THE Sapphire Coast Business and Residential Verge Contest succeeded in encouraging the community to embrace its green fingers and take pride in verges and public gardens throughout the Upper South Coast.
At the prize-giving held on Wednesday, 13 December, entrants were hosted for lunch at Illovo Nursery, where the winners of the respective categories were awarded prizes sponsored by the nursery.
Sapphire Coast Tourism in partnership with the Illovo Nursery ran the contest through the Sun between 15 September and 1 December. Initially the contest was to be run until 15 November but after the 10 October storm wreaked havoc on nearly all verges and gardens, SCT extended the deadline.
View the full gallery: Sapphire Coast Verge Contest Prizegiving
The Sapphire Coast stretches from the eZimbokodweni River north of Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti down the coast to the Mahlongwa River just south of Crocworld, Clansthal and inland up to Umbumbulu.
Prizes, spot prizes and lucky draws sponsored by the Illovo Nursery were awarded, and winners also won a board which is to be placed on their verge stating the achievement. The nursery supplied snacks and refreshments to all who attended.
Cllr Andre Beetge was present not only as the councillor but as vice-chairman of Sapphire Coast Tourism. He stated the importance of running such an event, and the importance of the active members who entered.
Cllr Beetge said he hoped such a contest would encourage the residents and businesses to not only take care of their own verges, but to possibly ‘adopt a spot’. By taking responsibility of an area of public space, an immediate sense of pride is instilled in the person who does so. The presence of pride in any home, workplace or garden is evident and emits a sense of noticeable positivity.
First place for the business contest went to Charles Merrington Executive Financial Services, Kingsway which is situated at 195 Kingsway, Warner Beach. Second place was awarded to Ezulweni Holiday Flats on 71 Beach Road, Amanzimtoti.
The residential contest first place was awarded to Renae Botha of 26 San Raphael Avenue, Illovo Glen.
Second place proved heart-warming as Maureen Pyke of Maude Road entered a neighbouring complex’s verge into the contest. Gardener Richard Zgambo was awarded the second place and lauded for his efforts and hard work.
The public space category prize was awarded to the Warner Beach Subway which is overseen and worked on by Zeele Pauw and amazing gardeners, Elton Mvuna and Lucky Maphumula.
“Sapphire Coast Tourism expressed enormous gratitude to all participants, Illovo Nursery, The Terrace Tea Garden and South Coast Sun for joining this great initiative,” said SCT chairman, Romy Wentzel. “It’s great to get the local community involved and we hope many more will come on board next year. Watch this space – new competitions are sure to be announced in the new year.”
The SCT team wishes all coasters and holidaymakers a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
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