For many a payer of municipal bills, it often comes as a shock to see just how much electricity a household and/or business is, in fact, consuming in a month. However, there is a simple and relatively cheap way to put an end to the uncontrolled consumption of the “utility” electricity which, in the long run, can offer huge savings.

For starters, by switching from a credit meter to prepaid electricity means that you will be saving on every kilowatt-hour (or unit) used. But more importantly, you will be able to control exactly how much electricity your household/business consumes.

The conversion costs R968 and the deposit on this is R424. Also do keep in mind, though, that you can use your current deposit to cover the conversion costs and that a private electrician is not required if a PLC meter is installed. This device can be plugged into the nearest wall plug. However, if you want to make use of the usual wall unit, the services of a private electrician will be required which could result in extra costs.

At the Council meeting held on the, 23 September 2014, the Executive Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie shocked everyone when she announced resignations of two members of the Executive Mayoral Committee, Alderman Pieter Scholtz and Cllr Ben Solomon.

Mayor announced that Cllr Ben Solomon resigned as Ward Councillor of Ward 7 on 17 September 2014.  She reported that former Councillor Solomon served as Councillor since 2006 and was the Chairman of the Portfolio Committee of Finance and Local Economic Development for several years.

Mayor thanked Ben in his absence for the dedicated way in which he represented his ward and for his contribution as far as the finances of the Municipality was concerned and wished him and his wife a pleasant retirement.

Following that the Mayor announced that the Deputy Executive Mayor, Alderman Pieter Scholtz, had also tendered his resignation as Councillor for Ward 2 with the Municipal Manager on 22 September 2014 and will vacate his seat on 30 September 2014.

Mzameni Mshenxiswa, Ward 5 councillor died shortly after been diagnosed with liver cancer on the 19 September 2014. Mzameni was born 1975 in the Easter Cape at Elliotsdale and was an ANC member. Mzameni joined Overstrand Municipality in 2011 and served as a Ward 5 councillor and was a portfolio member of finance and Economic Development.

Mshenxiswa’s involvement in Zwelihle community structures started since 2006 he served in structures such as Treatment Act Campaign (TAC) Siyazama Service centre for elderly, Zwelihle Health Forum Campaign. In 2012 councillor was offered an opportunity by the municipality to study at higher institution, he then enrolled with the University of the Western Cape for an Advance Diploma in Administration and graduated in 2013.

Mshenxiswa was one of the vocal councillors in Council meetings. He will missed by many. He is survives his wife Siziwe Mshenxiswa Overstrand municipal employee, three children Sihle , Bonga, Gugu and Liyema and one grandchild Lutho.

A memorial service to remember him will take place tomorrow Wednesday, 24 September at Zwelihle community Hall at 14:00.

He will be laid to rest in the Eastern Cape on the 5th October 2014.

Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie congratulated achievers of excellence at an event held on Tuesday, 26 August 2014. Awards presented included: The Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation, the Woman/Women of the Year and those for Achievers of Excellence.
 
These awards are presented to individuals and organisations whose efforts make a difference in their communities and to the Environment around us.
 
The event was attended by councillors, recipients of awards, municipal officials and members of the public.

Winners in the different categories are as listed below:

WOMAN/WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

WINNER
Ena Geldenhuys is the Home Based Care Nursing Co-ordinator in Gansbaai and is nominated for the love for her patients.  She transports sick patients at own cost to the clinic and Hermanus Hospital, provides food where necessary so that patients do not take medication on an empty stomach and visits cancer patients over weekends and after hours to monitor and replace drips.  She also arranges functions to entertain the elderly and less privileged children and to raise funds.  She makes a tremendous (difference in the area she works in.