After providing a comprehensive and informative overview of the True Scale Solar System Model to an enraptured audience at the Overstrand Auditorium, Project Co-ordinator Dr Pierre de Villiers led the way to the Hermanus Cliff Path for the official ceremonial unveiling by Overstrand Executive Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie.

De Villiers could not contain his joy and pride at the outstanding efforts and contribution that led to the successful delivery of the project by stating, “I am humbled and completely blown away by the response we received. 

The dedicated support from so many individuals and organisations has led to this phenomenal work that we are witness to today. My thanks and appreciation goes to each and every one of you.  Because of your efforts, this will be enjoyed by many for generations to come.”

In anticipation of the outcome of the local government elections which are to take place on 3 August 2016, Overstrand Municipality is gearing up to elect the next generation of ward committees in all 13 wards.

Ward committees are instrumental in ensuring good governance: They speak on behalf of the people whenever Integrated Development Plans and budgets are formulated and must ensure that the citizenry have a say in crucial matters regarding service delivery.

Chaired by the Ward Councillor, a ward committee is comprised of a number of elected members (no more than 10) who represent the interests of organisations/sectors and/or geographically bound residents within that area. Anyone serving on a ward committee must be a registered voter whose name appears on the voters’ role and who is entitled to participate in local elections in that area.

Hawston Secondary grade 10 – 12 learners listened in quiet wonder to Dr Lee-Ann Gillion who delivered an inspiring address on her journey from that of a struggling high school student to achieving her dream of becoming a doctor.

Gillion, herself a past pupil of Hawston Secondary School said, “In standard nine, or grade 11 as it’s now known, I decided that I wanted to be a doctor.  However, like many of you sitting here today my parents could not afford to send me to university.  I realised that the only way I would rise above my reduced circumstances was through hard work and achieving top marks.

“I was unsuccessful in securing even one of the 86 bursaries I applied for.  It was my father’s appeal to local business people that eventually afforded the necessary funding that allowed me to take up my place at Stellenbosch University where I was accepted to study medicine. So my message to you is to never give up.  Make the right choices, stay focussed and always have the end goal in mind when things get tough,” added the good doctor.

Altogether 80 trees were planted at the new affordable housing development in Mount Pleasant as part of Ward 4’s ‪#‎MandelaDay celebrations on 18 July.

Overstrand Municipality’s horticulturist, Lauren Rainbird,said the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) donated the trees and added that the event could not have been much of a success without the help of Councillor Lianda Beyers-Cronjé and ward committee member Trevor Titus .

Bulelwa Plaatjies, Assistant Manager: Hermanus Administration for the Municipality, helped with the transportation of trees and her operational team assisted by digging the holes where the trees were planted. She said Mandela had said in 2002: “take it upon yourself - where you live - to make people around you joyful and full of hope.”