As the Community Protection and Security Agencies, along with their personnel, are readily preparing for the heightened use of public facilities and services by both our communities and the influx of visitors expected over the Season, the Overstrand Municipality would like to appeal to all concerned to use said amenities responsibly.  

The use of water, in particular, should be done sparingly. This is especially given that the Overstrand Region is regarded as a ‘Water-Scarce Area’.

With the fire season upon us and its impending danger, the Municipality further urges its residents and visitors to be cautious when making fires, and to remain vigilant and sensitive to the devastating and destructive consequences affected communities could have in the event of runaway fires.

However, the Municipality is cognitive of its people’s need for Festive Season revelry and celebration, and has therefore made allowances in this sense by providing designated places on the region’s beaches where the release of fireworks will be permitted.

The Festive Season Operational Launch kicked off to a resounding start and was well received by all who attended the event on Monday, 23 November 2015.  The project is the precursor, and the Overstrand Municipality’s specific installment, to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children 2015 campaign that runs from 25 November through to 10 December this year.

It is considered to be a great construct from which a general sense of safety and security can be inculcated amongst communities in the region.  More importantly, with the holiday season fast approaching, and the expected influx of visitors to the area, this becomes even more pertinent to the beaches, central business districts, parks and other public spaces. A proactive operational plan, along with the commitment of the law enforcement, security, fire, sea and rescue officials, is imperative in the delivery of an efficient protection and security service during the period.

Needless to say, at best, the work of the personnel involved and their respective agencies is challenging and presents its fair share of trials.  However, given the extensive knowledge and experience base of those concerned, coupled to the relevant resources, it is anticipated that the mandate at hand will successfully be met.

During the last Council meeting of the year held on Wednesday 25 November 2015, Executive Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie yet again had occasion to share in the spoils of not one but three awards:

First to take to the floor to present their award was Gansbaai Tourism who was recently voted Best Responsible Destination by the travel industry. This World Travel Award judged Gansbaai to be “home to a cluster of responsible tourism businesses", noting that “these businesses have come together to cooperate with one another and the local authority to make Gansbaai a better place to live for local people”. 

Next up was the Department of Protection Services who handed over a cheque to the value of R70 000. In a recent competition forming part of a bi-annual conference hosted by the South African Emergency Services Institute, Overstrand was announced tops in all three categories: weight of response, community awareness and beyond-the-call-of-duty. This prize money will go towards procuring state-of-the-art equipment to aid fire and rescue services in Overstrand.

On Friday, 30 October 2015 the Bags-of-Love Christmas 2015 campaign was launched by Executive Mayor, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, at a ceremony held at the Overstrand Municipality office.

Soon after taking office in 2010, the Mayor became the patron of the Campaign which marks its tenth anniversary this year.  The endeavour takes place annually and is aimed at distributing bags made up of essential grocery items, supplemented by additional Christmas treats, to needy families in our communities.

Interest and support has grown steadily over the years to the point where a total of 1700 bags were filled and distributed to those identified in Hermanus, Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant, Hawston, Stanford and Gansbaai during the 2014 campaign.  This number is expected to increase exponentially this year with an appeal once again being put to the business sector, churches, NGO’s, municipal staff and individuals to donate to this worthy cause. As before, the media are on board and will promote the Bags-of-Love Campaign through all available channels, i.e. local newspapers and radio stations.  Readers and listeners are advised to be on the lookout for the advertisements and broadcasts which will be flighted shortly.