The current Council was democratically elected with the Local Government Elections in November 2021. The DA has the overwhelming majority in council, meaning that the majority of the electorate in Overstrand expressed their trust in the party to lead and govern the municipality. The protests over the last two days are nothing but a scapegoat for political shenanigans by opportunistic individuals in an effort to destabilise governance and create chaos for their own benefit. One particular individual, by the name of Louis Gardiner, brandishing himself as a chief with links to the Land Party, has been publicly threatening the Mayor on several occasions that she must be taken out and that he will make the Overstrand ungovernable. Of particular concern is his references to a certain race group and apartheid which could lead to further racial intolerance, which should be avoided at all costs.

Last night’s First Thursday outreach in Betty’s Bay was jam-packed with residents voicing their concerns on several issues in the area including road conditions and the cleaning of trenches.

Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie said the purpose of these engagements are the ideal platform for residents to meet with her and the Mayoral Committee as political heads of the respective departments (directorates) as well as the Municipal Manager and Directors on the administrative side who will assist with technical advice.

She once again encourages the community to make time for First Thursdays to ask any question; whether there are situations which make them happy or issues about which they are unhappy; or even have a proposal - First Thursdays is the place to do it.

Overstrand Municipality received an amount of R6.7 million from the Western Cape Government's Emergency Municipal Load-shedding Relief Grant for the procurement and installation of additional back-up generators at critical water and wastewater facilities, to mitigate the impact of load shedding on the provision of these basic services.

Despite the current high demand for generators in the country resulting in long lead times for generators, due to the continued load shedding, the first four units for the Overstrand were delivered during the week of 26 June 2023, and another two units delivered in July.

The six generators were installed at the Mossel River and Kleinmond Tennis Courts Sewerage Pumpstations, at the Kleinmond Water Treatment Plant, Klipgat Spring, De Kelders, De Kelders Water Treatment Plant, and at the Pearly Beach Water Treatment Plant. 

This is a reminder to confirm another follow-up meeting regarding the Hermanus Country Market, on Wednesday afternoon, 2 August 2023 at 16:00 in the Municipal Auditorium in Hermanus.