This was naturally met with anger and frustration from the affected and interested parties who despite continually attempting to get Overstrand Municipality and the Western Cape Settlements Department to urgently progress with this project, due to the continual land invasions as well as the possibility that funding for the project may be lost if further postponed, they have not seen any progress for the past 18 months. They will no longer tolerate the project being stalled for any reason.

It was suggested by Deputy Mayor Elnora Gillian and Counsellor David Botha that the meeting should continue despite missing the Zwelihle representatives due to the project already being 18 months late.

The terms of reference on the agenda were thus distributed and readout. These terms were to be given before this meeting, however, were only received at the meeting. Representatives are to go through the terms of reference and give their input on the meeting for 3rd June 2021.

Director Williams stated that the lack of Zwelihle representatives is not for the lack of the Overstrand Municipality notifying them. They have all been appropriately notified, however, choose not to be involved.

A resolution was made that WCDHS and Vanacore will follow up telephonically to all members, just as the Overstrand Municipality (OM) will also be undertaking delivering meeting invites/notification in person to the relevant parties, and confirm receipt thereof.

A shocking factor was that not one of the Zwelihle Counsellors attended the meeting.

There has been a plea from Vanacore that the mandatory members (Counsellors) especially from Zwelihle to lead by example and attend these meetings, more so during these forming stages, as it is important for them to lead society.

There will be a further update following the meeting of the 3rd June 2021.

Kind regards

Robyn