As newly elected chairperson of the executive of the PBRA I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Elmarie Strydom, the previous chairperson as well as her entire executive who served the ratepayers with distinction during the previous term of office. I trust that the current executive will be able to rise to the challenge of continuing where they left off and serve the community of Pringle Bay with the same commitment and dedication. Since the election of the executive at the AGM we unfortunately had two resignations.

It is no exaggeration to state that the commencement of the term of office of the new executive was indeed eventful. The devastating fire had an immense impact on the entire village. We are eternally grateful to our core of volunteer fire fighters and our resourceful community of Pringle Bay as well as our street watch structure who together with the municipality, and with assistance from the greater region, kept infrastructure losses to a minimum. The response to this event bears testimony to the community spirit that exists within this village. The way the community rallied to assist all residents, especially the frail and elderly, was a clear illustration that this is a community that cares for each other.

The constitution of the PBRA clearly states that it should serve the interests of the ratepayers and residents of Pringle Bay. In delivering on this mandate, it is imperative that the PBRA reflect the interests of the community in the work we do, whether it be the interaction with statutory bodies and other role players, externally and internally, or protecting the environment. In other words, the PBRA should serve as a steward of the community. Since my wife and I settled here in Pringle Bay we have observed with admiration the sterling work of PBRA. Yet during this time I have also made friends and interacted with various individuals and families and must admit that the perception about the role of a rate payers association differs depending on who one speaks to and what their specific interests are. As chairperson I trust that as an executive, we will continue the teamwork ethic to further galvanise the community in a unifying manner in whatever role we fulfil. We need to take the vitriol out of community interaction and realise that we all want something common – a peaceful and safe Pringle Bay where human and nature lives in absolute harmony.

In keeping with the approach outlined above I would like to invite the community to communicate with the secretary or chairperson on matters that they feel the executive should consider. At the February meeting of the executive we identified different portfolios that we hope will enable us to adequately respond to the context within which we operate as a PBRA. We will continue to develop the process of giving expression to the strategic framework that the AGM considered and accepted in principle, for us to engage identified role players and stakeholders.

I invite all ratepayers and residents to join hands with the PBRA in our journey to make Pringle Bay a truly remarkable village for residents and visitors.