MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL

For some time now The EDGE has been itching to ‘celebrate’ a phenomenal gift to Sedgefield, but we couldn’t due to a press embargo by the donors ‘Lottoland’ who, quite understandably, wanted to save the big reveal for the airing of their ‘Help n Dorp’ episode featuring the project.


Well, the episode has been aired (and undoubtedly viewed by thousands of South Africans) and whilst most locals will have seen – and admired – the final results firsthand, we may at last share details and heap praises on the donors and indeed, the initiators of the project – the Revive Sedgefield team.


Much earlier this year the Revivers had decided that at least some financial assistance would be needed for the huge amount of work that was needed in the village – especially the children’s play park on the Village Green, They sent in a very detailed application to Lottoland ‘Help ‘n Dorp’ – a community focussed initiative which aims to benefit small towns across South Africa … and waited.


Finally, in June, they received the wonderful news that their project plan had been approved, and Lottoland would sponsor the very princely sum of R485 000 towards achieving the final goal!


The plan included the total (and most wonderful!) overhaul of the children’s play park, a substantial refurbishment of the inside of the Sedgefield Community Hall (painting the walls and sanding and resealing the floor), installing an Astro Turf play area at the Masithandane ECD Centre, and painting the speed humps all over Sedgefield.


The Revive team got seriously busy and, with huge assistance from the workforce of Knysna Municipality and a long list of volunteers as well as AfriForum and Sedgefield Lions, the dedicated members of Revive have performed absolute miracles – we’re sure you all agree!


On behalf of the community, a HUGE vote of thanks to Revive Sedgefield and everyone involved in this project.

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VONC FAILS – ANC COALITION RETAINS COUNCIL

Picture: ANC Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa still gets to wear the chain of office. Source:- Knysna.gov.za

There was a buzz of excitement about Knysna’s 10 December Ordinary Council Meeting, especially when three Votes of No Confidence appeared on the agenda. It seemed that two members of the ruling ANC, PA, PBI, EFF coalition – Deputy Mayor Alberto Marbi (PBI) and Councillor Neil Louw (EFF) – were turning their backs on the ANC by proposing the removal from office of Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, Council Speaker Mcedisi Skosana and Council Whip Mboneli Khumelwana (all on the ANC ticket).


But it appears that only the onlookers felt that this might be a sign of change in council leadership, as none of the opposition politicians seemed to believe the motions would make it to the vote.
Indeed the three motions were the last to be considered on the 366 page agenda, and when the time came the two renegade councillors announced their withdrawal. Acceptance of this withdrawal was put to the vote and was carried by 11 votes for, none against and ten abstentions.


In explanation, the DA Constituency Head Ryan Smith said in a press release issued two hours later, “The DA abstained on the vote as we refuse to be drawn into the petty power play between the ANC/EFF/PA/PBI coalition partners, which threatened to further destabilise the Knysna Municipality and hurl the executive into chaos. The coalition of corruption’s political merry-go-round places petty political interests above those of the people of Knysna.”

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THAT’S JUST HOW SEDGEFIELD ROLLS

An idea that swiftly became a reality: Sedgefield’s first beach wheelchair. In the seat is Corlani de Villiers, accompanied by granddaughters Milakai and Satya de Villiers, with son-in-law
Benjamin Venter behind and good friend Lynne Hancock in front. Picture by Angela Bax.

Surely everyone loves Sedgefield’s beautiful beaches, and having them a hop, skip and a jump from where we live makes access so easy for most of us.
But with the golden sand dunes between the car parks and the sea, access for wheelchair-bound folk has always been nigh on impossible … until now. Sedgefield’s first beach wheelchair was deployed, tried and tested on Myoli Beach on Friday 25 October, and there were big smiles all round from the first test pilot and her family members.

‘Hosted’ by Pili Pili Restaurant the fat tyred roller was procured from a local supplier, with all stakeholders thrilled to be able to support a Sedgefield manufacturer who is a paraplegic himself.
The concept of a beach wheelchair on our local beaches was the brainchild of the Sedgefield Ratepayers Association (SRA), and once they got the ‘wheels rolling’ it quickly became a reality.
They made contact with the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust, who made a significant donation, with the balance of funds needed raised through the community.
“The Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust is committed to providing accessible environments for people with severe mobility impairments, quadriplegics and paraplegics and the Sedgefield beach wheelchair project was one which the Trustees realised would be a value proposition for the Sedgefield community and economy,” says Ari Seirlis of the SRA.
The Association assures local residents that the committee will continue to enquire from their membership further activities and infrastructure which will add to the tourism offering of Sedgefield and the Garden Route. The SRA focus is on service delivery in Sedgefield as well as improving the well-being of Sedgefield and its residents and holidaymakers.

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WAIT … IS THERE A DROUGHT?

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SO MUCH GOING ON IN SEDGEFIELD

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THAT MELO TIME OF THE YEAR

On Monday, 26 August, the 2024 Sedgefield Melodrama cast held their final dress rehearsal in front of a ‘preview’ audience – folk from two old age facilities in the village, and the elderly ‘Forget-Me-Nots’ from Masithandane.
The response from these ‘senior’ members of our community was so overwhelmingly enthusiastic – screams of delight, thunderous applause, dancing in the aisles, not to mention non-stop raucous laughter – that they have set the tone for the six performances.
And judging by the reaction of audiences watching the four shows since, the fun, laughter and all-round entertainment continues to wow everyone who arrives to support this fantastic cause.
Because the annual Melodrama is definitely a win, win, WIN event:- It’s obvious that the close-knit cast and crew have a wonderful time putting on the show, the audiences that come back year after year, not only to buy tickets to watch the show but also to offer even more funds as they bid on their favourite number for an encore.
But the big WIN definitely goes to the local charities who benefit from the Melodrama.
Last year, no less than R185 750 was distributed to local needy causes identified by the show’s production team – and this all came from loads of locals having fun. Could there BE a better recipe?
At time of going to press there are only two show nights left, with the last (Friday night) being fully booked. If you are quick enough you may just secure tickets for a table on Thursday night.
You can book at ‘Pimp my Unicorn’, Amblewood Centre (old Forest Lodge) in Sedgefield, or online via their website at www.sedgefieldmelodrama.co.za

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DA THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET – CALLS FOR NEW LOCAL ELECTIONS

On Monday 19 August the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Knysna tabled a motion to dissolve the Knysna Municipal Council. Should this receive a majority vote when it is brought to council, it will mean fresh local elections will be held in the municipality.

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KNYSNA SCORES KFM BEST DORPIE HAT-TRICK

We are overjoyed that Knysna has been announced as the 2024 KFM Best Dorpie, clinching the title for the third year running. This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, visitors and KFM voters.

A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you for your collective love and passion for our beautiful town. Our very real sense of community spirit is what makes us unique and brings us together. Knysna is only as special as it is because of its people. This win for Knysna is a victory for us all.

Congratulations to all our local finalists in their respective categories. You have represented Knysna with pride and excellence. Together, we continue to showcase the best of what our town and its people have to offer.

Our journey is guided by our core values – #inclusive, #innovative, #inspired. Let’s keep moving forward together as we celebrate Knysna, the 2024 KFM Best Dorpie Winner.

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TORTOISE TUFF THIS WEEKEND

Picture: Members of the Petro SA running club from Mossel Bay traditionally turn out in big numbers to run the Tortoise Tuff. And as can be seen in this photo taken by Emma Rorke they thoroughly enjoy entering into the spirit of the day.

This Saturday will see Sedgefield’s streets bustling with hundreds upon hundreds of runners and race-walkers as Sedgefield Striders host the 25th edition of the Tortoise Tuff. Indeed local drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are being asked to give athletes (and even the not-so-athletic) right of way for just this one special day of the year.


This annual event has traditionally brought athletes and their families and friends bustling into Sedgefield from the Western and Eastern Cape and often further afield, to tackle one of the Tuff courses and experience the ever-popular Sedgefield community spirit.


The original Tortoise Tuff was a 30km event created just for race-walkers, with only twelve people embarking on the first journey. Since then it has grown into a must-do on the running calendar, being the perfect run to test readiness for the Two Oceans Ultra in Cape Town.


This year, as the race had to be postponed from its usual March slot, the race organisers opted to take the Tuff distance down to the popular half-marathon length of 21.1km. Setting off from the NG Church grounds on Swallow Drive, the course includes the flat roads of the Island and then more than a few steep hills and vales as it navigates the Cola Myoli circuit, before going over ‘Spook Hill’ (you will have to ask a runner to explain), through the village and back to the start. There is also a mostly flat 10km race and a 3km fun run.


Though the online entries closed on 5 August, one may still take out a late entry at the NG Church from 5-7pm on Friday 9 August where race registration will be taking place.


The 21.1km Run/Walk will start adjacent to the Church grounds at 07h00, whilst the 10km Run/Walk sets off at 07.15 and the Fun Run at 08h00. Please do come along to take part, or even offer the athletes a warm Sedgefield cheer!


The Striders Club’s grateful thanks go to the sponsors Sedgefield Pick n Pay, Engen/Wimpy and Igmi as well as all other businesses that have given support in any way.

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