LOCAL BUSINESSES HIT

Just when this paper was reporting a drop in crime in the Sedgefield village last edition, a new wave of break-ins began, this time in the central business district.

According to Community Orientated Policing (COP), at least six business premises have been hit in the last two weeks, one of them twice. Those suffering from the break-ins were Dolphin Stationers, Khan’s Mini-Mark (in the same block as Dolphin) German Lane, African Affair, the Eden Ambulance Building (currently being used as a storage unit for Rebuild Eden) and the Rebuild Eden Centre (old African Affair Building).

It seems fairly clear that it is the same perpetrator(s) responsible for this new bout of criminal activity, as the ‘modus operandi’ has been of the same ‘smash and grab’ nature in each incident. Using either a rock or brick, and on occasion a thick wooden fence pole, the perpetrator(s) basically smashed a hole in the glass door or window, then reached in and grabbed whatever they could. Dolphin stationers even had their till removed, whilst the owners of African Affair were unfortunate enough to be hit twice in 10 days.

COP has advised shop owners to keep any items of value away from the windows at night so that they do not make tempting targets. Alternatively such items should be covered by working passive infrared motion detectors. “Also if you have CCTV cameras, please ensure that at least one camera is monitoring your shop front and entrance or any other vulnerable areas of your business,” says COP’s Mike Hofhuis.

COP is working closely with SAPS to ensure the arrest of these perpetrators and Hofhuis believes it is only a matter of time before they are caught. Furthermore, patrols by SAPS, the Neighbourhood Watch, COP and ADT have been increased at night in the CBD area.

Sedgefield businesses are once again called to join the Business Watch group to assist in keeping the CBD safe, day and night. Group Coordinator Michael Simon explains: “It’s a way to keep in contact with one another through a closed Whatsapp chat group. This means we can keep each other aware of suspicious activity, report crime-related incidents and hopefully prevent crime from spreading.” Membership forms are available via email sedgefieldnhw@gmail.com or at the Sedgefield Tourism Office.

Please always report crime to the police (10111 or 044 343 1321) and to COP on 074 506 7242. The more information gathered, the more effective the community crime fighting efforts will be.

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REBUILD BEGINS

The beginning stages of a new life started for an Elandskraal family who suffered an extensive loss during the recent fires, as Rebuild Eden Sedgefield, together with Gift of the Givers, laid the foundations for their new home.

Many lost so much in the blazes of early June, but hearing how the Liepner family were so desperately affected all but blows the mind. Not only was Cheryl and Nick’s Elandskraal home of 32 years, with business workshop attached, razed to the ground, but their son, Zak lost his house next to Timber Village. Furthermore, Cheryl’s antique shop – the popular ‘Country Way’ situated near the N2 / Old Cape Road intersection – also burned down.
The family have been very moved, especially by the generosity of individual donors. “The big organisations have been extremely kind, but what stands out for us is how amazing the small people on the ground have been,” says Cheryl, “We cannot believe how much people in their own private capacity are prepared to help.”

Their new 42 square metre home – comprising two bedrooms, and a bathroom, living area, kitchen and patio – is the pilot project of many that will be built in the area, thanks to the Rebuild Eden (Sedgefield) and Gift of the Givers partnership.

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HAT-TRICK FOR SEDGE SUPERSTARS

Heartiest congratulations to our very own Atlantic Spurs Netball Squad, who have taken the Winners Trophy of the Knysna Oyster Festival for the third year in a row!

The local lasses played hard over the two day tournament which was held in Hornlee on 14 and 15 July, eventually making it through to the finals. Their opponents, Knysna United, made sure that the game was no easy victory, but the Spurs rallied to the challenge and soon started easing ahead. The final score was 37 to 17 and the golden cup and winners medals were brought back to Sedgefield.

“We would like to congratulate the runners up on a great game,” said jubilant Spurs team member Charmornay Ruiters.

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DOCUMENT HELP FOR FIRE VICTIMS

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS IN KNYSNA

The Department of Local Government, in partnership with other provincial departments and Knysna Municipality, will be implementing an “Emergency Thusong Outreach” in Knysna to provide an opportunity for citizens affected by the recent fire disaster to access government services.

The purpose of the “Thusong Outreach Project” is to bring government integrated services to the people who lost or misplaced their identity documents, birth certificates during the disaster, as well as to apply for a pension, UIF etc.  In addition, bringing services closer to the people will reduce associated transport cost.

The Thusong Outreach will benefit the whole community of Kynsna Municipality in obtaining new documentation to replace any that may have been lost during the fire disaster. This outreach will also save the residents time and money, getting everything they need in one day at one location.

The Department of Local Government has been responsible for the Thusong Outreach for the last 6 years, and the goal has been to ensure access to-and the continuous expansion of the basket of services provided through a coordinated approach from different government departments.

On the day various government departments, NGOs and other stakeholders including Knysna Municipality will be rendering services to the affected citizens. South African Police Service will assist with certification of documents whilst Home Affairs will provide ID and Birth registration. The Health Department will conduct health check, HIV Counselling, and Testing, Human Settlements will provide information on housing.

Date:             26/27 July 2017

Time:             26 July: 09:00 – 15:30

         27 July: 09:00 – 15:30

Venue:          Knysna Town Hall

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PLEASE DON’T FEED THE FIRE-AFFECTED WILDLIFE

SANParks scientists and civil society research groups have reiterated the call for residents to desist from feeding the wildlife that they believe has been affected by the recent fires. This comes after volunteer groups had dropped vegetables and seeds for animals to eat in the National Park and surrounds.

This week, authorities detailed reasons for discouraging the feeding of animals in burnt areas. Park Manager of the Garden Route National Park, Paddy Gordon, says:

Park Manager of the Garden Route National Park, Paddy Gordon, says:

  • ‘The fire scar thus far illustrates an elongated line which suggests animals could have moved to either side of the fire.
  • Feeding wild animals may lead to an increase in animal conflict with each other. Once all the feeding programs and volunteers withdraw relief effort, animals will keep coming to usual spots to collect food which could lead to a conflict with other wild animals, domestic pets and also with humans.
  • Feeding also habituates animals to humans
  • Spreading fodder over burnt areas might also lead animals to eat both fodder and any new growth of plants or shoots. This might delay the growth of plants in those areas.
  • As feeding animals can also have an influence on breeding patterns in some animal species, should the feeding suddenly stop, animals will also be severely affected.’

Gordon says SANParks staff are part of the ‘ground-truthing exercise’ with other stakeholders to determine further assessment post the fire.  Once this is completed, certain areas will be identified for rehabilitation but other areas will regrow.

Residents who spot injured animals as a result of the recent fires can contact the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (044 384 1603) or an emergency after hours number: 073 461 9825.

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MUNICIPALITY SIGNS CONTRACT WITH KNYSNA & PARTNERS

 

(Picture Knysna & Partners Board Chairperson Elmay Viljoen Bouwer and Knysna Executive Mayor, Eleanore Bouw-Spies and Knysna earlier today (12 July) during the official signing of the SLA.)
The Knysna Municipal Council resolved on 26 May to renew the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Knysna and Partners (K&P) for 12 months. Thereafter followed a month and a half of stressful to-ing and fro-ing, leaving residents and indeed members of the Knysna and Partners staff wondering if the deal would ever be cut and dry. Thus a huge sigh of relief was the order of the day when the SLA was officially signed on 12 July.
Knysna Executive Mayor executive mayor, Eleanore Bouw-Spies said, “I am delighted that we have reached this agreement to renew the contract between Council and K&P. The economy of this town is dependent on tourism, including the livelihoods and employment of people. We need to do everything possible to protect and grow our economy. As we work to rebuild our town, it is more than ever vital that we continue to revive and grow in our tourism sector as it is one of the main economic drivers of Greater Knysna. Through this agreement we are also saving jobs for our local people.”
Bouw-Spies explained that the Knysna and Partners’ performance will be monitored and that they are required to report to Council. “As per section 4.2 and 4.3 of the SLA, it is specifically agreed that K&P shall within 30 days of signature submit an implementation plan for the services set to the Municipal Manager. It is further agreed that K&P shall enter into a performance agreement whereby their performance as a service provided will be evaluated, quarterly against pre-determined performance objectives.”
The Mayor concluded, “Before the devastating fires, Knysna was a popular tourist destination and well-known international brand and we would like to keep it that way. We are confident that this will be possible through a strong relationship between Council and Knysna and Partners.”
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FESTIVE OYSTERFEST

(Picture:- Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters celebrating the Oyster Festival opening with MP James Vos, Shadow Minister of Tourism.)

The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is in full swing, kicking off last weekend with a successful Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour which saw thousands of cyclists descend on Knysna for the MTB races on Saturday and the road races on Sunday.
The Festival was officially opened at Whe+ restaurant in Knysna on Thursday 6 July, with a ribbon cutting ceremony witnessed by over 300 guests and VIPs, including MP James Vos Shadow Minister of Tourism, Executive Mayor of Knysna Councillor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and sponsors, organisers and members of the community.
Mayor Bouw-Spies said that the town of Knysna had always looked towards the Oyster Festival to help revive the ailing tourism economy.
“This time the knock that our economy is taking is not merely as a result of a downward global economic spiral but also a force of nature that was completely out of our hands, the devastating Knysna Fires,” she said.
The overriding message of the evening, however, was one of hope. “Tourism is alive and well in Knysna,” was the announcement from Chairperson of Knysna & Partners, Elmay Bouwer. “We are really excited about this year’s Pick and Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. It’s been a challenging few weeks, but Knysna has managed to rise from the ashes and say to the local and international tourism community that we are strong, we are here, and we are open for business.”
Bouwer also thanked the festival’s headline sponsors, Pick n Pay and Momentum, “For not only making sure that the festival goes ahead, but also for setting their marquees up early so that the disaster relief effort could use the facilities.”
MP James Vos said that “Knysna is heavily dependent on tourism, and residents would be dealt an additional blow if their tourism economy were to decline. Therefore, I’m thrilled by the response from the tourism industry together with the authorities that this town remains ‘open for business’.
“Following on this, I’m happy to report that the Western Cape Government has pledged financial assistance of R75 million towards the rebuilding of this town, and furthermore WESGRO has provided over R100 000 to sponsor and promote the Knysna Oyster Festival and Knysna as an ultimate place to visit.”
The Mayor concluded with an invitation to all residents and visitors to revel in the excitement of the festival.
“Get on a bicycle, put on your hiking boots, start slurping on those delectable molluscs that the festival was named after,” she said, “Grab a shuttle and sample great South African wine at the Knysna Wine Festival. Giggle through the Chuckles Comedy Show. Watch or join in during the Oyster Shucking and Eating Competition.”
“Let’s ensure that everyone in Greater Knysna benefits from the enormous boost to the economy that the festival brings. Let the fun begin!” The festival will run until 16 July. The full programme is available on www.oysterfestival.co.za.

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PREMIER ZILLE ANNOUNCES GARDEN ROUTE REBUILD INITIATIVE

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has announced the establishment of a Garden Route Rebuild Initiative.

 The Garden Route Rebuild Initiative will, in partnership with Garden Route Municipalities, community members, and private sector donors, develop a rebuilding strategy for the area and identify where public and private funds can best be spent.

 The Garden Route was badly affected by the fires in June. People lost their lives, homes were destroyed in the greater Knysna area and Plettenberg Bay, and the environment was badly damaged. Many jobs have been lost temporarily, especially in the tourism service industry.

 Officials from all three spheres of government and countless volunteers assisted in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. “Now it is time to rebuild. I sent a team to the region a week ago to assess how best the Province can assist further. It is clear that the Garden Route requires significant support in the rebuilding process,” said Premier Zille.

 The Rebuild Initiative will provide immediate support to Municipalities for building approvals and coordination of humanitarian efforts and will launch skills initiatives to enable local residents to participate in the rebuilding process.

 Premier Zille said: “I am establishing a Garden Route Rebuild Initiative, which will be responsible for coordinating all of the public and private initiatives in the Garden Route region. The initiative will be led by Minister Alan Winde, and coordinated by Dr. Hildegarde Fast, who was previously Head of Department: Local Government who coordinated the disaster response to the Eden drought in 2009/10”.

 The provincial team will draw in additional national and provincial departments and resources. Knysna Municipality has established workstreams to deal with the challenges, and the provincial team will support the work that is already under way.

 “In recovering from this terrible disaster, we have an opportunity to build a resilient economy, create more sustainable jobs, and create a more united community. We can only do this if the government, civil society, and the private sector join forces to create a future for the Garden Route that is more prosperous than before,” said Zille.

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GARDEN ROUTE BIOSPHERE DECLARED

The Garden Route area, from George and extending to the Port Elizabeth municipal boundary, was granted formal recognition as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO last week on Wednesday 14th June in Paris. 

This decision is the result of many years of work by a group of dedicated people on the Garden Route, with the support of SANParks, CapeNature, Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism and Provincial and National Departments of Environmental Affairs.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Dr Edna Molewa, has welcomed the approval of the Garden Route as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.  Her Department stated in its acceptance speech, “It is indeed a great feeling for South Africa today, as we continue on a journey of strengthening our conservation efforts.”  Referring to the recent and tragic fires that have engulfed the Garden Route, the speaker continued, “What has been illuminated from these ashes, is the remarkable sense of community and compassion for fellow being in the Garden Route as a whole.”

Unesco members voted in favour of the inclusion of the Garden Route as a Biosphere reserve at a meeting in Paris, France, on 14 June 2017.

“The positive response to the application to declare the Garden Route a biosphere reserve is most encouraging, not just for us, as a country, but also for the people of the region,”  said Minister Molewa.

“The Garden Route, one of South Africa’s prime tourism regions, is an area rich in terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems where conservation of the rich biodiverse region is ably reconciled with sustainable use practices,”  the Minister added.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) states that biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located. Their status is internationally recognised.  The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) is the ninth such reserve to be declared in South Africa.

The Garden Route Biosphere Reserve is located within the Cape Floristic biodiversity hotspot region along the southern coast of part of the country. With a total area of 698,363ha (212,375 ha core, 288,032 ha buffer, 197,956 ha transition) and a population of 450,624 people. The area includes the Tsitsikamma, Goukamma and Robberg Marine protected areas, Wilderness Lake Ramsar site, Garden Route National Park and two components of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas World Heritage site: the Nelson Bay Cave and the Langkloof Valley.

The municipalities included in the Biosphere Reserve are Eden and Sarah Baartman District municipalities as well as George, Knysna, Bitou, Kouga, and Koukamma local municipalities. All of these municipalities have been consulted in the establishment process.

Linked to the conservation related activities, the development objectives of the GRBR are to promote growth in employment, training and entrepreneurial endeavours, contribute to poverty alleviation and the development of sustainable livelihood options for disadvantaged communities, and to encourage sustainable biodiversity-based businesses and their contribution to the green economy on the Garden Route.

Several development opportunities have arisen from the desire to conserve the natural environment within the GRBR.  Innovative solutions that support the environment are encouraged by UNESCO MAB and various eco-tourism, green economy, educational and exciting  research programmes are planned.

The clearing of alien vegetation has substantial socio-economic benefits for the region in the form of several government-sponsored and endorsed initiatives such as Working for Water, Working for Wetlands, and Working on Fire.  These initiatives provide employment and facilitate skills development and the exchange of ideas between the different stakeholder groups and a key objective linked to community development is to develop small business opportunities linked to the use of by-product from alien plant management initiatives. For example, the vegetation cleared can be made available for making furniture, crafting, making charcoal, sold as fire wood.

The official launch of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve will take place later in the year.

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KNYSNA WILL RISE AGAIN – STRONGER THAN BEFORE

MEDIA RELEASE FROM KNYSNA MAYOR ELEANORE BOUW-SPIES

 

The Knysna Municipality has been declared a fire disaster following the devastating fires that started on 7 June.

 

The majority of the Knysna Disaster Relief Fund will be focused on providing humanitarian assistance to residents of the Knysna fire and towards reconstruction efforts that will benefit all the communities of Greater Knysna.

 

This was resolved during today’s special meeting of the Knysna Council.

 

Mayor of Knysna, Eleanore Bouw-Spies said: “Thousands of residents have been affected by these devastating fires that ravaged our town. Greater Knysna has received an unprecedented outpouring of support from residents across South Africa and abroad, and have begun to rebuild our town. Donations received will be used toward this.

 

“Today we put structures in place to ensure the Knysna disaster fund is managed against clear objectives, with transparency and strict accountability.”

 

The remaining set objectives include: trauma counselling, clean-up initiatives, alleviating environmental concerns and rehabilitating vegetation, business- and economic development support.

 

Humanitarian Assistance

 

Hundreds of people have been displaced due to the loss of their homes and possessions. Donations of blankets, food, toiletries and clothing have met much of the initial requirements. However, rehousing takes time and there will be a need to provide medical care, shelter, mattresses, household utensils, water and numerous other items for some period of time to enable people to get back on their feet. There will also be a need to assess the damage to farming, livestock, wildlife and household pets.

 

 

Infrastructure

 

Knysna is a town with a growing residential population and a thriving tourism sector. The fire seriously damaged infrastructure affecting the provision of electricity, water and sewage. It also showed how dangerous the existing road system is with the exits from Knysna in all directions closed due to the ferocious fires. The replacement and upgrading of existing infrastructure will receive priority attention, enabling reliable power, water provision, storage and usage, better waste management, modern communication highways and improved road, rail and water transport.

 

Trauma Counselling and Support

 

The scale of the devastation, and its impact on people, many of whom are young children or elderly, has affected the whole town. Expert counselling will be required, in varying degrees, for those directly affected by tragic loss as well as those who witnessed the ravages of the fire. The ability for Knysna to rebuild the town as a tourist destination with a thriving community will depend on how well those living in the town overcome their shared experience and trauma.

 

Environmental management

 

Among the reasons that the fire was so devastating was because of the drought, shortage of water, and proliferation of alien vegetation particularly wattle and eucalyptus. Fires generally result in an increased growth spurt of these invasive species, laying the seeds for an even more devastating fire in the future.

 

Programmes must be put in place to continuously remove and limit the new growth of alien vegetation. At the same time, the hillsides and dunes that have been laid bare by the fires need to be rehabilitated as a matter of urgency. Should there be heavy rainfall, mud slides may be a reality. Consequent silting can damage the Knysna River Estuary and the lagoon with long term effects on the water and eco-system.

 

Business Support

 

Many unique small and medium sized businesses have been devastated by the fires, particularly timber mills and furniture factories that have made their name using indigenous woods. The fund will be utilised to provide support of varying kinds to assist small businesses to restart, or new ventures to come into being. This will provide the means for Knysna to regenerate its unique business opportunities and the tourism sector.

 

Reconstruction

 

All of the above outlines what should form part of the reconstruction of Knysna in the interests of all its communities. It should enable the Knysna Municipality to develop a comprehensive reconstruction and development plan that will enable growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

 

Employment

 

The Fund, in giving effect to the framework of support outlined above, needs to focus on local employment and the use, as far as possible, of local skills such as builders, plumbers, electricians, suppliers, professional skills and expertise. We will seize the opportunity to upgrade local skills and to grow industrial and artisan expertise in our town.

 

The Knysna Disaster Relief Fund has been set up as a separate bank account, in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act. Strict processes have been put in place in respect of expenditure against the fund. A working committee which includes external players from a major bank and accounting firm, is in the process of being established to oversee the fund. The Working Group will submit regular reports to Council in respect of the fund. These details will also be made publically available, and independently audited.

 

Two further announcements were made today. As Knysna residents have suffered through a devastating event, with many in shock, we have set up a trauma counselling centre at the Knysna library, where residents can receive emotional support.

 

We have also brought an asbestos specialist on board who will work in conjunction with Eden District Health Services to advise on the proper disposal of asbestos sheeting.

 

Mayor Bouw-Spies concluded: “Knysna has suffered many jobs losses as a result of these fires. Around 2 500 jobs have been affected and in Knysna’s rebuild effort, we want local residents to benefit from the jobs created.

 

“In the short term, we need clean up jobs, and in the long term, we need the full range of artisans including plumbers, electricians, builders and bricklayers. We are working across all spheres of government on a plan to upskill our people to take up new opportunities.

 

“Knysna will rise, and we will rise stronger than ever before.”

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