New watchdog organisation in KwaDukuza

A new non-profit civic organisation has been formed to protect the rights of KwaDukuza residents.

The KwaDukuza Residents Forum (KDRF) was officially registered last month and intends to function as a watchdog for all people and businesses that reside within KwaDukuza, said founder Riaan Verster.

“The greater KwaDukuza area belongs to everyone who lives in it and we can only make a difference and ensure accountability by working together as a community.

“The people and businesses who share this vision are the members we will seek to sign up to the civic body,” he said.

He said the KDRF differentiates itself from other civic organisations such as the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra), because it does not limit itself to a specific area or ratepayer base.

Many residents will recognise the KDRF name, which is shared by a popular series of WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook groups formed to share news and encourage debate about issues within KwaDukuza.

A full constitution for the KDRF will soon be available once the organisation’s website goes live, but its main objectives are summarised as follows:

• To promote and protect the interests of all residents, homeowners, businesses and business owners within KwaDukuza.

• To interact with any state organs (whether in the local, provincial or national spheres of government), private or civic bodies or any organisations, associations and corporations to achieve the above objective.

• To not be political. The KDRF is apolitical and shall not, as a body, engage in any party-political propaganda or work, nor contribute financially to any political party.

• To not have any religious affiliations.

• To engage and hold accountable the councillors, municipal officials and other municipal role-players.

• To assist residents with any matter deemed to be of concern.

• To provide regular information and feedback to members and other residents of KwaDukuza.

Although a formal extraordinary general meeting has yet to be constituted, the KDRF has elected an interim executive committee made up of Warwick Chapman (chairman), Kamal Singh, Mark Whitehead, Stephne Ashworth and Riaan Verster (secretary).

Formal membership applications have not yet been opened, but if you would like to keep abreast of the latest developments, you can email your name and contact details to info@kdrf.org.za.

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