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17 - 23 April 2018
E WS
The Team
THE
6 Royal Street, Hermanus
NEWS
028 312 2234
OPINION Matters
The time has come for our communities to start talking Publishing Editor De Waal Steyn 083 700 3319 dewaal@thevillagenews.co.za
Content Editor Hedda Mittner 083 645 3928 hedda@thevillagenews.co.za
There has been much talk the last few weeks amongst all the communities in the Overstrand about the need for housing. The land related protests and the resulting violence has had two definite impacts on our communities.
Design and Layout Nickey Jackson 079 408 7722 nickey@thevillagenews.co.za
Office Administrator Tania Hamman admin@thevillagenews.co.za
Marketing René Hartslief 083 648 8700 ads@thevillagenews.co.za
Marketing Kathy Bentley 083 581 7219 kathy@thevillagenews.co.za
Marketing Leijla Steyn 083 625 6667 ads@thevillagenews.co.za
Photography & Social Media Taylum Meyer 084 564 0779 taylum@thevillagenews.co.za
Firstly, it put the issue of housing and the shortage of land onto the front burner. The sad reality, however, is that the inability of residents to own a house in our region is not only confined to the townships. Property prices have increased to such an extent that the middle class from all
communities has been all but excluded from owning property. Together with this comes an increase in rentals that have also become unaffordable for many. There needs to be a conscious effort to create not only low-cost housing but also affordable housing for the middle class. This can only be done through cooperation between the Municipality and the private sector. The time has come for innovative solutions, including using alternative building materials such as containers. The Overstrand Municipality is
branded as a Centre of Excellence. Now is the time for this to be put into action. Secondly, it has created the perfect opportunity for the communities to take hands and create a better sense of understanding between our various cultures. A resident of Zwelihle remarked recently that many social media posts condemn the protesters for their actions. ‘How can we be condemned by people who know nothing of where we come from?’ he rightfully asked. Judging by the comments on
social media that invariably turn into an us versus them scenario, there is need for greater understanding between our communities. Several calls have been made by various people for more interaction, but that cannot be achieved without more integration between our neighbourhoods. For this to happen there needs to be a level playing field where all voices are heard. Maybe the time has come for the revival of old-time townhall meetings attended by all communities. This is the good NEWS - Ed
WHERE TO FIND US The Village NEWS is published every week and the next edition will be available on 24 April. The NEWS can be found at over 100 distribution points on the Cape Whale Coast, from Pringle Bay to Gansbaai. Get your FREE copy from major retail stores such as Spar, Checkers and Pick n Pay, and at restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries and shopping centres. Should you wish to receive a copy, call us on 028 312 2234 or 083 228 7523 or pop into our office at 6 Royal Street, Hermanus.
This lovely picture by Cathy Bruce entitled Dusk on Walker Bay was awarded a gold certificate at the monthly meeting of the Hermanus Photographic Society. The society is affiliated to the Photographic Society of South Africa and hosts monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be Wednesday 2 May at 19:00 in the Hermann Swart Hall at Dutch Reformed Church in town.