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.
Last but not least, the Mayor proudly announced that Overstrand yet again was announced the winner in two of the Greenest Town competition’s categories, namely waste management, and biodiversity and coastal management.
Reflecting on the year that was, Botha-Guthrie pointed out that although officials at times might have had an issue with councillors’ oversight role, rewards such as these are proof enough that everyone concerned always has the best interest of residents at heart.
Thanking all present for the valued input they have rendered throughout the past year, she concluded by wishing everyone all the best over the festive season, saying that her thoughts will be with those who intend travelling outside the province and that she will pray for their safe return.