LOCKDOWN LEVEL:
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COVID-19 DASHBOARD OVERSTRAND
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www.thevillagenews.co.za
9 September 2020
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TOTAL CASES AS OF 7 SEPTEMBER:
OVERSTRAND BREAKDOWN OF CASES: TOTAL (ACTIVE)
WORLD: 27 428 250 SOUTH AFRICA: 638 517 WESTERN CAPE: 106 257 (16.82% of cases in SA) OVERBERG: 3 474
• FISHERHAVEN: 14 (0) • GANSBAAI: 285 (1) - 5 deaths • HAWSTON: 120 (1) - 1 death • HERMANUS: 173 (3) - 4 deaths • KLEINMOND: 101 (2) - 2 deaths
• MT PLEASANT: 136 (1) - 2 deaths • ONRUS: 57 (2) - 3 deaths • SANDBAAI: 41 (3) • STANFORD: 120 (25) - 3 deaths • VERMONT: 21 (0) • ZWELIHLE: 560 (5) - 5 deaths
LAST WEEK'S TOTAL CASES:
TOTAL: 1 628 (43) - 25 deaths
WORLD: 23 722 981 SOUTH AFRICA: 625 056 (7th in the world) WESTERN CAPE: 105 093 OVERBERG: 3 410 OVERSTRAND: 1 599
(2 SEP)
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.
Be part of the solution, not the problem R ecent media reports concerning the movements of various baboon troops in the Cape Peninsula have triggered much vocal comment amongst baboon activists.
Whilst HBAG does not intend to join in the public spat, we are very mindful and alert to the various structures and protocols carried out by the City of Cape Town. The guidelines implemented for the management of baboons in the Cape Peninsula are supported by CapeNature, SANParks, NSPCA and UCT. A decision to remove or euthanise a troop member must be taken on
a consultative basis, by way of the existing prescribed protocols.
The actual details of why certain decisions have been made are sometimes selectively ignored in some reports, and for this reason, the Hermanus Baboon Action Group (HBAG) has chosen, as an independent group, to refrain from adopting a particular ‘side’. The protection and humane treatment of all animals remains paramount, as it was at the inception of HBAG. We do know that each troop structure, environment and profile of the affected community, varies
greatly. There are numerous other influencing factors which cannot be ignored. Without a complete understanding of all factors influencing a situation, it is impossible and unfair to comment at this stage.
desirable for baboons to visit. Secure all refuse in baboon-proof bins all the time, pack away bird feeders and do not leave dog food bowls outside. Remember it is illegal to feed baboons.
HBAG understands that re-habituation of baboon troops away from high-density suburbia, back to their natural environment requires enormous patience, skilled and welltrained monitors, and the support of the community.
Be part of the solution, not the problem. HBAG encourages residents to inform us immediately, should you witness an injury to any of our baboons, in the Hermanus area. Witness reports should include date, time, number of baboons present, description of event, evidence in pictures if possible, other eyewitness contact details, and actual address or indication of the area where the
Residents living in baboon affected areas can help by ensuring your property remains permanently un-
incident took place.
Our monitors operating in Hermanus have to date been well received. Comments from residents regularly compliment the approach, politeness and friendliness of the team. Hermanus Baboon Action Group invites all residents and visitors to engage with us, by visiting our website at www.Hermanusbaboons. co.za or Facebook @hermanusbaboons or email info@hermanusbaboons.co.za. Pat Redford HBAG Spokesperson
Our first VILLAGE Insider! 'Stepping Stones' programme to combat gender-based violence Local artist and owner of Gallery 19, Jenny Jackson, was the first Village NEWS reader to sign up to become a VILLAGE INSIDER.
“The Village NEWS has been there for us, come rain or shine. Now we need to be there for them. We simply cannot afford to lose such an upbeat and informative newspaper!” she said. We are very grateful for your support, Jenny.
To find out how you can become a VILLAGE INSIDER and help us to increase our print run, contact Raphael da Silva on 062 837 3122 or email raphael@ thevillagenews.co.za. You can also get all the information on our website, www.thevillagenews. co.za. Simply click on the search icon and type in: Dear Village NEWS reader.
Much media attention is currently being focused on gender-based violence (GBV). It may be of interest to readers of The Village NEWS to learn of a programme successfully used in other countries in Africa. Much emotion surrounds the subject, which is multifaceted. The value of this programme is its objectivity in that it is a time-limited, goal-directed and structured approach. This educational programme was created and developed in Uganda and has been researched and adapted for use in South Africa by the SA Medical Research Council. The programme is known in SA as ‘Stepping Stones’. Its primary goal is the empowerment of
women by providing them with new knowledge and the means to develop new skills and attitudes. Men are encouraged to participate. A few years ago the programme was used by social workers successfully among clients of the local Child and Family Services. Skilled and motivated educators (not necessarily professionals) are required to apply for the programme. This educational strategy deserves to be used widely. The website of the Medical Research Council provides a programme summary. A copy of ‘Stepping Stones’ is available to interested persons and organisations by sending an email to mhela@mrc.ac.za. Mike Weekes (retired social worker)
