Dear Members,

It is a privilege to address you for the first time in 2026 as Chairperson of the Pringle Bay Ratepayers Association (PBRA) through the revived Pringle Bay Messenger. This edition marks the beginning of a renewed commitment by the PBRA executive to strengthen communication, transparency, and collaboration with our members. The Messenger will also be published on the PBRA website.

Reflections on the December 2025 AGM

Our Annual General Meeting in December 2025 was a well-attended and constructive gathering that demonstrated the continued interest and commitment of residents to the future of Pringle Bay. The AGM provided an opportunity to reflect on the work undertaken during the past year and elect a new executive to guide the Association into 2026. On behalf of the PBRA, I would like to express sincere appreciation to all members who participated in the AGM and entrusted the newly elected executive with the responsibility of representing the interests of ratepayers. Your engagement and input remain vital to the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Association’s work.

First Executive Meeting – January 2026

The newly elected executive convened its first meeting at the end of January 2026. The primary focus of this session was to establish a shared understanding of the context within which we operate as the PBRA and agree on  portfolios that will enable us to respond to our contextual environment.

Members of the executive acknowledged the complex and evolving environment within which the PBRA operate.

Welcoming the Executive Team

I would like to extend a warm welcome and congratulations to the officials elected by the executive. We are fortunate to have a team that brings experience, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the Pringle Bay community.

A special welcome is extended to:

• Alida Schlebush, who has taken on the critical role of Secretary. Her organisational ability and commitment to clear communication will be invaluable to the functioning of the Association.
• Bertie Vorster, appointed as Vice-Chairperson, who brings continuity, insight, and a collaborative approach to leadership.
• Darryn Wickham-Basson, who assumes the role of Treasurer, and who will guide the Association’s financial stewardship with diligence and accountability.

We look forward to working together as a cohesive executive team in service of our members.

Operating Context and Portfolio Alignment for 2026

In reflecting on the context within which the PBRA operates, the executive recognised that within the context of the upcoming local government elections, 2026 will require focused engagement across several key areas. These include municipal liaison, environmental management, infrastructure maintenance, community safety, communication, and member engagement.

To ensure clarity of responsibility and effective follow-through, the executive agreed on portfolio allocations for the year. Each portfolio is intended to support targeted attention to priority issues while strengthening coordination within the executive and with external partners.

This structured approach will help the PBRA respond more effectively to community concerns, monitor developments, and advocate constructively on behalf of ratepayers.

Strengthening Communication: Reviving the Pringle Bay Messenger

A consistent theme raised by members during and after the AGM was the need for more regular and accessible communication from the PBRA. The executive takes this feedback seriously.

In response, communication has been prioritised as a central organisational function in 2026. Members should feel informed about matters affecting Pringle Bay, understand what the PBRA is doing on their behalf, and have clear avenues through which to raise concerns, suggestions, and questions.

The executive has therefore resolved to revive the Pringle Bay Messenger as a regular communication tool for ratepayers on our circulation list. This edition marks the first in a planned series of Messengers during  2026 intended to keep members informed, connected, and engaged.

Supporting the Local Economy and Visitor Experience

The strategic framework of the PBRA recognises the importance of promoting Pringle Bay as a destination that supports a sustainable local economy. Feedback from the business sector following the recent festive season indicates a bumper period, with visitor numbers beginning to approach those experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is encouraging for our local economy and for those who depend on seasonal activity to sustain their businesses.

As Chairperson, I would like to thank all ratepayers and residents for the role they play in making visitors feel welcome in our village. The hospitality and pride of our community remain one of Pringle Bay’s greatest strengths.

Slipway Improvements and Recreational Boating

During the festive period, I engaged with recreational crayfish permit holders regarding the slipway, which was recently repaired as a joint initiative between the PBRA and the Recreational Boat Owners Forum.

The feedback received was extremely positive. Boaters reported that the slipway functioned effectively, allowing boats to be launched and landed safely and with significantly reduced risk on crayfishing days. This project is a good example of what can be achieved through cooperation between community stakeholders.

Vintage Car Show – A Signature Festive Event

During December, the PBRA once again coordinated what has become a signature festive season event in Pringle Bay – the vintage car show.

This event continues to attract owners and enthusiasts from afar, bringing visitors into our village and contributing to the local economy in a small but meaningful way. Beyond the economic benefit, it fosters community spirit and adds to the unique character of the festive season in Pringle Bay.

The executive acknowledges the value of this event and is eager to build on its success in future years.

PBRA Representation on the Ward Committee

The PBRA is represented on the Ward 10 Committee, which held its first meeting for the year on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The committee discussed progress relating to the current budget, as well as capital items identified for consideration in the 2026/2027 financial year.

The Ward Councillor will be engaging with relevant municipal departments to discuss feedback from the festive season. Ward Committee members have been requested to submit their observations – both positive and negative – regarding the festive period in their specific areas by Monday, 23 February.

I would like to invite PBRA members to be part of this process by submitting their observations to me by Friday, 20 February. Any observation, no matter how minor, is important. These insights can contribute meaningfully to planning and improvements for future festive seasons and other holiday periods.

While I circulate my summary of Ward Committee discussions to executive members, the PBRA will publish the formal minutes on our website once they are received, so that members may read and remain informed.

 

Looking Ahead: Executive Work Programme

Members are reminded that the PBRA executive meets monthly on the last Monday of each month. At the February executive meeting, portfolio coordinators will present their objectives for the year, together with their budget requests.

The executive also intends scheduling a report-back meeting towards the middle of the year. This will create an opportunity for portfolio holders to report on progress and engage directly with members in a meaningful and constructive manner.

Members who wish to bring matters to the attention of the executive for discussion are encouraged to contact the Chairperson or the Secretary. Open communication is essential to ensuring that the PBRA remains responsive to the needs and concerns of the community.

I am particularly grateful to those members who make personal contact to raise concerns or share observations. These engagements are invaluable, and I remain committed to responding and ensuring that issues are taken forward appropriately.

 

A Shared Commitment

The year ahead presents both opportunities and challenges. Pringle Bay remains a unique and valued coastal community, and its future depends on thoughtful planning, responsible management, and active civic participation.

The PBRA cannot succeed in isolation. Our effectiveness depends on the continued involvement of our members – through feedback, participation, and constructive engagement. We encourage residents to share their perspectives and contribute ideas that can strengthen our collective efforts to give effect to our theme of “A Community in Action”.

As we begin this new term, we do so with a strong sense of responsibility and optimism. The PBRA exists to represent and serve the interests of ratepayers, and we remain committed to that mandate.

We thank you for your continued trust and support and look forward to working together throughout 2026.

Kind regards,