Lede van Overstrand se Junior Stadsraad kry tydens hul oriëntasietoer van die area, goeie blootstelling van die munisipaliteit se betrokkenheid by sake wat mense se daaglikse lewe raak

Die program word namens die munisipaliteit deur Enlighten Education Trust bedryf en Unity Mtomile is die bestuurder daarvan. Riana Steenekamp, media-koӧrdineerder van die Munisipaliteit Overstrand het die toergroep vergesel op Dinsdag, 10 Mei toe Stanford en Gansbaai se fasiliteite besoek is.

Unfortunately time did not allow for a historic walk through the central core of Stanford, featuring an assortment of renovated cottages, and proclaimed as heritage site. But we manage to drive pass the original market square dating back to 1785 as well as the graveyard, the Communal Sport Centre and Community Hall (also known as Die Stoor), Die Oog Domestic Water Source and the informal settlement at Die Kop.

Not even the stormy weather or roadworks on the R43 could dull the excitement and boisterous spirit of the Overstrand Junior Town Council as they set off on a recent educational tour that included a trip to the Parliamentary precinct in Cape Town. Visits to the Hermanus Additional Municipal Court, Hermanus Transfer Station and Recycling Plant, the newly-established Mount Pleasant Housing Scheme, Kleinmond Library and Stony Point Penguin Colony were just some of the highlights that formed part of the Overstrand leg of the excursion.

Now in its 11th year, the Overstrand Junior Town Council Project is managed by the Enlighten Education Trust in partnership with the Overstrand Municipality.  The body comprises 35 council members, drawn from a pool of grade 9-11 learners of the area’s six high schools, who display promising leadership and outstanding academic capabilities.

During the 12-month term of office, junior council members are exposed to a number of activities that afford insight into the operational elements of local government, public appearances and the delivery of projects that are expressly aimed at benefiting their respective communities.

Overstrand Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie (second left) seen handing over gifts of books, tables, chairs, blankets and winter clothing recently for the young children in the care of Princess Ndude (first left) owner and educator of Zisabantu Educare Centre in Zwelihle.

Looking on are Cllrs Moira Opperman (second right) and Mercia Andrews (first right). “I am so happy. This will really help us to provide a better service and improve the facility.

The children especially will benefit the most from these amazing goods,” stated an emotional Ndude, who holds certificates in Level 4 and Level 5 Early Childhood Development (ECD) training obtained through Boland Collage.

Thursday, 21 April 2016 – “We tried our best to arrange good weather and get the whales to bid you a hearty Overstrand welcome. However, despite our best efforts, it seems our order got caught up with Supply Chain Management. As public servants though, many of you can appreciate how cumbersome this process can be,” quipped Overstrand Municipal Manager Coenie Groenewald at a recent presentation to the South African National Defence College (SANDC).

The gathering, held at the elegant Whale Coast Hotel in the beautiful coastal town of Hermanus, forms part of the SANDC’s year-long study programme spread over six academic modules and a number of educational tours encompassing a broad range of national security matters. The course, accredited by the University of Stellenbosch and presented in collaboration with the SA Military Academy, saw the delegation paying a visit to the Overstrand Municipality on Thursday, 21 April 2016, as part of its national tour.