Update on the Maasbaai Slipway

TL;DR: Pringle Bay boat owners opposed Overstrand Municipality’s plan to delist Maasbaai as a Public Launching Site. After community efforts, the Municipal Manager agreed to recommend maintaining its status, and the municipality will collaborate with local groups to ensure the slipway remains accessible and sustainable.

The First Thursday meeting at Pringle Bay Hall in December 2024 saw recreational boat owners voicing strong opposition to Overstrand Municipality’s (OM) proposal to recommend to the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) that Maasbaai be delisted as a Public Launching Site (PLS). Delisting a PLS would prohibit boat launches from the site, with significant fines imposed for violations.

Following this meeting, representatives of the boat owners collaborated with the Pringle Bay Ratepayers’ Association (PBRA) Chairperson and Vice-Chair to formulate a response.

On the 24th of April 2024, the boat owners convened to establish a forum and elect a steering committee. This committee, working alongside the PBRA, aimed to ensure Maasbaai Slipway retained its PLS status and prevent OM from recommending its delisting. The forum also agreed that the PBRA would serve as the primary channel for engaging OM.

At the February OM Ward 10 Committee meeting, the PBRA expressed interest in exploring a partnership with OM to secure the slipway’s future as a public launching site. The PBRA emphasised that the slipway is vital for Pringle Bay’s local economy, particularly its destination-based economic strategy, which benefits local businesses during peak boating periods.

On the 10th of March 2025, the Ward Councillor facilitated a meeting between PBRA representatives, forum members, the Mayor, and the Municipal Manager (MM).

The MM reported reviewing PLS-related issues based on input from the December meeting and committed to recommending to OM’s council that Maasbaai’s PLS status remain unchanged.

The Mayor confirmed this recommendation and stated OM would formally advise the MEC against delisting any PLS in Overstrand. The slipway would remain under Public Works ownership, with OM continuing as its managing agent.

OM officials acknowledged and appreciated the PBRA’s efforts in providing critical information and pledged to collaborate on ensuring Maasbaai Slipway remains accessible, safe, and sustainable while preserving its surrounding environment for future generations.