Greyton Protests. Twk Municipality Press Release. 16th Jan 2019

Press release: Crisis in Madiba Park Greyton caused by National Department of Rural Development

The Madiba Park situation developed two years ago when a group of people were chased out of Bereaville, Genadendal. The homeless people moved to a piece of land on Farm 39 in Greyton. This portion of land is known as Madiba Park. Farm 39 is Moravian Trust Land of which the Minister of Rural Development is the custodian.

After being chased from Madiba Park too the Municipality took a humanitarian decision to accommodate the homeless people in tents on a piece of Municipal land. The people later moved back to Madiba Park without consulting the municipality. Statements that the municipality moved the people there are lies.

The people of Madiba Park requested access to basic services from the municipality. The municipality could not comply as the Minister of Rural Development has custody of the land.

The municipality on numerous occasions informed the former minister of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti that the local government did not have land that was ready to move the people of Madiba Park to. The municipality constantly requested the Minister to allow the people of Madiba Park to remain there as an interim arrangement. The municipality informed the minister that it would implement interim basic services, funded by the Western Cape Government, on Madiba Park if the minister granted approval for this.

Despite the fact that the municipality and the national and provincial administrations of Rural Development agreed on how to deal with basic services on Madiba Park the Minister did not respond.

Municipal land had been identified for a housing project and the local authority commenced with the planning of an EIA process. This housing project will amongst others benefit the people of Madiba Park. This project will take two years to develop and I appeal to the current minister of Rural Development, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to approve an interim arrangement whereby the people of Madiba Park will remain there for two years.

The removal of the interim chemical toilets over the weekend was due to a misunderstanding and when I heard of it I instructed the administration to take the toilets back until more conventional ablution facilities can be implemented.

Recent media comments of politicians about this matter indicates that they are using a very sensitive and volatile situation in Greyton-area for political gain. I am concerned that political agendas might result in violence in Greyton.

As the Mayor I spoke to the community and I will do so again tonight. With the people, I will do my best to convince Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to work with the people and the municipality and to accept the municipal solution for the crisis in Madiba Park.

Christelle Vosloo

Executive Mayor

2019/01/16

Enquiries: Hugo Geldenhuys

hugoge@twk.org.za

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Greyton Art Walk 2018 ON NOW!

This year some 50 artist are on show around Greyton. Members of the public can meander around town meeting and visiting the artists in situ. One of the unique features of this format is that all art works on sale are free of commission allowing you go direct.

The Art Walk has grown considerably from last year with the number of original works increasing from 300 last year to 500 this year and a national sponsorship of Pam Golding Properties. Of particular interest to PGP was the Art Walks complete focus on the promotion of the artist and their craft. As you walk around it is very likely that you may actually see the artists in action, sharing their techniques and talking you through their experiences. Also of note members of the Urban Sketching Organisation will also be at work in the most unexpected places. So keep an eye out!

One of the biggest hits last year and even bigger one this year is the kid’s art section. Great prizes and good direction by the very capable Mariaan Ehlers offers an exceptional opportunity to all our future Picasso’s. Please note that the Kids Art Centre is located at the Moravian Hall and the Main Art Centre is local at the DRC hall near the market and tennis courts.

 

A first class initiative. Big win for everyone.

Team photo headed by Ashley Snyders (left)

For those with an observant eye you may have noticed the alien vegetation around the Gun Club has been slowly disappearing. Without this enormous effort the black wattle and other nasties would be roof high and completely strangling the now recovering fynbos. It is interesting to note that the black wattle is able to exclude all but a few competitors. Indigenous plant species are just not able to get a root down in the competition for resources. The resulting ecological desert of sorts is of little use to either man nor beast.

Ashley directs him team to the thickest part of the infestation.

So, when a private initiative supported by a few locals not only deals with this serious threat, but also provides employment to some of our most in need this is a very good thing. If you look carefully at the photo you may in fact you notice a few faces that are normally found permanently encamped outside the bottle store! Now not so as three days a week they hard at work clearing.

On several occasions I have had the opportunity to chat to some of the employed and it is truly miraculous how just a small job and something to take home after work is helping. Pride and sense of accomplishment is immediately apparent and a small degree of hope has replaced hopelessness.

All congratulations to a project well-conceived and executed. If by chance you could see yourself clear to assisting in anyway please contact Lisa and Martin on 082 787 5958.

Making a difference that really lasts! Double Whammy

 

Very Hot Rose Festival 2018

Miss Rose Bud and her princesses

The Rose fair was started as usual by a parade of vintage vehicles, marching bands complete with drum majorettes and Miss Greyton Rose and her princesses. Initial forecasts earlier this week had the expected temperature in the very high 30’s however on the day while still hot it was no known where near predicted.

Miss Rose Fair and her princesses

The market was full, and this year there were several new stalls and also some new exhibits all looking to grab the attention of visitors. Also there was plenty of entertainment for the kids, a first class magic show had all large numbers and many of the parents completely occupied for several hours.

A few seriously cool rides.

Sunday saw the arrival of some seriously cool rides with participants in the Car Magazine Performance Car Shootout making a stop in town. The rides also sponsored by Brigestone  and Shell V Power were event hotter than the relevant temperatures!

With the predicted high temperatures it is conceivable though that some decided that discretion was the better part of valour and in the writer’s opinion numbers appeared to be down on last year. It should also be mentioned that the drought last year has had an unexpected consequence of delaying the normally early rose varieties. Some notable open gardens will only be at the best in the next few weeks.

 

Greyton Market back and improved.

This weekend at the market. Much better and ready to go.

Well the market is finally back and it seems that the wait has not been in vain. While the final touches still need to be made the new user friendly layout is definitely an upgrade. The first change that meets the eye is a large sitting area at the centre of market for table and chairs where one can enjoy all the delectable eats and treats on offer ever weekend. Also the new tin stall roofing is slightly wider than the old thatch giving all better cover when it rains.

Chatting to one of the regular stall holders she said that it was better than last but it could take a little while for the word to get out that things are back to usual. For reference see below progress from nothing after the fire till this weekend. This can only be good for Greyton and is an excellent start for spring. The weekend market and a little time to chat friends has always been a cornerstone of a good weekend in the country.

Just after fire as the clean up starts.

Work gets under way.

How it looks today.

 

Greyton Gun Club back in full swing.

Leon Engelbrecht from Old Potters Inn & Brewhouse takes on a long crosser from the hill as RW Erwee (HOA Winner) looks on.

This Saturday locals and visitors gathered for the third event this year. The weather was near perfect which was a nice change from having to cancel at the last minute on account of an ominous cold front or some other man-made disaster. Trap shooting got underway on time but the sporting layout was delayed as preparations took longer than initially anticipated. Once complete shooting got underway in earnest.

The repairs and an improved layout have added considerably to the clubs offering. All seemed to enjoy taking on the Fitasc and Trap layouts. Visitors included Leon Engelbrecht from Old Potters Inn & Brewhouse who acquitted himself well on his first outing and Guy Emslie (Hon Member). Guy is a local farmer who keeps the club supplied with drums and bales. He is not always available so we are grateful to seem him when it is possible.

There was a good mix of targets on the sporting range including a fun double from the tower which seemed a lot easier than it was. Most managed to hit one of the pair, so for John Reader hitting both with one shot deserves a very well done. He also managed a personal best. Top score on both the Trap and Sporting ranges was RW Erwee with 42. If all goes well and the weather plays ball the next shoot will be on the 29^thof September. Club enquiries Hubertus 072 877 1106

Guy Emslie makes light work of a cheeky driven target that deceived many.

Snow in Greyton, simply stunning!

Clearing with great views just after lunch.

 

Residents this morning woke up to snow-covered mountains and some very chilly temperatures. A good snow fall like this has sadly been absent for several years and is essential for restoring depleted ground water supplies. Greyton also had 30+ mm of rain that is most welcome.

We can also report that areas above the TWK dam in Villiersdorp had 67mm of rain and good snow falls. The dam can be expected to fill quickly now and the melting snow will supply the area with an extended period of run off. The snow is not expected to last long as temperatures are forecast to rise considerably by weekend and this will most certainly take care of the snow. Hopefully this will not be the last of the year.

Early morning very cold with some showers.