After a three-year term in leadership Allison Schoeman has announced her resignation as chairperson of the Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA).

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In the interim Ronel Latgen will serve as the acting chairperson until the AGM where a new chairperson will be elected.

Three years of service

Schoeman said that resigning was no easy decision and required considerable reflection.  

“The BRRA has been an important part of my life and has provided a vital platform through which residents have been able to advocate for accountability, improved service delivery and the protection of the broader interests of The Bluff community,” read a statement by Schoeman on Facebook.

Stepping back but pressing forward

Schoeman clarified that her resignation is not a withdrawal from community service but rather a shift to serve residents in a different capacity, emphasising her ongoing commitment to The Bluff, its people and its future. 

Her three years with the BRRA, she said, allowed her to build working relationships with municipal officials, community organisations, businesses and other stakeholders, while also gaining a thorough understanding of municipal processes.

“These relationships, together with my professional experience, institutional knowledge and commitment to accountability, have demonstrated that meaningful progress is possible when community advocacy is supported by the correct legal arguments, accurate information, persistent engagement and a refusal to accept administrative excuses in place of service delivery,” said Schoeman.

Setting the record straight 

Addressing speculation about her political aspirations, Schoeman said that while the BRRA constitution did not mandate resignation for those considering political office, she chose to step down to preserve the organisation’s independence. 

“A weakened ratepayers’ association does not benefit The Bluff. It diminishes the community’s collective ability to hold decision-makers accountable,” said Schoeman.

The association’s AGM will be scheduled once the auditors have completed the necessary financial documentation. While stepping down as chairperson, Schoeman said her intention is to continue supporting the BRRA’s endeavours.

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