Highlights
- Notice of Upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18th December 2025
- Message from our outgoing Chairperson (Chester Wilmot)
- Introduction to incoming Chairperson (Marguerite Davis)
- Report from portfolio heads
Notice of AGM
Chairman’s report
CHESTER WILMOT
It gives me great pleasure to present Estuary Care Community’s achievements for this year.
Our engagement with the community this year has been one of the most gratifying aspects of Estuary Care’s work. Over the past year or two, we have made a deliberate effort to take the care of the estuary beyond the confines of the committee and into the wider Kenton-Bushmans community. This approach has yielded impressive and tangible results.
A standout example is the initiative by residents, Mike and Anita Boehmke who volunteered to demolish and remove an abandoned boathouse and installed much needed barriers to prevent children from causing bank erosion at the Kariega swimming beach. Although undertaken at their own cost, the work was proudly carried out under the banner of Estuary Care. (See further report and picture in the reports below).
In addition, we had John Dovey and Richard Rautenbagh come on board to help find a solution in our year-long negotiations with the Municipality regarding the re-issuing of licences for mooring buoys in the Bushmans estuary. Ndlambe Municipality had notified the public that no mooring buoy licences would be issue this year and John and Richard, with a lot of hard work, have been able to secure the buoys for this year and hopefully negotiate that it continues for the years ahead.
Once again, it has been another remarkable year of collaboration with KOSRA, BRRAG and Chamber of Business and Tourism in our drive to restore the Dry Bones Valley sand by-pass system. Inevitably, this has brought us into conflict with the Municipality and a single resident, but with strong public backing we remain confident that we will ultimately win the war for Nature.
The community have come to the rescue with hugely generous contributions amounting to many hundreds of thousands of rand which enabled us to undertake two critical dune studies this year. These have been a scientific assessment by EcoCoast on how best to address the Kenton Dune, and a detailed survey of the lower estuary, from bridge to sea and Dry Bones valley. We have had Jeremy Ridl, our environmental lawyer, guiding us in navigating the way forward and who has generously given us more value than the fees he has charged.
We also partner with KOSRA, BRRAG and Chamber of Business on monitoring sanitation, the newly formed Westbourne Road Greenbelt Neighbours Network and boat moorings. Our first united operation was to secure enough water for our communities and that has been very successfully completed. Amatola Water has been removed and the new contractor has been installed. We hope that Sizwe Amanzi will soon be able to bring the plant back to a point that it will supply our community’s needs. A special thank you goes to Jacques de Wit, our vice Chairman, who has tirelessly assisted us in seeing the removal of Amatola Water and a competent bulk water provider being appointed.
It has been a privilege that in all these combined operations, Estuary Care has been Team leader and/or coordinator.
The enthusiasm and commitment of our 14-member Estuary Care Committee have been equally inspiring. Members oversee a wide range of portfolios, as you will read in their portfolio reports; these include sanitation and its associated river health, river safety, channel markers, estuary siltation and dune, bait and fishing, towpath clearing, removal of alien vegetation, jetties, slipways, buoys, and communications and newsletters. We are also pleased to report that our treasurer has secured SARS 18A approval for tax-deductible donations, an important milestone for our long-term sustainability. We will be able to issue formal certificates shortly.
Membership has grown significantly this year, likely reaching the highest level in our history.
As I retire from the Chairmanship of Estuary Care, and step back after over 40 years of being on the committee of this remarkable Forum and its predecessor BKT, I do so with a profound sense of pride and optimism. What has been built is stronger than a committee and the momentum behind this organisation has never been greater.
With Marguerite Davis stepping into the Chairperson role, I have every confidence that the Forum will rise to even greater heights. Her expertise and commitment will undoubtedly inspire and lead this formidable team to achievements beyond anything we have yet seen.
It is therefore both an honour and a joy to introduce Marguerite, who has so generously agreed to guide Estuary Care into its next era.
Introduction of incoming chairperson
Marguerite Davis and her husband, Giles, relocated from Johannesburg to Kenton in February 2025. She joined Estuary Care in March. The family has long-standing ties to Kenton, having holidayed here since 1957, and relocating to Kenton was always in their plan. Their two daughters live in London, and they will be visiting them in December, so Marguerite, regrettably will be unable to attend the Estuary Care AGM.
Marguerite is an attorney and conveyancer with over 40 years of experience in practice. She recently established her law firm, M Davis and Associates, in Kenton, specializing in property and environmental law. Her career includes roles as director at Young Earth Attorneys, partner at Webber Wentzel, and legal counsel at Sappi Limited.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental law and has lectured postgraduate courses, including Water Law, at Wits University. In Johannesburg, she served on the Environmental Portfolio of her municipal ward.
She and Giles enjoy both the coast and bush as well as birding and spending time with friends and family.
Reports from Portfolio Heads
Summary Financial Report for the financial year ended 31 October 2025:
DAVID GOING (TREASURER)
Income for the year was R206 246. The main contributors to this were donations of R130 900 (for which we thank our kind donors), interest R39 561, subscriptions R22 200 and an amount of R35 785 which was a refund from Ndlambe for jetty maintenance costs.
Expenditure was R265 865, due mainly to the Westbourne dune project costs of R 185 657, the balance being maintenance and admin costs.
Total current assets (cash and cash equivalents) were R660 582 (R720 201 retained income from the previous year less the deficit for this year of R59 620). This amount includes R481 455 from specific dune fund donations plus interest, which is ring fenced for dune project work.
Estuary Care’s application for SARS Section 18A tax deductibility of donations was pursued throughout the year. On 1 November 2025, we were informed by SARS that our application had been approved and that the approval certificate was to follow. Once we have the certificate, Estuary Care will be able to issue Section 18A tax certificates for donations received as from the date on the certificate of approval.
Membership fees for the current financial year remain a nominal R200 and can be paid via our website www.estuarycare.co.za, or direct EFT into Estuary Care’s Standard bank account no. 283961325, Branch Code Branch Code 051001, reference – email address, or at our AGM (a card machine will be available). Any additional donations towards project costs will be much appreciated.
Chairman’s comment:
David has not only singlehandedly registered us with SARS to give donors tax relief but he has also registered us on the government supplier database to enable us to receive project funding from Ndlambe and he has made a great effort to update our registration as an NPO.
Our financial status is sound as is seen in the financial report. Estuary Care is severely hampered by what we can do with a very small budget. While we are grateful for several substantial donations during the year (primarily specified for the Dune fund), the total income from membership contributions is low compared to our operational needs. Maintaining towpaths and access paths, water testing, jetty repair, river signage etc is costly and professional and legal fees related to the dune matter continue to be a major factor.
Sanitation and Health
JACQUES DE WIT AND HOWARD BALL
Report from Bushmans: Jacques’ report in summary
Marselle sewerage works: Bushmans Reed beds are not maintained and are overgrown which hinders water flow and efficiency of the system. Inadequate capacity of reed bed for 500 additional houses which are being built in Marselle.
Klipfontein pump stations: Klipfontein sewerage pump stations are not functioning and regular breakdowns occur. Solids and foreign objects seem to be the main problem, and existing pumps are unable to cope with it. Sewerage spillage is constant and sewerage dams around the pump station are stagnant and smelly and the overflow flows into the vlei area
Summers Ridge residential sump; Due to mechanical failure, sewerage sometimes overflows.
River sampling: Despite the issues mentioned above, river water tests for E-coli and Faecal strep have show very good results.
Kariega Water Treatment Works: Howard Ball
The Kariega river is in good shape with our most recent results showing very low E.coli and faecal strep.
There have been a few challenges this year with the aerator at the WTP being out of action for a period due to pipe blockages. We monitor the rivers and do targeted testing to follow trends. The latest test result will be shared at the AGM on the 18th December. The plant is adequate at the moment due to the very limited fresh water available to households but we keep up the pressure as we visually check and conduct routine tests.
Chairman’s comment:
Westbourne Road / Dry Bones Valley Sand Dune
CHESTER WILMOT AND MARGUERITE DAVIS
The Dune Management Group (“the Dune Group”) commissioned a report by Eco Coast environmental consultants to provide independent specialist advice on how best to deal with the Westbourne dune issue.
Based on their report, the Group’s proposal was to consider options available for the removal of the Westbourne Dune and the reinstatement of the natural sand by-pass system in Dry Bones Valley that previously operated between the estuary and Middle Beach. The proposal was made with a view to reaching consensus on a solution as it was fully in line with KSDNA’s funded PRDW report of 2015. It was anticipated that it would be mutually acceptable to the various stakeholder groups and would form the basis for the revision of the Municipal Maintenance Plan (MMP). It also included the convening of a meeting with the various stakeholders, officials and consultants to consider the options available.
The report was delivered to the Ndlambe Municipality, the other stakeholders and their consultants, in July 2025. Our request for a meeting with Ndlambe Municipality and the stakeholder groups was refused. Exchanges with the Municipality and other stakeholder groups have reached an impasse despite written requests from our attorney addressed to the Municipality that it returns to the negotiating table.
The Dune Group has been advised by our environmental lawyer that both the Environmental Authorisation and MMP, authorising the work on the Westbourne dunes, have lapsed and that a new MMP is required. The ball is now in the Municipality’s court to revise the MMP with stakeholder consultation or to explain to us why it is still valid.
There are a number of legal options available to us to move this issue forward, which we are considering, but we have made it clear to all stakeholders that we are totally committed and willing to resume discussions to find a solution.
Chairman’s comment:
Boesmans Estuary Mooring / Buoys
JOHN DOVEY AND RICHARD RAUTENBACH
The ability to use buoys and have boat moorings available on the river is a major attraction for many property owners and visitors. The mooring of boats on buoys is a well-known system which is used all over the world with similar circumstances to ours. Not having moorings available would create chaos at the slipway and trailer parking areas during holiday periods and has the potential to seriously damage the tourist and home-owner value proposition. However, there have been cases of abuse and safety concerns. Owners of mooring buoys need to appreciate the privilege and be considerate to members of the public, swimmers and officials and address these concerns in a constructive manner.
We were extremely concerned to hear that the MEC intends addressing law enforcement to address the management of buoys and moorings which may be detrimental to boaters. Ndlambe Municipality was considering the removal of all buoys, which would have been be a crisis for most of us. It is Estuary Care’s responsibility to work with the Ndlambe Municipality officials (who have the Authority to deal with these issues) and find a mutual solution that works for the majority and importantly for Ndlambe Municipality. We see the beneficiaries, being the lessees of the buoy moorings, taking a major role in assisting Estuary Care and Ndlambe Municipality to achieve an amicable solution to all the problems associated with the implementation thereof.
Richard Rautenbach, a small committee and I, on behalf of Estuary Care, have taken on this challenging project and have been in communication with numerous buoy users and to date, have compiled a database of over 100 individuals who have expressed interest in acquiring a river buoy or keeping an existing buoy. We are currently in discussions with the Ndlambe Municipality Authorities and await formal feedback from them regarding the proposal we submitted to ensure that the buoys are managed efficiently in the future.
The committee proceeded with the implementation of our buoy management plan. We need the buoy owner’s assistance in this regard and encourage all buoy holders wishing to claim their buoy to donate towards Estuary Care. These funds will go towards the cost of numbered tags, to be attached to approved buoys, and the remaining funds will be used for Estuary Care needs as a non-profit organisation.
Ndlambe Municipality issued a notice on 20th November 2025 with terms and conditions to allow qualified buoy owners to register their buoys with the Municipality until June 2026. Estuary Care, with the help of Buoy users hope to reach an amicable sustainable solution with Ndlambe Municipality before end June 2026 to avoid any negative surprises.
In the interests of the community, boating traffic, swimmers and authorities, Estuary Care verified important points with regards to where buoys are allowed.
This project requires everyone’s cooperation to succeed. The last thing we want is to frustrate the Authorities and for the Ndlambe Municipality to remove all the buoys. We kindly appeal to everyone to assist where possible and to follow the agreed-upon process. We will always remain available for discussion and look forward to your constructive ideas. This is a significant undertaking, and we would like to thank you for your cooperation.
John Dovey: jmdovey@mweb.co.za 083 644 5156
Richard Rautenbach: rmrautenbach@mowerama.co.za 078 595 1865
Chairman’s comment:
Membership, Newsletters, Notices and Social Media
JAMES KENNEDY
This portfolio aims to grow the awareness of Estuary Care and manage our website, social media, fundraising and general communication, assisted by Tessa MacTaggart. The increased work of Committee Members and some “low key” promotional activity resulted in an increase from 77 to 122 fully paid-up members, which is healthy growth for the year. Our Facebook page has 2,400 followers so we do enjoy some visibility with a very low budget. We are grateful for the support received from KOSRA, BRAGG, Chamber of Business & Tourism, Rotary and major events such as Kenton Seagull Regatta. We intend to expand our promotional and fundraising activities next year, primarily through collaboration with the events which grow traffic to Kenton and through some targeted fundraising, locally and internationally.
Committee Membership.
Annexure A to this report contains a full list of Committee members. We wish to thank Daphne McNiell and Vanessa McKay who are standing down as committee members and will not be available for re-election. During the year, we welcomed Val Davis as the new Treasurer, John Dovey responsible for Buoys and our new Chairperson, Marguerite Davis. Dave Going will stand down as our treasurer and will be available to assist with the financial management and secretarial transitions. Chester Wilmot, Dave Curran and Jim Davies will relinquish their current portfolios but are available for re-election. Members are welcome to nominate committee members, in reply to the AGM notice that was sent out separately.
Chairman’s comment:
Kenton Westbourne Road Greenbelt Neighbour Network
CHESTER WILMOT
Over the years there have been many property owners who have extended their gardens into this public Greenbelt. Over the past year, the incursions have accelerated and invaded deeper into this very important part of the Kenton ecosystem. I asked KOSRA to join us and I am very pleased to say their response was immediate and Arthur Taute and I now represent our two organisations. We have written to the 42 affected property owners along Westbourne Road from River Road to the bridge. We called an online meeting and out of this we have formed the Kenton Greenbelt Neighbours Network. After some rewarding and positive conversation around this controversial topic, a small committee was formed to attempt to find a solution. It was also decided to have a survey done of the river facing boundaries of all the properties to ascertain the exact boundary line.
A further update report will be made at the AGM.
Channel markers and signage, Bait and Fishing
DAVE CURRAN AND DUARD SCHOLTZ
In total the team placed 11 new signage poles and 46 signboards in the estuaries during the year. We have updated the signboard design to make them more weather resilient. The sign on the right photograph is the new look.
Further to this EC has purchased its own water pump which makes placement of poles much easier.
Regular helpers carry out the work which include Kevin Ridden and Ken Rogers. Don Thomson has very kindly donated the use of his woodworking equipment when we are cutting boards for the signs.
We and our team of helpers keep the signs up to date as the channels move or poles break. We also do river patrols with the Dept of Fisheries to reduce the over-exploitation of our bait stocks.
Estuary Care has also decided to put up prominent signage to deter buyers of illegally collected bait. Efforts to deter the bait diggers/sellers produce limited results as there is a steady stream of buyers who buy prawns and other bait over weekends and holiday periods.
Signage to be placed in prominent places (slipways, notice boards, BuCo selling area)
Chairman’s comment:
We commend Dave and Duard who put in a lot of effort during the year to keep channel markers aligned to changing channels and replace broken or lost poles. Thank you both.
Jetties and Slipways
HOWARD BALL AND WAYNE MORGAN
We have the task of building and maintaining the jetties and for a year we have had plans to build a second jetty near the Kariega slipway. We have been promised funding from Rotary and from The Seagull Regatta Fund, but, despite many letters to Ndlambe Municipality and DEDEAT, DEDEAT have still not given us the go-ahead to replace what was an existing jetty damaged by high seas.
Chairman’s comment:
Cooperation with Government departments has been very difficult this year so with plans in hand and finances available, Howard and Wayne have had to see the year go by not being able to proceed with the jetty construction.
Clearing Towpaths and Invasive Alien Plants
JIM DAVIES
I took over this portfolio from Nick Albrightson earlier this year to serve the Kenton, Bushmans River Mouth, Riversbend and Merry Hill communities. It is a highly visible and important aspect for locals as well as visitors to our beautiful area. Thank you Nick for your amazing hard work and dedication over the years. It is much appreciated by the Kenton community.
After the reasonable rains earlier in the year there was a bit of catching up to be done in getting the tow paths and pathways under control. Thanks to our team from Cherrywood and Clifton, who has worked with Nick for many years, we managed to get all routes for the Kenton 100 milers looking good for the runners.
Image: Clifton hard at work
Since then, it has been a matter of maintaining them. Some of the problem alien plants are: Ink Berry, usually 1 to 2m high, but can grow up to 15m in height, used for wind breaks and is ever green. Very small quantities of inkberry can be fatal to cattle. Syringa and Madera Vine control is a never-ending process.
Focus for 2026 is i) Keeping existing paths clean and clear ii) Resurfacing a few areas on the tow path on Bushmans River Kenton side and iii) Tackling the ever encroaching alien vegetation.
Chairman’s comment:
Thank you Jim for a job well done and especially for your financial support for this project for the year. EC are looking for sponsors / donors for this portfolio estimated to cost R3 000.00 per month but we would also like this whole walkway to be upgraded and beautified in the coming year.
Ward 3 representative
SUE MUIRHEAD
Sue attends the formal Ward 3 committee meetings held by Ndlambe Municipality. All significant proposals being tabled at Ndlambe Council meetings are passed through the Ward 3 committee for commentary before Council meetings. We intend to have a representative attend the Ward 4 meetings as well during the coming year.
Monitoring New Developments within the proximity of the estuaries
DAPHNE MCNIELL
Chairman’s comment:
Daphne has been a member of BKT and EC for as long as I can remember. Thank you Daph for walking and advising on Towpaths and Alien plants, leading cleanup and taking charge of youth group education tours. We wish you well in your retirement.
Abandoned Boathouse and Kariega Lagoon Dune Protection:
MIKE AND ANITA BOEHMKE
Mike and Anita took on three significant tasks, at their own cost, i) to remove an unsightly, graffiti covered, unused boathouse on the Kariega River just above the bridge, ii) to improve the access road down to the base of the bridge and to iii) erect several dropper barriers on emerging dune “pathways” and eroded areas above the Kariega Lagoon. This kind of unsolicited support to caring for our estuaries it is not only appreciated but inspirational.
Dune Protection on Reserve Area at Kariega Lagoon
My Closing appeal
I appeal to all those who enjoy our wonderful estuaries and environment to please consider yourself as a member of Estuary Care. We need more paying members and financial supporters, but a bigger need is for everyone to feel they are custodians of this unique place and look after it as such. We desperately need donations to do what needs to be done and we need people to buy into our quote: Estuary Care – the Heart of our Community.
Please contact me on 084 624 0947 or Marguerite Davis when she returns in January or any other Estuary Care members via our website to encourage us or advise us on any matter you have on your mind that will improve our estuaries.
Chester Wilmot
Chairman Boesmans Kariega Estuary Care Forum
December 2025
“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”
Chief Seattle
