Sybrand Park Civic Association - Newsletters & Meetings

Sybrand Park Civic Association SUMMER NEWSLETTER (Summer 2025/2026)

Sybrand Park Civic Association
AGM Summary – 24 May 2025
1 June 2025
The Annual General Meeting of the Sybrand Park Civic Association was held on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at Star International School. The event was well attended, with approximately 32 residents present.
The meeting was opened by the Chairperson, who emphasised the importance of civic engagement and thanked all in attendance for their continued involvement in community matters.
Community Safety
A representative from the Neighbourhood Watch provided an update on local safety concerns. Residents were informed about recent incidents of cable theft and break-ins in parts of the suburb. The need for additional volunteers – both active and passive – was reiterated, and residents were encouraged to report all incidents to law enforcement and join local communication channels to strengthen collective vigilance.
Organic Waste Project
Ms. Maya Gortman introduced a proposal for a community-led composting initiative, aimed at reducing organic waste and supporting local gardens. A secure bin site is being considered near the park toilets, with oversight from civic volunteers and EPWP staff. A community survey will be circulated to gather feedback on the proposed plan.
Councillor’s Address
Ward Councillor Mark Kleinschmidt addressed the meeting, highlighting current municipal challenges and encouraging continued community involvement. He also donated surplus community safety equipment to the Neighbourhood Watch.
Ward Representation and Demarcation
An update was provided on efforts to re-establish formal representation in the Ward 60 Forum. The demarcation board’s proposal to shift Sybrand Park into Ward 49 was noted, with a deadline of 6 June 2025 for public submissions opposing the move.
Infrastructure and Lease Matters
Concerns were raised around usage of the Star soccer field, including access control and adherence to community lease terms. The field remains under lease to Star College until May 2029. Infrastructure issues, including a sewage overflow and vandalised pump station, were also discussed. The Civic is in ongoing contact with City departments to address these and related matters like road markings, tree trimming, and recycling disruptions.
Financial Report
The Treasurer presented the current financial position, noting stable reserves and prudent expenditure plans for 2025, including support for visible community-focused projects.
Closing Notes
Residents were reminded to contribute their annual membership fees. The composting survey will be distributed shortly, and the Civic Association will continue to follow up on CPF participation, lease monitoring, and other community priorities.
The meeting closed at 16h00.
Prepared by: James George
Date: 1 June 2025

MINUTES OF THE SYBRAND PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 22 JULY 2023

Sybrand Park Civic Association Annual General Meeting Highlights
Release Date: 18 August 2023
Venue: Star College, Sybrand Park
Overview:
The Sybrand Park Civic Association held its Annual General Meeting on 22nd July 2023 at Star College, Sybrand Park. The meeting was a testament to the community's commitment to fostering growth, safety, and unity in Sybrand Park.
Key Takeaways:
Timely Commencement: The meeting began promptly at 14:05 with 30 community members in attendance.
Warm Welcome: Chairperson, Imtiaz Adams, set the tone for the meeting with a heartfelt welcome. He acknowledged the absence of several members and expressed special concern for Councillor Mark Kleinschmidt, who is recovering from a recent health setback.
Councillor Mark Kleinschmidt's Address: Despite his health challenges, Councillor Kleinschmidt remains a beacon of inspiration for the community. He emphasized the significance of the Neighbourhood Watch initiative and praised the unity and efforts of Sybrand Park residents. Additionally, he announced the city council's decision to allocate funds for the upgrade of Prieska Road Park, a move that was met with widespread approval.
Neighbourhood Watch's Role: Eron Louis, representing the Chairperson, shed light on the pivotal role of the Neighbourhood Watch in ensuring public safety. She recounted the heartwarming story of the recovery of a resident's vehicle, lost to hijacking 16 years prior, showcasing the dedication and effectiveness of the Watch.
Financial Health: Imtiaz Ahmed, standing in for Treasurer Shahieda Antvorskov, presented a summary of the association's financial status. He emphasized that the modest annual levy of R100 per household is the primary source of income and urged residents to ensure timely payments.
Chairman's Comprehensive Report: Imtiaz Adams took a moment to recognize the tireless efforts of the Executive Committee. He highlighted their achievements, from liaising with the City of Cape Town to creating a community website. The report underscored the importance of civic engagement and the collective responsibility of every Sybrand Park resident in community betterment.
Community Concerns: During the open floor session, residents voiced concerns about traffic safety, particularly in school zones, emphasizing the need for stricter traffic regulations.
Election of New Executive Committee: Under the guidance of Cllr M. Kleinschmidt, the previous Executive Committee was dissolved, making way for the election of the 2023/2024 committee. New members Aydin Inal, Alan McLean, and Wisaal Latief were introduced and warmly received.
Conclusion and Forward Look: The meeting wrapped up at 15h37, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future of Sybrand Park.
Important Reminders: Residents are urged to pay their annual subscription and to update their contact details to facilitate efficient communication.
For further details or inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Imtiaz Adams (Chairman)
Phone: 074 137 7786
Email:sybrandparkcivicassoc@gmail.com/ imtiazadams@gmail.com

Sybrand Park Civic Association newsletter- October 2021

Chairperson’s message: Imtiaz A. Adams

Developing this generation’s civic literacy is vital to maintaining and strengthening the foundation of democracy. There is an urgent need to improve civic education and promote civic literacy, knowledge, and engagement among today’s learners, students, and eventual functional and economic contributors to our society. We remain positive and hopeful albeit the uncertainty, threats, and challenges in our country.

My opening sentence has as its backdrop the health challenges during the pandemic, but more pertinently, the brazen challenges to the rule of law in our beloved country [murders, looting, and destruction] we witnessed a few months ago. I therefore write to you that we do the right things (as a citizen of our country) with the right strategies at the right time. The time is NOW!

Your Civic Association is active; refreshed and re-invigorated at the last AGM in April of this year. If the attendance at the AGM is our barometer of success- then we’ve failed! Despite promotion and advertisement via social media, there is great apathy in Civic affairs. I call on all Sybies to support the group of volunteers sacrificing their time and energy to make Sybrand Park a pleasant and safe suburb.

The uncertainty of the pandemic – with negative spin-offs such as loss of life, unemployment, poverty and hunger; together with the introduction of the POPIA- with limitation and restrictions of sharing data; it becomes difficult to engage with all residents as initially planned. We are moving digitally and virtually and the Civic keeps abreast of these changes. In our quest to go paperless- we require your email or whatsapp details to keep in touch with and to communicate with you.

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Sybrand Park Civic Association I convey our condolences to all families who have lost loved ones and friends since our last communication. A warm word of welcome to all new families who have joined our neighbourhood- I trust that you will have a safe and pleasant stay in our fantastic suburb. To the learners at school and students at university- everything of the very best with your studies. It’s been a tough and strange academic year, but study hard and progress towards your next grade / phase next year. Those embarking on travels during the holidays- take care and remain safe.