Tempers flare over Mandeni’s Jackalberry development

Is what is good for the goose necessarily good for the gander?

Tempers flared as Mandeni residents fought tooth and nail against the eLan Property Group’s (in partnership with Sappi) proposed Jackalberry Estate development which they said would raise their living cost to a level they could not afford.

The public meeting, held on Tuesday, October 27 saw a small group of about 35 angry residents, mostly pensioners and artisans at Sappi Mandeni, raise their voices in a last ditch effort to stop the big changes that are on the way.

The meagre turn-out was a far cry from the 450 people who pitched at the first meeting held two years ago. Resident Ananda van Niekerk said that was because a large number of people had been retrenched since then.

Phase one of the Tugela riverfront development will make existing Sappi homes part of the new gated Jackalberry Estate, secured by electrified perimeter fencing, 24 hour patrols and an existing school. Developers plan to drop existing residential fencing between properties to create a “sense of community” and also introduce small game species to bring “tranquility and comfort”. The estate will also include the existing nine-hole golf course, an events centre, bar and restaurant.

All these luxuries will be paid for by a monthly recommended levy of R490, which protesting residents said they could not afford.

“Pensioners earn government pensions of R1 300 per month and there are those in our community who can not afford to eat every day,” said Van Niekerk, who lives in the area earmarked for phase one of Jackalberry Estate.

She said more people than ever before in Mandeni have had their homes repossessed in the last six months and that was an indication of how poor the people are.

“We like Mandeni the way it is and do not feel the need for a gated estate,” she said, adding that the consensus among town folk is that they are being bullied into something they cannot afford.

However, eLan Property Group’s development director said the purpose of the development was to add value to Mandeni, secure the community, create a sense of community and a “happy Mandeni”, rather than to interrupt the loyal Mandeni community.

“We want to help solve the problems Mandeni has with crime by ensuring the safety and security of families,” said Thompson.

He said there was a huge rental demand in the area and property values would double within a year of the fence around the estate going up.

“There is a genuine people movement looking for housing from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Richard’s Bay and Empangeni and Jackalberry Estate is based on what Tongaat Hulett has done with Mount Edgecombe,” said Thompson.

He said existing home owners need not be anxious about their future because by law they could not be forced to pay the new levy. He said those with financial difficulties would also be able to approach Jackalberry Estate’s home owners association and apply for a six or 12 month payment holiday.

“We are really wanting success with this project. We want to create a sustainable Mandeni and be involved in your community,” said Thompson.

Vocal resident Joe Snyders said he did not fall for those “nice promises” and wanted everything in writing.

He was worried that, over time, the rates would increase a lot and that those in charge would forget about promises made not to force these existing home owners who struggle to make ends meet, to pay rates – a sentiment shared by the majority of people at the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, town planner Rob Kirby encouraged residents to pay the levy for the sake of the success and sustainability of the estate.

“A bigger levy buys more security and your ability to control who comes into your estate, but nobody can force current home owners to accept the development proposal, although paying is in the interest of the community. We want to create a nice place like Umhlanga,” said Kirby.

He said only new owners who bought into the estate would have no choice but to accept and pay the levy.

He countered allegations of dealing in secret by saying that registered letters were sent to each resident.

“We have put up public notices and done in excess of what we legally have to do,” said a clearly irritated Kirby.

Some community members objected that they never have and never will use the clubhouse and that the part of the levy that goes towards upkeep of the clubhouse should be separated for those who chose not to use those facilities. Thompson agreed to consider the suggestion.

After Sappi Mandeni human resources manager, Danie Kolver stepped in to explain certain technicalities to residents, most of them calmed down and a few said they saw the benefits of the development.