regularised for future legitimate business ventures while preventing the Municipality from sanctioning a potentially illegal land use.

This response should be considered as a formal objection to the application.

 

2025 PROPOSAL FOR LEASH FREE ZONES IN BETTY’S BAY

Executive Summary

1. This proposal responds to the Overstrand Municipality’s (OM) review of by-laws concerning dog-off-leash areas. It is informed by a public debate held on 15 March 2023 and subsequent community feedback. We acknowledge the current by-law and the challenges of enforcement.
2. We propose a collaborative pilot programme to establish four designated, time-bound, and rule-based Leash-Free Zones (LFZs). This initiative aims to:
   1. Provide a legal and safe outlet for responsible dog owners to exercise their pets.
   2. Reduce community conflict by clearly defining where off-leash activity is permitted.
   3. Protect our fragile fynbos and wildlife by concentrating activity in resilient, pre-selected areas.
   4. Foster a culture of shared responsibility and compliance within the community.

This proposal outlines not just “where,” but a comprehensive plan for the “how,” including community-led stewardship, clear rules, and a framework for monitoring and evaluation.

Introduction & Background

Betty’s Bay is home to many responsible dog owners who wish to exercise their pets effectively and within the law. Currently, the lack of legal options leads to widespread non-compliance, creating tension between residents, endangering wildlife, and damaging sensitive flora.

The community debate of 15 March 2023 demonstrated a strong desire for a proactive, community-driven solution. This proposal formalizes those ideas into a workable model that aligns with OM’s goals and can serve as a template for other towns.

Proposed Leash-Free Zones (LFZs)

We propose the following four areas as pilot LFZs, selected for their durability, lower ecological sensitivity (compared to pristine fynbos), and minimal conflict with high traffic “people spaces”:

1. Silversands (Fig 1): A spacious beach area suitable for running and playing.

2. Main Beach (Fig 2): A designated section of the main beach, using flags to segregate zones during peak seasons.

3. Bass Lake Fire Breaks (Fig 3): Existing firebreaks that are regularly maintained, offering a non-beach alternative.

4. Central Fire Break (Fig 4): Another existing firebreak, providing accessible space within the residential area.

Enhanced Rules & Code of Conduct. Building on the excellent rules from the debate, we propose this formalized Code of Conduct for all LFZs:

1. Strict Time Limitations: LFZs are only operational from Sunrise to 9am and 5pm to Sunset. This minimizes conflict with other users and wildlife during peak activity hours.

2. Absolute Clean-Up Policy: Owners must carry a poo bag for every dog and remove all waste. “Pack it in, pack it out” is non-negotiable.

3. Voice & Sight Control: Dogs must be under effective voice control at all times. Unsocialized or aggressive dogs are prohibited.

4. Wildlife and Flora Protection: No dog may be allowed to chase or disturb wildlife. Owners must keep dogs to the designated paths in firebreak areas to protect surrounding fynbos.

5. Leash-at-Ready: All dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the LFZ.

6. User Capacity: A maximum of [e.g., 6] dogs per handler to ensure control and safety.

7. Community-Led Stewardship & Implementation Plan. We acknowledge that OM cannot be solely responsible for enforcement. Therefore, we propose a shared-responsibility model:

• Community “Watchdog” Group: The BBRA will facilitate a volunteer group of dog owners and residents to promote the rules, gently remind users of their responsibilities, and monitor usage.
• Standardized Signage: We request OM’s assistance in producing and erecting official, municipal-grade signage at each LFZ entrance, clearly displaying the Code of Conduct, hours, and penalties for by-law infringement.
• Community Funding: The community is prepared to fundraise for supplementary items like flag poles, additional bags for waste stations, and educational materials.

8. Formal Reporting: The stewardship group will provide OM with quarterly reports during the pilot phase, documenting usage, compliance levels, and any incidents.

9. Transition strategy after pilot period. During the pilot period rules and protocols must be honed so that after the pilot period we simply move out of a pilot period into and accepted LFZs ruling.

10. Added Benefits & Positive Motivation. This proposal offers significant benefits beyond resolving dog-related conflicts:

• Promotes Public Health: Encourages regular outdoor exercise for both dogs and their owners.
• Social Cohesion: Provides a structured social venue for dog owners, strengthening community bonds.
• Proactive Conservation: By concentrating activity, we actively protect the vast majority of Betty’s Bay’s fragile ecosystem more effectively than the current unregulated system.
• Reduced Enforcement Burden: By providing a legal alternative, this programme will reduce the number of infractions officers need to address, allowing them to focus on wilful and repeat offenders outside the LFZs.
• A Model for the Overstrand: A successful pilot in Betty’s Bay can provide a scalable, cost-effective model for other communities facing similar challenges.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Betty’s Bay community is united in its desire to find a workable, responsible, and legal solution. We are simply not asking for permission; we are offering our partnership.

We respectfully request that the Overstrand Municipality:

1. Formally approve this proposal for a 12-month Pilot Programme.
2. Work with us to draft the necessary by-law amendments or temporary permissions.
3. Collaborate on the design and installation of official signage.

We are confident that this collaborative approach will create a win-win situation for dog owners, non-dog owners, the local environment, and the Municipality. We look forward to your positive response and to working together to make Betty’s Bay a more harmonious and law-abiding community.

Attachments: Maps of Proposed Leash-Free Zones (Figs 1-4)

FIG 1 THE FIRST LEASH FREE ZONE SILVERSANDS

FIG 2 THE SECOND LEASH FREE ZONE MAIN BEACH

FIG 3 THE THIRD LEASH FREE ZONE BASS LAKE FIRE BREAKS.

FIG 4 THE FOURTH LEASH FREE ZONE CENTRAL FIRE BREAK.

 

Summary of Community Debate Outcomes (15 March 2023)

1. A public debate revealed significant community tension in Betty’s Bay due to the lack of legal off-leash areas for dogs. This led to widespread disregard for leash laws, causing environmental damage to fragile fynbos and wildlife, safety concerns for residents, and growing conflict between dog owners and others.
2. The community acknowledged that enforcement was difficult and that a proactive solution was needed. The proposed outcome was the creation of four designated leash-free zones (at Silversands, Main Beach, Bass Lake Fire Breaks, and a Central Fire Break) with a strict set of community- enforced rules.
3. Key rules included protecting fynbos, mandatory poo pick-up, requiring dogs to be under control, and a ban on chasing wildlife. The conclusion was that the community must take responsibility for funding and managing these areas to provide a legal outlet for dogs while protecting the environment and restoring peace.

NEW BBRA LEASES ON ERF 2416 AND ERF 4030

1. Feedback from OM. Regarding Erf 2416, they are currently busy finalising our lease agreement for the hall and will forward it to us as soon as they have finalised it.
2. Feedback from OM. They have handed the file over to a colleague, Ms. Madelein Erasmus, who will now draft the lease agreement in respect of Erf 4030 Betty’s Bay.
3. We will be eyeing more property in the area for leasing in the new year. There is a specific and very important reason for this. These leases last for nine years and 11 months with the    result we can control what happens to these properties within the Ambert of the lease agreements of course.

 

KNOW YOUR BBRA

Executive Committee

1. Wayne Jackson              Chairman                                   Stony Point

Membership and direction

2. Amund Beneke             Vice Chairman                           Sunny Seas

Town Planning and Property Development

3. Hannelie Coetzee         Treasurer                                   Stony Point
4. Vacant                            Secretary

Essential Services

5. Rob Boyd.                      BEST                                             Central
6. Jorika Rabie.                  Fire and Rescue                         Stony Point
7. Wayne Jackson             Sea Watch, Neighbourhood Watch   Stony Point

Community Services

8. Elsa Stofberg                Conservation                               Stony Point
9. Abigail Davids              Community development         Central
10. Shameez Joubert      Markets                                        Rondevlei
11. Claudele Jackson      Crassula Hall                                Stony Point
12. Marelize Smith          Speed reduction in BB               Stony Point
13. Mea Viljoen                Young Parents                             Stony Point
14. Jade Alves                   Sports and Recreation               Pringle Bay
15. Ilona Frege                 Drama and Theatre Arts            Stony Point

Communications

16. Wendy Lucas            Website custodian                       Silversands
17. Tersia Starke            Website assistant                         Bass Lake

Oversight

18. Andre Kotze             Rondevlei Rep                               Rondevlei
19. Calan Bennett          Central Rep                                    Central

Please visit 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.

Wayne Jackson

Chairman