Message from the Chairperson
As we approach the midpoint of 2026, it is an opportune time to reflect on the progress made by the Pringle Bay Ratepayers’ Association (PBRA) and to look ahead to the second half of the year. This edition contains important information regarding our upcoming Mid-Year General Meeting, developments within the Ward Committee, local government elections, safety and security matters, and changes within the PBRA Executive.
Mid-Year General Meeting
Members are reminded that the PBRA Mid-Year General Meeting will take place on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the Pringle Bay Community Hall, commencing at 17:00.
The coordinators of the various PBRA portfolios will present mid-year progress reports on their respective areas of responsibility. This provides members with an opportunity to gain insight into ongoing projects and initiatives and to engage directly with portfolio coordinators on matters of interest or concern.
Following the meeting, snacks and refreshments will be available, providing members with an opportunity to socialise and connect with fellow residents in an informal setting. We encourage all members to attend and participate.
Changes to the Executive Committee
The Executive recently received the resignations of both our Treasurer and Communications Portfolio Coordinator.
Increasing business and professional commitments have led both office bearers to reassess their availability and priorities. Regrettably, they concluded that they would no longer be able to dedicate the time required to fulfil their PBRA responsibilities and have therefore stepped down from their positions.
The Executive would like to express its sincere appreciation to Daryn and Fred Wickham-Basson for their commitment and valuable contribution to the PBRA over the past few years. Their service to the community has been greatly appreciated, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.
To ensure continuity, Peter Molchin has agreed to assume the Treasurer’s responsibilities on an interim basis, while Heather Morkel will oversee the Communications Portfolio until further notice.
We thank Peter and Heather for their willingness to step into these important roles.
Ward Committee Update
The Ward Committee held its most recent meeting on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
The Ward Councillor opened the meeting by reflecting on the severe early winter storm that affected parts of the Overstrand. She expressed appreciation to the Disaster Management teams for their sterling work during this period. Particular recognition was also given to the volunteer firefighters whose dedication and commitment contributed significantly to the community’s response efforts.
Residents are advised of a new feature that has been introduced on the municipal Citizen App. Once a reported issue has been resolved, users will now receive a pop-up notification indicating that the job has been completed. Citizens will then be invited to rate the service received. This feedback will be forwarded directly to the relevant municipal department and will assist the municipality in monitoring service delivery standards.
Regarding Integrated Development Plan (IDP) priorities for the ward, the Councillor reported that repairs to the Pringle Bay waste drop-off facility would commence before the end of June. We are pleased to report that this commitment has materialised and that the appointed contractor is currently on site undertaking the repair work.
The PBRA tabled a resolution at the ward committee urging the municipality at executive level to initiate a process of interacting at executive level with ESKOM about the challenges facing OM, and especially the three villages relating to Eskom infrastructure and the need for effective intervention. This resolution was accepted unanimously by the Ward Committee.
Local Government Elections 2026
South Africans will return to the polls for the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
As reported previously, the Pringle Bay Community Hall has now been designated as an official voting station for Pringle Bay residents.
Members of the public are reminded that they must be registered to vote in Pringle Bay in order to cast their vote at this voting station. Voter registration is scheduled to take place this weekend on 20 and 21 June 2026.
The PBRA encourages all eligible ratepayers and residents to make use of this opportunity to register and ensure that they are able to participate in the democratic process later this year.
Invitation to the Launch of the DA Mayoral Campaign
The Executive wishes to inform members that the Chairperson received an invitation from Councillor Clinton Lerm, the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for the Overstrand Municipality, to attend the launch of his mayoral campaign in Hermanus on 16 June 2026.
As indicated by Councillor Lerm at the event, invitations were extended not only to political supporters but also to Ward Committee members and representatives of important community stakeholders, including ratepayers’ associations across the municipality.
The Executive believes it is important to clarify that the Chairperson’s attendance at this event should not be construed as the PBRA aligning itself with any political party. The PBRA remains an independent community organisation whose mandate is to represent the interests of Pringle Bay residents and ratepayers.
It is important for the Association to understand the policies, priorities and commitments of political parties that may govern the municipality after the upcoming elections. Should similar invitations be received from other political parties, the Executive would consider them in the same spirit and evaluate them on their merits.
Safety and Security
The Executive wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all members of our Street Watch sectors for their continued vigilance and commitment to community safety.
Through their efforts, and with the cooperation of residents, Pringle Bay has gone 9 months without any significant safety or security incidents during the first half of 2026. This is a commendable achievement and reflects the strength of community participation in keeping our village safe.
While we celebrate this positive record, we encourage all residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and continue supporting the Street Watch initiative. Community safety remains a shared responsibility, and our collective efforts make a meaningful difference.
In Closing
The first six months of 2026 have demonstrated once again the value of community involvement, volunteerism and constructive engagement. Whether through participation in PBRA projects, Street Watch activities, Ward Committee processes or local initiatives, residents continue to contribute to making Pringle Bay a special place to live.
We look forward to seeing many of you at our Mid-Year General Meeting on 10 July and thank all members for their continued support of the PBRA.
Gert Bam
Chairperson
Pringle Bay Ratepayers’ Association