Representing your Ward 

Please note that if you care about getting involved in your community ( and get some remuneration as well ) and are prepared to represent your community and be your Ward committee member you will have to attend one of the following meetings to join up .

Ward 3 ~ Newton Hall on 29th September 2016 
Ward 8 ~ Newton Hall on 5th October 2016
Ward 11 ~ Newton Hall on 18th October 2016 
All meetings start at 6pm.

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World Surfing Reserves Q and A meeting

The Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association will be holding a Q and A meeting regarding having Jeffreys Bay declared a World Surfing Reserve.
Members of the public and interested groups will have the opportunity to ask questions and to raise any objections that there may be.

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Some advice if you need Hospitalization

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Inaugural of the Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association Annual Potjie Competition Fundraiser 

Venue : Supertubes Surfing Foundation Park 

Date : 27th February 2016 

Time : 10am to 4pm 

The Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association will be holding a Potjie Competition at the Supertubes Surfing Foundation Park on Saturday the 27th February from 10am to raise money for the NSRI and rally interest in the JBRA . 
Entry fee of R30 per Potjie entered . We will sell the plates of potjie at R20 per plate to raise funds for the NSRI and also rally support for the JBRA , create new members and discuss relevant Residents and Ratepayers issues etc... 
There will be a live local J.Bay band playing some of the day . There will be a 1st prize of 50 litres of Diesel , as well as a second and third prize for the best potjies . We will also have a raffle with great prizes .Each potjie entered may have a support team ( more than one cook ) Businesses can enter a potjie as a team . There will be a floating trophy for the winner each year. Come and enjoy a great day with us in a relaxing atmosphere . Where we can meet you and you can meet us . Hopefully see you there .

The The JBRA wishes all Residents and Ratepayers a 

very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year in 2016 

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Please view the latest edition of the online JBay Magazine for the video of the  Chairman's comments on  the JBRA and Jeffreys Bay   at  :   

 bit.ly/jbaymag2

Thank you . 

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The minutes of the Thyspunt EIA meeting heldat the Newton Hall on the 22nd October may be viewed on our Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/JBRAGroup/files/

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JBRA Committee Meeting Minutes 

Herewith below are the minutes of some of the JBRA Committee Meetings .

A full comprehensive copy of all of the Committee Meeting minutes can be viewed by consulting the Chairman Mr. Vincent McCarthy. Cell : 083 707 7608

Minutes of JBRA Committee Meeting for 25th March 2015 ( editable for JBRA confirmation )

Venue : 27 Pittosporum ave , Wavecrest . ( Garth Ford's house )  .

Date :  Wednesday 25th March 2015 at 6pm

Attendance:

Garth Ford , Vincent Mccarthy , Laurika Niewenhuis , Elaine Oosthuisen , Bryan Dhludhlu  , Alta Witten Apologies : Johrita and Francious Pretorius due to car problems . Chris de Vos also unavailable .

1. Meeting opens .

2.  Apologies made and accepted for the disturbances at the initial JBRA Committee meeting at which

Gerhardt Fouche resigned as Chairman due to his pursuance of Political Candidacy and other .

The JBRA needs to respect and consider all committee members , their input and consideration for healthy progression and positive growth . We have enough on our plate having to deal with KM and need to be unified and content within JBRA to deal with our collective problems .

3. Confirmation of Committee members for 2015 are as follows :

* Vincent Mccarthy is confirmed as Chairman ( also Festival promotion , Surf Heritage and Lights and Electricity )

* Bryan Dhludhlu confirmed as Vice Chairman ( also our Pellsrus representative , and Energy Conservation Initiatives )

Bryan is accepted and willing to serve on the JBRA Committee until he becomes a KM Councillor or he decides otherwise 

* Alta Witten confirmed as Treasurer ( as well as lights and roads projects co ordinator )

* Garth Ford confirmed as Secretary ( also Festival promotion , Surf Heritage and Natural Areas Conservation and development  )

* Laurika Niewenhuis confirmed as Wavecrest water projects co ordinator ( and other services )

* Elaine Oosthuisen confirmed as Media spokesperson , Festival promotion and Tourism

* Francois and Johrita to help follow up on 100 Reasons reply to KM response and other to be confirmed We can confirm the above positions at a Special General Meeting if need be .

We will be enlisting and attracting further committee members as we progress into 2015 .   

3. The JBRA will be following up on the KM response to 100 Reasons .

So far Garth Ford and  Francois and Johrita Pretorius have compiled a response to KM on this which has been sent to all Committee members for comment , discussion and inclusion of their input . A meeting has been set up for Wednesday 1^st April at 6.30pm for this discussion and conclusion .

4. Garth Ford is busy finalising a response to the Opening of KM Council at Oyster Bay which will be discussed and finalised for submission to KM . Also to be discussed and finalised at JBRA meeting date above .

5. Garth Ford as co ordinator of the March for 100 Reasons and Petition , on behalf of JBRA , has been notified that a meeting will be arranged between KM , JBRA and higher authorities concerning the petition and 100 reasons . The JBRA will possibly meet with KM before this meeting  concerning the above . To be discussed , co ordinated and arranged in due course .

6. Vincent Mccarthy will be setting up a meeting on 21^st June to discuss provision for declaring Supertubes as a World Heritage site . The Reef here is being ( has been depleted almost beyond repair or recovery ) ruined due to excessive indiscriminate removal of reef life largely due to KM issued temporary licences that result in plastic bags full of reef life ( mussels , arlicrock , red bait etc… )  being removed in bulk using spades and the like . This is not only not sustainable , but is totally destructive of the sustainable reef life and the future of this World Famous Surf Break and our towns greatest asset  in general  .  We will be liasing with Koffie Jacobs , Cheron Kraak and Alison Khul in this regard .

If anything this will improve shore fishing in these areas not to mention preserving the most important and Internationally acclaimed Surf Break in South Africa ( and our home town ) .

7. We will be finding out and making public the contact numbers of people who will be available to clear vacant overgrown erven and plots  . This problem to be solved permanently . To this end and for the management and maintenance of our overgrown natural areas ( alien overgrowth in these areas ) , a Garden Refuse Dump is required in Jeffreys Bay ( and which was very disappointingly not provided for in the Council opening address and IDP )  

8. There is a dire need for a comprehensive Map of J. Bay and Kouga that is up to date and accurately indicates what is Privately Owned Land , which is KM Owned Land and which is Nature Conservation Land ( Reserves and parks etc… ) . This will be pursued at Ward meetings and directly with KM to produce such a Map ( hopefully publically online ) so  that we can comment and make suggestions / objections on proposals to develop and/ or sell of this land before it happens . The Golf Course was proposed to be sold off , as well as the Traffic testing grounds in Humansdorp as well as the Vehicle Licensing Department .

These are vital assets to Kouga and Jeffreys Bay . This can not go on unchallenged  or unchecked .

Lots of KM owned land can be developed for example Dumping depots , Technikons , swimming pools , service delivery , other developments , etc…

The DA said that they are busy with this  . To follow up .

9. The JBRA Constitution is to be re drawn up and exclude Marina Martinique as this has its own Residents and Ratepayers Association .

10. It has been suggested and even accepted that the KM does not seem to have an implemented  long term vision for proper development and management of J. Bay and Kouga as a whole . We want , deserve and demand transparency , accountability and proper management , development and service delivery  from KM . End of story .

11. Bryan stressed that the areas adjacent to the beach between Kitchen windows and Tapas ( Marina Martinique ) will be developed in Pellsrus for new housing . There are vulnerable conservation areas here that need to be taken into consideration where wildlife depends on natural habitat and forethought for development and planning for nature conservation ( and our future ) is needed and vital for our future and our children’s future  . We will be following up on this as this stretch has also been  a crime hot spot in the past and affects not only international tourism , but our future as well  .

Must be properly developed  with environmental concern  and planning . 

We also do not have a tidal pool  like other coastal towns .

12. Garth Ford and  David Adendorf will be meeting with Eddie Oosthuisen as a ward 8 initiative to discuss the Kloof Natural Areas management and development . It has also been noted that Japie Jansen has been requested to , and failed to attend Ward 8 meetings continuously . This is totally un acceptable. 

13.  There is also great concern that bos slaapers and vagrants are a problem in the dune areas between main beach and Supertubes . This needs to be permanently solved . A proper solution would be to make all of these areas Nature Conservation areas ( Natural Dune Areas) with no bos slaapers permitted or tolerated . This will improve our environment and reduce crime possibilities .

14. We will be following up with KM , Japie Jansen and others to properly and permanently solve our ongoing car guard problem . They could be arrested for loitering at the least ( not to mention drunk in public while “on duty “etc… ) . This is a huge problem in J.Bay and one of our biggest concerns regarding residents , visitors and tourism safety and security not to mention a conducive public and business  environment in Jeffreys Bay  . KM have stated that this is not their responsibility . Others have confirmed that it is . This was discussed at the last  CPF meeting and needs to be permanently and properly resolved with a proper permanent Car Guard Association with various sub groups for CBD , Beachfront etc… Ideally with KM and Business forum co operation , co ordination and involvement .

This has been an ongoing problem and needs to be properly , pertinently and permanently solved  for all concerned .  

15 .  Further casual discussion

16.  Next meeting to be held at the same venue on 1^st April 2015 at 6.30pm .

17.  Meeting closes

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  JBRA Committee Meeting Minutes  on 1st April 2015

Time :  18h30

Venue : 27 Pittosporum ave , Wavecrest .

Committee Members Present :   Laurika Niewenhuis , Elaine Oosthuizen , Vincent Mccarthy , Francouis Pretorius , Johrita Pretorius ,  Garth Ford , Alta Witten  .

Also present as guests  :  Laurika's husband Gerrie Niewenhuis , Alta's husband       Clive   Witten  , and our guest speaker/contributer to the meeting   Mr.  Anton Maclaughlan

who informed us on the possibility and procedure of getting Supertubes declared a World Heritage Site .                                      .                          .

1. Chairman welcomes everyone and opens the meeting

2. JBRA will draw up a comprehensive reply from JBRA from all contributions from Committee Members to our reply/comments on the KM response to the 100 Reasons  .

3. JBRA to also draw up an edited reply to the Opening of KM Council in Oyster Bay . 

4. Chairman reports that the Aston Bay causeway is now complete . And has been tested .

5. The sewerage pit next to the pump station opposite the new Comprehensive High School  is not enclosed by a fence and cows drink there , not to mention its health dangers to children .

It is a health hazzard and needs to be properly and permanently resolved / managed .

6. The public toilets opposite Checkers has been leaking sewerage AGAIN . These toilets are a disgrace and where tourists come and where they shot a film recently .

It is also where school children are picked up and dropped off etc...  Should be a tourist hot spot .

The toilets at Kabeljous are also in a similar state of disrepair frequented by vagrants .

7. Vagrants are setting up camp permanently in the dune areas between Supertubes and Main Beach . These areas should be declared dune conservation areas that are protected .

Vagrants must be made to leave . The JBRA will be communicating with the SAP to determine if they can remove or arrest  them .

This problem needs to be properly and permanently solved . To this end the JBRA will be investigating having these dune areas declared as Coastal Dune Conservation Status areas .

The local public can be involved in this .

8. A permanent solution needs to be found for the car guard problem . We need a proper Umbrella Jeffreys Bay Car Guard Association with different sub groups for each region

eg. CBD , Beachfront , Spar , Checkers etc...

They should be properly registered with a universally recognisable badge and dress .  To be properly managed . This should be managed in partnership with Businesses , Kouga Business Forum  and KM .

9. JBRA will be approaching KM with regard to Car Guards , Unacceptable Public Toilets and Street Cleaning Management .

10. JBRA outlined the need for a proper annual Summer and Spring Festival to attract tourism to Jeffreys Bay in April and September as this is seriously lacking in these periods .

 Locally Made Arts and Crafts need to be promoted for Stalls during Peak Periods .

Events like Touch Rugby in September and Farmers Market in April could be promoted . A Marquee Tent at the Beachfront etc...

11.  JBRA will be encouraging the building of Swimming Pools for public and especially for schools .  For the youth . This will also be elaborated upon at the IDP meetings .

12. An e mail is to be sent to all those members who attended the AGM   as well as our usual database .

13. The JBRA needs to set up a proper up to date bulk e mailing system so that we can keep members timeously informed of developments as well as advertise General Meetings and JBRA initiatives etc....

14. Our guest Anton Mclaughlan who is a Marine Biologist gave a comprehensive introduction to have the Supertubes Surf Break in Jeffreys Bay declared as a  World Heritage Site  by  UNESCO .

Jeffreys Bay was originally chosen as one of the Top 5 in the World Surfing destinations  . We would like Supertubes to be on this list of World Heritage Sites .

This can also be in conjunction with  Save the Waves ( which is affiliated to the International Surfing Association ) , and  World Surfing Reserves . 

Andy Short will be visiting Jeffreys Bay on the 21st June to meet with us and KM officials to discuss and elaborate . Hopefully this will really set the ball rolling

to have Supertubes declared a World Heritage Site . 

Supertubes Reef Mile is being depleted of Reef Life by excessive removal of Reef Life . This needs to stop so that the Reef can recover .

This will preserve our World Famous reef and even improve fishing . It needs to be declared a Reef Conservation Area . Hopefully it will be declared a World Heritage Site . It should .

Thank you very much again to our guest for coming to talk to us about this promising opportunity .

We will follow up on this and prepare for the meeting on the 21st June to make sure that all relevant people are present  and we are prepared .

15. JBRA decided that we should be formally dressed  at public meetings and occasions . Perhaps a less formal but smart dress is appropriate .

16. Garth Ford will try to confirm date and time and other details concerning our meeting with KM concerning the Petition and 100 Reasons .

In the meantime the JBRA can go through 100 Reasons and comment / reply to the KM reply on this  for our comprehensive "Master Copy "  reply  to KM to be assimilated from everyones input  . 

The meeting closes followed by coffee , snacks and light social conversation .

Next meeting to be announced .

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                                                                   Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association Committee Meeting minutes for 6th May 2015 

Held at : Jeffreys Bay properties at 18hoo.

Committee Members present :

Chairman : Vincent Mccarthy , Garth Ford , Francious Pretorius , Johrita Pretorius , Elaine du Plessis , Chris de Vos

1.  New Committee Members needed .

We need to enlist new committee members as we progress this year .  All wards to be represented at Ward meetings with a JBRA presence in all Wards .

2.  JBRA Submissions on IDP , Annual Report and MTREF .

The Chairman Vincent Mccarthy  and Garth Ford attended the IPD meeting on monday the 4th May . Questions were taken ,

but we were not given time to make comments and submissions . A request was made by Mr Fadi that submissions , comments and proposals be made in writing .

We will therefore be assimilating a document with input from all committee members presenting our comments and proposals on the IDP as well as the Annual Report ( 2014 ,2015 ) and MTREF .

 The deadline for the submission of our comments on the Annual Report , MTREF documents and IDP is now 19th May .

Garth Ford has submitted some comments  on MTREF before the original deadline of 6th May which is now 19th May .  Please see attached as well as my proposals for our additional comments on the

IDP . This is for committee members to add comments and proposals or reccommend editing etc ...

3.  Proposed World Heritage Site status for Supertubes meeting

The JBRA will be preparing for the World Heritage Site meeting on the 22nd of June at 10am .  We must organise a decent venue for this with presentation facilities .

Vincent will approach the Municipality to see if we can book a meeting at KM  or at the library . The Chairman spoke to the Mayor Booi Koerat about this initiative and invited him to the meeting personally .

 We will be inviting  up to 40 people including relevant Municipal Officials  and related people and organisations . The meeting will be followed by a visit to Supertubes .

We will be getting the public interested in this by making it public .

4.  Newsletter

We will be assimilating a newsletter that we can publish in newspapers , FB and Website .

5. New paid up mambers needed

We need to build more credibility and encourage members to join as paid members .

6.  Kwela Town of the Year .

Chris will be following up on Kwela Town of the Year for Jeffreys Bay . To get people to vote by sms .

7. Businesses

We need to encourage businesses to become members and we can advertise for them .

 We feel that there should be a Jeffreys Bay Business Forum .

8. Dorp van Drome

We must encourage Dorp van Drome to join JBRA or /and meet with us .

9. Steel drum dustbins

Anita to be contacted regarding steel drum dustbins

10. Dr Carstens and Mr Van Niekerk

We will be inviting Dr Carstens and Kobus van Niekerk to a JBRA meeting and encourage them to join .

11. Website manager

We need a website manager who will update our website voluntarily . They can then advertise their business as compensation .  Elaine to follow up on this .

12. Emergency LED kit for load shedding

Vincent is working on an LED and battery system pack that charges when electricity is on and comes on automatically when the electricity goes off .

He is willing to give JBRA a percentage on sales that JBRA generates .

13. Stray dogs

Stray dogs are a big problem . Roaming on the beach without owners .  Killing buck in the Kloof .  Traffic hazard . This is an age old problem in J.Bay and needs to be permanently solved .

Fines should be given to these dog owners when they are taken to SPCA .

14.  Building a better relationship with KM

We would like to forge a better relationship with the KM . Always complaining seldom builds relationships , gets results or makes for progress .

We will thus be looking for a more friendly relationship and better co operation with KM in order to progress .  We should look towards being more complimentary .

Meeting closes .

Next meeting to be on Wednesday the 10 June at same venue and time .

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JBRA Committee Meeting minutes  for 10th June 2015

Held at 27 Pittosporum ave , Wavecrest , Jeffreys Bay  at 6pm.

Committee Members present : Chairman : Vincent Mccarthy , Garth Ford , Francois Pretorius , Johrita Pretorius .

Apologies : Elaine Oosthuizen and Chris de Vos 

Chairman welcomes all and opens the meeting .

Meetings attended by Committee Members :

1. The Chairman Vincent Mccarthy and Garth Ford met with the new Mayor Daphne Kettledas to welcome her as mayor and  introduce ourselves .

We found the new mayor very positive , accommodating and friendly who listened to our problems with concern . We encouraged co operation for a positive outcome .

2. Garth Ford attended the Kouga Municipality Council Meeting held on the 29th May .

We received comprehensive records of the Agenda as well as the comprehensive Spacial Development Plans and Storm Water Drainage CD .

3. Garth Ford also attended the inauguration of the new Mayor at Kruisfontein Civic Center .

4. The Chairman Vincent Mccarthy and Garth Ford also met with Dr Carstens and Mr Van Niekerk to compare notes  .

They are old veterans and  very familiar with the EMF and other Residents and Ratepayers concerns . 

5. Garth Ford also attended the CPF meeting . The Jeffreys Bay Police Station is understaffed  and under equipped . Population and crime stats can be up dated to ensure that we receive adequate policing for given population. The J.Bay Police station only has two thirds of its requirement. Not to mention lack of vehicles for call outs .

World Surfing Reserve meeting for the 22nd July

We are mostly set for our meeting on the 22nd to be held at Council Chambers in the afternoon ( after a morning on site visit ) .

To ensure that everyone is invited . To meet with Cheron to invite and discuss . Also to ensure that there is proper press coverage . Media 24 , Bryan Dludlu etc... Garth to follow up .

Our website management and upgrading 

We are currently having problems with our website and need a website manager to manage and upgrade our website . Send bulk e mails etc...

To include business advertising . Easy membership registration etc...  To investigate  the secretary of KSC for help with this .

To enable new membership and communication with members . Enlist committee members etc...

To permanently solve our website problems .

JBRA Facebook Group

To create our Facebook Group  to compliment our Facebook Page  for more public participation / communication .

We should count our blessings

It was highlighted that we have it very good compared to some other regions in South Africa for example South Coast of Natal and other inland areas where the problems are much greater than ours .

We thus also look toward better co operation and friendly relations with KM .

Mutual co operation and positive attitudes are better for development than always complaining .

Let us have a positive attitude to fix problems and make improvements .  

Policing / Safety and Security / CPF / Law Enforcement / By Laws

More Police personnel and vehicles are needed at Jeffreys Bay Police Station .

Public / Residents must report crimes and be sure to get a CAZ number ( Central Administration System number ,  which is better than just a case number ) .

This will ensure that crime statistics are properly updated and thus will better ensure that we are designated the appropriate number of police men and vehicles to cope with our population at Jeffreys Bay Police Station.  

The public is not reporting all incidents of crime with a case number ( and a CAZ number ) either because of apathy or they think that it is not worth it . It is .

Pot Holes are a problem again

We need to follow up on pot holes again . Even in the main road . We need proper repair in stretches , not just re filling constantly reforming pot holes .

Jeffreys Bay Business Forum

We need to have a Business Organisation for Jeffreys Bay to deal with issues such as the Car Guard Association and similar mutual business related issues in our town. This should be for the Jeffreys Bay area only so that we can to address our issues as a town and not only as a Kouga region where our specific town’s issues get left behind as a whole  

Sewerage Pit at new school

This needs to be fixed urgently . Francious will be notifying Carte Blanche to have this publisised .

Petition Committee 

Garth Ford was to be contacting Petition Committee officials to follow up on March for 100 Reasons Petition meeting . They subsequently contacted me to say :

The meeting date with the Petition Committee has now been set for 23^rd June at 11am .

Our KM Billing  discrepancies

It has been noted that only VAT amounts and total amount are on our statements  and not the Basic Costs amounts .

The cost per Kl has also not been stipulated .

 Extra water usage is allocated under sewerage ??   This needs explaining .

JBRA to check up with the Assessment Rates ratio etc... as compared to our KM accounts and meter readings . We should monitor our KM accounts billing for accuracy .

Steel Drums for refuse

To follow up on attaining steel refuse drums for Ocean View and other . And / or skips etc...

How to secure mounting these for easy emptying etc... so they do not get stolen .  

JBRA Newsletter  and for Newspaper publication

Garth Ford will draw up a Newsletter/ Newspaper article that can be published in newspapers aiming at restoring an interest and update of JBRA affairs , encouraging new members / committee members and keeping residents informed of what we are doing and would like to do .

Announcing Kwela Town of the Year , World Surfing Reserve to help create interest and restore support and faith in JBRA .

Meeting closes

coffee and biscuits 

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JBRA Committee Meeting minutes for 12th October 2015

Venue : 27 Pittosporum ave

Time : 6pm

Members present :Vincent McCarthy ( Chairman) , Garth Ford , Chris de Vos , Ellaine Oosthuizen

( Francsois Pretorius and Johrita Fourie absent ,

Michelle Venter also could not make it ) .

Chairman welcomes committee and opens meeting

Our concerns for 2016 were discussed

There are many challenges for 2016 and possibly a big change for Kouga if DA wins local elections

*If the DA wins elections then they must build proper roads in Oceanview 

* The World Surfing Reserves initiative will go ahead in 2016 for our final proposals for October 2016

   This will be the very first WSR in Africa

* JBRA are concerned about who is going to fill the positions of Mayor / Speaker and Municipal Manager

   These people must be competant and have the interests of Ratepayers and the development of region at heart .

There have been many applications for positions on Council . We need competant people who are not just in it for their own gain.

Following up on the march for 100 reasons Petition

It has been far too long since our last Petition meeting with KM despite many requests to KM for this follow up meeting .

We have since been given 3 dates to choose from 27, 28 or 30th October . The meeting will thus go ahead on one of these dates.

Follow up meeting with DA

We will be arranging a follow up meeting with the DA .

The JBRA would like to add some points to the Agenda for this meeting including the need for a Garden Refuse Depot and the way forward in 2016 , who will be appointed to Council etc... .

We would also like to meet with the DA at a follow up meeting with the JBRA Chairing this meeting .

The IDP and IDP Committee

Important IDP related issues were pointed out that will be brought up at the IDP meeting on the 15th October .

These will be followed up with the IDP Committee on an ongoing basis . This keeps KM accountable to the

National process of Public Participation.

Many projects are listed with amounts proposed to be allocated . If these amounts become a reality , they must be properly used .

Important points include :

* Water samples to be taken at house in J.Bay , not just at the plant . These to be made public.

* Need for a Car Guard Association * Disaster Management Plan * Ailing water mains to be replaced

* Adjust budget for proper road repair ( Invest in a scarifier ~about R2 million ) re surfacing

* KM officials to attend CPF meetings * Taxis to be registered , marked and roadworthy

* Dune areas conservation * Plumbed toilets with no water in Oceanview * Garden Refuse Depot for J.Bay

* Coastal Management Plan implimentation , also with World Surfing Reserves Committee

* Sewerage Pit at new school * KM to advertise Ward meetings * Bosslaapers at toilets opposite Checkers

etc...  Too many more to mention

Thyspunt Developments ~ Related problems and solutions 

J.Bay and Kouga face many challenges with the advent of Thyspunt developments

We need to be prepared for these changes . Social upheaval , security / crime increase / infrastructure problems / Town Planning etc... .

Our infrastructure can not handle present demands properly . How can we expect it to do this if Thyspunt goes ahead .

These problems need to be addressed by KM and made public . Not just keeping us in the dark. The Nuclear deal is also frought with

suspicion , corruption , incompetancy and secracy. This is not acceptable .

Business advertising and sponsorship

We need to get businesses to advertise on our web page and Facebook .

Businesses will be asked to sponsor / donate products to be used as incentives for members to become involved in JBRA affairs .

A free meal for fixing pot holes with cement supplied by hardware stores etc... Minor and major prizes for fixing problems .

This is advertising for the business and gets residents and ratepayers interested in J. Bay and JBRA affairs .

Also use incentives to boost membership and committee members . Competitions to be held in the form of Quizes etc...

to get public participation in J.Bay and JBRA affairs . To get ratepayers and residents  interested and motivated .

General Meeting and Annual General Meeting in February 2016

We need to organise a General meeting for this year as well as the Annual General Meeting for 2016 to ensure

perpituity of JBRA and Committee in 2016 .   Hopefully our job will become easier  with DA winning Kouga .

Someone needed to upgrade our website and send bulk e mails

Whoever does this will get free advertising on our website

Summer Festival event/s

We need to organise a Summer Festival which can include :

* Touch Rugby Festival * Tug of War / Tou Trek for ladies and men ( for eg. residents against holiday makers )

* Talent Show * Fashion Show * Miss J.Bay Pre Teen Bikini Queen ( Itsy weeny teeny weeny polka dot bikini ) * Miss J.Bay Bikini Queen

* Possible Motorbike Event ( Vincent )

These can also start small and grow to an Annual Event

Miscellaneous discussion

JBRA needs to be more casual and not so serious all the time . Loosen up and enjoy life .

Perhaps that is why we have little support , if we are always too serious about J.Bay matters .

We also need to enjoy our lives .  Making JBRA more fun and less stress and turmoil .

Meeting closes with casual discussion

Tea/coffee

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Public Participation in the future of Jeffreys Bay through the IDP process . 

Here is the perfect opportunity to become involved in the future of Jeffreys Bay. 
The Kouga Municipality is calling on all Residents and Ratepayers of Jeffreys Bay to become involved in the Integrated Development Plan ( IDP ) . You may want to get involved as an individual on a voluntary basis , or as a company to offer services etc... to make some money . Applications to be on the IDP committee must be made in writing to KM stating your proposed involvement and proposals before the 9th October 2015. 
There will be a very important meeting concerning the IDP participation process on the 15th of October 2015 @ 6pm at the Newton Hall for Ward 3, 8 , 11. 

Please view the present IDP documents and proposals for 2015 ~2016 . Go to www.kouga.gov.za , then to documents , then Statutory Documents , then IDP 2015~2016 Final . Review these and please give your comments to us or at the meeting on the 15th October @ 6pm at the Newton Hall . . Stay involved for your future .

Meeting with Kouga Municipality to address the March for 100 reasons Petition ( 20/08/2015 )

The meeting had to be re scheduled a two hours later and was cut short as the Mr Fadi and Mr Oosthuizen  had to attend a meeting with St Francis Bay Residents Association.

It was decided we should at least make a start and address some issues and make some progress . The JBRA encouraged a solution based approach to our problems by suggesting alternative solutions to existing problems as apposed to just complaining about them.

We managed to cover the first 20 issues as well as urgent prominent issues like pot holes . It was emphasised by JBRA that our roads need to be permanently and properly re surfaced instead of just keeping on fixing pot holes that constantly reform and that the amount allocated to fix roads in the whole of Kouga is only R3.8 million which the  JBRA insists is  totally inadequate for the whole of Kouga and needs to be addressed and increased at the next budget meeting that will be held at the end of this month. Garth Ford suggested that they fix the immediate worst pot holes and then most importantly also allocate extra funds at the next budget meeting to have the worst sections permanently re surfaced on an ongoing weekly/monthly basis so that all of the worst sections are eventually properly resurfaced for a permanent repair. Also the amount of vehicles needed to fix pot holes needs to be increased with fewer but more active workers per team/vehicle.    

 The JBRA thanked the KM for the improvements to the Wavecrest water purification plant as Wavecrest now has perfectly good drinking water at last which has been tested and it has been established to be satisfactory. The results of the water tests will also be made available for public scrutiny.

The KM said that the Wavecrest water purification plant now has properly trained permanent staff and has been properly fenced. The new filtration system is a great improvement and KM will be expanding on this in due course .  It was also established that money owing to P.E. for water  has now been paid up.

Garth Ford stressed that the old ailing asbestos water mains that keep leaking such as in Waterkant street need to be replaced instead of just constantly fixing ongoing  leaks at ongoing costs.

Also the valve systems needs to be properly investigated and upgraded for efficiency . 

The Chairman of JBRA thanked the KM for starting to address the upgrading of the sewerage pump stations and we look forward to development improvements in this regard . The Chairman of JBRA who is qualified in this field gave sound advice while emphasizing that these stations should be developed more sensibly and efficiently and at a lower cost thus saving money. The Chairman of JBRA who is also in charge of street lights for Ward 8 said that these are being monitored by him and are being repaired but emphasized that longer lasting LED lights would use less electricity and last longer.

Need for more steel drum dustbins around town that need to be regularly emptied was emphasised .

It was established that KM will soon begin installing water borne sewerage systems for some areas .

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IMPORTANT : To register and receive your Municipal accounts by e mail and monitor them online ~

 Please note that in order to be registered online with the Kouga Municipality accounts department so that you can receive your account by e mail and monitor them online  , you have to go into the Municipal offices and speak to Trevor at accounts . You will receive an access key , create a password and then you are all set to go . No more accounts in the post !This also saves paper and postage .

BELANGRIK: Om te registreer en jou Munisipale rekeninge per e pos te kry en online te monitor ~ Jy moet asseblief na die munisipale kantoore gaan en met Trevor van die rekening departement registreer om u toegang sleutel te kry en u wagwoord te maak. Dan sal u rekening per e pos kry en online kon monitor . Dankie .

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Meeting with the Kouga Municipality on the March for 100 Reasons Petition 

**************************************************************

Wyk 8  Komitee aanwysings en kontak nommers

1.  ~  Water  , kwaliteit  ens...

Ludwig Vorster  ( DA ) 

Call : 079 563 9076

E mail : ludvorster@telkomsa.net

2.  ~  Straat Ligte

Vincent Mccarthy ( JBRA Chairman ) 

Call : 083 707 7608

E mail :  mccarthyvb@gmail.com

4.  ~  Toegegroiede Erve  

Denice Moyles 

Call : 083 353 1714

E mail : moyles.d@telkomsa.net

5.  ~  Water lekkasies en riool lekkasies

Theo  Landman

Call :  042 296 1659

6.  ~  Taxi's pad verkeer

Terry Venter   

Call : 084 290 1600

E mail :  terry.v@vodamail.co.za

7.  ~  Sports en Ontspanning ~

Fritz Maritz

Call: 082 460 3347

E mail : fritzdor@telkomsa.net  

8.  ~  Natuur Gebiede , Parke en Ontspanning

Garth Ford 

Call : 078 234 9791

E mail : garthford@gmail.com

************************************************************************

Ward  8  Committee Profiles and contact numbers

1.  ~  Water  , quality etc...

Ludwig Vorster  ( DA ) 

Call : 079 563 9076

E mail : ludvorster@telkomsa.net

2.  ~  Street Lights

Vincent Mccarthy ( JBRA Chairman ) 

Call : 083 707 7608

E mail :  mccarthyvb@gmail.com

4.  ~  Overgrown Plots

Denice Moyles 

Call : 083 353 1714

E mail : moyles.d@telkomsa.net

5.  ~  Water leaks and sewerage leaks

Theo  Landman

Call :  042 296 1659

6.  ~  Taxi's and roadway traffic

Terry Venter   

Call : 084 290 1600

E mail :  terry.v@vodamail.co.za

7.  ~  Sports and Recreation ~

Fritz Maritz

Call: 082 460 3347

E mail : fritzdor@telkomsa.net  

8.  ~  Natural Areas , Parks and Recreation

Garth Ford 

Call : 078 234 9791

E mail : garthford@gmail.com

Here are some Important contact numbers for Kouga Municipality to report problems and issues 

Please call the above Ward 8 committee members if the KM does not help you  

Water leaks , sewerage spills : Lulu 042 200 2235
Street light/electricity boxes : Bubu 042 200 2233
Overgrown erfs : Nomvula 073 086 4574 / 042 200 8302
Potholes : Lulu 042 200 2235 
Public open spaces : Ido Madatt 073 085 1872 / 042 200 2238
Traffic : Randall Prinsloo 081 043 0742
Safety and Security : Adam Fleur 073 014 2660

                                               ************************* 

                                                 Bush Clearing 

Anyone who would like their open plot cleared of bush please contact :

Barry Meyer :  082 578 6401  or  042 296 1380 

                                         *************

***********************************************************************

Petition Committee 

The JBRA Committee is busy with the follow up to the March for 100 Reasons Petition .

A Petition Committee has been set up with officials from Bisho and KM officials . 

The JBRA will be meeting with the Petition Committee to discuss these issues and ensure that they are properly addressed and attended to.

We will keep everyone informed on our progress. 

Thank you .

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY HEREBY RESPONDS TO THE PETITION RECEIVED FROM THE

JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION DATED 06 FEBRUARY 2015 @ 10H00.

Electricity

1. Poor maintenance and development of electrical infrastructure. Damage to

foodstuffs and electrical appliances during long outage

Answer:

Maintenance of electrical infrastructure take place within the constraints

of the operating budget. Upgrading over the last 4 years has taken place

as follows: A new 22kV overhead line between Main Substation and

Appiesdraai was build.

Installing of an additional 10MVA, 66/22kV transformer and switchgear at

Main Substation.

Refurbishment of 22kV overhead line (Waterworks, Sewer works and Farm

line). Purchasing of 240 mm 11kV cable (1000 meter) for the fourth cable

to Wavecrest.

2. Meter readings are not consistently monitored and not managed properly

Answer:

Agree, Meter readings are not consistently monitored due to inclement

weather and during public holidays.

3. Pre-paid meter Admin Fee should not apply

Answer:

All holiday towns trough SA applies Pre-paid meter admin fees. Option to

increase pre-paid meter electrical tariffs (Kwh) to recover cost.

5. Illegal connections not disconnected

Answer:

Illegal connections are attended to with the assistance of the SAPS and at

times the situation turns violent and the Police advises us to evacuate in

2

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

order to protect our staff. In most instances our law enforcement stay in

the same areas which complicates their execution of municipal work. This

Municipality has taken firm action to formalise all informal settlements as

the remedy which would have lasting impact for all involved.

Waste Management

6. Non removal of fallen trees and foliage.

Answer: Kouga remove all fallen trees outside the boundaries of

residential areas. Where trees has fallen inside a property it’s the

responsibility of the owner

7. Dustbins not serviced in the Central business District and Beaches, not

enough dustbins in other areas. Areas like Pellsrus have none.

Answer: Not true: Kouga has a dedicated team on litter picking doing it

daily. We agree with the shortage of street waste bins and is a matter that

is currently address in the IDP 2015/2016

8. There is no Garden Refuse Dumping site in town wasting fuel in tough

economic times making it difficult to eradicate alien overgrowth thus

increasing risk of fires and crime.

Answer: Garden refuse is a tariff income item, so residents must remove it

themselves, or alternatively pay and then council will remove the garden

refuse.

9. There is no General Refuse Dump site in town wasting fuel in tough economic

times and causing people to dump anywhere thus further degrading the

town.

Answer: Yes agree, a transfer station is on the IDP to address the matter.

However the campaign to clean our areas cannot be the sole

responsibility of the municipality. The communities cannot dump just

about anywhere and later protest about this being the task of the

Municipality. The Municipality is aware of white business companies who

dump their building material in Ocean-view as if that area is suitable to be

a dumping site.

3

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

10. Pick up litter not only in tourist areas. More dustbins and refuse control in

township areas.

Answer: Litter picking is done daily and be collected. We are aware of

the shortage of refuse bins and making use of black refuse bags. The level

of payment by the communities has the ability to minimise our capacity to

achieve our desired objectives.

Water

11. No proper budgeting for water infrastructure maintenance. Money still

owing for P.E. water. Wavecrest residents is drinking dirty unhealthy water for

a few years now. No proper solutions to fix the dirty unhealthy water.

Answer: This is a piling of separate items into one and we will attempt to

respond to all the issues. Firstly the story of the Kouga Municipality owing

Nelson Mandela Metro has both the context and history into it. However

for the purpose of this petition we have entered into an agreement with

Metro which saw them writing off the interest and us paying regularly. This

debt will be liquidated by June 2015. Secondly on the quality of water the

council’s position is that the water is fit for human consumption. Thirdly

individual boreholes sometimes produce water with an Fe and Mn not

complying with SANS 241, but when blended with other boreholes, tests

within the limits – All tests is available and gets reported monthly to

Council and will in future also be placed on the website – tests are

performed by accredited laboratories and is Sanas accreditation

certificates available upon request.

12. Old water mains pipes need to be replaced, not just constantly repaired

at huge ongoing costs. Brown water filters through on a regular basis to

residents as a result of this.

Answer: Burst water mains is unfortunate and unplanned – It is being

envisaged to budget investigate the installation of PR-valves to control

and regulate water pressure in the system network, which we belief is the

major problem –unfortunately there are no other way but flushing the

system to clean out the network after pipe bursts.

4

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

13. Excessive wastage of water from burst pipes and through bleeding from

fire hydrants. This is the only way currently that the Municipality use to get

rid of brown unhealthy water of Wavecrest residents.

Answer: See comment as above – There are now other way to clean the

system of “dirty” water after a burst pipe than flushing through hydrants.

14. Residents have to constantly replace geysers and elements at ongoing

extra costs because of dirty water with excessive Manganese.

Answer: Council is in the process of attending to the discolouring of water

caused by the non-precipitation of iron – With the financial assistance of

DWAS a consultant and contractor has been appointed and is presently

on site at the J/Bay treatment works conducting chemical tests and

installing a pilot dosing plant – Originating from this a comprehensive

report will be compiled as to what process to follow – Also with the

financial assistance of DWAS, a contractor has been appointed to

rehabilitate the existing boreholes in order to obtain a better quality

water containing less Fe and Mn

15. Linen and clothes are permanently stained and ruined by brown water

with Manganese. This cost should be refunded by the Municipality.

Answer: This is not possible

16. Water unhealthy to drink because of excess Manganese. There is not

enough permanent Technical staff at the water purification plant and the

permanent and non-permanent staff is not properly trained on using

chemicals and equipment .They are also not working on a 24 hour cycle

and therefore do not manage the Plant effectively . Equipment is not

maintained and utilized properly and are out of order continuously. The

water purification plant are not funded properly and not monitored by

management in order to ensure healthy drinking water. This cannot be

ignored any longer because of excess Manganese. This situation needs to

be treated as an emergency situation and is not negotiable any longer.

Answer: The opinion expressed herein is not true except when it deals with

the training levels of the staff in our plants. There is Municipal Infrastructure

Agency (MISA) which is currently contracted by the National government

in order to train staff in our plants. Training is a progressive and continuous

activity in the fast developing world. Again lets us restate the fact that

5

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

Water is not unhealthy, it complies with SANS 241 requirements in terms of

allowable limits for Fe and MN – The three PC’s at the plant is all suitably

qualified in terms of the requirements of DWA for the size (Class C)

treatment plant and all is registered and certified by DWA – (NQF 2 in

Water and Wastewater Treatment) – Certificates available – It is at this

stage not necessary to introduce a shift roster as the demand decreases

during off-peak periods during night as is there is enough retaining

capacity in the reservoirs –As far as the rest of the question is concerned, it

is a repetition of question number 11 – See comment above

17. Technical staff at water purification plant are not properly trained or

absent from duties and do not manage the plant on a 24 hour cycle

Answer: We have responded to this above.

18. Water facilitation and management in townships is inadequate

Answer: The mere fact that with the exception of the informal

settlements, all households have a erf connection and do we comply with

the standards that informal settlements have communal standpipes within

a radius of 200m.We are in compliance with the legislation and the

affected communities have agreed with us in the previously

disadvantaged communities.

19. Water tests are never made public or revealed. How safe is our drinking

water really? According to available reports, the water with Manganese

cannot be consumed and it cannot be boiled. Children and older people

need to drink water that is bought. Allot of residents cannot afford to buy

water daily.

Answer: All potable water (in this case they obviously refer to the borehole

water), is tested on a weekly basis and reported to Council as part of the

department’s monthly report – I can understand that everybody does not

have access to the monthly report, so we will in future place the results on

the website on a monthly basis as well as the results of our micro

compliance of all areas as well as the chemical and physical compliance

results quarterly.

Dr. Steynberg who did one of the Reports for the Department of Water

Affairs said that: As soon as the water is brown it is unhealthy. (He is

entitled to his opinion and we are in line with the law)

6

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

Sewerage

20. No Plans, delay of plans for, or non-implementation of water borne

sewerage in many areas

Answer: The implementation of water borne reticulation is a capital

funded project. Estimated cost to install waterborne sewer in Wavcrest ±

R30.0m. With the level of non-payment of services we cannot do other

than to apply for grants as we did in 2013/2014 when we received R146

million from the department of Human Settlement.

21. Sewerage spills at public toilets in Season and all of town the whole year.

Answer: Sewer blockages are an unforeseen occurrence which cannot

be predicted. Residents are urges to report spillages to ensure prompt

response. Unfortunately some of the comments are exaggerated.

22. Sewerage running into public areas, sea and beach and lagoon at

Kabeljouws and Main Beach

Answer. This was an unfortunate occurrence during the festive season

period that was aggravated due the high influx of visitors and electrical

outages. Infrastructure is sized and constructed to only operate within its

design parameters, larger volumes of effluent generated places strain

on the system.

23. Poor reactive maintenance of pump stations

Answer. The majority of pump stations and electrical switchgear were

commissioned during the mid-80 and has a limited lifespan and are due

for upgrade. The current budget allocation is not only insufficient but

totally inadequate to implement a proper preventive maintenance

programme

La mer, Duine road, Trevor Manual and Apiesdraai sewer pump stations

are currently being upgraded.

7

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

24. No backup generators for peak periods or load shedding effects like

December.

Answer. There is 53 sewer pump stations of various sizes throughout Kouga

of which 26 is located in Jeffrey’s Bay. A small portion of these are

provided with back-up generators. A process plan is being develop to

source funding for additional back-up generators.

25. Sewerage in public areas must be treated as an emergency situation

and must be acted on immediately.

Answer. The Jeffrey’s Bay waste water treatment plant was recently

upgraded to be able to handle 8Ml per day. The staff all received training

in the operation and maintenance of the plant during the construction

phase. Training is ongoing through the skills development program. The

advice is however noted

26. No properly trained permanent local staff at sewerage reticulation plant

(See Response above).

27. Not enough ablution facilities on different beach areas and not properly

managed. We do not look after tourists who are on Holiday! (Response:

this is an incorrect opinion)

28. Backlog in mobile sewerage removal. Not enough trucks. Drivers must be

bribed to act.

Answer. The availability of suction tankers remains a challenge especially

during peak periods. Additional tankers were hired in during the festive

period. We handle request for suction tankers services on a first come first

serves basis. Residents paying bribes and drivers taking bribes are not

acceptable. Complaints and allegations form residents claiming that

bribes are paid were received, but these residents are not willing to testify,

provide evidence or affidavits to enable disciplinary processes to be

implemented. The very community that complains and protest about

bribes are willing contributors to this illegal and criminal activity. We

appeal to all to desist from paying and encouraging illegal actions as

your short term gain is the delay of services to deserving others.

8

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

29. Proper sewerage and sanitation facilities in the townships is a major

problem and is not being addressed properly or not at all.

Answer. All formal sites are provided with waterborne reticulation. Informal

areas make use of buckets or chemical toilets. Formalization and township

establishment to enable construction of low cost houses will assist in

reducing buckets and chemical toilets.

Finance

30. Traffic Department in Humansdorp has not paid R21 million plus 3 million

interest per month owing to E Natis.

Answer: There is an agreement between DOT and Kouga is honouring this

agreement while we dispute the figures we will not be drawn to

misrepresentation and suspicion

31. Increase of salaries are not performance based which leads to low

standards and low service delivery levels

Answer: Salaries of staff are negotiated at a National Level (Bargaining

Council)

Kouga Municipality Service and Staff

32. Why is tourism not a priority?

Answer: all departments are a priority especially those that are service

Delivery focused.

33. Outsourcing should be focused on locals as a priority

Answer: We agree but we are subject to Preferential Procurement policy

of Government.

34. Kouga Management does not live in the local area and therefor do not

experience the problems in town first hand.

Answer: The Group Areas Act and Separate Development Act of the

previous discriminatory system prevented certain groups to live and work

in certain areas. With the advent of democracy every person in South

Africa is allowed to live and work where he/she chooses. That is why most

of the ratepayers of Jeffrey’s Bay have chosen to work in Gauteng and

9

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

other Provinces and only come back to their areas of residence in

Jeffrey’s Bay only in December. The Section 56 Managers are contractual

personnel and cannot be expected to uproot their families every five

years their contractual agreements are not renewed. This is just common

sense decision to be made by an individual.

Given that the Management of Kouga belong to the democratic South

Africa almost all have chosen to relocate to Jeffrey’s Bay on their own

volition instead of responding to repressive laws that dictate to them what

to do and when to do it. We must engage the Kouga Staff on the basis of

their performance than to attack their choices which are allowed in a

Constitutional democracy

35. Selective pick up of refuse. Also they leave a mess

Answer: Disagree, Household refuse is collected on a weekly bases.

Where problems arise the department respond immediately. The recent

satisfactory survey done by Council on services is a proof that refuse

collection is the top service delivery program in Kouga

36. Lack of By Law Enforcement.

Answer: This department acknowledge that there is a by law enforcement

problem and are currently looking at supervision and control measures in

order to improve the situation further.

37. Lack of Traffic Officials at Peak Times

Answer: Disagree, Kouga recently appointed 6 additional Traffic Officers

during the Festive Season in order to alleviate an anticipated influx of

holiday makers in Jeffrey’s Bay and St Francis Bay. However the availability

of resources will dictate what can be done at times

38. Lack of forward planning for maintenance and service delivery

Answer: IDP is reviewed every 5 years and community members are

encouraged to participate in these processes in order to ensure that they

understand the Municipal planning processes and what is to be

implemented, when, in the light of limited resources.

10

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

39. Staff attitude is negative. No performance management system,

therefore no performance

Answer: This is untrue. In the event of any member of the public being

dealt with negatively by any employee, which would be an exception,

that member has a right to lay misconduct charges against that

employee. We are aware also of members of the public who are

burdened by their own personal problems and vent their anger to our

staff members in a manner which is completely unacceptable. In both

cases we recommend that there be better personal relationship for our

own collective good.

40. Staff leave in December is not managed properly. Emergency staff

should not be able to go on leave. Traffic personnel should be on

duty every day during holiday periods

Answer: It is standard practice that no leave be granted to staff (senior or

operational) in the service delivery departments during the festive season.

41. Employees do not keep to working hours. No supervision and disciplinary

procedures.

Answer: This is a matter that this institution deals on a continuous bases.

Disciplinary actions are definitely enforced but in any situation there must

be a willing witness.

42. Low standards and slow reactive action are acceptable for employees.

Reason no supervision and management, no established work standards

and no performance management. Residents will not accept this.

Proactive planning and action is essential.

Answer: See 41 above

43. Kouga employees have no work pride. Reason can be unclear or no job

specifications and job standards. Example: Robot that was fixed in

December but flashed yellow and green at the same time.

Answer: The Robot was repaired by our staff but due to outages it kept no

keeping its timing and it has since been attended.

11

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

44. Role and Functions of Councilors are not clear to the community.

Answer: The role of Councilors is clearly spelt out in the Municipal

Structures Act, Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance

Management Act. Should members of the public seek better clarity they

are advised to consult their Ward Councilor together with His/ Her Ward

Committee.

45. Procedures and processes for reporting of problems by residents are not

acted upon. Reference numbers in order to monitor solutions is essential.

Feedback channels should be established.

Answer: This is a constructive and welcomed advice and Management

must continue to find areas how we can improve the Management of

Complaints by Citizens.

Communication

46. No Public Participation with regard to By Law enforcement

Answer: No By Law can be approved without proof of Public

Participation. Members of the Public can challenge any By Law which

does not meet this requirement in a Court of Law, in 2006 some members

of the Public successfully challenged our Liquor By Law in the

Constitutional Court.

47. The KM website, www.kouga.gov.co.za is not updated regularly enough

and is outdated

Answer: We agree but it has now been updated

48. No transparency in dealing with public matters

Answer: Unless proof can be provided we can only deal with the matter

but in general all our Policies, Practices and matters of Public are

discussed in an open Council.

49. No timeous notice of meetings. Venues changed at last minute

Answer: This is not true but in one instance on a matter dealing with the

Budget this happened. It was not a norm but an exception which was

later dealt with and explained in the Council Meeting.

12

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

50. No feedback on grievances and reporting on faults.

Answer: This is untrue and evidence would be required to substantiate this

allegation. It is experienced in many instances that certain members of

the public do not accept the responses given because they hold a

certain view and would not accept the Council deliberated and

concluded view

51. Communication feedback by the spokesperson of the Municipality should

be the truth and carefully considered. For example the KM has not

apologized on the chaos in December as a result of the power failure,

sewerage in public areas and appalling condition of water and the effect

on the community and holidaymakers.

Answer: The views expressed are views based on internal investigation of

facts. There should be a distinction between cold facts and the attitude of

the messenger towards those facts.

52. Communication with residents should immediately be given attention and

communication channels like newspapers, Facebook and other mediums

should be used to communicate continuously. This lack of

communication shall not be tolerated any longer

Answer: This is a welcomed, constructive and valid point. The Municipality

can build on such constructive views that shows both maturity and

extending the hand of co-operation.

53. Proper planning for Holiday time periods should be done in advance and

residents and community leaders should give input in this regard

Answer: Council on a yearly bases submit a seasonal preparedness plan

before the season

54. Inaccurate Statistics of Local Population or not made public.

Answer: We cannot make up this grievance allegation or fact

13

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

Road Maintenance / Parking lots / Cars

55. No proper Car Guard Association. Drunk car guards. Unregistered car

guards. Irritating car guards. The worst are the CBD and Beachfront, the

most important areas for Tourism and Business. SAP – needs to establish a

committee with all relevant stakeholders.

Answer: The powers and Functions of the Municipality are clearly spelt out

in Schedule B of the Constitution of the Republic and Car Guards is not

our responsibility.

56. No Heavy Duty vehicles weight management for causeway.

Answer. 3.5 Ton GVM weight limit applies to causeway. Traffic law

enforcement need to be increased.

57. Fail to maintain dirt road to R102 while causeway is in disrepair or repair

Answer: Road between Paradise Beach and R102 is a Provincial road (DR

01767). Maintenance is the responsibility of the Provincial department and

not Kouga Municipality

58. Short stretches of tar roads need to be re screeded, not constantly

repairing potholes that constantly reform. KM does not prioritize

Answer: Road repairs are done within the constraints of the annual

operating budget.

59. Dogwood danger dip stretch needs to be properly and permanently re

screeded and fixed for 20 meters

Answer: Noted, will be placed on the 2015/2016 budget as a priority for

funding.

60. Residential sidewalks are not maintained. Weeds growing or overgrown

and impassable in unpaved areas.

Answer: Disagree, weekly mowing program that includes entrances, walk

ways and sidewalks in some areas we have the assistance by residence in

mowing in front of their houses

No proper pedestrian or/and cycling pavements. No maintenance of

these

14

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

61. Beachfront parking areas are not maintained

Answer: Road repairs are done within the constraints of the annual

operating budget. Where funds are available main routes are priorities.

62. Cattle and stray dogs are a menace and a danger.

Answer: Kouga is currently looking at commonage with the Department

of Rural Development. Currently we working closer with SPCSA for the

impound of stray animals

63. Pavement weeds are not removed, even in the main roads. This is the

Municipality’s job

Answer: Noted, spraying of herbicide to road edges is will be considered

within the 2015/16 budget.

64. Roads in areas like St Francis are in a terrible state. The roads in Paradise

Beach and Aston Bay are falling apart. These should be properly tarred

and maintained in stretches, not just repair individual pot holes. Damage

to Residents’ vehicles will not be tolerated any longer.

Answer: Road repairs are done within the constraints of the annual

operating budget. Annual budget 2014/15 is only R 1,8m for resealing of

roads in the entire Kouga area. An annual estimated amount of R 5,6m is

required. Road repair is not an income generating services and is funded

from annual rates.

Integrated Development Plan / Budget

65. Ineffective or outdated Integrated Development Plan documentation

and implementation.

Answer: Our IDP is developed in line with the Guidelines and was rated

amongst the best in the Province and the MEC Comment are available

for scrutiny of the Public if required.

66. Ineffective facilitation of Integrated Development Plan by KM staff.

Answer: It is our desire to improve and should the public have advises it

will be to make these would be welcomed.

15

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

67. Ward Committee recommendations and proposals are not considered or

acted upon

Answer: We shall consider developing guidelines as their suggestion

recommendation which must be considered by Council before it makes

decision.

68. No effective functional committees for e.g. Financial Committee.

Answer: All Standing Committees are Functional and recommends to the

Mayoral Committee which in turn makes recommendations to the Full

Council

69. Public input is not recognized when compiling budget

Answer: The law creates space during the budget compilation for the

public to make inputs to be considered by Council. The law does not

impose the obligation to Council to accept those views but to consider

them and if it accept them that will be welcomed and if it reject them it

must advance reason as to why it did not accept those input and views.

70. Inefficient Tourism funding, implementation and promotion.

Answer: Funding is always dictated by competing needs and the

available resources.

General

71. Indigenous Fauna and Flora and natural areas not protected properly or

not at all.

Answer: Whilst we acknowledge that this is not one of our constitutional

mandate we are working closely with the Department Of Environmental

Affairs as they are the custodians of this function

72. No Tourism Development for entire region.

Answer: The Municipality has even established a directorate to look after

Tourism.

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KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

73. No established Disaster Management Plan in place. What happens in an

Emergency? Water, Sewerage, Security, Epidemic and Health Disaster

Emergency!

Answer: Revised disaster management plan is awaiting adoption by

Council in April 2015

74. Lifesavers have no shade or shelter while doing their duties Blue flag

beach lifesavers have shelters, however other beaches has none.

Answer: This matter is on the IDP 2015/2016

75. Mismanagement or no encouragement to Re Cycle Waste.

Answer: Waste minimization processes are in place throughout Kouga.

Programs are in place – 4 awareness educators appointed by DEA who

are busy throughout Kouga. Various waste minimization processes are in

operation within Kouga

76. Ongoing knock on effect of poor service delivery lowers town standards.

Answer: The Statement is correct but the context is not correct.

77. Political infighting is causing incongruences, apathy, mismanagement

and non-performance.

Answer: The Statement is correct and the facts have not be supplied.

78. Poor and ineffective Kouga Municipality management is causing social

confusion, discord and disharmony. Apathy among residents and

ratepayers.

Answer: The sentiment is correct but unfortunately it is not supported by

facts

79. The inadequate unenclosed sewerage pit at the new high school where

the cows are drinking from the sewerage and urinating near the school.

This is a serious Health hazard.

Answer: The exact location not supplied.

17

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

80. Where is the transparency and accountability? The Kouga Municipality is

not transparent in the management of functions and are not held

responsible for poor service delivery.

Answer: We need evidence to back up this sentiment for us to give a

detailed response

81. Each town in Kouga has its own unique and different needs and

attributes. These should be developed and maintained with the town’s

specific needs in mind and with local concerns in mind and involved for

proper consideration

Answer: We agree.

82. Improper utilization of available land assets. Selling off the same to pay ill

earned debts. These should be developed and utilized and not just sold

off.

Answer: Where land is sold it will be sold for infrastructure development

not to pay any loans. Truth be told this administration has not incurred any

loans except to service the inherited loans

83. A proper well established environmental implemented plan for Jeffrey’s

Bay and Kouga areas that deserve conserving. We live in a unique place,

let us preserve and protect it properly for future generations.

Answer: When we speak of constructive and well thought contribution by

any citizen we mean this contribution. It is forward looking and aimed to

build a better Kouga for all of us. We are encouraged. Draft coastal

management plan in place, DEA to assist with estuaries management

plan and reflect in the IDP 2015/2016

84 No education on local flora and fauna for schools using our natural areas

for this education.

Answer: Kouga to approach the Department of environmental affairs for

this program for the schools

85. Little or no practical promotion of Local Arts and Crafts.

Answer: We operated in the environment of limited resources and

competing need but the comments are well received

18

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

86. No Credit Card or Debit Card facilities to pay Kouga Municipality

accounts;

Answer: The concern is noted and shall be investigated and be reported.

87. Lack of security at beaches during the day and night No 24 hour

operation elsewhere, however daily security services are provided.

Answer: Financial constraints is the challenge.

88. Improper and lagging development of informal areas. Sewerage, water,

electricity, infrastructure. Creating discourse in these areas instead of

developing them properly.

Answer: Please visit informal areas in order to see progress

89. Lack of proper facilities for Technical and Tertiary Education. Especially

agricultural and basic technical skills (Technical Schools, Technicians, and

University). To create avenues for self-employment, growth and

development

Answer: We must work together in order to address the challenges you

mention. It is our desire as the local state that when we no longer hold the

reigns our generations would be able to point to the solid foundation we

laid. The building of the Technical School in Jeffrey’s Bay is a step in the

right direction. Together we can move Kouga Forward.

90. Lack of improvement initiatives in underdeveloped areas such as

community vegetable gardens, training in recycled goods, clean safe

parks and social structure.

Answer: Agreed

91. Failure of disclosure of a Disaster Management Plan for in the event that

the Thyspunt Nuclear Development go ahead, or if it does not go ahead.

In either case, we should have a proper Disaster Management Plan in

place. The public should be informed and prepared for this in either

scenario. Where is the definition and transparency of the above? Draft

disaster management plan – needs further stakeholders involvement.

Answer: We agree.

19

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

92. Inefficient regulation and conservation of electricity.

Answer: Regulation of electricity is the responsibility of NERSA.

Inadequate planning, maintenance or proper development, for the future

93. Failure to disclose plans for development and the future. Lack of

transparency for the future. To give us proper meaningful incentive for our

future.

Answer: Our future development plans are well captured in our IDP.

94. Accountability and transparency from our higher influences (Bishu , Port

Elizabeth) . Some indication from higher leadership of the plans for our

future development and success is vertically non-existent.

Answer: We as the Community of Kouga specially the advantaged

community must begin to get involved in areas where we are not in need

so that we will understand certain decision in their context. This Country

belong to all who live in it united in our diversity. Also those who have the

experience in areas of their profession must come closer not with the

attitude of showing how others lack skills and knowledge but to provide

their skills in a most humbled way for the betterment of our future and

destiny as residents of Kouga.

95. Prevention is better than cure. Preparation makes for good

management.

Answer: We agree

96. Kouga is unique and must be developed for Kouga. Each town and

region in Kouga is unique with its own needs and potential for

development.

Answer: This has been responded elsewhere above.

97. Plans on how to fix and promote our beautiful Town should be made as

soon as possible. Residents should be involved in this regard. How are we

going to get the Tourists back who left as a result of the chaos? They are

our bread and butter.

Answer: We need to engage.

20

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO THE JEFFREYSBAY RESIDENTS ASSOSCIATION PETITION

98. Procedures and processes for reporting of problems by residents are not in

place at KM. Reference numbers in order to monitor solutions is essential.

Feedback channels should be established. Kouga employees and

officials do not react on communication of residents, for example e mails

or calls.

Answer: This allegation is getting familiar and will definitely be attended.

99. Water, sewerage and Fires should be treated as emergency services.

Employees in this Departments should be specialists and well trained.

Sufficient employees should be employed for this important task. Training

of this staff should be monitored by the community. This is not the situation

currently.

Answer: Whilst we agree with sentiments, we are well aware that the idea

will need to be financed and currently our financial situation is not kind to

the proposal made.

100. Inefficient development , use and management of KM buildings .Many

Kouga Municipality buildings , offices and meeting venues in serious

disrepair and in need of maintenance for example the Old Country Club

in Humansdorp and the Newton Hall.

Answer: The Kouga Council has noted your concern and has taken a firm

view that we need a planned process to renovate all our existing buildings

and ensure that those that we are not utilising must be alienated to the

service providers that will maintain and use them in the best interest of all

our people.

We thank the people of Kouga in their strides to ensure that Kouga is a better

place for all its citizen.

Thus dated at Jeffrey bay on this 06th March 2015

Signed Electronically by :

Prepared for Kouga Municipality

MR SS FADI

MUNICIPAL MANAGER

********************************************************************

Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association 

2014 to  2015  Annual General Meeting  Minutes

( and Chairmans comments )  

1. Registration and Welcome by Chairman

Chairman welcomed the members and thanked everyone for attending .

( Quorum was confirmed )

A special thank you to Global Leadership Academy for use of their venue and for supplying the facilities

for power point presentation at such short notice .

The Chairman thanked Laurika Niewenhuis for her constant support , enthusiasm and diligence in 2013 and 2014 .

A special thank you was made to Gerardt Fouche' for organising the March for 100 Reasons  as well as those who helped with organising and assisting with the  March

and of course a special thank you to all of those who attended the March .

2 . Chairmans Reports

 A) Chairman’s  Annual Report

Since I was elected Chairman of the JBRA in 2013 it has been an uphill struggle to maintain , manage and encourage the

proper running and Chairmanship of the JBRA due to apathy and lack of support from residents in joining and supporting the JBRA as Committee Members.

I must admit that if it were not for the support and guidance of Laurika Niewenhuis then I would not have made it this far .

I was amazed at the lack of support and how so few attended the JBRA AGM in 2013 . I presumed that the JBRA was well established with the direct support of business and prominent residents .

I was elected at the AGM in 2013 after presenting a proposal at the AGM to establish a Garden Refuse Recycling Depot in Jeffreys Bay as a concerned resident in order to save us having to travel all of the way to Humansdorp to dump a wheelbarrow full of garden cuttings .

My main concern was to ensure that we could thus effectively eradicate and remove alien plant overgrowth in order to look after the Kloof Nature Reserve Conservation Areas and eliminate fire hazards as well as improve security within the Jeffreys Bay area  by helping to control the myriad of  criminal hiding places and escape routes .

My Chairmanship of and suggestions to the existing JBRA Committee  in 2013 were substantial as I was trying to establish more participation of residents ( and businesses ) to make the JBRA more functional in nature in other aspects of development as well .

I underlined that we need to have a reliable central Committee with a secretary that can appropriately channel our complaints and concerns  while also most importantly establishing a unified co ordination system whereby residents are informed of the vital integral business , tourism and residents interests while encouraging businesses , tourism and development with the interests of the Residents and Ratepayers of Jeffreys Bay firmly in mind .

This has not been easy especially considering the continually changing diverse nature and differing character of the residents within Jeffreys Bay .

I have also pointed out the need for a proper well established Annual Summer and Spring Festival in Jeffreys Bay similar to the very successful Winter Sport and Music Festival  which would do allot for the town .

We also need more locally made arts and crafts stalls in peak periods by local residents . This is an opportunity for households , retirees or entrepreneurs for an extra income

Since our AGM in February 2013 due to lack of support and encouragement from residents the Committee had fallen back to the

count of two .  Laurika and myself . 

It has also been a very long and arduous road for me considering the personal time , stress and effort  that it has required

to maintain a sensible perspective to try and ensure that the JBRA remains active and productive in the future .

Last year I  attended all but one of the Ward 8 meetings as well as other meetings including Afriforum , IDP Review, Ward delimitation meetings  and other  discussions .

I would like to encourage everyone to attend their Ward meetings in future when possible  .

This is our communication with KM and vital to have our voices and concerns heard through the official KM channels , even if it is just to make a suggestion .

That  is the function of Ward meetings besides grievances .  

For the Ward Chairman , Committee and KM  to also accept recommendations , ideas and proposals to improve our situation .  Let us make the best of this  that we can  .

Obviously we would like these same people who attend Ward meetings to become an integral part of the JBRA Committee at the same time .

So that we can discuss issues on our own level .

To make sure that our interests are always maintained and looked after from a  non political  view point .

The JBRA being non political  is our greatest strength in times of continual and increasing political rhetoric , lack of transparency , diversion from matters of critical importance and mismanagement .

Since Laurika and myself have met with KM officials in 2013 and attended the Ward 3 and Ward 8 meetings in 2014 , money has been  allocated by the Department of Water Affairs for Borehole exploration and water testing for the Wavecrest water supply and for the development of the Plant .

We have to follow up on the proper justified allocation and implementation of the Wavecrest Water Purification Plant  development  , borehole exploration and testing   to make sure that these monies are properly accounted for and properly utilised for which they were allocated ( Remember that this is not funding from KM , it is funding from the Department of Water Affairs ) .

The Wavecrest Water Purification  Plant development still has many serious inadequacies and shortcomings including a secure fence enclosure with permanently properly trained staff to monitor , test and maintain it 24 hours a day . Not to mention proper comprehensive development and management from now on .

Clean drinkable Water is our most basic essential right .

The New and very modern Sewerage Reticulation Plant also requires permanently locally trained professional staff to manage it .

Soon after  the Speaker attended our Ward 8 meeting in late 2014 , there followed the implementation of remuneration for those who attend Ward  meetings . This has not been the case in Ward 3 and other Wards however it is apparently going to be soon  .

We must find or create solutions .  At the very least we should especially in these challenging times help and assist in creating , shaping and managing our future . 

I have made many proposals and expressed many grievances and shortcomings of the KM at my ward 8 meetings ,

while trying to encourage an implementation of reasonable recourse and substantial improvement  for development and maintenance

to ensure that our Ward and town is properly looked after , managed and developed .

 For all Residents and Ratepayers .

For our future . 

That is after all what the JBRA is supposed to be all about .

Protecting our rights as residents and ratepayers and ensuring the proper management and administration of our town and region for our  present and our future .

Jeffreys Bay is the  major majority of Ratepayers in the whole Kouga region . We thus deserve and demand adequate service delivery from KM and have a proper say in KM and Jeffreys Bay affairs .

We also need to make a difference in the development of our town for our future .

I would thus like to call on all of the Groups , Associations and Organisations in Jeffreys Bay from the  Kouga Business Forum  to   Dorp van Drome  to  Afriforum  and surfers and retirees as well as the aged , and especially to the youth and their parents .

Our future needs and aspirations deserve to be properly developed and managed in 2015  .

The chances are that we will have a majority DA Kouga Council in 2016 which will inevitably change our local future circumstances, management   and development for the better  . 

Hopefully we will not have so many problems to follow up on from 2016  onwards .

We deserve and demand competent management and development of our town and region from the Kouga Municipality .

A special thank you to everyone that have attended tonight .

And of course .... the Residents and Ratepayers .

Thank you !

B) Annual Financial report 2015

I am afraid that our finances look bleak.

The JBRA began with  more or less  R2000 for the 2014 financial  year

With few additional paid up members we have not had any substantial positive credit input .

Our costs for 2014 have been minimal for telephone , printing and advertising .

Our balance in January 2015 was approximately R1200 .

It now stands at approximately R700 as R500 was spent on printing and other for the March for 100 Reasons .

Our paid up membership increased by seven members at the AGM , this is great , lets try and get more paid up members .

We now have exactly R730.76 in our cheque account  and R700 in cash ( from new paid up members at the AGM ) which is a total of R1430.76.

As well as R2500 in our fixed deposit account .

Thank you to GLA for the free use of their premises otherwise our balance would be much lower .

We need to  increase our funds by increasing our paid up membership base as well as other means in 2015 and beyond .

The World wide economic crisis and recession has become very challenging as we are basically living in a post peak oil world . 

As far as I know , this  means that times are still going to be more difficult . And they are not going to get better unless we make them  get better .

This downturn also provides a chance of opportunity and change for the better . With adversity there is also opportunity .

The main costs that the JBRA may have are   :

Printing and telephone calls ,  Water Testing , JBRA initiatives and projects  ,  other .

3. Presentation by Nico Malan High School  

Accompanied by Jan Olivier , two senior students , Marisa and Billa provided a Power Point presentation on what they would like improved in their area .

They were writing exams the next day so we had to re schedule them earlier in the AGM so they could leave early .

The JBRA thanks them very much for attending and making a presentation at such short notice and during exams at that .

The youth are our future and we wanted to hear from them first hand what their concerns are .

The youth tend to have an inherent instinct and feel of what the future should hold , a perspective that many adults sometimes fail to perceive and implement .

Ons as leerlingraad van Hoërskool Nico Malan wil eerstens baie dankie sê vir die geleentheid om ook ons beheoftes aan die gemeenskap oor te dra.

Ons het ‘n paar punte van belang:

1.      Parkering

2.      Veiligheid

3.      Straatligte

4.      Bemarking

5.      Sportfasiliteite

Eerstens  die sypaadjies voor die skool

-Nico Malan ouers het self skouer aan die wiel gesit om die sypaadjie voor die skool op te grader.

-Die bome te verwyder omdat die boomwortels die teer lig en daar is ook nie genoeg parkering nie

-Ons versoek die munisipaliteit om die sypaadjie eenmaal ordentelik te teer en die parkeerstrepe te verf

-Bogenoemde sal veiliger wees vir die leerders en die motoriste

Veiligheid

-Ons as kinders wil veilig voel in ons omgewing

-Nico Malan is reg langsaan die begrafplaas gelee

-Ons doen ‘n beroep aan die munisipaliteit om die omheining rondom die Humansdorp begrafplaas op te grader omdat baie moontlike misdadigers daar wag en mense aan rand

-Die begrafplaas is hulle ontvlugingsroete

-Verskeie kere is kinders al aangeval en hul selfone gesteel

-Die skoolheining is ook nie veilig nie en die skool moes dit uit hul eie betaal

-Die veiligheid is ‘n gedeelde verantwoordelikheid van die staat en die skool

Straatligte

-Daar is saans aktiwiteite by die skool

-Sommige leerders wag vir hulle ouers en moet dan in die donkerstraat wag

-Dit is onveilig

Bemarking

-Aanwysingsborde vir ons skole word benodig

-Nie net borde wat aandui waar die skool is nie, maar wat oor die algemeen aandui, soos die polisiestasie

-Skole is ‘n groot toerisme aantreklikheid

-Voornemende inwoners wil altyd weer of daar ‘n goeie skool is voordat hulle besluit om hulself daar te vestig.

Sportfasiliteite

-Ons as Nico Malan leerders is baie bevoorreg om baie goeie sportfasiliteite te he

-maar dorpspanne en ander skole wil gereeld ons skool/sportgeriewe gebruik.

-Ons sal graag wil sien dat ons mede skole bygestaan word met die opgradering van hulle sportgeriewe

-Die Kouga-area het ‘n behoefte aan publieke sportfasiliteite wat almal kan gebruik veral met spreiligte sodat daar ook in die aande geoefen kan word.

Weereens baie dankie

En sterkte met u jaar

Thank you Nico Malan .

The presentation was a little short as it was exams the next day and they did not have that much time to prepare .

The Chairman suggested  that when they have more time we should have a workshop type project as a school project in future to give students a chance to get involved with suggestions and influencing the future proper development , management and prosperity of our areas . 

A sort of Junior Committee  ,   Afriforum Jeug ,  Youth Business  or Junior Parliament Council etc... would be ideal .

On behalf of the JBRA we would like to thank Nico Malan  very much for attending and making a presentation  under such demanding  circumstances .

Letter from Jeffreys Bay Primary School

The Chairman of JBRA also invited comments on a presentation from Jeffreys Bay Primary School .

They were not able to attend as the Grade 7 classes are away on tour so they sent in a letter which made a request for a swimming pool even if it is a public swimming pool .  LAERSKOOL JEFFREYSBAAI

JEFFREYS BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL

18 February 2015

Dear Mr Ford

Thank you for your invitation to attend the rate payers meeting on 25.02.15. Unfortunately our Grade 7 classes are away on tour. Our school is involved in numerous community outreaches. Our Early Act club is involved in the following:-

1.      A group of Grade 7 girls visit certain old age homes on Valentine’s Day. They hand out a packet of sweets and they sing and chat to the residents.

2.      For Easter we collect Easter eggs and crayons, toys, books etc and we deliver these to the Pre-schools in Pellsrus. One of our pupils dresses up as the Easter Bunny.

3.      In May we have a collection of 2nd hand winter clothing. This is sorted into age groups and it is donated to farm schools in surrounding areas.

4.      We also have a big walk in May and the Early Act members use this opportunity to clean up the beach.

5.      We support CANSA by having coin collections.

6.      We also support the various animal shelters eg SPCA, Pet Rescue by collecting dog food.

7.      Last year we had a civvies day for the NSRI.

8.      Our school is environment friendly and we encourage pupils to recycle their plastic bottles and tins. These are taken to the recycling project on Mondays. Early Act members are involved with the Recycling Project on Mondays.

9.      Our school not only keeps our own grounds clean we also keeps our verges cut and litter free.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the various associations in Jefrreys Bay that volunteer their services to upgrade our town. Namely Super Tubes Trust, Dorp van Drome, Recycling Project to name a few.

In conclusion we would like to make one request however and that is for a municipal pool that all residents and schools could use for a nominal fee. We feel that it is vitally important that all children in Jeffreys Bay learn how to swim. This would prevent many drownings in our area.  This money collected could be used for the upkeep.

Kindest regards

Kerry Smith                                                                            D.G. Grobler

Co-ordinator Early Act                                                 Principal

4.  Challenges for the Committee in 2015

We will be following up on the March for 100 Reasons in 2015 .

Please refer to our website and social media for a copy of the

List of 100 reasons for the March and please comment and give input on these .  ( Also attached )  

We need to identify the urgent issues as Projects in 2015 . This will make it easier for the JBRA to tackle all issues properly .

We have great challenges ahead especially in tough economic times and need to keep KM properly accountable on all levels . While also working for positive development in Jeffreys Bay . This is a major challenge .         

Jeffreys Bay is the majority ratepayers of Kouga Municipality and we deserve and demand for our voices to be heard and listened to .

5. Projects to Consider 

a.) We need to create and encourage networking with other Residents and Ratepayers Associations so that we can approach Kouga   Municipality as a larger concerned majority group in Kouga . There is no Mayor of Jeffreys Bay , there is only one Kouga Mayor for the whole of Kouga .

He needs to be competent and hard working with the interests of the Residents and Ratepayers firmly in mind .

We need to stop being ignored as individual towns by Kouga Municipality .

b.) Removal of alien plant overgrowth is especially needed in the Wavecrest Area primarily so that we can prevent fire hazards and also improve security in the area making it more difficult for criminals to be active not to mention looking after our Natural Areas .

Cut alien plants can be replaced by Indigenous Plants along the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas  to preserve and maintain our Natural Areas  .

Better control , conservation and management of our Natural Areas for the above reasons . Managing our Natural Areas properly.

6. Presentation on the Participation and Responsibility of Residents .

*  A presentation was made by Gerhardt Fouche'   , the organiser for the March for 100 Reasons and also a committee member

( Gerhardt to please insert a summary of his presentation and discussion here )

* Bryan Dludlu from Pellsrus who is also now a committee member and now Vice Chairman presented a brief introduction in starting a Jeffreys Bay  initiative to help us to conserve and manage our energy consumption by becoming more self-sufficient and energy conscious

Here is Bryans presentation below .

7.)  Confirmation of the Constitution

The changes that were proposed for discussion were read out , discussed and voted on once everyone had agreed on each one .

In the Constitution:

1.  The name to read : " The Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association "  ( not just " Residents Association " ) . We are the homeowners and Ratepayers and thus shall be named as such .

2.  " Member" to refer to a paid up registered member and also a member who is   registered with the JBRA   and not paid up .

" Association "  refers to " The Residents and Ratepayers Association " .

3.  The geographical area of the JBRA to now also include the areas of :

CBD , Ferriera Town , Fountains Estate , Marina Martinique and Pellsrus .

4.  To watch over Municipal affairs as a non political independant association .

7.  Our annual membership fees to be R100 per annum .

8 c) The Management Committee shall consist of no more than a maximum of 15 Committee Members .

10. b) The Financial Year of the Association shall be from the date of one AGM to the next  ( 12 months ) .

Changes were agreed to and will be made .

Please remember that members of the JBRA Management Committe may not persue a political candidacy or be an official of or a consultant to the Kouga Municipality while they are on the JBRA Committee

8.) Election of new Committee Members

Thankfully we managed to encourage a very comprehensive committee to volunteer and join .

This new Committee will meet to discuss and decide on who will  fill the various positions , what their projects will be , ward based initiatives  etc... 

Committee Members should and must be complimentary to each other and the Residents and Ratepayers of Jeffreys Bay .

Due to time constraints we did not decide on  designations for committee members  at the AGM  except for Chairman and Vice Chairman .

The New Committee Members for 2015 are :

Gerhardt Fouche' ~ Chairman ,  Bryan Dhludlu ~ Vice Chairman

As well as  the new Committee Members  : Chris de Vos , Elaine  Oosthuizen , Alta Witten , Vincent McCarthy ,  Cheryl Lyon , Garth Ford , Mariette van Biljon , Felicity Engelbrecht ,  Francious Pretorius , Johnita Pretorius , Genevieve Van Niekerk .

Garth Ford was thanked for his ongoing dedicated contribution and hard work as Chairman of the JBRA in 2013 ~ 2015 ,  as well as his efforts in  co organising the March for 100 Reasons .

a.) Management and support

There was and is a great need for the JBRA to be managed properly by a comprehensive committee and now at last the JBRA  has  these Committee Members to perform the various functions of the Committee .

Gerhardt Fouche' was elected as Chairman .  Gerhardt was the main organiser for the March for 100 Reasons and has put in allot of time and effort towards this .

Bryan Dludlu  who was very popular and a very close second in  votes for chairman will now be Vice Chairman  .

I am sure that we will be hearing allot more from Bryan .

b.) Ward based portfolio members

The Chairman expressed the need for members to attend Ward meetings and be committee members so that we can address 

the issues brought up at ward meetings and discuss these as a JBRA Committee .

Thus ward based committee members will be discussed at the first Committee Meeting from the  committee

members that were elected at the AGM . 

Ward meetings will be coming up in April . The Wards meeting  time and place will be advertised on our website and social media  .

c.) Project managers

*  Projects  for committee members who follow up on water quality and the  proper  developments  at the Wavecrest Plant

Also to monitor  water leaks and bleeding  through fire hydrants and the new valves .  We will most probably need more than one committee member for water projects .

*  Project manager for sewerage to monitor sewerage spills and complaints from residents so that we can build up a portfolio of

how many spills and where and approach Kouga Municipality with these . Follow up on the new Plant , pump stations etc...

*  Environmental concerns and projects will need to have a Committee member . This will inevitably be Garth Ford .

*  A Committee member to monitor our infrastructure shortcomings and where we can improve . Monitor KM budget and spending etc...

This is obviously our biggest concern at the moment .

*  A committee member to manage energy related concerns and projects . This will inevitably be Bryan Dludlu .

* We will need a Committee project manager  for safety and security *  The dire Car Guard problem is a major project and an official  formalised permanent Car Guard Association needs to be permanently and effectively formed . This problem has been going on for far too long .

This to  also  be done in association with the relevant businesses , KBF and KM .

* Other  .  There should be many more projects to follow .

 The Chairman recommends that Committee  members should be allowed to change their designations if they require   .

Some projects will require two members .

Hopefully some projects will be solved and completed and only require minimum attention after that and leave committee members to concentrate on development further  and be productive instead of always continuously only having to follow up on correcting  KM problems .

Obviously we do not want to have to work ourselves to death with no result as has happened in the past , and be pensioners and too

old  to enjoy the benefits of our labour before the problems are properly resolved . 

Please remember that members of the JBRA Management Committee may not pursue a political candidacy or be an official of or a consultant to the Kouga Municipality while they are serving on the JBRA Committee .  The JBRA  must remain non political .

9 . General , last questions and comments from the floor

Questions and discussion was taken from the floor with response from the Chairman and others .

Most discussion and opinion was taken from the floor during the meeting above .

10. Closure

A very successful Annual General Meeting was concluded .

We are very happy that a new comprehensive JBRA Committee has evolved from the AGM .

This is great news and very encouraging for the JBRA and our interests and was the most important issue on the Agenda and for the future of the JBRA .

Thank  you everyone for attending and especially for the presentations made .

An especially big thank you to all of the new Committee Members for committing themselves .

Thank you . We can make 2015 a good year .

Yours faithfully

Garth Ford

Chairman of JBRA  for the 2013 to 2015  period .

***********************************************

Residents and Ratepayers March for 100 Reasons

held on the 6th February 2015 .

Petition and 100 Reasons handed over to the Kouga Municipality Mayor : 

Electricity

1. Poor maintenance and development of electrical infrastructure . Damage to foodstuffs and electrical appliances during long outages

2. Meter readings are not consistently monitored and not managed properly

3. Inadequate street lighting in many areas especially St Francis

4. Pre paid meter Admin Fee should not apply

5. Illegal connections not disconnected

Waste Management

6. Non removal of fallen trees and foliage

7. Dustbins not serviced in the Central business District and Beaches , not enough dustbins in other areas . Areas like Pellsrus have none .  

8. There is no Garden Refuse Dumping site in town wasting fuel in tough economic times making it difficult to eradicate alien overgrowth thus increasing risk of fires and crime

9. There is no General Refuse Dump site in town wasting fuel in tough economic times and causing people to dump anywhere thus further degrading the town

10. Pick up litter not only in tourist areas . More dustbins and refuse control in township areas

Water

11. No proper budgeting for water infrastructure maintenance.  Money still owing for P.E. water

12. Old water mains pipes need to be replaced, not just constantly repaired at huge ongoing costs

13. Excessive wastage of water from burst pipes and through bleeding from fire hydrants

14. Residents have to constantly replace geysers and elements at ongoing extra costs  because of dirty water with excessive Manganese .

15. Linen and clothes are permanently stained and ruined by brown water with Manganese . This cost should be refunded by the Municipality

16. Water unhealthy to drink because of excess Manganese . There is not enough permanent Technical staff at the water purification plant and the permanent and non permanent staff is not properly trained on using chemicals and equipment .

They are also not working on a 24 hour cycle and therefore do not manage the Plant effectively . Equipment is not maintained and utilised properly and are out of order continuously . The water purification plant are not funded properly and not monitored by management in order to ensure healthy drinking water . This can not be ignored any longer because of excess Manganese . This situation needs to treated as an emergency situation and is not negotiable any longer .

17. Technical staff at water purification plant are not properly trained or absent from duties and do not manage the plant on a 24 hour cycle  

18 . Water facilitation and management in townships is inadequate   

19. Water tests are never made public or revealed. How safe is our drinking water really ?? According to available reports , the water with Manganese can not be consumed and it can not be boiled . Children and older people need to drink water that is bought . Allot of residents can not afford to buy water daily .

Dr. Steynberg who did one of the Reports for the Department of Water Affairs said that : As soon as the water is brown it is unhealthy . 

Sewerage

20. No Plans , delay of plans for , or non implementation of water borne sewerage in many areas   

21. Sewerage spills at public toilets in Season and all of town the whole year

22. Sewerage running into public areas , sea and beach and lagoon at Kabeljouws and Main Beach

23. Poor reactive maintenance of pump stations

24. No back up generators for peak periods or load shedding effects like December

25. Sewerage in public areas must be treated as an emergency situation and must be acted on immediately

26. No properly trained permanent local staff at sewerage reticulation plant 

27 . Not enough ablution facilities on different beach areas and not properly managed.  We do not look after tourists who are on Holiday!

28. Backlog in mobile sewerage removal . Not enough trucks . Drivers must be bribed to act  

29. Proper sewerage and sanitation facilities in the townships is a major problem

And is not being addressed properly or not at all .

Finance  

30 . Traffic Department in Humansdorp has not paid R21 million plus 3 million interest per month  owing to E Natis

31. Increase of salaries are not performance based which leads to low standards and low service delivery levels

Kouga Municipality Service  and Staff

32. Why is tourism not a priority ?

33. Outsourcing should be focused on locals as a priority

34. Kouga Management does not live in the local area and therefor do not experience the problems in town first hand . 

35. Selective pick up of refuse . Also they leave a mess

36. Lack of By Law Enforcement

37. Lack of Traffic Officials at Peak Times

38. Lack of forward planning for maintenance and service delivery

39. Staff attitude is negative  . No performance management system , therefore no performance

40. Staff leave in December is not managed properly.  Emergency staff should not be able to go on leave.  Traffic personnel should be on duty every day during holiday periods

41. Employees do not keep to working hours.  No supervision and disciplinary procedures.

42. Low standards and slow reactive action are acceptable for employees.  Reason no supervision and management, no established work standards and no performance management.  Residents will not accept this. Proactive planning and action is essential.

43. Kouga employees have no work pride.  Reason can be unclear or no job specifications and job standards. Example :  Robot that was fixed in December but flashed yellow and green at the same time.

44. Role and Functions of Councilors are not clear to the community.

45. Procedures and processes for reporting of problems by residents are not acted upon .  Reference numbers in order to monitor solutions is essential.  Feedback channels should be established.

Communication

46. No Public Participation with regard to By Law enforcement

47. The KM website , www.kouga.gov.co.za  is not updated regularly enough and is outdated

48. No transparency in dealing with public matters

49. No timeous notice of meetings . Venues changed at last minute

50. No feedback on grievances and reporting on faults

51. Communication feedback by the spokesperson of the Municipality should be the truth and carefully considered. For example the KM has not apologized on the chaos in December as a result of the power failure, sewerage in public areas and appalling condition of water and the effect on the community and holidaymakers.

52.  Communication with residents should immediately be given attention and communication channels like newspapers, facebook, all established institutions etc  should be used to communicate continuously.  This lack of communication shall not be tolerated any longer

53. Proper planning for Holiday time periods should be done in advance and residents and community leaders should give input in this regard.

54. Inaccurate Statistics of Local Population or not made public 

Road Maintenance / Parking lots / Cars

55. No proper Car Guard Association . Drunk car guards . Unregistered car guards . Irritating car guards . The worst are the CBD and Beachfront , the most important areas for Tourism and Business .

56. No Heavy Duty vehicles weight management  for causeway

57. Fail to maintain dirt road to R102 while causeway is in disrepair or repair

58. Short stretches of tar roads need to be re screeded , not constantly repairing potholes that constantly reform . KM does not prioritize 

59. Dogwood danger dip stretch needs to be properly and permanently re screeded and fixed for 20 meters

60. Residential sidewalks are not maintained. Weeds growing or overgrown and impassable in unpaved areas . No proper pedestrian or/and cycling pavements . No maintenance of these

61. Beachfront parking areas are not maintained

62. Cattle and stray dogs are a menace and a danger

63. Pavement weeds are not removed , even in the main roads . This is the Municipality’s job

64. Roads in areas like St Francis are in a terrible state . The roads in Paradise Beach and Aston Bay are falling apart. These should be properly tarred and maintained in stretches , not just repair individual pot holes . Damage to Residents’ vehicles will not be tolerated any longer  

Integrated Development Plan / Budget

65. Ineffective or outdated Integrated Development Plan documentation and implementation

66. Ineffective facilitation of Integrated Development Plan  by KM staff

67. Ward Committee recommendations and proposals are not considered or acted upon

68. No effective functional committees for eg. Financial Committee

69. Public input is not recognised when compiling budget 

70. Inefficient Tourism funding , implementation and promotion

General

71. Indigenous Fauna and Flora and natural areas not protected properly or not at all

72. No Tourism Development for entire region

73. No established Disaster Management Plan in place . What happens in an Emergency ?

Water , Sewerage , Security , Epidemic and Health Disaster Emergency !

74. Lifesavers have no shade or shelter while doing their duties

75. Mismanagement or no encouragement to Re Cycle 

76. Ongoing knock on effect of poor service delivery lowers town standards

77. Political infighting is causing incongruences, apathy, mismanagement and non performance

78. Poor and ineffective Kouga Municipality management is causing social confusion , discord and disharmony . Apathy among residents and ratepayers .

79. The inadequate un enclosed sewerage pit at the new high school where the cows are drinking from the sewerage and urinating near the school  .  This is a serious Health hazard

80. Where is the transparency and accountability ? The Kouga Municipality is not transparent in the management of functions and are not held responsible for poor service delivery  

81. Each town in Kouga has its own unique and different needs and attributes . These should be developed and maintained with the town’ s specific needs in mind and with local concerns in mind and involved for proper consideration  

82. Improper utilisation of available land assets . Selling off the same to pay ill earned debts . These should be developed and utilised and not just sold off . 

83. A proper well established environmental implemented plan for Jeffreys Bay and Kouga areas that deserve conserving . We live in a unique place , let us preserve and protect it properly for future generations

84. No education on local flora and fauna for schools using our natural areas for this education  

85. Little or no practical promotion of  Local Arts and Crafts .

86. No Credit Card or Debit Card facilities to pay Kouga Municipality accounts

87. Lack of security at beaches during the day and night  

88. Improper and lagging development of informal areas . Sewerage , water , electricity , infrastructure . Creating discourse in these areas instead of developing them properly

89. Lack of proper facilities for Technical and Tertiary Education .  Especially agricultural and basic technical skills ( Technical Schools , Technicons , and University ) . To create avenues for self employment , growth and development 

90. Lack of improvement initiatives in underdeveloped areas such as community vegetable gardens , training in recycled goods , clean safe parks and social structure

91. Failure of disclosure of a Disaster Management Plan for in the event that the Thyspunt Nuclear Development go ahead , or if it does not go ahead . In either case , we should have a proper Disaster Management Plan in place . The public should be informed and prepared for this in either scenario . Where is the definition and transparency of the above ?

92. Inefficient regulation and conservation of electricity .

Inadequate planning , maintenance or proper development , … for the future

93. Failure to disclose plans for development and the future . Lack of transparency

for the future . To give us proper meaningful incentive for our future .

94. Accountability and transparency from our higher influences  ( Bishu , Port Elizabeth) . Some indication from higher leadership of the plans for our future development and success is vertially non existent .

95.  Prevention is better than cure . Preparation makes for good management .

96.  Kouga is unique and must be developed for Kouga .  Each town and region in Kouga is unique with its own needs and potential for development .  

97. Plans on how to fix and promote out beautiful Town should be made as soon as possible. Residents should be involved in this regard. How are we going to get the Tourists back who left as a result of the chaos?  They are our bread and butter

98. Procedures and processes for reporting of problems by residents are not in place at KM.  Reference numbers in order to monitor solutions is essential.  Feedback channels should be established.  Kouga employees and officials do not react on communication of residents, for example  e mails or calls .

99. Water, sewerage and Fires should be treated as emergency services.  Employees in this Departments should be specialists and well trained.  Sufficient employees should be employed for this important task.  Training of this staff should be monitored by the community. This is not the situation currently.

100. Inefficient development , use and management of KM buildings .

Many Kouga Municipality buildings , offices and meeting venues in serious disrepair and in need of maintenance for example the Old Country Club in Humansdorp and the Newton Hall .   

*******************************************************************************

Report and Proposals  

 for Ward 8 Committee :

Natural Areas and Parks conservation , management and maintenance

By Residents and Organisations living in these areas .

Compiled and presented by Garth Ford 

* Ward 8 Committee member for the portfolio of  Natural Areas ,  Parks

    And Recreation .

* Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association Committee  Chairman

* Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation Association  

                                         CONTENTS

Page

1.     Introduction and explanation

2.     Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation

3.     Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation Association

4.     Signage for the    Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation

5.     Signage for the    Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation continued …

6.     Garden Refuse Re Cycling Depot

7.     Indigenous Plant Nursery

8.     Letter to Residents along the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas

9.     Supertubes Reef Mile Conservation Foundation

10.                          Summary and Conclusion

11.                          Summary and Conclusion continued …

                                              1

                                    Introduction

Proposals for Ward 8 Natural Areas and Parks conservation , management and maintenance by Residents living in these areas .

Compiled and presented by Garth Ford  

( Ward 8 Committee member for the portfolio of  Natural Areas , Parks and Recreation )

( Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Committee  Chairman )

( Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation Association ) 

In conjunction with Dorp van Drome - to beautify and properly maintain óur parks and natural areas on a permanent sustainable basis  .

The aim of this report and proposals with a brief outline in short is to enhance Tourism as well as make it safer and more pleasant for Residents and Tourists alike to enjoy our natural areas in safety and harmony . Residents currently live in fear at night

And records show that most crimes in Wavecrest occur along the Kloof  Nature Reserve and adjoining Natural Green Areas ( Forest Ravines etc… ).

The main objective is of course to conserve , protect and preserve  our unique beautiful natural areas .

Thank you

Yours sincerely

Garth Ford

…………………..

Cell : 0782349791

E mail : garthford@telkomsa.net 

                                                     2

Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation Foundation

Herewith an outline of what I think the NoorseKloof  Nature  Reserve Areas   scenario should be like .

When I say Noorsekloof , I mean the NoorseKloof  Nature Reserve, and all surrounding Green Belt areas .

Adjoining parks will be maintained by Residents and Dorp van Drome

Noorsekloof  Nature Reserve is an ancient very well established Forest Ravine Eco System  

- some of the Euphorbias are around 400 years old  .

There is great diversity of fauna and flora as well as diverse and abundant bird life population

The "Foundation "  - ( I am not too sure if that is the right word to use yet ) will then have a : 

Committee ,  -  with Local Resident Members ,  that will manage , maintain and conserve the Kloof  Natural  Areas

and

Friends of the Kloof Nature Reserve Conservancy  which means  that even Tourists and outsiders can join as friends and support us .

This will give us an opportunity to offer   Educational   or   Tour Guide Assisted Tours through the Kloof . 

Some of these will hopefully eventually even  include tourists starting off a hiking trail in the Baviaans and then  ending up taking further steps into surrounding areas and the greater Baviaans Kloof - to end up in Jeffreys Bay with some very comfortable accommodation and magnificent beaches and a cool sea to dip into at journeys end .

The Kloof Trail Walk can ensue into a long extended walk along our beaches with our unique shells and World famous surf break at Supertubes  This can then be part of or inclusive to other tourism activities and trail routes in and around town . 

                                                      3

Obviously we can get more imaginative with things like an Easter Egg hunt competition etc... for the younger ones and treasure hunts  for holidaymakers etc...

It will also then be well maintained and organized enough to hold events such as drum evenings for locals and tourists alike .

It can also make an excellent wedding venue .

Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Conservation Association

Members Consisting of Residents who live along the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas .

To maintain , protect and conserve the Kloof Green Areas .

- Removal of Aliens to create proper effective fire breaks

- Replacing removed aliens with indigenous plants

- Properly re establishing the Kloof Trail

- Labeling of trees and plants along the Kloof Trail

- Erection of No Dumping signs at relevant locations where people dump

- To clean these areas and keep them vagrant and litter free

- To erect signs to demarcate the Kloof Reserve Areas and the Kloof Trail

- Construct picnic areas along the Kloof Areas , a Wedding Arch , park benches etc…

- To employ a trail guide / conservationist / security that will charge to take people along the Trail to identify plants etc...

He also be in charge of security day and night .

This could be partially sponsored by residents along the Kloof  

It is most important that entry into the Kloof is somehow regulated .

People will sign in when they enter the Kloof  . The key may be obtained from The Tourism Office or at the house at the bottom of the Kloof near Ozzies .

It will also then be well maintained and organized enough to hold events such as drum evenings for locals and tourists alike .

It can also make an excellent wedding venue .

                                                       4

Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Signage

This can easily be fully or partially  business sponsored

 To erect new signage that also clearly indicates that there is “ No Entry Permitted into the Kloof Areas between 7pm and 7am “

New Signage at the relevant areas along the Kloof  to include :

Kloof Nature Reserve Conservation Areas

Strictly No Entry into Kloof Nature Reserve Areas between 7pm and 7am

No Dumping

No Camping

No Fires

No Vagrants    

 etc…

Please stay as close to the trail as possible by following the red stones .

Take only photographs ,  leave only footprints .

Ribbons or colored stones to mark trail .

 Plant identification tags and laminated info labels on plants .

Key to bottom gate available from the Jeffreys Bay Tourism Office

or at the house at the Kloof  Entrance near Ozzies .

Signage for Myrtle bend ( foot path entrance )

NO DUMPING

                                                   5

New signage for Dogwood Entrance

As above ( page 1 )

FULL LARGE SIGN TO REPLACE OLD WEATHERED SIGN .

TO USE  EXISTING GUM POLES

Signage for Entrance at Kudu Street

As above (  page 1 )  No Fires …

Signage for Entrance at Leadwood Entrance

As above ( page 1 )  No Fires  etc…

Other….

NO DUMPING Areas etc….

INDEMNITY included in Large signs

                                                        6

Garden Refuse Recycling Depot

This will recycle cut alien vegetation cut and collected from around the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas and open plots .

Residents and garden services will also be able to drop off  their  garden refuse here .

Besides the above practical advantages , there are two other very positive benefits  :

* The above will ensure that excessive alien vegetation overgrowth will be eradicated reducing the risk of fire hazards

* As well as enhancing the security in the area as there will be less place for criminals to hide .

Equipment required

- Shredder and chipper and possibly even crusher to shred cut alien plants  and general garden cuttings into compost and firewood

- Trailer to collect cuttings ( and bakkie with tow bar )

- Petrol Chainsaw and heavy duty strimmer , saws , spades , picks  etc...

Permanent employees to be employed

                                                     7

Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Indigenous Flora Nursery  

- Potted indigenous plants from cuttings and seeds

- To replace cut aliens in the Kloof areas

- To sell to Residents , the public and Tourists to pay for costs and promote conservation of our natural areas 

- Educational workshops on indigenous botany identification , charactaristics and uses etc...

To work in conjunction with the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Botanical Trail to educate on our Indigenous Plants .  School groups , Tourist groups and Locals etc…

Permanent employees   

Both of the above to be situated together and securely fenced in  .

With a secure shed to store implements and machinery .

The Indigenous Plant Nursery will also be a place of education where school groups can come to regularly to be educated on the plants and their horticulture as well as practical help in propagating their

                                                          8

Letter to be sent out encouraging Residents to become involved

An open letter to all residents living along  

The Kloof Nature Reserve Areas green belt .

This is a notice to encourage Residents living along the Kloof Nature Reserve to help improve our local security and help conserve and protect The Kloof Nature Reserve Areas at the same time .

Residents can join the  Kloof Nature Reserve Areas  Conservation  Committee or just as Friends of the Kloof Nature Reserve to ensure it is looked  after , conserved and  Managed  properly while improving the  security of Residents who have property along the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas . This will also improve property values and protect our environment as well as making it safer for us to live and for all to enjoy.

We would like to help keep the Kloof  vagrant and criminal free by

STRICTLY  only allowing entry into the Kloof between 7am and 7pm .

Regular  civil patrol / surveillance  as well as ongoing maintenance

to maintain and conserve the Kloof Areas and remove surrounding alien vegetation thus reducing fire hazards and improving security .

Also to have a warning system for Residents along the Kloof Areas for Fire Emergency  and Crime Emergency  .

New Signage at the relevant areas along the Kloof  :

“ Strictly No Entry into Kloof between 7pm and 7am “

“ Signage for  bird and of plant identification   “

“ Kloof  Nature  Conservancy ”  

  “ No dumping ” 

Please contact me  if you are interested to become involved in the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas Committee ,  or would like to make some suggestions.

In cooperation  with

Wavecrest Neighbourhood Watch and CPF

Jeffreys Bay Residents  Association

Kouga Municipality

Eastern Cape Nature Conservation

Yours faithfully

Garth Ford

E-mail : garthford@telkomsa.net

Cell : 0782349791

27 Pittosporum ave , Wavecrest , Jeffreys Bay

                                                      9

Estalishment of the Supertubes Reef  Mile Conservation

 The official formation , establishment and promotion of the  " Supertubes Reef  Mile Conservation "

Establishment of the Permanent Conservation of the Reef from Boneyards to end Albatross  - as a Reef Conservation Area ( in other words no removal of bait from the Reef ) .

Fishing obviously still permitted  ( perhaps restricted to organised competitions ) .

To be properly signboarded and policed by Local residents .

This will be easier to police as NO removal of bait will be allowed , so we will not have to discern between bait licence holders and  poachers ( we will not have to check for licences as NO removal of bait will be allowed )  .

This is not only a Unique Reef Biome but also home to the World Famous Supertubes Surf  break  hosting annual ISP approved international surfing competitions . As well as the now well established  ASP annual  J.Bay Open

It will take many years for the Reef to recover to even mediocre levels of certain permanent recovery !  Fishing conditions will only improve .

Our unique shells that wash up from the reef will be no more if something  is not done to protect the reef soon .

Present reef degradation will inevitably affect our World  Famous  Surf

break eventually . A natural Tourism asset that can not be replaced .

One of the top 5 most consistent  right hand reef  surf break surfing waves in the World .  It should really have National or Provincial Heritage Status and yet it is not protected and conserved.

This will include the protection and conservation of the beaches and dunes in conjunction with the Supertubes Foundation

This conservation initiative   may also fall under this title .

This could also possibly  be a Trust or Association

The Supertubes Reef  Mile Conservation Association / Trust

                                                10

                                  Summary and Conclusion

The advantages and  functional effect that the above will have on Ward 8 and Jeffreys Bay as a whole is invaluable and vital in my opinion .

By establishing the Garden Refuse Recycling Depot :

* Security will be improved by the removal of alien plant overgrowth , overgrown plots etc…

* Fire hazards will be eliminated by creating proper fire breaks .

* Residents will be able to sleep without worrying and fear . The need to travel all the way to Humansdorp by residents will be eliminated thus conserving fuel and time as well as wear and tear on vehicles .

* People indiscriminately dumping their  garden refuse  anywhere will be eliminated .

* The Kouga Municipality will also save fuel , maintenance and wear and tear costs on vehicles as well as drivers salaries by not having to travel all the way to Humansdorp to dump Municipal foliage and cut alien vegetation etc…  

There are very few Kouga Municipality  trucks  that are available to do this ( only 2 I believe ) , and these will then be available to attend to  other areas in Kouga that need them .

The Garden Refuse Recycling Depot will ensure that this project is self sustainable  if  not also profitable .

Profits  can then be used to sustain , maintain and develop the Kloof Nature Reserve and Natural Green areas .

More Jobs and Employment opportunities will be created

The advantages and  complimentary nature of the Indigenous Plant Nursery ( Botanical Propagation  Nursery ) will ensure that this project is self sustainable  if not also  profitable .

Profits  can then be used to sustain , maintain and develop the Kloof Nature Reserve and Natural Green areas

More Jobs and Employment opportunities will be created

                                                11

The advantages of the Supertubes Reef Mile Conservation are obvious .

Essential for Tourism

Essential for conserving and protecting our World Famous  Surf  Break   Reef  for generations to come .

Ensuring a healthy environmental for growth and prosperity  of Tourism and for Residents in the future .

Better fishing conditions will prevail with a healthier reef .

We look forward to a properly organised  Summer  and  Spring Festival for Jeffreys Bay similar to the  extremely successful J.Bay Winter Sport and Music Festival .

Jeffreys Bay needs to be nurtured in various areas in order to grow and thrive .

***************************

Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association Agenda for AGM

To be held at the Global Leadership Academy in the Equinox Mall on the 25th February 2015 at 18hoo.

1 .  Greetings and Welcome .

2.   Confirmation of quorum.

3.   Acceptance of previous minutes 

4.   Annual Report from Chairman

a) Annual Report

b) Financial Report

5.  Input  from  Gerhardt Fouche’  , organiser of the March for 100 Reasons and new Committee member .

6. Talk by Bryan Dludlu on starting energy conservation and self-sufficiency  initiatives .

 7.  Clarification of what we need from the Committee for 2015

* Follow up on petition for March for 100 Reasons

* Committee Members Portfolio requirements

1. Committee members for each ward

2. Committee members for functional , interests , skills  and portfolio  based  requirements for example inter alia

·         Water

·         Sewerage

·         Environment

·         Roads

·         Secretary to manage JBRA Admin affairs

·         Energy

·         Media

·         Safety & security

·         Development and Tourism

8.  Projects to pursue

*  Encouraging the establishment and networking of Residents & Ratepayers Associations and Neighborhood watches within Jeffreys Bay and neighboring Kouga regions .

*  Removal and control of Alien overgrowth especially in Wavecrest around the Kloof Nature Reserve Areas , open plots etc... to improve security and reduce fire hazards .

9  Input from School Headmasters , school pupils (school head boys and girls) .

10.  Confirmation of the Constitution

11.  Election of new Committee Members and Chairman

12.  General - Last questions, recommendations and comments from the floor.

13. Closure

Notice of the first  General Meeting in 2015  to be announced .

Jeffreys Bay Residents Association / Jeffreysbaai Inwonersvereniging

Due to lack of support for Committee Membership , the Jeffreys Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association is now semi dormant until a new Committee is elected . 

Our website and Facebook page are still active . 

We also attend Ward meetings 

Please contact Garth Ford on 078 234 9791 

if you are interested to join the JBRA Committee 

or would like to nominate someone . 

Weens 'n gebrek aan ondersteuning vir Kommitee Lede , is die Jeffreysbaai Inwoners en Belastingbetalers Vereniging  nou semi dormant totdat 'n nuwe komitee verkies is .

Ons webwerf en Facebook-blad is nog steeds aktief .

Ons is ook aktief by  Ward vergaderings

Kontak asseblief Garth Ford op 078 234 9791
As jy belangstel om met die JBRA Komitee aan te sluit of as jy iemand wou nomineer .