I refer to the Paarl Post of 10 March, “Post Scriptum” by Johan Rademeyer blowing his own trumpet. Fortunately for me the headline above his article “Misskatting van eie bekwaamhede” described the situation perfectly.
It would appear that, despite the positions he holds, Rademeyer has no concept of the various laws and regulations that govern heritage nor does he comprehend that, having the authority which is delegated to Heritage Western Cape does not come with a budget to fund the restoration for the issues he mentions. There are others in the area that should be added to his list as the councillor who was responsible for the built environment eg. Non- Pareille, Vlakkeland and Saron.
We may not have the finances for the fancy European examples he quotes but what we do have are regulations and heritage authorities empowered to ensure that we do not allow “big Business” and “know all” councillors to destroy what we do have. The appeal outcome of some 23 pages, after a detailed submission and the representations of respected independent professionals on either side, set out the principles and the contraventions specifically and clearly.
Councillor Rademeyer, by his own conduct, clearly does not understand that it goes against good governance to allow an individual two bites of the cherry: he must choose to participate within the Heritage and Aesthetics committees or as a councillor responsible for the built environment – but he cannot do both.
The fact that this was allowed to happen reflects this conflict of interest. The municipality may not approve a plan without a Heritage permit. This is spelt out clearly. Equally, the DHF was fully entitled to pursue the developers criminally as the Act provides. What is beyond comprehension is how the municipality allowed occupation without approval of the plans. This action, in contravention of the National Building Regulations, effectively cuts the hands off the heritage authorities and begs the question: who has who in their pockets?
The advertising/signage question is a municipal regulation within the heritage area. The Paarl Aesthetics committees should have sight of the proposed signage before it is submitted, and the municipality must ensure it complies with the regulations. I was not aware that this was an issue, but having drawn attention to this it appears the flags and other elements protrude over the building line – a situation that has not been allowed anywhere else. Whenever this occurs, there will always be the question of corruption. That is why the process and regulations must be adhered to even when the “self-styled experts” on the local council think they know better.
