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

by Saldanha Bay Municipality | Dec 19, 2025 | News

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!

by Saldanha Bay Municipality | Dec 12, 2025 | News

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.

Waste Management Awareness Quiz

by Saldanha Bay Municipality | Mar 14, 2025 | News

Waste Management Awareness Quiz

Residents of Saldanha Bay Municipality recently put their waste management knowledge to the test in an online quiz, and the results are in. A total of 296 residents participated, achieving an impressive average score of 8/10. This shows that the community is well-informed about proper waste disposal practices, but there is always room for improvement.

The quiz aimed to reinforce best practices in waste management and clarify some common misconceptions. Here is a breakdown of key insights from the quiz and what every resident should know to contribute to a cleaner, greener municipality.

A majority of participants correctly identified the proper way to dispose of recyclables. Recyclable waste should be placed in a clear bag and set next to the green wheelie bin on the scheduled waste collection day. This ensures that recyclables are properly sorted and processed rather than ending up in the landfill.

Common recyclable items include plastic bottles, glass bottles, and cardboard. By consistently placing these items in recycling bags, residents play a crucial role in reducing waste and conserving valuable resources.

Another key topic was the disposal of organic waste. Many residents correctly answered that food scraps and garden waste should be composted or taken to a designated green waste drop-off site. With the Western Cape’s organic waste ban to landfill coming into effect by 2027, it is vital for residents to start adopting composting practices now to avoid unnecessary landfill waste.

Illegal dumping remains a significant concern, and the quiz results reflected residents’ awareness of its harmful effects. Improper waste disposal pollutes land and water, harms wildlife, and creates health risks. Reporting and preventing illegal dumping is a shared responsibility, and every resident can contribute by using the proper waste management services provided by the municipality.

The quiz also highlighted the correct way to dispose of hazardous waste such as paint, chemicals, and fluorescent tubes. These materials should be taken to designated hazardous waste drop-off sites, like the Vredenburg landfill or the Langebaan transfer station, to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.

A crucial part of effective waste management is following the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, and dispose. Prioritising reduction and reuse minimises waste production, making recycling more manageable and reducing landfill burden.

Waste management directly impacts public health. Improper waste disposal can lead to the spread of diseases and environmental contamination. By following the correct disposal methods, residents contribute to a cleaner and healthier living environment for everyone.

With an average score of 8/10, residents have shown their commitment to responsible waste management. However, continued efforts are needed to reach 100% participation in recycling and proper waste disposal. By working together, Saldanha Bay Municipality can achieve its vision of a cleaner and more sustainable future.

For more information on waste collection schedules, recycling tips, and composting guidance, visit the Saldanha Bay Municipality website or contact the waste management office on 022 701 7079. Let us all do our part to keep our community clean.

A Heartfelt Thank You to All Law Enforcement Agencies and Safety and Security Organisations for Your Selfless Service

by Saldanha Bay Municipality | Dec 20, 2024 | News

A Heartfelt Thank You to All Law Enforcement Agencies and Safety and Security Organisations for Your Selfless Service

As we enter the summer holidays and festive season of 2024/2025, a time for relaxation and celebration, the safety of our families and communities remains a top priority. The Saldanha Bay Municipality Executive extends its sincere gratitude to all law enforcement agencies and safety and security organisations for their unwavering commitment and readiness throughout this period. Your dedication plays a vital role in ensuring a peaceful and safe holiday for all.

Key Safety Actions for the Festive Season

To ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors, a range of coordinated measures will be implemented by the law enforcement entities in conjunction with the Saldanha Bay Safety Initiative (SBSI) partners:

Traffic Control and Safe Driving:

Increased Patrols: Visible patrols will be present on main roads and key intersections to deter reckless driving and enforce traffic laws.
Roadblocks and Checkpoints: Roadblocks will target drunk driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviours, with breathalyser tests and vehicle safety checks conducted.
Speed Enforcement: Focus will be on high-traffic areas, including tourist routes, to prevent accidents caused by speeding.

Beach and Sea Safety:

Lifeguard Patrols: Increased lifeguard presence at popular beaches to monitor water conditions and provide first aid.
Marine Law Enforcement: Active patrols will monitor boating safety and ensure compliance with regulations, including speed limits and illegal fishing prevention.

Neighbourhood and Public Area Safety:

Increased Patrols: Vehicle patrols will be increased in residential areas, and recreational spaces to deter crime and ensure swift responses.
Protection of Public Spaces: Extra security will safeguard public and recreational spaces.
Crime Prevention: Specialised teams will focus on reducing theft and vandalism through intelligence-driven operations.

Coordination with Emergency Services:

Emergency Response: Enhanced collaboration between law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire departments to ensure swift responses to incidents.
Community Support: Services for vulnerable individuals will be available, and emergency contact numbers will be publicised on various communication platforms.

The public is requested to remain vigilant and assist by means of taking personal responsibility for security measures such as locking doors and securing valuables.

As we enjoy the festive season, we owe our safety to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and safety organisations. We extend our deepest appreciation to all those who contribute to the security of our communities, ensuring a joyful and memorable holiday for everyone. Together, with the support of our residents and holiday visitors, we can make this season safe and special for all.

Click Here to download booklet

Baobab Smart City Project: Launch of the Saldanha Bay Municipality Digital Citizen App

by Saldanha Bay Municipality | Jun 3, 2022 | Media Release, News, Press Release

Baobab Smart City Project: Launch of the Saldanha Bay Municipality Digital Citizen App

On Thursday, 02 June 2022, the Saldanha Bay Municipality in its continued commitment to be innovative and at the forefront of technology, has launched its Digital Citizen App and effectively put the Municipality in the palms of its residents.

The Digital Citizen App forms part of the Baobab Fibre project, which is focused on connecting every single household in the municipal area.

The App is a comprehensive engagement platform between the citizens, the Municipality and service providers with communication, an emergency button, help desk, utility management, services shopping, digital wallet and payments, document repository, events, photo gallery and facility management functionality.

“Technology is not the solution on its own but is rather an enabler and catalyst to be utilised in innovative ways to achieve socio-economic development in and for our communities,” says Executive Mayor, Councillor André Truter.

The Digital Citizen App is one of two key building blocks for the Saldanha Bay Municipality, the first of which is the installation of a single Open Access Network.

“This open access network provides a digital highway to our Municipality that unlocks access to a multitude of Internet Service Providers and provides the access medium, to enable the rest of the building blocks”, adds Councillor Truter.

The Baobab Fibre Project is embedded in the overarching framework of Saldanha Bay Municipality’s open access infrastructure, focusing on solving the provision of Fibre-to-the-X for all in the community.

This creates an open, equitable and transparent platform for the private sector and Municipality to provide value-added services on the back of the fibre network and platforms,” says Executive Mayor, Councillor Truter.

As interest in smart cities continues to grow, driven by a range of social, economic, and technological developments that are impacting cities around the world, more are committing to programmes for sustainability, innovation and economic development that depend on technological investments.

“Choosing the correct partners and providers to deliver these programmes is of critical importance for the future of Saldanha Bay Municipality. An effective telecommunications network and related services is one of the essential enablers of such a smart Municipality vision,” concludes the Executive Mayor, Councillor Truter.

The Digital Citizen App will be available to download from the App Store and Google Play Store on 01 July 2022.

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...

SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY

WARD COMMITTEE ELECTIONS 2022 – 2026

WARD COMMITTEE ELECTIONS: 2022 – 2026

The Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) Ward Committee Election processes for all 14 wards were concluded on 08 February 2022.

For any enquiries, contact André Lewaks at 022 701 6859 or PublicParticipation@sbm.gov.za or your Ward Councillor.

SEE BELOW LIST OF ELECTED WARD COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	CENGIMBO, LWANDO	WARD 1
2	DE BRUYN, ELLIOT	WARD 1
3	JOOST, MARK	WARD 1
4	MAFENUKA, SIYABULELO	WARD 1
5	MHLWEMPU, PHUMLISA	WARD 1
6	NGWADLA, KHAYALETHU	WARD 1
7	PRETORIUS, VERONIQUE	WARD 1
8	STEMELA, GCOBISA	WARD 1
9	VACANT	WARD 1
10	VACANT	WARD 1

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	BIXA, MZWAMADODA LENNOX	WARD 2
2	DAVIDS, NOMBULELO	WARD 2
3	FELIX, EVOLEEN	WARD 2
4	JAGGERS, SIMPHIWE	WARD 2
5	LOKHWE, NIKELWA	WARD 2
6	MBALO, SIMNIKIWE	WARD 2
7	MITCHELL, ELAINE	WARD 2
8	NDABA, NOMFUNDO	WARD 2
9	NGQOLA, PHIKOLONZI WELCOME	WARD 2
10	VAN WYK, NORMAN	WARD 2

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	CARSTENS, ALBERTUS	WARD 3
2	JORDAAN, VINCENT	WARD 3
3	REID, CHRISTINE	WARD 3
4	SAMUELS, GREZELDA	WARD 3
5	SOLOMONS, WAYNE	WARD 3
6	SUMMERS, LEVONA	WARD 3
7	SUMMERS, SHAMSUNIESA	WARD 3
8	VAN KOLVER, BERYL	WARD 3
9	VRAAGOM, DUWAYNE	WARD 3
10	VRAAGOM, WILLIAM	WARD 3

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	DE BRUYN, ADELE	WARD 4
2	DE KLERK, MARCO	WARD 4
3	MAQOMA, YANDISWA	WARD 4
4	RHODES, ERIC	WARD 4
5	SEPTEMBER, ELFRIEDA	WARD 4
6	SNYDERS, JOHN	WARD 4
7	VAN RHYN, FRANKLIN	WARD 4
8	VRAAGOM, CALLAN-LEE	WARD 4
9	WILLIAMS, JO-ANNE	WARD 4
10	WITBOOI, MAGDALENE	WARD 4

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	BURGER, MARTHINA	WARD 5
2	CARSTENS, ALWYN	WARD 5
3	CLAASSEN, ALETTA	WARD 5
4	HANEKOM, FRANCOIS	WARD 5
5	LAUBSCHER, JOHANNES	WARD 5
6	O’NEILL, CILLIAN	WARD 5
7	SCHOEMAN, AUDREY	WARD 5
8	SCHULZE, INGRID	WARD 5
9	TRUTER, CHRISTO	WARD 5
10	TRUTER, SHEENA	WARD 5

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	BAILIE, LAWRENCE	WARD 6
2	BLEEKER, JOHAN	WARD 6
3	COETZEE, ROXANNE	WARD 6
4	COETZEE, SHANE	WARD 6
5	DE VILLIERS, ISABEL	WARD 6
6	GOUWS, LEON	WARD 6
7	LUBBE, CHARET	WARD 6
8	MATTHEWS, CLEMENT	WARD 6
9	MATTHEWS, MIRANDA	WARD 6
10	MINNAAR, NOEL	WARD 6

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	BORRIE, GERALDINE	WARD 7
2	CLEOPHAS, MEGAN	WARD 7
3	CLEOPHAS, WALTER	WARD 7
4	HENDRICKS, ISABELLE	WARD 7
5	JACOBS, MARESA	WARD 7
6	MOSTERT, TANYA	WARD 7
7	SOLOMONS, DELMARIE	WARD 7
8	STRYDOM, LIZELLE	WARD 7
9	VAN DEN BERGH, JOHANNES	WARD 7
10	WILLIAMS, MAGGIE	WARD 7

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	BARNARD, MARIA	WARD 8
2	CORDOM, SHANE	WARD 8
3	DU TOIT, ADAM	WARD 8
4	DU TOIT, JACQUELINE	WARD 8
5	LOUBSER, EDWINA	WARD 8
6	SAMSON, RU-CHANDRE	WARD 8
7	TRUTER, FREDERIK	WARD 8
8	VAN BOVEN, WENDY	WARD 8
9	VAUGHAN, ANTHONY	WARD 8
10	WILLEMSE, ANGELIQUE	WARD 8

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	CAKACA, MZOXOLO PATRICK	WARD 9
2	FILTANE, TEMBANI	WARD 9
3	GQEBA, MALIBONGWE	WARD 9
4	JODO, MANDISA	WARD 9
5	MOKHELE, DINEO ANNA	WARD 9
6	MONDLI, ASIPHE	WARD 9
7	MPIKA, ZUKO	WARD 9
8	NOMNGONGO, BUYISIWE	WARD 9
9	SEMARU, MATSHIDISO VERONICA	WARD 9
10	TSHAYINTAKA, OLWETHU	WARD 9

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	AFGHAN, FARENAAZ	WARD 10
2	DELPORT, LADGEN	WARD 10
3	FRIESTER, KEVIN	WARD 10
4	FRIESTER, KYRA	WARD 10
5	KOOSTE, MEAGAN	WARD 10
6	MENTOOR, KATRINA	WARD 10
7	PERSENS, ELIZABETH	WARD 10
8	SYSTER, DOTTIE	WARD 10
9	VAN WYK, NORMAN	WARD 10
10	WATERBOER, LENA	WARD 10

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	ACHILLES, CHARLENE	WARD 11
2	CLOETE, MARUIS	WARD 11
3	CORAIZIN, FAREN SHAUNTAY	WARD 11
4	GIBSON, JAN THOMAS	WARD 11
5	JOSHUA, MURIEL ANN	WARD 11
6	KEARNS, FREDDIE	WARD 11
7	PIETERS, RENIER	WARD 11
8	SUMMERS, RYNO	WARD 11
9	VAN ZYL, ELMARIE	WARD 11
10	WITBOOI, JOHANNES	WARD 11

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	CLOETE, SAMANTHIA CHERYL	WARD 12
2	DU TOIT, KARIN	WARD 12
3	DUIKER, CLARENCE RANDALL	WARD 12
4	ESAU, MELISSA	WARD 12
5	LOUW, RICARDO CHARLES	WARD 12
6	MENDELA, NOKONWABISA	WARD 12
7	NTANJANA, MASIBULELE	WARD 12
8	PETER, THANDO	WARD 12
9	SIKHANGELE, NDAWULE	WARD 12
10	SKIPPERS, SUE-ELLEN	WARD 12

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	CLAASENS, ANNA	WARD 13
2	DE KOKER, CLAUDIA-JOY	WARD 13
3	KAMALIE, CHANTEL	WARD 13
4	MARITZ, MARIZAAN	WARD 13
5	MAY, JOHN	WARD 13
6	MENTOOR, ISAK	WARD 13
7	SMITH, SOPHIA	WARD 13
8	TALMAKKIES, CHRISTINA	WARD 13
9	WILLIAMS,CHRISTINA	WARD 13
10	WILLIAMS, LABRIAN	WARD 13

NUM	NAME & SURNAME	WARD
1	CLOETE, WINSTON	WARD 14
2	DAVIDS, JO-ANN	WARD 14
3	EBETE, PETRA PETRO	WARD 14
4	FORTUIN, JOHANNES	WARD 14
5	NIEUWOUDT, CHARLTON ASH	WARD 14
6	NIEUWOUDT, TREVOR PAUL	WARD 14
7	SMITH, SOLENE	WARD 14
8	THYS, WILNA	WARD 14
9	VAN BOVEN, JOHRENE	WARD 14
10	VAN DER WESTHUIZEN, JULIAN TSEPO	WARD 14

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