- Aldrich Burmeister launched kuilsriver.org.za, Kuils River’s first centralised community website, on September 1.
- The website offers information on local businesses, events, and civic organisations, aiming to create a stronger online presence for the town.
- After overcoming a hacking setback, Burmeister successfully brought the platform to life, providing a valuable resource for residents.
Aldrich Burmeister had been thinking about a centralised database for Kuils River for some time before launching the kuilsriver.org.za website on 1 September.
Having served on several community platforms (such as the community policing forum) over the years, he noted residents needed more information about the town, local businesses, civic and sports organisations as well as events.
“I observed many Kuils River social media-based profiles popping up, and it became more apparent Kuils River needed a centralised community-based online presence.”
The idea simmered from around 2010, but was set in motion only last year. Burmeister concluded a website would be the ideal online presence and secured the kuilsriver.org.za URL.
“I then set to work learning to create a website that would best represent our town, in my humble opinion.
“I had already started doing research some time ago. This included our history as well as local faith, sport and municipal contact details.
“After many painstaking months the website was initially due for release on 1 May 2024, but when going live for testing the site was hacked beyond recovery. I must say, I was left absolutely devastated.”
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Burmeister said thanks to motivation from family, friends, and some community members he felt compelled to start all over.
“This time extra precautions had been taken. After hours of arduous labour and sleepless nights the site was finally ready for launch on 1 September.”
Browsing kuilsriver.org.za will find a “Home”, ”About” (submenu – Civic, Faith, Sport, History, and Gallery), “What’s On”, “Business” and a “Contact” page.
The “History” page delves into the past, giving insight about Kuils River’s origins.
The “What’s On” page lists upcoming local events. “It is open to all organisations within Kuils River’s social landscape,” Burmeister said.
The “Business” page is a directory where local businesses can be listed. “This is also a reference for our wider community, who need their goods or services.”
Businesses will pay a fee to be listed, but non-governmental or non-profit organisations can be added free.
- Contact Burmeister on 078 432 2194 or email him at info@thebizzone.co.za or personally, at jorcon1@gmail.com.
