‘Taking back our town’

The seaside town of Margate may have copped some criticism at times but this has not stripped its dedicated core of businessmen and residents of their faith in their town.

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If anything, it’s shown that some have an indomitable spirit. They are the ones determined to make a difference, and they are making a supreme effort to ‘take back’ their town.

Various organisations with a shared vision for the future have come together to forge a partnership for the long-term good of Margate.

It’s been a team effort between the local business fraternity, Margate Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, Margate Business Association, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Ugu South Coast Tourism, Saps, protection services and others with a vested interest in the well-being of the town.

It’s a work in progress, and there is still some way to go, but the positive feedback received on the work done so far has inspired the group to keep at it.

Here’s a look at some of the successes of the past year:

BOLLARDS

The first project was to put bollards next to the walkway at the pier. “We found that vehicles were parking on the new walkway, which caused huge holes,” said Surina Smuts, vice-chairman of the MRRA. “After the bollards were installed we fixed the walkway.” Since then there has unfortunately been a bit more damage but this will be fixed now that the short October holiday season has ended.

PALM TREE LIGHTS

The second project was the lights in the palm trees. With funding from MRRA, Ugu South Coast Tourism and MBA, Surina and the chairman of the MRRA, Stephen Herbst, installed coloured lights to shine into the canopies of the palm trees. “These look really good at night. We are currently in the process of putting up more of these lights, with the aim of getting it done before the December season.”

CLEANING UP

The MRRA has had the help of private companies (garden services) to trim the grass verges regularly and perform a good clean-up. Before the October ‘mini season’, a garden service helped clean up around the Olympic pool. The clean-up was partly funded by some MRRA board members. “We also do regular beach clean-ups, where we get school pupils involved. They have to complete a certain number of hours of community service for their grade 12 certificate,” said Surina. “This way we teach them what damage people do by littering and how to look after their town. At the end of the year they will receive certificates from the MRRA acknowledging their community service.”

FUND AND FIX

As part of MRRA, Tourism and MBA’s partnership with RNM, the municipality helps with funds to fix up Margate. The project is run mainly by Surina and MRRA board member, John Chapman, a maintenance professional. Surina is tasked with buying the materials, while John and his team do the work. In September the team fixed the broken palisade fence around the paddling pool on the beachfront and gave it several coats of paint. Cleaners working for a local businessman (Don Ira Group) helped remove the thorn bush next to the pool, which had become a hideout for vagrants. The canopy of the amphitheatre was cleaned and the framework painted. Post October season, work will start on fixing the walkways in time to welcome the December influx of visitors. Some areas near the beach are badly damaged, especially where the vendors trade, and this will be a priority.

TREES

Huge trees were removed from William O’Connor Drive, the main walkway from town to the beach. The fallen leaves were messy and the removal of the trees has made keeping the town tidy much easier. “We had to wait for them to be completely dead before we could tackle the flower beds and walkway again,” said Jo-Anne Wentzel, chairman of the MBA. Eric Doucha of Sebenza Garden Centre sponsored the flowers for this project.

Other sponsors included local businessmen Jonathan Laxton, and Alistair Edwards from Sasol Garage Margate, whose help has been invaluable. “This is just one of the many projects, including the painting of the dustbins, we are all undertaking to keep our town attractive,” said Jo-Anne. “Holidaymakers have commented on how good our beachfront looks. We have received compliments with regards to the safety and cleanliness of our beaches as well.”

BYLAWS

Jo-Anne said that since the implementation of the municipal bylaws at the beginning of the year, Saps and protection services had made a sterling effort to enforce them, with help from local security companies such as Wolf, Lazer, Maser and ADT. She added that the community too has made an effort to unite against crime. “Communication in this respect on WhatsApp groups has been effective,” she said. “We can proudly say that there is a massive positive feeling among locals and tourists regarding Margate. We plan to keep this going and make it even better.” 

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