In June 2025 we launched a petition to rezone the Sandbaai coastal strip and wetlands areas to Zone 1 for conservation status. The community strongly supported us and within a month we had 1300 signatures. Thank you to everyone for their support of this crucial initiative.
The petition was submitted to the Overstrand Municipality at the end of July and follow-up meetings were held with OM officials and the role-players. The role-players supporting the conservation of the Sandbaai coastline are: Sandbaai Community Voluntary Improvement District (SCVID), Schulphoek Action Group (SAG), Afriforum, and the Sandbaai Ratepayers Association.
The OM Town & Spatial Planning Manager has now committed to revamping the current rezoning system by the end of the year. The changes should help make: 1)the zoning for the Overstrand clearer 2)the zoning be equitable so that the Sandbaai coastal strip enjoys the same protections as other urban coastal strips in the Overstrand. 3)that our zoning will help us conserve our coastline for future generations.
Co-Management Agreement
While we are waiting to see the new zoning system implemented our local flora and fauna continue to be destroyed. SCVID and SAG have filed for a co-management agreement with the Overstrand Municipality that would allow us to take steps to protect our coastal strip and wetlands now. If approved, this co-management agreement would help with:
- coordinated removal of invasive alien vegetation
- replanting of indigenous plants
- removal of illegal snares
- repairs to infrastructure
- upgrading of educational signage
- enforcement of violations such as tree cutting and bark stripping
- protection of wildlife
- effective cooperation with the municipal environmental division
- improved crime prevention
- and more
Setting The Record Straight
Our mission to protect Sandbaai’s coastal strip is widely supported by the majority of the community. However, a tiny group has been opposed to the movement and been spreading false information in order to block the protection of our coastline. We cannot be certain of the secret agendas that motivate their opposition, but we would like to offer the FACTS to counter the lies.
- Rezoning our coastal strip to Zone 1 conservation status would NOT stop legal fishing or catching crayfish on the Sandbaai coast. Poaching would still be illegal and could be better enforced.
- Rezoning our coastline to Zone 1 would NOT mean removal of the coastal path. As an example, the Hermanus cliff path runs through Zone 1 coastline. In fact, the coastal path would be better protected.
- Rezoning our coastline to Zone 1 would NOT mean parking spaces and ablutions blocks must be removed. As an example, Grotto Beach is Zone 1 and has parking, large ablution blocks, and even a restaurant.
- The Overstrand Municipality officials did not say “No” to the rezoning proposal. They publicly stated that they needed to research the matter and would report back to us. Following our July meetings they are more cooperative and aware of the urgency.
- The rezoning project is apolitical and meant to preserve the environment for the enjoyment of everyone, especially future generations.
The SCVID and SAG remain dedicated to protecting the Sandbaai coastal strip and wetlands areas. We hope that by working with the OM on rezoning we will soon be have better legal protections for our delicate environment.
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