Today on the 23rd of August 2024, a ceremony was held to mark the completion of Phase 1 of the Fynbos CBD Project.

Gert Bam, the PBRA chair, opened by thanking the community and the municipality for their partnership, emphasizing the importance of preserving public spaces for future generations. David Lees-Rolfe, who holds the Conservation Portfolio on the PBRA committee, introduced Carel Laubscher.

Carel, the project leader, discussed the project’s focus on rehabilitating public spaces with indigenous Fynbos plants. Carel described the challenges of transforming a neglected area into a repository of local flora, highlighting the community’s role in contributing plants and funds.

He acknowledged the hard work of his 11-person team, and introduced them to the much larger than expected crowd of supportive locals. The team consists of:

David Lees-Rolfe
Colin Lewis
Tim Harris
Keith Anderson
Peter Mölchin
Peter Little
Karin Toerien
Louw Toerien
Leendert Pieterse
Petro van Straaten

The team managed to revitalize the space within just 36 days!

Carel also praised local businesses for their financial and logistical support.

The event culminated with the ceremonial planting of five King Proteas by notable women in the community:

• Acknowledging of our close interrelationship with Overstrand Municipality, planted by Counsellor Theresa Els
• Acknowledging our relationship with the Kogelberg biosphere, planted by Dr Nicollette Louw
• Acknowledging the role of individual Pringle Bay Ratepayers’ Association members, planted by Ilse Halgryn
• Acknowledging our many generous sponsors that made this project possible, planted by Elanie La Grange
• Acknowledging the dedication and hard work done by individuals on this project, planted by Anita van Schaik

The planting of the King Proteas symbolised the project’s significance and the community’s ongoing commitment to preserving Pringle Bay’s natural heritage.