October 2025 Newsletter

We are planning for our usual additional security during the holiday season. Why so early? Because we need to advise the service provider of the number of guards that we will require in good time as they must hire them in and ensure that they are properly trained to comply with the relevant legislation regarding security guards.

This cannot happen overnight. We urge members to commence contributing towards the December security fund so that we can assess our resources for the project by the end of October 2025.

We welcome all donations to make this possible, we require approximately R200,000.

Payment can be made as follows:
BRRAG
Bank: Standard Bank, Port Alfred
Branch Code: 051117
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.

Riversbend owners, please encourage neighbours to assist – we have traditionally contracted for fewer guards for a shorter period due to a lack of contributions.

Also note, that the amount above only allows for guards at night (18h00 – 06h00) and a slipway and sea carpark guard during the day. If we receive more than the amount above, daily roving guards can be added.

Markings will be placed in the street outside the houses that contribute for easy identification by the guards during December. There is no magic in the different colours that we use – we use the paint that’s available!

Bookings contact Sue Muirhead 084 297 6190

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.

Catering can be arranged.

The event provided the team with a chance to focus on strategy, build team spirit, and enjoy a bit of relaxation before the big game.

The day included a strategy session with the coach, a cooked breakfast for players and staff, and the excitement of watching a rugby game on the big screen.

The hall buzzed with energy as the team planned their next moves and strengthened their camaraderie.

We wish Klipfontein United all the best in the current local rugby tournament.

Bushmans Town Hall recently came alive with the talents of Bushwillow Primary School during their annual show, “The Quest for a Laugh.” The event was well supported by family, friends, local residents, and even visitors from the Dolphin Coast Nursing Home, who brought residents along to enjoy the performance.

The show was a delightful mix of great props, colourful costumes, and impressive performances from the young stars. From comedic skits to energetic performances, the children had the audience laughing and cheering throughout the show.

Organizers and attendees agreed it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase local talent while bringing the community together. With laughter, applause, and smiles all around, the event highlighted not just the creativity of the students, but also the strong sense of community spirit in Bushmans and the surrounding areas.

The notice board is at the town hall and may be used by all.

Let’s keep using and supporting this special venue—it’s right in the heart of our community and ready for your next event!

We have installed a water tank to ensure water availability for functions and acquired a generator to assist with the odd electricity outing.

Please diarise 27 December 2025 for our AGM at 17h00 and join us for a glass of wine afterwards.

The Bushmans Town Hall is once again buzzing with warmth and activity, thanks to the dedication and expertise of two wonderful community members — Annatjie, who is there every Monday, and Heidi, who lends her time and energy on Fridays when she’s in town.

With their vast experience and love for books, Heidi and Annatjie has transformed the donation of books into a welcoming and accessible community library. She’s created a system that encourages everyone to borrow and enjoy books easily.

Visitors can browse Anne’s Free Library outside the hall or explore the larger collection of books, which are securely kept and available on most Mondays and Fridays.

It’s a reminder that the heart of our town lies in the hands of its volunteers!

Thank you to our volunteers who give their time and care to make Bushmans the warm, special and welcoming community we are so proud of.

Pop in on a Monday to meet Annatjie, and Fridays to meet Heidi and choose a book, or just say hello!

Ndlambe (Water Service Authority) appoints Sizwe Amanzi as new Water Service Provider, replacing Amatola Water.

We attach the article sent out in April.
Further developments…. See Municipal press release

The process took a long time since certain formalities had to complied with. ⁠3 years ago, a formal Water Management Committee and Technical Task Team were established with participation by Ndlambe, AW, DWS and the community (BRRAG, Kosra, Estuary Care and Chamber of Business and Tourism). The purpose was to jointly try and get the ACRO water factory to function to capacity or look to find alternatives to ensure sufficient long term water availability.

During May 2023 Ndlambe took a decision, after recommendations from the working group, to apply to replace Amatola Water (The board who is / was the water service provider).

The formal process started soon afterwards to bring us to the point where the operation of ACRO plant was recently transferred to Ndlambe to manage. ⁠Hard work and persistence of our local members (especially Jacques de Wit and Chester Wilmot) have borne fruit. It was proved that Amatola was managerially incapable of coping with the production of water.

We owe an enormous thank you to Jacques and Chester who served (and serves) on the technical task team these past few years who furnished advice and applied pressure for water issues to be addressed.

⁠The appointment of a capable private contractor is a most welcome development. NJ of Sizwe Amanzi, is known to us, and we have seen the success of their work in Port Alfred.

We are optimistic, although we know that it will take time, that the new water service provider will step up to the plate.

Although Sizwe Amanzi will take over water operations on 1 December

• ⁠There is no immediate solution to produce the volume of water required in ward 3 and 4
• Our water problems will not be resolved by the end of the year although continuous improvement can be realistically expected
• Realistically, we should have proper water production by Easter 2026.
• Huge capital expenditure is required by the private contractor- in excess of R 60million
• Another factor is the municipal water infrastructure which is also in need of drastic improvement by Ndlambe municipality. The challenges with the water infrastructure and supply to households will still require serious attention, and this does not fall in the mandate of the contractor but remains a duty of the municipality

Updates will be provided as information becomes available but, as said earlier this year, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let us all hold thumbs.

BRRAG, KOSRA, Merryhill and the Chamber of Business and Tourism, have signed a constitution for the Camera Fund which makes us partners in the Camera Fund and its assets. The Camera Fund will be overseen by a committee of five persons and liaise with local security concerns and the SAPS.

These cameras—including motion-activated “spot bots”—are strategically placed at key locations and triggered by movement. They’ve already proven to be an invaluable tool in tracking suspicious activity and providing vital footage to assist local law enforcement.

Your donations to the Camera Fund help cover annual licensing fees, the installation of new cameras, and maintenance of existing infrastructure. Every contribution counts.

To support this vital safety initiative, please donate to BRRAG using the reference: CAMERA. If you are a regular contributor, the enclosed newsletter may be of assistance.

Together—with technology, vigilance, and community spirit—we’re creating a safer place for all.

BRRAG
Standard bank
Port Alfred 051117
Account number: 28111639

Just some feedback on this morning’s meeting that was not a meeting. Promptly at ten ônneraboel spieka introduced himself as such as well as all the other ônneraboels. Since we could not make out a word, he was saying people complained about the sound system and a not so successful attempt was made to set it right but at least it was better. A person then complained about to many people attending (the hall was full). He said the invite was only for stakeholders and that if they were going to allow just anybody to attend, he would bring his comrades. The meeting which was not a meeting was then opened with a prayer. The speaker then handed over to a guy with springbok skin around his head with lots of small pleats of hair sticking out from underneath it. This guy went on to explain to us that the meeting was not a meeting since the legal requirements for such a meeting were not followed and the only reason for us meeting was to set a date for the real meeting. Since it was not a meeting no questions would be taken or discussions allowed, but he promptly allowed a person to ask for the definition of a stakeholder. He said his definition of a stakeholder is a person representing others, a definition not accepted by everyone. A person from the audience then got up and gave quite a long explanation how the real meeting should be arranged and conducted. The speaker then got up and repeated what this person said in Xhosa. Another person from the audience then got up and in quite an aggressive manner insisted that the name of Boesmansriviermond should also be changed.

At that stage we’ve had enough of it and left the meeting that was not a meeting.

Security in Our Area

Over the past three months, our Night Watch team has been actively engaged in special operations alongside various security agencies. These joint efforts have led to high-profile successes, particularly in combating abalone poaching along our precious coastline.

The public often does not fully realize the time, resources, and personal sacrifice invested in bringing these dangerous criminals to justice. Much of this work is carried out at our own expense, driven only by our commitment to keeping our community safe.

Joint Operations & Arrests

The Night Watch has worked closely with SAPS and Hi-Tec Security Coastal on numerous successful arrests across a wide range of criminal activities. A key factor in these operations has been the Eye in the Sky, which continues to prove its worth in tracking and flushing out suspects.
One of the most notable incidents occurred when a shopkeeper was shot five times by three criminals who fled into the bush between Klipfontein and Boknes. A large-scale joint operation was immediately launched.

The Boknes Buurtwag responded without hesitation, blocking off the Boknes main road from the R72 to Boknes Beach. Their discipline and teamwork were outstanding, and we salute their commitment.

Within an hour, the suspects were successfully apprehended by the K9 unit, with no chance of escape. Hi-Tec Security once again proved to be a reliable partner, working alongside Night Watch with discipline and determination.

In another incident, abalone poachers crashed their vehicle at the Boknes crossing. While the driver was arrested on the scene, the other suspects escaped into the bush. Despite the full mobilization of all agencies, they managed to evade capture this time — not from lack of effort, but due to the challenging terrain.

Total Value Recovered
R2.4 million
5 x Arrests

Copper Theft Successes

The Eye in the Sky has also been instrumental in tackling copper theft, successfully tracking criminals in hiding and enabling their arrest. These suspects were then handed over to Hi-Tec Security for processing.

The Power of the Camera Network

It is important to highlight that 80% of our intelligence comes directly from the community camera network. Without this vital system, many of these successes would not have been possible.

A Call to Action – Help Us Help You

As Chairman of the Night Watch CPF/NHW and the Community Camera Fund, I cannot stress enough how essential your support is. These operations and successes depend on continued funding.

Please consider donating to these community-driven initiatives.

Together, we can ensure that our town remains the safe and secure bubble we are proud to live in, especially compared to the challenges faced elsewhere in the country.

HELP US TO HELP YOU

BRRAG BANK ACCOUNT
STANDARD BANK
Acc No. 281116393
Port Alfred
Ref. NW / NAME.
*Corporate support would be greatly appreciated.

Ferenc Toth
NIGHT WATCH CPF / NHW TEAM

A special, urgent request to all the residents of Rivers Bend!

The state of what can be such a beautiful and tranquil suburb has become a garden refuse dump because some careless persons are impacting on our residential area. This impacts on the rest of the residents who are trying to keep Rivers Bend free of unsightly garden refuse.

The options are:

1. Please let’s get our pride back and stop dumping refuse on empty properties across the road or next to us.
2. BRRAG owns a trailer and labour and is willing to assist. If necessary, we shall contribute to the fuel bill if owners with “bakkies” who are prepared to help from time to time put up a hand and help with the removal. BRRAG members can also hire the trailer at small fee.
3. There are several garden services as well as private people who can assist with your dilemma of removing big branches etc. Just give us a call.

The garden refuse dumping site is along the dirt road past the old BuildIt building. The municipality also allows 2 bags of garden refuse per week to be placed with other refuse.

Hats off and thank you to all who are eager for this initiative to take back our pride and make Rivers Bend free from garden refuse.

Contact Dalien Pachonick on 0724338440 regarding contact numbers of private people for help. If you can assist with the BRRAG trailer and labour, please also call Dalien.

We welcomed community representatives following the success of the World Cleanup Day initiative – 20th September 2025. The event celebrated the efforts of local residents who volunteered their time to keep our town and surrounding coastline clean.

The gathering featured a screening of an environmental documentary, with David Attenborough’s voice booming through the audio, captivating a group of enthusiastic, environmentally aware residents.

Local residents and environmental lawyers Catherine Pruett and Brett Sommermeyer, who have been extensively involved in projects supporting the conservation of marine species and habitats, attended and shared feedback on laws relevant to our coastal areas. Their presence highlighted the collaboration between local communities, legal frameworks, and tourism initiatives in safeguarding the area.

Organizers described the event as a well-supported tourism and environmental initiative, combining education, engagement, and celebration of the community’s achievements.

Artist Mike Wells has taken a bold step to draw attention to a form of litter often overlooked but incredibly harmful: cigarette butts, or “stompies.” His latest sculpture — a series of oversized butts placed right on Bushmans Beach Slipway — delivers a stark, in-your-face message about their environmental impact.

Why the fuss about stompies? Cigarette filters, especially plastic ones, can take up to 10 years to decompose. When discarded improperly, the toxins they contain leach into soil and water, harming marine life and ecosystems. A beach covered in cigarette butts isn’t just unsightly — it’s a genuine threat to wildlife and the environment.

Mike’s sculpture is more than art; it’s a visual call to action. By exaggerating the scale of the problem with giant stompies, he hopes to shock people into reconsidering how they dispose of their cigarettes. The message is clear: stompies are bad for the planet, and it’s time we all take responsibility.

Around 200 residents turned out at Marselle Hall in Ward 3 for a public participation meeting on the proposed Liquor By-Law changes. Sue Muirhead and Rowene Johnston from BRRAG attended to represent the community. The biggest concern from residents seemed to be noise levels from local taverns.

The meeting highlighted three main points from the proposed changes:

1. Stricter enforcement of trading hours — municipal authorities will ensure taverns operate only within approved hours to reduce disturbances. This could involve working closely with SAPS, and non-compliance may lead to fines of R2,000 or even three years in jail, with possible stock confiscation.
2. Licence holder presence — the registered owner of a liquor licence must be on-site during trading; taverns cannot be left entirely under the management of another person.
3. Tighter licensing criteria — new liquor licences will be issued with greater scrutiny, especially regarding proximity to schools, places of worship, and other sensitive areas.

Residents welcomed the opportunity to engage but weren’t fully convinced the changes would immediately improve life in the community. That said, these measures do give the municipality and by-law officers more authority to enforce the law, which means SAPS and community partners like Night Watch also have greater powers to support enforcement — and that’s a good start.

Retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living.

Please keep a “Look” out on our noticeboard outside the library for updates

15-16 London to Lorraine – previously loved clothing sale.

16th Harvest market – lots of stuff at the town hall.

21-23 Art Exhibition

21 Child Welfare Fun Run – Kenton

23 BRRAG Christmas Market – town hall

27 BRRAG AGM – 17h00 in the town hall

28 Anything that Floats

30 Seagull Regatta

Woody Cape Cycle Race—TBC

The BRRAG Team
brrag@boesmans.co.za
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