Local business owners in Kleinmond met Overstrand Executive Mayor Dudley Coetzee as part of his ‘meet and greet’ walk-about recently.

During these visits, the business community has an opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor about their thoughts and any concerns they want to bring to his attention.

The Mayor was accompanied by the Area Manager for the Hangklip-Kleinmond Administration Desmond Lakey, Ward 9 Councillor Grant Cohen, Ward 10 Councillor Fanie Krige and Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager Frieda Lloyd.  The first stop for the day was around the corner from the municipality’s offices at Die Bloubakkie.

The ladies at Kleinmond Apteek/Pharmacy expressed their concern about the growing demand for land for informal settlements and the ever increasing break-ins.

One of the concerns for the personnel at Albertyn Pharmacy was the homeless people sleeping in the parking area at the Spar Centre as well as the refuse removal that seems to be delayed every week. 

Overstrand firefighters have been hard at work during the last few months preparing for the 2018 summer fire season, which usually starts in November.

An integrated fire awareness campaign will kick-start the season on 12 October to implement fire wise principles for protecting people and property and to teach communities about the dangers of fire and what to do in the event of a fire.

Fire is, after all, EVERYone’s fight.

Residents are asked to be vigilant – particularly during dry, windy days and to report fires immediately so that help can be dispatched as soon as possible.

In case of an emergency please contact Overstrand Fire, Rescue & Disaster Management on 028 312 2400.

Be sure to save the number on your cell phone and to teach it to your children!

The turnout was exceptional during the “Emergency Thusong Outreach” held in Zwelihle from 3-4 October 2018. This event was one of several arranged to assist the community of Zwelihle following on the unrests.

The Department of Local Government, in partnership with Overstrand Municipality, and several other provincial departments came together under one roof to bring their services to the doorstep of Zwelihle residents. Together, they managed to assist more than a thousand residents during the two-day event.

For the past six years, the Department of Local Government has been responsible for organising Thusong Outreach events to bring the government’s basket of services closer to people who, otherwise, would have to travel long distances to meet with the relevant government institutions. This emergency outreach, however, particularly aimed to assist residents who may have lost important documentation such as identity documents and birth certificates during the recent unrests.

Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Dudley Coetzee, officially opened the Whale Festival in Hermanus last night.

This annual festival starts today, and runs until Sunday afternoon.

The following are excerpts of his speech:

It is an honour and an absolute delight to be standing before you tonight to welcome to all to this the 27th annual Whale Festival.  Hermanus as the hub of the Overstrand, once again bears the distinct pleasure of playing host to this highly acclaimed event.

This year, visitors will be treated to a full festival programme.  One, that is marked by the splendor of quality crafters, sumptuous food and wine, great sporting activities and entertainment of a caliber that exceeds even those previously presented.

While the whales will always remain the star performers, these mammoth marine beauties will share the stage with a host of performing artists over the duration of the festival.  Some of the highlights include Good Hope FM