Thursday, 2 June 2016 – The welcoming address by Overstrand Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie (pictured standing) was well-received by attendees of the two-day Provincial IDP Managers’ Forum that was recently held at the Whale Coast Hotel in Hermanus.

The Forum is one of the structures created under the auspices of the Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG) in its quest to co-ordinate the work of local and other spheres of government in a coherent plan towards an improved quality of life for communities.

In her speech, the Mayor thanked Forum members for their efforts in ensuring the effective implementation and facilitation of the respective IDP’s of the various municipalities in the Province.

Despite the chilly autumn weather, it was Botha-Guthrie’s comment on the party’s visit to the little tots of Yomelelani Pre-School in Zwelihle later in the day where they would be handing out care-packs, which proved most heart-warming.

More than a dozen eager children could barely wait to try out the new play equipment that was installed in an open space on the corner of Swartdam Road & Mbeki Drive and another opposite the Provincial Hospital on Monday, 30 May.

“Installing playpark equipment is part of the Municipality’s commitment to creating open spaces where all children can play in safety,” Lauren Rainbird, Overstrand Municipality’s horticulturalist said. “Play equipment helps children develop physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, all while having fun”, she added.

Playpark equipment, consisting of a variety of components such as swings, slides, jungle gyms and even a fire brigade have been installed at a.cost of R49 500 (Ward 12) and R43 000 (Ward 4).
Both these play parks were funded from money allocated to ward specific projects. Ward projects are often drawn from a “wish-list”.

Monday, 30 May 2016 - Overstrand Mayor Nicolette Botha-Guthrie (standing) seen delivering a riveting address on leadership that captured the attention of attendees of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme (VYLTP), currently being held at the Volmoed Retreat and Conference Centre in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Hermanus.

The Christian-based course, which runs from 22 May to 31 July 2016, is aimed at young leaders from across Africa and abroad, and is accredited by the Cornerstone College in Cape Town.

Moreover, endorsement has been received from Volmoed, the Centre for Christian Spiratuality, Kairos SA, SACLI, The Warehouse, Desmond Tutu Centres in Cape Town and New York, the Bonnhoefer unity of the Beyers Naude Centre at Stellenbosch University, and DSD Gateway Project.

On Tuesday, 24 May 2016 the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Bonginkosi Madikizela and Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie handed over the keys to a group of proud new home owners of the Mount Pleasant and Swartdamweg Site A Housing Project in Hermanus.

For 68-year old Jim Robertson, and his 73-year old wife Sebina, the event marked an end to a wait of almost two decades. An emotional Sebina said, “This is a dream come true. To have a proper roof over our heads and to know it really does belong to us, means so much.”   

A sentiment that was echoed by special needs beneficiary, Clara Mouries (67) who could barely contain her joy. “My prayers have been answered.  After my stroke I struggled, but here I have a bathroom fitted with a rail; the ramp to my door also makes it easier to get around. I’m so proud to have a decent house to call home,” stated the visibly emotional Mouries.  

Having a house to pass down to their children, is what kept the hope of eventually receiving a Government-assisted home alive for long-time Hermanus dwellers, Maria and Daniel Alexander.