If you are a member and have not yet paid - please could you make payment and be sure to put your Erf number and name as the reference.
If you have not yet joined -- please consider joining both RERA and REC.  They need your support and participation to keep Rooiels the special place it is.
Please note that RERA has new email addresses:
Chairperson (currently Allison Vienings)  rera.chair@rooiels.org.za
​Treasurer (currently Ivan Becker) rera.admin@rooiels.org.za

Go to the RERA Membership Page

RERA is appealing to all Rooielsers with concerns to contact the Liquor Licence Board and lodge their comments on the application being made for a Liquor Licence to operate a Distillery on one of the the smallholdings along Porter Drive, Skerpioenkraal (the farm where there are several barns and buildings set in the rooikrans trees).  Email philip.prinsloo@wcla.gov.za; sipokazi.faku@wcla.gov.za and nigel.fortune@wcla.gov.za.  Please copy Julia on your email.
See Details in the Document Below which provides information. Anyone who would like more information is asked to contact Julia Aalbers at juliaa@denovomedica.com or jaalbers@gmail.com

Rooiels Ratepayers Association (RERA)
Annual General Meeting
21 December 2017
18h00
Venue:    Erf 231  Ocean View Drive
 
 
AGENDA
1. Welcome:
2. Apologies:
3. Minutes of the previous AGM held on 27 December 2016:
4.  Chairperson’s Report: Julia Ward 10, Ruth General
Financial Report: Ivan Becker (Treasurer)  
Fire Report back:  Hilgard Muller
Slipway Report back – John Biesman Simons
Clarence Drive Report back – CDAG Representative
6.  Motions and Issues for discussion
The use of drones in Rooiels
Unused telephone poles
Marine protection for Rooiels coastline
7. Questions and discussions
8. Election of 2018 Exco:  Nominations welcome and needed!                   
9.  Thank you
10. Rooiels “Eagle awards”
11.  Closure
​

SPECIAL EVENT:  COMMUNITY SOUP EVENING
DATE:  SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2017
TIME: 17H30 – 20H00
VENUE:  THE DRUMMOND ARMS
HOSTED BY:  RERA, REBC, RESA, REC and the VILLAGE PEOPLE
Booking is essential.  
Please contact Kate Barker at katebarker130@gmail.com 
Food and wine provided!!  Please bring your own soup mug.
SEE YOU THERE!
Cash Bar will be open - please do not bring any of your own drinks

​​
There has been a lot happening in our village. Thanks to technology we are all able to stay in touch and up to date about what is going on.  It is clear that our community, though small, is connected and engaged making Rooiels a special place to be 24 hours a day.  As governments around the world face crises it is communities like ours that are learning how to survive and thrive in a complex, rapidly changing environment. 

We have faced many challenges this year and RERA appreciates being able to work closely with REC, RESA, REBC, and the Clarence Drive Action Group.  Collaboration and active citizenship within Rooiels ensured that we faced fire, poaching and crime together - to name a few!

Hilgard Muller has been officially appointed by RESA and RERA to head an investigation into the fire.  This investigation will ultimately lead to lessons learned and a more effective plan to deal with future fires.  We know that it was Rooiels locals that made a big difference in saving lives and homes.  Thank you to all those involved!!  This investigation will be comprehensive and wide ranging.  A report will be available once the research is completed.

Following the fire we asked for donations to help victims of the fire.  As always the community was generous in their support.  The money is going towards a monthly supplement for Lorna and her sister Dawn until they can find a new home.  They are still living in temporary accommodation and are looking for a permanent solution.  Both she and her sister express their thanks to Rooiels.

Speeding and dangerous driving continue to be a concern on Clarence Drive especially on the strip through Rooiels.  The Clarence Drive Action Group (CDAG)has met with a road consultant to investigate the best way to deal with this.  It involves working withboth local and provincial government.  Currently we have our own speed box that occasionally houses a speed trap.  Please contact Shelley Blake if you want to know more about this very important issue.

We have heard via the grapevine that repairs are to start on Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooiels.  This will definitely affect travel times so be prepared.

Also under discussion is the future of the Rooiels slipway.  RERA facilitated a meeting between the Municipal Manager, the Councillor, the Ward 10 Committee and the RE Boat Club concerning the slipway. On the basis of this consultation, the RE Boat Club is now entering into detailed negotiations with the Overstrand Municipality to establish an agent management contract.  Rooielserswho wish to contribute their views, should contact John Biesmon-Simons, chairman of the RE Boat Club or Julia Aalbers of RERA.
 
The Village Shop is an important part of Rooiels.  It has been closed for renovations and expansion and will reopen onthe 14th of August 2017.  We are told the wait will not disappoint.  The Drummond Arms will host the community soup evening.  We thank both businesses for being in Rooiels and supporting people who live and visit here.
 
Thank you to those who have renewed their RERA membership.  This allows us to contribute to special local projects and emergencies.  Any queries about finance can be directed to our Financial Manager, Ivan Becker.
 
We hope that you will join us on September 2nd at the Drummond Arms.  It promises to be a lively evening and a great opportunity to meet your fellow villagers.  Newcomers are especially welcome.
 
THE RERA TEAM

Update from the RERA/REC teams
 
We are fortunate that so many Rooielsers are alert and involved in keeping our village safe, clean and environmentally friendly.  The wellbeing of Rooiels relies on each of us to ensure that this special part of the world is protected.
 
The RERA/REC teams welcome open and interactive communications with all Rooielsers in bringing any issues to our attention as early as possible so that action can be taken sooner rather than later before it may become difficult to rectify a problem.
 
Current concerns:  some of these are building irregularities;  new slipway regulations; roads; poaching; speeding on Clarence Drive; overlay zones; intrusive outside lighting; public rubbish bins; feeding of baboons; to name but a few.  We also attend Ward 10 meetings to represent Rooiels and raise matters that need to be taken up by the municipality.
 
Erf 298:  thank you to the Rooielsers who contributed in bringing this building matter to RERA’s attention.  A report-back from RERA was made by email to those involved.
 
Erf 106 Application for removal of restrictive conditions in Title Deed:   RERA, REC and concerned Rooielsers have objected to this lengthy application on a number of grounds, some of which would affect the character of our village.

Rooiels Slipway: 
historically controlled by REBC it was proclaimed a Public Launch Site in June 2015. Overstrand Municipality who has been given delegated authority for the management thereof is now reconsidering the wisdom of this decision. The Rooiels slipway is unique because its location coincides with the main access to the Rooiels
beaches.  This has resulted in an extremely congested situation particularly during peak holiday seasons where boat-owners, 4x4 vehicles and general public battle for parking and access in the very limited space available.  It is clear that the Rooiels slipway requires some tight management particularly during peak seasons.Solutions to this current situation are being sought by all concerned parties:  REBC, RERA, REC and the authorities.

Dogs and their control:  Overstrand Municipality By-law of 18 August 2000 stipulates that NO person may allow or cause to be allowed any dog to be in a public place unless it is kept on a leash AND under control of a person in a public place.  Go to the RERA page on the website to link to the By-law currently in force. 
A  draft amendment to this by-law, still not in force, does not allow dogs on swimming beaches.  RERA and other ratepayers  organisations asked for a RELAXATION of this by-law to allow dogs to be on (R/E) beaches before 08h00 & after 17h00 still on a lead and under the control of a person.
 
Roads & Public Rubbish bins:  a detailed report was prepared by REC and submitted through the Ward Committee.  We are waiting for a response.

Baboon Research in Rooiels: By now most of you are probably aware of our experienced baboon researcher, Joselyn Mormile, a PhD student at the University of Cape Town, who has been in Rooiels since July. Her research focuses on the troop’s behavior, decision-making and diet when they are in the village. If you have not had the chance to meet Joselyn or have been unable to attend any of her talks, here are a few friendly notes to keep in mind about her work in our village. 
Read More
Go to the Baboon page and the Baboon Family Tree on the Website to see updates on the Baboons in Rooiels and to report your Sightings and Encounters.
​
Rooiels April 2017 Holiday Program

Visit to Seals
Tuesday 4th April @ 16:15 – 18.30
Meet at Erf 257, Perspicua Rd
Please wear shoes with rubber soles for the rocks.

Visit to the Cave at Groot Hangklip Pringle Bay
Sat 8th April @ 07:00 – 13:00
Own transport, good walking shoes, walking stick, jacket and a torch.
Make sure you bring enough water and something to eat for +/- 6 hours

Dappat se Gat Visit
Monday 10th April @ 09:00 – 10:45
Own transport, walking shoes & torch

Enquiries SMS Wolfgang 0828236821 
​
Clarence Drive Action Group:
We have written to the District Roads Engineer (early March 2017) for assistance regarding possible structural solutions to create calming measures, as speed cameras are not sufficient to deal with the danger for pedestrians and fauna on a daily basis. 
Read More
 
Rooiels has a long and successful history of activism:-
 
RESA is the latest venture and has established a permanent security presence in the village for which we are all better off. Their communication network proved invaluable in the recent fire.
The Hack Group has been essential in the ongoing control of invasive alien species
Rooiels Conservancy (REC) has stood strong for many years in guarding our natural heritage. 
Rooiels Website was developed by a hard working group of volunteers
The Clarence Drive Action Group (see report above) is pushing for improved safety measures on the R44 through Rooiels
Please help support REC/RERA by becoming a member.
Your membership fees help us to keep you informed and fund small projects that make a big difference to our community.
​Go to the RERA membership page on the website or
Click here to download our membership forms  
Save & complete then send it back to us at rerarebv@gmail.com
 
Beach clean-up Saturday 15th April @ 9:00am meet at the slipway BYO Bags
​

SAVED FROM DISASTER!


The Pringle Bay community expresses a huge THANK YOU and our greatest  appreciation to those who have contributed so much to saving our village from a near-disastrous fire.  

The fire was driven by a gale force South Easter. It started on the Betty's Bay side of Three Flavours guest house, jumped Clarence drive and then spread rapidly up the south eastern slopes, around the mountain ridge and down toward Hangklip road. Unfortunately one house was destroyed at the top end of Carla Road. To onlookers it seemed almost inevitable that many more houses were on fire as flames engulfed the area. The PB Volunteer Fire Team was on the scene within a few minutes of the alarm call followed by teams from several Western Cape municipalities. The new Fire Station quickly became the centre of action as professional fire personnel took control to co-ordinate ground and air services. Two water-bombing helicopters arrived in the nick of time to save many houses, followed by fixed wing planes laying sheets of foam. These greatly assisted to control and extinguish the flame front on the mountain slopes before it could sweep into the valley above Stream road. The fire was finally brought under control just before dark although fire teams worked through the night and following morning to manage flare-ups in the ever-howling wind. The Community Hall is still being used as temporary accommodation for many of the 95 fire-fighters brought in to assist local services. Back-up teams will be retained for two days to control flare-ups.  

Thanks go to both to the fire-fighting personnel and those who have helped with ongoing donations and supplies of food, drinks, medical services etc. We cannot name everyone but wish to recognise the fire team players who have given us their absolute dedication and effort:

Volunteer Community Fire Fighters from Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Rooi Els

Local Chief Clayton and his wife Dimmy, Vic Brooker, Dave Mellet, Pierre Kruger, Ronnie Francis, Jeff Owen, Louis Rousseau, Wendy Tawse, Edward Olivier, Jurika Rabie, Cuan McGeorge, Jason Griffiths. These folk were at it for nearly 24 hours non-stop.

Overstrand Municipality Safety and Fire Services. 

Fire Chief Lester Smith and Director Neville Michaels were both on site till late evening, supporting the firefighters. They are responsible for one of the most effective fire services in the country. Marlu Rust is the "Incident Commander"  responsible for directing ground services and managing the operation. He is doing a great, great job! 

Support Teams from Western Cape

City of Cape Town Fire Services
Stellenbosch Fire Services
Overberg District Fire Services
Cape Nature
Working on Fire Teams - Kleinmond, False Bay, Robertson-Vrolikheid

Donations
There have been requests for banking details for those who wish to make donations to the fire fighting funds. Please ensure that you specify the following in the Reference Field: Fire / Name/ ERF number

Pringle Bay Ratepayers' Association
Nedbank Branch 131505
Savings Account 2315001714

Community at work

There may be people needing community support as a result of fire damage. It would be helpful to receive input on this matter.

Thank you again to everyone in our community who brought donations for the fire fighters, offered their time and energy, and just came to give their moral support at a time of need. It was humbling and rewarding to once again experience our community spirit at work, and so encouraging to see what we can achieve as a group. This is one of the qualities that make Pringle so special and worth fighting for.     ​

Notice of a public ward meeting was sent on the afternoon of 6th February.  The meeting is to be held in Crassula Hall at 1800 on 7th February.  

The community had fun at many social and interesting events over the holidays -- PLEASE send in your photos and notes on your experiences this past Christmas.  The February email will feature photos of the Christmas Calendar events and other fun photos and news -- we need your inputs!

RERA also held their AGM and the draft minutes from that meeting will be shared in due course on the website.  At the meeting Frank Raymond reminded Rooielsers that the Western Cape has a Police Ombudsman (contact details on Key Information) and encouraged people to share their experiences and complaints with Vusi Pikholi who is determined to help strengthen policing in the Western Cape.  He also announced that the Overstrand Municipality has made the Draft Overlay Zone Regulations.  Everyone is strongly encouraged to look at this draft.  It is also available for you to download as a pdf, but it is a big file.  

RERA recognised everyone for their contributions and selected a few to highlight their dedication to enhancing our quality of life in this "natuurlike paradys". 

We also thank all the many Rooielsers who keep our village natural and beautiful in so many ways -- from picking up rubbish when going for a swim to clambering up dangerous ravines to bring us news of leopards.
 
We acknowledge that there are many others who go unrecognised.  If you feel that you know someone who is making a difference in our lives in Rooiels please send their story in!
 
Ruth Mattison
Chairman RERA

The Road through our village –Clarence Drive
 A provincial road with speeding cars, a dangerous bend, poor signage, and a history of numerous car accidents, which passes through our sleepy and special village, is becoming a critical and urgent concern. 
 
This road is not a bypass road as many assume, but the main road of our growing village!  There are elderly people and families with young children and or pets, whose homes border the road, and who are anxiously forced to cross or turn onto Clarence Drive on a daily basis.
 
Turning out of the entrances from the sleepy village, and walking along and crossing Clarence Drive to get to the main village or beach have become life-threatening endeavors.  
 
It is not only us humans.  About 90% of all wildlife killed in Rooiels takes place on Rooiels Clarence Drive.  There are records of baboons, snakes, water mongoose, otter, dwarf chameleons, porcupine and grysbok being killed by careless traffic.
 
Criminal activity is also a concern – poachers and thieves use the nearby parking bays as a base for criminal activity and then speed their way to escape.
 Driver Awareness and speed calming measures are desperately required.
 
 We need your help! 
 Do you have contacts or ideas on how to tackle this difficult issue with the authorities?
 Do you perhaps know a roads/traffic engineer or someone who would give us professional advice?
 
Also, to enable us to build an accessible database of the history of problems with this road, should you have any photos or correspondence on the issue over the years, could you please send copies to Shelley Blake at shelley@dimanage.com. 

The report on the water quality at the Buffelsrivier water treatment plant (the supply for Rooiels) shows that all is fine with our water.  See the full report below.

We appear to have a good level of water in our dam, but with the increasing population as homes are built, we do need to conserve water.  But, as reflected in the water restrictions for Cape Town, the picture is worse elsewhere in the Cape - see the latest dam levels for the Western Cape.    

URGENT URGENT call --- there will be a meeting for all in our Ward -- please will as many Rooielsers as possible attend that meeting.  You need to be a Registered Voter in this Ward to be able to vote.

Meeting at Crassula Hall at 1800 on Tuesday 16th August, 2016.

New municipal regulations require that representative agencies are voted for by ratepayers WHO ARE REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE WARD. This means that we ask as many as possible to please go to the meeting so that we are represented at Ward.

It is important for Rooiels to have as many people as possible at that meeting in order to ensure that our interests are represented at Ward level.

RERA and REC are asking everyone in Rooiels on Tuesday 16th August to please go and vote for RERA and REC to be represented on the Ward.  Please take the time to do this so that we are sure that the interests of Rooiels are fully represented.  New municipal regulations require that representative agencies are voted for by ratepayers WHO ARE REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE WARD.