Formal Update: TO ALL SIGNATORIES AND SUPPORTERS

It has been just over one week since the launch of the petition to save the Touwsrivier Ontspanningsklub, and the response from the community and media has been phenomenal. We are immensely grateful for your support. Please know that your signatures and comments are being actively used to demonstrate the critical importance of this site, and your voices are being heard.

Current Progress and Key Developments

1. Significant Media Attention
The issue has gained valuable traction across media platforms, amplifying our message to responsible parties and the wider public. We are pleased to confirm coverage by WoesTV and a comprehensive article in the Worcester Standard newspaper. This publicity is crucial in maintaining pressure and raising awareness about the ongoing destruction of our town's heritage.

2. Community Safety Initiative
While the fight to save the Ontspanningsklub continues, we are proactively planning for the future safety of all community assets. We are currently in discussion with Breede Valley Municipality (BVM), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the local Neighbourhood Watch, and SAPS to establish a sustainable, local camera network. This initiative aims to serve as a crucial preventative measure against future vandalism and asset stripping within Touwsrivier.

3. Heritage Site Registration
We have received encouraging news from Heritage Western Cape (HWC), who have indicated their willingness to assist our efforts in registering the Touwsrivier Ontspanningsklub property as a Provincial Heritage Site. This process is a significant step forward and will provide a stronger legal framework for the long-term protection of the site.

4. Engagement with Transnet

4.1. Correspondence Received

As the property owner, Transnet’s engagement is vital. We have received the following, poorly structured email correspondence from Mimmie Seetelo:

"Goo day,

Thank you for reaching out and for highlighting the importance of the Touwsrivier Ontspanningsklub to your community. We acknowledge the historical and cultural significance that this site holds and appreciate the efforts made by the community to preserve it, including the petition you have shared.

Your request for an urgent assessment and consideration for provincial heritage status has been noted. We will:

1. Review the information provided and the petition link.
2. Initiate internal discussions with Heritage Western Cape (HWC)  regarding  conducting a heritage significance assessment.
3. Engage Transnet Property.

Kind regards,

Mimi"

While this email acknowledges the petition, it lacks any commitment to immediate action to secure the site.

4.2. Lack of Leadership Response

Crucially, we have not yet received any correspondence or commitment from Phillip Zondo, Regional Head of Transnet (The Decision Maker). We are continuing to direct pressure towards the executive level to ensure accountability and meaningful intervention.

5. Our Commitment and Call to Action

The Touwsrivier Tourism Association and The Touwsrivier Heritage and Conservation Society remain fully committed to the safeguarding of Touwsrivier’s heritage. We will continue to apply pressure on all responsible parties to ensure the success of this campaign.

6. We need your help to keep the momentum going:

• Share the Petition: Please share the Change.org petition link again across all your social networks, WhatsApp groups, and with friends and family. Every new signature strengthens our position.
• Stay Engaged: We will continue to update signatories on all significant progress.

Thank you again for standing with us. We will not allow the heritage and history of Touwsrivier to be stripped away.