Letter: Not so secret

Dolphin Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association chairman Ken Lever writes: The letter from Mr. George Gray published in the Courier recently (A secret society? June 7) is of concern and deserves a response.

Firstly, the DOCRRA committee is currently made up of seven elected volunteers from the Dolphin Coast community who are tasked with monitoring rates and taxes paid to the municipality and the provincial government in exchange for basic services related to health and safety.

None of the volunteers are paid for their time and efforts. However, because of significant expansion to the DOCRRA membership base during the past two years, the services of a paid executive officer have been taken on since March this year. We hope that this appointment will improve communications with our members, as well as with the significant number of organisations and associations in our area concerned about the wellbeing of all residents.

The DOCRRA committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss queries raised by members, as well as liaison with the two municipalities that we fall under, the Chamber of Business, the UIP, the Conservancy, the Neighbourhood Watches, the church organisations, etc. While I understand that Mr. Gray is somewhat frustrated, he is welcome to go to the DOCRRA website – www.DOCRRA.co.za – or the DOCRRA Facebook page – or contact us by email on admin@docrra.co.za if he has any specific queries or contributions to make. If his query – or the query of anyone else – is of concern to the DOCRRA committee, an invitation will be issued to a subsequent committee meeting.

However, we do not expect open or uninvited attendance by non-committee members without prior knowledge of the subject to be discussed and reviewed. I would also repeat the appeal made by myself at the AGM last month to residents and ratepayers of the Dolphin Coast – including Ballito, Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach, Umhlali and Shakaskraal – to offer their services and/or assistance as committee members (we still have five places to fill), or as members of our Brains Trust Referral Group. Our Brains Trust list is made up of residents who are prepared and able to offer expert advice on relevant matters as and when requested by the Committee, but who do not necessarily attend committee meetings.

Finally, I would also repeat that the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association is only as effective as its membership base and community support will allow. We appeal once again for your support and assistance – including paid-up membership – in order to present a strong and effective front to local and provincial government in the support of all residents in our area.