EDITOR – The recent discussions relating to the Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) as published in the South Coast Sun letters page recently refers.
The democratically elected committee does not deserve the unfounded accusations of the small time ex-mayor of the suburb of Kingsburgh, which now forms a portion of ward 97.
Would Jeff van Belkum kindly elaborate on the ‘character-building episodes’ he refers to in his letter published in the 27 May edition of the Sun and state whether the little municipality’s travel budget was a controversy at one stage during his tenure? He uses the Latin phrase “et tu Brute” to describe and cushion the events while he served as councillor. Those were supposedly the last words the Dictator Julius Caesar uttered to his friend. I can only trust that Van Belkum’s most recent letter will also be the last letter of this derogatory nature.
The CCPO was established by the community and it had the active support of the late Bruce Lithgow and its first chairman was Bruce’s brother George, who currently chairs the organisation for a second tenure. The CCPO was an unifying catalyst in our community and we should not allow the likes of Van Belkum to mar the unison. It is not good taste to play the man and not the ball but I am now descending into the dust of the conflict as our town crier is the ball. I therefore take the liberty to state the community is entitled to know what Jeff’s day job was while serving in public office as well as to confirm or stamp out the rumour that his primary career was with the defunct Department of Bantu Administration which was also tongue-in-cheek referred to as ‘dompas’ inspectors.
This continuous rhetoric from the ever-so-unhappy and disgruntled Jeff bellowing from the political wilderness is counter-productive to the progress of our town and the CCPO committee deserves our support to carry out its duties unhindered by Van Belkum, who seems to perceive political motive in transformation of every kind.
This is a serious issue and time for ward 97 Councillor Andre Beetge to state whether he agrees or refutes the statements of Van Belkum, once mayor of that part of ward 97 called Kingsburgh. As Cllr Beetge was an ex pre-1994 Security Branch policeman, his relevant knowledge could serve the CCPO well if he joins hands instead of remaining silent.
Cllr Beetge now has a great opportunity to show real leadership by either agreeing with or defending Van Belkum. Councillor, now’s the time.
FRANK HORN
Read some of the letters here:
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