AGM/Family Day
It’s that time of year again! We would like to invite you all to join us for our annual general meeting that will be held on Saturday 16 March 2024 at 10am.
Brett Castel will present the Chairman’s report of FODO (Friends of die Oog) on all matters concerning die Oog and our treasurer Patrick Williams will present the financial statement.
Topics that will be discussed include water levels, fire breaks, gate and fence maintenance, gardening, weeding, dam cleaning, tree cutting and general maintenance, and the importance of ongoing collaboration between the residents of the area, the committee and the City of Cape Town.
We look forward to hearing our guest speaker, Prof Kevin Winter from the Future Water Institute at UCT give a short talk on the topic ‘What is happening to our surface water quality?’ During the talk, Kevin will show the results of recent water tests from the Newlands spring, tap water and Die Oog as comparison.
The formal part of the AGM should be concluded by 11.30 am.
Some refreshments will be on sale as well as notelets (R60 for a set of 3 with envelopes).
Payment can be made in cash or via Snapscan.
It could be very hot, please bring hats, umbrellas and camping chairs or picnic blankets if you would like to sit.
Please RSVP to give us an idea of numbers.
Introduction to Prof Kevin Winter
Kevin Winter is an emeritus professor in Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT).He is also an executive member of the Future Water Institute at UCT in research that deals with surface water management, monitoring and water quality. He is the research director for the Water Hub research centre, in Franschhoek. He is widely published in the academic literature on urban water management and water science. He has Bachelor degrees from the University of Cape Town, a Masters degree from London University and a PhD from the University of Cape Town in Environmental Management.
He is a member of the City of Cape Town’s Section 80 Inland and Wetland Water Quality Committee which helps to support the City in its efforts to manage significant challenges of water quality in our waterways, wetlands and shorelines.
Notelets for Sale
We will also have beautifully illustrated notelets for sale (R60 for a pack of 3) which were thoughtfully created by our local resident, Michelle Liebenberg. They include illustrations of the endemic Leopard Toads, Cape Weaver and the Cape Chameleon and all proceeds go towards the ongoing maintenance of Die Oog.
Please drop us an email to admin@dieoog.org.za or reach out to us on Facebook if you’d like to purchase any, or order some ahead of the AGM.
Tribute to Professor Davey
When news broke of the passing of Professor Davey on 2nd November 2023, two weeks short of his 98th birthday, it was received with a sense of sadness and loss – a ‘giant’ had fallen.
All the members of ‘Friends of die Oog’ extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Prof’s family, colleagues and friends. We will be forever grateful for everything he contributed to the ongoing conservation of Die Oog.
Read the full tribute.
Water levels have dropped significantly during the hot dry summer months
Algae is growing on the water surface. This requires a dedicated team from the City Council who remove algae when necessary. Water quality is being sampled and monitored monthly. The local residents don’t appear to mind the algae at this stage. Birdlife is still as active as it was during the high water level period between July and November 2023.
Photographs curtesy of Angela Gorman and Deon Collinson
Security and maintenance
An important aspect of our role as Friends of Die Oog (FODO) is to engage with the city council and relevant organisations like WESSA for the overall maintenance and improvement of our beautiful City. Thank you to Anne Shaw as well as our Chairman Brett Castel for maintaining regular communication.
Late in 2023 we unfortunately lost the gardener who helped to maintain the garden areas and remove weeds once a week. While the city council is also supporting the maintenance of Die Oog as required, they are mainly tasked with the bigger jobs of water clearing, clearing of plant overgrowth, mowing the general lawn areas and maintaining the fire breaks between Die Oog, the wetland area, and surrounding residential areas. We have managed to re-employ our previous gardener, Dave, who is helping with the general maintenance and knows Die Oog well. A special thank you to Anne and Mark Shaw for their tireless efforts and impeccable attention to detail in ensuring the ongoing maintenance of Die Oog.
Toadlets and terrapins
Recently some terrapins hatched in Midwood Avenue. We’ve also noticed toadlets in various spots around die Oog. We wish our tiny residents well and may they continue to thrive.
To apply, please email admin@dieoog.org.za
Many hands make light work
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Patrick Williams, who has kept meticulous record of memberships and donations received and expenses incurred for the upkeep of die Oog. Patrick was the treasurer for xx years and due to his move away from Bergvliet, he is no longer able to fulfil treasurer duties for die Oog. We wish him all the best for the future.
We thank Mark Shaw for stepping in to take up the duties of treasurer. If you are able to give of your time or you know of anyone who is keen to join the committee to support with various duties such as communication with the City of Cape Town, treasurer, managing memberships, supporting with fundraising drives, email communication, overseeing gardening or handiwork, please drop us an email.
Thank you to all our loyal members for their ongoing support. Without your help, we would not be able to maintain this precious spot and we are always in need of more funds.
Please help grow our membership base by extending an invite to family and friends, especially in and around Bergvliet. Annual membership for the whole family is only R100.
Please click on this link for membership renewal or donations. You are also welcome to email us at admin@dieoog.org.za if you have any questions.
We hope to see you at the AGM!
Best Regards
Keryn Tsimitakopoulos and Anneliese Thomas
Committee member of Friends of Die Oog
PS: Please note that no dogs are allowed inside die Oog.
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