This update addresses the Rates Objections in the Overstrand and is particularly relevant to Sandbaai Homeowners, as well as all ratepayers who have filed objections that were rejected by the Overstrand Municipality without any provided reasons.
On 11th July 2023, we reached out to all ratepayer and homeowners associations via email, inviting them to collaborate with us on this important matter. So far, we have received a positive response from Dinish Rajpaul, the chairman of the Fisherhaven Homeowners Association, who shares our concern for their members' interests. The Sandbaai Ratepayers chairman did respond to the email, but it appears they will not be pursuing the matter with their members.
Initially, our aim was to request an overview summary of all objections and rejections per area within Hermanus. One of the residents took the initiative to contact Brian Wridgway from the Hermanus Ratepayers Association, who then reached out to Johette Basson, the Administrative Officer: Valuation at the Overstrand Municipality, with our request.
Mr. Wridgway initially requested the information for Sandbaai, which was promptly provided via email. He then extended the request to cover all areas within Hermanus. However, Ms. Basson stated that she could not provide the information without authorization from her superiors.
On 12th July 2023, I followed up with an email to Ms. Basson, referring to her communications with Mr. Wridgway, once again requesting the summary for the entire Hermanus area. Additionally, Mr. Rajpaul contacted Ms. Basson by phone, and she reiterated that she cannot supply us with the information without authorization from her superiors. As of the date of this update, we have not received any response from Ms. Basson or any other employee from the Overstrand Municipality regarding our request.
All of the correspondence related to this matter will be provided as annexures to this update, along with my voice note, for your review.
Now, the crucial question is: what is the next step once you receive a rejection email from the Overstrand Municipality's valuer, and is there enough time? The answer is yes, there is still time.
According to Ms. Basson's email received by one of our residents, "Artikel 53(2) van die MPRA bepaal dat u binne 30 dae vanaf die datum wat u die beswaarbeslissing ontvang, redes kan aanvra. U het daarna 21 dae vanaf die datum wat die redes aan u verskaf word om appel aan te teken."
In essence, this means that, according to Art 53(2) of the MPRA, the objector can request the valuer to provide the full reasons for the rejection within 30 days of receiving the Objection Outcome Notice. This step is crucial for compiling a comprehensive appeal. After receiving the reasons from the valuer, the objector has an additional 21 days to launch the appeal.
For example, if you received your Objection Outcome Notice on 1st July 2023, you will have until 30th July 2023 to send an email to the valuer, within the 30-day period, requesting the reasons for the rejection. Once you receive the response from the valuer, you will have another 21 days to formulate your appeal, following the OM guidelines.
We strongly encourage you to work with your own Ratepayers or Homeowners Association to assist you with the appeal process. However, if you require our team's assistance, please forward your Objection Outcome Notice to us at rates@sandbaaiforum.co.za, and we will do our best to support you. We have already received numerous requests and will be assisting accordingly.
In the next update, I will share some insights into the broader Rates matter that we believe all homeowners should be aware of. Staying informed is vital, and if you are dissatisfied, don't hesitate to take it up with your Rates or Homeowners Association or the Overstrand Municipality.
Please share this update with your neighbors, as it addresses an important matter with long-term consequences for all contributing citizens in the Overstrand.
As part of the Overstrand Community and serving as your Watchdog in Sandbaai, we genuinely care about you and our beautiful town's governance. This commitment drives us to do what we do, and we greatly appreciate your continued support.
From me and our team, to all the remarkable people standing up and supporting us in Sandbaai and across the Overstrand, may your days be bright, and your evenings warm.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (click to open in new tab)
1: Rejected Rates Objection (to Sandbaai Ratepayers Association)
2: Rates Objections (to Brian)
3: Rates Enquiry Email (to Johette)
4: Overstrand Municipality GV Objection Outcome Notice (Part 1)
5: Overstrand Municipality GV Objection Outcome Notice (Part 2
