GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is soon to respond formally to a R5m purchase offer from SANParks for Erf 1297, the Kleinkrantz property previously earmarked for a housing and resort development by a private developer.

According to a report tabled at a council meeting in April, negotiations for an intergovernmental exchange with SANParks had already been in an advanced stage at that time.

In light of the ongoing concerns around the apparent lack of oversight over the property, George Herald enquired after the progress made with the exchange. Dzivhuluwani Mashila, GRDM’s manager for projects, properties, facilities and resort management, said the delay is due to certain legally prescribed processes that had to be followed before responding to the offer. 

The municipality is finalising its response and expects to submit it to SANParks within the next few days. “We remain hopeful that an agreement acceptable to both parties can be reached,” said Mashila.

In the latest council agenda, on 21 October, a report states that the administration is awaiting two additional valuation reports for Erf 1297 before negotiations with SANParks are concluded.

The erf, 30ha in size, is part of a list of 19 properties the municipality intends to sell to reduce its debt and support its operating budget. On this list, its value is given as R30m.

Waterleaf Properties, the developer with which GRDM had had a lease agreement for their intended development, was interested in buying the disturbed piece on Erf 1297. They offered R3.2m for the 2.1ha piece after the municipality cancelled the lease following continued opposition from local environmental watchdog Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Action Forum (Waleaf). 

Eventually, in December 2025, environmental authorisation was denied by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). At a meeting in April, Council approved a recommendation that SANParks or CapeNature be given first option to buy the complete property.

While the future of the property is being determined, community members remain concerned about the oversight that is lagging behind.

In December, the newspaper reported about the degradation and illegal occupation of the property.

A regular Wilderness visitor, Kristy Ayliffe, said locals suspect that many of the increasing crime incidents in Wilderness are related to illegal occupants on the erf. “Crime is also blowing over to Kleinkrantz, where parked vehicles at the beach are increasingly being targeted.”

Ayliffe said there are signs of drug use, and snares for wildlife have also been found in the bushes. “The GRDM must now bring the matter to conclusion and transfer the land to SANParks so they can apply their environmental management expertise. In the meanwhile the municipality should exercise proper oversight of the property.”

Mashila said the municipality has limited resources. "However, we strive to ensure the safe upkeep of the facility, and we encourage members of the public to report any illegally activies taking place at the resort to the relevant authorities. We continue to seek solutions to address the reported challenges, as these may negatively impact on the facility."

Auction of other properties

GRDM intends to sell the other identified properties by auction. The tender process to appoint a service provider for the valuation, auctioneering and conveyancing was completed by the end of April. However, Mashila said he was unable to comment at this stage on which service provider was appointed due to ongoing appeals and counter-appeals relating to their appointment.

It is the last remaining coast-to-lakes natural corridor in Wilderness.

A paraglider’s view from Erf 1297 towards Island Lake in the background. The buildings in the foreground have been abandoned for years. Photo: Jeff Ayliffe

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