Happy holidays from our mayors

KNYSNA | BITOU NEWS - It's been one crazy year, not only for the world and all of those who call it home, but for the towns and municipalities of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay too.

The mayors of our two beautiful holiday coastal towns below bid farewell to yet another year and are looking ahead to what may lie in store for them and their towns.

Over to you, Mayor Tsengwa and Mayor Swart...

Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa

What has been a very busy year, is coming to an end. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to build our economy and support our communities these last twelve months.

A well-deserved break is awaiting us all and I hope that you are fortunate enough to enjoy some time for rest and relaxation with your friends and family.

We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to the official 2022 Kfm Best Dorpie in the Western Cape. While we encourage you to enjoy time in our natural playground, please help us to keep our beaches, lagoon and forest in pristine condition.

Please don’t litter, keep fires well contained and adhere to the regulations as shown on signboards at our public facilities.

These areas will be patrolled to ensure that everyone can relax in a clean, safe space. I assure you that this municipality will continue to provide services to our residents and guests throughout the festive period, including refuse removal.

Additional pointsmen will help with traffic flow and our law enforcement officers will work with SAPS and the traffic department to keep us safe. Everyone deserves to have a good time this summer, but I urge you to celebrate responsibly.

Should you be treating others or yourself with presents this season, please buy local.

Our artists and artisans will surprise you with the beauty, functionality and quality of their work. If you can, please consider donating non-perishable foods or unwanted clothing to those members of our community who will not be celebrating in excess – or even with the basic necessities.

Also consider reaching out to vulnerable members of our community during this time, such as the elderly and the lonely. If you are observing any religious commemorations during this time, I wish you a peaceful and festive celebration.

May this be a special time for all of us, a time to take stock of the year that has passed, to appreciate our special people, and to prepare for the new year and all the potential it holds.

Bitou Mayor Dave Swart

We are fast approaching the end of a busy 2022 – the first time since 2019 that there are no Covid restrictions in place. Our opening December festival, Plett Rage, has come and gone and is almost a distant memory. Holidaymakers have started arriving to Plettenberg Bay in their droves and town is already far busier than usual.

I appeal to all, both residents and visitors, to be patient and courteous when moving around the Bitou municipal area and to take note of advice from traffic officials, law enforcement and other relevant municipal officials. They are there to assist you. 2022 has been a stressful year for many and has had many challenges.

This is the time to put those frustrations behind us and use this holiday period for relaxation and expressing goodwill to all in the spirit of the holiday period. Do not let the current load shedding introduced by Eskom upset you – it is what it is and if you cannot change it, it is no use upsetting yourself over it.

Use the night-time load shedding to enjoy the myriad of stars viewable in our heavens and spend some relaxing time outdoors (weather permitting of course). Use the day-time outages as an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty in our area – electricity is not needed for that. Now is the time to be out and about.

Please adhere to the various regulations, speed limits, etc. Be considerate to others, do not drink and drive and please make every effort to conserve water. For those that celebrate Christmas I wish you a joyous Christmas.

To those who do not celebrate – enjoy the holiday. To everyone I wish you a prosperous 2023. May the best day of 2022 be your worst day of 2023. Enjoy your time in Plettenberg Bay.

Bitou Mayor Dave Swart