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Latest spill might have wider implications From P1 But according to De Villiers, the OM has received a letter from the provincial government asking for them to take up the RMA position. “Unfortunately, we have had to provisionally decline the request due to a lack of capacity and funding. In our answer, we requested details on what capacity and funding the provincial government would be able to supply to the OM to take on this responsibility. We are still waiting on an answer from the provincial government,” she said.
Van Niekerk said the latest spill might have wider implications, as the level of the estuary has been very low over the past few weeks. “This means that the ocean breaks through into the lagoon at high tide and it is very possible that the contamination might have spread into the ocean. It is for reasons such as this that we need to conduct a proper study into all the factors that play a role in polluting the lagoon and the ocean. Only when we have a clear understanding of the scope of the problem will we be able to come up with effective countermeasures,” he said.
The most contentious issue, however, still remains the Onrus sewerage system and the various spills that have taken place over the years. According to Cllr Orban, pollution levels have been low over the past two years since the new pump station was built. “Work on the sewerage system is still continuing and feedback on the status of the work will be given at the ward committee meeting,” he said. OREF says it has expressed its disagreement with the municipality’s
risk assessment for the Onrus sewerage pump station in writing. “This has now failed twice since municipal officials gave assurances that the design and maintenance of the pump station’s backup system are robust and will prevent future spillages.
outcome. When the inspection results were reviewed by the Chair he pointed out that only about half of the septic tanks had been inspected. The municipality has been repeatedly asked when the remaining tanks will be inspected, with no response,” according to the OREF statement.
“In addition, we have requested that all septic tanks which could leak and pollute the Onrus Estuary must be checked. The municipality commissioned a contractor to perform the inspections but failed to adequately supervise the work or review the
And while the various government departments, organisations and stakeholders focus on their respective mandates, and the intricate web of causes and solutions is being disentangled, the users of the lagoon are left high and dry.
So much more than just a phone Writer Elaine Davie
T
he advent of the mobile phone a couple of decades ago revolutionised our lives and its accelerated progression from the early ‘bricks’ to the still-evolving smart phones of today has been even more ground-breaking. However, most of us are still lagging a couple of years behind when it comes to exploiting its full capacity. These days, being able to make and receive calls is almost incidental to its other functions. Last Wednesday saw the launch of an exciting co-operative initiative between the Hermanus branch of FNB, the Zwelihle-based NPO, SHARP Digital, the Hermanus Varsity Trust (HVT) and the Hermanus Branch of Red Cross. Based on the success of its client-based personal banking App, FNB has begun to explore the development of other Apps which will have a wider empowerment function, such as its Fundaba training course for start-up entrepreneurs. FNB has worked with hundreds of local business owners and mentors to take them on an holistic business-education journey, from incubating a business idea, to starting, running and ultimately growing their own business. It was, therefore, delighted to link up with SHARP Digital to create grassroots accessibility to the world of digital technology.
There was great enthusiasm amongst everyone present when FNB Business Manager, Alheitia van Niekerk and Branch Manager, Gerrit Barnard handed over 10 top-model cellphones to Delana Finlayson, CEO of Hermanus Varsity and Angela Heslop, Chairperson of Red Cross Hermanus last Wednesday. The role of SHARP Digital will be to supply an ‘ABC of digital technology’ App to start users on a liberating journey to discover the wealth of knowledge available via the cellphone. As Cath Croxton of SHARP Digital points out, only around 20% of South Africans have access to a computer and only 50% are connected to the internet. Of these, many do not have the technological knowledge to make full use of it. She was shocked recently to discover, while talking to a young student in Zwelihle that she had never even heard of Google. Although Delana Finlayson and Johann Kruger of HVT confirm that when many of their students enrol, they can do little more with their cellphones than use WhatsApp and Facebook, they are quick to learn new technological skills. “Mobile phones are such a powerful tool,” adds Johann, “and even basic phones can do most things if the user knows what’s available and how to use it. Of course, the cost of data is still a stumbling block – it’s been estimated that some people are spending up to one third of their
Professor André van Zyl
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Proudly displaying the phones, from left are Gerrit Barnard, FNB Branch Manager; Angela Heslop, Chairperson Hermanus Red Cross; Delana Finlayson, CEO Hermanus Varsity Trust; Alheitia van Niekerk, FNB Business Manager; Rony Mugedi, Overstrand Learning Centre; Joel Martins, SHARP Digital and Cath Croxton, Director, SHARP Digital. PHOTO: Johann Kruger income on data, which is ridiculous. Access to free data is essential.” Delana says she can foresee all kinds of applications for the students at the Varsity, including carrying out surveys amongst high school pupils to assess course preferences at tertiary level. Angela Heslop also expressed her gratitude to FNB. The partnership between Red Cross, Food4Love and others in providing food for the needy in Hermanus during lockdown highlighted the need for more detailed information regarding the extent of the need and the logistics required to deal with it. While for admin purposes, and even data capture, paper and pen are still the default option, by its very mobility, the cellphone is the ideal solution. Red Cross was therefore looking
forward to switching to the digital programme as soon as possible. Amazingly, Angela reported that R2.6 million had been contributed by the people of Hermanus to meet the food security crisis triggered by the pandemic. Given this level of aid, it was critical to ensure that the food reached the people in greatest need and duplication was avoided. Cathy mentioned that SHARP Digital already had an easy-to-use survey tool which was designed specifically for this purpose. One of the major advantages of this project was that the data could be directly fed into the mobile App in the field, saving time, ensuring greater accuracy and avoiding the possibility of mislaying data. As she emphasised, “Digitally challenged operators are often afraid that Apps like this will be
too complicated to use, but all our programmes are super-simple. And people feel really empowered in the knowledge that they have successfully entered the digital age. Of course, there are also employability implications for them.” There was a tangible win-win atmosphere at the launch of this synergistic partnership between a corporate entity (FNB), two NPOs (SHARP Digital and Hermanus Red Cross) and an educational institution (HVT). In the words of Cath Croxton: “Organisations working towards common goals are also a network of influence and working together can enhance impacts and drive change.” For further information: Cath Croxton (SHARP Digital) 078 254 5693; Delana Finlayson (HVT) 082 491 9652 and Angela Heslop (Red Cross) 072 609 8655.
Oral Cancer – Danger signs to look for Oral Cancer (OC) often carries a death sentence, with only 50% of people surviving 5 years. This does not need to be the case if abnormalities are diagnosed early. Although smoking and alcohol, especially if used in combination, are the two major causes of oral cancer, young people who have never smoked or abused alcohol may also develop OC. This is due to Human Papilloma Viruses that spread through oral sex and may play a role in OC at the
back of the oral cavity/throat. More than two-thirds of OC cases occur in the over 50’s age group. Everyone over 40 who drinks and smokes should be screened at least yearly, and those over 50 more than once a year. Although you should not rely on self-examination only, the following are danger signs: • Any oral sore that does not heal within two weeks. This should be examined and if necessary, a sample taken for analysis. This is done with a
small dental injection. • Any lesion that appears red or white (and cannot be wiped off ) should be examined and again a sample taken. • A sore that becomes painful and limits movement of tongue or interferes with swallowing may be a late sign. If in doubt, ask your dentist/doctor or oral hygienist. The critical importance of early diagnosis cannot be overemphasized and may be lifesaving as surgical removal will be possible without mutilating surgery.
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