Angler honoured with plaque
Fisherfolk paid tribute to coastal development activist Andre “Guru” Arendse with the unveiling of a plaque in his honour.
The Bayview resident and avid angler died at home on November 3 days before fixed and revamped Strandfontein’s notorious Broken Road was unveiled as Fisherman’s Lane (“Fisherman’s Lane upgrade”, Plainsman November 8).
As a member of Ratepayers’ Forum and Economic Development’s (RAFED), incorporating Bayview and surrounding areas, he fought to connect fisherfolk with the coast.
The plaque reading: "The Fisherman of Broken Road. In loving memory of Andre ‘Guru’ Arendse 16 Oct 1960 - 3 Nov 2023" was unveiled at Fisherman's Lane on Sunday December 10.
He is survived by his mother, his wife Hayley two children, three grandchildren and two stepchildren.
Mrs Arendse said that fishing was his passion and when he retired, after closing his trucking and cartage company about three years ago, he pursued it as a full-time hobby.
She said the plaque was a group effort amongst friends, including City of Cape Town manager for coastal, environmental management, spatial planning and environment Gregg Oelofse and Youth Fishing Academy’s Errol Adams.
On Sunday many of his fishing buddies, family and friends gathered for a short while to pay tribute to him with a fish tale, how they met and became friends.
“He was the same to everyone. He wouldn’t settle for what he was told. He would push for what he wanted and when it came to the community he always made sure that it was the best,” she said.
His buddy and fellow coastal activist Keith Blake, from Ottery, said they would continue to ensure that fisherfolk have access to the coast, have amenities and are safe.