February 2025 minutes

Lӧtter Wepener welcomed those present. He extended a hearty welcome to Elizabeth Nel, who was co-opted onto the committee and will fill the position of secretary.

Attendance register and apologies

In attendance: Lӧtter Wepener, Jacques de Wit, Duard Scholtz, Dalien Pachonick, Sarel Marais, Ferenc Toth, Robert Schroeder, Sue Muirhead, Rowene Johnson and Elizabeth Nel.

Apologies: Wanda Nezar, Willie Enright, Gibbon Schickerling.

Confirmation of previous minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 7 December and 30 December as well as the AGM on 27 December were approved and the chair authorised to sign them.

1. Noise Pollution – It was noted that the chair sent a letter to Ndlambe complaining that the music and vibrations from the Backyard was unacceptable. The response from Ndlambe regarding the request for information pertaining to the Backyard was disappointing and the committee expressed its horror at the tone and contents of the letter written by the attorney on behalf of Mr Bunkell of the Backyard. Resolved to cease further communication with Bunkell and to consider our options as and when required.

2. Volo model – RESOLVED that, if necessary, legal steps be taken to recover the Volo Model donated to BRRAG by Anton Maclean.

3. Caravan park– A further letter was sent to the municipal manager regarding the lease of the caravan park. A meeting with the mm will be requested. A response is being awaited.

4. The Vlei issue – was again raised with the mm by letter and will be discussed with him during a scheduled meeting. A response is being awaited.

5. Viking boat – Noted that the chair will again take up the matter of the abandoned Viking boat that is derelict on the river beach.

6. Sanitation – A letter was send to the MM and Director of Infrastructure. A response is being awaited.

1. POPIA – The chair will attend to BRRAG POPIA compliance in due course.
2. Insurance cover – The chair to write to the MM and ascertain what insurance cover is in place at the tennis club and town hall.
3. NPO – Our organisation cannot be found on the official NPO website. The chair will follow up.

Then monthly accounts were sent to committee members, and it was noted that the accounts are healthy.

Willie is dealing with the lottery funding application.

We must investigate funding by the Eastern Cape department of social welfare for NGO’s.
The chair reported that he had sent out approximately 180 emails with statements for subs. The response was fairly good. Elizabeth will do further follow ups and canvassing.

Duard advised that the monthly braai group decided to ensure that three fundraisers be held: one Christmas in July to make up for the loss in December 2024, one National Braai day and one Christmas braai in November / December 2025.

The R 7000 from everything that floats was reversed on the bank account. Should it materialise it will be allocated as follows: Rowene soup kitchen R 1000; Nightwatch R1 000; Sia Soup R 1 000; Vet R 1 000 and R 3 000 towards the Town hall water tank.

Robbie reported that all is going well.
Fuel usage is high because of the additional mowing that is required.
Quotes for the tennis court fences will be requested.
Elizabeth will approach a member regarding resurfacing of the courts.

The Viking boat is derelict and a danger. The chair will follow up with Ndlambe.

1. The sanitation Forum – For Ward 3&4 has not been activated, a letter was sent to the MM, Directors Vithi and Booysen Jacques will follow up.
2. Slipway ablution – Noted that the ablution at the slipway was completed under the guidance of Jacques. It was job well done and to be proud of. Thanks to Ndlambe and donors who helped to fund the project.
3. IDP priorities – Noted that the municipality has accepted the following priorities: Maintenance, roads, water and sanitation and drainage, Jacques, Elizabeth and the chair to meet with Rene Puren, the IDP Manger.
4. Pre-paid electricity meters – Jacques will follow up the prepaid meters for the clubhouse and hall.

Ferenc advised that his term as CPF chair is coming to an end. He will remain a member.
Noted that a new Community organisation looking after noise pollution, will apply to be part of the CPF.

Noted that the chair is assisting NW with a constitution and will be looking at the make-up of the camera fund.

Robbie advised that Ayanda and Junior will each be afforded a three month contract but the Julius will not be given a further contact after the end of February.

River buoys – Duard advised that EC decided not to take over the management of the river buoys. Decided that members be advised informed in the next newsletter of the development. 

Dune matter – The process is underway to obtain a specialist opinion which will be submitted to Ndlambe. A collaborative approach is sought rather than litigation.

Sue advised that the last ward meeting for Ward 3 was not held since none of the Ndlambe directors attended and it was adjourned.

She also reported that the lifeguards played a very important role, also attending to two near drownings.

Robbie advised that we have a brand-new trailer, and our equipment has been installed successfully. The new trailer must now be registered, and Duard will speak to Mark Jameson.

Nothing to report.

Suggestions regarding updates of the website will be collated.

The chair will attend. Articles to be submitted: Sue – lifeguards, Duard – buoys, Rowene – committee, Jacques – SANPark and Ablution renovations

A meeting is scheduled for 7 February 2024 with Rene Puren, the IDP Manager for Ndlambe to obtain full information and understanding of the IDP process. BRRAG wil then align its approach and IDP document to submit.

Sue advised that the Harvest Market at the town hall will now be held on every last Saturday of the month.