Umtamvuna Views: Desperate times call for desperate measures
People are urged to be responsible citizens and follow the restrictions imposed by the president.
The Port Edward Christian Women’s Fellowship meeting that was due to take place at 9.30am next Tuesday (31st) has been cancelled.
After President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech on Monday night, all public meetings and social gatherings are having to be postponed. The coronavirus pandemic has become a worldwide threat that can no longer be ignored. In essence, the president has instituted drastic measures to try to curb the spread of the disease.
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As from midnight on Thursday, March 26, until midnight April 16, the whole country will be in lockdown. This means that everyone (with some exclusions) will have to stay inside their homes except for essential outings to buy food or medicine. Most businesses, with the exception of grocery stores, banks, garages and essential security operators, will have to close their doors for three weeks. Nobody is allowed to travel and most airlines have been grounded.
Chairman of Port Edward and Banners Rest Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, Douglas Powell, has advised people to be responsible citizens and follow the restrictions imposed by the president and Ray Nknonyeni Municipality.
“The only way we are going to beat this virus as a community is by preventing the spread of infection. We’d rather see extreme preventative measures in the short-term than the virus infecting our community for months on end. We want to see visitors and tourists return in their numbers so that businesses can flourish again and residents can earn a living.”
A local Leisure Bay retired doctor and his wife were attacked in their home by three men last week. The armed men demanded money and firearms and attacked and beat the elderly man who was taken to hospital. The couple are extremely traumatised.
A while ago, Jenny Koen (chairman of the Leisure Bay Conservancy), hatched an impossible dream. Being a long-term resident and passionate about nature, she and the conservancy knew about a small patch of grassland near Peter Pan Beach that supported a healthy colony of fireflies.
Many locals enjoyed warm evenings watching the twinkling display. Sadly, the area was used as a ‘turning circle’ and the fragile wetland became compromised. With the help of the committee, the Leisure Bay Ratepayers’ Association and many volunteers and sponsors, work began on cordoning off the area with planted gum poles.
Information boards were printed and planted as well as rustic seating. Now fireflies are delighting many visitors who revel in the displays.
The seed-dream had become a reality. Last week the conservancy team and supporters celebrated the opening of the sanctuary with a sociable get-together at the venue.
Former long-serving, devoted chairman Libby Goodall cut the ribbon and everyone applauded. This is the first firefly sanctuary in Africa, and only the fourth in the world – a grand achievement. Leading conservationists, including Francois du Toit, chief executive of the African Conservation Trust, have welcomed the initiative.
Mr du Toit commented “We live in a fragile place; a finite resource. The conservancies’ networks operate at a local level with local knowledge and local volunteers going out of their way – often at great personal and financial expense, to share their passion and unlock our own inadequate knowledge about the gems hidden within our living spaces.”
Please stay safe and be exceptionally vigilant. It’s going to be hard, but there are people out there to help. Your scribe is happy to act as a ‘middle man’ so feel free to contact me for information or assistance.
All news to Philippa.
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