Being awarded Blue Flag status is regarded by the World Tourism Organisation as an acclaimed international eco-label and gives beach-goers the knowledge that their beaches are clean, environmentally sound and adhere to international safety and other tourism standards.

The ropes used to hoist the Blue Flag in Onrus have sadly been cut and stolen yesterday evening.

Overstrand Blue Flag Co-ordinator, Lauren Rainbird, is asking for assistance in identifying the culprit.  This act is not in the interests of the public. She can be contacted on 028 313 8972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Although this seems to be a minor theft, vandalism is costing the Municipality hundreds of thousands of rands every year.

Dealing responsibly with waste is one of the simple ways we can contribute to the health and well-being of wildlife and our own families.

The municipal solid waste team work to a set schedule and visit different areas at different times of the week, picking up household rubbish and waste. We request residents not to place their refuse bags and wheelie bins out before 07:00 on the day scheduled for collection. Days remain the same regardless of public holidays.

We also ask that you respect the environment and not to leave bags outside on non- collection days because baboons, birds, dogs and cats are having a field day, resulting in rubbish being strewn and blown all over the place.

Remember, it is illegal to feed baboons and you can receive a fine if you give them access to food;

Please report problems or raise queries relating to municipal services, such as faulty street lights immediately.

Don’t wait for someone to report a problem, rather become that someone.

Remember to ask for a reference number. Thereafter quote it in all correspondence or telephone discussions relating to that particular request as it provides call-traceability for both parties.

In following up on some of the overdue repairs and attendance, we found that reporting information is often incorrect, lacking in specifics or in the case of email correspondence, reported without a contact number.

Information needed to ensure a quick response

In an effort to increase the awareness of waste management in baboon affected areas, the Overstrand Municipality has started with a refuse awareness campaign for holiday makers and visitors.

Feather flags at the drop-off points and posters on lamp posts will alert visitors to be baboon aware and to think before they dump.

Dealing responsibly with waste is one of the simple ways to think ‘baboons’ and to be part of the solution in order to contribute to the health and well-being of wildlife and our own families.