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A WALK IN THE GARDENS: The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is again open to the public since yesterday, Monday 3 August albeit solely for the purpose of exercise. Following the announcement published by the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, on Thursday 30 July, all national botanical gardens opened to the public yesterday. Picnicking, braaiing and gathering in social groups at the gardens are still forbidden. While visiting the gardens, patrons are requested to comply with Covid-19 alert level three regulations, including the wearing of masks, frequent hand-washing or sanitisation, and maintaining social distance. PHOTO: NETTALIE VILJOEN
CONSTANTIA
A lasting impression NETTALIE VILJOEN NETTALIE.VILJOEN@MEDIA24.COM
W
hile not everyone residing in Constantia knew Chris Rousseau personally, the work he did as the vicechair of the Constantia Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association’s (CRRA) executive committee, which he served on for 10 years, did touch all residents’ lives. Chris (60), a structural engineer who served the Constantia community while running his own consulting practice, passed away recently after a year-long illness. Besides being the CRRA’s vice-chair, he was also the chair of land use for the past seven years. John Hesom, the manager of CRRA, says this is where Chris’s contribution was felt most. “Land use matters mainly involve assessing planning applications through discussion at land use sub-committee meetings and then commenting in writing to the
City.” Chris would often represent the CRRA at municipal planning tribunals to make oral submissions on planning applications. “Being a structural engineer, he was involved with the built environment and dealt with building projects so he would often have pragmatic solutions to difficult issues,” John adds. Chris also led the CRRA team on the development of a Chris Rousseau local area spatial development framework for Constantia which is a “work in progress”. “Up until recently, he provided invaluable input despite his ailing health. The CRRA appointed professional urban designers and planners to assist with this exercise. He spent many hours interacting with them and the land-use team in developing a vision for Constantia,” John says. He also tackled other issues in the commu-
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nity. “For example, when there was confusion regarding the opening of greenbelts to the public with the relaxing of Covid-19 regulations, Chris took it on himself to communicate with the Mayco member of economic development and tourism, Felicity Purchase, and other councillors to get clarity. In 2019, he was recognised by the City of Cape Town for his contribution to the community when he was honoured with a community service award. Liz Brunette, councillor for ward 62, says she knew him through engagements with the CRRA. “He has been a really valuable member of the CRRA for many years, and he had a great knowledge of the history of the valley,” she says. John confirms that Chris had a passion for the history of Constantia. Through a series of interviews with former and current resi-
dents, he compiled a detailed map of where families lived in the Strawberry Lane area before forced removals and development. “He was friendly with Moos Jafta who runs the flower growing and selling operation in Brounger Road (behind Peddlars on the Bend). It was through interviews with Moos and his network that Chris compiled the ‘story map’ of the Strawberry Lane area,” John explains. Described as “quite a big man” with a friendly disposition, Chris sometimes rode to meetings on his small motorcycle “which was quite a sight”. “(In meetings) he would listen to others and then give his measured opinion. He was a man of principle and did not always agree with other exco members,” says John. Chris leaves behind his wife Lindy and their grown children, Frances and Jacques, as well as his two loyal hiking partners. “He loved walking up the mountain with his two dogs, early enough to see the sun rise over the mountains of the Helderberg,” John concludes.
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