ELECTRICITY INTERRUPTION: VREDENBURG

Date: Sunday, 15 March 2026
Time: 08:30 – 17:00
Affected Area: Plein, Main and Mark Streets, Saldanha Road and surrounding area.

The municipality intends to do urgent construction work in the above mentioned area to carry out an upgrading of the electrical network.

Your installation must be treated as live for the full duration of the period mentioned above, as the power may be switched on before the mentioned time.

The municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and would like to thank all affected consumers for their patience during this time.

Enquiries: Call Centre 0227017061 / 6974

UNPLANNED ELECTRICITY INTERRUPTION: HOPEFIELD

The municipality is aware of and attending to the current power outage that is affecting Hopefield consumers. The electrical team is busy with fault finding and is also in consultation with ESKOM to determine the exact source of supply interruption. Time of restoration unconfirmed.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank the affected consumers for their patience during this time.

Call Centre: 0227017061 / 6974

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT: THE PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING OF AN AQUACULTURE FACILITY ON FARM NO. 1259, MALMESBURY DIVISION (DEA&DP REF. 16/3/3/6/7/1/F4/15/3229/25)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT: THE PROPOSED DECOMMISSIONING OF AN AQUACULTURE FACILITY ON FARM NO. 1259, MALMESBURY DIVISION (DEA&DP REF. 16/3/3/6/7/1/F4/15/3229/25)

Notice is hereby given of a public participation process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, Act 107 of 1998) (NEMA) regarding the proposed decommissioning of the existing aquaculture facility on Farm 1259.  The farm has an area of 3,12 ha that is inside of the delineated urban edge of Paternoster, and is accessed through Erf 2063, Paternoster.  Paternoster Groepbelange wishes to redevelop the existing buildings and facilities on 1,21 ha of the property and to integrate it with the existing waterfront attraction on the abutting property (Erf 2063, Paternoster).

The activity that triggers the environmental authorization application in terms of the NEMA Environmental Impact Study Regulations, 2017 is:

  • Listing Notice 1 (Basic Assessment process):

o             Activity 31: Decommissioning of a facility for which authorisation is required in terms of the Regulations.

Dupré Lombaard (Mobile: +27 82 895 6362 (WhatsApp only) // Email: dupre.lombaard@virdus.com) of Virdus Works Environmental (Pty) Ltd has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) to undertake the Basic Assessment environmental authorisation process on behalf of the applicant (Paternoster Group Ltd).  Any person wishing to register, or participate in the process, or submit comment on the draft basic assessment report (DBAR) may submit written comment by email to the EAP.  All correspondence must refer to the subject and DEA&DP reference number, and must contain the name, address, preferred contact details, and sufficient details regarding the subject matter to allow for a rational response. 

The DBAR, inclusive of a full description of the proposed development, specialist reports, and proposed draft environmental management programme (EMPr) can be accessed on the Virdus website: https://www.virdus.com.  If alternative access to the DBAR is required, then special arrangements can be made with the EAP or Nico Williams (Mobile: +27 76 564 8569 // Email: nico.williams@virdus.com).  The DBAR will be available for a period of 40 days for public access and comment, from 12 February – 26 March 2026. Virdus Works Environmental respects the right to privacy of all interested and affected parties (I&AP’s) and will comply with the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013, Act 4 of 2013.  By registering as an I&AP, and participation in the process, I&AP’s agree that their names, limited details, and comments may be made available in the public domain.

    Saldanha Bay Municipality Strengthens Pro-Active Beach Safety Measures Through Lifeguard Deployment and Strategic Partnerships

    Saldanha Bay Municipality Strengthens Pro-Active Beach Safety Measures Through Lifeguard Deployment and Strategic Partnerships

    Saldanha Bay Municipality continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to public safety through the implementation of a comprehensive Beach Safety Programme, initiated as part of the Municipality’s operational plan for the current financial year.

    The programme has been established to enhance safety capacity at municipal beaches and swimming facilities, while simultaneously creating employment and accredited training opportunities for young people within the Saldanha Bay Municipal area. With the Municipality’s coastline remaining a popular destination, particularly during peak holiday periods, this initiative forms a critical component of SBM’s preventative and proactive approach to reducing drowning incidents.

    Strategic Partnerships
    The programme is implemented through a broad network of stakeholders and partners under the Saldanha Bay Safety Initiative (SBSI) framework. These include, among others:
    South African Police Service (SAPS) and SAPS Sea Border Unit; Forensic Services and the Forensic Pathology Service (Western Cape Government); Department of Health and Wellness and Vredenburg Provincial Hospital; Emergency Medical Services (EMS); West Coast Medical Rescue; South African National Parks (SANParks); Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI); Department of Social Development; Sea Harvest Foundation; Aquarius Mogs; Pick n Pay IPIC Vredenburg; Dischem Weskus Mall Vredenburg; Sweet Bonanza Vredenburg; Prinro Vredenburg; Think Water; Avedia Energy; Vaalmac Saldanha; Westarcor Engineering; Captain’s Cabin Saldanha; and Cartol Saldanha.

    Role of the Municipality
    Saldanha Bay’s beaches experience significant visitor influxes during the December/January festive season and over Easter. This increase in beach usage heightens the risk of drowning, which has been formally identified as a safety concern. Beach safety has therefore been prioritised as a key municipal deliverable, with the Municipality actively pursuing the deployment of trained lifeguards at recognised and high-use beaches.

    Role of the National Sea Rescue Institute
    The National Sea Rescue Institute plays a pivotal role by providing professional lifeguard training, ensuring that all deployed seasonal lifeguards are fully trained, competent, and qualified to operate in identified beach areas.

    Lifeguard Deployment
    A total of 16 seasonal lifeguards will be deployed from 15 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, operating daily from 10:00 to 18:00. In addition, lifeguard services will also be provided over the Easter weekend period.

    Deployment will be as follows:

    • Saldanha Hoedjiesbaai – 3 lifeguards

    • Saldanha beach adjacent to the resort (Piff) – 3 lifeguards

    • Paternoster – 3 lifeguards

    • Laingville – 3 lifeguards

    • Langebaan at Leentjiesklip – 2 lifeguards

    • Diazville at Tabakbaai Swimming Pool – 2 lifeguards

    These locations were selected as they represent the most prominent, high-influx beach and swimming areas within the municipal boundaries.

    Visibility and Identification
    To ensure clear visibility and easy identification, lifeguards will wear:

    • Yellow T-shirts with SBM Lifeguard printed on the back and Lifeguard with the SBM logo on the front

    • Red shorts with Lifeguard printed in yellow on the front and back

    • Red jackets printed with Lifeguard in yellow

    • Khaki SBM bush hats

      Beach Safety Advisory
      While drowning incidents have occurred within the municipal area over the past three to five years, these incidents took place at beaches and coastal areas where lifeguards were not deployed and largely outside the festive season periods. The Municipality strongly advises residents and visitors to swim only at beaches and facilities where lifeguards are present, as these areas are regarded as the safest for bathers. Beaches without lifeguard services may pose increased risks, and swimming at such locations is discouraged.

      Ongoing Preventative Initiatives
      In addition to seasonal lifeguard deployment, Saldanha Bay Municipality, in partnership with the NSRI, hosts the NSRI Survival Swimming Programme annually. This two-cycle initiative is conducted once before the December festive season and once before Easter, reinforcing the Municipality’s focused efforts to prevent drowning incidents.

      The programme, offered free of charge to invited schools, targets youth and adults in under-resourced communities. It equips participants with essential life-saving skills, including breath control, orientation, floating, and basic movement in water. The fifth Survival Swimming Programme event was successfully hosted on 5 December 2025.

      The Municipality remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to ensure that its beaches and swimming facilities remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

      Group photo credit: Weslander

        ATTENTION SALDANHA BAY MSMEs!

        ATTENTION SALDANHA BAY MSMEs!

        The DSBD Asset Assist Programme Is BACK — Bigger, Better, and Ready to Boost Your Business!**

        The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has officially re-launched the Asset Assist Programme, giving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises a renewed opportunity to access funding of up to R250 000 to grow, upgrade, and strengthen their operations.

        Whether you need machinery, equipment, working capital, or raw materials — this is your chance to take your business to the next level.
        (Note: Only up to 20% of your grant request may be used for raw materials or stock.)

        >>>And great news:
        If you applied previously and were not funded, you are encouraged to apply again.

        ~Who Can Apply?

        South African-owned MSMEs in Saldanha Bay Municipality who are:

        ✔ Registered with CIPC
        ✔ Fully tax compliant
        ✔ Sole proprietors with valid documentation (also tax compliant)

        ~Not Eligible:

        ❌ Co-operatives
        ❌ Businesses with turnover above R1 million
        ❌ Previous beneficiaries of the Asset Assist Programme

        ~What You Need to Prepare!

        Make sure you have the following documents ready:

        -CIPC Registration Documents
        -Company Profile
        -Certified ID + Proof of Residence (Directors/Owners)
        -Tax Compliance Pin (SARS)
        -Business Proof of Address
        -12-month financial projections
        -12-month financial statements/management accounts (for existing businesses)
        -Business Bank Account Confirmation + 1 Month Recent Statement (existing businesses)
        -Bank Account Confirmation Letter (start-ups)
        -Valid work permits or residency documents for foreign employees
        -Quotations for required machinery/equipment/services

          ~How to Apply?

          Apply online:
          🔗https://www.dsbd.gov.za/asset-assist-progamme

          ~Deadline
          📅 09 January 2026
          ⏰ 23h59 (No late or incomplete applications will be accepted)

          Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the DSBD may close applications early due to budget limits — so don’t delay!

          ~Saldanha Bay MSMEs — This Is Your Moment!

          If you have been waiting for an opportunity to expand, modernize, or strengthen your business, the Asset Assist Programme is exactly what you need.

          Let’s grow local businesses. Let’s build a stronger Saldanha Bay economy, one MSME at a time!

          Apply now. Act fast. Level up your business.