Tag Archives: Stephen De Vries

Troubled Knysna’s Submission to Parliament

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TROUBLE IN KNYSNA A submission to Parliament by Mike Hampton Oral presentation by Mike Hampton & Susan Campbell [although Parliament has released this, i have removed some names to walk extra on the side of caution considering the cases against me by DA politicians and their supporters… all will be revealed – thanks, Mike] Introduction The Corruption & Maladministration of Knysna Tourism ISDF Tender (30-year plan for Knysna) The Illegal Municipal Manager Appointment The Unconstitutional Blocking of Communication Conclusion & Plea INTRODUCTION I am Mike Hampton, a community activist from Knysna, blogging from the internet platforms www.LoveKnysna.com and www.KnysnaKeep.org. I … ‘Click here to read full article…’

ISDF Update: Stop Messing With Our Money!

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The Knysna Council meeting on Thursday, January 28, finally acknowledged the death of municipal employee, Rudolf Kapp, and the injuries of traffic officers, Anthony Bans and Ernest Nqoko a.k.a. Smiley. In her opening speech, Mayor Georlene Wolmarans mentioned her disapproval of discrimination but that fell on my hollow ears in view of the DA’s election campaign timing of the anti-racism topic (i will give that a blog on its own). When questioned, she admitted that during the recent holiday season there’d been regular water pipe bursts on the East Head. “With our old infrastructure, these are things that will happen, … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Get Rich or Die Voting (Knysna’s Politicians & Their Salary Increases Ain’t Hip-Hop)

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As a follow-on to ‘Politicians’ Salary Increase Vote = Quickest Council Meeting’, here’s the new upper limit salaries for Knysna’s politicians. The official description is the ‘Determination of Upper Limits of Salaries, Allowances and Benefits of Different Members of Municipal Councils’ under the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act 1998. As they’re paid retrospectively, they can vote not to receive the back-pay, before Financial year end, normally May (somewhere close to election time). It is up to the public to apply pressure so that they do not receive it. Do you believe that they’re worth this? Mayor Georlene Wolmarans (DA) … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Knysna ISDF Controversy Continues: Request for More Money

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R579 000 more. Knysna Creative Heads (KCH), the company with local developer links, was controversially awarded the tender to prepare the ISDF framework that will decide the future of Knysna. Municipal Manager Grant Easton wants the politicians to spend more money, outside of the tender winners, on public participation. That’s money up and beyond the tender agreement. That’s money despite local and provincial government having insufficiently addressed the public outcry that public participation, over the past two years, was a sham, government and big business seemingly intent on doing what they want no matter strong objections and presentations. That’s more … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Open Letter: Urgent Matters for Knysna’s Mayoral Committee

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Attention: Knysna Mayoral Committee (the DA and ex-opposition COPE) and the seemingly pretend opposition, the ANC. Please act upon the following two issues, matters to be presented to Parliament regards alleged misconduct by Knysna Municipality and Council, and further unbecoming conduct regarding the proposed public drinking areas: 1. Parliament: As Knysna Municipality and the Council will be aware, i was invited to Parliament to present my issues: www.knysnakeep.org/mike-hamptons-invite-parliament www.knysnakeep.org/trouble-in-knysna-2-knysna-tourism and sequels One of the matters was the unconstitutional information blockade between you and the public. To entrench your disrespect for our country’s accountability set-up, you refused to attend Parliament, citing … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Pink Loerie Shouldn’t be Poached by Political Parties

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At the Knysna Mayoral Committee meeting held May 21 2015, DA Mayor Georlene Wolmarans queried why should she have to provide a report, as requested by a Section 80 committee, on the Pink Loerie Festival as it is not her event. DA Councillor Ray Barrell said that the opposition had issue with DA politicians joining the street parade. Wolmarans answered that it was open to anyone. ANC Chief Whip Stephen de Vries clarified that it is a Knysna event, an international one at that, and shouldn’t be politicised by those wearing DA shirts. He suggested that it wouldn’t be beneficial … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Trouble in Knysna 6: Please Help

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Through all of these questionable situations, the Opposition has failed to act as opposition to the DA in any meaningful form. It is notable that ANC Chief Whip Stephen de Vries participated on the Knysna Tourism Board and has received two years payments for his studies that have no discernable benefit to our town. His business has allegedly being doing business with other municipalities in Eden District. Understanding and justice has been blocked by our own government. Politicians have had free reign in Knysna. They have failed to act with good intention or fulfill the duties of their office. Unbiased, … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Dear Speaker for Knysna, Eleanore Spies

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This email was sent to Speaker Eleanore Spies on March 10 2015. Since then, i followed through in sending information to the Hawks. Spies acknowledged the mail but lied that she would respond so i am posting this email publicly and will, today, report Knysna Municipality to SALGA (South African Local Government Association), the Constitutional representative body for all municipalities. Dear Eleanore Spies I am reporting financial misconduct, fruitless and wasteful expenditure and conduct unbecoming of councillors. As Speaker for the Council of the Knysna Municipality (KM), you occupy an important position meant to protect the integrity of the Council … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Did Grant Easton Do the Wrong Thing for Knysna?

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The Knysna-Plett Herald’s article on ANC Chief Whip Stephen de Vries receiving R28 000 towards his studies this year was troubling for several reasons. I’ll first discuss the possible implications and then explain why it is illegal. Why were we, the public, unaware that De Vries’s studies were being paid? The municipality must have a policy regulating study loans or bursaries to councillors and municipal staff – Acting Municipal Manager Grant Easton must supply that and, separately, the agreement with De Vries and any others receiving ratepayers’ and taxpayers’ money. I can understand councillors being sent on MFMA courses etc. … ‘Click here to read full article…’

Urgent: Dear Knysna Politicians & Directors (Feb 19 2015)

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To Mayor Georlene Wolmarans (DA), Deputy Mayor Esmé Edge (DA), Speaker & Executive Councillor Eleonor Spies (DA), Executive Councillor Ray Barrell (DA), Executive Councillor Louisa Hart (DA), Executive Councillor Irene Grootboom (DA), Councillor Michelle Wasserman (DA), Councillor Richard Dawson (DA), PR Councillor Doris Nayler (DA), , PR Councillor Beauty Tyokolo (DA), Councillor Migiel Lizwani (ANC), Councillor Wiseman Litoli (ANC), Councillor Clive Witbooi  (ANC), Councillor Mertle Gombo (ANC), PR Councillor Phumla Nkam (ANC), PR Councillor Mthobeli Dyantyi (ANC), Councillor Ntombizanele Grace Sopeki (Independent), PR Councillor Elrick van Aswegen (COPE), Acting Municipal Manager Grant Easton, Director Community Services Dawie Adonis, Director Corporate Services … ‘Click here to read full article…’