ZBRRA

Date & Time:             Monday, 27^th July, 2009

Venue:                        7 Idwala Lodge

Present :                     Neil Wallace - Chairman ZBRRA,  Klaus Achtzehn – Chairman Zinkwazi Conservancy,  Engela Wium – Chairlady Ward 2, Nigel Simmonds – Chairman Zinkwazi Ski Boat Club, James Gilleran, Richard Armstrong  – Neighbourhood Watch Rep,   Glen Middleton – rep Zinkwazi business sector, Nic Ellender rep Zinkwazi business sector,  Wendy Balcomb – Ward 2 rep. Mark Shepherd – Joat Const. – consult. engineer - iLembe

 

1.        Apologies - none

 

2          Feedback on iLembe water reticulation by Mark Shepherd .

Mark confirmed that 1.3km of reticulation pipes had been laid down Nkwazi drive to junction with Glen drive at the south end. This was at cost of 1.8 million. Final connection to be made Friday 7^th August.    All ruts in tar will be repaired as were all driveways. Three more interruptions to water supply expected. Notices would be on display to notify community. WB and EW would be notified by email so as to circulate.

Pressure of 7 bars was too high and caused burst pipes so this will be reduced to 5 slowly over 3 weeks. Only one PRV valve was installed on whole system as this is all that was needed.

 

Mark was confident that we would not have leaks in the future but said that pipes could still burst. Old asbestos pipes often burst when movement of soil – after rain. These at the lower south end of Glen should be replaced in about 3-5 years. There is a 12 month warrantee on the work done by bpb construction.

Mark undertook to supply Engela and ZBRRA with drawing of the new reticulation pipes for our files.

 

3          Wendy summarized the Beach Restoration as follows

·       Tarred car park and protective palisade and wooden post constructed. Requested additional wooden post to protect dune on northern end.

·       Lights to be installed - Nic Hall to meet EW and WB in carpark to discuss suitable type

·       1m wide walk way to beach from Nkwazi dr to be constructed

·       KDM’s Simon Bundy to plant retaining dune

·       33 parkings lost to high seas are to be replaced along Nkwazi dr.

·       New contract to handle conservancy tank to be awarded shortly

 

To discourage night time visitors and noise from Black Rock Park

Nigel Simmons to meet with Steve Honeysett to establish what he can do – ie notice board

WB to plant barrier of plants in spring on inside of hedge to secure area.

ZNW to lock boom gate from 6pm – 6am to prevent vehicles remaining inside through night.

Suitable trees to be planted in park before removal of casurinas.

It was decided to tolerate the influx of visitors and their behaviour.

Not to make provision as in the past for water, toilets, refuse bins. N Y arrangement to be left to KDM

To encourage day trippers to visit beaches to south – ie Nonoti WB to meet Clr Pakkies

The meeting ended at 6.45pm.

The next forum meeting will be in September on a date to be decided.

 

 

Signed ……………………………Chairman N. Wallace - ZBRRA

 

 

……………………………Admin manager. W Balcomb - ZBRRA

Meeting:                     Committee Meeting

Date & Time:             27^nd July, 2009

Venue:                        7 Idwala Lodge at 15H00

Present Neil Wallace (Chair), Rob Hofmeyr, Klaus Achtzehn, Nic Ellender, Margo Thiel, Ian Masson,  Richard Armstrong, Wendy Balcomb.

Co-opted member Glen Middleton

1          Neil welcomed everyone especially Glen Middleton.

Apologies: Craig du Bernard

 

2          Signing of Minutes of 22^nd April meeting. These were approved would be signed by N Wallace

 

Wendy reviewed the performance of various departments of KDM and Ilembe

·       The existing arrangement whereby KDM Civils are tasked to make good iLembe excavations is not working. WB to set up meeting between MM Mike Newton and Nollie Rabie of Civils

·       Parks/Beaches dept – Che Gophi & Billy Cullen – good supportive relationship. WB to encourage Parks to investigate means of minimizing loads of garden refuse being removed from village – chipper.

·       NPA. Letters are sent regularly to ensure P403 maintained. Marking yet to be done and soil at edges removed

·       Eskom – good relationship and response from Steven Naidoo when street lights faulty

 

Table and desk were purchased from Dales Dbn for office. 

Ian Masson donated a plastic 8 seater table and chairs for meetings. Request to be sent to committee for tea set, curtains and cloth for table.

WB will move into office on approx. 14^th August. Posters for walls to be framed. 

WB has appealed to Cheryl Peters of KDM Tourism for support to create a Tourism kiosk

 

Richard said that crime had increased by 18% when comparing the first six months of 2008 with the first six months of 2009 in last few months. Meeting with Alpha shortly. The trend seems to be that holiday makers are targeted soon after arrival. 

Fence maintenance is now carried out by Tim-Wise (E Rosati) and first month was well done. First payment by ZBRRA - R2000 made July 09.

Falling casurina branches/trees between fence and private property a problem. It ws decided not to remove these as too expensive.

Suggestion that more information should be made available and circulated by ZNW to residents to keep them informed as to incidents which occur in the village.

Klaus reported that Dumisane’s 3 week birding course was a great success and that he would be exposed to other eco-tourist experiences by mentors in the area to broaden his knowledge and prepare him as a tour guide. WB initiated funding by KDM of one unit of labour for AIP work in Zinkwazi under WB supervision. – Pakkies to meet with Che Gophi and to put this as item through council

Dumi and Wiseman still clearing properties of aliens under WB supervision. 33 properties to date cleared. WB having trouble getting accurate contact details of owners from KDM

Nursery land acquired as sub-lease from Mr. Clewlow at R400 p.a. WB waiting to hear from KDM if they will donate poles for shade house. Shade cloth to be donated by H Balcomb. Cracked 10 thousand litre Jo-jo tank offered by Kim Haggeman to be moved to nursery and tested/repaird by Nic Ellender.   Craig du Bernard to donate a gate for nursery, Klaus to supervise construction of an eco friendly toilet.

From Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, approx 350 thousand rand will be available, from July 09, over the next 3 years, for Zinkwazi area for the maintenance of beaches, access, cleaning, improvements and upkeep of trails, AIP removal, etc. 

Stewardship. A meeting has been arranged in Hilton with the stewardship program manager from EKZN Widlife; Kevin McCann , Wildlands Trust CEO; Andrew Venter and the conservancy committee, Klaus, Neil and Bing  to discus next steps in achieving conservation of our valuable Indigenous forest and bush environments through the stewardship program..

 

It was suggested that ZBRRA host a social evening where Mr Warren Clewlow be invited to speak on business and the future of SA.

 

Ian said that our finances were in a healthy state. About 200 thousand rand in bank.

R7000 from AIP was coming in and WB expected to break even on project as we did last year.

Membership status. Appox 12 thousand rand membership fees outstanding which included the monthly payments. Some members ignore statements and letters sent monthly. 

WB to draw up list of offenders and distribute to committee to phone individuals.

 

It was agreed that the committee should include more young members of the community

There is a need on the committee for someone with expertise in building or law to assist with controversial issues related to possible inappropriate building. KDM town planning not enforcing their building regulations.

Membership to be encouraged by offering to owners of vacant properties our AIP service for 6 months at a discounted rate if they joined ZBRRA. Pensioners and those on a fixed income were eligible for a 50% discount by applying to WB.

A membership drive is necessary. 

To promote ZBRRA by communicating the benefit of belonging. 

Increased visibility necessary.

Improved website with more photographs.

A flyer to be made and distributed promoting ZNW and ZBRRA separately – suggestions from Theresa Jackson on how to do this 

A public meeting to be held at end of August for all residents

 

The meeting closed at 5pm. Next meeting will be held in September

 

 

 

 

 

Signed ……………………………        N. Wallace

 

 

………………………………….          W Balcomb

Admin manager

 

 

Dear Owner, Tenant…. Person who just loves to hear about Zinkwazi beach,

 

Here with a little bit of feedback on what has happened in Zinkwazi beach during the past year.

 

 

After the “great Zinkwazi war” of 2007/2008 between the ZBRRA and the Ward committee, things came to a sudden halt and several things changed.

 

a) Ward: several members resigned and moved away/on with their lives, an election was held in July 2008 and several new members were elected. Engela Wium was voted chair, Wendy Balcomb was voted in as the 2^nd ward representative.

b) ZBRRA: restructured and obtained a new chairman, Mr Neil Wallace.

c) The Ski-boat club: obtained a new chairman and from what I understand some new committee members.

d) The Security fund became the Neighbourhood watch. Tyrone Werner also moved on and handed it over to a committee, represented by James Gilleran and Richard Armstrong.

e) Klaus Achtzehn now heads up the Zinkwazi beach conservancy movement.

 

At this point myself (as chair of the ward committee) and Neil Wallace, chair ZBRRA, agreed that Zinkwazi beach would be better served by bringing all role players together represented by their leaders and try and work together for the betterment of the village.

 

This is how the “ZINKWAZI FORUM” was established. However please note the following about us:

 

1. Nobody is the boss….!

2. Not one group/entity/personality is in charge – we sit around a table every second month with specific goals in mind and we all participate, agree, disagree and pick each other’s brains.

3. Anybody from the public is welcome and needed. If there are other groups who wish to join us, or send a representative they are most welcome. All input and help is welcomed.

4. Nobody gets paid. We all volunteer our time and effort and are motivated by the fact that we love Zinkwazi.

 

We have found presenting a united front to the Kwadukuza and ILembe Municipalities has a far greater impact and things are slowly happening.

 

Engela Wium….Chairperson Ward 2 Committee – 082 378 3546

Wendy Balcomb….Ward 2 representative – 083 265 9631

Nigel Simmonds….Chairman Zinkwazi Ski Boat Club – 083 386 8368

Klaus Achtzen….Chairman Zinkwazi Conservancy – 032 – 485 3344

James Gilleran….Chairman Zinkwazi Neighbourhood Watch – 072 600 2034

Neil Wallace…Chairman Zinkwazi Ratepayers and Residents Association – 083 253 0885

 

From time to time expert opinion is brought to the meetings to assist in our deliberations.

 

To Date the following matters have been addressed:

 

1)      Beach and Car park restoration…..Work in progress but will be in good shape for yearend…..ILembe.

2)      Creation of formalised parking along Nkwazi Drive to replace parking lost….Plan to have this done for yearend…….Kwadukuza

3)      Replacement of old Water Reticulation system to reduce leaks and water loss….Major work on vulnerable sections nearing completion…..Illembe

4)      Security and enforcement of by-laws at Black Rock Park…..Boom has been installed and toilets refurbished. Control of access and security under discussion. Plan to have big improvements by year end………ILembe, KDM, SAP.

5)      Replacement of Septic Tank system with conservancy tank at beach toilets and Ski Boat club. Toilets to remain where they are…….Tenders are going out this month…..ILembe.

6)      Crowd and behaviour control over New Year period……Discussions with authorities will be taking place in third quarter. This is a very difficult subject and we plan to make every effort as a combined community to improve the unacceptable situation that has existed over the past few years.

7)      ZNW(neighbourhood watch) are constantly working with Alpha Security, SAP and Municipal policing to improve security and apprehend criminals with some success this year

8)      ZNW with funding from ZBRRA are keeping the Electric fence in good working order and clearing vegetation around the perimeter.

9)      Zinkwazi Conservancy in conjunction with ZBRRA are :

            a) Very effectively attacking the control of Alien Invasive Plants in the village.

                  b) Planting Indigenous trees on our verges and in the Parks.

                  c) Establishing an Indigenous plant Nursery at the hangar site at the Southern end

                      Of the village. This is thanks to the generosity of Gary Prentice and to Clewlow

                    Estates.

10) We have also achieved agreement from Working for the Coast poverty relief program that a considerable portion of their budget over the next three years will be spent in Zinkwazi for projects including; Beach cleaning, Beach access improvement, Re-establishment of walking trails in some of our Pristine Coastal forest areas and removal of Alien vegetation and restoration of indigenous plants where needed in the Admiralty reserve area.

 Projects will be under the control or Emzenvelo KZN Wildlife

 

 

I would like to acknowledge the fact that Wendy Balcomb is greatly involved in much of the work which happens in Zinkwazi beach. Wendy is not only a ward representative but is also employed by the ZBRRA to handle many of these issues on their behalf. Without a paid employee spending most of their day on chasing all and sundry at the various Municipalities and committee’s I am afraid many of these issues would fall through the cracks. The rest of us all have full time employment and can only offer so much assistance and time.

 

We would appreciate any feedback, suggestion and help anybody wish to offer to the Forum. Feel free to contact any of us.

 

2. Other news:

 

You will have noted that over the last month you have received various emails from the following email add: ewium@mweb.co.za – this is from my personal mailing list, and a community service I am offering to let people know what is happening in Zinkwazi beach. This need arises as many of the other organisations only mail their members, and people not affiliated with an organisation miss out. This mailing list is not for political agenda and as it is private, only issues relating to the village which you need to know will be send out. If you have a partner in your property who is not receiving the info, please let me have their details, names, email add, property number.

 

Should you not want to receive any news, please just hit the Unsubscribe option at the bottom of email. I hope you will stay on and also give some feedback.

 

We have had a “little gremlin” with some people receiving each email twice or three times, I hope this is now solved… if this is still happening to you, please let me know.

 

3. Artego bay & Ocean reef:

 

Artego bay did not go under the hammer as a complex as incorrectly reported to you by other writers, only unit 8 was auctioned on the 24/07, because of low bids, the Sherriff reports the bank bought it back @ R1,015 000.00.

 

On the 21/08/09 unit 6 of Artego will go on auction, the previous auction buyer could not get bond approval.

 

Please contact the Sherriff for details on the upcoming auction: time/place/etc.

 

Susan de Witt: 032 – 5512784

 

Ocean reef units have all been sold, but there are some available for re-sale, contact Gordon at Fish Eagle Estates on 032 – 4853000 for more info.

 

The hotel is also reported sold and we await more info on this development.

 

The Ocean reef complex has been upgraded significantly and is looking beautiful. Tracy Potgieter from Ocean Echo is responsible for the gardens and they are looking great. If you’re garden needs some help, call Tracy on: 084 4466 813. As I manage this property I know all at Ocean reef is looking forward to welcoming the new owners and a functional hotel and restaurant.

 

I hope to soon be able to have Artego bay in the same condition and back to its former glory when the Barnard’s owned it.

 

4. Zinkwazi Junction:

 

Toward the end of 2008, with both my partners off on other missions I decided to close the shop down as Driftwood Estates was my primary business and had become very time consuming with large projects looming.

 

At this point things changed again and Leizl Simmonds & Heidi Gaul decided they were up for the challenge. We sold to them and as the lease is and remains in my name, sublet part of the building to them.

 

 

With Gordon Barnard from Fish Eagle Estates help, we joined forces (Gordon & myself) and decided to create a community centre where we could offer Zinkwazi-errs a few different businesses and create an opportunity for local business to have a face/office and be noticed.

 

Currently we sport an Internet café, Zinkwazi café (the shop), A hardware shop (Donna sold to Tracy and Glen), Rosa moved her Physio in, Driftwood Estates (holiday letting and property management – jack of all trade), Fish Eagle Estates, for all your property needs, and soon we hope to have a coffee shoppie, ZBRRA and some other interesting businesses on board.

 

It has been a challenge making space for all and we are continuously looking to make another corner work for someone else.

 

My thanks go to Gordon, who has done all the work and financed it all. Once again Fish Eagle Estates gave unselfishly for the betterment of the village.

 

Currently the aim is to keep rental low, so all business can function in this slow economy, so rental, running cost and power is split between us all according to floor space.

 

Pipes have been replaced the length of Nkwazi drive. – The area identified to have had the most leaks.  It does not mean that leaks will no longer break out elsewhere however.  Bpb, contractors who carried out the changeover to new pipes, tested the pressure when they first unearthed valves on the line and found that the pressure was much higher than what it should have been. This project is almost at an end and cut over to the new pipes should be completed by the end of this current week. We at the Forum will continue to petition for the upgrading of all our reticulation pipes, but the current help should solve a great deal, we are assured, and alleviate the Festive/holiday season shortages.

 

6. Beach restoration:

This has come a long way and looks good with a new tarred car park, secured in part by palisade and wooden post.  The retaining dune is yet to be planted with suitable sand hugging plants. One set of wooden steps transects the dune to the beach. 

We await the following from the funds still available for restoration:

·      Lighting.

·      A 1 meter walkway on the south of Seagull road, from Nkwazi drive to the car park.

·      An extension of the wooden posts to the north as a barrier to prevent access through the dune to the beach. 

·      From the KDM beach manager we await expert planting to retain the bank and prevent access through the dune.

·      The construction of an underground conservancy tank for waste from the existing beach toilets.   I am informed that the contract for this work is to be awarded shortly.

 

What has not been addressed is the creation of additional beach parking.  The most obvious area for these would be along the north and south of Seagull in Nkwazi drive.  We believe that 33 parking’s were lost when the car park collapsed in the high seas.  In terms of ‘beach restoration’, the onus is on KDM to replace those that were lost.  If the verges of Nkwazi drive are to be used, a great deal of preparation is required to protect existing Eskom installations and iLembe water meters from being damaged by parking vehicles.  We have urged KDM to treat this as a priority if we are to be prepared for the influx of traffic in the December holidays.

 

Lastly but most importantly:

 

Please continue to support the ZINKWAZI BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. If you are not a member join now, and if you are please stay involved.

 

Your contact person is James Gilleran – see Forum details for phone number.

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Engela Wium

DRIFTWOOD ESTATES

P.O. BOX 179 Darnall 4480

1 GLEN DRIVE; ZINKWAZI BEACH

(032) 4853314 T/F

0823783546

Dear member

 

The Junction  - the closest we have to a commercialcentreon the corner of Glen and Nkwazi drive - has undergone some changes. Upstairs off the front of the Café, Leisl Simmons and Heidi Gaul are creating a sheltered patio area where tea can be served. Enter a separate door and you walk through the rosy offices of Fish Eagle Est. …..down the passage where you will see Engela of Driftwood multitasking. Turn the corner to Theresa Jackson’s efficiently humming hub – our new Internet Café, the next door with lots of traffic in and out is Rosa’s Physio. At the end on the right, an office for ourselves. Chairman Neil Wallace is of the opinion that ZBRRA should be more accessible to members, residents, and the occasional KDM official who cares to visit our village. We hope you will brave the labyrinth to our sunny spot. Come and voice your opinion, get info ….   I am tasked to expand my knowledge of the area to cover the local history, and spots of interest accessible within a day of Zinkwazi for those of you who want more than a beach holiday. Downstairs our friendly hardware, under the ownership of Tracy and Glen Middleton has retained its warm helpful atmosphere

 

You will be pleased to hear that the ‘Zinkwazi Forum’ – formed in April 09 by

ZBRRA is functioning well. Its purpose was to draw together Zinkwazi’s fragmented community and to represent views from all sectors of the community. Suggestions and topics for discussion are brought to the table at two-monthly meetings. Those represented are the Ski Boat Club, the Neighbourhood Watch, the Zinkwazi Conservancy, the Ward, and ZBRRA. Please look at our user-friendly website www.zbrra.org to update yourself on village matters and functions of the various bodies

 

The Zinkwazi Conservancy.

Our two trained AIP workers, Dumisane and Wiseman, have systematically rid more than 30 vacant properties of category 1,2 and 3 alien invader plants. Where the property looks devoid of indigenous trees, we plant truncheons in order to encourage rehabilitation. At no stage are pioneer plants or saplings removed. Our team return regularly to inspect these properties and to re-spray if necessary – a long term project which will undoubtedly improve the ecology of our village.  Dumisane personable manner and his keen interest in the environment was recently rewarded with a place on a month’s birding course in Hoedspruit.   He will be put through his paces to expand his knowledge on the history and trees of this area particularly as to their association and use in Zulu culture. 

Che Gophi of KDM Parks department has enthusiastically supported the conservancy’s efforts to rehabilitate the bush in the village. At no cost he has delivered loads of suitable trees which our staff has planted in parks and on pavements. I am aware that some residents are not in favour of trees on their verge for various legitimate reasons. Should you be one, please communicate with me. Our intentions are for the good of the village as a whole, but we are prepared to accommodate your wishes – nothing is set in stone !   

On plant matters my nursery is at a standstill while aliens are at bay. Hopefully we will be ready with shade house and a 10 thousand litre Jo-Jo water tank installed before spring. Without the generosity of members like Kim Haggeman,  a sublease from the Clewlow family and the donation of Gary Prentice’s  Helipad this would not have materialized. 

 

Water reticulation pipes have been replaced the length of Nkwazi drive. – the area identified to have had the most leaks. It does not mean that leaks will no longer break out elsewhere however. Bpb, contractors who carried out the change over to new pipes, tested the pressure when they  first unearthed valves on the line and found that the pressure was double what it should have been!. We applaud the bpb staff for the quick, polite and efficient manner in which they conducted themselves while in our village.

 

Beach restoration has come a long way and looks good with a new tarred car park, secured in part by palisade and wooden post. The retaining dune is yet to be planted with suitable sand hugging plants. One set of wooden steps transects the dune to the beach. 

We await the following from the funds still available for restoration:

·      Lighting on short posts

·      A 1 meter walkway on the south of Seagull road, from Nkwazi drive to the car park.

·      An extension of the wooden posts to the north as a barrier to prevent access through the dune to the beach. 

·      From the KDM beach manager we await expert planting to retain the bank and prevent access through the dune.

·      The construction of an underground conservancy tank for waste from the existing beach toilets.   I am informed that the contract for this work is to be awarded shortly.

 

What has not been addressed is the creation of additional beach parking.  The most obvious area for these would be along the north and south of Seagull in Nkwazi drive. We believe that 33 parkings were lost when the car park collapsed in the high seas. In terms of ‘beach restoration’ , the onus is on KDM to replace those that were lost. If the verges of Nkwazi drive are to be used, a great deal of preparation is required to protect existing Eskom installations and iLembe water meters from being damaged by parking vehicles. We have urged KDM to treat this as a priority if we are to be prepared for the influx of traffic in the December holidays.

 

Service delivery You will be aware that a planned strike by Municipal workers is to take place this week. There is no telling at this stage how long it will last.  In the interests of the village, please store your household and garden refuse within your property until you are notified that the strike is over. Essential services are exempt from the strike.   I hope that the branches from brittle milkwoods that broke off in the wind will removed by Parks once their strike is over. Untidy verges are still common in our village. Home owners are largely responsible for this. If you use a garden service to cut and remove your plant material, please ensure that it is removed within a day or two. It is not fair for residents to be subjected to the eyesore of rotting vegetation of an absent landlord. KDM are only contracted to take two black bags of garden refuse on a Tuesday and Friday, and 2 black bags of household refuse on a Monday and Thursday from each ratepayer. For lager loads, please engage a contractor.    What a pretty village we would have if everyone played ball!

I have an ongoing battle with the Civils department. By mutual agreement, the Civils department undertake to make good the excavations of iLembe. On an inspection with officials from both departments, we visited all the offending craters, dongas, ruts, trenches, mounds of earth on our verges and in our roads.  Both officials nodded heads in agreement when I stated that Zinkwazi was orphaned – a neglected child of KDM  - and both agreed to attend to our problems the next week.   No action…. After a letter last week, threatening exposure in the press, some ruts across Nkwazi dive were filled within a day – but for the rest no still action !

 

Eskom. Street lighting means different things to different people in our village. Some love the darkness and are delighted when the lights outside their home blows and others are unsettled by the dark. I have found Stephen Naidoo at Eskom reliable in responding to my calls for maintenance, so please report the lights you would like repaired. 

 

The maintenance of the P403 to Darnall/N2 falls to the NPA. I was grateful they responded to our request to re-tar the road but did not expect to wait so long for road marking. My letters to Mr Maharaj point out the danger to our residents at night along this unmarked stretch. In preparation of the surface before tar was laid, branches of trees were cut and along with piles of soil they were dumped just over the metal crash bar alongside. The now dry branches are blowing into the P403 and the mounds are sprouting grass – short cuts, no good. Night driving has its share of dangers - I hit a log on the N2 one night recently which destroyed both right hand tyres . I limped to the Zinkwazi fly off nearby and soon after stopping, was joined by another vehicle. The driver was relieved to see I was in the same boat, as he thought he was being hi-jacked. As we changed tyres yet a third vehicle limped past on the freeway, on its rims in the dark  Alpha were quick to responded to my call for help and removed the log before any further damage was caused. I was disappointed to hear from Sappi that nets are not obligatory in KZN as they are in the Cape.  

About two weeks ago fishermen took the fly off to Zinkwazi in the dark and ran over metal spikes which had been placed in the road. The Hi-jackers pushed the vehicle into a lonely road alongside the P403 to change the tyre in order to make off with their prize. When they found that two of the tyres were punctured, they abandoned the car and their victims and made off.  James Gilleran tells me there was a good ending to this story. The same group was apprehended in Empangeni shortly thereafter when they attempted to hi-jack another car.

 

A recent circular from Engela informed us of that ArtegoBay was to come under the hammer. I hear that there was not sufficient interest and that the Bank has retained the development. Ocean Reef ‘s apartments on the other hand have been sold out. All that remains for sale is the central ‘hotel’ component.

 

I must end with good news ……….and social news.

Resident Cliff Hatt responded to Nelson Mandela Day by appealing to Zinkwazi residents to contribute a bag of groceries to alleviate the poverty of orphans in nearby Zamane township. He placed a trailer in the car park at the Junction last Saturday, 18^th July, and to his surprise our residents took up the challenge and filled it to capacity. In addition spontaneous generous donations of cash were made. Cliff writes ……I think it speaks for itself when I say that 24 orphans will be fed staple food for 3 to 4 months as a result of this spirit of giving and caring for a community inneed. Should anyone like to find out more about this cause or feel called to support it in an ongoing manner, your call would be gratefully received Cliff’s no is 083-4543596

The downturn in the economy coupled with cold weather has resulted in a dearth of diners at local clubs and restaurants. Linda of Lagoon Lodge and Roy of Miller’s Arms have risen to the challenge. At the club Roy had a games evening with bangers & mash at R25 - I believe the pub at the club came alive.

At Lagoon Lodge, the sheltered Boma with its huge log fire has been the centre of some happy gatherings on Friday nights. We have had a ‘soup and sherry’ evening, a ‘Bunny-chow’ night, a ‘Roti’ meal and this last Friday I attended their ‘Pasta and sauces’ evening - each hearty meal for only R25 The community - young and old find the warm relaxed atmosphere a good place to meet.  Well done Linda !    

 

Good Wishes from

 

Our Zinkwazi community comprises several interest groups. These have been coordinating their views and making combined representation to Kwadukuza and Ilembe Municipalities to good effect.

This has been achieved through the creation of the Zinkwazi Forum which meets in conjunction with the Ratepayers Association committee meetings to discuss and agree on issues that are of community importance and to formulate strategies and approaches to the relevant authorities to address these issues.

 

The Forum currently comprises:

Engela Wium….Chairperson Ward 2 Committee

Wendy Balcomb….Ward 2 representative 

Nigel Simmonds….Chairman Zinkwazi Ski Boat Club

Klaus Achtzen….Chairman Zinkwazi Conservancy

James Gilleran….Chairman Zinkwazi Neighborhood Watch

Neil Wallace…Chairman Zinkwazi Ratepayers and Residents Association

From time to time expert opinion is brought to the meetings to assist in our deliberations.

 

To Date we have made considerable progress with the following matters:

1)      Beach and Car park restoration…..Work in progress but will be in good shape for year end…..Ilembe

2)      Creation of formalized parking along Nkwazi Drive to replace parking lost….Plan to have this done for year end…….Kwadukuza

3)      Replacement of old Water Reticulation system to reduce leaks and water loss….Major work on vulnerable sections nearing completion…..Ilembe

4)      Security and enforcement of by-laws at Black Rock Park…..Boom has been installed and toilets refurbished. Control of access and security under discussion. Plan to have big improvements by year end………Ilembe, KDM, SAP.

5)      Replacement of Septic Tank system with conservancy tank at beach toilets and Ski Boat club. Toilets to remain where they are…….Tenders are going out this month…..Ilembe.

6)      Crowd and behaviour control over New year period……Discussions with authorities will be taking place in third quarter. This is a very difficult subject and we plan to make every effort as a combined community to improve the unacceptable situation that has existed over the past few years.

 

Each organization represented in the Forum brings the views of its members to bear on decisions made.

Progress would not have been possible without the full time services of the ZBRRA office and the tireless efforts of Wendy Balcomb and the determination and energy of Engela Wium.

 

We must also acknowledge the support from all the Authorities involved. We have a long way to go to get to acceptable service delivery   BUT BY WORKING TOGETHER WE ARE HAVING A LOT MORE SUCCESS THAN IN THE PAST!!

 

I have only highlighted here the community wide efforts that the forum has been involved in. Each participating organization is progressing with its own worthy initiatives in addition to these. A few examples are:.

 

ZNW are constantly working with Alpha Security, SAP and Municipal policing to improve security and apprehend criminals with some success this year

 

ZNW with funding from ZBRRA are keeping the Electric fence in good working order and clearing vegetation around the perimeter.

 

Zinkwazi Conservancy in conjunction with ZBRRA are :

 

Very effectively controlling the spread of Alien Invasive Plants in the village.

 

 Planting indigenous trees on our verges and in the Parks to rehabilitate the village..

 

Establishing an Indigenous plant Nursery at the hangar site at the Southern end of the village. This is thanks to the generosity of Gary Prentice and to Clewlow Estates.

 

We have also achieved agreement from Working for the Coast poverty relief program that a considerable portion of there budget over the next three years will be spent in Zinkwazi for projects including; Beach cleaning, Beach access improvement, Re-establishment of walking trails in some of our Pristine Coastal forest areas and removal of Alien vegetation and restoration of indigenous plants where needed in the Admiralty reserve area.

 Projects will be under the control or Emzenvelo KZN Wildlife

 

ZBRRA is constantly involved in chasing the municipal and other Authorities on the many service issues of Road, Verge, Lighting, Refuse, Water Electricity, Building regulation, etc.

 

PLEASE SUPPORT BOTH ZBRRA AND ZNW by becoming members if you are not already.

Contacts:

ZNW……James 032-4852034 (H) 072-6002034 (Cell

ZBRRA…..Wendy 032-4853553 (office) 083-2659631 (cell)

www.zbrra.org ( website)

WARD…..Engela   082-378354

 

Sincerely,

Neil Wallace                                  

Chairman ZBRRA

083-2530885

 

The internet café is made indispensable in an increasingly interconnected world.

 I know you wonder though, with wireless devices, notebook computers, mobile e-mail, smart phones, portable digital assistants and other gadgets, what need is there for an internet café in Zinkwazi Beach in this wireless world.

We also provide specialized and sophisticated software that are often hard to find, expensive or utilize a large amount of memory.

Currently we have 5 workstations and facilities for those who would like to plug in their own iBooks or laptops. We are always willing to lend a hand and special rates can be arranged on a contract basis. Whatever your digital needs, we will be able to help.

 

Fax:     086 664 9530
Cel:     082 735 6953

 

 

Zinkwazi Café was opened by ourselves, Leizl Simmonds & Heidi Gaul on the 3^rd of December 2009. Our little shop has gone from strength to strength over the past 6 months and we wish to thank all the community members, homeowners and visitors to the village, for all the support that we have received. 

 

We are proud to boast that our little shop has quite an extensive selection of stock and we are always open to any suggestions. As the shop has only been running for a short time, we are tweaking the stock on a monthly basis. 

 

Currently we stock most household necessities, such as bread, milk, household cleaning materials, toiletries, basic first aid items, sunblock and of course sweets and ice creams, as well as the good old 2L ice creams for a little indulgence.  

 

 During holiday season it is obviously a little easier to stock a wider range of fresh vegetables and fruit, but we do have the regular requirements like potatoes, tomatoes, onions etc on a daily basis. We have recently started stocking some frozen vegetables, frozen chips, whole chickens and chicken pieces. We do stock meat, but freeze it to ensure its freshness. 

 

We also have a very exciting range of home cooked frozen meals from TRACEY’S KITCHEN. They are top quality, reasonably priced, delicious meals, so for those who want a night off from cooking, pop in and purchase one of our meals.

 

We have introduced Lizzard and Lizzy Clothing. The range consists of some lovely costumes, board shorts, Tees, slops and beach towels. Our small but extensive fishing tackle corner has all that most avid fishermen will need whether you are fishing from the shore, lagoon or deep sea.

 

We provide an `internet shopping service’ for those who would like to have their fridges stocked with the basics on arrival at their holiday home/accommodation. Email us on zinkwazicafe@telkomsa.net and we will arrange for your shopping to be delivered and unpacked at your home/accommodation.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the shop.      

 

Yours in shopping

 

Leizl & Heidi

Tel 032 485 3464

 

 

Many would have heard by now that we, GLENN & TRACEY have bought the hardware store in Zinkwazi. We hail from Gauteng, Johannesburg, aka Gangsters Paradise. Having owned a holiday house in Zinkwazi for the past 5 years our dream was always to settle in the village and offer our children (10 year old triplets, Vicky-May, Jethro and Travis) a better life, and here we are.

 

Despite a few cosmetic changes to the shop, ie: moving the counter, painting and adding more shelf space, the shop remains a good local spot for all your hardware requirements.

 

We’d like to remind you all of what we have on offer besides the obvious….

·       BUILDING: We carry cement, bags of stone and sand, bricks for emergencies, tile adhesive/grouts and other basic building material BUT remember if you’re doing renovations and need bigger amounts we will order in and get supplies delivered to your doorstep.

·       PAINT: We stock the Decade range and can match any colour.

·       DOG FOOD: We stock a great brand of dog food, Lifestyle, it comes in 25kg and 8kg bags and is proving quite popular with the local hounds.

·       CLEANING: 5 litre containers of your basic cleaning liquids (dish wash liquid and all purpose cleaner)

·       STAFF PACKS: We stock a basic food pack (mielie meal, samp, rice, salt etc – packs may vary) This is great for those of you living out of the village and have staff living on your properties, they can just pop into us and get their packs as and when needed.

·       BIRD SEED: Wild bird seed and a really yummy parrot mix

·       GARDEN: Compost, potting soil, lawn dressing and a good assortment of fertilizers as well as your necessary hoses, fittings, spades etc

·       BEACH: We stock an assortment of beach umbrellas, boogie boards, toys for the beach (buckets/spades etc), fishing nets, beach chairs and much needed sun block for that harsh African sun.

·       POOL: Chlorine, HTH, month mates, salt, sand, we also get great specials on pool equipment like creepy crawleys etc. So look out for those. 

 

·       BITS AND BOBS and other interesting facts:

·       Charcoal, fire-lighters, mini braais

·       We refill gas bottles (Bring in your old bottle and we’ll swop it for a full one)

·       Kettles, irons, two plates stoves

·       Cooler boxes and picnic back packs

·       Tool sets

·       Kiddies birthday cards and last minute birthday presents & activity packs for kids on rainy    days

·       Mozzie spray, mozzie nets

·       Extension plugs and cables,

·       Brooms, mops, rakes

·       Timbercare,

·       Torches, batteries, light bulbs

·       Plumbing fittings

·       Electrical supplies

·       Padlocks, glues

·       Nuts and bolts, spanners and drill bits and ……

·       SO much more.

 

 

We’re open week-days from 07h30 – 16h30, Saturday from 08h00 – 13h00 and will also be opening on public holidays from 09h00 – 13h00.

 

Please pop in to say hi when you’re next in the village and give us your feed-back on what you think of the changes to the store and also let us know if there is anything specific you would like us to stock and we will do our utmost to supply it for you.

 

We look forward to meeting you.

 

Our regards