R20 000 Reward for Safe Return of Historic Bethelsdorp Bell

Statement by Retief Odendaal MPL – DA NMB Mayoral Candidate:

The Democratic Alliance has increased our reward for the safe return of the more than 200-year-old bell, which was stolen from the market square in front of Bethelsdorp Congregational Church, to R20 000.

See: Bethelsdorp Church Bell Stolen

We initially offered a reward of R2,500, but the impact of this crime on the psyche of Bethelsdorp’s residents, and the deep heritage that runs through what is the oldest settlement in Nelson Mandela Bay, is simply too significant to ignore. We have therefore increased the reward because this is about more than the recovery of an historic bell, it is about protecting and preserving our shared heritage.

There are allegations that the bell may have already been sold to an illegal scrapyard dealer. Our team is making enquiries and has already passed information on to the South African Police Service (SAPS) that could assist with the investigation.

When the DA comes into office after the elections on 4 November, we will establish a metro police unit focused on tackling illegal scrapyard dealing and the vandalism that is rife across the city.

The establishment of such a unit is part of our pledge to keep Nelson Mandela Bay safe by doubling the number of metro police officers and significantly increasing the number of vehicles within 12 months of taking office. By the end of our first term, we will expand the service to more than 500 officers and more than 60 vehicles.

Last week, I visited the Van Der Kemps Kloof heritage site, which includes the church, the bell and Livingstone Cottage. I highlighted that Van Der Kemps Kloof and Bethelsdorp possess a unique combination of natural, environmental, cultural, and historical assets that must be leveraged to establish the area as a premium tourist destination that creates jobs in Nelson Mandela Bay.

I also made it clear that a DA municipality will be at the forefront of securing external funding to assist with the preservation of the church. Within the next two financial years, under a DA government, we will also make budget available to ensure street and high-mast lighting across the precinct, improve safety and security, and upgrade and maintain municipal infrastructure.

We simply cannot allow our heritage to be treated with such disdain or to be tossed aside by criminals. A DA government will protect these important heritage assets so that they can be preserved, celebrated, and transformed into safe havens for tourists, creating jobs and helping to get Nelson Mandela Bay working for all.