Please would anyone who has received a notice to cut all their fynbos to 50cm, urgently contact RERA (rera@rooiels.org.za or WhatsApp +27833888239 – Anuta, the Ward rep).
We consider this a very serious threat to the value of our properties, to our lifestyles and to all the nature that underpins the economy of this area and it goes against global concerns with biodiversity. We suggest that anyone receiving such a notice puts in an appeal to the Municipality unless we succeed in getting this reversed. We had been given the impression that this new policy would not apply to the Hangklip Villages after a meeting with the Mayor. You can read more about the Objections to the Policy and the dangers it poses. Warm regards, RERA Exco
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The Budget priority submissions for priorities 6-10 were made to the Ward Councillor. Download attached the full list for the Ward and here is the list for Rooiels specifically. The first 5 priorities were decided by public meetings held at Crassula Hall Betty's Bay and with the Overhills community
Ward Feedback Bulletin October 2022 – Budget – Fynbos Threat – Baboons - Services
Empty Erven Plot Clearing Policy The Overstrand Municipality has passed a Policy that requires all empty erven to be maintained at 50cm – which means cutting all the fybos even lower. Can you imagine the destruction of all our proteas, guarri bushes, bitou and to the pollinators and animals that rely on it? See details of the objections made by many experts and our neighbouring villages. This is a serious indictment of lack of care for the environment that underpins the economy of the Overstrand and for our legacy and the importance of biodiversity globally. IDP and the Budget The joint and separate meetings for Wards 9 and 10 have revolved specifically around the IDP and in particular around the Budget. The most recent meeting was a public meeting held in the Crassula Hall on October 25th which was attended by your Ward representative and several Rooiels ratepayers. Overhills, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels have all grown considerably since the last IDP and there is not enough equipment or staff to cope with this growth. Furthermore the equipment is old and constantly needing to go for repair. It was, therefore, agreed that improving the ability of Kleinmond Overstrand Municpality to service ratepayers is going to be the main priority for the IDP. The meeting was asked to name their top 5 priorities and they selected:
Then in addition there were other aspects that were considered important by different villages – including: Recreational facilities in Overhills and Mooiutsig, Taxi Rank/shelters, new Bettys Bay Fire depot, and various others. For Rooiels we requested the process be put in place for the Rooiels Nature Reserve Protection and for the Rooiels Conservation Overlay to help conserve our biodiversity and the character of the village for the future. We have not yet received from the Councillor the final priority list that will be put forward. Baboon matters On 18th October a public meeting was held by the Mayor in Kleinmond to discuss baboon management in the forthcoming IDP. The meeting was attended by ratepayers from Kleinmond, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooiels. There was a mix of people attending who were at polar extremes of people who enjoyed living with the baboons in the area and others who wanted them removed. It was agreed that the present monitoring system has not worked. Baboons were not kept out of the CBDs and incidents have increased. There was a strong preference expressed for community managed systems to avoid a system that is very bad for the baboons and for community relationships and cohesion. It was suggested that individual meetings would be held in the different villages to assess the best way forward. Indication was given that there might be budget allocated to some communities to support their own efforts at management. At the public Ward meeting on 25th October, Councillor Els indicated that this budget would not be sourced out of the Ward budget but would be from a separate account and was to be discussed separately. The notice of meetings for each of the villages was placed on the Rooiels Communications WhatsApp on 29 October. The meeting for Rooiels will be held on 17th November at the Pringle Bay Community Hall. The Notice is available on the Rooiels relevant OM documents blog on the website. The experiment with monitors trying to keep baboons out of the villages has been a disaster for the baboon troops, as it separates them from the coastal fynbos and shoreline foraging that is important to their diets. This means that when they do escape the monitors they go for the quickest rewards which is usually the houses, that in turn means that despite, or perhaps because of, the monitors there have been far more incursions and baboon incidents in these villages since monitoring began. Baboons are important to biodiversity and to the ecosystem in this area. People have now taken up most of the coastal lowlands that baboons in this area need to access, and the fynbos needs the baboons. We must find a way to continue to co-exist or accept that our villages become just seaside holiday towns and not villages living with nature as part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The Mayor agreed that it would be possible to ensure that when ratepayers sign up to register for municipal servicers, they are given a form that acknowledges the special regulations applying in this Biosphere. She referred to a similar form she had been required to sign in Prince Albert. Service issues The roads have been graded but unfortunately there are still problems accessing the storm water drainage equipment. Betty’s Bay still have streets that are a quagmire and the equipment keeps breaking down. We have been assured that the Budget held over specifically for Rooiels is still being kept for Rooiels. To assist our security people, please can we ask each Rooielser to keep the road signs in the area around them clear of grass so they can be seen better – we are scheduled to have the roadsigns repainted in green when they have completed Betty’s Bay. Nature all around us A few fortunate people have seen the otters, our birds are all busy nesting and raising their young and while visits have been fewer – please see the video of the latest visit from “Diego” the leopard male that comes around from time to time. Leopard Camera Blog Yours sincerely, RERA Exco Maintenance of infrastructure: roads, waterpipes, storm drains. Ensure public waste bins that are baboon proof.
Proclamation of all areas zoned nature to be a formally protected nature reserve Educational materials to be shared with real estate agents and new owners on living in the Transition zone of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve Removal of invasive alien plants CAPEX: brick paving; replace water pipes; and reminder that funds are still unspent on the storm water drains to be fixed. Upgrade to Kleinmond maintenance equipment. You can access the current IDP on the Overstrand Municipal website. Link The Process Plan for developing the new IDP and the draft priorities being submitted by RERA are available to download. ![]()
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JOCOM (Kleinmond Police Joint Operations Committee) meeting on Monday, 12 September 2022.
Crime drastically increased in the area over the recent past. Although statistically, most incidences occurred in Kleinmond with much smaller percentages in the neighbouring villages, it is vitally important for all to be vigilant and proactive. Crime syndicates are targeting the area, specifically focusing on housebreaking and fraud. For the two-week period from 29 August to 11 September, Housebreaking has significantly increased with a focus on Kleinmond (11), and reported cases in Betty's Bay (2), Pringle Bay (2), and Rooiels (2). The criminals are well informed w.r.t. the homes they target and currently mostly focus on homes that are lacking basic security measures. e.g. unlocked or broken doors, no or not-activated alarm systems etc. Fraud is currently focused on fraudulent electronic transactions of large items e.g. vehicles and large household items where payment is made, proof of payment is confirmed only to be discovered the transaction is reversed or payment was never made. These are highly knowledgeable individuals. SAPS, security agencies, and neighbourhood watch groups work together to prevent crime. However, it is each individual's primary responsibility to be vigilant and proactive by taking the necessary basic precautions. Doors and windows Keep doors locked and windows closed, especially when not present. Valuables on display Refrain from displaying valuables or have them visible through windows. This includes TVs, computers, and other valuables, especially at night when it is easily observed from the street. Security gates and bars Ensure security gates and bars are in working order and properly secured. Alarm systems Alarm systems are meant to provide occupants with early warning, deter intruders, and alert armed response without occupants having to request a response.
Ensure that you have updated contact details for your armed response control centre and local support groups. ASK Contol room
All incidents should immediately be reported to SAPS, your security agency, and your neighbourhood watch to initiate the required activities. Your security agency and neighbourhood watch will communicate area and incident-specific information as and when necessary. Dear Rooielsers Winter is gurgling on and our fynbos is enjoying the rain after a relatively mild and dry June and July. We hope that you have had a chance to read about the Ward Feedback meeting held on 30th July 2022 – if you haven’t, please see the post on the Ward Feedback blog. The Overstrand Municipality media section have been active with several News Briefs most days. Please see them all on the Overstrand Municipality News page on their website. We have also put a few of the news briefs we think would be especially relevant onto the OM Current Rooiels relevant documents blog on the Rooiels website so you can download them. Urgent, important briefs are put out on the Rooiels Communications WhatsApp but we try to avoid over-posting. A recent Brief advises that in the interests of biodiversity the OM will suspend Spring mowing of those roadside verges normally kept manicured and they ask for patience once the flower season is over before mowing recommences. There is also a reminder for pet owners to keep dogs on leash and there is a brief on regulations relating to short term holiday rentals. Please note that the Overstrand Municipality is currently engaged in the valuation of all residential properties. They have a vehicle with a street view camera. See the circular for contact details if they come to your property. The Minutes of the Ward 10 June meeting were received this month and have also been loaded there. The proposed rule changes for Ward Committees are also on the OM docs blog and we are requested to send in comments by 5th September – please send any comments to [email protected]. The Ward Feedback Blog has the informal notes taken at the Ward Meeting held on 18th August – we will get the Minutes probably early October and will load them when received. This is a reminder that we need to get our ideas for the new IDP together. One will be incorporating the Proclamation of the areas currently zoned green, as formally protected nature reserve. See the presentation made by Ian Lewis at the 30th July meeting. Thanks to those that have sent through some ideas - some on the inclusion of the environment into the Strategic analysis of the Overstrand Muncipality. We have also had a few suggestions on budget items to be included. Enjoy the coming spring! Sincerely, RERA EXCO RERA facilitates the support of the Rooiels Vision, promoting the adoption of policies and the implementation of services in ways that "Nurture Nature". RERA assists the Overstrand Municipality in a planning and coordinating role. RERA does not have authority to enforce. Within the guidelines of the Constitution, RERA acts as a conduit for ratepayers views and helps to ensure that municipal services are provided to the benefit of ratepayers in ways that are effective, efficient, accountable and in ways that reinforce the Rooiels Vision. RERA provides feedback to ratepayers and residents about matters and policies under consideration by the Overstrand Municipality and elicits input and a mandate where required.
Anuta Scholtz, the Rooiels Ward Representative attended the Ward Meeting. It was a combined Ward Meeting of both Wards 9 and 10. Here are her notes of that meeting The Overstrand Municipality is wanting to introduce more uniform signage that is attractive for each of the villages. Below is the one that is currently proposed for Rooiels. Similar ones with different pictures are proposed for Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond. These are the proposed signs and no decisions have been made.
ROOIELS RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION REPORT-BACK ON THE MEETINGS OF THE WARD COMMITTEE FROM 1 JANUARY 2022 TO DATE AS HELD AT THE PRINGLE BAY COMMUNITY HALL ON 30 JULY 2022. 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 RERA was elected to the Ward Committee(Wards 9 and 10), together with a number of other community organisations, during an election held in 2021. Anuta Scholtz is the representative for RERA on the committee. 1.2 This report-back meeting by RERA to the RE ward is in accordance with a Municipal Council requirement (besides being a pleasure to do so). Invitations have been sent to the email addresses of property owners that are available to RERA (irrespective of whether they are members of RERA or not). Owners, that have not received the email invitation, are invited to supply their email addresses to rera.chair@rooiels.org.za to facilitate communication. 2. ATTENDANCE 2.1 About 28 persons attended the meeting in person or through Zoom, which was specially made available. 3. STRUCTURE OF THE MEETING 3.1 The meeting was for report-back and clarification purposes on the following number of important matters in which RERA is involved at present. 4. ROOIELS CONSERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (RECOZ) 4.1 The RECOZ, as approved by about 100 attendees at the Cascades Meeting in November 2019, and subsequently updated with the other OM overlay zones, has been published for comments on the RE website since August 2020. 4.2 The RECOZ was handed in to the OM early this year, for processing and eventual formal public participation. We are following up on the feed-back. We may have to ask the Ward Committee to help us to get the process with the OM going. 4.3 The highlights of the RECOZ, to conserve the rural character of RE, was presented with slides and Rooielsers are once more invited to make any comments. 5. EXPANSION OF THE ROOIELS NATURE RESERVE 5.1 The aim is to protect the green coastal belt around RE, the RE estuary and the RE riverine area in the RE kloof as a Protected Area in terms of the National Environmental Management Act: Protected Areas (NEMPA). This will be in addition to the existing Rooiels Nature Reserve, which is already registered as a Protected Area in terms of NEMPA. 5.2 The current municipal zoning of the coastal belt as Open Space 1: Nature Reserve, with its numerous development consent zonings, is not considered sufficient to protect the area against unwanted development by the OM. 5.3 The broader perspective and relevance for the expansion of the RENR within the existing regulatory frameworks was explained. 5.4 The formal application process has been commenced with a unanimous approval by the 18 eighteen CapeNature and Western Cape Government attendees of the CapeNature Review Committee earlier this year, that the coastal belt of RE should be protected. 5.5 A proposed management agreement between the RE Conservancy, CapeNature and the OM has been submitted to the OM and CapeNature. Both organisations are being followed up. 5.6 The initial proposal document and the proposed management agreement are available for comment on the RE website. It is to be noted that the slipway will be excluded in the form of narrow co-ordinates that would prevent the commercial development of the slipway. 6. The proposal extends to the high water mark (which is outdated and will have to be re-determined), but it does not include a marine reserve. It includes the Koppie and Erf 1 in the RE riverine area. 6. HANGKLIP VILLAGES CONSERVATION OVERLAY ZONE (HCOZ) 6.1 The preservation of the rural character of RE by, amongst others, low ambient night-time lighting, is also encouraged in the RECOZ. 6.2 The Pringle Bay Ratepayers’ Association has handed in a proposal to the OM for a formal arrangement through an overlay zone. The proposal is supported by RERA and the Betty’s Bay Ratepayers’ Association. The process with the OM is being followed up. 6.3 The proposal is in three parts: 6.3.1 Co-operative, by obtaining the buy-in by Rooielsers to the RE Vison and RECOZ of a rural village with a dark sky to be enjoyed by all. To this purpose the concept is explained with reference to other parts of the world where the concept of different acceptable tolerable levels of lighting is being encouraged. 6.3.2 Prospective, by ensuring that the approval of building plans incorporate external lights to be pointed downwards to prevent spillage over boundaries and for sensor-operated security lights to be employed. 6.3.3 The intention is not to fine persons, but unfortunately provision had to be made for the odd-person-out who is insensitive concerning his lighting nuisance being imposed on neighbours. 6.4 The proposal is on the RE Website for any comments. An exception may have to be formulated for when a security situation arises. 7. INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN (IDP) 7.1 An IDP has been approved by the OM. The current IDP which should end in 2022 has been extended to 2023. The new IDP will cover the period 2023 to 2028. A public revision process will commence in August 2022. 7.2 Objections are in respect of the proposals in the IDP for low-cost housing in BB (Mooiuitsig) and RE (1,2 ha on Erf 324). RERA has already obtained the formal cancellation of the proposed subdivision of Erf 324 in the office of the Surveyor-General, with the noting of a caveat against the title deed in the Deeds Office. 7.3 RERA will encourage the OM to incorporate more specific budgets in the new IDP to address maintenance issues in Rooiels and Pringle Bay for amongst others, maintenance of roads and stormwater channels or appropriate grass swales (depressions) instead of conventional channels. On investment for the future Rooiels will be putting forward the formal protection of the nature zones in Rooiels see (5 above) and have called for further input from all ratepayers. 7.4 The submissions for the revision of the IDP, which commences in August 2022, are currently being prepared by RERA. Rooielsers are invited to submit their comments and suggestions to RERA. 8. PROPOSED SIGNAGE 8.1 The OM is proposing certain standardised signage for the Hangklip Villages to encourage tourism. 8.2 Some of the views expressed from the floor are: 8.2.1 The low-keyness of RE and the natural ambiance is why we bought here and to retain its unique attraction as a village living closely with nature, it is not suitable for intensive development. 8.2.2 We do not want numerous bill boards to undermine the aesthetic appeal of the village. 8.3.3 Street names are important. 8.3. RE might not want “Welcome” and “Thank You“ signs. Need environmentally aware signs. Have information signs in a dedicated area, e.g. the business area . 9. GENERAL COMMENTS The following comments from RERA are noted: 9.1 The process whereby the Conservancy will be able to comment on new building plans (as was the case for RE years ago) is being followed up. 9.2 The OM will be following up on people that are not registering their tourist accommodation businesses for the payment of higher rates. 9.3 The OM will only encourage development within the boundaries of RE, and not extend its boundaries. 9.4 Pro-actively contacting newcomers is an issue. RERA is trying to reach them through the estate agents and the existing information brochure and other steps. It would be useful if the OM could distribute relevant information about the area and the Overlay Protection zone or other special norms and regulations to all new purchasers. Rooiels is able to provide a brief for OM to use. ![]()
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AuthorThese are the Feedback from the Ward Committee Meetings and other related matters. They are lodged in Date order going backwards. Archives
May 2024
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