Every place has a story to tell! The valley is no different from anywhere else. There are interesting topics of news about this and about that, reflecting the pulse of the community and the issues that we face that impact upon our daily lives.
It is intended here to report on newsworthy items and topics of interest and for this page to act as a Local Notice Board

Page 1

1 September, 2010
Municipality seems intent of discouraging business and thus the creation of sustainable jobs. Now a small business has to fork out R123.45 for Refuse collection, R114.98 for Sewerage and now a new tarriff of R263.34 for the 'Prepaid Meter' (which the owner /developer had to purchase) - per month!!! The same tariff applies to large and small businesses equally.  Then the small business has to purchase his electricity on top of that. That means before a small businessman can get to pay his rent and start trading he has to fork out R501.77 plus his electricity!
26 August, 2010
Positive things are beginning to happen in Tulbagh. The destruction of the heritage of Tulbagh has seemingly started to reverse itself with upgrades of historical buildings by private individuals taking place in Van der Stel Street and other tasteful buildings being constructed elsewhere. This is a notable initiative by the local owners who reveal their sensitivity to their community, the architectural heritage of Tulbagh and indicative as to how proud they are of their own properties.
24 August, 2010
You no longer have to go to Ceres, Worcester, Wellington, or Cape Town to get anything electronic repaired or to purchase a new DVD, Cellphone, TV etc. It is all here in Tulbagh. Check out our business section under Electronics
17 August, 2010
Tulbagh has started a Music Recording Club. Some locals have done some some recordings and they are quite worth listening to.
21 July, 2010
After a Public meeting on the future of Klipriver Caravan Park/Reseort, a resident makes a proposal on a possible scenario to sell off  the Klipriver Park and create a picnic spot for the community. Brief notes on the meeting taken and public invited to comment further.
9 July, 2010
Why does Tulbagh have to be so full of litter that it causes blockages in the storm water system and damage to property? It appears that Elands Bay has the answer?
6 July, 2010
The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum cordially invites you to attend a twilight stroll on Heritage Day, 24 September 2010. Some fascinating histories will be narrated during this walk starting at 16:30 at the Old Church Museum, no 1. Church Street.
6 July 2010
TRIF requests a meeting with the Municipality to discuss the many issues facing Tulbagh
30 June, 2010
Saronsberg Theatre - Legendry Blues Bros. performing  10 July, 2010. Book now!
30 June, 2010
Saronsberg Theatre invite to local artists
Saronsberg Theater invites all local indigenous artists and sculptors that there is an opportunity to present and sell their works without fee. Artworks will be subject to a grading system.
30 June 2010
Tulbagh Has Talent.  Saronsberg Theatre is looking for Tulbagh residents to present their entertaining talents / acts sometime in October at the Saronsberg Theatre. A cash prize will be awarded.
23 June, 2010
TRIF Committee minutes of 4 May, 2010 published for general information.
23 June, 2010
Municipality has to be reminded yet again that letters regarding the state of the roads in Tulbagh remain unanswered since 14 January, 2010. TRIF again requests some sort of program of rehabilitation of the roads of the town and replies to correspondence. Emails on the subject available for viewing.
27 May, 2010
Youth Centre Chris Hani - TRIF has to remind the Municipality that an email (considered to be of a serious and important matter) sent on 14 April, 2010 has yet to be responded to. Is this the way the public should be treated?
25 May, 2010
Comments made by Tulbagh Ratepayer in respect of the Witzenberg Municipality's Annual Budget Review (2010 -2011). Does commenting even make a difference?
21 May, 2010
Email letter sent to the Municipal Manager of the Witzenberg Municipality about the level of maintenance of Municipal Property in Wolseley - in this case the public Swimming Pool!!
See the shocking state of the once utilized pool!
17 May, 2010
TRIF Committee minutes of 23 March, 2010 published for information. Included is a list of issues that affect Tulbagh.
10 May, 2010
Sharks Bikers Rally - Have a look at the Bikers in action in the main street of Tulbagh (Van der Stel Street) on 1 May, 2010 on YouTube and you judge for yourself as to whether you agree that this is NOT the sort of event we should encourage for Tulbagh?
7 May, 2010
Da Branch Committee Minutes of 25 March 10.
Minutes published for general information.
27 April, 2010
The state of the water reticulation in Tulbagh is so bad that pipe bursts occur all the time - sometimes twice a week!  Email sent to Witzenberg Municipality from TRIF to draw their attention to the fact.
26 April, 2010
Mail written to Witzenberg Municipality about the level of service at the Tulbagh Library (Ou Dorp)
26 April, 2010
TRIF lodges a complaint to the Municipality about the non-response by the Ambulance Service in an emergency. Turns out to be a Provincial Service. Municipality takes the matter up with the Provincial authority concerned.
23 April, 2010
The Sharks Bikers Rally goes ahead despite opposition from the community? T.R.I.F. Comments made by TRIF in respect of the latest developments.
16 April, 2010
Yet another fire destroys a shack in the informal settlement of Chris Hani. TRIF urges the Municipality to take action to provide fire hydrants, stop illegal electrical connections and get a proper electrical reticulation and connection system  in place which the residents of the shackland can connect to legally.
16 April, 2010
Residents are beginning to notice where the lack of adaquate housing for our over 2000 people waiting for same is leading us to in Tulbagh. See exchange of emails between the TRIF Chairperson and a concerned resident.
14 April, 2010
TRIF voices concerns in an urgent email to the Witzenberg Municipality that earthworks have begun for a 'Youth Centre' being built alongside the Crèche in Station Road, Hani withouth the project ever have been part of a Public Participation process. Municipality requested to explain everything relating to the project
13 April, 2010
TRIF, the Tulbagh branch of the DA  and other interested and affected parties, lodge comments in respect of the proposed Waverenskoon and Dulskroon developments which are the subject of an EIA application.
10 April, 2010
Has it come to a point where the people of Tulbagh should decide of what sort of events and tourists should be attracted to this historical town?  TRIF takes a stand against the Bikers Rally
31 March, 2010
Another irate potential visitor to the Klipriver park vents her feelings to the Municipality about loosing her long weekend holiday due to the Park being 'unsafe'.
27 March, 2010
Email sent to Municipal Manager of the Witzenberg Municipality regarding possible irregularities with regards to the allocation of housing and the Housing Waiting List in Tulbagh
27 March, 2010
Email letter sent to the Municipal Manager of the Witzenberg Municipality about the level of maintenance of Municipal Property causing these assets to deteriorate.
23 March, 2010
The threat of disease looms in Tulbagh due to effluent in river and approximately 1 toilet per 60 people in the Informal Housing settlement of Chris Hani. Tulbagh.
23 March, 2010
Tulbagh Huis Disa  Old Age Home needs land for expansion. The Witzenberg Municipality is considering a request to Transfer adjacent land owned by the Municipality to the Old Age Home.
19 March, 2010
Apparently the Witzenberg Municipality appears to be rushing though the development of a Youth Centre without due community participation process and sound planning? Letter by ratepayer of tulbagh sent to a member of the Essen Municipality of Belgium which is allegedly funding or part funding the project, requesting that they put the project on hold until proper investigation as to what the community needs and where it need it is done.
19 March, 2010
Email received from Council in respect of email letter sent to Municipality requesting clarity on the issues that leads one to believe that the Witzenberg Municipality discourages development.  This mails is responded to and the owner/developer finally declares a dispute with the Municipality over charges which he beieves are not equitable and unjust.
10 March, 2010
Annual General Meeting of Tulbagh Ratepayers and Inwoners Forum (TRIF) published
9 March, 2010
State of Klip River Park (Municipal owned resort) - Visitor airs his views after his last visit. This promts further discussion...............
2 March, 2010
TRIF submits comments in terms of the application Proposed Airstrip : Rectification application for the illegal construction of an airstrip on farm 417 Grootvlei, Tulbagh.
2 March, 2010
State of the roads in Tulbagh - Photos added of all of the roads in Tulbagh showing signs of deterioration or completely destroyed.
26 February, 2010
The Consumer accounts saga - Witzenberg Municipal Manager allegedly refuses to accept a Court order to accept a new consumer on a property with debt existing from a previous consumer? This matter is being closely monitored. Is this another example of arrogance and intransigence by the Municipality towards the Ratepayer?  More to follow............
25 February, 2010
Tulbagh to get 72 low cost houses in Chris Hani. Contract to start soon. A small start in adressing the housing needs of the community is being made - in excess of another 1900 units to go? More to follow............
24 February, 2010
The Consumer accounts Saga - Witzenberg Municipality still takes a stand and will not allow a new consumer to register unless the Owner of the property pays any arrears that have been allowed to accumulate by tacit approval of the Municipality by a previous tenant at the predudice of the owner. Certain owners are contemplating obtaining Court Orders against the Municipality to force them to accept a new consumer irrespective of the debt of a previous consumer who has entered into a consumer contract with the Municipality. More to follow...........
24 February, 2010
TRIF AGM held - good turnout - new committee elected.
Executive consists of John Veschini - Chairperson, Neil de Jager - Deputy Chairperson, Ann Myburgh - Secretary, Dieter Haumann - Treasurer. Other committee members are Wendy Upcott, Norman Collins, Chris Myburgh, Theo Lombard and Gaynor Saaiman. More details to follow......
22 February, 2010
TRIF (Tulbagh Ratepaters and Inwoners Forum) - the way forward? Suggestions by John Veschini
19 February, 2010
Consumer accounts  - Is the Municipality finally going to come to its senses?
8 February, 2010
Bantamsklip Kappa Alternative route - Is the Consultant saying that ETLAC has not commented and as such the comments made not acknowledged?
3 February, 2010
Further email letter sent to Municipality requesting clarity on the issues that leads one to believe that the Witzenberg Municipality discourages development, as the previous email was not responded to.  
22 January, 2010
Comment submitted by ETLAC on the proposed additional Bantamsklip alternative power line that is now proposed to go through Gouda, and Wolseley on its way through the Tulbagh Valley. Yes, Another power  line proposal!
20 January, 2010
One example of a farmer in the Tulbagh Valley who more than cares for his workers and which should be an example to all!
12 January, 2010
Degeneration of the state of the roads in Tulbagh. See what the roads of this once proud town look like 10 years after Amalgamation with the Witzenberg Municipality.
7 January, 2010
How the Witzenberg Municipality manages it's consumer accounts.
5 January, 2010
The Witzenberg Municiplaity appears to discourage development in Tulbagh
15 November, 2009
FORMAT AND GUIDE TO THE COMPILATION OF A
BUSINESS PLAN FOR A LAND REFORM PROJECT

Should you want to qualify for Government Grants/Loans to become a BEE farmer, read this document first so you know what the process is.
21 October, 2009
Eskom surprises Tulbagh with yet another proposed Power line!

Somehow and despite the fact that Eskom's Consultants suggest that the EIA process has involved community and interest group participation, this has not been the case in respect of these new alternatives and Gouda, Tulbagh and Wolseley residents and other interest groups have NOT been informed.

Then there is the matter of two seperate Consultants seemingly working happily along and both determining routes over each other's planned routes (765kv Cape Strengthening Project and Bantamsklip Kappa). It is almost as though the one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing?

No way will we accept this or any alternatives which impact on this valley.

What's more, this time we want to see a proper visual impact  assessment done with the power lines placed on a Google map so we can view the impact from any angle and at any height.

Now they expect us all to comment by Monday 26 October, 2009 on a complete new proposal??

Nothing less than 14 days AFTER we have been properly consulted as the communities of Gouda, Tulbagh and Wolseley, about both power lines, will we accept this date.

John Veschini
ETLAC
1 October, 2009
Delimitation of Ward Boundary process for the 2001 Local Government Elections has begun. A community consultation process will soon commence.  you can download the information and maps from www.demarcation.org.za click on “Ward delimitation” and then on “Western Cape. There are some crazy suggestions so you would be advised to see how the proposals may affect your Ward. Comments in a letter to the Municipal Manager by local resident as well as his proposed suggestions are available by clicking alongside.
1 September, 2009
Community consultation works? Developers and Ratepayers are closing the gap on their differing views on proposed encroachments
28 August, 2009
Municipality appears intent upon allowing a further encroachment over a boundary in Van der Stel Street
See More
28 July, 2009
Witzenberg Municipal Land Audit  - What the Municipality intends doing with all the Municipal land it owns.
25 June, 2009
Eskom 765kv Power line - latest update
22 April, 2009
Election Results Witzenberg
30 January, 2009
John Veschini of ETLAC was given an opportunity at last to address the Witzenberg Municipal Council of the proposed Eskom Power Line. Follow-up email to Municipal Manager is published for general information.
16 January, 2009
If anyone does not know where the existing airstrip that is used by the crop sprayers is, here it is - on a Google photo - with the intended power line going right over it.
16 January, 2009
It appears as though the Consultants working for Eskom in respect of the original EIA application and now the HIA, have either not done their homework or deliberately went about misleading (or not properly informing) the public.

Firstly, the visual impact of the the proposed power lines has been grossly understated. Secondly, no proper and realistic Critical Viewpoint Analysis was ever provided. Thirdly, it appears as though they have not taken cognisance of the Civil Aviation regulations (the colours of the power line supports, the lights of top of them and the bright orange balls on the lines!) . Forthly, the took no notice of the Protocol for dealing with EIA applications during the festive period as required or suggested by the Department of Environmental Affairs, Planning and Development.

Read below and agree or dissagree that perhaps there is good reason why the Record of Decision should in fact be overturned thus causing the current HIA application to be premature or too late?

John Veschini
ETLAC
16 January, 2009
PART 139.01.33 OF THE CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS, 1997
TO THE AVIATION ACT, 1962 (ACT NO 74 OF 1962)

Obstacle limitations and marking outside aerodrome or heliport
16 January, 2009
And more.......

Any communications structure, building or other structure, whether temporary or permanent, which has the potential to endanger aviation in navigable airspace,.............
16 January, 2009
So there are laws governing the marking of structures for the safety of aircraft!

Any structure exceeding 45m above ground level, or structures where the top of the structure exceeds 150m above the MEAN ground level, like on top of a hill, the mean ground level considered to be the lowest point in a 3 Kilometre radius around such structure. Structures lower than 45m, which are considered as a danger or a potential danger to aviation, shall be marked as such when specified.

Overhead wires, cables, etc., crossing a river, valley or major roads shall be marked and in addition, their supporting towers marked and lighted if an aeronautical study indicates that it could constitute a hazard to aircraft. ............etc.
15 January, 2009
The 177km Murraylink interconnector is already operational and transferring power between Victoria and South Australia.

So underground is the answer elsewhere?
15 January, 2009
Connecticut Utilities are in for a Battle over Proposed High-Voltage Line. We are not alone in the agument for the power lines to be placed underground.
15 January, 2009
If they can tunnel to place electric power cables underground for long distances in the UK, why can't they do the same here and maybe tunnel through the mountains?
15 January, 2009
Why do we have to have 765kv power lines? Topic reproduced from www.powerwatch.org.uk makes for an argument for 400kv power lines?
14 January, 2009
Circular Letter from Department of Envoronmental Affairs and Development Planning received from Riebeel Kasteel resident. Circular gives reference to Protocol for dealing with EIA applications during the festive period.
13 January, 2009
Comment by Western Cape Provincial MEC on the power line
13 January, 2009
Neil De Jager on behalf of TRIF submits provisional comments and a request for a further extension of time in respect of the HIA for the proposed power line
12 January, 2009
Chris Wright from Riebeek Kasteel Action Group submits provisional comments and a request for a further extension of time in respect of the HIA for the proposed power line
12 January, 2009
Joe De Villiers submits provisional comments and a request for a further extension of time in respect of the HIA for the proposed power line
12 January, 2009
ETLAC submits provisional comments and a request for a further extension of time in respect of the HIA for the proposed power line
12 January, 2009
Proposed Gamma Zenith 765kv Power Lines Environmental Impact Assessment (HIA)Route Maps published for your information
29 December, 2008
Seems like the residents of Riebeek Valley are also threatened by the Power Line and a Cement factory expansion program too boot!
29 December, 2008
Tulbagh Agricultural Society comes out strongly against the Proposed Eskom 765kv power line.
24 December, 2008
Letter from John Veschini  to Mayor of Witzenberg in respect of Council's failure to convene a Special meeting of Council to discuss the Eskom power line issue given that they are aware of the deadlines for comment on the HIA