CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: 2025

Personalia

  1. Condolences. We honour the memory of the following Cannon Rocks residents who passed away in 2025.

Tia Human

Kevin Nash

Marjolien Wright

Rossouw Engles

Previous AGM

  1. Feedback from Previous AGM. A positive response has been observed from property owners who have updated their displayed street addresses to match those listed on their municipal accounts, helping to reduce confusion for visitors, service providers, and emergency services.  However, a number of properties continue to display erf numbers in place of street numbers, and in some cases, both are shown simultaneously.  This practice may lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.  Property owners are kindly requested to display only the correct street number, as reflected on their municipal account, without including the erf number.  Prompt compliance with this request will contribute to clearer property identification and improved public services.

Domestic

  1. Lease. The lease agreement for the Community Hall was formally approved on 1 June 2025 for a period of nine (9) years and eleven (11) months, in accordance with the previously requested terms and pricing.
  2. Easter Welcome. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Easter egg handout at in the beginning of the easter weekend.  It was a resounding success as people drove past shouting, cheering, laughing and taking a few photos.

Nature Conservation Awareness

  1. Wildlife. Cannon Rocks remains fortunate to be home to a variety of wildlife, including bushbuck, grysbok, duikers, hares, and the occasional kudu.  The presence of these animals is a unique and valuable part of the village’s natural environment.  However, their survival is increasingly threatened by illegal traps and snares, which are often discovered only when it is too late.  Stray dogs also pose a significant risk, particularly to smaller wildlife such as francolins (fisante).  All residents are urged to remain vigilant.  Community awareness and cooperation are essential to protecting local wildlife.  Residents can assist by:
  • Speaking with neighbours, builders, and workers about the importance of protecting wildlife.
  • Reminding others that setting traps, snares, and allowing dogs to roam freely is illegal.
  • Reporting any suspicious or illegal activity without delay.

To report such incidents, please contact Paul Strutt, Environment Portfolio Holder, at 082 825 6401.

A snare and environmental awareness campaign will be launched in December.

Let’s work together to preserve the natural heritage of Cannon Rocks.

  1. Invasion Plants. Lantana plants might seem like a harmless, colourful shrub, this plant is an invasive alien species and a menace to our local environment.  If left unchecked, it spreads like wildfire, choking out native plants and creating a tangled mess that is a nightmare to remove.  Lantana can be removed manually or chemical control ie Spray it with Glyphosate-based herbicides (Roundup). Please obtained specialised advice from a nursery owner.

Environment

  1. Beach Cleaning. A very successful beach cleaning initiative was launched in May, when bags were placed at entrances to the beach for beachgoers to pick up any litter and leave the bags for use by the next visitor.  The overwhelmingly positive reaction from the community, whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply using the bags, is highly appreciated.  This initiative also drew attention from overseas visitors, some of whom responded in writing to praise the project.
  2. Recycling. Unfortunately, the recycling initiative has been discontinued due to excessive costs imposed by the owner.  Residents are kindly requested to take their recyclable items directly to the recycling depot at Riversbend or use the recycling bin located in Boknes.

Projects

  1. Community Hall. The renewal of the long-term lease of the Community Hall made it possible to finally undertake the long-overdue maintenance project.  The project included, among other things, painting the exterior of the hall, replacing fascia and barge boards, tiling both the men’s and ladies’ bathrooms, installing new toilets, and replacing the ceiling fans.  Special appreciation is extended to Helen Mackenzie for her careful and professional project management.
  2. Playpark.
    • Under the watchful eye of the Portfolio Holder, the playpark has undergone a much-needed facelift, not only to improve safety but also to make it more attractive and child-friendly. It was officially commissioned on 13 December 2025.  A sincere word of appreciation goes to the residents for their support and generous donations, which made this upgrade possible.
    • Parents are kindly requested not to leave small children unattended at the Play Park. Any suggestions or innovative ideas can be shared with Adéle du Plessis telephone no 082 391 8025.
  3. Entrance. The entrance to Cannon Rocks just got a beautiful upgrade, now proudly featuring a Whale Tail sculpture to welcome visitors and residents and was unveiled on Friday, 17 October 2025.  The Whale Tail installation was part of a special ceremony honouring the donors who made this project possible.  A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to this stunning new landmark

Municipal Matters

  1. Municipal Budget. The CRRA Chairman actively participated, alongside the Ndlambe Ratepayers Forum (NRF), in discussions with the Municipal Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and senior staff regarding the draft Municipal Budget for 2025/2026.  During these consultations, budget-related enquiries from NRF members were tabled for discussion and proposals.
  2. Domestic Refuse Transfer Site. In response to numerous requests, the Director of Community Protection has closed the domestic refuse transfer site in Galjoen Street.  This service has been replaced by a refuse removal truck equipped with a compacting capability.  However, the truck designated for this service is currently in the municipal workshop for repairs.
  3. Infrastructure Maintenance. During a meeting held on 24 July 2025, the Ndlambe Municipality announced the appointment of contractors for the upgrading of van der Stel-, Hertzog-, Daniel Scheepers-, Galjoen- and Buite Streets (Ndlambe West).  The maintenance project for Galjoen Street (Cannon Rocks) and Daniel Scheepers Street (Boknesstrand) will be overseen by a Project Steering Committee (PSC), comprising representatives from the Ndlambe Municipality, the appointed contractor, and three representatives from each of the communities of Cannon Rocks and Boknes.  Follow-up briefings were held in both Cannon Rocks and Boknesstrand to explain the details of the project to residents.
  4. Water Management.
    • During the past months, Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks have experienced serious water-related problems due to various causes. These issues have given rise to a wide range of speculations, opinions, and accusations, many of which do not always accurately reflect the true situation and may be based on hearsay.  The Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks Ratepayers Associations have therefore decided to compile a joint feedback report to residents, explaining the situation/circumstances and outlining possible remedial actions.
    • Information regarding the Cannon Rocks and Boknesstrand and Alexandria water reticulation system is available on CRRA website – cannonrocks.com Cannon Rocks, Eastern Cape, South Africa under – News.
  5. Dune Encroachment.
    • The rehabilitation and movement of sand at the eastern public parking area remains a top priority on the Municipal Maintenance Management Plan (MMP). Before the final Method Statement can be submitted for approval to the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), confirmation of available funding is required.
    • The Chairman is currently in active discussions with the Director of Community Protection Services, the municipal consultant, and three potential contractors. These negotiations focus on defining the expected scope of work for the sand removal and rehabilitation project at the Cannon Rocks eastern parking area, in line with the MMP.
  6. Street Lights. The defective street lights that were reported were repaired during the period 28 October to 5 November 2025.

Safety and Security

  1. Panic Button. A Hi-Tec SOS panic button has been installed near the cannons and linked to the Hi-Tec control room for emergency purposes.
  2. Traffic Signage. Rusted and damaged traffic signs have been replaced.  The supporting poles for additional signs are still with the Ndlambe Municipality, which has been requested to procure three poles.
  3. National Vehicle Intelligence Cloud (NAVIC) System. the CRRA will continue its financial support, at the existing rate, for the use and maintenance of the National Vehicle Intelligence Cloud (NAVIC) System for the period ending December 2026.

Communication

  1. Available Media. Residents are reminded of the Cannon Rocks Rate Payers Association’s (CRRA) website, where you can find essential information, including newsletters and minutes from committee meetings.  To access the website, use Google and enter the keywords “Cannon Rocks, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Seaside Village.”
  2. Municipal Workers. Residents are kindly requested to avoid contacting municipal workers, including the local municipal supervisor, directly for tasks like garden or domestic refuse removal, placing or moving traffic signs, or giving any other instructions.  Doing so could lead to complications for the workers, including potential disciplinary action.
  3. Contact Details. If you have any requests or queries, please contact the CRRA Committee or the relevant Portfolio Holder listed below:

Maintenance and Infrastructure Issues

Portfolio Holder: Willem Zietsman – 071 356 5584

Traffic Signage, Security, and Safety Issues

Portfolio Holder: Herman Bakkes – 083 450 9385

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in following this process.

Appreciation.

  1. As chairperson, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members for their unwavering dedication throughout the year. When committee is often accused of not performing or non-compliance to complaints, it must be remembered that committee members have no executive authority regarding municipal service delivery responsibilities.  However, despite of good relations built over a long period, municipal officials are restricted by their respective mandates, regulations, political directions and available resources.
  2. In spite of the frustrating circumstances, committee members are working voluntary behind the scenes to address community related matters.