Portfolio Reports for 2014
SEDGEFIELD RATEPAYERS AND VOTERS ASSOCIATION
2014 Review: ROY A. PHILLIPS (CHAIRPERSON)
When I prepared the report a year ago I was naïve and far too optimistic about the expectations we, as a committee, had that positive action would be taken on the many long outstanding issues frustrating our community. The past 12 months have been disappointing in that, notwithstanding the many verbal undertakings given to us at the various meetings we have attended with the Municipal officials and Councilors, little has been done.
The question before us now is how can we as representatives of the Ratepayers of Sedgefield introduce change to the apparent lack of interest in our concerns of those elected or appointed to positions of authority and responsibility.
We accept that there are limitations to the funds available. We consider that the budgeting process should be given a thorough review as to its accuracy and to the allocations made to the identified priorities as agreed in the various Ward Committees. It seems to us that a great deal of expensive expertise is sought from outside the municipal manpower when similar expertise exists within our retired community but is never approached for advice. We are certain that that advice would be made readily available if it could be seen that it would materially speed up positive action on our many problems.
We accept that many of the issues requiring attention were inherited from a previous less than satisfactory administration. We are now nearly 4 years into this administrations period of authority and we look forward to a more progressive approach in the coming year.
We can claim we have had limited success as a result of our continuous barrage of complaints – the roads are at last receiving some attention. The estuary mouth was finally opened with assistance and pressure from a number of responsible individuals. We met earlier in the year with our associates the Knysna Ratepayers Association and will be collaborating with them in the future where we have similar objectives. We are now in regular communication with the Member of Parliament responsible for this constituency and we expect this to strengthen our case in resolution of outstanding issues.
I said a year ago that the future economic health of our village is a major concern. Tourism remains our only substantial source of income but how can we encourage organisations to invest here and develop alternative income if our infrastructure is falling apart, our water sources are under threat and our estuary is being polluted. It was claimed that the ISDF for Greater Knysna would in time develop a more dynamic economic environment for Knysna/Sedgefield. The draft report, which should have been available in June, is still awaited, notwithstanding the enormous fees already paid out. Our Guest Speaker today will, I hope, be enlightening us on the prospects planned for our future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the Executive Committee for the tireless efforts they have each made in their areas of responsibility over the past 12 months. They have given their time without complaint and it is due to their commitment that we have had some success this year.
Financial Report – Ed Freeman
AGM Financial Report 2014
1) Funds on hand as at 30 November 2014
Bank account and Cash R8,207 (R6,918 for 2013)
2) Expenses to 30 November 2014
Detailed breakdown attached R5,922 (R9,400 for 2013)
3) Donations made (included in Expenses)
R Nil (R3,100 for 2013)
4) Subscriptions Received for 2014
Group Members
Groenvlei R1,000
Overdale R180
Sandals R260
Montage R930
Island Village R880
Total all Groups R3,250
Individual Members R3,960
Total Subscriptions R7,210 (2014)
R8,155 (2013)
R7,790 (2012)
Number of Individual Members: 99 (2014)
148 (2013)
157 (2012)
5) Breakdown of Expenses 2014
Comment
Advertising R1,317 The Edge “Annual Review”
Net Bank Charges R300
Donations R450 Flowers for MM
Meeting Costs R1,731 Includes AGM for 2013
Notices R895 For AGM 2013
Postage R840 For AGM 2013
PO Box renewal R339
Printing/Stationary R50
Total Expenses R5,922
DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE – Maarten Taal
1. DEVELOPMENT:
2. INFRASTRUCTURE
Only minimal maintenance work was carried out on the village infrastructure during the past year.
It should be understood that the recently completed Karatara Weir does not increase the holding capacity at the treatment works. But it is there to prevent the in-flow of downstream saline water into the works storage area.
The boreholes north of the abandoned choo-choo train line are serviceable.
The Desalination plant remains problematic. But consultants have again been appointed to design an effective salt-water extraction and brine discharge system.
In case of an emergency, the pipeline from the Hoogekraal River remains available to deliver its water to the Karatara Treatment Works.
Although the extension of the plant has been a priority for some years – this remains yet another promise.
A general up-grading from Septic tanks to water-borne reticulation has been voiced but is not expected to occur any time soon.
COMMUNITY SAFETY & SECURITY REPORT – Mike Hofhuis
The crime situation in Sedgefield has been quite erratic during 2014. The year started off with quite a high volume of burglaries, however it tapered off from April through to September when suddenly Sedgefield was rocked with a serious crime wave. After excellent co-operation between SAPS and members of the community & neighbourhood watches, many of the wanted criminals were brought to book in November.
The lack of Knysna Municipal Law Enforcement officers in Sedgefield has been an ongoing issue. The informal car guards have returned in their dozens and nothing has been done by municipality to try and rectify the situation. Traffic offenders continue to contravene the traffic laws on the roads of Sedgefield due to no Law Enforcement officers posted here.
As of 1 December 2014, no lifeguards had yet been appointed for our beaches. Apparently Knysna Municipality has outsourced the lifeguarding of our beaches to Eden Life Guards in Mossel Bay. For the past 3 years, the lifeguarding was locally outsourced to Mario Ferriera from Chas Everett, who not only did a fantastic job, but he was also a sponsor towards the lifeguards costs. Previously the lifeguards operated from 6 December, whereas this year it will only be from 12 December.
SEDGEFIELD INITIATIVES & MEMBERSHIP − Philip Hendrickse
It has been a difficult year for SR&VA in that as mentioned by our Chairman co-operation from the various bodies that we interface with have for the better part been uncooperative and poor on delivery for various reasons.
Nonetheless our membership now stands at 426 and we are looking at various ways and means of increasing this during the course of next year.
However we have had a number of successes during the year and these include the continuation of the mosaic industry well run by Masithandane. We are fast becoming the centre of mosaics along the Garden Route. In addition we had a successful campaign led by Tourism planting aloes along the N2. Our next challenge is to persuade business owners to upgrade their shop fronts and to care for their gardens/pot plants. We need to ensure that Sedgefield is a place where people will stop rather than driving through the town.
Once again the Slow Festival was a huge success with many many thanks to Amanda Dixon and her helpers. Great job well done to you all!!
We have continued with our efforts regarding the Sports Club lease and have now gone to the level of our local MP to obtain support and clarification to ensure that this matter is brought to closure.
Finally good news is that we now have 2 representatives on the Knysna Tourism Board so hopefully Sedgefield will benefit therefrom. We will keep you posted.
Disaster Management : John McGregor
2014 has been a relatively easy year from the flood threat aspect as the estuary mouth has been open for most of the period . The opening of the mouth problem involving SANParks still exists . We experienced the threat of oil pollution due to the grounding of a ship between Buffelsbaai & Sedgefield . Luckily however, this did not materialize .
The Flood Warning system which covers Sedgefield Island through Montage Village down Kingfisher Drive to Pelican Road was again updated by SR&VA, Island Neighbourhood Watch and others . This organization, initiated by the Sedgefield Flood Action Committee , has been in existence since 2008 and is manned now by 17 volunteers who would contact all residents in the areas indicated should a flood threat be imminent . Greater Knysna Disaster Management (GKDM ) acknowledged receipt of the updated area contact list on 20 June 2014 and have placed it on their SDMP .
To view the Sedgefield Disaster Management Plan ( SDMP ) go to www.knysna.gov.za when it opens go to Protection Services and double click. When it opens scroll down to Disaster Management Plan and double click . The plan will open , scroll down to SDMP .
On 10 Oct 2014 SR&VA held a meeting with GKDM during which an inspection / visit to Sedgemeer Park took place to view facilities & procedures for GKDM to submit recommendations and comment . Other matters discussed were :
Jackets for flood marshals
Disaster management practice exercise . Outstanding for 2 years .
SR&VA await report back from GKDM on all 3 of the above matters .
On Thursday 16 Oct 2014 SR&VA met with the GKM Mayco on a requested visit . Disaster management matter discussed was the dangerous and dilapidated state of the Dune in Groenvallei . It was being vandalized and the dune was being used as a rubbish dump and toilet . Clr Hart was requested by the Mayor to initiate movement . SR&VA will follow up .
On 3 Nov 2014 SR&VA attended a meeting in the Town Hall called by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to do a Disaster Risk Assessment of Sedgefield . Comment was provided by residents and SR&VA . We now look forward to feedback .
Sedgefield Tree Committee : John McGregor
This committee reported on in the 2014 Ratepayers review held its AGM on 13 November 2014 . The new committee comprising the following members was elected :
Chairman Anthony Tooley
Councillor Doris Nayler ( Appointed by GKM )
GKM Parks Manager Clive Nuns
Conservancy representatives :
Island Oliver Purcell
Central Lars Nayler ( This conservancy still to be established )
Kola Beach Marion Higgs
SR & VA John McGregor
Secretary Lilith Seals
The two major tasks lying ahead for the committee are :
a. The finalization and adoption of the Sedgefield Tree Committee Steering Charter .
b. The review of the GKM Tree Management Plan
The establishment of the Central conservancy was considered by members of the SR&VA committee. It was felt that a single Central conservancy stretching from the Perdespruit on the west to the extreme east of Groenvallei made it extremely big and possibly difficult to handle. The views expressed were that it should possibly be split into two conservancies to make them more manageable.
PORTFOLIO REPORT 2014 – Smutsville/Sizamele – Dr Levael Davis
- Good day to all. Let me first start off by appreciating the philosophy of the ratepayer’s association board to incorporate all residents of Sedgefield into the association. This approach is encouraging and is a clear objective of the board and I commend my colleagues for this.
I have been involved in the Smutsville community now for seven (7) years as a minister, and to date I have seen minimal change in the community in terms socio-economic development. There are a few NGO’s who are doing significant work in the area and although we applaud them for their valuable contribution we also acknowledge that the challenges seem to be on the increase.
Youth unemployment continues to be a problem resulting in rampant criminal activity. The drug problem is at a critical stage with kids as young as eleven (11) years old dependant on methamphetamine (tik) and dagga. You can literally walk down any street now and find some peddler who is readily equipped to supply any drug user’s needs.
Also on a more visible level the area is experiencing the common frustration with potholes and if you think town is bad you would do well to attempt driving on the streets in Smutsville/ Sizamile. There is a sense of hopelessness and people are desperately looking for leadership to change things.
Not all is doom and gloom of course because there are people living in Smutsville/ Sizamele doing their best to make a difference. There are a few youngsters who are rising above their circumstances and achieving great things academically and otherwise, with some even featuring on national television.
In conclusion I want to encourage all to do your part in making a difference. You might not be able to solve all the problems our community faces, but you can reach and empower at least one person with resources and knowledge and teach him or her to do the same.
Ward 1 & SANParks Liaison – Terry Cockcroft
The Ward 1 Committee met several times this year at the Smutsville Youth Centre. Attendance by some was erratic & not always sending an Apology. The Coordinator from Knysna Municipality is Brian Cornelius.
In general the concern of most Ward Committee members seems to be “Smutsville” rather than the whole of Ward 1, but I feel that having Antony Tooley, as the person representing Environment, & myself as a Ratepayer’s Exco Rep. has helped draw the attention of the Committee back to the whole of Ward 1.
I keep the Ward Committee up to date on what the Ratepayers Exco is looking into. In particular what we have been trying to get the Municipal Manager & our Councillors to attend to. At the last meeting of the Ward Committee (16 October), I advised them that the Ratepayers Exco was not very satisfied with certain of the matters raised with the Municipal Manager. For example, the issue of a Local Depot Manager, to supervise & manage our Municipal Employees (in particular Roads), to get some definite decisions out of the Municipality. This includes things like the upgrading of the Sewerage Works and the security of our Water Supply. In particular, recently the high water levels in the Estuary were of great concern to Sedgefield residents since SANParks did not seem to be concerned about any risk of flooding. Representations were also made about this directly to Eden Disaster Management. Fortunately the mouth was opened on the 13th November & the flood risk has now abated.
In regard to Smutsville in general, there is considerable unhappiness in that Community that the 1st stage of the upgrading of the Sports Field has been done, but no contract had yet been awarded for the Astro-turf & the lights (mid Oct 2014). Hence the money spent could not yet benefit the Community at all. In addition, the roads in Smutsville are even worse than in the rest of Sedgefield.
On the positive side, Antony Tooley, his wife & several helpers started a “Swop Shop” in Smutsville in the first part of the year. It is advertised as “Fresh Start”. It operates out of a Container in the grounds of the Smutsville School. It is open every Wednesday from 12h00 till about 13h30. The basis of the Swop Shop is to encourage the local youngsters in Smutsville to collect recyclable stuff (e.g. plastic, tins, paper & cardboard); this is weighed and the value earned can then be swopped for items held in the Shop, on the basis of the weight of material collected. The collected material is then sold to Interwaste & the proceeds used to buy goods for the shop. Goods in the Shop are bought by or donated to the shop. The “Swop Shop” has been a great success, to the extent that some youngsters are reputed to be even collecting plastic and paper from the recycling yard in town. During winter the Shop was donated a lot of warm clothing & shoes.
Apparently the concept originally came from the Hermanus area.
Antony also reports back to the Ward 1 Committee on Environmental aspects, particularly on what is happening with the Island Conservancy & also at Cola Beach.
In regard to Liaison with SANParks, we meet every month, so any matters of concern re SANParks can be raised timeously. The Liaison Group has a member from Wilderness Ratepayers, Hoekwill Ratepayers, Lars Nayler as an Hon. Ranger, myself and 2 or 3 SANParks officials.
There is a new Manager at Wilderness (wef Nov 2014), Sandra Taljaard. She seems to be very interested in establishing good relations with the local communities, and also getting the whole of the local SANParks group involved. At the last Liaison meeting, the environmental person from Rondevlei was there. This is the first time that any official from Rondevlei has attended these Liaison Meetings. This will be an aspect that will be pursued next year.
The Ratepayers Exco as a whole are very dissatisfied with the actions of SANParks in regard to Sedgefield currently, and in the past, and this matter has now been taken up with the new Provincial MP for this area.
Ward 2 Committee Report for the Sedgefield Ratepayers & Voters Association AGM – December 2014 – Roy Phillips
Ward 2 – includes the Village, Groenvallei/Meedingsride and the rural area up to and including Karatara. The balance of Sedgefield including Rondevlei and HoogeKraal form Ward 1. As many of the problems facing our town are not confined to one or other ward we exchange views and on occasions meet to agree joint strategies.
The “Dune” walkway project was carried out in June/July 2013. Although it is very slippery after rain and dangerous at night as there is no lighting it carries a lot of traffic. Unfortunately elements of our informal population have been vandalizing sections either for shack construction or for firewood. Perhaps construction with a more robust material would have discouraged this activity. Notwithstanding, the informal paths continue to be used exacerbating the erosion and destroying the remaining vegetation. It is only a matter of time before there is a major slip resulting in property damage and possibly loss of life.
The priorities identified by the Ward Committee 2 years ago remain outstanding.
Upgrade of the Sewerage works
New Fire Station
Independent Police Station & satellite station for Karatara
High School for Sedgefield
These items though discussed year after year are the responsibility of the Municipality or other Government Departments. Little or nothing has been done to obtain approval and the necessary funding so it would seem they will remain on a wish list for the foreseeable future.
On the positive side we have lots of new pavements although not always where they are needed. Unfortunately the roads continue to be a problem although we are informed contractors have been instructed to fix them ahead of our busy season.
2014 Review: ROY A. PHILLIPS (CHAIRPERSON)
When I prepared the report a year ago I was naïve and far too optimistic about the expectations we, as a committee, had that positive action would be taken on the many long outstanding issues frustrating our community. The past 12 months have been disappointing in that, notwithstanding the many verbal undertakings given to us at the various meetings we have attended with the Municipal officials and Councilors, little has been done.
The question before us now is how can we as representatives of the Ratepayers of Sedgefield introduce change to the apparent lack of interest in our concerns of those elected or appointed to positions of authority and responsibility.
We accept that there are limitations to the funds available. We consider that the budgeting process should be given a thorough review as to its accuracy and to the allocations made to the identified priorities as agreed in the various Ward Committees. It seems to us that a great deal of expensive expertise is sought from outside the municipal manpower when similar expertise exists within our retired community but is never approached for advice. We are certain that that advice would be made readily available if it could be seen that it would materially speed up positive action on our many problems.
We accept that many of the issues requiring attention were inherited from a previous less than satisfactory administration. We are now nearly 4 years into this administrations period of authority and we look forward to a more progressive approach in the coming year.
We can claim we have had limited success as a result of our continuous barrage of complaints – the roads are at last receiving some attention. The estuary mouth was finally opened with assistance and pressure from a number of responsible individuals. We met earlier in the year with our associates the Knysna Ratepayers Association and will be collaborating with them in the future where we have similar objectives. We are now in regular communication with the Member of Parliament responsible for this constituency and we expect this to strengthen our case in resolution of outstanding issues.
I said a year ago that the future economic health of our village is a major concern. Tourism remains our only substantial source of income but how can we encourage organisations to invest here and develop alternative income if our infrastructure is falling apart, our water sources are under threat and our estuary is being polluted. It was claimed that the ISDF for Greater Knysna would in time develop a more dynamic economic environment for Knysna/Sedgefield. The draft report, which should have been available in June, is still awaited, notwithstanding the enormous fees already paid out. Our Guest Speaker today will, I hope, be enlightening us on the prospects planned for our future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the Executive Committee for the tireless efforts they have each made in their areas of responsibility over the past 12 months. They have given their time without complaint and it is due to their commitment that we have had some success this year.
Financial Report – Ed Freeman
AGM Financial Report 2014
1) Funds on hand as at 30 November 2014
Bank account and Cash R8,207 (R6,918 for 2013)
2) Expenses to 30 November 2014
Detailed breakdown attached R5,922 (R9,400 for 2013)
3) Donations made (included in Expenses)
R Nil (R3,100 for 2013)
4) Subscriptions Received for 2014
Group Members
Groenvlei R1,000
Overdale R180
Sandals R260
Montage R930
Island Village R880
Total all Groups R3,250
Individual Members R3,960
Total Subscriptions R7,210 (2014)
R8,155 (2013)
R7,790 (2012)
Number of Individual Members: 99 (2014)
148 (2013)
157 (2012)
5) Breakdown of Expenses 2014
Comment
Advertising R1,317 The Edge “Annual Review”
Net Bank Charges R300
Donations R450 Flowers for MM
Meeting Costs R1,731 Includes AGM for 2013
Notices R895 For AGM 2013
Postage R840 For AGM 2013
PO Box renewal R339
Printing/Stationary R50
Total Expenses R5,922
DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE – Maarten Taal
1. DEVELOPMENT:
- No residential or commercial development occurred during the year under review.
- Previously submitted developments within the urban area have not materialised as developers appear to be awaiting an upturn in the economy.
- Existing incomplete developments also showed little or no progress during the year with the exception of Landfall Village, where construction has resumed and three additional houses have been erected and a fourth is under construction.
- The long-awaited Pick and Pay shopping centre, on the site of Aroma Bottle Store, is on hold and uncertain.
2. INFRASTRUCTURE
Only minimal maintenance work was carried out on the village infrastructure during the past year.
- Road network
- Water supply
It should be understood that the recently completed Karatara Weir does not increase the holding capacity at the treatment works. But it is there to prevent the in-flow of downstream saline water into the works storage area.
The boreholes north of the abandoned choo-choo train line are serviceable.
The Desalination plant remains problematic. But consultants have again been appointed to design an effective salt-water extraction and brine discharge system.
In case of an emergency, the pipeline from the Hoogekraal River remains available to deliver its water to the Karatara Treatment Works.
- Foul Water Sewage
Although the extension of the plant has been a priority for some years – this remains yet another promise.
A general up-grading from Septic tanks to water-borne reticulation has been voiced but is not expected to occur any time soon.
- Power Supply
- General
COMMUNITY SAFETY & SECURITY REPORT – Mike Hofhuis
The crime situation in Sedgefield has been quite erratic during 2014. The year started off with quite a high volume of burglaries, however it tapered off from April through to September when suddenly Sedgefield was rocked with a serious crime wave. After excellent co-operation between SAPS and members of the community & neighbourhood watches, many of the wanted criminals were brought to book in November.
The lack of Knysna Municipal Law Enforcement officers in Sedgefield has been an ongoing issue. The informal car guards have returned in their dozens and nothing has been done by municipality to try and rectify the situation. Traffic offenders continue to contravene the traffic laws on the roads of Sedgefield due to no Law Enforcement officers posted here.
As of 1 December 2014, no lifeguards had yet been appointed for our beaches. Apparently Knysna Municipality has outsourced the lifeguarding of our beaches to Eden Life Guards in Mossel Bay. For the past 3 years, the lifeguarding was locally outsourced to Mario Ferriera from Chas Everett, who not only did a fantastic job, but he was also a sponsor towards the lifeguards costs. Previously the lifeguards operated from 6 December, whereas this year it will only be from 12 December.
SEDGEFIELD INITIATIVES & MEMBERSHIP − Philip Hendrickse
It has been a difficult year for SR&VA in that as mentioned by our Chairman co-operation from the various bodies that we interface with have for the better part been uncooperative and poor on delivery for various reasons.
Nonetheless our membership now stands at 426 and we are looking at various ways and means of increasing this during the course of next year.
However we have had a number of successes during the year and these include the continuation of the mosaic industry well run by Masithandane. We are fast becoming the centre of mosaics along the Garden Route. In addition we had a successful campaign led by Tourism planting aloes along the N2. Our next challenge is to persuade business owners to upgrade their shop fronts and to care for their gardens/pot plants. We need to ensure that Sedgefield is a place where people will stop rather than driving through the town.
Once again the Slow Festival was a huge success with many many thanks to Amanda Dixon and her helpers. Great job well done to you all!!
We have continued with our efforts regarding the Sports Club lease and have now gone to the level of our local MP to obtain support and clarification to ensure that this matter is brought to closure.
Finally good news is that we now have 2 representatives on the Knysna Tourism Board so hopefully Sedgefield will benefit therefrom. We will keep you posted.
Disaster Management : John McGregor
2014 has been a relatively easy year from the flood threat aspect as the estuary mouth has been open for most of the period . The opening of the mouth problem involving SANParks still exists . We experienced the threat of oil pollution due to the grounding of a ship between Buffelsbaai & Sedgefield . Luckily however, this did not materialize .
The Flood Warning system which covers Sedgefield Island through Montage Village down Kingfisher Drive to Pelican Road was again updated by SR&VA, Island Neighbourhood Watch and others . This organization, initiated by the Sedgefield Flood Action Committee , has been in existence since 2008 and is manned now by 17 volunteers who would contact all residents in the areas indicated should a flood threat be imminent . Greater Knysna Disaster Management (GKDM ) acknowledged receipt of the updated area contact list on 20 June 2014 and have placed it on their SDMP .
To view the Sedgefield Disaster Management Plan ( SDMP ) go to www.knysna.gov.za when it opens go to Protection Services and double click. When it opens scroll down to Disaster Management Plan and double click . The plan will open , scroll down to SDMP .
On 10 Oct 2014 SR&VA held a meeting with GKDM during which an inspection / visit to Sedgemeer Park took place to view facilities & procedures for GKDM to submit recommendations and comment . Other matters discussed were :
Jackets for flood marshals
Disaster management practice exercise . Outstanding for 2 years .
SR&VA await report back from GKDM on all 3 of the above matters .
On Thursday 16 Oct 2014 SR&VA met with the GKM Mayco on a requested visit . Disaster management matter discussed was the dangerous and dilapidated state of the Dune in Groenvallei . It was being vandalized and the dune was being used as a rubbish dump and toilet . Clr Hart was requested by the Mayor to initiate movement . SR&VA will follow up .
On 3 Nov 2014 SR&VA attended a meeting in the Town Hall called by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre to do a Disaster Risk Assessment of Sedgefield . Comment was provided by residents and SR&VA . We now look forward to feedback .
Sedgefield Tree Committee : John McGregor
This committee reported on in the 2014 Ratepayers review held its AGM on 13 November 2014 . The new committee comprising the following members was elected :
Chairman Anthony Tooley
Councillor Doris Nayler ( Appointed by GKM )
GKM Parks Manager Clive Nuns
Conservancy representatives :
Island Oliver Purcell
Central Lars Nayler ( This conservancy still to be established )
Kola Beach Marion Higgs
SR & VA John McGregor
Secretary Lilith Seals
The two major tasks lying ahead for the committee are :
a. The finalization and adoption of the Sedgefield Tree Committee Steering Charter .
b. The review of the GKM Tree Management Plan
The establishment of the Central conservancy was considered by members of the SR&VA committee. It was felt that a single Central conservancy stretching from the Perdespruit on the west to the extreme east of Groenvallei made it extremely big and possibly difficult to handle. The views expressed were that it should possibly be split into two conservancies to make them more manageable.
PORTFOLIO REPORT 2014 – Smutsville/Sizamele – Dr Levael Davis
- Good day to all. Let me first start off by appreciating the philosophy of the ratepayer’s association board to incorporate all residents of Sedgefield into the association. This approach is encouraging and is a clear objective of the board and I commend my colleagues for this.
I have been involved in the Smutsville community now for seven (7) years as a minister, and to date I have seen minimal change in the community in terms socio-economic development. There are a few NGO’s who are doing significant work in the area and although we applaud them for their valuable contribution we also acknowledge that the challenges seem to be on the increase.
Youth unemployment continues to be a problem resulting in rampant criminal activity. The drug problem is at a critical stage with kids as young as eleven (11) years old dependant on methamphetamine (tik) and dagga. You can literally walk down any street now and find some peddler who is readily equipped to supply any drug user’s needs.
Also on a more visible level the area is experiencing the common frustration with potholes and if you think town is bad you would do well to attempt driving on the streets in Smutsville/ Sizamile. There is a sense of hopelessness and people are desperately looking for leadership to change things.
Not all is doom and gloom of course because there are people living in Smutsville/ Sizamele doing their best to make a difference. There are a few youngsters who are rising above their circumstances and achieving great things academically and otherwise, with some even featuring on national television.
In conclusion I want to encourage all to do your part in making a difference. You might not be able to solve all the problems our community faces, but you can reach and empower at least one person with resources and knowledge and teach him or her to do the same.
Ward 1 & SANParks Liaison – Terry Cockcroft
The Ward 1 Committee met several times this year at the Smutsville Youth Centre. Attendance by some was erratic & not always sending an Apology. The Coordinator from Knysna Municipality is Brian Cornelius.
In general the concern of most Ward Committee members seems to be “Smutsville” rather than the whole of Ward 1, but I feel that having Antony Tooley, as the person representing Environment, & myself as a Ratepayer’s Exco Rep. has helped draw the attention of the Committee back to the whole of Ward 1.
I keep the Ward Committee up to date on what the Ratepayers Exco is looking into. In particular what we have been trying to get the Municipal Manager & our Councillors to attend to. At the last meeting of the Ward Committee (16 October), I advised them that the Ratepayers Exco was not very satisfied with certain of the matters raised with the Municipal Manager. For example, the issue of a Local Depot Manager, to supervise & manage our Municipal Employees (in particular Roads), to get some definite decisions out of the Municipality. This includes things like the upgrading of the Sewerage Works and the security of our Water Supply. In particular, recently the high water levels in the Estuary were of great concern to Sedgefield residents since SANParks did not seem to be concerned about any risk of flooding. Representations were also made about this directly to Eden Disaster Management. Fortunately the mouth was opened on the 13th November & the flood risk has now abated.
In regard to Smutsville in general, there is considerable unhappiness in that Community that the 1st stage of the upgrading of the Sports Field has been done, but no contract had yet been awarded for the Astro-turf & the lights (mid Oct 2014). Hence the money spent could not yet benefit the Community at all. In addition, the roads in Smutsville are even worse than in the rest of Sedgefield.
On the positive side, Antony Tooley, his wife & several helpers started a “Swop Shop” in Smutsville in the first part of the year. It is advertised as “Fresh Start”. It operates out of a Container in the grounds of the Smutsville School. It is open every Wednesday from 12h00 till about 13h30. The basis of the Swop Shop is to encourage the local youngsters in Smutsville to collect recyclable stuff (e.g. plastic, tins, paper & cardboard); this is weighed and the value earned can then be swopped for items held in the Shop, on the basis of the weight of material collected. The collected material is then sold to Interwaste & the proceeds used to buy goods for the shop. Goods in the Shop are bought by or donated to the shop. The “Swop Shop” has been a great success, to the extent that some youngsters are reputed to be even collecting plastic and paper from the recycling yard in town. During winter the Shop was donated a lot of warm clothing & shoes.
Apparently the concept originally came from the Hermanus area.
Antony also reports back to the Ward 1 Committee on Environmental aspects, particularly on what is happening with the Island Conservancy & also at Cola Beach.
In regard to Liaison with SANParks, we meet every month, so any matters of concern re SANParks can be raised timeously. The Liaison Group has a member from Wilderness Ratepayers, Hoekwill Ratepayers, Lars Nayler as an Hon. Ranger, myself and 2 or 3 SANParks officials.
There is a new Manager at Wilderness (wef Nov 2014), Sandra Taljaard. She seems to be very interested in establishing good relations with the local communities, and also getting the whole of the local SANParks group involved. At the last Liaison meeting, the environmental person from Rondevlei was there. This is the first time that any official from Rondevlei has attended these Liaison Meetings. This will be an aspect that will be pursued next year.
The Ratepayers Exco as a whole are very dissatisfied with the actions of SANParks in regard to Sedgefield currently, and in the past, and this matter has now been taken up with the new Provincial MP for this area.
Ward 2 Committee Report for the Sedgefield Ratepayers & Voters Association AGM – December 2014 – Roy Phillips
Ward 2 – includes the Village, Groenvallei/Meedingsride and the rural area up to and including Karatara. The balance of Sedgefield including Rondevlei and HoogeKraal form Ward 1. As many of the problems facing our town are not confined to one or other ward we exchange views and on occasions meet to agree joint strategies.
The “Dune” walkway project was carried out in June/July 2013. Although it is very slippery after rain and dangerous at night as there is no lighting it carries a lot of traffic. Unfortunately elements of our informal population have been vandalizing sections either for shack construction or for firewood. Perhaps construction with a more robust material would have discouraged this activity. Notwithstanding, the informal paths continue to be used exacerbating the erosion and destroying the remaining vegetation. It is only a matter of time before there is a major slip resulting in property damage and possibly loss of life.
The priorities identified by the Ward Committee 2 years ago remain outstanding.
Upgrade of the Sewerage works
New Fire Station
Independent Police Station & satellite station for Karatara
High School for Sedgefield
These items though discussed year after year are the responsibility of the Municipality or other Government Departments. Little or nothing has been done to obtain approval and the necessary funding so it would seem they will remain on a wish list for the foreseeable future.
On the positive side we have lots of new pavements although not always where they are needed. Unfortunately the roads continue to be a problem although we are informed contractors have been instructed to fix them ahead of our busy season.