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THE VILLAGE NEWS
31 March 2021
LET'S TALK
Completion of cliff path a worthy cause ‘Tired of Hypocrisy’ asked for my comment in his/her letter of 24 March (Let’s Talk about Cliff Path extension). The author raises questions around property rights and funding. Both issues are irrelevant to the project and appear purposefully designed to cause confusion. Firstly, the 13 erven situated along this 850m stretch of coastline all stretch down only to the high-water mark. The cliff path connection is proposed to take place below the high-water mark, in other words on public land. My understanding is that an independent, professional environmental impact assessment (EIA) is in process, as well as other steps required by the relevant authorities to assess the feasibility of the project. The positioning of the path means no property owner’s legal rights will be infringed. It may be true that these properties have to date enjoyed a virtually “private” seashore by default, but due to poor access and not because they ever owned or had any private right public land below the high-water mark. The difficult terrain conveniently keeps out all but the most able-bodied visitors. So to answer the question posed by ‘Tired of Hypocrisy’: I have no idea how many of these
property owners support the connection of the cliff path on public land adjacent to their properties. I expect that some would prefer the status quo of “private” access. However, seeing as their legal property rights, inherited or not, are unaffected by a path outside their erf boundaries, their vote carries no more or less weight than every other resident of Hermanus – or indeed, every member of the South African public. I certainly have no say over who walks on the pavement outside my house, or even that there is a pavement, and neither can these property owners claim special rights outside of their erf boundaries.
have been accessing this coastline for decades, their footpaths clearly visible. Moreover, those of nefarious intent can at present access this coastline too, including poachers and criminals. That crime will increase if usage is expanded to families, the elderly and tourists is a convenient fiction. In fact, a properly constructed path will allow for this piece of coast to be patrolled by HPP.
Connecting the cliff path will ensure the public’s right to enjoy this piece of coast, young and old, rate payer, visitor or tourist. Importantly, it will remedy the ridiculous situation where pedestrians are forced onto the busy R43, which is not only inconvenient and dangerous, but being noisy and polluted it juxtaposes poorly against the sublime nature experience before and after the intervention.
The second issue raised is that of costs, and that the money could be better spent on the poor. I would argue that this project will support tourism and job creation, and that it is a worthy cause in respect of ratepayer’s funds. Nonetheless, my understanding from CPAG's public information and Facebook page is that funding will be raised privately and that not one cent is expected from the municipal budget. Furthermore, as this initiative aims to connect an existing, free, public amenity, I fail to see how there could be any financial or profit motive behind the laudable effort of the CPAG, as ‘Tired of Hypocrisy’ avers.
The clamour surrounding property rights is thus a red herring. Similarly, the issue of security and privacy, to which these properties have no special rights over every other rate payer in town – sea-fronting or not. Fishermen and others
That said, one cannot escape the irony of a millionaire's row complaining about how public funds are not exclusively spent on the poor. They definitely were not complaining when the municipality upgraded the pavement in front
In memory of the Greatest Grandpa ever DAVID LEPPAN 02.01.48 – 22.03.20 Gramps, a year has gone by since our last braai with you in Harry's braai boma. You taught us to fish, boat, braai, drive a Landy and open sparkling wine correctly. To love nature, animals and people passionately. We miss you madly, but you will live in our hearts and in campfire stories forever! Your loving grandchildren - Chris, Steph, Matt, Rich, Ethan, Grace, James, Megan Aimee and Tash
of their houses – in stark contrast to the terrible state of the rest of the pavement along the R43 from Eastcliff to Voëlklip. The Cliff Path Action Group has my full support, subject to the completion of an EIA and other required processes. As a daily cliff path user, I am delighted that someone is finally attempting to remedy the situation on behalf of all who enjoy the excellent public amenity provided by this world-class asset. Maarten Wessels Eastcliff
Bravo, Hermanus Traffic Department For the past few years, I’ve had to apply for driver’s licences, vehicle licences etc. at the Brits Municipality in North West Province as I lived in Hartbeespoort Dam. Each and every time renewals came around, I faced them with dread. I would prepare for battle, making sure that I had food, water and provisions for rain or shine to last me the entire day. I would usually arrive outside the gates around 7am to be about no. 100 in the queue. Sometimes the system would be online, sometimes not. Sometimes there was electricity, sometimes not. Sometimes staff were friendly, sometimes not. You had to
be prepared to go several times in order to ensure a successful outcome. This morning, after recently relocating permanently to Hermanus, I needed to go and renew my driver’s licence. I arrived at the traffic offices at 7.15am in my comfy shoes, with my hat, jacket (rain or shine!), food and water, and my book to read. I was prepared to stand for hours in a queue. I was prepared to have to come back another time. I thought there may be a handful of people ahead of me. I was the first. In fact, only a few others turned up at around 7.45. A young gentleman
called Scots had seen me waiting outside the office from 7.15am. He approached me at about 7.45am and invited me in as he had seen that I had been waiting. I had done my eye test, photos, application and payment by 8.05am! The entire building inside and out was spotless. The service exemplary! I honestly cannot believe the difference in experiences between the Overstrand Municipality and Brits Municipality. To the gentleman called Scots – I thank you! Bravo, Hermanus Traffic Department. Donna Lee
