Debate on 50-year leases for resorts

Update

GEORGE NEWS - A discussion at the Garden Route District Council chambers on possible 50 year-leases to investors interested in the De Hoek and Calitzdorp resorts, evoked mixed feelings on social media.

Some took to the idea gladly, expressing their hope to find a job in the near future at one of these destinations. Others do not share the same hopes, saying the management of these resorts should stay in the hands of the locals.

One of George Herald's top Facebook fans, Paul Bosman Griessel, said, "This little heaven on earth belongs to the Karoo. Regardless whether I vote for or against it. Zoar and Calitzdorp and many from Oudtshoorn will vehemently oppose this."

Another top fan, Caroline Moss, said, "Oh good got a job for me then."

The debate started with an outcry from the opposition during a council meeting on Tuesday 28 May. Councillors had a chance to reply to District Mayor Memory Booysen's recent State of the District Address (Soda), where he reportedly said the district municipality will consider signing lease contracts of 50 years with investors interested in the upgrading of the De Hoek and Calitzdorp Spa resorts.

Booysen said he was merely "preaching the vision" when he informed guests at the event of these possibilities. "I am fully aware that it must still come to council."

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ANC Councillor Steven de Vries and Virgill Gericke of the PBI shared their concerns. Gericke said he was baffled when Booysen made the announcement during a glittering event at the George Civic Centre on Friday 12 April. On social media a public outcry ensued on such long leases to outside investors. Gericke said it was never discussed in Council and it is not in the interest of the local communities to lease properties for such a long time to a single investor.

Booysen said administration is in a very advanced stage in negotiations with possible investors. He said the decision will lie fully in the hands of Council, when the time is right.

"We are not selling the resorts, we are not stripping our assets," he said, and explained that it will not be possible for investors to take out loans if they can't give security to the banks. He said that by upgrading the facilities to five-star resorts the staff equivalent would be tripled. "We are following the law by the letter."

ANC Councillor Steven de Vries