Is there still a place for DOCCRA?

Has the role of ratepayers associations become redundant on the Dolphin Coast or is there still hope for salvation?

This is one of the questions that arose at a recent meeting between the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCCRA) and various roleplayers in the area – including ward councillors, estate management, the UIP, the Dolphin Coast Conservancy and the Ilembe Chamber of Business and Commerce.

The roundtable discussion last Wednesday was held to put forward DOCCRA’S intentions, challenges and to provide clarity on their duties to avoid duplications with other organisations.

The association represents residents and ratepayers in Ward 6, 21 and 22. With a newly elected chairperson, Ken Lever, steering the ship, they are hoping to tackle their main challenges – a drop in memberships and a lack of funds.

DOCCRA’s current membership sits at 2 000 while they would like to reach the 10 000 mark.

“We do not have money because we do not have memberships and we cannot function without money. People in the community do not want to get involved. A lot of people think they are just members because they live here and do not realise that they need to pay. What we are asking is for estates to consider taking a monthly or an annual subscription,” said DOCCRA vice-chairperson Angela McCall.

In recent years, ratepayers associations around the country are being left behind as their roles and mandates are being carried out by elected ward councillors.

However, chairman Ken Lever remained hopeful.

“DOCCRA needs to be able to respond to residents and ratepayers about concerns on a regular and daily basis. We do have a number of issues that we would like to get involved in and assist with, such as schooling, traffic control, crime and the new pay parking system.”

Lever said that with the growing population in the area, the fact that there was no government funded school was a huge concern. Along with that, he suggested there be a police station in Ballito to allow for a faster response time.

In response to DOCCRA’s plan of action, Dolphin Coast Conservancy chairperson Di Jones urged the association to clearly outline their mandate. She said that every one of their tasks was not a DOCCRA function.

“When DOCCRA first started, the mandate was to make sure that it was a part of the municipal structure and that the organisation examined rates and taxes on behalf of people who were unable to. The relationship got so strong that they were invited to every EXCO meeting. I felt safe and secure that my electricity tariffs were been broken down into fair explanations because as individual ratepayers we did not have the ability to do that. I do not feel like there is an organisation like that now to look after people. DOCCRA really needs to define what exactly it does. Every single thing on the mandate is not a DOCCRA function. The councillors engage and so does the chamber, on different levels. When you come down to ratepayers’ level, there is a different input and different task that need to be carried out.”

DA ward councillor Malcolm Hubner added that councillors are paid by ratepayers and residents to represent them and that most people did not wish to pay additional fees.

“Some of the things mentioned like the school and traffic concession are really historical and go back a long way. I was involved on the whole issue about the high school and it has been on the council plan for years. It’s important to understand the process and the roleplayers involved. On that particular issue, KDM was not entirely responsible as the ball lies in the education department’s court. With the police station, we must understand that there is a shortage of manpower. There were two attempts for a satellite station in Ballito that did not work out.”

DA ward 6 councillor Tammy Colley advised that DOCCRA join the various ward committees and work with the councillors to represent the community.

>>  Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.

>>  Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram