The planned sale of a municipal erf in Dana Bay has caused quite a stir in the community, so, the FF Plus launched a petition against the sale and formally submitted a petition of protest to the Mossel Bay Municipality on behalf of residents.
Like local residents, the FF Plus is concerned about the fact that a proper public tender process was not followed with the sale of erf 6393.
The public was only invited to participate in the process and make submissions after the Council had already decided to sell the erf last year.
According to a report in the Mossel Bay Advertiser (22 December 2023, “Omstredenheid rondom vervreemding van Danabaai-erf”), the controversial matter raised quite a number of burning questions.
Firstly, there is the issue of the tender process. And secondly, the erf was sold to a family member of a DA Councillor, Mr Lodewyk Coetzee, at a price allegedly far below market value.
The buyers are Mr and Ms Gerrit and Andrea Coetzee, trustees of the South African Global Conqueror Trust.
Both were afforded the opportunity to respond in the report. They maintain that no irregularities took place.
Councillor Coetzee confirmed that he is indeed related to the buyers, but he excused himself from the council meeting where the decision was made.
The FF Plus approached the Municipality for comments on the matter, based on the media report.
A spokesperson from the Municipality’s Legal Department replied to the questions via e-mail earlier today. Below are the questions and replies:
- 1. Question: Why was a proper tender process not followed with the sale of the erf in question?
Reply: A final decision to dispose of the property has not yet been made, and the application is currently in the public participation phase. - 2. Question: Did this process deviate from the processes usually followed in selling municipal property?
Reply: No. - 3. Question: How was the price determined? (R980 000 including VAT).
Reply: The market-related selling price was determined by the municipal appraiser by taking into account other property sales and the location. - 4. Question: Is that the current market value? It is alleged that the property is worth millions of rand.
Reply: See reply to number 3. - 5. Question: Can you provide proof of the market value?
Reply: The municipal appraiser’s memorandum was attached to the item that appeared on the Council’s agenda. - 6. Question: Did Councillor Lodewyk Coetzee play any part in the process?
Reply: The Councillor excused himself from the discussion of the item and when the decision was made during the council meeting. - 7. Question: Will you proceed with the transaction, despite the community’s objections and a petition of protest?
Reply: After the public participation process, all objections and comments received will be submitted to the Council for consideration and final decision-making. It is expected that this item will be tabled during an open council meeting on 28 February 2024, you are welcome to attend the meeting or make further inquiries thereafter.
The FF Plus is of the opinion that a public tender process should be followed in cases like this to avoid any dissatisfaction.
Failing to do so will inevitably give rise to dissatisfaction among the local community, particularly when a close family member is perceived to be involved in the process as a councillor.
Launching a public participation process to obtain comments after the Council has essentially already made the decision is not the right way to go about it.
The Mossel Bay Mayor, Mr Dirk Kotzé, emphasised during the council meeting that anyone who wants to invest in Mossel Bay is welcome to do so.
The FF Plus fully concurs. However, local residents and community interests should take precedence.
The FF Plus supports the local community and will keep a close eye on the situation, while insisting that in the future, the right public participation processes should be followed in such cases.
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