PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay Shark Spotters programme has been suspended and is no longer active along the town's beaches.
This programme, officially established in November 2022, ran until its operations were suspended on 1 July, pending the signing of a new agreement with Bitou Municipality.
The suspension came into effect pending the tabling and signing of a new memorandum of agreement (MoA). Until this new agreement is finalised, the programme will remain inactive.
Bitou Municipality has confirmed that a report regarding the proposed MoA was presented to a special council meeting on 26 June, following constructive engagements between the parties.
The Council resolved to enter into a new MoA with Shark Spotters and approved financial assistance of R800 000 through the municipality's Grant-in-Aid Programme, in support of the organisation's public safety role within the Bitou area.
According to the municipality, the approved funding is subject to Section 67 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and Section 8 of the Bitou Municipality Grant-in-Aid Policy. Read the full article at www.knysnaplettherald.com
The municipality explained: "These provisions stipulate that Grant-in-Aid funding may be used for qualifying operational expenses, but may not be used for employee-related costs, including salaries and wages."
Draft agreement issued, municipality ready to sign
Following the Council's resolution, municipal officials met with representatives of Shark Spotters on 29 June. A draft MoA was then provided to the organisation for consideration and signature on 30 June.
"The municipality has therefore completed all council, legislative and administrative processes necessary to advance the agreement and remains ready to conclude the MoA in line with the approved Council resolution and applicable legislative requirements," Bitou Municipality said.
Value of programme recognised
"Bitou Municipality recognises and values the contribution made by the Shark Spotters programme towards public safety, beach management and visitor confidence along the Bitou coastline," the municipality stated.
It added that it remains committed to maintaining a positive working relationship with Shark Spotters and looks forward to the finalisation of the agreement to ensure the continued delivery of this important service. "The municipality trusts that future engagements will continue to be guided by mutual respect, constructive co-operation and due regard for applicable governance processes, while protecting the reputations of both institutions and serving the best interests of residents, visitors and the broader Bitou community."
The programme will resume once the MoA has been signed by both parties.
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