Despite a blustering, cold winter wind that blew relentlessly through the Overstrand on Friday, 17 July 2015, attendees were left with a warm, fuzzy feeling when AVBOB funeral undertakers handed over a sizable donation of library books, office furniture and fixtures to the newly established library at Eluxolweni, Pearly Beach.

The ceremonial event was held ahead of International Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July, and it is only fitting that AVBOB, who was the official undertaker of this great statesman when he passed in December 2013, continues to honour his legacy by providing books and material to aid the government in the development of its youth.  The significance is even more profound given that Madiba was relentless in his efforts to ensure the youth of our country are provided with every opportunity to receive an education.  To this end, Frik Rademan the CEO of AVBOB, stated “We are honoured and privileged to be able to make this contribution to the Eluxolweni community as we know the importance of ensuring that our youngsters are literate. Being able to read opens up a new world to them.  That we are able to provide these books is our small way of investing in their education – an investment that will serve them and our country well in time to come.”

At the Annual Night of Excellence, recognition is given to achievers who make a difference in Overstrand by awarding the Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation, the Woman/Women of the Year Award and the Award for Achievers of Excellence.

This year, Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie will present the awards on 25 August 2015.  Nominations are awaited and must be handed in on or before Friday, 7 August 2015.   

Nominations for the prestigious Mayoral Trophy for Environmental Conservation can be submitted to Liezl Bezuidenhout at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Nominations of Overstrand women who have made a difference in their area and who ought to be considered for a Woman of the Year Award can be submitted to Elize Verrij at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Achievers of excellence in communities are also identified by councillors.  Well-motivated nominations can be handed to any councillor or sent to Elize Verrij at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Though the weather was somewhat chilly, the glasses of sherry and cups of butternut soup were a warm and welcome kick-off to the 2015 Bowls South Africa Mixed Pairs Championship set to take place at the Hermanus Bowls Club from 10 to 13 June 2015.  The official opening ceremony, presided over by Executive Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, was held at the Club on Tuesday evening, 9 June and well attended by participants, officials and conveners of the event.

In her keynote address the Mayor admitted that she knew very little about lawn bowls but stated that her deep appreciation for the commitment and passion of players and followers of the sport would best be reflected by a quote from “The Etiquette of Marking in Lawn Bowls” by the late John A. Malan – a former Life Member of The Royal Victorian Bowls Association.

To this end she said, “Bowls is a science, the study of life in which you may exhaust yourself, but not your subject. It is a contest, a duel calling for courage, skill, strategy, self-control. It is a test of temper, a trial of honour, a revealer of character. It affords the chance to play the man and act the gentleman. It is a cure for care and an antidote for worry. It promotes companionship with friends, and opens up opportunities for courtesy, kindness and generosity to an opponent.”

On Friday, 22 May 2015 Mayor Botha-Guthrie handed out the certificates awarded to Overstrand Municipality personnel who participated and volunteered at the Better Together Games 2014.

A highlight of the awards ceremony was the Mayor handing over the highly coveted first prize trophy that the Overstrand team received for winning the Tag-Touch Rugby competition at the Games.

The Mayor extended her heartfelt congratulations to all participants and said, “Together we can make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. I honour and salute you for helping the Overstrand Municipal flag to fly higher.”

The Better Together Games is an annual event which brings all Western Cape Government and Municipal employees together to participate in a variety of sport codes and is held at various venues in the Metropole and outlying regions.