NEWSROOM 

LANGEBAAN SEAVIEW PARK SUBSIDY APPLICATION PROCESS

27 November 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality commenced with the Langebaan Seaview Park housing project subsidy application process and concluded the consultation in September 2024, with further engagements with the community and ward committees up to November 2024. The Municipality will now commence with the subsidy application process with the prospective beneficiaries.

The Municipality will advertise the list of prospective beneficiaries for the Langebaan Seaview Park housing project in the media (Weslander) on 28 November 2024, where applicants can submit subsidy applications.

Who can apply for this subsidy?

• Your name must form part of the list that will be advertised by the Municipality in the Weslander on 28 November 2024.
• Be a citizen of South Africa or hold a permanent residency permit.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be married, be living with a partner, or if you’re single, you must show that you have family members or children who are financially dependent on you.
• Show that your maximum monthly income is R3 500 or less.
• Show that you’ve never owned property before.

INTERNATIONAL E-WASTE DAY 2024 WAS A SUCCESS IN SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY!

21 November 2024

From 14–19 October, residents were encouraged to drop off old electronics like phones, laptops, TVs, and appliances for free at the Vredenburg Landfill and Langebaan Transfer Station. A total of 166 items were received, with TVs and routers being the most common.

E-waste can harm the environment if not disposed of properly, so responsible handling thereof is key. Green Bin Waste Solutions, the current local service provider, ensures safe disposal and recycling of all these items.

This free service is available year-round, so keep dropping off your e-waste at municipal facilities to help protect the planet!

Vredenburg Landfill or Langebaan Transfer Station

Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00

Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00

AN INSIDE OUT DAY: GUIDING DIAZVILLE PRIMARY GRADE ONE LEARNERS TOWARD JOY AND HOPE

29 October 2024

The story of little Joshlin Smith, a Grade 1 learner at Diazville Primary School in Saldanha, has profoundly impacted the local community and her classmates alike. Over the past months, these young learners have grappled with intense emotions in a world that has turned upside down for them.

Deeply moved by Joshlin’s circumstances, the innovative team from the Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Economic Development and Strategic Services Directorate (EDSS) resolved to create an outreach programme specifically for her classmates. The central question guiding their efforts was: How could they assist these young learners in rediscovering joy and hope?

On Friday, 18 October 2024, the Grade 1 class was invited to spend a special day at the Saldanha Bay Municipality. In collaboration with the school, the EDSS team, and external stakeholders—including the Western Cape Department of Education and various generous sponsors—a vibrant programme was established. The day drew inspiration from Pixar’s beloved film Inside Out, which illustrates how a young girl, Riley, navigates her emotions through Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness.

NAVIGATING THE HOUSING APPLICATION PROCESS: A GUIDE FROM SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY

24 October 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality works in conjunction with the Provincial Government to attend to the growing need for housing opportunities in the area within the restricts of the relevant legislative framework.

The role of the municipality in the demand and beneficiary management process, is mainly to assist applicants with the completion of the forms and to capture such applications on the system. Once applications are captured and uploaded, the forms are submitted to the Provincial Department of Infrastructure for further processing.

The selection criteria and priorities for a project, for example in the case of the Langebaan Seaview Park Project, are as follows:

• Households headed by persons who are 60 years of age or older.
• Households headed by Military Veterans.
• Households affected by permanent disability.
• In the event where further applicants are required, and priority groups have been accommodated on a project, applicants in cohorts of five years younger than 60 years can be selected.

The municipal Housing department extracted the names of prospective applicants from the demand database and submitted the content to the Provincial Department of Infrastructure (Human Settlements).

Screening was completed to identify deceased, establish correct identity details and persons who received subsidies.

Waste Management Surveys conducted in George Kerridge, Vredenburg

17 October 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Solid Waste Department conducted door-to-door surveys in George Kerridge on Tuesday, 15 October 2024.

This activity had multiple objectives:  firstly, to get feedback on how residents are currently experience waste management service provision, secondly to educate on proper waste management and lastly to understand how we can improve our waste management service to the area.

We are now reviewing and analysing the responses, which will guide us to identify necessary actions.

Community engagement like this is essential for addressing waste management challenges and developing effective, sustainable solutions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this initiative a success!

OFFICAL OPENING OF THE LANGEBAAN SPORTS GROUND DEVELOPMENT

27 September 2024

The initial phase of the Langebaan Sports Ground Development was officially inaugurated on Friday, 27 September 2024. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting and facility handover were led by Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr. Charmaine Laubscher, alongside Member of the Mayoral Committee Cllr. Wilhelm America, Municipal Manager Mr. Heinrich Mettler, and Director of Community and Operational Services Mr. Louis Volschenk.

Dignitaries from the Municipality, Council, International Rugby Institute, Langebaan Rugby Club, local schools, the business community and the Western Cape Government gathered to celebrate this milestone.

Today, the sports grounds represent the culmination of years of planning and the dedication of visionary individuals who recognised the value of such a facility for the Langebaan community.

The ultimate goal is to create a vibrant hub that host a variety of sporting activities, in addition to the current rugby field and cloakrooms.

Saldanha Bay Municipality Leads the Way in 2023 Waste Management Awards

23 August 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality has emerged as the top performer in the 2023 Municipal Waste Management Recognition Programme (MWMRP), a prestigious initiative led by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). This accolade underscores the municipality’s steadfast commitment to excellence in waste management and its dedication to enhancing service delivery within the community.

Having secured the third position in 2022 with a score of 83%, Saldanha Bay Municipality made significant strides this year, boosting its score to an impressive 90% to claim the top spot. This achievement reflects a well-coordinated and strategic approach to waste management and was strongly contested by other top municipalities in the Western Cape, with Overstrand in second place (89%) and Drakenstein in 3^rd place (85%).

Inauguration of Proportional Councillor

22 August 2024

Councillor Ricardo van der Merwe, from the GOOD Political Party, was inaugurated at Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Special Council Meeting earlier today.

Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr André Truter, Speaker, Ald Olwene Daniels and Municipal Manager, Mr Heinrich Mettler, welcomed Cllr Van der Merwe to the Council.

World Drowning Prevention Day held annually on 25 July 2024

25 July 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality, in conjunction with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and other key role-players, visited Diazville Primary on 25 July 2024 to educate and raise awareness amongst learners.  The morning’s programme involved Grade 1 and Grade 4 learners. The NSRI representative engaged learners in some interactive and simulation exercises.

The municipality would like to thank the 𝗡𝗦𝗥𝗜 as well as the following, other emergency services for their support in terms of their presence at the event, as well as during similar and ongoing programmes that are presented within the Saldanha Bay Municipal area: EMS, Emergency Medical Rescue Services, SAPS Sea Border Unit, Municipal Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, Traffic Services and Disaster Management Volunteers.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of water safety. It’s a day of reflection on those impacted by and lost to drowning, and how we can prevent these events from happening again.

WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS OUTREACH

25 July 2024

The Department of Health and their valuable NGO partners, Mfesane and TB Match, are hosting a three-day, comprehensive, Health Outreach in the Saldanha Bay Municipal area.

Members of the public are invited to make use of these opportunities.

𝗟𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮
𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟮𝟵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗟𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰, 𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 – 𝟭𝟰:𝟬𝟬

🔖Services that will be provided:

• Recruitment of potential clients for x–rays scans prior to TUTT outreach on 29 July 2024.
• Mobile x-rays scans conducted.
• Door to door outreach on 22 to 26 July 2024 in Laingville(build-up).
• Specific streets are Bougainvilla, Madeliefie and Begounia.
• Door to Door questionnaire tool in duplicate to be completed for Tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Assessments done to determine clients eligible for TB testing and possible CXR.

𝗩𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗽/𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮
𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 – 𝟭𝟰:𝟬𝟬

🔖Services that will be provided for the day will be:

• HIV / TB screening and testing.
• Mobile x-ray scanning.
• Hypertension and diabetes screening.
• Child Health services such as RTH booklets assessments, catch-up vaccinations, Vitamin A and deworming.
• Family planning services.
• Health Education station with pamphlets and information.

𝗗𝗶𝗮𝘇𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲/𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮
𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟭 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝟬𝟵:𝟬𝟬 – 𝟭𝟰:𝟬𝟬

🔖Services that will be provided for the day will be:

• HIV / TB screening and testing
• Mobile x-ray scanning.
• Hypertension and diabetes screening
• Child Health services such as RTH booklets assessments, catch-up vaccinations, Vitamin A, and deworming.
• Family planning services.
• Health Education station with pamphlets and information.

𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑒ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠.

Winter Readiness Programme 2024

20 June 2024

The municipality is currently implementing its Winter Readiness Programme, which includes amongst others, the clearing of stormwater channels and drains to allow rainwater to comfortably drain from road- and pathways.

In addition to this, we are urging residents to ensure that trees growing on privately owned land, those at risk of falling over or overgrown, to be trimmed before the winter rains begin. This is to prevent trees from falling over during weather conditions such as when heavy rain and strong winds are experienced and trees and other overgrown vegetation can fall onto municipal and/or Eskom infrastructure, causing damage and affecting, for example, the timeously return of power supply.

Inauguration Ceremony of the Saldanha Bay Municipality Youth Council

16 June 2024

The newly elected Youth Council for the 2024/25 term was inaugurated at a distinctive gathering held in Saldanha earlier today.

Leading this formidable group of youth leaders are Palesa Theletsane as Junior Mayor, Shikil Sahadew, elected Junior Deputy Mayor, Willmore Daries who was confirmed as Junior Speaker and Ethan Mahoney who will carry out his duties as Junior Deputy Speaker.

The new Youth Council members were warmly welcomed and supported by the Municipal Manager, Mr. Heinrich Mettler, Executive Mayor, Cllr. André Truter, Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr. Charmaine Laubscher, Speaker, Alderman Olwene Daniels and other esteemed Aldermen and Councillors from the Saldanha Bay Municipality.

A Day to Honour the Courageous: Fire and Rescue Services Commemorative Day

13 May 2024

One of the essential services provided by the Saldanha Bay Municipality is its efficient and well-equipped Fire and Rescue Services. On Saturday, May 11, 2024, a special commemorative event was held by the municipality to honour its dedicated firefighters and the extended family of first responders.

The event was attended by representatives from various fire and rescue service units in the industry, including Sea Harvest and the SAS Saldanha Naval training base, as well as local emergency services representatives. Family members of the firefighters and other rescue services personnel were also present to show their support.  The event also provided an opportunity for high school learners from different schools in the area to witness rescue simulations and participate in the formalities. It was a chance for the community to come together and recognize the hard work and dedication of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Municipality condemns latest attack on firefighters

31 March 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality has noted with disappointment the latest incident of firefighters being attacked in the line of duty.

The Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services were attacked early this morning while attending to a reported fire in Witteklip, Vredenburg.

Attacks on municipal essential workers and/or emergency personnel (including firefighters) are becoming a regular occurrence. Municipal vehicles and trucks are either stoned, or the personnel are attacked, harassed or threatened.

Ensuring Safety: Free Roadworthy Tests for Minibus Taxi Operators

18 March 2024

Roadworthy tests play a crucial role in ensuring that vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards. In an effort to promote public transport awareness and enhance road safety, the Saldanha Bay Municipality will offer free roadworthy tests to minibus taxi operators the week leading up to the Easter long weekend.

Roadworthy tests will be conducted at the Langebaan Vehicle Testing Centre (VTC) for a limited period of four days from 25 – 28 March 2024. This is a total voluntary awareness initiative, with no obligation attached to it.

During the four days, public transport operations will be conducted and if, to the discretion of Traffic Law Enforcement Officials, a minibus taxi appears unroadworthy, the vehicle will be referred to the Langebaan VTC for a roadworthy test. 

Saldanha Bay Municipality and NSRI continue to instil water safety skills in local youth

18 March 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality in partnership with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) hosted the NSRI’s Survival Swimming Programme at the South African Navy Base in Saldanha on Thursday, 14 March 2024. 

This is the second event hosted by the NSRI in the Saldanha Bay municipal area and ideally fits into the Saldanha Bay Safety Initiative’s (SBSI) objective of achieving an overall safer Easter festive season.  Other role players at the event were amongst others the Department of Education, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Disaster Management volunteers / interns.

The NSRI’s Survival Swimming Programme is geared at youth and adults in under-resourced areas with the purpose of imparting on valuable life skills. The programme teaches the very basics of Breath-control, Orientation, Floating, and Moving through water.

SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH UNISA

28 February 2024

Dignitaries were welcomed at the Vredenburg Public Library on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 to officially launch a partnership between the municipality’s Library Services and the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Driven by a common vision, the collaboration between Saldanha Bay Municipality and Unisa is a multiple library initiative that, at its core, aims to create an environment for local students, prospective students and the public at large to access information and available technology that will support and equip users in the process of further learning and development.  The vision is to ultimately contribute to an informed, skilled and learned society.  A strong emphasis is placed to promote the concept of “life-long learning” in the community and to unlock the potential of local human capital.

Saldanha Bay Municipality currently manages nine public libraries that lend books and provide access to electronic resources such as the Internet.  It also serves as a gathering point for certain community-based events.  The newly launched service, in collaboration with Unisa, will benefit enrolled and prospective students of the institution, across libraries, where, for example, an E-mail can be sent to Unisa to request a specific prescribed book or literature.  This item will subsequently be despatched via a dedicated courier to the library closest to the student.  Once the student has completed the borrowing period and returns the book or educational material to the library, the library will inform Unisa accordingly and Unisa will arrange for the item or items to be collected.  Students can benefit through this process by saving on time and expenses to obtain prescribed material.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE FINDING OR LOCATION OF JOSLIN SMITH

26 February 2024

An amount of R20 000 was paid to the Saldanha Bay Municipality by anonymous donors, for “finding or locating Joslin Smith of Diazville”. Joslin, only 7 years old, went missing on Monday, 19 February 2024.

The investigation into the disappearance of Joslin is officiated by SAPS and it is their sole responsibility, however the Saldanha Bay Municipality has worked closely with the SAPS to find little Joslin.

The administration of this reward is managed by the Saldanha Bay Municipality as the donors paid the funds into the MFMA section 12 bank account of the municipality, with the condition that it may only be used to find or locate Joslin Smith.

SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY COMMITTED TO THE TRANSPARENT ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO ADDRESS HOUSING NEEDS

20 February 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality works in conjunction with the Provincial Government to attend to the growing need for housing opportunities in the area within the restricts of the relevant legislative framework.

The role of the municipality in the demand and beneficiary management process, is mainly to assist applicants with the completion of the forms and to capture such applications on the system. Once applications are captured and uploaded, the forms are submitted to the Provincial Department of Infrastructure for further processing.

For implementation where relevant, once a project has been identified and approved for implementation, in the case of subsidy applications, the municipal Housing department submits a report to Council. On 28 September 2023 the composition of the Louwville housing project was recommended and approved.

The selection criteria and priorities for a project, for example in the case of Louwville, are as follows:

1. Households headed by persons who are 60 years of age or older.
2. In the case of the Louwville project, there were too few individuals in the priority group and individuals in cohorts of five years were selected, i.e. age group 59 – 55 years of age.
3. Households headed by Military Veterans.
4. Households affected by permanent disability within ward.
5. Households affected by permanent disability.
6. Households headed by individuals older than 60 years. (On the broader Vredenburg waiting list.)

The municipal Housing department extracted the names of prospective applicants from the demand database and submitted the content to the Provincial Department of Infrastructure (Human Settlements).

OFFICIAL OPENING AND STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

13 February 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality will broadcast the livestreaming of the Official Opening and SOPA, the Debate on the SOPA, and the Reply on the SOPA Debate in the Saldanha Bay Municipality Council Chamber at 12 Main Road, Vredenburg.

1. Official Opening and SOPA: Monday, 19 February 2024 @ 18:00
2. Debate on the SOPA: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 @ 09:30
3. Reply on the SOPA Debate: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 @ 14:00

Everyone is welcome to attend these events. No pre-booking is required.

What is SOPA?

The State of the Province Address, also known as SOPA, is an annual address to the province by the Premier, which focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the province.

What happens during the SOPA?

The Premier sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead in his State of the Province Address (SOPA).  It highlights the province’s achievements and challenges experienced over the past year and maps the year ahead.  SOPA covers wide-ranging political, economic and social matters and considers the general state of South Africa.

What happens after the SOPA?

Political parties have an opportunity to debate, comment and raise questions on matters addressed in the Premier’s speech during a debate on the Premier’s State of the Province Address. This debate happens after the address and forms part of the oversight function the Provincial Legislature performs over the Executive in holding the Premier accountable for government’s performance and plans for the year ahead. The Premier also has the opportunity to reply to the debate.

The cyclical link between the State of the Province Address, the Budget and the Oversight function of Parliament

• The State of the Province Address outlines government’s priorities for the year.
• The MEC of Finance allocates the Budget in line with the priorities outlined in the State of Province Address including regular reporting.
• Legislature conducts oversight over the Executive to ensure that government delivers on the priorities set out in the State of the Province Address and checks that allocated funds are spent accordingly.

TRAFFIC OPERATIONS CEREMONIAL PARADE

30 January 2024

The Saldanha Bay Municipality’s Traffic Operations section was honoured at a special ceremony on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 where employees were presented with their new ranks.

The dignified event marked an important milestone for these dedicated public servants as they advance in their careers managing the flow of traffic in our municipal area and ensuring safety on our roads.

Their newly awarded ranks reflect the trust and confidence the municipality has in their abilities to take on greater responsibilities, motivating them to continue their endeavours with renewed vigour and undertake challenges that foster innovation in tackling complex traffic issues head-on.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals as they embark on this next chapter.

Chief Traffic Services: G Swarts.

Chief Superintendents: H Brian and L Molefi.

Principal Inspectors: B Julies, J Swarts, E Miggel, N Bacela, F Pharo, T Sethole and C Kordom.

Senior Inspectors: J Nel, J Carolus, E Fortuin and C Stokes.

Inspectors: B Mfutsane, L Boks, M Claasen and L Ketsekile.

NEW WARD COUNCILLOR INAUGURATED

30 January 2024

The Saldanha Bay Council has welcomed a new ward councillor.

Mthobeli Twala, from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was sworn in as the new ward councillor of Ward 9 in Vredenburg at a Council Meeting held on 30 January 2024. This follows his victory in the ward’s bi-election on 06 December 2023.

Saldanha Bay’s Executive Mayor (Cllr André Truter), Speaker (Ald Olwene Daniels) and Municipal Manager (Mr Heinrich Mettler) welcomed Cllr Twala to the Council.

Ward 9 includes Ongegund and George Kerridge in Vredenburg.

VACANCY AND LEARNERSHIP SCAMS

26 January 2024

The Saldanha Bay Municipality has become aware of deceptive municipal job openings and learnership opportunities that are being falsely advertised on external websites. These misleading advertisements include the Municipality’s name, logo, employment application forms, and contact details.

We want to inform you that municipal vacancies advertised on external “learnership opportunities” websites are completely fabricated and are nothing more than scams.

Please note that legitimate employment opportunities at the Saldanha Bay Municipality are only advertised on our official website, the municipal Facebook page, and the local community newspaper.

To view vacancies available at the Saldanha Bay Municipality and to access the official application forms, please visit our website at https://sbm.gov.za/jobs/.

We apologise for any confusion or inconvenience caused by these fraudulent advertisements and assure you that we are taking steps to address this issue.

MUNICIPALITY RESPONDS TO COMPLAINTS OF SPILLAGE AT HOEDJIESBAAI AND LACK OF ABLUTION FACILITIES

19 January 2024

Saldanha Bay Municipality unconditionally wishes to apologise to any beachgoer who may have experienced discomfort due to unforeseen spillage into the sea at Hoedjiesbaai, Saldanha on 10 January 2024.

This incident occurred due to unforeseen technical issues experienced at the adjacent pump station in Saldanha and possible non-compliance by third parties, which will be investigated. As soon as the spillage was detected, the relevant team was dispatched to clean the area and attend to the technical issue.

A “No swimming” sign was displayed as a precaution measure and the area taped-off.   Beachgoers are again reminded not to swim in designated areas where “No swimming” signs are displayed.

Rest assured that the Executive Mayor and Ward 5 Councillor, Andre Truter and Saldanha Bay Municipality’s technical teams are working tirelessly to find permanent solutions to as far as possible avoid any re-occurrence of such incidents. Various departments within the municipality have met with the Executive Mayor and are currently working on a short, medium and long-term plan in this regard.

SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NSRI: SURVIVAL SWIMMING PROGRAMME HOSTED

11 December 2023

Saldanha Bay Municipality in partnership with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) hosted the NSRI’s Survival Swimming Programme at Weskus Skool in Saldanha on Wednesday, 6 December 2023.  This event was a first for the Saldanha Bay municipal area and ideally fits into the Saldanha Bay Safety Initiative’s (SBSI) objective of achieving an overall safer festive season.  Other role players at the event were amongst others the Department of Education, West Coast Medical Rescue, Emergency Medical Rescue (EMR), South African Police Service’s Diving Unit and various Disaster Management volunteers.

The NSRI has embarked on a Survival Swimming Program which is geared at youth and adults in under-resourced areas with the purpose of imparting on valuable life skills which include: skills to self-rescue, peer rescue and move through water for 5m to safety. The programme teaches the very basics of breath-control, orientation, floating, and moving through water. The NSRI instructors are trained individuals that undergo the necessary training and possess of a relevant first-aid certificate and all other clearances required to assist with the facilitation of the programme. The programme was offered free to all invited schools with the goal to reach approximately 120 learners on the day.

SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY OPENS STATE OF THE ART, CENTRAL FIRE STATION

10 August 2023

The new Fire and Rescue Services facility adjacent to the Saldanha Bay Airport, was opened by Executive Mayor, André Truter on 3 August 2023 during a special unveiling ceremony.  The event marks the achievement of a significant milestone in the history of Saldanha Bay Municipality.

The R12 million building was designed and is strategically positioned to allow an even faster and more efficient response to fire and rescue emergencies that occur in the municipal area.   The world-class facility accommodates 15 operational fire fighters, four reservist fire fighters, management and administrative support personnel, as well as a fleet of 11 dedicated vehicles, that include, amongst others, two fire engine major pumpers. Provision is also made for the necessary office space, a well-equipped control room, board room and customised storerooms.

In addition, the main building houses comfortable sleeping quarters for the firefighting and rescue personnel who rotates on a 24-hour, three shifts basis. Facilities include a well-equipped, modern kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms and a fitness room to ensure that personnel stay refreshed and prepared to respond to emergencies.

UNCONSTITUTIONAL NEWLY ENACTED EMPLOYMENT EQUITY LEGISLATION PROFOUNDLY DAMAGING TO SOUTH AFRICANS

27 July 2023

Over the past 29 years, the ruling party put in place a web of racial requirements through, inter alia, constitutional provisions, legislation and white papers that dismally failed the intended beneficiaries.  Just like race-based empowerment and affirmative action policies failed to work in the past, it is undeniable that the enforcement of the Employment Equity Amendment Act [EEAA] will also not solve poverty and inequality – instead, it will cause more harm than good.

This piece of legislation, described by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, as a ‘more aggressive strategy’, unashamedly imposes race quotas on businesses. No matter the circumstances or availability of qualified employees, the Minister is allowed to “set numerical targets for any national economic sector”, including “targets for different occupational levels, sub-sectors or regions within a sector” to achieve “equitable representation” at “all occupational levels in the workforce”. Companies, sectors and regions will be forced to adopt and achieve the affirmative action ‘targets’ set by the Minister of Employment and Labour, who also has the prerogative to differentiate the quotas per region and profession as he deems fit.

The EEAA and regulations will drastically change the procurement rules applicable to state entities.  Businesses who fail to meet the racial targets set by the Minister, or successfully justify the grounds for failing to do so, will not be allowed to provide goods or services to any organs of state. In addition, companies who have existing contracts with state entities, run the risk of having these agreements cancelled if the racial targets are not met. In essence, this legislation will prevent businesses from participating in tender processes from the start and allow a limitless race premium over value-for-money.

Baobab FIBRE Project Progress

06 March 2023

Saldanha Bay Municipality and SBM Smart City (Pty) Ltd are pleased to report that all major network-build milestones have been reached in terms of its Baobab fibre project.  All seven towns in the municipal area are now provided with world class Open Access Fibre Network services. This extensive network provides every citizen in the area with an opportunity to access the Internet and all its associated services. The fibre installation work in gated estates are on-going and is progressing well. To date almost 6,000 residences in gated estate have access to the Baobab fibre network and its services.

The Baobab end user community has reported that they appreciated the freedom to select from different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and that they enjoyed the increased telecommunication speed and reliability of the new network.

Local labour and SMME companies were involved and significantly contributed during the building and completion of the network installations in the various towns of Saldanha Bay Municipality.

The five local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) suppliers have also been successful in attracting and signing up an impressive number of new clients on the Baobab fibre network. Currently more than 10,000 subscribers are connected to the network with more than 1,000 contracted end users who are in the pipeline for services to be installed.

Information about the project is regularly distributed via various media outlets, local radio stations, social media and the Saldanha Bay Municipality’s official website. Promotion of the project will continue throughout 2023.

SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY ENABLES THE DIGITAL CITIZEN IN SOUTH AFRICA

23 November 2022

The Saldanha Bay Municipality has accepted the challenge to prepare its municipality for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and, in so doing, to enable its residents to benefit from opportunities and improvements.

The municipality has commenced with the process of establishing an optical fibre network that will provide all its residents with open access to data networks. At this stage, the Saldanha Bay Municipality is the only municipality in South Africa addressing the problem of accessibility to a data network in the community.

The Boabab Fibre project has now formally started and substantial progress has been made with the establishment of the open access fibre infrastructure (already installed in Langebaan, Saldanha, Vredenburg, Jacobsbaai, Hopefield and Paternoster).

In July 2022, the Saldanha Bay Municipality introduced its Digital Citizen app, which is integrated with the open access network in order to digitally provide its utility services to prospective users and residents. 

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF SBM COMMUNITIES VIOLATED

22 November 2022

Sadly, both days of the provincial taxi shutdown saw numerous incidents of violence and intimidation, leaving our communities vulnerable and feeling unsafe.

This morning it was evident that there was a calculated effort to disrupt and close off Saldanha. In the early hours of the morning the senseless damaging of our public property continued as our residents were intimidated and assaulted.

As the Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay, I want to explicitly state that this barbaric behaviour is strongly condemned. We will do whatever it takes, within the ambit of the law, to protect our citizens and property.

I want to give credit to our diligent Neighbourhood Watch, Law Enforcement and Fire Services, as well as members of POPS [Public Order Policing] who continued to work diligently under dangerous conditions to maintain a good presence in our towns and for going beyond the call of duty to restore law and order. The members of Vredenburg SAPS are also commended for the effective manner in which they executed their duties on Monday, 21 November ’22.

Whilst we respect the democratic right of the Taxi Industry, and any other industry for that matter, to strike / protest peacefully, we will never tolerate rogue individuals and groups who utilize this opportunity to embark on violent actions and disruptions to create chaos by damaging and destroying roads and public property and interfering with the free movement of our people.

Our urgent request to those participating in the protest action, is to refrain from interfering in any way, shape or form, with learners and their parents.

In view of the numerous illegal and violent incidents that happened, I can confirm that the Saldanha Bay Municipality reported several crimes to the local police for further investigation.