Residents’ association pulls out of conservancy
SUN VALLEY - Sun Valley Residents' Association has not renewed its membership as part of the Greater Kyalami Conservancy, but residents are still welcomed to be part of the conservancy.
Chairperson of the conservancy Kristin Kallesen explained that a conservancy was a collection of landowners who unite to promote conservation. She said residents could be part of both the conservancy, and a residents’ association as a conservancy does not detract from the work of a residents’ association.
Representative of the Sun Valley Residents Association Andrew Dicks referred to clause 3.10 in the conservancy’s constitution which states, “Residents Associations and Homeowners Associations are entitled to a single vote as a juristic person,” when asked why the association did not renew its membership.
Kallesen clarified that the clause stated that no conservancy or residents’ association had the mandate to represent the interests of the landowners or tenants without the power of an attorney. She said landowners who live and reside in these areas should have a vital input in any decision-making, more so than a residents’ association. The conservancy’s secretary Anton Van Niekerk added that a residents’ association cannot represent any landowners as an association is only entitled to one vote regardless of how many members it has.
Kallesen further stated, “The Sun Valley Residents’ Association does not have the right to resign from the conservancy and was not even a member at the time of their resignation.”
The fact that the residents’ association did not want to be part of the conservancy has angered some residents.
Sun Valley resident Alwina Brand said, “I support Gekco’s initiatives fully as it aligns with my values and the way in which I aim to manage my property, in fact, I would like to point out that I purchased the vacant land adjoining my property two years ago as there are grass owls on that property.”
Another Sun Valley resident Mandy Collins said she bought her property because it was in a conservancy. “I have discussed this situation with my lawyer and have requested she take action as my property will no longer have that value to me,” she said.
Additionally, she added that she is not a member of the association and is a member of Gekco.
Are you a member of the Greater Kyalami Conservancy and do you believe the residents’ associations should sign up to the conservancy? Post your comments on the Fourways Review Facebook page.
