Zandvlei Trust

Zandvlei Trust  – 20th Anniversary Awards.

Special long service awards were presented to Joye Gibbs, Vincent Marincowitz, Una Hartley and Cherry Giljam at the AGM and 20th Anniversary celebrations on the 28th May 2008.

These awards are only the second in the history of the organisation, bestowed on them by the Exco on behalf of the ZVT members. They have given thousands of voluntary hours and have certainly made a difference in our area. They are true givers and the local community owes them the acknowledgement and debt of gratitude for what they have done.

Below is a very brief outline of just some of what they have achieved.

(L to R) Sharon McCallum presented the certificates to;
Vincent Marincowitz, Joye Gibbs, Cherry Giljam and Una Hartley.

Joye Gibbs was the founder Chairman. She was a City Councillor representing the Muizenberg Lakeside area. She Chaired the Ward 17 Ratepayers Association. She also served the Trust for many years in her capacity sitting on numerous Committees related to civil society organistions, enivornment and local government, also serving on regional government bodies. She published the local newspaper the "Coastal Chatter" for many years. Joye is a great mentor and guide. She has the capacity to see the "big picture" and knows the detail as well. A rare quality these days. Joye has a vast knowledge of local history with many years of collected documents and photographs.

Vincent Marincowitz was also a founder member. Also Chaired for a number of years. He has sat on many committees and worked tirelessly to make Zandvlei Trust's name known amoungst City officials. He lobbied for change in the old days and this was not easy as officials were responsibile in their own professional capacity and did not easily take notice of lay peoples advice or representation.
He developed good working relationships with many officials to make change to the environment of Zandvlei. He lobbied for the start of the Sand River Catchment Forum. Vincent also sat on the National Advisory Committee to advise the Minister of Water Affairs.

Una Hartley started in 1989. She has Chaired for 3 years and has always been involved at numerous activities. Una started everyones interest in Leopard Toads in the south. She has cleared alien vegetation since 1987 and still does. She has a wide knowledge of many natural history topics. She started the Westlake Wetlands Garden along Main Road, Lakeside and developed it into the show piece it is today, almost single handed at times. She sat on many Committees and Chairs other local civil society organisations.

Cherry Giljan got involved through her diverse interests and activities in the community in the mid 1990's. She Chaired the Marina Home Owners Association, she has produced its Newsletter for a number of years. She is involved with the Environmental Education at the Nature Reserve. She is involved with THE LINK, a Marina upliftment initiative for local people. She also looks after Park Island. Cherry has attended many meetings lobbying for the continued improvement to the Zandvlei waterbody and its adjacent areas.