LOCKDOWN LEVEL:
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COVID-19 DASHBOARD OVERSTRAND
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www.thevillagenews.co.za
3 February 2021
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TOTAL CASES AS OF 2 FEB 2021:
OVERSTRAND BREAKDOWN OF CASES: TOTAL (ACTIVE)
WORLD: 103 677 984 SOUTH AFRICA: 1 453 761 WESTERN CAPE: 266 939 (18.3% of cases in SA) OVERBERG: 12 903
• FISHERHAVEN: 40 (3) • GANSBAAI: 175 (5) • HAWSTON: 415 (17) • HERMANUS: 699 (32) • KLEINMOND: 654 (20)
• MT PLEASANT: 345 (11) • ONRUS: 195 (14) • SANDBAAI: 209 (9) • STANFORD: 370 (14) • VERMONT: 89 (3) • ZWELIHLE: 1 073 (22) TOTAL: 4 852 (160)
LET'S TALK 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. Send your letters to dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za.
Vandalisation of planet models on Cliff Path Three of the models of the Cliff Path True Scale Solar System were vandalised and then stolen within the past week. In all three instances rocks that were left at the scene were used to break the top Plexiglass cover and steal the planet models. Some background information is needed to put this problem into perspective: The first such incident happened on 5 or 6 November 2018 when the front Plexiglass panel of Neptune’s 300 x 300mm cage was broken and the model stolen. Fortunately, the repair of the cage was relatively simple. A new model was installed and the Plexiglass panels strengthened in January 2019. The same night there was an attempted vandalism of Pluto’s 100 x 100mm cage, which fortunately survived the onslaught, presumably because of its smaller size. The vandals did however succeed in dislodging the pedestal with the tiny (1.6mm) model of Pluto attached, which is still lying on its side in the cage. There were also visible signs of attempted vandalism to Jupiter’s cage. The second incident again happened in November (2019) and this time Neptune’s cage was vandalised beyond repair. It was therefore decided to make the cage smaller (100 x 100mm) and stronger (3mm SS), and to thicken the top Plexiglass to 15mm. The repair was once again done early in January 2020. (During this incident, Pluto’s Plexiglass cover of the description of the Solar System Model was also attacked and damaged, but fortunately it is still legible.) Note that both these incidents happened in November before the schools closed but after completion of university and technicon exams. Hence our suspicion that it was students high on alcohol (broken and empty beer bottles
were left on the scene) and probably other drugs as well, which no doubt contributed to these pointless and revolting acts. The most recent incident happened in January before schools or tertiary institutions reopened. It was obviously pre-meditated and more methodical – and disastrous. It has led me to the conclusion that one will never be able to fully protect such models against determined vandals. A small 3mm SS cage is probably indestructible without resorting to an angle grinder, but you need a UV-resistant Plexiglass cover to be able to see the planet models. If you can’t break it, you simply drill multiple holes and break into it that way. It is relevant to note that all the smaller cages are still intact, even the initial ones of 1mm 316SS. With the exception of Pluto, the cages are all located in higher traffic areas along the Cliff Path. The large Saturn cage probably escaped the same vandalism as Jupiter and Uranus because it’s directly opposite the Eastcliff garage on the Main Road. We have now reached the point where a decision has to be made about repairing the damage – or not. Sadly, we have learnt from the previous incidents how to replace the cages with stronger ones relatively cheaply and easily. However, a display that was initially designed to withstand the abnormal wear and tear of an outside location and even “normal” vandalism simply cannot withstand “abnormal” and determined vandalism. Because of the huge impact of such a decision it is not one that can be made by the Hermanus Astronomy Centre (HAC) alone. It requires the widest possible involvement of community organisations to consider the options and jointly decide on the way forward. There are several relevant considerations appli-
cable to the decision: • The True Scale Solar System Model has become an icon of Hermanus. It is the best such model in South Africa and has given and will continue to give huge pleasure and appreciation to many local residents and their families – particularly the youngest generation – as well as out-of-town local and overseas visitors. One of the most satisfying experiences is to interact with visitors getting to know the model and understanding what it portrays. Each one adds another string to the web of memories that visitors take away with them and convey to others. • Abandoning it without explanation is almost too ghastly to contemplate. That would be tantamount to admitting defeat to the vandals and would simply strengthen their resolve to continue vandalising this priceless asset. It is probably worth repairing the vandalism now, but future repetitions can only be prevented through community-wide awareness of the educational and tourism benefits of the model. The HAC can provide whatever detail is required to support the various community organisations, but their assistance will be required. To date all repairs have been paid for by individual members of the HAC as well as a small contribution by the HAC itself, but this is simply not sustainable. Interested parties are therefore invited to a virtual meeting ASAP on a day and time that suits you or the majority of the invitees. Please contact 082 854 2277 or pierredev@hermanus.co.za and indicate what days and times you will be available, including alternatives as all invitees have a busy schedule. We are looking forward to your attendance and your contributions to assist in reaching a joint decision. Hermanus Astronomy Centre Committee
LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES:
(18 JAN)
WORLD: 100 010 010 SOUTH AFRICA: 1 412 986 (15th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 262 931 OVERBERG: 12 670 (425 deaths) OVERSTRAND: 4 572 (127 deaths)
