On Tuesday, 24 October 2017, Overstrand Executive Mayor Rudolph Smith received Western Cape Human Settlements MEC, Bonginkosi Madikizela and his delegation for the second of a series of roadshows on Affordable Housing. Held in Mount Pleasant, the well-attended event forms part of an initiative aimed at informing the public of the various housing programmes available for those seeking access to affordable housing in the Overstrand. Also present was Overberg Deputy Mayor Archie Klaas, Overstrand Mayoral committee members, councillors, directors and a host of housing officials.

Proceedings kicked off with a warm welcome by Overstrand’s Cllr Andrew Komani. This was followed by MEC Madikizela providing an informative address that highlighted the Department’s planning strategy for affordable housing projects, an acknowledgement of the increasing need for housing solutions and the need to ensure that the right people were prioritised in the delivery of houses.  “The principle of first-come-first-served must be adhered to.  Those people, who meet the qualifying criteria and have been on the waiting list for a long time, should be first in line to receive a house,” stated the MEC.

On Thursday, 5 October 2017, Overstrand Fire and Disaster Management in cooperation with Overstrand Environmental Services, embarked on a program to reduce aged and overgrown vegetation in the Sandbaai area.  The aim is to better manage out of control veld fires and to improve the ecological biodiversity of the neighbourhood concerned.

The identified prescribed block burn is dependent on season and weather conditions which are conducive for the burning of firebreaks or blocks.  Fire safety is of utmost importance in incidents like this and, where necessary, the programme will be adapted in order to maintain safe burning conditions. This means that the prescribed burn will be carefully assessed by a committee consisting of Overstrand Fire and Disaster and Overstrand Environmental Services..

Overstrand Municipality applied for the Blue Flag status for three of its beaches for the 2017/8 season – all of which have been granted this coveted status.

The beaches that have been awarded a Blue Flag are Grotto Beach for the period 1 December 2017 to 30 March 2018; as well as Hawston and Kleinmond Beaches for the period 15 December 2017 to 15 January 2018.

The Municipality was further granted Pilot Blue Flag status for another one of its beaches, namely Castle Beach in Pearly Beach, Gansbaai.  Pilot Blue Flag beaches are those which will be considered for full Blue Flag status once certain criteria have been met within a specified period.

Overstrand is exceptionally proud that three of its beaches have received this renowned award, as too that of the afore stated Pilot Blue Flag accolade.

On Thursday evening 21 September 2017, the Overstrand Executive Mayor Ald Rudolph Smith, honoured community members who are making a difference in their communities at a prestigious Night of Achievers Awards ceremony that was held in the Auditorium at the Overstrand Municipality.

This annual occasion recognises individuals who contribute exceptionally well towards their communities. This year, recognition was given to global stalwart, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who's name was among those who received a certificate for the Honorary Citizens Charter / Honorary Citizens Award – in acknowledgement of a life-long devotion to the wider South African communities, and in honour of continuing his human rights work in the Overstrand area. Unfortunately, he was not present to receive his award. Other awards included the Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation, the Overstrand Woman of the Year, and certificates for Achievers of Excellence.