Stick to the rules, warns Bredell

Update

GEORGE NEWS - The outcome of an investigation against Garden Route Mayor, Memory Booysen, which involved a possible 50-year lease agreement for the Calitzdorp Spa and De Hoek resorts in Kannaland and Oudtshoorn, was in the mayor's favour.

However, in his correspondence, MEC for Local Government Anton Bredell cautioned the district municipality to make sure that they follow all due processes and "consider the views and recommendations raised by National and Provincial Treasury before concluding any agreement".

Municipal Manager Monde Stratu also received a piece of advice from Bredell:
"The Municipal Manager (MM) is furthermore cautioned from relying on the Council resolution resolving to grant the MM permission to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the ISCC Group of Companies as such delegation is contrary to the provisions of the Asset Transfer Regulations."

In a nutshell this means the municipality must make sure they follow the correct procedures and follow the rules without leaning solely on council resolutions.

Booysen made an announcement last week, saying that the investors walked away from the deal because of "different vested interests and suspicions by the opposition parties" following the investigation by the Western Cape government.

Word has it that some are pointing fingers to the opposition, implying that they are the reason why the region forfeited an investment of R500-million.

ANC chief whip, Piet van der Hoven, said the ANC insisted from the outset that due processes should be followed, as stipulated in Bredell's letter to Speaker Barnie Groenewald.

Van der Hoven said Booysen's reference to the investment opportunity during his State of the District Address at a gala dinner does not translate into an official council resolution.

"We are still waiting for the item to be served in council, addressing all the issues, including the land claims," said Van der Hoven.

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