JEF fully supports and agrees that Plett need retirement villages to cater for both our local, national and even international needs bring the associated jobs to our town and bring much needed additional disposable income to support our local economy. Over the last few years several applications have been made to both Provincial and Local Government. They are still in the “pipeline” i.e. lying on the Government shelf, are subject to the legal process in our Courts or the developer has given up.
None has made it so far thanks to the DA governed Provincial Government. We were very interested to learn that “TSOKWANE” Retirement Resort, on the grounds of the old Keurboom’s Hotel, suddenly, at record speed, got the site development plan approved by both Western Cape Provincial Government Environmental Affairs Development Planning (DEAD-P) and Bitou Municipality.
The Developers, “Proud Heritage Properties (Pty) Ltd”, informed the public in an article in the CXPRESS that “If you are interested in either a living unit or investment opportunities, send your contact details to info@tsokwane.co.za”. It is thus safe to assume that the Pre-Sales, which are required to finance the development, have started.
We made a few calls and stumbled on some very interesting information:
The Board of Directors of Proud Heritage (Pty) Ltd received an “Amendment” on 09 May 2012 to an Environmental Authorization (“EA”) from DEAD-P (Land Management Region 1) dated 9 June 2008 for the Upgrade of Keurbooms Hotel and Chalets that will comprise of the following:
The construction of 64 resort units. That is regarded as a non-substantive amendment to the “EA”.
The environment and the rights and interests of other parties are not likely to be adversely affected by this decision to amend the “EA”.
We did a search of Directors of Proud Heritage (Pty) Ltd and came across 3 very familiar names in DA circles, especially when it comes to donating money to the DA. And low and behold, all of them are connected to the Plettenberg Bay Community Environmental Forum (PBCEF). They are Mr. Hilton Davies, Mr. Neville Pietersen, and Mr. Rudi Martin. Also very interesting is the fact that the “Approval of the Amendment” to the “EA”, was CC’d to Mrs. D. Grant (Grant Johnston Associates), who is also connected to the PBCEF.
As the Article in the CXPress states that the “Resort” will comprise of 120 sectional units and 40 Health & Frail care suites/units the Development DOUBLED in size, all without a “Legal Advertisement” invited I&AP’s to respond as, as stated under 1; It is a NON-SUBSTANTIVE amendment to the previous “EA”.
Even more interesting is a letter from DEAD-P (Land Management: Region 1) dated 14 May 2012 relating to the same application. In this letter, signed 5 days after the Amended ROD was approved by the Director Mr. Ayub Mohamed, the same department informs the town planner involved Ms. Wendy Floyd, that:
- Refer to your letter W047212 (304/3) dated 28 October 2011.
- Kindly note that this Office concurs with the recommendations of Bitou Municipality that this application be referred back to the applicant.
- The applicant is requested to withdraw the above application and submit a new application for the amendment of Condition 2.1 together with a revised site development plan.
- The applicant is further requested to submit an application in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), to this Department to amend the 2008 site development plan.
From the above we understand that DEAD-P agreed with the recommendations of Bitou Municipality (Planning Department that was headed by Mr. L. Gericke on the date of the letter dated 28 October 2011) and that the Application was flawed.
It is extremely interesting that the Application “Suddenly” got all the approvals, after Mr. Gericke had “Resigned” his position.
Did Bitou Municipality withdraw its earlier recommendations to DEAD-P? But DEAD-P confirmed in writing that it “Concurred” with the recommendations?
So, how on earth could the Director of Land Use Management (Region 1) Mr. AYUB Mohamed sign of the Amended “Environmental Authorization 5 days earlier?????
We also understand that the PBCEF “Objected” to a planning application for a Retirement Village on land bordering the Keurboom’s Hotel several years ago. That application was subsequently “Refused” by DEAD-P. One would have thought that the “Reasons given for that Objection by the PBCEF” would also apply to the “Tsokwane Retirement Resort” next door.
“Resort”, according to the Oxford English Dictionary meaning “A place visited for holiday’s or recreation”, i.e. a Hotel. Not permanent occupation like a Retirement Village that, as we understand requires a different Zoning Certificate.
The only logical conclusion JEF can deduce out of all of this is that if you bet money on the right horse before MAY 2011, you are definitely in the pound seats today!
Wow – this has the makings for a large story!
Refer this matter to the Public Protector. This is grandscale corruption!
Can anyone tell me why this is happening? My own application for a Retirement Village, commenced in 2005, supported by Bitou Municipality and 99% of Bitou’s residents minus the 1% Environmental Forum, is “In Court” curtecy of “Objections lodged by the Environmental Loby and “A Provincial MEC who’s clearly not up to the job in my humble opinion”. I won the case against MEC Mr. Bredell in The High Court early 2012, but the (DA) MEC Mr. Bredell is Appealing. It’s not his money, but it is his Ego that is at stake. The tax-payer is footing the bill!!
Yet the WC Premier Mrs. Zille is talking about job creation, growing the economy by 8% yearly, and how it is a right to have a job. As an Entrepeneur and small business owner: “Currently and the way the DA is govern Bitou, she has to be joking”. But where are we going without strong leaders? Is there anybody who can give me some hope? Please!
Robert, Terence has the right solution.
Refer this matter to the Public Protector. This is grandscale corruption!
Lol, Terence, Karen. My legal representative has requested access to the files from both the Provincial and Local Government. They are both past the “Legal” time limit, why if all is legal, and will receive our responce to the delay within days. We have very clear laws in South Africa and nobody, even Government Officials, are above the law. We will get the information we want and we will follow up.
Is this all nesesary????? The Premier of the WC is talking about “Job Creation” and increasing our economy by 8%. Yet her own MEC Mr. Bredell is doing every thing possible, I presume ( and hope) based om false and wrong information, to stop Job Creation in the Western Cape.
But the people are not stupid and are starting to see the “DA” in the right light. But where do they go? The Independant way? I don’t believe so.
I believe that all individuals in the Western Cape, regardless of political colour, should stand up and tell their Political leaders that “Enough is Enough”. Fight from within and make the change within your own party. Without you, the party (And as such the politician) are nowhere without YOU. You have a vote and the politician needs that vote to get elected. He is nothing without you. So lets all stand up and take controlof Bitou We need a strong leader for that. ANY BODY THERE?
Dear Robert, you’ve only got yourself to blame. If you were as bright as Chris Stroebel and all the (VERY noticeable) rest of the DA CRONIES AND FUNDERS, you NEVER would have been in this terrible situation. I understand you come from abroad? Unfortunately the sooner our (much valued) overseas investors realize that the name of the game is money, irrespective of which political party governs, the better. I am soooooo sorry to admit that the DA is not the angel of light as the media persistently portrays them to be. In fact, I came to the disturbing realizing that they are in fact the REAL enemy of all that is good and true in this world. This realization came after witnessing the tragic events which took place during their disastrous attempt to govern Plettenberg Bay, and settle a few old scores off course. Even the most right wing Plettonian long for the days of the ANC governed municipality today. Shame on you DA, SHAME ON YOU! You had the greatest opportunity possible to show your worth and you made a complete hash of it.
Charmaine, you are so right. I am in contact with other international investors and many have the same problem. South Africa has a serious problem, Unemployment, and that has to be addressed by job creation, education and bringing back the good old “Apprentice” type of education. However in Bitou is does not matter if you are DA, ANC or whatever, if you don’t belong to the “Inner Circle” who believe that they have been given a devine right to decide what is happening – permitted in Bitou, you better pack up and leave.
But I understand that the Bitou DA is not in “Line” with the National DA and that they are being investigated. There is hope that the real DA will show up in Bitou and that we will see a different future. But “JEF” the lack of activity clearly shows “Kaput”.
Hear hear, “Enough is Enough”.
Wicked-Mike we MUST meet up next week to run by all the plans and foteres eachothyer our proposasls and I Aam convince that we will find something making it it sexy and effective. keep your head up and be bolodly poditivr. it is now the time to make a diffirencl
I am always all ears, to everyone (no matter what party or organization they belong to). I am interested in anyone who wants to make a difference. Happy to have a meeting…but suggest that it be over coffee in pretty Knysna:)
Wicked Mike & JEF. Just get together and form a plan how to tackle this political problem. The ratepayers are financing the Municipality and the Councillors monthly salaries. So…where is the real power?? lets flex some mussles.
Any follow up on this quys? Please keep us in the picture as we are interested.
Your quys got together yet?
I’m speechless…………….
Why???? Karen. Why speechless. I am sure that you have something to say.
Independent I am speechless after reading this article. Politicians are ALL the same. I don’t have a clue who to vote for next time.
Hi karen.
Don’t give up. Have a good talk with your Political Councillor/Party and get to the bottum. They cannot survive without your vote! You are the boss, never forget that.
I am investigating (Got a very good team) this whole saga and will get to the truth. When I have the whole story I will publish it on “JEF”. BUT DON”T GIVE UP.
I’m dissapointed with the DA,they must forget about my vote in the coming elections,my family and friends wont be voting fox in a sheep skin.
Hi DA Supporter. Don’t give up! Speak to your DA Councillor and give him/her a clear message. You voted for the DA because you believed that they would give you a better future. So stand up and demand what they promissed. Remember if you don’t vote for them they (Him or Her) are out of a job soon. They don’t hold the Ace card, it is the voter. So let them know in no uncertain terms.
Cape Times today: Thys Giliomee has been appointed the first CEO of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, MEC Alan Winde said yesterday. Thys started August 1st and “his sleeves were rolled up”.
Winde said Giliomee had vast experience in financial management, business, labour laws, staff discipline and the implementration of turn-around stategies.
Thys applied, but did not get the permanent MM job in Bitou!!!!!
Cadre Deployment – Job for the boys? Your views!!!!!!
If an applicant did not make the grade to become MM of Bitou Municipality, how can he be the right person to run the WC Liquor Authority??
Someone should have a look at the way this “Appointment” was conducted.
Hi Lol.
Seen our Mayor’s 10th letter? Thys started those 2 hearings (In fact many more). How much are the rate payers going to pay for his ??????????? And he was an “Expert” in labour?????with how many degrees????? But “thanks god” our Alcohol in the WC is in safe hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!