NEW EMAIL ADDRESS – brrag@boesmans.co.za
Please amend you bank beneficiary details as well.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Competition
The traditional fireworks competition between the two River communities will occur on New Year’s Eve. To minimize prolonged disturbance, we request all participants to please adhere to the following suggested prescripts:
Only consumer fireworks obtained from registered fireworks dealers may be used and not anything that may require a special permit or a pyrotechnician’s assistance.
Children under the age of 16 must have parental control.
Boaters are requested not the be on the River between the bridge and the mouth between 23h30 and 00h30.
The competition should commence at 23h45 with highlights at midnight and taper off to end at about 00h15. Please assist with preventing random fireworks noise outside this time.
Important Notice: To ensure your pets’ comfort, please keep a close eye on them, especially if they’re sensitive to noise, and provide them with a calm and comfortable environment.
See measures that can be taken to alleviate possible impact of fireworks:
DO’s AND DON’Ts OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS USE – BE SAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON
DO’s
√ Always ensure that you are legally permitted to use fireworks in your municipal area.
√ Always use fireworks under the supervision of a responsible adult.
√ Always read the instructions carefully before attempting to use any fireworks.
√ Always wear cotton clothing such as denims and a long sleeve shirt with closed shoes whenever you use fireworks.
√ Always keep fireworks away from open flames and fires.
√ Ensure that fireworks are kept dry at all times.
√ Store fireworks in a cool dry place and keep them away from children at all times.
√ Only buy fireworks that have labels identifying the manufacturer and which include instructions for use.
√ Fireworks that have malfunctioned or failed to activate should never be stored but should be left for at least 15 minutes and then placed in a bucket of water for 60 minutes. After this time they should be broken open and discarded.
√ Light all fireworks at arm’s length and retire to a safe distance once the device has been ignited.
√ If you are unsure of the origin or functioning of a firework or the instructions are in a foreign language, do not buy them and report this to the SAPS.
√ When using mortar type devices such as tubes or cakes, ensure that the device is secured so that it cannot tip over after having been lit.
√ Keep unused fireworks in a closed container and upwind from the place you are lighting fireworks. √ Use fireworks as intended by the manufacturer and never attempt to disassemble fireworks.
√ Be very careful when using sparklers as they burn in excess of 650°C and are responsible for approximately 46% of all fireworks related injuries.
√ Always be considerate to pets, animals and neighbours when using fireworks.
√ Always have a first aid kit nearby with adequate burn shield dressings. Any burns above the shoulder should be treated as serious and medical advice should be sought.
√ Always clean the area of debris and litter after firing fireworks to ensure that no unexploded fireworks remain.
√ Always use fireworks away from buildings, dry grass, bush and other combustible materials.
√ Always report accidents to the SAPS.
DON’Ts
X Never attempt to light fireworks which are wet or damp.
X Do not throw burned out sparklers on the ground. The hot debris left over from the sparkler can burn someone if they step on it and possibly ignite dry bush or grass.
X Never consume alcohol before or whilst using fireworks
X Never use any medicinal drugs that may hamper your judgement.
X Never throw fireworks.
X Do not light fireworks in a crowded area or an area which could easily become crowded in a short space of time.
X Never pick up or attempt to re-light unexploded fireworks.
X Never put any part of your body over a fireworks device.
X Never fire aerial fireworks if the wind is too strong.
X Do not light fireworks near flammable substances.
X Never use metal or glass containers for fireworks.
X Never light more than one firework at a time unless you are a trained pyrotechnician.
X Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
X Do not smoke within 10 metres of fireworks.
X Never use fireworks indoors unless they are approved for indoor use such as table devices, crackers, party poppers and sparklers. If there is any doubt as to the safety or legality of any fireworks please contact your nearest Community Service Centre or 10111.
Issued by the Explosives Section of South African Police Service in the interest of public safety.
TOWN HALL FACILITIES - for bookings Sue Muirhead 0842976190
The board room is avilable for meetings. It also has a one hour free WiFi.
The new Boesmans Cave area can utlised for private functions. It is ideal for functions for up to 60 people and provides a bar area, braai area and some tables and chairs.
Bushmans Town Hall – Getting Even Better for Community Use
📍 To enquire about availability and pricing, please contact Sue Muirhead on 084 297 6190.
Let’s keep using and supporting this special venue—it’s right in the heart of our community and ready for your next event!
A packed hall enjoyed the Dan Patlansky / Guy Buttery guitar show at the end of Novemeber.
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
The notice board is at the town hall and may be used by all.
DECEMBER UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE TOWN HALL AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Please keep a look-out on our noticeboard outside the library for updates
DECEMBER
- 15-16 London to Lorraine – previously loved clothing sale.
- 16th Harvest market – lots of stuff at the town hall.
- 18 December – talk on the Volo – Town Hall 16h00 click here.
- 20 December 09h00 Mini Boat races Corries’ beach, Bushman’s slipway – click here
- 21-23 Art on the Veranda
- 21 Child Welfare Fun Run – Kenton
- 23 BRRAG Christmas Market – town hall
- 27 BRRAG AGM – 17h00 in the town hall
- 28 Anything that Floats
- 29 Duc Chowles show: 60’s and 70’s Revolution – info available on WhatsApp group
- 30 Seagull Regatta
- Woody Cape Cycle Race—TBC
🎸 THE SIXTIES & SEVENTIES REVOLUTION – Acoustic Retro Rewind 🎤
29 December | Bushmans Town Hall | Doors open at 7pm – show starts at 8pm
Get ready for a throwback night of iconic 60s & 70s anthems performed by the incredible Duck Chowles, Joe Van Der Linden & Russel Sneyd 🤩
From Pink Floyd and The Doors to Dylan, Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens & Rodriguez — it’s an acoustic celebration of the legends who shaped a generation.
Theatre-style seating • Bring Your Own Drinks • One night only!
🎟️ Tickets now available! Don’t miss out — it’s going to be a standout show this season.
👉 Grab your tickets today! 🎟️ https://qkt.io/W1UUG0
Know Your Neighbour: Join BRRAG and Help Keep Our Community Thriving ANNUAL SUBS NOW DUE
There’s something truly special about living in a place where neighbours know each other, look out for one another, and take pride in their surroundings. That’s exactly what our Know Your Neighbour campaign is all about—encouraging connection, care, and a strong sense of community.
One of the most meaningful ways to get involved is by joining BRRAG (Bushman’s River Mouth Ratepayers Organisation). For just R500 per year, your annual membership directly supports the upkeep of our village and helps keep Bushman’s and Riversbend clean, safe, and well cared for.
BRRAG plays an active role in village life, taking shared responsibility with Ndlambe Municipality for key areas such as water and sanitation, safety and security, infrastructure maintenance, the health of our rivers and beaches, and broader social and environmental concerns. The team works closely with municipal staff to ensure residents’ needs and or concerns are heard and addressed. We do not succeed with everything, but at least we try…
Whether you’re a long-time resident, a recent retiree, or a new family to the area, BRRAG offers a great way to stay involved and build lasting connections.
Let’s continue building a community where everyone feels seen, safe, and supported. When you join BRRAG, you’re not just joining a group—you’re investing in the future of our picturesque village. Join by filling in the form on our webpage here: https://bushmansratepayers.co.za/brrag-membership-form/
December additional guarding project
We have again embarked on our December additional guarding project.
Thank you one and all who contributed. We encourage all residents contribute towards the December security fund so that we can improve our security during the holiday. Contributions can be made as follows:
BRRAG
Standard Bank
Branch Code: 051117, Port Alfred
Account Number: 281116393
Reference: Guards.xx.Street.Name.
Please send an email notification to brrag@boesmans.co.za to help us identify the correct houses that are contributing towards this protection plan. We shall place marks in the street outside houses that contribute. Please let us know if you contributed and have no mark by 21 December.
100 Club
The last draw at the Halloween braai saw three new winners:
- First prize R 975.00 – Sue Muirhead
- 2nd R 650 – Delia Enright
- 3rd R475 – George Simpson
Click here to see how you can participate
BRRAG 100 Club
The 100 Club, as it is called, is best put in simplistic terms as a monthly donation with a difference, a percentage of the donated money is given back to the participants by way of a bi – monthly draw called “The 100 Club” draw. The remainder of the money goes to the Bushman’s River Mouth RAtepayers’ OrGanisation. The monies raised through the 100 Club are used for many varied projects in keeping our local areas clean and tidy and well maintained throughout the year.
- There are 100 numbers ranging from 01 to 100. (We can create more).
- Each individual number is allocated to whoever decides to pay the monthly subscription of R50 for a single number (that has not already been taken).
- Any individual may purchase more than one number e.g. one number for a husband and one for a wife, simply making the monthly donation 2 x R50 = R100 per month.
- The draw takes place every two months.
- The winners (if not present at the draw) are notified and their names are published in our own BRRAG newsletters and on our website.
- There are three prizes.
- As an example: If 40 numbers are allocated, which means 40 tickets have been paid for each month, then the 1st prize winner would receive R925. the 2nd R620 and the 3rd
- If more than 40 tickets are sold, then the prizes increase and if less than 40 are sold then the prizes decrease accordingly.
- You will be able to choose your number or numbers once you have set up your monthly stop order. You will receive confirmation that your number or numbers have been allocated for the next draw.
This is a great way of contributing towards the upkeep of our areas in Boesmans and it adds a little excitement to the participants every second month of the year.
Most members pay a yearly subscription.
Pay your R50 or R100 or more before the 20th of the month as follows:
BRRAG
Standard Bank
Account number: 28-111-639-3
Port Alfred
Ref 100 Club.Number Street.Surname
To obtain/choose a number, please contact Sarel Marais sarelmarais52@gmail.com
MUNICIPAL REFUSE COLLECTION
Refuse is collected as follows:
- Riversbend – Mondays.
- Bushmans’s Village – Tuesdays.
- River Road – Wednesdays.
The refuse collectors will seek Christmas gifts, despite a municipal ban on them doing so. There are also fake donation collectors. To assist members to identify official refuse collectors, the headman, Mr Blom, will produce an official BRRAG collection list with pages numbered 1 of 10 through to 10/10. Each authentic page is initialled.
Water
BRRAG has over the past years made several representations to Ndlambe Municipality and Department of Water and Sanitation for the improvement of water supply. Amatola Water could not cope with the desalination of seawater. Investigations were conducted in terms of the Water Services Act to appoint another water services provider. The application to appoint a private operating contractor was finally approved after further representations to the Minister’s office.
Sizwe Amanzi was officially appointed with effect from 1 December to operate the desalination plant on behalf of the municipality. The distribution of water is still managed by the municipality. The delivery of water through the desalination plant has already improved considerably although shortages and low pressure still occur in some areas. A tender is in process to also carry out certain of these tasks through contractors. Sizwe Amanzi has a proven record of good management of desalination plants and the request is to give them a chance to stabilise and improve the water supply. We have invited Sizwe to address us at our AGM.
NIGHT WATCH VOLUNTEERS
By definition, being a volunteer is a calling — a dedication to serving your community and stepping forward when others are in need.
Once again, the members of Night Watch have shown exactly what they are made of when the chips were down and circumstances turned against them. Every member can be immensely proud of what was achieved.
The recent fires at Sibuya Game Reserve and the surrounding farms brought volunteers and professionals from far and wide to stand together as a unified firefighting force.
True to form, our community rose to the occasion. When the call went out for food, medical supplies, energy drinks, and water, this incredible community stood together and ensured every team had what they needed.
The teams included:
- Night Watch CPF / NHW
- Boknes / Cannon Rocks CPF / NHW
- Kariega Park APU
- Sibuya Park APU
- Sibuya Rangers
- Hi-Tec Security Coastal
- Multi Security
- NSRI
- Frontier Fire Assist
- LifeFirst
- WoFire
- Ndlambe Fire Department
We cannot express our gratitude enough for the overwhelming support. From essential items such as masks, saline, petroleum jelly, and lip ice, to delicious sandwiches, chocolates, cooldrinks, and energy boosters — the community had us covered every step of the way.
A special thank-you to BRRAG for facilitating the Bushmans Town Hall as a central supply drop-off point, and for ringfencing the Night Watch account. Your assistance was invaluable.
To all the members who participated — you rock. You continue to prove yourselves time and time again.
The symbiotic working relationship between Mervan, the Ndlambe Fire Chief, and all the volunteers was disciplined, professional, and inspiring.
NSRI, LifeFirst, and their professional coordination of communications, head counts, and vehicle control along the fire line were truly remarkable.
The Fire for Fighting team from Grahamstown also demonstrated exceptional professionalism — you guys were outstanding.
To our partners at Boknes & Cannon Rocks CPF/NHW: we know without a doubt that you are reliable, dedicated, and a formidable security force. Night Watch is proud to stand beside you, and we look forward to many more successful partnerships. Your community can be extremely proud of you.
Our strong working relationships with Hi-Tec Security Coastal and Multi Security continue to demonstrate what professionalism, and cooperation can achieve for the safety and success of our communities.
Lastly, I’d like to wish all our communities across the Ndlambe and Frontier districts a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
UNITY IS STRENGTH
Ferenc Toth
Chairman
Night Watch Neighbourhood Watch & Community Police Forum
Save for the wonderful contributions to assist the volunteers, we raised R 13 000 to assist them with expenses.
Thank you one and all.
TAILEND
People who live within 30 miles of the coast live about a year longer than the national average.
