Merry Xmas from our mayors
BITOU
It is a privilege to welcome all the visitors to our beautiful town.
May you enjoy our terrific beaches, the scenery and everything that this unique town has to offer.
It is a season to show love, giving to the needy, compassion and most of all, forgiveness.
We have emerged from a year filled with many challenges, most of which we have overcome. We learnt valuable lessons that we are taking forward into the new year.
As Bitou Municipality, we will continue with our mission to bring and deliver quality services to our communities.
Plettenberg Bay has beautiful beaches of which almost all are enjoying Blue Flag status.
We are aware of the excitement that is brought by the Christmas period, but you are encouraged to please cooperate with lifeguards at the beaches and our law enforcement officers, because they are there for our safety.
For those of you who will be travelling over the holidays, drive safely, slow down, take enough breaks and ensure the safety of your loved ones and other road users. I would like to wish you, on behalf of the community of the greater Plettenberg Bay, a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!
KNYSNA
Dear residents and visitors, You can feel it in the air – the holiday season is here! Some of us have to work, and some of us will be able to put our feet up and enjoy a well-relaxed break after a taxing year. The area once again experienced some wildfires recently that did extensive damage to the forest areas, farmland and smaller rural villages. Nine lives were lost and countless people lost their jobs and all their earthly possessions – we know it will be a bleak holiday season for those affected and our thoughts will be with them.
Our residents and visitors have a variety of faiths and belief systems. If you observe and celebrate any of the many religious festivals during December and January, may you do so with light in your heart and joy in your spirit. To everyone, I wish you the luxury of spending some quiet, quality time with those people who are dear to you. This is the time for reflection – on the past year, especially our successes and our failures. It is also a time to prepare for the next year and set out what we want to achieve. And I am not just talking about financially or work, but also in terms of kindness, forgiveness and truly living the concept of ubuntu. The natural beauty of our surroundings is one of the area’s biggest drawcards – for residents and visitors alike. Our stunning estuary, beaches, rivers, lakes and forests offer many activities to enjoy. Please make the most of them, but make sure you take care of our natural playground while you do. Our natural resources are invaluable – please use these with respect and sparingly. Don’t forget that each of us are socially responsible, which include:
not littering and if you come across litter, please pick it up and throw it in the bins provided;
respecting others by refraining from activities that can disturb your neighbours, at home and in public; adhering to our bylaws, i.e. refraining from drinking in public spaces, taking a hard line on fireworks, having your dog on a leash, just generally being considerate to those around you. Enjoy your break and thank you to our visitors for choosing to spend time with us. I wish you a fantastic festive season and a very happy and prosperous new year.