Umtamvuna Views: Local heroes receive awards for bravery
The young men put their own lives at risk to rescue visiting professional golfers who went for an evening swim.
A young Marina Beach man received a well-earned award at the NSRI’s 52nd AGM and awards evening held at uShaka Marine World in Durban last Friday. Marc Franz (24) and his fellow ‘brave-hearts’ executed a successful combined rescue effort. On the evening of February 18, four local youngsters were involved in a complicated sea rescue in Marina Beach. Sage Khowa, Jon Caple, Everett Duarte and Marc all put their own lives at risk to rescue two visiting professional golfers who went for an evening swim with SA friend Werner Welgemoed.
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All three were caught in a rip current and were being washed out to sea. The two women, Rachael Raastad and Charlotte Austwick, were eventually rescued with the invaluable help of informal car guard known as Prince. He continuously shone his powerful torch on the casualties, which ultimately enabled their rescue. Werner managed to get back to shore by himself. The complicated rescue took almost two hours. Marc relocated from Johannesbug to Marina Beach three years ago with his mom Jane Franz. He learned to surf and loves the Lower South Coast. He joined the local NSRI in February 2017.
Dirty laundry aired
Derek Watts of Carte Blanche presented the short clip on the Ugu water woes, but what can one expect in a three-minute condensation of the huge problems residents have been lumped with over the past decade (and more)? It has all been said before – the impact on tourism, devaluation of properties, forced closure of businesses and health implications. Ward Councillor Dave Watson has fought long and hard for the plight of local residents on many fronts. His comments were valid and differed greatly from the vague excuses given by municipal manager DD Naidoo.
The truth is that the problems continue and a permanent water supply still seems like a far-off dream.
Most residents have shown their true colours by helping neighbours and those less fortunate. Port Edward and Banners Rest Ratepayers’ Association’s (PEBRRA) team has been outstanding, pushing for answers and monitoring progress on the ground. Ratepayers associations from other villages are also working very hard to help stranded residents. Shame on Ugu for allowing this to happen.
Prize-winning preserve
Trevor Kroon (77) from Southroom has been renamed ‘Marmalade King’. Trevor tried his hand at the intricate skill of making marmalade some years ago, and enjoyed tweaking the recipe until he achieved perfection. His daughter, who lives in England, secretly entered a bottle of his unique fruity spread into the world renowned Fortnum & Mason Marmalade Competition in April this year. His marmalade won a silver medal out of 5 000 entries and he sells his special product at the Port Edward Methodist’s monthly market.
Club champs
The Port Edward Country Club held its club championships last weekend. Twenty golfers competed in perfect weather conditions. The event and prizes were sponsored by Migamed Pharmacy, Port Edward. The course is in the best condition it has ever been, thanks to the green keepers. Playing conditions were excellent and great fun was had by all. Saturday’s best gross score went to 2019 club champion Martyn Nagtegaal and Sunday’s to Roelf Craig. Peter Howarth won the B-division and Allan Stead, the C-division. The competition was followed by a casual bring and braai.
Worthy charity
The Trafalgar Garden Club held its May meeting at the Lower South Coast SPCA. Members took along donations for the animals, as well as plants that will be used to beautify the surrounds.
New manager Stacey Beck gave a very interesting talk on the work done by this amazing organisation with the emphasis on the importance of sterilisation, especially in rural areas. They continue to organise mobile clinics to neuter as many animals as possible, as well as educate owners. Animal suffering is often a direct result of uncontrolled breeding.
All news to Philippa.
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