KNYSNA NEWS - The seemingly circuitous journey of what was becoming known as the most resilient and elusive document in local politics, was put to an abrupt end this week by the Western Cape local government MEC Anton Bredel. Before it's demise, the sturdy paper-package made its way from humble beginnings in a community forum all the way to the top echelons of the DA office.
The 12-page protest compiled by Ward 10 representatives in Knysna against the Knysna municipal planning tribunal (KMPT) – basically a collective that puts the final stamp on who builds what, when and where in Knysna – was first sent to the Knysna-Plett Herald in August last year.
'Higher acceptance rate elsewhere'
The main thrust of the document, complete with graphs and illustrations, was that all the other tribunals on the Garden Route (the majority which function as a unified collective) showed a much higher acceptance rate for proposed building developments as the Knysna tribunal.
This document requested an investigation into members of the tribunal and planning officials. It alleged a conflict of interest among its members, accused it of being incompetent and questioned the appointment of Marlene Boyce as the municipality's Planning and Development director.
Letter 'ludicrous and ridiculous'
The tribunal responded in KPH refuting the claims and describing the letter of complaint as "ludicrous" and "ridiculous". It countered the imputation that a high acceptance rate for building projects is proof of a tribunal's effectiveness.
Instead of being stopped in its tracks by the KMPT's blow-by-blow rebuttal, the letter then made its way to the provincial government via the then acting municipal manager Johnny Douglas. After councillor Peter Myers confronted him about this action, Douglas withdrew his request for an investigation into the tribunal.
Helen Zille gets involved
At a later stage, the Ward 10 complaint was somehow extended to the newly appointed head of the Knysna DA constituency Helen Zille after her visit to Knysna in early December. This was followed by another request by Douglas to investigate the complaint. Knysna mayor Mark Willemse this week confirmed that Douglas referred the matter to Bredell.
A three-member team was promptly packed off to Knysna to investigate the tribunal which eventually resulted in Bredell dismissing all allegations against it, as well as those pertaining to the appointment of Marlene Boyce as Planning and Development director.
'Unnecessary to investigate'
In a letter to Speaker Georlene Wolmarans, dated 11 February 2019, Bredell said, "… it is unnecessary for a full investigation to be conducted in respect of the allegations in accordance with section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA), read with section 7 of the Western Cape Act." This refers to the Western Cape Monitoring and Support of Municipalities Act 4 of 2014.
This was confirmed by Willemse: "The office of the Speaker has now received minister Bredell's findings, which clearly do not warrant any further investigation into these matters and dismisses these unfounded allegations," he said.
Boyce 'more than qualified'
"Minister Bredell's findings also support our appointment of Ms Boyce," Willemse continued. "Ms Boyce holds a BA LLB and a master's degree in development studies. She has extensive experience within municipal administration, including more than five years in the planning department's middle management.
"This more than qualifies her and, combined with our confidence in her abilities and integrity, is why she was appointed to this position."
Willemse said that he trusts that these unprejudiced findings will satisfy those with personal agendas against the KMPT and Boyce and is happy to lay this matter to rest. "We thank the members of the KMPT and Ms Boyce for their commitment to make Knysna inspired, innovative and inclusive."
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