JEFFREYS BAY – Residents of Ward 2 have taken a united stand on ongoing safety concerns on Dolphin Drive and uncertainty surrounding the Aston Bay Caravan Park, with two petitions formally handed over to the Kouga Local Municipality on 25 February.
The petitions, signed by a total of 1,347 residents, were submitted to the office of the Kouga Local Municipality Speaker, Lorraine Maree, and received by Municipal Manager Charl du Plessis.
Of the signatures, 754 relate to concerns about Dolphin Drive, while 593 address the situation at the Aston Bay Caravan Park.
Elaborating on the two petitions, Chairperson of the Aston Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association, Christie de Klerk, said the Dolphin Drive petition calls for the construction of a security wall, improved safety measures along the road, and the development of an alternative access road to Aston Bay, Paradise Beach and the Marina.
He said that they received welcome reassurance from the municipality that a security wall will be constructed between Dolphin Drive and the new provincial housing development at Apiesdraai.
De Klerk alleges that Du Plessis has informed them that construction of the wall is expected to be completed by June.
“The wall will enhance safety for residents and road users and help reduce traffic noise for homeowners along that section of Dolphin Drive. In addition, a fence will be erected along the remaining stretch of Dolphin Drive towards King’s College,” said De Klerk.
Furthermore, he said that the second petition concerns the situation at the Aston Bay Caravan Park.
De Klerk said that the petition calls for a sustainable solution regarding the occupancy of state land and seeks a housing solution for the occupants, as well as clarity on the future ownership of the land. Both petitions were also submitted to Jeffreys Bay Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Makhoasa Kiviet.
De Klerk said that the strong support for the petitions reflects the determination of the community to address the ongoing issues.
“With the handover of petitions, the violent incidents on Dolphin Drive between JBay and Aston Bay will receive attention and the continued uncertainty on the future of the Aston Bay Caravan Park, which has been taken over by illegal occupants,” said De Klerk. “This is a significant demonstration of people’s power on unresolved issues.”
De Klerk added that the association regards the support for the petitions as a clear indication of community resolve.
“The Aston Bay Ratepayers Association regards the strong support, 754 signatures for Dolphin Drive and 593 for the Caravan Park, as a clear indication of community resolve and people power in addressing these two pressing matters,” said De Klerk.
Further elaborating on the Dolphin Drive matter, he said that safety concerns along the road have intensified following several incidents since the festive season.
De Klerk said that some road users were attacked and injured, and, over the years, the deteriorating safety situation on the road has been raised several times with authorities.
He believes that more law enforcement visibility from the police and municipal law enforcement is needed.
Among the incidents reported, De Klerk said that a Ward 2 assistant was travelling on her scooter on Dolphin Drive when someone attempted to hit her with a pole.
In another incident, a British visitor in Marina Martinique was robbed of her belongings while sitting in her vehicle with the window open, injuring her arm.
De Klerk said that an Aston Bay resident commuting to work on his bicycle was robbed of the bicycle, while several vehicles have been stoned.
To make matters worse, he said that residents also reported gangs frightening motorists during fights alongside the road, and tyre burning next to Dolphin Drive in the lead-up to Guy Fawkes Day. De Klerk confirmed that police officers were present at the tyre-burning incidents.
“Due to the incidents during the festive season, Kouga Municipal Law Enforcement called on Marina Security, the Aston Bay Neighbourhood Watch and security companies to assist with additional patrols along Dolphin Drive,” said De Klerk.
He said that the situation at the Aston Bay Caravan Park was also discussed in November 2025 during a meeting with Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman, Dr Vicky Knoetze, opposition leader in the Eastern Cape Legislature, and representatives from the Aston Bay Ratepayers, including De Klerk, Ben Jonker and Alwyn Kloppers.
De Klerk said that during the meeting, the Ratepayers Committee expressed growing frustration among residents regarding alleged issues of drug and alcohol abuse, crime and child exploitation.
“Residents are seeking a swift resolution to these problems. The committee welcomed the possibility of a tripartite meeting and urged the minister to address the matters before the local government elections, while also expressing appreciation for the opportunity to raise the issues,” said De Klerk.
Since handing over the two petitions, he said that the municipality has indicated that it will, in due course, formally respond to both petitions.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, said that when the delegation of petitioners handed over the two petitions at the Jeffreys Bay Police Station, they were referred to the municipality, as the matter they were raising had nothing to do with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Deputy Executive Mayor, Timothy Jantjes said that the Kouga Local Municipality is aware of the recent incidents that occurred on Dolphin Drive and that the municipality has consistently taken action in response to safety concerns raised by the community. He said that all complaints are treated seriously, and appropriate measures are implemented as required.
“Increased patrols are already underway and are being conducted in partnership with private security companies as well as the Municipal Law Enforcement Unit to ensure improved visibility and rapid response. Surveillance cameras have also been installed and are monitored by the Incident Command Center, 24/7,” said Jantjes.
He further said that the municipality also holds regular meetings with SAPS to address ongoing concerns.
Regarding the petition, Jantjes said that the request for an alternative access route to Aston Bay, Paradise Beach, and the Marina has been noted and that the matter is currently under consideration at a strategic planning level.
“It is important to note that the development of a new access route requires comprehensive technical assessments, including feasibility studies, environmental impact considerations, land ownership verification, and the availability of funding, before it can be formally pursued,” said Jantjes.
He further said that to date no formal feasibility studies have been completed specifically for the proposed alternative access route.
Jantjes said that such studies would need to be commissioned as part of the planning process should the project be prioritised and funding become available.
He said that responsibility for the development of such infrastructure would depend on the classification of the road and the land jurisdiction involved.
“If the road falls within municipal jurisdiction, it would be managed by the local municipality. However, where provincial roads or state-owned land are involved, coordination with the Provincial Department of Transport and other relevant authorities would be required,” said Jantjes.
He further said that the municipality engages with Provincial and National Departments, particularly the Department of Transport, where matters involve provincial road networks, regulatory requirements, or potential funding support.
Jantjes said that intergovernmental coordination remains an important component of addressing infrastructure challenges.
In addition, he said that the municipality continues to engage with the Department of Transport regarding road safety matters, particularly in areas where provincial jurisdiction applies.
Jantjes said that this may include technical support, safety assessments, and potential infrastructure interventions where applicable.
While policing is not a primary constitutional function of local government, he said that municipalities are increasingly required to provide leadership and coordination during emergencies, particularly in environments where resources within the SAPS are limited.
Jantjes further said that strengthening municipal safety structures therefore remains an important step in supporting community wellbeing.
He said that the Kouga Council has supported the establishment of a standalone Safety and Security Directorate following a motion that was tabled at the Council meeting on 29 January.
“The decision comes in response to growing concerns around community safety as crime and security challenges continue to increase across South Africa. Residents need to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, schools, businesses, and public spaces, and municipalities have an important role to play in strengthening support structures that contribute to safer communities,” said Jantjes.
He said that previously, safety and security functions formed part of the broader Community Services Directorate.
Jantjes further said that as the scope and urgency of safety-related matters have grown, the need for a dedicated directorate has become increasingly evident to ensure improved focus, coordination, and operational efficiency across the municipality.
“The establishment of a dedicated Safety and Security Directorate is expected to strengthen rapid response and accountability across Kouga, improve coordination with the SAPS, provincial and local law enforcement structures, and disaster management teams, and enhance the municipality’s ability to respond effectively to safety-related challenges,” said Jantjes.
“The Municipal Manager has been mandated to begin implementing the restructuring process in line with all relevant legislative requirements. A revised municipal organisational structure will be submitted to Council in due course.”
Jantjes said that the establishment of the directorate forms part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to strengthening service delivery, improving coordination in matters affecting community safety, and ensuring responsive governance for the benefit of all residents.
No comment was given by the municipality regarding allegations of the construction of a security wall along Dolphin Drive and the new provincial housing development at Apiesdraai or on the occupation of state land at Aston Bay Caravan Park.
ALSO READ: Western Cape tables R285.8 billion budget with focus on growth and service delivery
You must be logged in to post a comment.