ZBRRA

Claudette Smit Fund

June 14th, 2008

 

Claudette Smit Medical Fund.
 
Claudette is the wife of our much loved beach manager, Frikkie. She is in need of a kidney transplant. Due to financial constraints and without medical aid she has not been able to consider this despite the fact that a kidney has been offered by her daughter. 
Two compassionate young women from our district, Tabatha Pulluck and Leizl Simmonds have taken upon themselves the selfless task of supporting Claudette through this trying period. They transport Claudette back and forth to hospital in Durban despite the demands of their own growing families. They have worked tirelessly to raise funds to make hospital procedures possible while awaiting authorization for a medical aid to take over a portion of the burden. 
 
Leizl  writes ‘It was to our great relief that Medical Aid come into effect on 1st June There was such excitement when we received the medical aid cards it the post. We also realize that all medical aids have some kind of shortfall for which we would be liable
I can not describe to all of you the emotional journey and incredible journey this has been. Sometimes it seems like there has been this divine intervention.
Claudette’s strong character keeps shining through despite the frustration of her body letting her down. She needs to get physically strong in preparation for a transplant sometime in the future.   
We need to continue raising efforts, as this illnesses is expensive to treat. We hope you will support the events we plan to host on the beach’
 
Some facts
 
Fundraising R70 114,52
Donation - Ski Boat Club R14 633,60
Private donation R20 375,00  
Private donation R9500-00
71 collective donations R7564.00
Total income R122187.12
Payments made to date R114623.12
 
Balance in fund R7564.00
Owing to Dialysis Centre R7650.00
 
Our sincere thanks to Leizl and Tabatha for their love and compassion.
To Claudette our support and Good Wishes for a speedy recovery.
If you are able to add your bit to this fund – no amount is too meager, and every cent appreciated.
WB
 
CLAUDETTE SMIT MEDICAL FUND,
NEDBANK INCORP,
SAVINGS ACCOUNT NO. 2310008613.
 

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Birdwatching 29th June

June 14th, 2008

 

You are invited to a morning of Bird Watching at
Lagoon Lodge
 
Date: Sunday 29th June
Time: 7.00am
Place: Lagoon Lodge – Zinkwazi
Refreshments: a finger brunch will be served at about 10.00am
Bird Art by Dr Mc Donald will be on display
 
Small groups will be led by local experts
·      Klaus Achtzehn
·      Dr Kevin Mc Donald
·      Bing Comrie
·      Don Cowie
·      Shelley Hedges
 
Please bring binoculars if available and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Numbers are limited in order to optimize this experience
 
Price: R40-00
RSVP Wendy – by 22nd June 08
 

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Environmental Officer

June 12th, 2008

 

Observant residents will have noticed a movement of blue amongst the foliage on 52 and 54 Nkwazi drive these past few days. You may notice that these densely overgrown vacant plots reveal some wilting castor oil or limp vines. Closer inspection will reveal at ground level a number of pink stumps. Thandela Ngcobo, in her blue overalls is hard at work. She is our newly employed Environmental Officer. We have employed Thandeka on a three month contract, to remove category 1and 2 alien invader plants.
The identification of badly invaded properties in Zinkwazi is complete. Most of these are vacant plots overgrown with lush vegetation. On closer inspection one sees a wealth of indigenous saplings battling to reach sunlight from beneath smothering vines.   Balloon vine is particularly heavy, and on Panorama, a magnificent tree is totally smothered. Opposite Ocean Reef I saw the leaves of a Trichilea Emetica after its ‘release’ - its leaves were glistening with the good health after five days of sunshine. How many more of these potential giants are labouring under the weight of aliens ?
  
I am encouraged by the positive interest in the Alien Plant Project. Several residents have requested assistance in the rehabilitation of their properties. Thandeka’s training and past experience in the identification of indigenous plants, and control of alien invaders, has equipped her to be selective and show sensitivity even to the most humble indigenous ‘weed’   ……nothing is removed unless it is undesirable and a threat to the endemic vegetation.
 
I would like to urge you to support this worthy indicative by joining concerned residents in returning Zinkwazi to its former beauty. We have a strip of admiralty which could be extended as a green belt to cover the town and afford protection and refuge to an amazing variety of birds and small creatures like porcupine, blue duiker and bushpig. Our lives would be richer for having them.
WB

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Tide Table

June 11th, 2008

Tides this year are well displayed on the website below

http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/conservation/wildlife_management/Coastal_Management/2007_Tide_Tables.html

 

 

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Beach Restoration

June 11th, 2008

At last we can report that a fuitful meeting was help with consultants for KDM who will be executing the restoration of the beach parking. On 29th May we met on site and got a committment that what we had requested would be forthcoming if at all possible.  Our requests were humble indeed in comparison to those of the southern beaches.  We asked for basic amenities like steps to the beach, a tap, shower and toilets.  Good lighting and the possiblility of a gate to secure the parking.  As inconvenient as it may seem, the new toilets at the car park will replace those on the beach.  In line with the stringent new regulations governing the protection of the environment, our beach toilets will have to go.  Polution of the lagoon is of grave concern and of course the safety of our bathers must be safeguarded.  We were also mindful of the high value placed on ’peace and quiet’ by surrounding residents.  A compromise had to be reached in finding sufficient parking for high season and the only alternative available was the verges of Nkwazi drive.  We had no choice.  Please read the minutes of the meeting below.  I think they will please most Zinkwazi-ites !

 

 

BASIC ASSESSMENT PROCESS

 
 

 

 
 


PROPOSED KWADUKUZA BEACH RESTORATION, KWADUKUZA MUNICIPALITY, KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE
 
 
 
 
 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE
ZINKWAZI STAKEHOLDER MEETING
 
 
HELD ON
THURSDAY 29 MAY 2008
@ 09H00
 
AT
ZINKWAZI SKI BOAT CLUB, ZINKWAZI
 
 
 
 


 



 
ENQUIRIES
 
Public Participation Process
 
Mrs Hantie Plomp
Bohlweki-SSI Environmental
PO Box 55, PINETOWN, 3600
Tel.:     (031) 719 5500
Fax:      (031) 719 5505
E-mail: hantiep@ssi.co.za
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
1.             WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS & APOLOGIES
 
2.             PRESENTATIONS
 
3.             DISCUSSION SESSION
 
4.             WAY FORWARD
 
5.             CLOSURE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
MINUTES OF THE ZINKWAZI STAKEHOLDER MEETING
 
1. WELCOME, APOLOGIES & INTRODUCTIONS
 
The following persons attended the meeting:
·                     Achfzehn, Klaas                 zinkwazi@iafrica.com;
·                     Balcomb, Wendy                 zbrra@sugarbay.co.za;
·                     Bezuidenhout, Louis            suezanne@metalix.co.za
·                     Jones, Di                           di.jones@iafrica.com;
·                     Honneysette, Steve            honneysette@worldonline.co.za;
·                     Simmond, Nigel                   nigel.simmonds@huletts.co.za;
·                     Wallace, Neil                      wenwal@netlive.co.za
·                     Wium, Engela                     ewium@mweb.co.za.
 
Engela Wium submitted apologies for:
·                     Barnard; Francis                 zinkwaziward2@vodamail.co.za; and
·                     Councillor Pakkies
 
cc:     Mendes, Carlos                  carlos@smaconsultants.co.za;
          Simon Bundy                      simon@ecocoast.co.za;
          Alan Smith                        asconsulting@telkomsa.net
 
 
 
Hantie Plomp of Bohlweki-SSI Environmental opened the meeting. She thanked everyone for taking the time to attend the meeting and explained the purpose of the meeting, namely to discuss the proposed Beachfront Restoration Project requirements as it relates to Zinkwazi.
 
2. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
 
The proposed “Scope of Works” as prepared for the beach restoration tender was presented to the attendees and the floor opened for discussion.
 
3. DISCUSSION SESSION
 
The outcomes of the discussion session are provided in Table 1.
 



Table 1: Issues, concerns and comments from stakeholder meeting – 15 april 2008-05-21
ISSUES, CONCERNS AND COMMENTS
RESPONSE / AGREEMENT
RESPONSIBILITY / TIMEFRAMES
ABLUTION FACILITIES
Removal of ablution facilities required to ensure renewal of launch site license. Significant impacts (pollution, vehicular) on estuary and coastal zone due to its location.
New ablutions to be sited at car park. Although still within 100 metres of the high water mark, retreat would have been implemented and impacts will be prevented / reduced.
Alternative technology to be investigated.
Conservation tank system to be established, should current technology be used. Ski-boat club to connect septic tank to new conservation tank and pump sewage to conservation tank as required, negating the requirement for vehicular access to the septic tank via the coastal zone / estuary.
The size of the ablutions should provide adequate capacity during peak season, taking into consideration that the ski-boat facilities are made available to the public during peak season.
Potential incorporation of Pizza Parlour with ablution facilities to be investigated. Currently poorly sited.
Contract to be established for the maintenance of ablution facilities, including regular removal of sewage by honeysucker (size of truck to be specified to protect parking area against damage). Cost for sewage removal and maintenance - KwaDukuza Municipality.
Agreement for total demolition of building and removal of rubble.
 
 Agreement on proposed location reached.
 
Supported. Committee to review proposal.
Agreed. Care should be taken not to damage indigenous vegetation / milkwoods.
 
 
Agreed.
 
 
To be investigated.
 
Annual allowance and BEE contract to be established for:
Sewage removal; and
Maintenance of ablutions.
Carlos Mendes / Contractor / July 2008.
 
 
Carlos Mendes / Contractor / August 2008.
 
Nigel Simmond / June 2008.
 
Louis Bezuidenhout / July 2008.
 
 
 
Carlos Mendes / July 2008.
 
 
Carlos Mendes / June 2008.
 
Di Jones / Councillor Pakkies / August 2008.
PARKING
Clarity is required re the new dimensions of the car parking area and the number of parking affected by the proposed restoration work.
 
 
There will be insufficient public parking, especially during the holiday season. The public informally parks at Zinkwazi Drive. Formalisation of this parking may address additional parking requirements. Attention should be given to drive-ways, existing trees and services such as electrical boxes when allocating additional parking.
Angled parking to be created at Seagull Drive.
Existing boom gate and control at Zinkwazi Drive & Seagull Drive to be re-instated between 22:00 and 06:00 to control vehicular access. Pedestrian access will remain open to the public throughout the day and night.
Managed retreat to be implemented, which will entail cutting and sloping of the car park as is, with a sea defence system in front, Damaged parking will not be re-instated.
Obtain cadastral information.
Additional parking & earthworks to be planned utilising cadastral information (property boundaries).
Additional parking to be created.
Actions as per parking at Zinkwazi Drive.
Address public complaints and ensure responsible management of public infrastructure.
Carlos Mendes / Awarding of contract (30 June 2008).
 
 
Hantie Plomp / June 2008.
Carlos Mendes / July 2008.
 
 
Contractor / July 2008.
Refer to above responsibilities / timeframes.
Steve Honneysette / June 2008.
LAUNCH SITE
Black Rock is not a feasible alternative for a launch site. Very dangerous conditions for launching, but can be used as alternative by the Sharks Board in an emergency situation.
No permanent concrete access ramp is required. The blocks currently in use proved very effective. No scouring, associated with a concrete ramp area, has been experienced.
Noted.
 
 
The block system is supported from a coastal management perspective. Requirement for permanent concrete slipway to be excluded from tender / restoration contract.
Carlos Mendes / Awarding of contract (30 June 2008).
SEA DEFENCE SYSTEM, ACCESS TO BEACH AND VEGETATION
Clarity regarding the extent of the proposed sea defence system is required.
Sea defence to start at southern corner of car park and end at the most northern corner (launch site slipway).
Agreement by committee – site visit
Carlos Mendes / Awarding of contract (30 June 2008).
Contractor / September 2008.
Two access ways, as per the current informal footpaths via the dune, should be incorporated into the sea defence system.
Agreed as sensible approach to ensure controlled access and protection of sea defence system and embankments.
Carlos Mendes / Awarding of contract (30 June 2008).
Contractor / September 2008.
 Appropriate dune vegetation should be used for dune rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation work completed since the disaster should be reviewed and where required, corrected.
Guidelines by Simon Bundy to be implemented.
Agreed.
Simon Bundy / September 2008.
 
Simon Bundy to completed review and provide recommendations for corrections, where required.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & LIGHTING
Additional bins will be required to ensure appropriate waste (litter) management. These bins should be unobtrusive, such as the present concrete bins situated within the car park.
Steve Honneysette are investigating “cleaning-friendly” bins;
Approve bins with committee and acquire requisite number of bins for Zinkwazi
Comment.
 
Steve Honneysette / 30 June 2008.
Further clean-up of debris and rubble is required south of Zinkwazi, towards the old tidal pool.
Clean-up to be included in tender / restoration contract.
Carlos Mendes / Awarding of contract (30 June 2008).
There is insufficient lighting to ensure public safety within the parking area.
The Ski Boat Club installed lighting at the parking area and walkway, but the cost of electricity and maintenance should be for the KwaDukuza account.
All night lighting within the inter-tidal zone should be prevented as far as possible to limit the potential environmental impacts on nocturnal animals. Lighting should thus be lowered and focussed towards the public parking area.
Current lighting in car park to be removed and replaced with lower, more efficient lighting.
hree lights (improved design) should be spaced strategically following the re-routing of two-way traffic at the entrance to the car park.
Carlos Mendes / 30 June 2008.
 
 
Carlos Mendes / 30 September 2008.
ESTAURY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ALIEN PLANT / VEGETATION CONTROL
A long term view is required to ensure appropriate / sustainable management of the area.
An estuary management plan and alien plant / vegetation control programme should be developed and implemented for Zinkwazi.
Steve Honneysette / Neil Wallace / Zinkwazi Restoration Committee / November 2008 and ongoing
 
 



 

4. THE WAY FORWARD
 
·                     Compilation of minutes and action plan – Hantie Plomp;
·                     Review and approval of minutes and action plan – Beach Restoration Committee;
·                     Investigation and progress of preparatory work - as per responsibilities;
·                     Submission of Basic Assessment Report with proposed Scope of Works – Hantie Plomp;
·                     Environmental authorisation  - Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs;
·                     Awarding of restoration tender – Carlos Mendes;
·                     Implementation of actions - contractor and responsible persons.
 
 
5. CLOSURE
 
Hantie Plomp thanked everyone for their attendance and contributions and the positive, co-operative spirit in which appropriate solutions were identified and the scope of works for beach restoration progressed for Zinkwazi.
 
The meeting was concluded at 11:30.
 
 
 
 
 



 

 

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