The Barry Hertzog Park debate – Newcastle Municipality’s take

“Owners of properties in Barry Hertzog Park in Newcastle being operated illegally as communes are urged to come forward and register to comply with Newcastle Municipality’s by-laws, or face legal action.”

A stern warning from AfriForum Provincial Coordinator, Chris Fourie following a meeting with Director of Town Planning, Ntsiki Khathide ignited a flame vaguely resembling hope for the residents of Barry Hertzog Park.

AfriForum previously placed the municipality on terms and threatened them with legal action if they did not enforce their own by-laws.

“Newcastle Municipality stated they were not prepared for the influx of students and the problem was exacerbated by the fact the FET college subsidised each student with R1 500 for accommodation,” claimed Mr Fourie.

The Department of Higher Education refused to allow FET colleges to negotiate with third parties for accommodation for Majuba FET College students.

While accommodation is readily available in Newcastle, property owners do not want to enter into rental agreements with the students, but rather with Majuba College itself.

“The Department of Higher Education and Majuba FET College need to come to the party,” alleged Mr Fourie. “They cannot pass the buck by giving the students R1 500 and expecting the municipality to sort out the accommodation.”

AfriForum will facilitate a meeting with the department, Majuba College and the municipality to come up with a workable, yet amicable solution to a proverbial Pandora’s box.

They resolved to monitor the actions of the municipality to ensure the necessary action is taken against illegal communal home owners.

The Newcastle Advertiser contacted the municipality for comment and was told by Mrs Khathide they are more than happy to update and engage specific stakeholders of whom they have record of – the media, allegedly not being one of them.

“For the very same reason there may be litigation on this matter, we unfortunately cannot divulge much on the issue except to state Council will enforce its bylaws effectively.”

Mrs Khathide claimed the municipality did not condone a breach of its own by-laws.

“We strive to ensure there is harmony among existing land users,” she explained.

“And when disharmony prevails, interested and affected parties approach this institution to request intervention and restore order among land users.”

The municipality’s approach will allegedly uphold and respect the community’s trust in the system.

“This stance demonstrates confidence by our own people and holding Council to account to the people.

“It is our citizenry’s right to engage Council on affairs that relate to Newcastle Municipality,” concluded Mrs Khathide.

The residents of Barry Hertzog will apparently have to leave it to the strong arm of the law and the municipality from hereon.