National Child Protection Week was marked by a number of activities and awareness drives across the country for the duration of 28 May to 4 June 2017.   However, while the commemorative period may have officially come to an end,  on the 28 May, a large crowd in Kleinmond publicly committed to the on-going care and protection of its children with the pledge, “Your Child is our Child – Everyday”.

The event-filled day kicked off with a march through the town’s CBD to Mthimkhulu Village where Theresa Els, Manager of Child Welfare Kleinmond, led a programme that included a warm welcoming address by Cllr Grant Cohen, an enlightening speech on children’s rights by SAPS Warrant Officer Raymond Odendaal, followed by Working on Fire (WOF) who provided insight into the organisation’s environmental and conservation efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of the community.

The furry friends of Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) have every reason to wag their bushy tails, especially given that they are the lucky recipients of the proceeds garnered from the Ultimate Braai Master Competition held at popular Kleinmond drinking hole, Hoofpad Pub & Grill on Saturday, 3 June 2017.   The event had locals and visitors gathering in their numbers; all eager to savour the braai dishes on offer from the five competing teams, whilst also revelling in the lively mix of entertainment provided.

The unenviable task of deciding on the winning dish fell on the trio of judges comprised of KAWS Management Committee Members George du Plessis, Rosemary Greeff and Oliver Corbett-Wood. However, the B-Team’s yummy Yellow Chicken creation with accompaniments of buttermilk bread, a concoction of raw mielies and carrots and an apple and avocado salad, definitively won the judges favour and saw them lay claim to the coveted Ultimate Braai Master Crown. Second place went to Die Manne for their stuffed chicken, peri-peri chicken wings, potato salad and braai bread ensemble, followed closely by Die Worswinkel in third place who presented their own homemade boerewors and gourmet burgers along with a mixed salad.

Devastating fires in Knysna and surrounding towns have caused a trail of destruction and forced thousands to evacuate their property. Many lost their homes and several, their lives. The fire was propelled by strong winds from a storm that ravaged the affected area since Wednesday.

Damage in the Eden District so far is said to be beyond calculable, reports Overstrand Fire Chief, Lester Smith. “Our Firefighters from across the country are still working on containing fires around Knysna and we ask residents to please stay away from those areas,” he requested. Chief Smith also reminded motorists to give way to emergency vehicles.

Many Overstrand residents, various businesses, and charities have answered a call for much-needed donations for those who have lost everything. These have already been delivered during the past weekend, thanks to kind people who made their vehicles available and gave up their time to make the deliveries.

The full Council of Overstrand Muncipality has unanimously approved its Integrated Development Plan and a R1.135 billion budget for the 2017/18 financial year.

The total 2017/18 budget is comprised of a capital budget of R97.6 million and an operational budget of R1.038 billion.

With the exception of property rates, which will increase by 7.4%, other service tariffs, will, on average, increase by 6%. Electricity consumption increases by a maximum of 1,88%.

The charge for the first 6kl of water increases by 11,5% or 46 cents per 1 000 litres. Indigent households, will continue to receive 6kl of water free per month

OPERATING REVENUE BUDGET

The total operational revenue amounts to R993.2 million, with a budget deficit of R44.6 million.