Twenty members of the Fish Eagle Masters Swimming Club from the Garden Route participated in the 39th Masters Swimming Championship in Johannesburg from 13 to 16 March 2024. The pool events were held at St Stithians College in Randburg and the open water swim was held at Prime View Adventure and Leisure in Olifantsfontein.

FEMS performed exceptionally well this year, raking in a record number of 55 medals. Local Sedgefielders Judy Dixon, Neil McLellan, Cate Pietrobon and Lanie Farrelly contributed 10 medals to this amazing total. The high altitude made it a more challenging masters but the swimmers persevered and made the best of it. It was once again four days of fun, friendship, camaraderie and high team spirit.

Next years’ Masters will be held at Kings Park Pool in Durban from 12 March to 15 March. To all of you out there that always wanted to but never got around to it, now is the time. Put on your cozzie, start training and join us. Contact Judy Dixon on 072 390 6667.

Province issues directives warning Municipal Manager Sebola to Comply

(Picture: Environmental Law Enforcement Director of the Provincial Government, Achmad Bassier and Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola.)

All eyes will again be on the Knysna Municipality in the next few weeks, but now with a more hopeful outlook. This after council members unanimously approved the diagnostic report and support plan presented to them by the Western Cape Provincial Government at a Special Council Meeting held on Friday 1 March.


The assessment involved municipal officials and a multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts from the Western Cape Government, Provincial Treasury, and the National Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).


But whilst it was frequently mentioned in the presentation that the much-needed assistance in the form of a detailed and financially supported plan for Knysna’s recovery (see Mayor’s report on page 3) was being given in the spirit of Section 154 of the Constitution (which states that National Government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions), two directives issued to the Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola on Thursday 29 February left no doubt that the Provincial Government means business, and that as Knysna’s top official he could face dire consequences for non-compliance.


Both directives were issued by Achmad Bassier, the Environmental Law Enforcement Director of the Provincial Government, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, and both include the following points:-
6.4 In terms of section 49A(1)(g) of the NEMA failure to comply with a Directive is an offence. A person convicted of failing to comply with a Directive is liable to a fine not exceeding R10 million or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and such imprisonment .


6.7 The NEMA makes provision for the criminal prosecution of officials of an organ of state, such as national or provincial government departments, municipalities or public entities.


The first of these very pointed directives was issued to both Sebola and Randall Bower, the Municipal Waste Manager, due to the appalling state of the Waste Transfer Station in Knysna.
“Whilst the Department acknowledges the Knysna Municipality’s efforts to address the situation in terms of the KM’s Action Plan (dated 28 November 2023), the Knysna WTS remains in an appalling condition, resulting in numerous nuisances (i.e. visual, windblown litter, excessive foul odours, etc.) emanating from the WTS, thus impacting negatively on the health and well-being of the general public and business owners in the area,” the directive states, later adding “… the KM are causing significant pollution and/or degradation of the environment and have not taken reasonable measures to prevent pollution and/or degradation from occurring and continuing, in respect of the WTS.”


The directive points out that a site visit by Environmental Management Inspectors revealed that there was no access control, thus allowing unauthorised access to the WTS; several vagrants were still present and living in informal structures on the property, as well as actively involved in the reclaiming and sorting of waste; these vagrants are living in unhygienic conditions with no basic sanitation or ablution facilities, thus contributing to the pollution of the stormwater channel which flows into the adjacent Knysna Lagoon. Large volumes of uncovered waste have been dumped/stored outside the WTS resulting in nuisances such as windblown litter occurring on the adjoining properties, excessive foul odours, and the presence of vermin and flies.


The second directive referred to Knysna’s crumbling sewerage infrastructure and its effect on the Knysna Lagoon in particular.


After again acknowledging the Municipality’s efforts to address the situation in terms of the 18 December Action Plan, the directive states “The Knysna Estuary remains highly polluted from continuous overflows emanating from pipeline and manholes in the Hunters Home and Hornlee Residential area into the Bigai River, as well as the overflows from the conservancy tank at The Woods, Lake Brenton.”
Further, it leaves no doubt as to where the Director’s department felt the blame lies.
“… your Municipality is causing and has caused significant pollution of the environment and the Knysna Estuary and its respective aquatic and marine/coastal ecosystems by failing to take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution from continuing or recurring.


“The current state of pollution within the Bigai River and the Knysna Estuary, as well as the inadequate sewerage infrastructure and lack of maintenance at the Woods, Lake Brenton, is not only causing significant pollution of the environment and the Knysna Estuary and the associated aquatic and coastal environment, but may also impact negatively on the health and well-being of the public and the residents residing along Bigai River and the affected areas within the Knysna Estuary.”


Both of the Provincial Law Enforcement directives issued a comprehensive list of actions that need to be taken by the Knysna Municipality, under the leadership of the Municipal Manager, within strict time-frames should the recipients wish to avoid prosecution.

These actions will be closely monitored by the provincial authorities through regular site visits and compulsory updates / feedback meetings.

Knysna Council has received and approved the Support Plan compiled by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG). The document is based on a Diagnostic Analysis and Diagnostic Assessment Report compiled by the Western Cape Department of Local Government.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Aubrey Tsengwa, explained the key objectives of the diagnostic assessment. “The assessment identifies areas that are functioning well, but also areas that require attention, correction and support,” he said. “It proposes solutions to address the root causes of each problem area and informs the Support Plan.”
The assessment involved municipal officials and a multi-disciplinary team of subject matter experts from the Department of Local Government (DLG), Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre, under the leadership of DLG and the National Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). The Provincial Treasury also assessed the municipal finances and had a number of engagements with relevant municipal officials.
“This plan highlights priorities that need to be addressed across the various directorates within the municipality,” said Tsengwa. “While Council has adopted this plan, it must be noted that none of these are ‘quick fixes’, I am taking this opportunity to share the most notable recommendations with our residents. A lot of work, and cooperation between the municipality and various governmental departments must be done before any of these proposals can be put into place.”
Critical vacancies throughout the municipality must be filled as per the approved organisational structure. A full complement of qualified and capable staff members who adhere to service delivery principles will enable the organisation to deliver information and essential services throughout the various directorates to its various communities and help to re-establish community confidence in the municipality.
“All staff appointments, plans, projects, maintenance and development cost money,” said Tsengwa. “The draft plan suggests that the suggestions of the Development Bank of Southern Africa Revenue Enhancement Project be implemented, including a review of tariffs and General Valuation reconciliation, to generate revenue and enhance collection. A budget funding plan can assist in achieving a credible funded budget with cash-backed grants and liquidity ratios that meet the norms. An audit action plan can also assist in winning back our unqualified audit status, and a supply chain management assessment will identify ways in which this process can be streamlined and perform to the optimal fiscal benefit of the municipality and our ratepayers.”
Master plans for all infrastructure services should be updated and projects should be prioritised accordingly to determine streams of project funding. Recapacitating the Infrastructure Directorate will ensure the day-to-day operation of infrastructure, improve the response time to spillages and ensure that routine maintenance plans are followed. Additional water storage in areas where it is most needed should be considered.
“The plan suggests that a service level agreement with the Garden Route District Municipality be signed regarding a regional waste disposal facility, but Council has been advised of viable alternative options that it is also evaluating,” Tsengwa continued. “The WCPG’s assessment shows that our waste tariffs should be re-evaluated as they are well below the norm of our neighbouring municipalities. It has also been suggested that collection points are reviewed and monitored to ensure that customers, specifically businesses, are not taking advantage of the system by placing more bins and bags out for collection than they are paying for to be collected.”
The requisite training and/or development initiatives to assist councillors in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities should be determined and implemented. This includes their roles and responsibilities in terms of regulating administrative decisions. Comprehensive training on the Code of Conduct for Councillors should be the norm, along with strict enforcement of the code by the Speaker.
Proper and effective legal guidance will ensure adherence to all legal prescripts and compliance requirements, and the municipality has the opportunity to submit a list of policies that it requires assistance with reviewing. A workshop with councillors and municipal officials on anti-corruption, fraud and ethics should be organised with collaboration from CoGTA, the Specialist Investigating Unit, Provincial Treasury and National Treasury.
In terms of facilitating access to adequate housing, effective land use planning compliance management and law enforcement systems must be implemented. It is suggested that Council’s delegation register and categorisation of applications is reviewed. Adequate land use planning processes should be instituted and zoning scheme by-laws and planning by-laws could be amended and implemented while land use planning policies and guidelines should be developed and implemented. The process of updating the Municipal Spatial Development Framework has already commenced, and the municipality invites local businesses, rate payers’ organisations, the private sector and greater public to keep an eye on the press and its social media platforms for upcoming community participation engagements.
The plan also makes suggestions regarding supporting and strengthening corporate governance of information communication technology.
“Considering the challenges we face as an organisation and a community, we welcome the suggestions made and guidance delivered in the WCPG’s assessment and plan,” said Tsengwa. “As a living and ever-evolving document, the Report and Support Plan will be further discussed and finalised between Knysna Municipality, CoGTA and the Western Cape Provincial Government, fusing inputs and suggestions from Provincial and National Government with those of the municipality into one final document. Regular meetings will be held to monitor progress and ensure accountability.”
“We appreciate the support of these governmental departments,” Tsengwa concluded. “We are committed to working with them – and our residents – to cure the ills that are affecting the positive development of the greater Knysna area. We are working towards a better Knysna for all our residents and look forward to the cooperation of our community in achieving an inclusive, innovated, inspired Knysna.”

It seems that Carte Blanche’s much-publicised exposé entitled Knysna’s Sad Collapse, which aired on DStv Sunday, 18 Feb, has been the final straw for many residents. Perhaps it takes having a surprise visitor checking out your house to realise how badly things are falling apart.


The Knysna segment of the popular investigative journalism program certainly was a no-holds-barred report on Knysna’s dirty laundry. After leading with sound bytes from Western Cape Premier Alan Winde’s State of the Nation Debate speech, which described a decomposing body found in a Knysna Municipal Water reservoir, the Carte Blanche camera crew, along with journalist Erin Bates, took thousands of viewers through the town’s worst issues.


“Knysna’s decay is undeniable,” she reported, “Visible signs of infrastructure collapse are everywhere.” As the cameras captured a tragic tapestry of the town, including mountains of waste in the CBD, communities left without water in Hornlee, sewage spills into streams running into the lagoon and desperate residents trying their utmost to survive despite these challenges, the journalist highlighted the fact that not only are Knysna’s people suffering, but also the environment – particularly the unique ecosystem of the estuary.


“This story is as much about politics and the failure of local government as it is about the survival of the Knysna seahorse,” she said, later suggesting that in its current state, Knysna was a ticking time bomb for both.
Looking for answers, she did not find them in her brief interview with Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa. He described the challenges as ‘small’ and insisted that Knysna Municipality may have cash-flow problems but was certainly not bankrupt.


Bates had a more meaningful discussion with long-time Knysna businessman John Metelerkamp, who had also been her ‘guide’ through part of the tour. He told her the town’s infrastructure had not kept pace with the exploding population numbers. He did not believe the blame lay entirely at the feet of the current coalition leadership but goes back years. “It doesn’t matter who rules the council,” he said. “Their focus has been on politics, not on infrastructure, not on running the town.” Metelerkamp also told her that, in his view, getting answers from the municipality had become nigh on impossible.


But the chat was not all negative. The businessman said he believed that there is a groundswell amongst Knysna locals to get involved in saving the town.


As the heart-wrenching 20-minute documentary on the ‘2023 Dorpie of the Year’ came to a close, Bates aimed a pointed question at members of the current Knysna Council.
“Will the politicians prioritise self-interest, or will they get down to business and save the jewel of the Garden Route? In the meantime, it’s the ordinary citizens who will pay the price for years of incompetent management of this municipality. Their once pristine environment is at the mercy of those paid to protect it.”


Whilst many organisations and indeed individuals have spent huge sums of money, time and energy over the last few years trying to keep the Greater Knysna Municipality from becoming one of those South African towns, it seems Sunday night’s Carte Blanche may have provided a catalyst for much more community involvement.


One particular WhatsApp group, set up last year under the name ‘Objections Knysna Rates’, has exploded in numbers in the last few days. Pierre van Biljon, now one of the group admins, told us he posted a message along the lines of ‘I’ve had enough’ on the group on Saturday night after discovering the shocking state of the water. By Sunday morning, the number of members in the group was up to 300. By Sunday night, so many people had joined it that it had exceeded the maximum number of members allowed (1024), and a sister group had to be launched.


All members were decrying the state of Knysna, and most wanted to know what they could do to help put it right. It soon became evident that a sense of order and an action plan was needed, and Pierre stepped up to the plate to get the ball rolling. “I don’t believe Knysna’s infrastructure is below the maintenance line,” he told us on a call, ‘But it is close. And to rebuild it would be exceptionally hard and way too expensive.”


Pierre spent most of Monday in his unexpected leadership position seeking advice and formulating suggested action options, which he was able to share in detail with group members later that afternoon.


He suggested that the seemingly popular idea of withholding payment of rates was not an option worth considering as a lengthy court battle may well fail and would leave residents with substantial legal costs to pay on top of any withheld rates.


A second option would be for the business/private sector to take on the municipality’s role – in other words, do the maintenance and repairs themselves. This would bring the fastest results but be exceptionally expensive.


A third option would be a ‘special ratepayer’s vote’: This would entail adding an ad-hoc rate to residents’ monthly accounts that would be specifically dedicated (with independent monitoring) to achieving specific goals, such as repairing sewer and water lines. This option, however, can only be decided and implemented with a majority vote of the representative ratepayers within the municipal region, which would no doubt present a serious challenge.


But Pierre is quick to point out that these are only suggestions and that the first and most crucial step would be to hold a public meeting to elect a steering committee and map out an action plan. “It’s as simple as this,” he says, “Not one of us has all the answers, but if we pool our ideas and resources and work together as a team, great things can happen.”


If you would like to become part of this movement, please email pierrevanbiljon@gmail.com.


(See page 3 of ‘Latest issue’ for a statement from the offices of Knysna’s Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa .)

Tragedy struck on Sunday 4 February when three young adults – two women and one man – drowned in the Sedgefield Lagoon. Whilst one of the victims was resuscitated and rushed to hospital, she passed away later that night. The other two were sadly already deceased when their bodies were recovered from the water in the early evening.

The names of the deceased have not yet been released, though it has been confirmed all three were locals and that the two ladies were sisters.


The following information was obtained from the report filed by Mike Vonk, the NSRI Wilderness Station Commander.


At 12h30, NSRI Wilderness, ER24 Ambulance Services, NSRI rescue swimmers, an off-duty SA National Parks Ranger, the SA Police Services, WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) and Knysna Fire and Rescue Services responded to reports of a drowning in progress in Sedgefield Lagoon

Eyewitnesses had reportedly observed the three victims spending time together in the lagoon a while earlier. When the seemingly lifeless body of one of the females was seen floating in the water, two good Samaritans rushed in to carry her to the bank. Whilst CPR was initiated by SANParks Honorary Ranger Alida Viljoen who happened to be on the scene, the alarm was raised and emergency services summoned.
On arrival, NSRI medics took over CPR efforts, further assisted by an off-duty ER24 paramedic. Hopes were raised when the patient showed signs of life and, when she was reasonably stable though still in a critical condition, she was transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance. There, extensive efforts by medical staff continued.

At that stage the whereabouts of the other two persons remained unknown – there were no leads as to whether they had left the water or not, or even if they were missing. NSRI launched the sea rescue craft Lavinia to begin a search, which, assisted by police divers and other emergency services, included the lagoon and surrounding land. No sign of the two companions was found at that time.
At 18h02 on the same day NSRI Wilderness was alerted that a second body had been discovered floating in the lagoon, near to where the lady had been recovered earlier. NSRI Wilderness, SAPS, a SANParks Ranger, Water Policing and Dive Services, Knysna Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health Forensic Pathology Service and WC Government Health EMS were all alerted and responded to the scene.

The body of the adult female was recovered, but sadly declared deceased by the EMS paramedic. Police divers initiated a further search in the immediate area, eventually locating and recovering the body of the adult male beneath the surface of the lagoon.
The bodies of the two deceased were taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and SAPS opened an inquest docket.

The first casualty remained in intensive care in a critical condition until later that night when all efforts to save her life by doctors and nurses were exhausted and she was sadly also declared deceased.
Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the three deceased.

(Picture: Councillor Cleone Vanston with members of the Waste Management Team)

The ugly mountains of rubbish that were being stored on the grounds of the old Sedgefield Recycling Centre were finally cleared by the Knysna Municipality Waste Department last week, but it seems that this wasn’t to last long as local residents have been taking their own rubbish and dropping it there, so new piles are forming.

Municipal Manager, Ombali Sebola, has now declared the site officially closed, and a visible board has been placed outside warning residents of this. He insists that the huge waste overflow at the Recycle Centre over the last few months has always been caused by private rubbish dumping, not the site being used as a holding area by the Waste Department, as many believed.

“It is imperative to highlight that the challenges at the recycling centre were caused by residents dumping domestic waste,” he said, “The permit for the centre is not for dropping off domestic waste. We kindly urge residents to retain their domestic waste at their residences. Regular refuse collection will continue as scheduled.”

Says Ward 2 Councillor Cleone Vanston “Whilst I am aware of many challenges with the removal of certain types of waste that doesn’t fit into black bags or cannot be recycled in the recycling bags, the request remains to please refrain from taking your refuse to the site.”

She informed us that people from surrounding towns and rural areas had reportedly also been bringing their waste to the site.

“All household refuse can be put in black bags and wheelie-bins, and recycling items in the clear recycling bags for collection as per the usual schedule,” she advised, “A more informative action plan for items that cannot be collected from your property needs to be formulated within the Solid Waste department in conjunction with the Municipal Manager – this will be communicated in due course.”

Residents with any queries related to refuse collection should contact the Knysna Municipality 044 302 6405 – Waste Management Department or 044 302 6500 – Sedgefield Municipal Offices
.
Those interested in obtaining wheelie bins may email their request to Ramona Loxton at rloxton@knysna.gov.za.

To mitigate the potential misuse of clear bags, D&M Recycling – the recycling tender holder – will furnish residents with clear bags. The number of bags collected will correspond to the initially issued empty bags.

PICTURE: Sedgefield’s noxious ‘welcome mat’ greets motorists coming from the west. Taken 9/1/2024

Whilst it seems the December/January holidays have seen a welcome influx of visitors coming to spend time in the country’s favourite ‘Slow town’, with many businesses reporting a bumper season and traffic to the Saturday markets queuing right back into the village, there have been service provision failures that could well have resulted in disaster, never mind a besmirched name for Sedgefield as a tourist destination.
After already suffering a brief period without water in late November due to a broken pump, Sedgefield was once again left ‘high and dry’ during the peak season days of 26 and 27 December when damaged pipes left the reservoirs drained. Whilst these pipes were eventually fixed, the reservoirs could not be filled fast enough to cope with the consumption of water.
Visitors – many having spent hard-earned money on accommodation and travel to Sedgefield– were no doubt highly perplexed and more than a little concerned that this might be the reality for their entire holiday. How does a tourism service provider explain to his guests that the accommodation they are paying thousands of rands per night for does not have a single flushing toilet?
Sporadic waste collection by the Municipality has also presented a huge problem – once again the result of infrastructure failure. Sedgefield’s (ex) Recycle Centre has again become an unofficial waste storage depot for the Knysna Waste management team, and visitors coming into town from the west end have had the most unwelcome sight (and smell) of towering heaps of bulging black bags, not to mention an increasing infestation of rats! Further, waste left uncollected on the verges outside homes through the heat of the day certainly does not give the impression that ‘all is well’ in our local municipality.
Given this shocking state of the Sedgefield refuse centre and the challenges with water supply, members of the Sedgefield Ratepayers and Residents Association (SR&RA) Executive committee called for an urgent meeting with Mr Ombali Sebola, Knysna Municipal Manager (MM) and Sedgefield Area Manager, Mr Pravir Hariparsad, on Monday 8th January 2023.
They have sent this feedback for publication.
The Area Manager explained that the main challenge behind the poor management of waste removal and the build-up at the refuse centre was the failure of the Knysna Waste Transfer Station (KWTS). A conveyor belt snapped, causing delays in compaction.
SR&RA requested that regular maintenance of the KWTS be done. The Area Manager advised that this was being attended to with a planned upgrade and refurbishment later this year.
SR&RA enquired how many refuse trucks are operational in the Greater Knysna area. The Area Manager advised that there are 11 compactors, of which five are brand new.
The Municipal Manager reassured us he would commission a truck to clear the existing refuse.
SR&RA suggested recycled waste should be managed as a business, and further investigation needs to be done before signing the current proposal with Garden Route District Municipality. The Municipal Manager stated that the District Municipality must support local authorities and that recycled waste should be turned into employment/job opportunities. SR&RA confirmed with the MM that we have submitted a written objection to the proposed section 33 agreement with the Garden Route District Municipality.
On the water issue, the Area Manager reiterated the failure of the pump at Cloud 9 reservoir, followed by two major pipe bursts. This left large parts of Sedgefield without tap water and reliant on water tankers. SR&RA asked what long-term plans are in place for water security. The Area Manager explained that Knysna Municipality was looking at all options, including drilling more boreholes, extending pipelines and, in the long term, even constructing a dam in Kruisvallei.
SR&RA will continue to engage with the Knysna Municipality on all service delivery issues.

Yes – a huge Sedgefield welcome to all the lucky visitors who have chosen to leave the hustle and bustle and spend their end-of-year holiday in this beautiful neck of the woods.

Before sneaking off for our summer hibernation, the entire EDGE team (that’s all six of us, including the editor, sub editor, writers, sales team, everyone on the accounts floor, the IT department, the production director and his side-kick, the administrator, the conflict arbitrator, the personnel officer, the peace officer, the office-cleaner, caterer, legal advisor and the entire complaints complement of staff) would like to wish EVERYONE (even the fellow who regularly terrorises our Complaints Department) an incredibly merry, happy, joyous, relaxing, unbeatable, profitable, special, humbling, debt-free, blissful, quiet, lekker, jolly, sharp-sharp, raucous, ayoba, mushi, comfortable, action-packed, elegant, cheerful, generous, good-good, peaceful, outrageously wild, humorous, successful, pleasurable, lucky, fortuitous, blessed, warm, cool, heartfelt, romantic, whacky, cuddly, entertaining, sober, stressless, fun-filled, fancy, rejoicing, amusing, panic-free, hilarious, bright, wonderous, good-willed, colourful, present-filled, turkey-stuffed, fantastic Christmas!
And as for the New Year, well we really hope you have a super-duper, magical, cool, party-on-dude, extra special, better-than-peanut-butter, fantabulous, totally awesome, richly rewarding and brilliantly blessed one of those too!

See you on the beach!

The crew of NSRI Wilderness Station 23 is singing the praises of four bystanders for their heroic efforts towards saving the life of a drowning man. Brooklyn Boesak (13) Daniel Armoed (41), Louis Lombard (31) and Piet Van Rooyen (48) all played vital roles in the rescue which took place at the rivermouth in Sedgefield in the afternoon of Sunday 26 November 2023.
It was the turning of a high tide rushing out to sea and the current was strong around the estuary. A unidentified male ended up in trouble when swimming about 150m upriver from the mouth. Brooklyn, at the beach with family, noticed the man frantically waving his arms and calling for help. The courageous youngster swam over to try and assist.
But despite great effort, he could not bear the weight of the large man in the water – estimated to have been at least two to three metres deep. As the man sunk again Brooklyn started signaling for help, attracting the attention of Daniel further up the shore.
Daniel realised something serious was up and made his way along the rocky shoreline to the river’s edge as fast as he could on bare feet.
“Waar is hy? Waar is hy?” he asked the exhausted Brooklyn, and dived in as soon as the lad pointed to the spot.
Swimming down he found the man below the surface and tried to pull him out, but he too battled due to the dead weight. Holding his breath, Daniel planted his feet firmly in the riverbed, grabbed the back of the man’s shorts and pushed him up to the surface. From there on he was able to surface himself then, with assistance of Brooklyn begin swimming the man to shore.
Meanwhile, Louis Lombard, a young athlete on holiday from Pretoria, noticed the commotion from further up the beach, and when he heard that someone was potentially drowning he said to himself “I can swim – so maybe I can help!” and sprinted along the riverside to the scene.
As he got there, Daniel and Brooklyn were just managing to drag the man to the edge of the water. Piet van Rooyen had also headed down to help, and between the four of them, they managed to heave the unconscious figure out of the water and onto the rocks.
But the struggle certainly wasn’t over, because there wasn’t the slightest sign of life in the man. Amazingly, though Daniel hadn’t ever had first aid training, he drew from memory of what he’d seen on TV and went into CPR action. He checked for a pulse and, finding nothing, began pumping the man’s chest, stopping every minute or so to administer mouth-to-mouth.
Louis said they all watched in increasing anguish as Daniel continued for about five to eight minutes, checking for a pulse as and when they could.
Suddenly a whole lot of water gushed out the guy’s mouth, and when Daniel felt the man’s neck again he was delighted to feel the faint glimmer of a pulse.
“Hey, there’s something going on here!” he exclaimed happily.
This was when NSRI medics arrived on the scene and took over the resuscitation until the patient was stable. The medics then requested a spinal board so that they, the four rescuers and other members of the public who assisted could carry the man over the very rocky terrain to the stairs and up to the car park to await the Er24 ambulance. When it arrived minutes later, ER24 paramedics stabilised the man further before transporting him to hospital. He arrived in a serious but stable condition and has since made a good recovery.
NSRI Station Commander Mike Vonk met up with the four rescuers at the scene the following evening to offer his appreciation “What an amazing team effort. You guys certainly saved his life!”
(Note from Editor: At time of going to press we were unable to contact the rescued gentleman to acquire permission to publish his name.)

Picture:- Mario Ferreira, Kevin Barnes,Fire Marshall Benjamin Roberts, Dr Andy Brough and Chris van der Merwe at the Celebrate Sedgefield Awards.

It was a night of celebration on Friday, 10 November, when the Sedgefield Ratepayers & Residents Association presented their inaugural Celebrate Sedgefield awards evening at the Red Shed in the Scarab Village.
Thirty-three local individuals, businesses and organisations had been nominated by their peers in the weeks leading up to the event, and partners, colleagues, family and friends attended the awards dinner to celebrate this achievement.
The SR&RA initiated the Celebrate Sedgefield awards programme to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond the ‘call of duty’ to make Sedgefield a town of choice for permanent residence, holidays, tourism, and business.
After an introduction from the vivacious Master of Ceremonies Nikki Franceschi, Chair Andy Brough welcomed everyone to the event and explained why the association had launched the awards.
The SR&RA’s commitment to serving as Sedgefield’s voice for service delivery whilst maintaining and protecting the town and its environment and addressing the community’s expressed needs and concerns is at the heart of the Celebrate Sedgefield initiative. By representing and promoting the interests of all residents, influencing decisions of the municipal council, fostering unity and cooperation, and encouraging active community involvement, the SR&RA plays a crucial role in shaping Sedgefield’s identity.
“ I would like to congratulate all of the recipients of the Celebrate Sedgefield Awards on your commitment to service delivery and service excellence,” Brough concluded.
There was applause all round as familiar faces went up to receive their Celebrate Sedgefield certificates and trophies. Awards were presented in six different categories.
• The SR&RA Business Award: For those who excel in promoting and caring for Sedgefield, aligning with the Garden Route environmental ethos. Presented to Susan Garner & Rose Brettell of Wild Oats Farmers Market, Peter & Marie Poverello of Deo Gratio Coffee & Book Lounge, Craig & Anita van Rensburg of Montecello, Bomber Webb of the Edge Community News, Ian Sparks of Shell Garage, and Eugene & Stephanie Roux of Cycleworx
• The SR&RA Tourism & Environmental Award: For those who excel in making Sedgefield the town of choice for residents, tourists, and visitors and have upheld the environmental spirit and culture of the Garden Route. Presented to Mark & Amanda Dixon of Strandloper Project, Tessa Joubert, Helia van Zyl of Sedgefield Island Conservancy, Cliff Elion of Scarab Craft Market & Mosaic Market, Adrienne Baartlett of Cola Myoli Conservancy, Sylvia Ferguson of Discover Sedgefield, and Brian Groom and the late Robbie de Lange (award received by his widow Miems) of SANParks Honorary Rangers.
• The SR&RA Charity & Community Award: For those who excel in serving the Sedgefield community’s needs and embracing the community’s social and environmental ethos. Presented to Dianne Johnston of Cherished, Kirsty Hofhuis, Jean Mulder & Jenny Nel of Sedgefield Animal Matters, Mario Ferreira of Gift of the Givers, Marietjie Digue of The Living Cornerstone, Peter Hall of Sedgefield Lions Club, and Mike Wood of NSRI.
• The SR&RA Education & Youth Award: For those who excel in education and youth development in Sedgefield, showing achievement in social and environmental goals. To Kim Euston Brown of Seabridge School
• The SR&RA Personal Service Award: For those who exceed expectations and reflect the social and environmental aspirations of the Garden Route. Presented to Jenny Devenish, Beattie Meneses, Linda Evans (representing Revive Sedgefield), Billy King of Knysna Municipality, Mike Hofhuis, Juanita van der Westhuizen, Fire Marshall Benjamin Roberts and Vemesia Galant.
• The SR&RA Arts & Culture Award: For those who have dedicated time, energy, and resources to preserving Sedgefield’s rich culture and heritage. Presented to Margie van Rensburg & Ian Perryman of Sedgefield Melodrama, and artist Rita Knoetze.
The SR&RA has offered grateful thanks to the event’s sponsors, Harcourts (Mario Ferreira) and REMAX Coastal (Schalk & Chris van der Merwe).
“Your commitment to Sedgefield does not go unnoticed and is highly appreciated,” said Brough, “Thank you both for your significant contribution to tonight’s event. Your generosity makes it possible for our recipients to be acknowledged and honoured.”