After a year and a half’s investigation, the Overstrand Municipality has been cleared of allegations that its appointment of a service provider may have been illegal.
The investigation, by Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, was requested by Murray McGregor of Together 4 Change (T4C) on 21 December 2021. He wanted the appointment of the service provider, Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) by the Overstrand Municipality investigated.
Bredell agreed to institute a Section 106 investigation. Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act of 2000 empowers the MEC for Local Government to request information or to appoint an investigator(s) if he or she has reason to believe that “maladministration fraud, corruption or any other serious malpractice has occurred or is occurring in a municipality.”
“We are happy to confirm the investigation . . . was concluded and the outcome was communicated to the complainant,” Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said. “The investigation showed the municipality did not transgress any legislation with the appointment of HWS.”
At the same time Mayor of the Overstrand Dr Annelie Rabie launched a public consultation process during May, June and July 2022 by hosting a number of public meetings. According to O’Neill several proposals were received for community-based partnerships in dealing with baboon management, specifically in the ward 10 areas. “To give effect to these proposals the baboon-management areas were separated into East (Hermanus) and West (Hangklip/Betty’s Bay) as the management of baboons in both areas are distinct and unique,” O’Neill explained. “Tenders were then requested. By the closing date only one tender was received, and only for the eastern side. However, this tender was non-responsive. A decision was then taken by the municipality to continue with an expanded Eco-Monitor programme in the West.
“With regard to the four problem male baboons in Pringle Bay, the issue was discussed with Dr Baard (Cape Nature) and Dr Laros (Dept Environmental Affairs) on 15 May to request assistance. Bredell undertook to take the required action to remove the baboons from the area. Rabie followed-up with Cape Nature and Minister Bredell on two occasions, without success.”
Although the provincial cabinet assigned the management of baboons in the Overstrand area to the Overstrand Municipality, for a limited period, it is not a constitutional mandate of the municipality’s.
In the council meeting on 26 July Rabie again placed it on record that the municipality will not continue with the project when the current assignment expires (7 December 2024). “This is because, going forward, it does not have the financial means to implement the programme, as no financial assistance is provided by the provincial government,” O’Neill explained. “This decision will be revisited should the provincial government assign the function with the necessary funding.”
He added that residents are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the true facts before making “unsub-stantiated claims and announcements in or on any media platform, as the case currently is in Pringle Bay.”
