A special council meeting was held last week to discuss demands contained in a memorandum handed to the Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, by the Land Party (LP) two weeks ago.
Discussions included the demand that the process to appoint an implementing agent for Schulphoek/Dubai be halted, that Lenvalco in Sandbaai be moved to another location and a moratorium be placed on all land sales in the area.
The municipality reported that council had resolved that the tender process for the appointment of an implementing (turnkey) agent for Dubai would continue and a workshop on how government works and what the implementing agent will be responsible for would be held. Also, once the implementing agent was appointed it would work with stakeholders and social compact committee.
The LP accused Rabie of racism and discrimination. “The Mayor must stop her racism and discrimination to sell land to rich white people while the people of Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant and Hawston live like sardines,” its memo said.
“It is racism to prevent black people from staying next to the ocean, on prime land such as Dubai.”
These allegations and claims that the Deputy Mayor Lindile Ntsabo is “a puppet” will be investigated. “If nothing was reported to the Speaker by Friday 24 February the matter will be referred to the Human Rights Commission,” said Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill.
A voice note accusing the Mayor of being corrupt and allegedly threatening to take her out will reportedly form part of this investigation.
The LP’s request to place a moratorium on all land sales was rejected. “It was once again emphasised there are no registered land claims on any of the 12 pockets of land earmarked for investment,” said O’Neill.
Lenvalco, said the municipality, will be requested to submit regular reports on safety, health and environmental issues and dust-particle discharge.
Chief Louis Gardiner, leader of the Land Party in the Overberg, said in response the peaceful protest two weeks ago was to reach certain objectives, which the party feels has been achieved.
He said: “We want people to focus on coming developments, whether they’ll affect the town positively or negatively. But we are happy about the special council meeting’s outcomes and hope the Mayor isn’t bluffing, but will report the racism claims to the Human Rights Commission.”
