PBRPA Chairperson's Report 2022

A project to beautify the entrance to our village was undertaken in March 2022. Our thanks to Ronel Smuts for painting our entrance wall, which is indeed such a welcoming sight as one drives into the village.

It was agreed at our public community meeting in early December, that three meetings will be held throughout the year, to keep Pearly Beachers informed of activities and developments in the village. The management committee is however, disappointed that not many express an interest in joining the Association. Some assume that they are automatically members of this Association because they pay rates! 

Drop Off Zone

The drop-off zone continues to present many challenges and the PBRPA would like to once again enlist the help of residents in keeping this area clean and an asset to our village.

At a meeting with the Solid Waste Manager, held on 22 February 2023, it was agreed that the operating times of the zone would be 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays except for Wednesdays, when the zone will be closed. Operating times for weekends and public holidays will now be from 10 am to 3 pm. 

A new signboard will be erected indicating the revised times and Law Enforcement will be present on Wednesdays, as well as over weekends and public holidays after the Zone has been closed - i.e. 3 pm. Fines will be issued to offenders for dumping outside the zone and no bins will be placed outside the gate.

Dogs on the Beach

This project was shelved during Covid and will now be further investigated for beaches throughout the Overstrand, including Pearly Beach. Once approved, dogs will not be permitted on Castle Beach at any time, as this beach enjoys Blue Flag status during holiday periods. At Pearly Beach, (Beach Road) dogs will be permitted on leashes and from the Rotunda Way entrance to the beach, heading towards Gansbaai, dogs will be allowed to run fee. However, owners will be held responsible for their dogs.

Closing off of The Esplanade

As soon as New Jersey barriers become available, The Esplanade will be closed to motor vehicles. It will be accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. The road will not be deregistered and could again be opened to traffic should the need arise in the future.

Repainting the Whale

Plans are in place to clean the whale enclosure and to repaint the whale. The municipality has supplied the paint and materials required for attaching barnacles to the whale. Once the whale has been repaired and painted, Ronel Smuts has agreed to undertake the artwork required.

Installation of a Drinking Fountain at the Village Green

The installation of a Drinking Fountain is planned on the village green at the start of the 5 km meander. Once the necessary materials have been acquired, this project will commence.

Amendments of the Constitution

The committee is in the process of reconsidering the Objectives of the PBRPA as we feel that these need to be amended, as the original Constitution was drawn up at a time when Pearly Beach did not enjoy any municipal services such as the supply of water, electricity and refuse removal. Once these amendments are finalised, members will be notified and these proposed amendments to the Constitution will be presented at the next AGM.

Our thanks are once again are extended to the municipality for assisting us with maintaining our village. We wish Kat Myburgh, our former Area Manager, a long and happy retirement and we thank him for his personal interest in Pearly Beach. We will miss his efficiency and commitment. 

To our Ward Councillor Steven Fourie, our appreciation for taking the time to visit Pearly Beach regularly, and to attend to the myriad of queries here. To the management committee of 2022, Nelia, Trevor, Viv, Wilma, Jason and Dudley, my heartfelt thanks for once again serving the community with dedication over the last twelve months. 

SHIRLEY COETZEE

CHAIRPERSON: PEARLY BEACH RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION