EDITOR – I refer to the anonymous letter by one ‘Gennyer’ which was published in the Sun of 20 May, having a go at former mayor Jeff van Belkum.
I really don’t mind the former mayor Jeff van Belkum or the current Jeff van Belkum being ridiculed.
As an activist stepping on toes from time-to-time, I accept that such reaction is par for the course.
One would normally ignore anonymous letters but, in this instance, Gennyer provides useful insight into the ANC’s take-over of the CCPO and its related scheme to foist the so-called Special Rating Area (SRA) on the community.
I note that in an interview with another local publication, the CCPO chairman now ties the CCPO to something called the Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP). The UIP was originally touted two months ago but was changed to the SRA. Now we are back to the UIP? Pure smoke and mirrors!
It seems the ink has hardly dried on their nomination forms yet the CCPO’s new order is wanting to put out ‘tenders’ for security services. Why the haste? As with the SRA (or is it UIP?), is this not merely a case of setting up ‘tenderpreneurs’ – a familiar national pastime?
While on the subject, Gennyer says: “Today we have better roads, waterborne sewerage and lower rates and our town never looked so good with pavements, beautiful roads and no potholes. For the first time we look like we belong to a municipality. What an improvement and a wonderful place to be.”
If this is the case, why then do we need Special Rating Areas and increased rates to ‘improve and upgrade the area’ as promoted by the CCPO chairman?
Regarding the CCPO, I have supported this initiative since inception. The CCPO is an integral part of the community’s fight against crime, however, it appears its integrity has been compromised.
Quite apart from my own views, expressions of disquiet by longstanding members should not simply be dismissed. Those with whom I am acquainted are intelligent, perfectly decent people who are expressing genuine concern. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
As for my tenure as councillor and mayor over a period of 16 years, well, what a personally uplifting time, with some success. There were of course character-building episodes. One recalls much intrigue, quite a bit of “et tu Brute” rebellion in the town, attempted coups d’etat (nothing new in Africa!), threatening mobs, raucous meetings, defamation suits and so on. All in all, quite an education!
As for anonymous Gennyer, let us have your name and number – I’d love to compare credentials.
JEFF VAN BELKUM
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