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www.thevillagenews.co.za
17 February 2021
New fire trucks for Overstrand O
n Friday 12 February, the Hermanus Fire Department held a private event in their new building to formally announce the arrival of three shiny new Isuzu fire trucks for the Overstrand. The welcoming address by Municipal Manager Dean O’Neil was followed by a moment of silence for the Overberg firefighters in hospital who were injured in the recent fires, and for firefighter Nelio van Rooy who lost his life in the Barrydale fire. Mayor Dudley Coetzee thanked the firefighters for their dedication and their service, calling them the ‘unsung heroes’ of the community. He also thanked the Western Cape government for their contribution and for ensuring that our firemen are well-equipped to face whatever challenges are thrown at them. Other speakers at the event included Marlu Rust (Assistant Director: Western Cape Provin-
cial Fire Services), Chief Lester Smith (Fire & Rescue, Disaster Management and Security) and Assistant Chief Angelo Aplon (Operations & Training) who gave an overview of how fire services in the Overstrand have grown over the years. The new fire trucks were surely needed, though, as the last time the Fire Department acquired new vehicles was in 1985 (two) and 1987 (one). These vehicles are still in use today (35 years later!) because they have been well taken care of and have had a facelift or two over the decades. It was said that the Fire Department had learnt to “do more with less” by recycling and reusing old equipment. But while the older vehicles were still running, they were becoming slower, unreliable and unsafe, and often out of service while waiting for new parts. The new vehicles are made from cab chassis from Isuzu that were outfitted by 600CT to create three, powerful fire trucks. According
Ebrahim Isaacs (Senior Firefighter: Hermanus), Angelo Aplon (Assistant Chief: Operations and Training), Lester Smith (Chief: Senior Manager Fire & Rescue, Disaster Management and Security Services), Meagan Carelse (Administrator: Disaster Management), Gallie Badenhorst (Senior Firefighter: Gansbaai) and Adam Mars (Senior Firefighter: Kleinmond). Ebrahim, Gallie and Adam will each be in charge of looking after the fire trucks at their respective stations. PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
to Lester, before the three new trucks arrived, the average appliance/equipment age for the fire department was 19.47 years (4 years past renewal date). Now, it is down to an average of 11.43 years – a significant achievement. Arnie Afrika (Mayoral Committee Member for
Protection Services) closed the event by giving his vote of thanks to 600CT, Isuzu, Fire 24/7, Western Cape Provincial Fire Services, Overberg FPA, Mayor Dudley Coetzee, Municipal Manager Dean O’Neil and his administration, Overstrand Councillors, the Portfolio Committee, the Programme Director, and all the firefighters.
Good for Chaz, good for the environment Pat Redford, founder of the Hermanus Baboon Action Group (HBAG), spent the rainy winter months during lockdown writing a story book about the baboons in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) entitled Good for Chaz! As an awareness and educational tool that includes activities and colouring in pages, it turned out to be much more than just a story book. The intention of Good for Chaz! was to encourage children to develop a fondness for the baboons, rather than being afraid of them, says Pat. “My hope was for children to learn, through the story, that there is a remarkable place for the baboons to live naturally – where they belong and are truly needed – and for both the children and the parents reading to them to develop an interest in, and a respect for FNR and its wildlife. In addition, I wanted to create a better understanding of the many risks associated with baboons in high-density suburbia and to promote awareness of the impact that poor refuse management has on wildlife.” The book, which is appropriate for
It was a happy day for learners (and their parents) as they finally returned to school on Monday. At Hermanus High School, the new Grade 8s were excited about their first week of orientation and the start of their high school careers. After almost a whole year without school sports, learners are also looking forward to the resumption of non-contact sports such as cricket and swimming. Let the Hermie magic begin! PHOTOS: Nanette Ras
Anina Lee of Whale Coast Conservation, Pat Redford of the HBAG, and Mary-Ann Verster and Di Marais of the Hermanus Botanical Society at the handover of the funds raised through the sale of Good for Chaz! PHOTO: Hedda Mittner
children from four years (to be read to) up to around 10 years (for reading, comprehension and colouring in) can also be used for interactive awareness programmes in local schools. Released at the end of last year, the aim of this project was also to serve as a fundraiser for the benefit of local environmental organisations, namely the Hermanus Botanical Society and Whale Coast Conservation, both worthy organisations
who do so much to preserve the FNR and its wildlife and flora. Copies of Good for Chaz! are still available from the Fernkloof Nursery (in FNR) and Whale Coast Conservation, or from local shops: The Book Cottage, bookmark, Kidz Stuff and Trendy Tots. For more information, Pat Redford can be contacted on info@hermanusbaboons. co.za or 082 908 4002.
