New executive for Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay Ratepayers

Marco van Embden

It was a bittersweet moment for long time community activist, Marco van Embden, as he stepped down as Chairman of the Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay Ratepayers Association last week. He has committed 16 years chairing the SFB Ratepayers Associations, and the area has transformed over that period. 

“Marco van Embden has an unbelievable energy and professionalism. His contribution has been invaluable and necessary. He has been instrumental in getting the Safety and Cleaning initiative off the ground; he does everything he can to assist us and his service has been invaluable.” Says Juanita Levetan, fellow exco member at the SFB Ratepayers Association. 

Under his leadership the association improved their security initiative with 24/7 Segway patrols. They also introduced an upliftment program assisting and creating employment opportunities for homeless people in the area, in partnership with Straatwerkand Dovetail with the Mouille Point neighbourhood.

“For the past 3 years, under the chairmanship of Marco van Embden, the SFB Ratepayers has experienced a dynamic transformation to the benefit of our community. Marco van Embdem has displayed the highest ethical standards.” Says Ari Vayanos, SFB Exco member for the past 25 years.

David Rose, elected member of the SFB exco says “Marco is an outstanding, dedicated, community-minded person who has given so much of himself to the community and continues to do so. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for him” – David Rose, elected member of SFB Exco.

In addition to his selfless service on the ratepayers association he has worked with numerous civil society organisations and established a charity called Coats for Cape Townto help keep the approximately 7000 men, women and children, who live on the streets of Cape Town, warm during the harsh winter months. Since the organisation’s inception they have donated thousands of coats throughout the city to those in need.

Reflecting on his time at the association Marco commends his colleagues and assures that his work to better his community is not done, “I have had the privilege of working with very special people who have given voluntarily and unselfishly of their time to improve their neighborhood and the lives of others. Along with our Coordinator and service contractors, we have continued to make a significant difference, not always appreciated by the public, but impactful nevertheless. At 65, it’s time now to spend more time with my grandchildren; I look forward to serve in a lesser capacity and support the new SFB Chairman and Committee.”

The new executive of the Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay Ratepayers Association includes Victor Morris as Chairman; Lydia Abel as Vice Chair; Michael Ender as Treasurer and Brian Kirsch as Secretary.

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