With reference to the questions sent to the Ward 7 Councillor Hybre Lombard regarding the status of and funding sources for the so-called “turnkey project”, for the rapid development of Schulphoek, we were informed by the Cllr at the January 2023 Ward 7 meeting, that the executive mayor Dr Rabie refused to answer the questions and issued an edict that the Schulphoek illegal occupation, its immense impacts on Sandbaai and Ward 7, the status of the now more than 4 years dragging on Development and constant changes and undermining actions by the Overstrand Municipality that prevents it from starting, will not be discussed at the ward meeting.
This "draconian edict", directly conflicts in every aspect with the Council agreed Objectives and Function of the ward committee meetings, as well as the previous communication by the executive mayor stating that the ward will be the formal communication point.
Refer "ward committee rules document - As approved by Council 14 December 2022 ", (extracted sections shown below)
Section 2: Objectives:
2.3 A Ward Committee is the official channel of communication between the community and municipality regarding municipal matters in a particular Ward.
2.4 A ward committee is an advisory body without any executive powers to assist the Ward Councillor(s) in their duties.
2.5 Ward Committees must perform their functions impartially without fear, favour, or prejudice.
Section 6: FUNCTIONS OF WARD COMMITTEES
6.1. Ward Committees together with the Overstrand Municipal Advisory Forum (OMAF) will act as the official liaison mechanism on all strategic municipal matters affecting the community.
6.2. Ward Committees will be the official body with which the Ward Councillors will liaise regarding any matter affecting their respective wards and more specifically items on the agenda of the Municipality affecting the particular ward.
5 6.3. The Ward Councillors must give feedback at ward committee meetings and at least on a quarterly basis to constituencies on Council matters, as required in the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
This “draconian edict” issued by the executive mayor, once again particularly illustrates the ongoing cover up and extreme dysfunctional state of the Overstrand municipal and political function, when it comes to sorting out the dreadful illegal occupation at, "Schulphoek", the latter which is, as was agreed by Ward 7, the highest strategic and tactical impact on Ward 7, and as indicated by over two thousand building complaints, that were submitted by devastated and impacted law abiding and rate paying residents. Extract from the submitted complaint form:
Numerous illegal structures have been erected on Erf 11153 and Erf 11155 and the adjacent Municipal land, in flagrant disregard of the Overstrand Municipality’s Town Planning Scheme, its applicable Bylaws and Building Regulations, as well as in breach of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977. Despite the aforesaid events being well documented in public media and despite numerous complaints by various ratepayers, in person and in writing, to officials and to the executive mayor and municipal manager, and officials having knowledge of these non-compliance issues being in the public domain, no Overstrand Municipality officials responsible for acting against contraventions of and non-compliance with the aforementioned legislation, issued any notices for the demolition of such illegal structures, nor took steps to prevent these ongoing contraventions.
These structures are as a result, unlawful, unserviced, unsafe, unhygienic and unhealthy, and constitute, at the very least, problem buildings. The surrounding bushes and tidal pool are being used as toilets and there is no water available for cleaning and hygiene. New illegal/problem buildings are being erected daily, without sanitation or water supplies, and all such structures should for the reasons above be demolished without further obfuscation and shirking of their statutory duties and obligations by Overstrand Municipality, its Town Council and its officials seized with the responsibility of overseeing and applying/enforcing the aforementioned legislation and applicable health and safety standards, promptly, fairly and without discrimination.
The Schulphoek and contiguous areas such as Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle, Westcliff and Sandbaai are accordingly under constant threat of health, sanitation and hygiene issues/outbreaks.
The unconstrained erecting of these illegal structures and the failure by the Overstrand Municipality and its Town Council to ensure that its officials responsible for policing the abovementioned legislation, enforce these legislation as and when contraventions occur, and to take all necessary steps to continue enforcing such legislation, and to uphold the rule of law, caused Erf 11155 and the adjacent Municipal land to become crammed with illegal structures/problem buildings, which are dilapidated, unsafe, unsightly and are unserviceable by the Municipality in respect of water, electricity, sewerage and waste, and have as a result an extremely adverse impact on the sense of place, ambience of the surrounding areas and on the general law-abiding morale of its residents, as well as adversely affecting the market values of properties in the surrounding and/or neighbouring suburbs, and of the Greater Hermanus, which properties are owned and maintained in compliance with such legislation, by law-abiding rate-payers of the Overstrand Municipality.
As a result of the failure of the Overstrand Municipality, its Town Council and responsible officials, to take the necessary steps to prevent the illegal erections of such structures, on the aforementioned properties, and to instruct that these structures be demolished, hundreds of land invaders continue to act with impunity, in disregard with all applicable legislation, and interdicts obtained by the landowners as aforementioned to prevent the invasion and erection of such illegal structures. In the process the illegal occupiers chop down and set fire to the Milkwood trees and Fynbos, and will irreparably harm and destroy the sensitive environment if not acted against. These fires are serious hazards, due to their proximity to the fynbos and strandveld conservation corridors spanning from Schulphoek to Vermont and further, and the properties in close proximity to such conservation corridors. Often very windy conditions prevail on the Schulphoek Peninsula, and the risk of airborne cinders and burning material setting fire to the illegal structures made of wood and to the area in general as well as to the adjacent conservation corridors and homes, many of timber construction or with wooden decks and/or thatched roofs, is ever-present.
Thus these illegal occupiers’ illegal conduct create fire hazards, and health and safety risks not only to themselves but also to neighbouring properties and suburbs and their occupants/owners. The illegal structures themselves constitute ongoing fire hazards, and are also in close proximate of Fynbos and protected Milkwood trees, which are often set fire to, to make way for the erection of further illegal structures.
In addition, apart from the ongoing negative impact on tourism, businesses and properties caused by these illegal land invasions and erection of illegal structures on the Schulphoek land, and the ongoing failure to cause these unsightly, illegal structures to be demolished and/or removed, there is a general influx of lawless persons who opportunistically participated in these land invasions, and now use illegal structures on the Schulphoek land as safe havens from which criminals wage a crime campaign, targeting the residents, businesses, visitors and tourists in the Greater Hermanus and in neighbouring suburbs and properties of Schulphoek, with burglaries, robberies, thefts and acts of vandalism, which escalated massively, and these actions have a huge impact on the tourist industry, businesses and property values in the above areas.
Unacceptably, and compounding this issue, is the onward communication of the edict by the Ward Cllr, of whom is expected to act in line with the agreed rules of the committee in support of the objectives and function of the ward committee, which is illustrating the subservient and stifled modus operandi of the Overstrand municipal, council and political operation, where it seems the mayor can yield her sword in every direction, right or wrong, and everyone trembles with fear instead of standing up for what’s right. It also goes on to illustrate the dysfunctional state of the council, who for many years now have failed to act to stop the terror Schulphoek causes to neighbouring law abiding and rate paying residents. This is an outright shocking situation that must be rectified. Councillors must act as the governance vehicle and be empowered to accordingly step up their game and challenge matters that were up to now “blindly, willy nilly” style accepted.
Therefore, the edict issued by and the lack of feedback by the mayor and the Cllr regarding this critical matter is outright rejected and will not be accepted.
We request that Schulphoek be placed as a permanent status update and discussion item on every agenda of the Ward 7 Committee meetings and call on other committee members to support this request. Draconian edicts such as this one, insofar as Schulphoek matters, must be withdrawn and governed against by all.
Therefore, Schulphoek matters impacting on Ward 7, will be raised and discussed at the Ward 7 committee meetings.
This matter unless resolved amicably, will be escalated to the Municipal Ombudsman, The Western Cape Government and the Public Protector.
Await your recall of this draconian edict.
Hugo Potgieter
Chairperson Schulphoek Action Group
082 453 8318
Wyknotule 8 Des 2022
Mr. Hugo Potgieter informed the meeting that he is currently investigating legal action relating to the issues of Schulphoek.
Wyknotule 17 Januarie 2023
Mr. P Seal – Schulphoek Action Group
The following questions was asked, and answers/feedback requested:
1. The turnkey development that was going to be signed in October 2022, what is the status of this? More importantly, what is the actual start date for phase 1 of this development?
2. Now that OM has cancelled the LAA, which as per Minister Simmers is the only legal instrument WC government may use to secure and hold budget for such development, how is OM going to finance phase 1? More taxes?
The Chairperson gave the following response to the above questions as received/instructed by the Executive Mayor.
Response:
“In so far as Schulphoek is concerned, please be advised that there was a very clear notice given in Council that no comment on the Schulphoek matter will be made by any politician as the process of procuring the services of a turnkey developer will commence soon. Hence no comment on this matter will be given at the Ward Committee meet this round and implore you not to allow conversation on that matter at this time. “
3. Improve the Safety of Sandbaai residents as result of OMs failure to develop and clear out the Schulphoek criminals:
a) what is the status of closure of 5th street? this being the main entry point at night for the raids being carried out from Schulphoek into Sandbaai, (and given the totally failed LE camera surveillance on cnr of 5th street). This is a non-negotiable demand for the safety of Sandbaai law abiding and rate paying residents.
b) what is the status of the closure of Kusweg up to the high-water mark? Given this is the primary escape path back to Schulphoek for the coastal pathway attackers, building materials are being carried into Schulphoek this way, the coastal reserve is being plundered via this route and the nightly raiders return from as far as Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai West with their loot via this way. We do not accept that it is not legal to do so. This is a non-negotiable demand for the safety of Sandbaai law abiding and rate paying residents.
Response:
“In so far as the second point is concerned, the language used to reference people as criminals really is uncalled for. I am aware that you send a letter to the MM regarding the closure of the road. The item will go to the relevant portfolio committee meeting scheduled for the 1st week of February and from there to Mayco. Please be advised that a public participation process is required in order to close any road.”
Wyknotule 16 Maart 2023
Schulphoek Development
Mr. H Potgieter reported on the following:
- LAA is cancelled – Council took decision.
- Tender went out with changes made that did not follow the public participation process. The scope was changed.
- He strenuously objects to the fact that the tender for the management of development has been signed off and closed, but without any public participation.
- He furthermore strongly objects to the fact that the majority of the land may be serviced plots and not the housing that was originally planned.
- Social Compact.
The chairperson informed Mr. Potgieter that the Schulphoek Development may not be discussed at the Ward Committee meeting as per the Executive Mayor’s instructions.
Wykskomitee 18 Mei 2023
SCHULPHOEK: Turnkey Implement Agent appointed
The Chairperson informed the meeting that the tender is currently in the appeal period of 21 days whereafter the Implementing Agent will start with the process/development.
Noted
Wykskomitee 18 Mei 2023
Mr. H Potgieter
- Did submit grievances in writing and is awaiting feedback.
WhatsApp Chat with Ope Vloer 2 - SCHULPHOEK - Milk n Shacks - Open Floor 2.txt
2023/07/16, 18:58 - Dennis Ras created group "Ope Vloer 2 - SCHULPHOEK - Milk n Shacks - Open Floor 2"
2023/07/17, 13:42 - Dennis Ras changed to allow all participants to send messages to this group
2023/07/17, 13:47 - +27 84 911 3105: Wat presies wil ons bereik?
2023/07/17, 13:51 - +27 82 773 8884: Ek volg die Schulphoekprobleem al baie jare sedert ene Leslie Viljoen Schulphoek "gekoop" het van OM. Dit lyk asof die normale ontwikkeling van Schulphoek nie meer moontlik is nie - te veel plakkers om te verwyder. Dalk kan n ge-ordende "plakkerskamp" met bietjie infrastruktuur van die bome en omgewing bewaar?
2023/07/17, 14:06 - Sarel: Voorstel. Better living op see-uitsig en in Sandbaai se aangesig en gedienste erwe elders?! Wat is die Munisip se plan?
2023/07/17, 18:02 - Gawie Cillie:. Net so belangrik is die goedgekeurde ontwikkeling van die area
….. waarom kom dit nie van die grond af nie?
2023/07/17, 18:16 - Robberts Robbie Joseph: https://overstrandherald.co.za/2023/04/28/turnkey-implementing-agent-tender-awarded/
2023/07/17, 19:06 - Dennis Ras: Ten spyte daarvan dat die "Better Living" model aanvaar is, word onwettige plakkers steeds toegelaat deur die OM.
2023/07/17, 19:21 - +27 82 773 8884: Teoreties is daar geen regverdigheid vir plakkers of hulle hutte in Schulphoek nie. Die aantal oortreders, politieke kleur en dilemma wat om met besetters te maak, maak enige optrede om die oortreders te verwyder onwaarskynlik. So die aanvaarding en bekamping van die probleem is dalk n meer praktiese roete?
2023/07/17, 19:31 - Dennis Ras: Ek is redelik bekommerd oor die feit dat dir Michaels daarna verwys om die vernietiging van die woud "tot ń minimum" te hou.
Sover ek die wet verstaan is dit geen vernietiging nie. Punt. Waar het hy as "custodian" die reg aan homself en dus die OM toegeien om die blinde oog te draai waar dit gerieflik is?
Ek sou graag daaroor ń beter verduidelik verwag, anders is hy self medepligtig in sy versuiming van sy plig of hoe?
2023/07/17, 19:35 - +27 82 829 6301: Vrae vir die Groep:
1. Sou dit moontlik wees om die onwettige plakkers te verskuif, waarheen kan hulle verskuif word?
2. Sou 'n gedwonge verskuiwing plaasvind en opstande vind weer plaas soos in 2018, sal die wetstoepassers in staat weet om wet en orde te handhaaf?
2023/07/17, 19:57 - Dennis Ras: @27828296301 As daar reeds n ontwikkelingsplan op die Better Living model goedgekeur is, op tender uitgesit is en die tender aanvaar is, moes die OM dit juis dan nie in ag geneem het dat hulle vir hulself (en dus vir die belastingbetalers) n krisis skep deur nie die onwettige plakkery stop te sit nie? Maak dit sin wat ek vra?
Skep hulle dus nie opsetlik die probleem met die hoop dat hulle die opgehoopte plakkery kan gebruik om die hele model te probeer skraap nie? Dit is al wat logies sin maak, want die vraag oor die onwettige plakkers was al menige male onder hul aandag gebring - veral wat die langtermyn probleem gaan wees.
2023/07/17, 20:15 - +27 82 773 8884: Die onwilligheid van wetstoepassers om teen onwettige plakkers (meer nog persone sonder verblyfreg) op te tree, is ongelukkig n landswye probleem en in sommige areas dalk meer krities as melkhoutbome .... Nèrens word opgetree teen hulle nie - so watter kans het Schulphoek? Ek stem met Dennis dat persone wat betaal word om die werk te doen, dit nie doen nie. Ongelukkig is dit nie beperk tot OM nie en betwyfel ek ook of die provinsiale regering ons probleem sal sien as prioriteit.
2023/07/17, 20:23 - Dennis Ras: Wat die melkhoutbome betref gaan dit oor ń strategie van die OM wat ek raaksien.
OM kan nie van die woud ontslae raak nie en gebruik die plakkers as die "scape coats" want wie gaan nou die arme mensies toesluit, of alternatief, wat gaan die Land Party doen as ons hulle daarvoor gaan arresteer. Oooh! Hoe bang raak ek nou ???
Maw daar is ń ander agenda …… ń _slow game_ is dit ń goeie strategie.
Ons moet nie oningelig en blind verby die oorsaak van die probleem stap nie. ………….. ons moet die oorsaak van die kanker soek en dit uitsny, anders versprei dit na ander dele van die OM.
2023/07/17, 20:23 - +27 82 777 0737: ………., as die plakkers verskuif sou kon word? Is dit nie regtig waarop ons /OM moet fokus nie?
2023/07/17, 20:31 - ………… en ja daar is aan ……… Hawston se kant wel grond beskikbaar.
2023/07/17, 20:34 - +27 82 777 0737: Daar moet haalbare oplossings uitgewerk word om die situasie lang termyn aan te spreek.
2023/07/17, 20:35 - Robberts Robbie Joseph: @ Dennis. Ek dink jy moet eers al die feite reg kry oor die werklike toestand van sake.
2023/07/17, 20:38 - Dennis Ras: Schulphoek is die reeds goedgekeurde Better Living model en die tender wat reeds aanvaar is ……………. Maw, dit gaan voort.
Die probleem is die plakkery wat die OM gerieflikheidshalwe toelaat om voort te gaan.
2023/07/17, 20:44 - Robberts Robbie Joseph: @Dennis. Dit is duidelik dat jy oningelig is en nou ry jy op die onkunde en vrese van die gemeenskap. Hoekom gee jy nie die feite vir jou groep nie dan sal hulle nie die vrae vra wat hulle opper nie.
2023/07/17, 20:45 - Dennis Ras: Amen.
Dankie Robbie. Jy het reg. Feite tel.
Ons is hier om vrae te vra en antwoorde te kry.
Ek hoor graag jou opinie.
2023/07/17, 20:49 - +27 82 777 0737: J Vellema
Al die spekulasie en suspisies help niks.
……………… fokus op "oplossings", …………….. om reeds gedane en toekomstige 'verwoesting' aan te spreek, sonder om ons menslikheid te verloor.
2023/07/17, 20:58 - Chris Keevey: Dankie ek ondersteun jou voorstel ……….. Hoe kan ons as gemeenskap saam met die OM werk om die probleme aan te spreek en te bestuur?
Enige voorstelle van jou kant Dennis?
2023/07/17, 21:06 - Dennis Ras: Wel Chris. Ons probeer. Dit val op dowe ore. Die Schulphoek aangeleentheid mag nie eers op die Wykskommitee vergaderings bespreek word volgens die SAG nie. Weet jy dat van die bestuur van die SAG se kommitee deur die Mayor geblok is ……?
LE is verantwoordelik (om te sorg) dat plakkers nie die grond mag beset nie. Punt. Omdat hulle dit nie doen nie, doen die SAG dit.
Ek dink nie daar hoef enigiets nuuts bedink te word of hoe dit van hieraf vorentoe gestop moet word nie. OM moet net begin _commit_ op die beloftes wat reeds gemaak is. Dis al.
My voorstel @27836302454 is dat ons die OM net verantwoordelik moet begin hou dat hulle hul ou beloftes begin nakom waarvan een daarvan die permanente teenwoordigheid is van ń span wat die bestaande " _sekuriteits-boom_ " beheer. Dit het gewerk. En die patrollie voertuie wat Dir. Michaels belowe het.
2023/07/17, 21:20 - +27 82 829 6301: Dennis dit sal goed wees as jy n opsomming later op die groot groep kan sit.
Van die 664 mense tans oppie groot groep is ons net 50 op hierdie groepie.
2023/07/18, 09:07 - +27 82 551 5599:
Schulphoek *Milkwood* *forest* must be *protected* against human invasion. STOP ��� let's protect this site for future generations. It's imperative that we act now. ????????????????????
2023/07/18, 09:36 - +27 82 829 6301:
Die onbeheersde instroming duur net voort en kan nie gestuit word nie. Dis die probleem.
2023/07/18, 09:39 - +44 7376 115633: I believe this converation cannot meaningfully continue until OM is brought on board and an understanding of their current view on it is taken into account.
Is there an official stance from OM on the matter?
2023/07/18, 09:48 - Dennis Ras: The OM has been on board since the beginning. I'll elaborate in the history in the week to provide further context from a timeline perspective. This will be done on the Sandbaai Forum (Make Sandbaai Great) group.
2023/07/18, 11:22 - +27 82 777 0737: As mens na die OM se webwerf gaan en al die strategiese beplannings dokumente lees, is dit duidelik dat hierdie probleme al 'n LANG pad loop. Mens kan ook sien dat daar al baie besin is hieroor en dat die strategiese doelwitte regtig positief is.
Die PROBLEEM is dat daar (op die oog af) geen moontlike "INTERIM" oplossings / doelwitte aangespreek word nie - so wat doen mens NOU……..? Wat doen ons en die OM in die tussen-tyd? Daarvan kon ek niks op die OM webwerf kry nie - so ek wonder maar of iemand op HIERDIE groep INTERIM oplossings / idees het?
2023/07/18, 11:29 - Robberts Robbie Joseph: Die oplossing is nie so eenvoudig nie. Wetgewing, hoe drakonies ook al, beskerm die mense. Ek is van mening dat sodra die projek (watter projek??) afskop, wat in die nabye toekoms is, sal die situasie verbeter.
2023/07/18, 11:48 - +27 82 777 0737:.
In my ervaring dra 'oplossings-gedrewe' gesprekke baie gouer vrugte as 'klip-gooi' gesprekke.
Die belastingbetalers kan/gaan definitief nie graag meer wil betaal nie, maar selfs 'n R50.00 TYDELIKE heffing per erf, sal 'n verskil kan maak.
2023/07/18, 12:24 - +27 82 829 6301: Dennis, met "Oop vloer 1" was die Veiligheids kwessie ook baie belangrik. Ek stel voor ons laat die Melkhout bos nou met rus. Dit bestaan in elk geval nie meer nie.
Kom ons fokus nou op Sandbaai se veiligheid.
Ek weet nog nie wat n SRA is nie. Kan iemand my asb. help.
2023/07/18, 19:59 - Antoinette:
*BIETJIE AGTERGROND / SOME HISTORY*
Adv Wessels also requested that a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer be permanently placed at the Sandbaai side entrance to Schulphoek. …………. to ensure that people bringing material for building informal structures on the site, are turned away. However, I stressed that the Municipality is not able to position a Law Enforcement Officer there on a 24/7 basis.
2023/07/18, 20:04 - +27 79 138 6071:
Allowing illegal structures makes a mockery of any law and order.
2023/07/18, 20:46 - +27 68 480 7565: Can I ask a question: If these people put up shacks at the field in the middle of Sandbaai, would it be allowed, or would they be removed?? Or if they decided to make a fire on a beach, would this be allowed ??
So, if we don't take action tomorrow, the shacks will come up in your yard.
2023/07/18, 20:58 - Helen Potgieter: ………… Therefor prevention is the answer.
2023/07/18, 21:21 - +27 68 480 7565: So, in other words, ………. ���
*HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPOINTED FOR SCHULPHOEK*
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, announced at the Council Meeting this morning (26 July 2023) that the Municipality appointed ASLA Construction as the implementing agent to upgrade the Schulphoek Housing Project in Hermanus.
Meetings between Overstrand Municipality and ASLA will start soon and regular communications will be issued to update the public on the progress of the project.
Mayor Rabie said she is pleased that they have progressed thus far with the project.
She once again reminded the public to not engage or contact her with regards to the Schulphoek project. She explained that the Office of the Mayor is the appeal authority should there be any appeal against the decision of the municipal planning tribunal going forward and she would not want to be compromised in the process.
“Concerned residents should contact the Municipal Manager for any information,” the Mayor requested.
Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill
*MAYOR RECEIVES* *MEMORANDUM FROM MEMBERS OF “OPERATION DUDULA” 27.07.23.*
A group of protesters, claiming to be Zwelihle community members, and organised by members of “Operation Dudula” handed a memorandum to the Executive Mayor of Overstrand Municipality on Thursday, 27 July 2023. The march was attended by approximately 50 people from Zwelihle.
This march, started at the Sportsground in Zwelihle and headed towards Schulphoek Road, R43/Main Road and concluded at the Municipality's Head Office in Harmony Lane, Hermanus.
On arrival at around 13:00 the group was received by the Executive Mayor Dr. Annelie Rabie to receive the memorandum.
The memorandum contained a number of issues relating to foreigners and allegations that foreigners are operating illegal businesses.
The main request is that the foreigners must be removed from the township and that the municipality must see to it. This is however not the function of a municipality, and the Mayor will reply fully stating the case of the municipality.
After receiving the memorandum, the Executive Mayor addressed the group and signed the petition. The march dispersed peacefully. No damage to structures were reported during and after the march.
Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill
MINUTES 20 July 2023
5.6 SCHULPHOEK: Turnkey Implement Agent: Feedback
Will give feedback during public meeting.
Noted
