HPP Newsletter - March 2022
Dear HSRA Property Owner,
It gives me pleasure to provide you with an update on matters pertaining to HPP.
On a day-to-day basis we continue to respond to the vagrancy issue, which is a challenge every town and city in South Africa struggles with. The problem is compounded by slow economic growth, high levels of unemployment, rapid urbanisation, lack of infrastructure and the inability of law enforcement agencies to deal effectively with the problem. Unless we involve the various stakeholders in adopting a more formalised approach to the challenge, we will continue to chase our tails.
Against this backdrop HPP has engaged a consultancy that works in the field of social upliftment. We will be meeting with the Overstrand Municipality on 4 April to discuss a proposed plan of action. We shall report back on the outcome of this meeting in the April newsletter.
Board Matters
Board Meeting
The HPP-Board held its bi-monthly meeting on Monday, 14 March 2022. The minutes of this meeting are available on the HPP website (https://hpp.org.za/hpp-npc-board-meetings/).
Changing of the Guard
I regret to advise that Theuns Coetzee, our Operations Director, will be leaving Hermanus. Theuns and Petro are relocating to Hartenbos during early April. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Theuns for his considerable contribution to the Board and the Operations portfolio.
Given the criticality of the Operations portfolio, the Board has co-opted Philip-Ben Kotze to take over from Theuns. Philip-Ben is an Eastcliff-resident, an active member of the Alfa Neighbourhood Watch, a community warrior and a licenced drone operator. Philip-Ben has been working closely with Theuns during the past few weeks to ensure a smooth handover. If you are looking for Philip-Ben in person, you will find him at Hermanus Pharmacy in Main Street.
New Structure
Against the backdrop of HPP’s role within the community, the Board reviewed its structure. With effect 1 July 2022 the Board will have at least six portfolios:
- Chairperson
- Director Finance and Governance
- Director Operations
- Director Cleansing
- Director External Relations
- Director Special Projects.
The Executive Officer, who fulfils an oversight role, also supports the Board in an administrative capacity. Should you wish to know more about the various portfolios, please visit the HPP website.
Shadow Board
Succession is important in any business. Against this backdrop, and the need for continuity and diversity, the Board will establish a Shadow Board comprising a maximum of five (5) carefully selected members in the age group 30 – 45 years.
Members will attend Board meetings, but have no voting rights. They will work with the Board on special projects and have the opportunity to get to know the functioning of a Board. The Shadow Board will provide the feedstock for future Board appointments in the event of resignations or rotations. Any appointment to the HPP Board will be subject to the approval of HPP members.
Other than ensuring continuity, the underlying intent is to engage the younger generation in the affairs of the Board and the community which we serve.
Annual General Meeting
The HPP AGM will be held on Tuesday, 13 September 2022, from 15:00 to 17:00. A formal notice will be published and sent to members prior to the meeting.
Invitation to become a voting member of HPP NPC
Every property owner in the HPP area is eligible to subscribe as a member, which allows you the statutory right to vote on matters pertaining to HPP.
To apply for membership, complete the online form here https://hpp.org.za/members/
Operations
Good progress continues to be made in support of HPP’s aim to establish an integrated and intelligent surveillance system.
The commitment of the residents of the neighbourhoods in Ward 3, to buy-in and to donate to an integrated CCTV network, has been tremendous. Northcliff, Eastcliff and Westcliff have recently commenced collecting donations to expand the surveillance network in their areas. Please contact HPP should you require more details.
HPP remains in good financial health. The Operations budget for 2022 /2023 has been drafted. Further investment in surveillance equipment will include a drone and camera installations in the Northcliff and Hermanus Heights areas. Bringing additional cameras online, however, requires an increase in the HPP staffing compliment, so allowance has been made to recruit a controller for the Control Centre.
Cleansing
HPP has noted an increase in illegal littering and dumping in and around the Cliff Path and car parking areas. Residents are kindly requested to immediately report any incidents of illegal dumping of household waste and garden refuse or builders’ rubble to Overstrand Law Enforcement on 028 313 8996.
We again appeal to users of the Cliff Path to adhere to the by-laws and work together to ensure that the Cliff Path remains a top attraction and a joyful experience for everyone who uses it.
The main points of the by-laws include:
- Littering is not permitted. Please place your litter in a bin or take it home with you.
- All dogs must be on a leash, without exception.
- Dog owners must pick up after their pet.
- Consuming alcohol in public is prohibited.
- Making fires in non-designated areas is not permitted.
Any contravention of these by-laws can be reported to the Municipality’s Law Enforcement at 028 313 8996 or Control Room 028 313 8000/8111. Alternatively send an email to enquiries@overstrand.gov.za.
Thank You HPP Patrol Officers
The HPP Board would like to take this opportunity to recognise the commitment and professional service provided by the HPP Patrol Officers – both on foot and in the response vehicles. Our patrollers work 12-hour shifts, walking hundreds of kilometres each month in all weather, often putting themselves at risk to apprehend criminals and are often first on scene to support traumatised victims of crime or people in distress. As well as being first responders, they frequently go above and beyond their daily duties to offer acts of kindness.
We are thankful for their efforts and fortunate to have a team of officers who are willing to provide a service that exceeds expectations. So, next time you see a patrol officer, feel free to greet them with a smile and a wave of thanks!
As always, we would like to thank you for your continued support and feedback.
Until next time, kind regards.
Errol van Staden
HPP Chair