An unknown number of plots of varying sizes were offered to municipal employees last year, for between R20 128 and R25 473, and among the buyers were former mayor Vukile Balura, infrastructural development director Xolani Masiza, whose department oversaw the sales, and communications officer Cecil Mbolekwa.
Other buyers whose names appeared on a transfers report supplied by the Deeds Office are chief building inspector Shaheed Burton, and the mayor’s secretary, Ntomboxolo Ndiyana.
Transfer for the sales went through a few months ago.
Most of the erven are between 200 to 300m2 and sold for R25 473 apiece, but Balura, Masiza and Mbolekwa paid the best prices for their larger plots. Balura, who was earning an annual salary of about R618 000 before his term ended, and Masiza, who pockets more than R900 000 a year, bought their 714m2 plots in Station Hill for R20 128 and R22 474 respectively.
Mbolekwa got an extra two square metres for the same price as Balura.
TotT asked Mbolekwa about the land sales, including if they were advertised and open to the general public.
He said they were not advertised as they were “meant for municipal employees”.
We asked, if this was one of those schemes where municipal land was being made available at affordable purchase prices for low wage earners, why the top earners in the municipality were allowed to buy.
“Yes you are correct the scheme was meant for that, but did not necessarily exclude other municipal employees,” said Mbolekwa.
The land sales were supported by a council resolution, he added.
TotT also asked, considering the infrastructural development directorate was overseeing the sale of municipal land, if that would not have precluded Masiza and Burton from buying it out of conflict of interest if not by municipal legislation.
“There was nothing stopping them from buying property,” replied Mbolekwa.
He said the municipality had received the money for each sale, but could not say how many employees had bought property or how much money the municipality had made. “This still has to be verified,” he said.
Asked where the money was going, he replied: “To the municipality” without elaborating.
DA caucus leader Ross Purdon said he was unaware of the land sales and could not comment.
Ndlambe Action Group chairman Derek Victor said he understood a process had to be followed for municipal land to be alienated for sale, and to sell it below market value, at a loss to the municipality. “These are effectively donations,” he said.
He queried if Ndlambe had had the land valued.
He also said money from such sales needed to be ring-fenced rather than just “disappear into the pot”.
Victor said he subsequently heard the sale of these erven went back to a council decision a few years ago to make land available to municipal employees who live outside Port Alfred at affordable prices. The intent was that they could relocate to Port Alfred.
“Has there been a subsequent council decision to make the land available to all municipal employees, including some of the highest paid officials, for ridiculously low prices?” he asked.
- Jon Houzet
Riding the crest of a wave, Lions/Talk of the Town Miss Port Alfred Zinzisa Manina was also appointed headgirl at Port Alfred High School next year. The head prefects for 2012, who were announced at the high school prize-giving on Monday evening are (from left) Mbasa Stamper (deputy headboy), Sino Bakaqana (headboy), Zinzisa Manina and Danica Kukard (deputy headgirl). Not only was Zinzisa recently crowned Miss Port Alfred, but she will also serve as Interact president for 2012 and was awarded the class prize for Grade 11 at the prize-giving and received academic honours
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Just four months after a record high voter turnout that saw the DA win Ward 10 by a landslide in the local government election, apathy appeared to have crept in and leaders made desperate phone calls to bring in 13 people to form the quorum.
The meeting was held at the new DA offices behind Pep Stores.
Claude Spence was re-elected as chairperson and Sandy Birch as secretary. Now the ward councillor, Ross Purdon stood down as vice-chairperson and nominated Hester Smit to replace him. Other committee members are Kiewit Marais and Jimmy Williams.
Spence thanked councillor Ray Schenk for his work over the election, “holding more meetings than I had dinners”. To Purdon he said: “You’re new, but you’ve already left deep footprints in this ward.”
Purdon said it was a team effort. “This is a very important branch for the DA.”
He said the Ndlambe DA’s Cacadu representative, Rory Gailey, was bringing back positive reports from Cacadu. “It’s a good link there and I think it will pay good dividends. I don’t think the link was so good in the past,” said Purdon.
Among the good news Purdon shared was that a quote had been agreed on to replace the light on the West pier, which will replicate the light on the East pier. The West pier has been without a light since the former lighthouse was toppled by high seas two years ago.
“I think we’re working well in council,” he said. “It used to be DA vs ANC, and the ANC used to throw a ring around their directors. I think we’re talking as one now, with the directors on the side.”
Purdon pointed out the ANC caucus had finally acted against corporate services director Thandeka Mali for her alleged misconduct. Previously Mali was repeatedly protected from criticism and calls for disciplinary action against her.
“The pressure other ward councillors are putting on the mayor and management is music to my ears,” said Purdon.
He said he had been handed the toughest portfolio – finance, with corporate services thrown in for good measure.
“Finance’s figures are scary,” he said. “We’ve got to focus on debt collection. Without money we can’t do anything.”
The IDP process has started and Purdon urged residents to lobby for needs in their wards.
“The previous mayor paid scant attention to public participation,” he said.
Among the strategies the DA will focus on is winning black converts for the 2014 election.
- Jon Houzet
“Such things are part of the past,” he said. “We (the government) do not forcibly remove anyone from their land. However, as far as I am aware the people living at the Kap River are only there because they were or currently are employees of the municipality and work at the nature reserve.
“The claim that they are being forcibly removed is a blundered lie.”
According to Tandani, the farm in the area was purchased by Deon Coetzee when the transitional municipality was in place during the 1990s.
“The area is actually owned by Cacadu, not Ndlambe. The municipality manages the reserve on behalf of Cacadu,” added Tandani.
Ndlambe municipality made application to the Department of Rural Development to set up an area for human settlement in Ward 6 that would accommodate all the people of the area. Ward 6 encompasses a large rural area in Ndlambe including, among other areas, Kap River, Kleinemonde and Trappes Valley.
The application was to establish settlements in Trappes Valley and provide housing and ownership, as well as potable water and a workable sewerage system.
“We are not forcibly removing people from the area and, if the people there have a legitimate claim to the area, they should make application to the minister. The issue of land claims was closed some time ago, and they made no such application. If they still feel it is their right to reside on the land around Kap River they should follow procedure and make a formal application,” said Tandani.
“We have no intention of making Kap River into a township.”
Municipal spokesperson Cecil Mbolekwa said the people at the Kap River are not Trikwakwa.
“The Trikwakwa are not from that area,” he said. “They are from the Kleinemonde area.”
“If they are saying that their ancestors are buried at the site of the Kap River, then they must make a formal application to that effect and substantiate it. The municipality will then pass this on for the relevant authority in order to investigate it.”
Tandani is due to address the people of the area on Sunday, and urged all interested parties to attend the meeting.
- Rob Knowles
Bathurst farm boy Ross McCreath, known for his achievements with development cricket team the Tiger Titans, was the lucky winner of a fantastic prize to finish his matric year with a bang with seven friends in Umhlanga Rocks
LOCAL matric pupil Ross McCreath has won the party of a lifetime for himself and seven friends in Umhlanga this summer.
The prize consists of a seven day stay in a mansion and is sponsored by Vodacom4U, Blackberry and G&G productions. Included in the prize is a chef, a chauffeur, a bottomless bar and fridge as well as VIP access to every party.
To enter Ross bought a 4U Rage Festival 2011 Passport, registered his passport online and then listened to the Fresh Drive on 5fm between October 3 and 7. Stays at three mansions were up for grabs – in Plettenberg Bay, Umhlanga and Ballito.
After the winner of the Plettenberg Bay holiday was announced on air, Ross said he was “really bleak” so he was surprised when he got a call from 5fm. At first he thought he was talking to the producer but realised it was 5fm presenter DJ Fresh.
“I was amused because I wanted to go to Plett, but Fresh told me I was going to Umhlanga,” he said.
He said he has “pretty much decided” who his seven lucky friends will be, but is waiting for the details before he tells them. The group will leave on November 28 and return on December 6.
- Candice Bradfield
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This was one of the undertakings to come out of a meeting between Ndlambe’s finance directorate and disgruntled residents last week.
A handful of Port Alfred residents gathered at the DA offices to grill finance director Howard Dredge and his deputy Michael Klaas.
Klaas bore the brunt of residents’ wrath as Dredge was unable to leave a disciplinary hearing for an employee to make the scheduled meeting on time.
Former chairperson of the Port Alfred Residents and Ratepayers Association, Charles Pellew, thanked councillor Ross Purdon for facilitating the meeting after residents approached him about ongoing problems with accounts for water and electricity.
“The answers coming back don’t fully answer the questions that are asked,” said Pellew. “We used to get the meter number, starting reading, finishing reading and consumption. Now we have to look for that information. It’s not clearly marked.”
He said readings were not taken regularly – one period was for 34 days.
“Why do we get estimated accounts if meters are read?”
Pellew also asked Klaas about the 50kWh of free electricity and 6kl of free water which every South African was entitled to, according to the government.
“We don’t get that, so we immediately start at a higher rate (in the block tariffs).”
In response to the issues raised, Klaas said the format of the bills had changed and provided more detail “to help people reconcile their bills”.
If users were unhappy, the municipality would restructure the bills, he said.
He said the reasoning of their service provider CAB, was that as the information about consumption and starting and finishing meter readings was in the detailed bill, they “could not” put it in the spaces which originally gave that information.
He said the municipality strived to keep to a schedule of readings every 30.4 days. “Estimated readings are rare in Port Alfred, as we do try to get actual readings at every house depending on accessibility.”
Resident Joy Lloyd protested that readings were irregular and inaccurate. She and other residents said their water meters were buried in dirt and required a spade and a torch to read. They queried if the meter reader was in fact taking readings.
Asked who was responsible for keeping meters which were not on their properties clean and accessible, Klaas said the municipality was responsible.
As for the allotment of free units of water and electricity, Klaas said it depended on the policy of an individual municipality. “It’s based on the affordability of that municipality,” he explained.
“So what you’re saying is that some people are paying more for water and electricity because some people can’t afford to? Shouldn’t the indigent list take care of that?” Pellew asked.
“I disagree,” said Klaas, “because indigents are paid for out of the equitable share.”
Pellew retorted that the equitable share depended on accurate information being supplied to the Treasury.
Councillor Terri Stander weighed in, saying that was why the census was so important. “Based on the information received, our equitable share should change.”
She also suggested a meeting with the five meter readers in Port Alfred, to see if they had any challenges and sort out their routes.
- Jon Houzet
Coelen accompanied university president Leendert Klaassen along with several other Stenden dignitaries on the trip to South Africa in anticipation of the grand re-opening of My Pond Hotel, planned for November 18. While here, Klaassen officially unveiled a plaque signifying My Pond’s inclusion in the Mantis Collection, which includes Shamwari Game Reserve, Lake Pleasant, the Jock Hotel in Mpumalanga, the Lawhill Luxury Apartments in the Western Cape and now My Pond Hotel in Port Alfred.
The unveiling of a plaque signifying My Pond Hotel’s inclusion in the Mantis Collection took place on Friday. From left are Adrian Gardiner, chief executive of the Mantis Collection, Stenden University president Leendert Klaassen and Grant Wheatley, strategic development director of Novate
Built on the banks of the Kowie River, and the grounds of the former Port Frances House in Van der Riet Street, the hotel comprises 17 en suite bedrooms, a restaurant, a pub and a conference centre, with a honeymoon suite overlooking the river. It also boasts a first for South Africa in its geothermal heating and cooling source, which takes energy directly from the earth itself, as well as low energy lighting utilising LEDs where possible.
Grant Wheatley, strategic development director of Novate, the original developers of the hotel, said a current R3-million expansion project would add a further 10 rooms to My Pond, plus an improved kitchen and conference facility, as well as new furnishings and conversion of all lighting to low-power illumination.
Stenden South Africa took over the management and operation of My Pond Hotel in September this year, assuming all operational duties. Stenden graduate Thulani Xhali was appointed general manager and has great plans for the hotel’s future.
“The entire hotel is bursting with enthusiasm,” he said. “Everyone is working really hard and I’m sure we will make an even bigger impact on Port Alfred than in the past. Our objective is to provide first class food and accommodation to our clients while supporting sustainable projects in town. Our emphasis is on locally-produced fare, without compromising quality.”
At the unveiling ceremony Klaassen said he was happy with the positive way Stenden was seen in Port Alfred, and the support given by locals. Mantis Collection CEO Adrian Gardiner said he was delighted My Pond was now part of the collection.
My Pond is the only commercial hotel run almost exclusively by a university and its students that is not on the campus grounds. As such, this is possibly a world first for Port Alfred.
Earlier, at the breakfast held in honour of the partnership between Novate, the Mantis Collection and Stenden South Africa, Coelen hinted at another world first he hoped to officially announce in the near future, but would say nothing further at this point.
- Rob Knowles
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THE writing-off of about 1000 municipal assets caused consternation among councillors at a special Ndlambe Council meeting on Monday.
DA councillor Terri Stander asked why so many assets were being written off by the council. These included computer equipment, chairs, steel tables, lawn mowers and medical trolleys.
“These are big items, and it would be dishonest to simply write off these items from the municipal books without supplying a reason for doing so,” she told the council. “We must find out where they are or who took them. These assets belong to the town, and not individuals. We could be opening ourselves up for charges of corruption.”
ANC councillor Phindile Faxi and the other members of the ANC caucus supported Stander’s stance.
“If these items are ever found,” Faxi suggested, “they should be donated to charities, or to the small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) we are supporting in the area.”
Financial director Howard Dredge explained that the items to be written off could not be found following a recent audit. Rather than leave them on the asset register, it had been decided to remove them, at least until a full investigation could be conducted to ascertain where they had gone. This, he added, would assist in the auditor general’s report and help Ndlambe achieve an unqualified report in-line with the municipality’s objective.
However, Stander contended that this was essentially dishonest and, while the auditor general might have to submit qualification on the final report, this was more acceptable than pretending the items no longer existed.
Dredge countered that there was no intention of hiding the fact the assets were missing.
“We will not stop looking for the assets,” he said. “When and if they are found they will be included in the register. But, since we d not hold these assets at this time, it is equally bad for us to carry assets we can no longer use.”
Faxi asked for a timetable to establish if these assets are still at the municipality.
The matter was postponed until the next council meeting in November.
Deviations from supply chain management
Councillor Genevieve Cannon asked the council several questions regarding deviations from supply chain management, particularly when such expenditure seemed excessive. She wanted an explanation as to why a venue with lunches cost the municipality R37 000.
“That was a high-profile meeting held at the Halyards Hotel,” explained Ndlambe mayor, Sipho Tandani. “We had representatives from province and other dignitaries at the meeting, which was organised at short notice when no other suitable venue was available. We also supplied lunches to all who attended, included many members of the general public.
“It is worth noting that, following the meeting we were awarded R15-million for our water project,” he added. “So I think the expenditure was justified.”
Cannon also asked for an explanation of R27 839.97 on fleet vehicle repairs at Bruno’s Panel Beaters.
“Was this a fleet of vehicles or just one?” she asked.
Dredge said it was a single vehicle. Bruno’s was used as it is only one of two panel beaters in the area recognised by the South African Revenue Services.
“We had to repair the vehicle as it was then not roadworthy,” he said. “This was cheaper than having the vehicle replaced.”
Rates policy
The Ndlambe municipal rates policy was accepted by those present with respect to reductions, rebates and allowances allowed to be claimed from the municipality such as those by organisations, farmers and travel expenses claimed by municipal staff.
Councillor Ross Purdon asked that, while the policy allowed for municipal management to travel first class and stay in five-star accommodation, particularly when overseas, that officials show restraint.
Tandani replied that, whenever he and municipal manager Rolly Dumezweni travelled in South Africa, they preferred to stay in bed and breakfast accommodation.
“We are aware of the fact the municipality should not squander the funds available to them,” he said.
Councillor Skura Venene commented that he knew the trips made by the mayor were all of benefit to Ndlambe, such as the planned trip to Ireland. He sat down to chuckles from the other councillors present.
Talk of the Town learned at the previous week’s executive council meeting that the trip to Ireland is funded by the European Union, to see the success of local economic development (LED) programmes in member states, and will therefore not cost Ndlambe money.
Addendums
Two addenda were presented to the council for its consideration. The first was an adjustment budget for the LED programme which was managed by the corporate services directorate when the budget was approved. Now that the mayor and municipal manager control LED funding, additional operating budgets were required. This was accepted by the council.
The second addendum was with respect of the establishment of the municipal accounts committee. The ANC proposed councillors Faxi, Khululwa Ncamiso, and Thembani Mazana to the committee, and the DA proposed councillors Stander and Raymond Schenk. Purdon requested that, as was normal practice at both national and regional levels, one of the opposition councillors should be nominated as chairperson. Tandani replied that, while that was a gesture made at those levels, this time the ANC would chair this committee. Ncamiso was elected chairperson.
Motion of Exigency
Councillor Stander attempted to introduce three motions of exigency, explaining that, as these were late in being introduced, she would accept the ruling of the council. But she said the meeting itself did not conform to the rules of 10 days notice, and that the addenda were only issued an hour before the meeting.
However, Ncamiso proposed the motions be held over to the next council meeting, and this was carried.
Presentation
A presentation on the bulk supply of water to the Ndlambe West area was given by engineers and environmental consultants SSI. A professional brochure with slides was handed out at the meeting describing a potential R44-million upgrade of potable water systems.
These projects would ensure the supply of water to Alexandria, Bushman/Cannon Rocks, and the Kenton area both now and over the next 25 years.
Rob Knowles
Ward 10 councillor Ross Purdon organised the cleanup and enlisted the assistance of several individuals as well as the municipality in the project.
“We have a great spirit of community in Port Alfred,” said Purdon. “Particularly Gary McKay of Talisman Tool and Plant Hire, who jumped at the chance to help by providing a truck and heavy lifting equipment, which he is donating free of charge.”
Purdon also solicited the help of Ndlambe chief conservation officer, Fanie Fouche, who has assisted with identifying alien vegetation on the site as well as making recommendations as to how the bush should be cut back.
“Fanie has also bee a great help from the municipality’s side, and assisted in the cleanup operation,” added Purdon.
The municipality is supplying diesel for the vehicles used, as well as ensuring the grass is cut and the area is properly maintained.
“Our intention is to clear the krantz area first, and then proceed up Wesley Hill, cutting back the bush to at least 2m from the pavement. This is the main route taken by Stenden students when coming to or returning from town, so we need to take cognisance of this and ensure the area is safe for everyone,” he said.
This area also forms part of the crowd and traffic management plan for New Year’s Day, when it will be used as a car park for the many visitors to West Beach. Shuttle taxis will be on hand to take people to the beach from the parking lot, which will alleviate congestion.
- Rob Knowles
The krantz braai area in Port Alfred, at the R72 robots, is currently being cleared of alien vegetation and the bush is being cut back in order to make the area a safe place for visitors and passers-by. From left are Xolani Ntukela, Tozi Manengana, Tutu Hoyi, Mzwbantu Ndeyi and Payi Mayeza, all employees of ward 10 councillor Ross Purdon (second from right), with Archie Mathumela driving the truck, Gary McKay of Talisman and (far right) and Ndlambe chief conservation officer Fanie Fouche
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In our front page story this week we bring to light a scheme which made it possible for Ndlambe municipal employees to buy land at very affordable prices, between R20 000 and R25 000. Many of the plots were in Station Hill.
The original intent of making the land available was to benefit municipal employees who lived outside Port Alfred to be able to afford to build a home and relocate here.
But there is no telling how many bought land for that purpose, or how many rather bought land as speculators.
The land was available only to municipal employees, but unlike other schemes which limit availability to low wage earners and first time property buyers, it was open to everyone from general workers to Section 57 employees and councillors.
Among the takers were former mayor Vukile Balura and infrastructural development director Xolani Masiza, two of the highest paid people in the municipality.
Lower down in the ranks but hardly low wage earners are chief building inspector Shaheed Burton and communications officer Cecil Mbolekwa, who also bought plots in Station Hill.
A host of other names appear on the transfers report TotT was provided. Mbolekwa could not say how many municipal employees had taken up the offer, but in transfers that went through this year, this writer counted 69 buyers.
One can understand and appreciate government schemes which seek to help previously disadvantaged individuals become property owners, aside from the RDP homes which are given away free. There is something to be said for being able to afford to buy your own property through the sweat of your brow. It surely instils a sense of pride in ownership that does not come from simply receiving a handout on a plate.
So we do not begrudge the municipality taking care of its lower earning workers in this way, many of whom were probably previously unable to purchase property, especially after the property boom in the last decade.
However, we believe there is something unjust in the fact that the highest paid municipal employees, including our former mayor, who had a taste for luxuries like an official mayoral BMW with unlimited mileage, had the same opportunity to snap up land at a ridiculous price.
Balura has since departed, but not before he walked away with a 714m2 plot in Station Hill for R20 128. A nice steal for a man who pocketed more than R600 000 of Ndlambe’s budget every year, not counting his use of the BMW and other travel expenses.
He bought it in August last year and transfer was registered in June, but we have no idea if he will actually build a house and live there or become a property speculator.
Masiza, another top earner who grabbed a plot, is the director of the department in charge of the land sales, which also raises questions about possible conflict of interest. Masiza acted early, buying his plot in March last year. His building inspector Burton also snapped one up early.
One can almost imagine these individuals talking each other into taking advantage of deals that were too good to pass up.
Mbolekwa, feeling the heat a bit personally this week, told TotT the municipality had received the money from each sale, but could not say how much money had been made and did not elaborate where the funds would go.
He justified the purchases by himself, Masiza, the former mayor and others by referring to a council resolution which endorsed the sales.
The fact cheap land was being snapped up by some of the richest men in Ndlambe by a device of their own making did not seem to give anyone pause.
- Jon Houzet
