- MAJOR STORM HITTING BETTY’S BAY
a. Western Cape: The Cape was hit by two devastating storms that claimed 11 lives and caused widespread flooding.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the classification of a provincial disaster following the severe weather that battered large parts of the province last week.
Thousands of people have been left destitute, while several communities remain cut off after bridges and roads were washed away.
Critical infrastructure was also damaged, affecting water and electricity services.
The Western Cape government said the classification is a key step towards the formal declaration of a provincial disaster.
This will help unlock additional funding for emergency response and recovery efforts.
Premier Alan Winde said urgent funding is needed to assist affected communities and restore essential services.
“Cabinet noted that the provincial response has now shifted toward ongoing humanitarian relief, repair of critical infrastructure, and the restoration of essential services,” said Premier spokesperson Regan Thaw. The province said the full cost of the damage is still being assessed, but it could run into billions of rand.
b. Betty’s Bay: As we are all aware a vicious storm hit the Betty’s Bay area Sunday night, Monday, and Tuesday morning (10-12 May 2026), leaving more than 74 houses damaged. This figure only reflects those damaged and reported and does not include cars that were damaged because of flying roofs and other debris. Residents that have lived for a long time in Betty’s Bay say it was the worst storm in forty years, others say since 1994. No matter, this was serious and again just confirmed that we as residents need to ensure that maintenance of roof structures needs to be done on a yearly basis.
And for the “cherry on the cake” ESKOM also did its part with no electricity. Some residents are on 13 days (and counting) with no power. Understandably the storm played its part, but it also illustrated that frequent and timeous maintenance on the ESKOM System is crucial.
But again, this storm also illustrated how the residents of Betty’s Bay care for one another, which is hard warming. Cries for help were numerous, but equally were the responses “I can help, just tell me where and how”. It is heart-warming to know that we do not stand alone in Betty’s Bay. We are one, and one for all (like the Musketeers 😊). A big thanks to everybody who helped people in need. It is much appreciated.
A BIG thanks to our Councillor Theresa Els who reported issues frequently, putting pressure on the service providers regularly and gave feedback on the status quo frequently. You are a STAR!
And also, a BIG thanks to ESKOM for attending to the electricity issue under difficult circumstances.
- A BIT OF LIGHT IN THE TUNNEL
Gold blooms again at Chelsea: Huge congratulations to Leon Kluge and the South African team on bringing home Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the third consecutive year with their “Life After Fire” display.
Using more than 20 000 stems of protea cut flowers and thousands of burnt protea branches, the display recreated a dramatic post-fire landscape celebrating the remarkable diversity of South Africa’s floral kingdom.
Other unique plants featured in the display included the miniature star-like flowers of Rhodohypoxis, which originate from the high elevations of the Drakensberg.
The sponsorship and support from the Rupert Nature Foundation, the Grootbos Foundation, Hazendal and Southern Sun in making this project a reality is deeply appreciated, and it is especially exciting that the award-winning display will also be brought to the Overstrand later this year.
We cannot wait to welcome visitors to the “Stanford in Bloom” and “Chelsea Flowers in Stanford” from 12-27 September 2026.
- BBRA Membership:
The number of residents joining the BBRA as members still grows. This is good news.
Standing Note: BBRA Members (and all future Members) should take note of the new BBRA Application Form (attached). The new Form needs to be signed by all Members (even if you are paid-up for 2025/ 26) as the issue pertaining to the POPI Act is addressed.
Being a Member, the following advantages need to be noted:
- Inclusion in the Betty’s Bay Neighbourhood Watch (BBNW WATCH), Betty’s Bay Emergency Support Team (BEST) and Betty’s Bay Fire and Rescue Volunteers;
- Effective community representation at the Overstrand Municipality, Community Policing Forum, DFFE, Cape Nature, SAPS, Ward 10 committee, the Stony Point Protected Area Advisory Committee (PAAC) etc.;
- Monthly BBRA Newsletter, active Facebook page(s), Instagram(s), and BBRA website; and
- Access to relevant community WhatsApp groups for safety and updates.
Therefore, please join the BBRA as a Member.
- BBRA MEETING: MAY 2026
Because of the havoc the storm created in Betty’s Bay, unfortunately the scheduled BBRA Meeting was postponed and then cancelled until June 2026.
- BBRA Portfolios: Please note the different Portfolios under the BBRA and that any relevant day-to-day issue can be forwarded to the BBRA’s email address bettysbayratepayers@gmail.com
Amund Beneke
Chairman