Valley News – December 2024
Beautiful Sunrise over our valley.
As we approach the end of the year and enter the holiday season, it's a time to reflect on the past months and look forward to the new year ahead. While we embrace the spirit of the season, it's also important to stay mindful of safety and well-being during this busy time.
In this edition of our Valley newsletter, we'd like to share some of the things we've been up to over the past six months. Communication between our committee and the community members is very important, and we do hope that you find our latest edition of the Valley News informative.
In this issue:
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- AGM
- General
- The Environment
- Snake Awareness
- Majik Forest
- Security
- Enquiries
AGM
The Van Riebeeckshof Valley NPC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28th August 2024, with a quorum in attendance, allowing the meeting to proceed. However, some agenda items were postponed, notably the approval of the budget, due to Welgedacht’s resignation from the NPC. A second AGM was held on 17th October 2024, where the updated budget was approved, including the membership fees from Welgedacht only from 1 November 2024 going forward, as verbally agreed by Welgedacht. At this time, it still remains uncertain whether Welgedacht will rejoin the NPC, as we have not received any further communication from them. This has led to the postponement of certain planned projects and upgrades for the current financial year, and may require a further budget update and approval in the new year.
The Van Riebeeckshof Valley NPC includes the following contributing communities:
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- Kanonberg
- Oude Westhof
- De Uitkijk
- Van Riebeeckshof
- Valleizicht
- Protea Valley
The following members were elected on 17th October 2024, representing the following portfolio's:
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- Nelia Orlandi - Chairlady
- Thornton Le Roux - Vice Chairman & Security Portfolio
- Nicole - Finance Portfolio
- Emil Scheepers - Environment Portfolio
- Robyn Viljoen - Communication Portfolio
- Anel Botha - Tygerberg Wetlands Association Representative
We would like to extend our thanks to those individuals who served on the VRH NPC over the year, and would like to thank our new committee who who have generously volunteered their time to serve our community. Your dedication is greatly appreciated and we wish you all the best for the year ahead!
General
The Environment
Local clean ups take place across our general areas within the valley on a weekly basis by our contracted supplier. From the start of Van Riebeeckshof Road at the main intersection of Jip de Jager, all the way to the top and right round the Van Riebeeckshof bend past the Majik Forest Shopping Centre - rubbish is picked up, collected and removed. We ensure our flower beds are neat and tidy, with our paths staying clear and no unwanted weeds and overgrowth occuring.
The City of Cape Town has generously donated >100 trees that have been planted along Van Riebeeckshof Road and towards Kanonberg. Planting trees is the start of a long-term commitment. For this reason, a contractor regularly maintains the trees that have been planted over the last 3 years. In the dry summer months these trees are watered on a weekly basis. Most of the trees have settled nicely, and with the necessary love and care over the next few years will contribute towards making our community even more beautiful!
Riesling Park continues to be a priority for the NPC, with ongoing efforts to enhance its natural beauty and preserve its charm. The Environment Committee will focus on upgrading the park’s landscape as well as repairing and maintaining the walkways, which have experienced some wear and tear over time. In July, the City of Cape Town made significant improvements by installing new lighting along the official walkways, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable evening stroll for our community members. We’re excited about these updates and remain committed to making Riesling Park a welcoming space for all.
Snake awareness
With the current summer heat coming fast and furiously, along with it been mating season - the local snakes are starting to come out and explore our area!
We encourage you to remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking within the parks and local fields.
Should you come across a slithery friend - it is best to leave it alone and walk away if you can.
Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless they are provoked. If you see a snake in your home, please get all people and pets out of the room as calmly and quickly as you can, and contact a professional to have the snake removed.
Recommended snake catcher for the Durbanville Area (as per African Snake Bite Institute):
Pierre De Jager: +27 84 777 3360
For Snake bite emergencies
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- Netcare Ambulance: 082 911
- ER24 Ambulance: 084 124
- Poison Information Helpline: 0861 555 777
- African Snakebite Institute: +27 82 494 2039
Majik Forest
Although the Majik Forest belongs to the City of Cape Town, it falls within our area and forms a big attraction to many visitors. The VRH Valley NPC therefore assists in overseeing the area and brings issues and problems to the City’s attention to be rectified and fixed as soon as possible.
Some of you may have seen the maintenance and repairs that were taking place close to the Fynbos Dam in Majik Forest. Due to contractual matters with the previous contractor, works have been suspended. No construction works will take place during the Builders Break (Festive period). Works will commence in early 2025 with a new contractor.
Please see below for further details regarding the walkways and paths currently open in Majik Forest.
Majik Forest
We would like to remind and urge everyone to make use of the Majik Forest in a safe and responsible manner - to enjoy the beautiful nature, to remain on the walkways and paths, and to not litter or bring unwanted elements (confetti/balloons) into the forest.
The Tygerberg Wetlands: The Tygerberg Wetlands Association (TWA) is managed by trustees representing the surrounding homeowners` associations and includes individuals concerned with restoring the wetlands.
During the month of September, the TWA together with the Wildflower Stepping Stones Project (WSSP) had a busy month!
The 4th of September 2024 marked the official opening of the Majik Forest Renosterveld Educational Garden! It was a wonderful day with the WSSP Team extremely gratefull to all those who attended the opening, as well as to all those individuals who have dedicated their energy and time to this project, making the beautiful garden what it is today!
Click here for a peek of the opening!
On the 7th of September a group of community members attended the Van Riebeeckshof Wildflower Walk. Those that attended the walk shared an incredible morning exploring the vibrant flora within our area. If you wish to take your own walk through the area - please refer to the map below for the route.
Various clean ups and planting sessions have also taken place within the
wetlands over the last few months.
Should you wish to assist and volunteer for the Tygerberg Wetlands Association please contact Anel Botha -
Mobile: +27 82 202 5607
Email Address: tygerbergwetlands@gmail.com
Security
Security is crucial to our community, ensuring our safety and well-being. By remaining vigilant, aware of our surroundings, and collaborating as a valley, we strengthen our area's resilience against potential threats.
Repairs were carried out on one of the LPR camera’s during the month of November, as well as regular checks of all our camera’s in the area, ensuring our systems are up to date and relaying information correctly to the necessary control room.
As the holiday season approaches, it's important to stay vigilant and prioritise safety. With increased activity in our community, we encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings, secure their homes, and look out for one another, so we can all enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season together.
Enquiries
General enquiries regarding the NPC and its activities can be directed to your local homeowners’ or residents’ association, or alternatively to Anel van Wyk at
021 943 4340 or anelvw@nolandstyg.co.za at Nolands, our management agent. For more information, residents are also invited to visit the NPC website at www.valleynpc.co.za.
We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of Cape Town’s northern suburbs. The VRHV-NPC remains committed to working with the residents, businesses and organisations of this unique valley to ensure we maintain and enhance its natural beauty to the benefit of all living and working in Van Riebeeckshof Valley.
Regards
The Valley NPC team