A strong turnout of about 85 residents gathered at the Krystal Beach Hotel for a Gordon’s Bay Residents’ Association (GBRA) community meeting on Tuesday 5 August.

The gathering, led by GBRA chairperson Edwina Hadfield, aimed to address a range of pressing local issues and update locals on the association’s activities and future.

Hadfield opened the meeting with an open apology for not holding the annual general meeting (AGM) within the constitutional timeframe, as previously reported on (“CID showdown in Gordon’s Bay”, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 18 June).

She reiterated that she took full responsibility for the oversight and reassured residents that the next AGM would be held as required in September or October, and that full audited financial statements would be presented at that time.

“Gordon’s Bay is my passion,” Hadfield stated, reflecting on her dedicated service to the community.

In a significant announcement, she confirmed her intention to step down as chairperson later this year, paving the way for new leadership. She encouraged residents to get more involved, emphasising that “real change comes when you get involved, stay informed, and work together at every level”.

The GBRA is actively seeking new members and committee volunteers to help shape the future of the area.

During the meeting, the GBRA’s ongoing efforts to serve the community was highlighted, including its opposition to major developments like the Rouen Farm project, the proposed Checkers site at erf 5923, and a new mixed use development on Beach Road.

The GBRA also voiced strong concerns about planned changes to the R44, which could negatively impact access to local schools, businesses, and the historic Old Village.

“Among the celebrated achievements were the installation of LPR cameras and Wi-Fi units, and various beautification and safety projects such as the Whale Walk and the installation of public handrails,” stated Hadfield.

The GBRA also pointed to its active role in community initiatives like FireWise and FireWives, the Broadlands Garden Project, and its partnership with the South African Navy’s annual Carols by Candlelight, in addition to its daily work addressing municipal issues and vagrancy.

The proposed City Improvement District (CID) application was a key topic of discussion. Hadfield clarified that the GBRA is not leading the proposal, but rather a resident-led steering committee working in conjunction with the City of Cape Town.

She outlined the rigorous, multi-step process required by the City, which includes urban surveys and community participation meetings.

Hadfield urged residents to disregard “speculation figures” from groups claiming the process is illegal or misleading, directing them to the official process outlined on the City’s website and the dedicated website (gordonsbay-cid.co.za) for accurate information.

A first meeting to discuss the CID is currently being planned.

According to a community member in attendance, who asked not to be named, it was very commendable for the chairperson to accept responsibility and owning up for not fulfilling their obligations to the GBRA for the last five years.

“However, we do not know the reasons for this, if we did hopefully we can avoid the same mistakes in the future. Keeping in mind that the chairperson of the GBRA is also on the steering committee to establish a CID in Gordon’s Bay. I ask myself is the CID going to be managed in the same manner as what the GBRA has been done for the last five years,” the community member said.

Residents who would like to join as a member or serve on the GBRA committee, can send an email to gbra@icon.co.za or a WhatsApp message on 082 384 9699.