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www.thevillagenews.co.za
20 November 2019
LET'S TALK Healthy and robust debate are crucial for democracy. The Village NEWS firmly believes in freedom of the press as well as the right of individuals to freely express themselves, as long as they don’t infringe upon the rights of others. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Village NEWS. Letters may be shortened and/or edited for clarity and style. Enjoy our paper. Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za
Siyakha ends the year with more good news forming our communities, please visit the website, www.HermanusSiyakha. org.za and see where you can assist one of our current projects, either with a loan or by offering to mentor one of our loan recipients. If you would like to make a contribution directly to Hermanus Siyakha, either by way of a loan or a donation, this can be done via the Hermanus Siyakha NPC bank account at Standard Bank Hermanus, Account Number: 10113212397.
Many readers have been following the Hermanus Siyakha journey since the initiative was launched in March this year. We have provided regular updates in the media and via our website, but as the year draws to a close we are pleased to report that the initiative has gone from strength to strength. Hermanus Siyakha is grateful for the support it receives from its supporters: our volunteers, mentors, funders and partners. A particular word of thanks goes to the Grootbos Foundation, FinGlobal and the Overstrand Municipality. We have received loans and grants from 37 Individuals ranging from R500 to R40 000. To date we have disbursed R153 000 in interest-free loans to 25 small business enterprises in the Overstrand region. These interest-free loans range in size from R1 500 to R12 000. In addition we have made two non-repayable grants to two individuals to the value of R7 000. All business owners who have received a loan are being actively mentored by 16 mentors who give of their time to meet with the loan recipients on a regular basis and provide support and guidance to ensure that the business is viable and sustainable. Most loan recipients are meeting their loan repayment obligations and where these are not being met, we are actively engaged with the recipients to find equitable solutions to the problem. Pure statistics do not tell the full story, however. A comment from one of the loan recipients provides insight into the difference that Hermanus Siyakha is making: “[it] is helping the Zwelihle community a lot by aiding the growth of small
businesses. There is hope and I can see the difference that is being made.” A recipient of a very small loan said: “HS is so special because now people can know what to do even though the unemployment rate is too high. We really appreciate HS for the effort you have done for us.” The benefit is reciprocal, with mentors indicating how they have benefited from the relationships: “I have benefited mostly by gaining a greater understanding of how environment, social norms and cultural responsibilities impact on daily life in Zwelihle. Although the cultural setting (of my own up-bringing) is different, I can identify with the anxieties they experience in providing for daily needs.” Another mentor commented: “I get frustrated with them now and again but then I realise that they think differently about some things. In many ways they are better than me and that's the challenge. We never stop learning.” Hermanus Siyakha continues to gain momentum, with a number of new loan applications currently advertised on our website for loan funding. As the number of loans grows, so the need for additional financial support and particularly mentors increases.
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I commend this support to budding entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses, as well as to those Hermanus residents who want to be part of this exciting development, which promises to be a blueprint for other towns in South Africa to follow. As I understand it you have already had enquiries from like-minded leaders in two other towns and Hermanus can be justly proud of what Siyakha is doing. To give practical effect to my support, an amount of R10 000 will be made available from the Mayoral Fund. This will be a contribution for the Siyakha administration to use as loan money for projects of your choice.” Phillip G Parsons Onrus River
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The current CCTV co-ordinated by the OnVerWag Neighbourhood Watch team has proved its worth when the perpetrators of the recent armed robbery in Vermont were apprehended in under an hour thanks to the local street’s CCTV. Without proper sustainable funding, this system cannot be maintained, let alone extended. The SRA is the only viable option for this. The Municipality will not, and in fact cannot, provide extra security in selected areas. We the residents should and must look after ourselves.
With a 50% +1 YES vote we will be able to have a dedicated vehicle patrolling Vermont and Onrus 24/7, with foot patrols on the coastal path and cameras at all entry and exit points to the area, monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This in our case will cost less than R70 per month and others about half of that on average. We cannot afford not to do it. Other areas locally are getting organised and unless we do the same we will become the soft target. There is no conspiracy, there is no ulterior motive, only a few public-spirited local residents giving time freely in all our interests. The deadline is the end of November, so cast your vote and encourage friends, neighbours and especially absentee property owners to do the same. R & M Molyneux Vermont
“I want to congratulate the Siyakha team. I endorse your efforts, and on behalf of the Council I wish you all success. This initiative of ‘building together’ accords fully with the Council’s earnest desire to build relationships and grow small businesses.
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We voted YES to the Onrus-Vermont SRA as we feel that this is a good option to provide the extra security needed in the current situation where break-ins are now a nightly occurrence. This situation is not likely to get better, but unless something is done it is likely to get a lot worse.
Here is an extract from the letter received from the Executive Mayor, Alderman Dudley Coetzee following a presentation made to him and to Councillor Kari Brice by Hermanus Siyakha:
If you would like to be part of trans-
Sign up for
Onrus-Vermont SRA is only viable option
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The Overstrand Hospice 600 Club Draw took place on Thursday, 14 November by André Koekemoer, owner of Shade & Steel, who thanked his customers for their support over the past 10 years. They have the expertise to cover and protect your car and stoep, whatever the weather. Call them on 028 312 1650. Also present were Lyn Sillifant from Don Adams Auditors and Dave Shutte, Board member and Vice-Chairman of Overstrand Hospice. Winners: Laura Sterley (first); Carol Connor (second) and Rob McDavid (third). For only R50 a month you can join the 600 Club, and support Overstrand Hospice in the work that they do in the community. There are cash prizes up for grabs every month. Please contact Norma Scott-Tomlin on 028 312 4679 for more information or visit them at 10 Hope Street. Alternatively you can email 600admin@overstrandhospice.org.za.
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