MUNICIPAL MANAGER RESIGNS DURING HEARING

Suspended Knysna Municipal Manager, Grant Easton,  tendered his resignation yesterday, 15 March, during a disciplinary hearing. 

According to a press release from the Municipal Communications Department, the disciplinary hearing was convened after Easton was charged last year with misconduct in relation to several serious irregularities which occurred during his tenure. At the hearing the Municipality called several witnesses to testify in the case against him.

“In the opinion of the Municipality, the evidence against Easton was overwhelming. However, Easton unexpectedly tendered his resignation, effective 30 April, during the hearing ,” the release stated.

The Municipality accepted the resignation, which brought an end to the employment relationship, and the purpose of the disciplinary hearing was mooted.

“Easton is legally entitled to receive all benefits which accrued to him prior to his resignation. This includes past accumulated leave days and an old outstanding bonus dating back to the 2014/15 budget year,” the release read.

“The total cost of proceedings is yet to be finally calculated. The Municipality has a constitutional imperative to investigate misconduct and to discipline staff and the cost could not be avoided.

“We can assure the public that no settlement was entered into, and Easton was not paid out for the rest of the term of his contract. He will also not receive any bonus for the 2015/16 budget year or the 2016/17 budget year.”

 

/by

LAND WRANGLE OVER SEDGE CEMETERY

In a press release issued on Tuesday 7 March, Knysna Municipality announced that they have been prohibited in terms of a High Court order, to enter upon or to use the land known as ‘Sedgefield Cemetery’ as a cemetery. This court order was obtained by New Line Investments (Pty) Ltd, Avieprop Developments (Pty) Ltd and Aviemore Home Owners Association.

The Municipality, custodians of the Sedgefield Cemetery situated on the northern side of the N2 above Aviemore, was further ordered to close all burial grounds or areas prepared for use as burial grounds on the property.

This order remains intact while an ownership, land use rights and necessary authorization dispute between Newline Investments and the Knysna Municipality is being resolved.

According to Knysna Municipality, back in 1999 the then Sedgefield Municipality (which was later absorbed by Knysna) obtained the Record of Decision (ROD) in terms of the old Environmental Conservation Act to develop the property as a cemetery after the land was expropriated from a Dr van der Merwe during 1999.

“Sadly Dr van der Merwe passed away, and during the winding up of his estate it was found that the property was still registered in his name. It was later sold from the estate to Newline Investments,” said the press release, “Now Newline Investments claim ownership of the property and they do not acknowledge that the property was expropriated. They took further exception to the use of the property as a cemetery, stating that the property is zoned – Agricultural Zone I. They state that the necessary statutory authorisation as required by various Acts must be obtained.”

We asked Mike Young, who was the Mayor of Sedgefield in 1999, if he had any recollections of the transaction.

“I well remember the issue coming before Sedgefield Council. I think that payment for the land was authorised and we were led to believe that it had taken place and that transfer of the property had been initiated,” he told us, “ I have been told that many of the Sedgefield records transferred to Knysna Municipality are no longer available, so I suspect that the only way to get proof of payment may be to try to get Sedgefield Council’s bankers to help.  Since all this happened nearly 20 years ago, legal prescription may make this not possible.”

Said Knysna Acting Municipal Manager, Johnny Douglas, “We and Newline Investments are currently in negotiations regarding the ownership, and if no satisfactory settlement can be reached, the question of ownership shall be decided by a court of law.”

He added: “We are advised that should the matter be referred to court, it may take between 18 to 36 months to obtain judgement, where after, if we are successful, we still would need to apply for the proper legislative authorisation.”

The Municipality says that their proverbial hands are tied as they may not proceed to develop or use the cemetery illegally and in contravention of the court order and legislation.

“The Knysna Municipality has the greatest understanding of the community’s frustration and I sympathise and empathise with all members of the public whose relatives and friends are buried in the cemetery. I undertake to revert back to the Sedgefield community leaders on the progression of this matter,” added MAYCO Chair of Community Services, Councillor Cathy Weideman.

/by

SANPARKS MEETS DOG OWNERS HALF WAY

SANParks is meeting dog owners half way concerning the walking of dogs in the Garden Route National Park. New areas for walking dogs on the beach in the Wilderness Park area (which includes Sedgefield) were rezoned after considering input from extensive research and surveys done. These zones are now simplified in a guideline (brochure & visible signage) published by the Park for walking dogs in designated areas of the Park. Signage will be erected by the end of this week with rezoned areas and brochures distributed first in Wilderness.

According to main Marine Ranger for Wilderness, Jonathan Britton, these zones are currently applicable for the Wilderness Beach but the colour-coded system will be rolled out in phases to Sedgefield as well. Various existing organised forums for stakeholders will be used.

The simplified version of the guideline is colour-coded:

Green zones: are dog friendly beaches, dogs still need to be under the command of their humans and dog ‘poo’ must picked up and binned. This is not a free-for-all zone, but the Code of Conduct for dog walking still applies.

Yellow Zones: Dogs are only permitted on leashes. The yellow zone was introduced after a survey was conducted for white fronted plovers and found some breeding pairs as well as likely habitat around the popular entry points for dog walking. There has been a significant drop nationally in the population numbers of white fronted plovers, and dogs walking on a leash toward a green dog friendly beach was the best comprise to improve the breeding potential and success of the local pairs of these birds.

Red Zone: No dogs are permitted as these are either known important bird breeding areas or recreational beaches where beach goers who prefer not to share their beach time with dogs have a place to visit as well.

‘We believe that these zones strike a balance between protecting coastal bird breeding and habitat areas, dog walking and other recreational users’ says Britton.

The onus is on those walking dogs to abide by guidelines regulating this activity. This can be done through checking signage regularly that is posted along the beach and forestry areas.

Why dogs are not allowed in other areas of the Park

  • This is primarily to protect dogs from wild animals as dogs may become prey to predators or get attacked by other wild animals such as baboons, especially in the forestry areas.
  • Dogs in the Park may harass or kill animals and plants protected by the Park. They may also disturb birds during breeding seasons.
  • Dogs also tend to enjoy digging up plants and which may be significant indigenous plants necessary for the survival of the ecosystem.
  • Dogs also spread diseases. Domestic dogs and cats may carry certain pathogens that pose a serious disease risk to wild canids, felids, viverids and mustelids.

Dogs threaten birds like the African Oystercatcher

  • Adults and chicks become separated and nests and youngsters become vulnerable to trampling and predation by gulls, dogs and man.
  • Their nests are often a shallow scrape in the sand on exposed beaches and vulnerable to roving and excitable dogs.
  • Incubation of eggs is about 29 days and youngsters take about 45 days to become independent. Breeding success rate is 20-40%.
  • Black Oystercatchers are threatened by disturbance and coastal development; the total population is less than 6500 individuals.

These new laws will also be available to share on the SANParks website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/

Members of the public are encouraged to write to us about their concerns, queries and experience in the Park. All queries can be directed to: nandi.mgwadlamba@sanparks.org

/by

TOURISM HANGING IN THE BALANCE

(Picture: Sedgefield’s Tourism Manager Belinda Hobson with 2016 Expedition Africa crew member Hose Pires)

There has been serious concern raised by some Sedgefield residents, especially those associated with the tourism industry, that the future of our local tourism office, and indeed the whole of Knysna and Partners (previously Knysna Tourism) is hanging in the balance. This after it was intimated to staff members last week that, as of the end of June this year, they may well be out of work as the Knysna Municipality would no longer be providing funds.

Knysna and Partners (K&P) is a section 21 company that has for many years had the mandate to market the Greater Knysna area. It is funded for the most part by an annual grant of over R4 million from Knysna Municipality, as well as smaller amounts raised by membership fees and commissions.
The Sedgefield Tourism Office (a branch of Knysna and Partners) will certainly be sorely missed should it close due to lack of funding. Under the enthusiastic management of Belinda Hobson and her small team it has for years played an integral part in not only promoting the village as a holiday destination, but bringing the community together through various projects.
We asked Knysna and Partners Board representative Elmay Bouwer for clarity on whether there was indeed a problem, and she kindly responded on behalf of the board.
“The current Service Level Agreement between K&P and Knysna Municipality will come to an end on 30 June 2017 with no guarantees of an extension, renewal or future grant funding. Due to the current situation the K&P board took a resolution not to commit to renewing contracts for staff appointed on a yearly basis and relevant staff have been informed with regards to this.
“Board members have also been in consultation with full time staff members and communicated the following to them:
1. The Board has no sight or confirmation of funding from the Municipality or any other financial investor at this stage.
2. Whilst they are trying to secure confirmation of future commitments, they are obliged to inform the staff that they (The Board) face this dynamic of no funding beyond 30 June 2017.
3. The board has taken a pro-active approach to appoint a transition committee with a mandate to come up with a new strategic vision, workable plan and budget for the future and this will be presented to the municipality.
4. The board is in the process of setting up a meeting with the Municipal Manager (according to SLA agreement Reporting & Monitoring should happen with the Municipal Manager) to discuss exactly what it is the municipality expects from K&P, and what their vision is going forward.
5. The Board has stated that, should another entity need to be formed, the current staff will have the opportunity to apply for vacancies that may arise within such entity.”
The EDGE also contacted the Knysna Municipality for comment regarding the possible closure of K&P due to the cancelled funding, and though acting Municipal Manager Johnny Douglas confirmed that the matter was under discussion, it seems that tourism staff and other parties will only get confirmation one way or another in three months’ time.
“The matter pertaining to the future funding of the Knysna tourism entity, Knysna &Partners has been discussed in previous Council meetings,” he said. “Funding of whichever nature will be decided by Council as part of our formal Medium Term Revenue Expenditure Framework Process. This will happen at the end of May, as per legislated time frames. An item regarding KM’s approach to “local Tourism” delivery is due to be submitted for the next section 80 meeting.”
Meanwhile Bouwer urged members to attend the Knysna and Partners AGM set for Thursday, 17h30, 23 Feb 2017 at Villa Castollini. The initial AGM held one week earlier had to be cancelled due to a quorum not being present.
“There is very pertinent information to be relayed so it is important for all our members to attend,” she said.

/by

MIDSUMMER’S NOT TO BE MISSED

We couldn’t resist sharing this stunning picture taken by talented local photographer Emma Rorke. The fairy is Romey Bobeck who is playing the part of Titania ‘Queen of the Fairies’ in the up-coming Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Sedge Players’ production due to be performed in the open air on 6,7,8 and 15 April in Sedgefield at the Station. With a talented cast of locals, young and old, known and unknown, and a palpable enthusiasm from all involved, this looks to be a show not to be missed.  Tickets on sale from 01 March at Deo Gratia, in the Sedgefield Pick n Pay Centre.

/by

ACDP JOINS DA IN KNYSNA COALITION

 

Shakespeare Arends, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) PR Councilor joins Knysna’s leading party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a coalition agreement with immediate effect.

The coalition agreement with Independent Councillor, Velile Waxa has been terminated, also with immediate effect.

“After re-evaluating our coalition agreement with Cllr Waxa, it was decided to end this coalition. His political outlook is not in line with the policies and values of the DA and we, as Knysna’s leading party, decided that this coalition with Cllr Waxa no longer serves the good of Greater Knysna, and therefore it has been terminated,” explained Knysna Executive Mayor, Eleanore Bouw-Spies.

Arends has been active in the political arena since 1989. During this time he served as the Knysna Chairperson of the then Democratic Party. “Joining the DA in a co-governing agreement is a natural progression for me,” he said.

Bouw-Spies added: “As Cllr Arends was born and raised in Knysna, he understands Greater Knysna communities completely and has always put their needs first. He is a man of integrity and compassion, two attributes that will serve the people of Greater Knysna well.”

Arends replaces Waxa on the mayoral committee as Portfolio Chair of Planning & Integrated Human Settlements.

Many residents know Arends through his role as Assemblies of God pastor. “I have practiced as a pastor in Knysna for the past 35 years and this has offered me valuable insight into the needs of our people,” he said. He added that as a full time councillor in coalition with the leading party he will now be able to have a definite impact on bettering the lives of many.

In closing Bouw-Spies welcomed Arends into the fold and said: “I am in no doubt that this authentic Knysna resident will do well in his new political role and portfolio. We, as the DA are excited to be working alongside such an integral person.”

/by

THE SWARTVLEI SMELL

Writes Jonathan Britton, Marine Ranger, Wilderness: Garden Route National Park

During recent weeks residents in Sedgefield have raised concerns about a distinct “rotten egg” smell that occasionally emanates from the adjacent Swartvlei Estuary. The smell is often mistakenly attributed to the smell of sewage. The odour is actually that of the hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas produced by bacteria during the decomposition of mostly plant organic matter.

The decomposition of organic matter with proteins containing sulphur in deoxygenated waters results in the formation of H2S. The conditions for H2S production occur most frequently when mats of the floating filamentous alga, which grow primarily during winter, start to die and rot during spring. Localised areas of deoxygenated water may temporarily be caused by the respiration of bacteria, which decompose the alga. This is usually restricted to the sides of the channel and the bottom waters of deeper portions of the estuary.

The production of H2S by bacterial decomposition in Swartvlei is a natural process and records dating back several decades indicate the occurrence of occasional sulphurous odours. It is difficult to ascertain if the smell has gotten worse or not although it is possible as there is an increase in the biomass of aquatic plants.

Aquatic plants are a natural part of the estuarine environment. They play a vital biological role by providing food, shelter and a substratum for aquatic organisms, as well as trapping and recycling nutrients. The development of filamentous algae mats (greenish mats upon the water’s surface also commonly known as ‘pond scum’ or ‘pond moss’ forms) in Swartvlei Estuary is a natural phenomenon and part of the biotic cycle associated with this estuary. The production of H2S when the alga decomposes is a natural process and is a part of life in Sedgefield.

/by

POISED AND READY TO OPEN RIVERMOUTH

With Eden Districts flood warning released yesterday, many will be watching the Swartvlei and Touw River mouths.  SANPARKS has given assurances that they are ready with the following press release:

The Eden District has released a flood warning predicting 50mm of rainfall starting from today (Friday, the 27th January 2017).
SANParks is monitoring the levels of water at both the Touws River estuary and Swartvlei estuary. The mouths of both estuaries are normally opened at between 2,2m and 2,4m for the Touw River and 2m for Swartvlei.

Jonathan Britton, Marine Ranger for the Wilderness park area which includes Sedgefield,  says  ‘ The excavator is already on site for the Touw River and another one will arrive this afternoon for the Swartvlei estuary.’
This will make it easier to open the estuary mouths at the right time to prevent flooding.
‘ The automated weather station donated by Sedgefield ratepayers also enables us to receive information live to make decisions,’ he adds.
As a precautionary safety measure, two of the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park’s popular hiking trails will also be closed on Friday and Saturday- Half Collared Kingfisher and Brown Hooded Kingfisher. Both are 9km hiking trails leading to a popular waterfall in Wilderness.

/by

SLOWFEST SET TO GO

The Organising Committee are delighted to announce that Sedgefield will indeed once again be turning Orange over Easter, with the eighth annual Slow Festival inviting and encouraging locals, visitors and tourists alike to celebrate “Family Fun The Way It’s Meant To Be” in our beautiful seaside town! So diarise the dates 14-16 April and start planning/training for all your entries into all those events that you so enjoyed last year, and perhaps a few more!
The Slow Festival has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, becoming something that has a very special place in the hearts of locals as they showcase their town to the many visitors the festival brings. It has even established an international Cittaslow link – all this whilst the locals are having a whole lot of fun themselves.
The Committee who pull the festival together each year have once again committed themselves to the Slow Festival and the positive energy, great ideas and many suggestions for 2017 have already started flowing. However, more hands, suggestions and ideas are sought and needed! Would you like to join the committee in some way? Do you have a new event that you would like to add to the programme this year?
“It really is a festival for the people, by the people and that is what makes it such a success” said Festival coordinator Amanda Dixon. “We have no doubt that the support and input from Sedgefielders will ensure that this year is no exception.”
Be sure to keep an eye on, support and share all the social media channels- the Slow Festival Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ slowfestival.co.za), Instagram (@slowfestival), Twitter (@SlowFestival) and of course The Edge to keep updated with all the exciting plans for Slow Festival 2017!
“ There’s lots to do over the next few months, so dust off your orange accessories, and encourage your out of town friends, family and foreign visitors to book accommodation and join us for some good old-fashioned fun. Let’s get ready for Slow Festival 2017!” says Amanda.

/by

600 000 DRUG BUST IN KNYSNA

 Sustained efforts by SAPS to eradicate drug trafficking along the main entrance and exit routes of Greater Knysna has once again yielded excellent results. This when members attached to the Knysna Crime Prevention Unit seized drugs to an estimated value of more than R600 000.00 and arrested two suspects in Knysna on Wednesday, 18 January 2017 at about 21:45.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the SAPS members responded to information from a member of the public about a  black Toyota Tazz with an Eastern Cape registration number that was believed to be transporting drugs.

The members spotted the vehicle as it was travelling along Dahlia Avenue, Fraasig near Hornlee and, after pulling it over, escorted it to the Knysna Police Station. A search ensued and the members discovered the drugs concealed in the back door panels. Included were 4060 Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value  of R264 000 and 10 parcels consisting Tik with an estimated street value of R350 000. The drugs were confiscated, the vehicle seizedand the suspects (one 28 years old and the other 29) arrested.

One suspect is from Knysna and the other from Port Elizabeth. They were scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrates’ court on Friday, 20 January 2017 on charges of illegally dealing in drugs. They are still in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

The Eden Cluster Commander, Major General Oswald Reddy, commended the members involved for bringing these suspects to book. He said “ This confiscation is the second bust for the week and an indication that information from the public is vital to curb such crimes, and thus ensure that these drugs do not reach innocent youths on the streets. The special focus on ‘suppliers’ is starting to bear fruit and the arrest of these suspects will also send a message to would-be suppliers and pedlars of drugs.”

Pictured : Back – Constable Nenow Petersen, Constable Warren Ackerman, Sergeant Pierre Herwel and Warrant Officer Phillip Nqayi

Front –  Constable Heinrich Appels, Sergeant Virgil Cornelius and Constable Benjamin Windvoel with the confiscated items

/by