Overstrand Libraries are still having problems issuing books to patrons, due to ongoing problems with the provincial library information management system (SLIMS) server

This is a provincial-wide problem that affects all libraries in the Western Cape, except the City of Cape Town.

Library members who cannot take out any new books are taking out their frustrations on the staff, but are reminded that this is beyond the control of the Overstrand Municipality.

To try and find a solution, librarians met with the Director of Library Services in the Western Cape, Cecilia Sani, earlier in the week.

As interim solution it was decided that all Overstrand Libraries will go back to the manual system, where each barcode will be written down.

Overstrand Municipality will be assisting indigent households to register or to re-apply for free services on the indigent database this Saturday morning, 10 December 2022 from 09:00 - 12:00 at the following venues:

•    Thusong Service Centre in Hawston
•    Multi-Purpose Centre (old Lusitania building) at the New Harbour in Hermanus
•    Proteadorp Community Hall in Kleinmond

Existing indigent subsidy recipients who are already on our database and have registered previously, are reminded to renew their registration on a year-to-year basis if relief is to continue.

A ceremonial Blue Flag hoisting ceremony was held on Friday, 2 December 2022 at Castle Beach in Pearly Beach to mark the beginning of the Blue Flag season in the Overstrand.

The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2022 to 22January 2023 for Castle, Hawston, Kleinmond and Onrus Beaches; Grotto will have an extended season until 31 March 2023.

The respective area managers, Desmond Lakey (Hangklip-Kleinmond), Anver Wyngaard and Buli Plaatjies-Mbane (Greater Hermanus) and Francois Myburgh (Stanford-Gansbaai), went to receive their town’s Blue Flag from Overstrand Municipality's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Ronald Nutt, who is super proud that the Municipality can once more fly the Blue Flag high for the summer.

The Overstrand Municipality in partnership with the South African Police Service, officially launched Safer Festive Season Operations 2022/2023, on Friday, 2 December 2022, at an event hosted by Overstrand Municipality.

Amongst the dignitaries attended the event, were the honourable Dr Annelie Rabie, Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, and several Councillors, some of whom also serve on her Mayoral Committee, SAPS District Commissioner, Major General Mochologi, Municipal Manager. The event was organised by Director Michaels and his team under the leadership of MMC Lindile Ntsabo.

The Safer Festival Season Operation plan is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in and to the Overstrand safe during the festive season. It further aims to increase police visibility and conducting visible operation throughout the season and beyond.