Calls for public comment on land donation to university
Ward 19 councillor George Henderson urges the community to participate in the process.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) intends to donate a piece of land to the University of South Africa (Unisa), to construct a facility at ERF 1216 Uvongo for students on the South Coast, and invites the public to comment on the donation.
The land was initially donated in 2019, however it was found to have been done irregularly, as no public participation was involved and the process has to be re-done.
A municipal notice was published recently, and calls for written comments on the donation of the council-owned land within 30 days.
Ward 19 councillor, George Henderson said after seeing the notice, he asked RNM for clarity on the project and the land where the university is intending to build.
Henderson said the land is next to Douglas Mitchell Sports Club, stating that concerns have been raised by residents.
“The residents are scared of what will possibly transpire once the facility is up and running. They feel that having a university near their homes won’t be safe, as students are known for strikes and also the traffic congestion which may occur.”
Henderson said despite being told that Unisa will only build a hall-type facility for administration, similar to the one at the Wild Coast, the residents are still sceptical of the concept.
He said the outcome of public comments will determine whether the land will be donated or not. He called on all residents to use this opportunity to comment.
“I received suggestions to start a petition against this development. Unfortunately, we cannot create another platform as it will be rejected by RNM. At this stage, it is impossible to comment on planning and zoning as it will place the cart before the horse.”
Unisa’s senior media officer, Tommy Huma said the facility will be used for administration services.
“The Unisa construction in RNM will be a service centre which will have registration, tutorials and counselling services and computer labs.”
RNM spokesperson, Simon April said he wishes to indicate that the said notice inviting comments is a legislated process that the municipality must follow when donating such land.
“It should be mentioned that the land in question is not zoned as residential but for educational purposes,” said April.
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