Paradise Park, situated on more or less 22 hectare of land, just off the R43 in Vermont was sold in 2017. The buyer has not been able to take full possession of the property because there are still people living in the park and concern was raised about their fate. Not all of the extent of Erf 927 is used for the purposes of the Park.

An eviction application was served on the residents of Paradise Park (which is situated on private land) in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act (PIE).  

Subsequent to the notice of eviction, a social worker was appointed by the new owner of Paradise Park, who, through her reports, sought to identify permanent residents in need of emergency accommodation.   25 individual people were interviewed and the reports are confidential.

On Saturday, 19 May 2018, plans for the creation of 148 temporary serviced plots in Zwelihle for backyard dwellers were adopted by the Housing Task Team established by the Department of Human Settlements, in co-operation with representatives of the Overstrand Municipality and Zwelihle Renewal.

The meeting was initially also attended by a delegation of community leaders from Mount Pleasant, but they excused themselves from the meeting of their own accord to allow the signatories of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), that was signed on Thursday night (17 May), to continue with the meeting.

Community leaders from Mount Pleasant will also be invited to the next meeting of the Housing Task Team in order to be part of discussions pertaining to the development of Schulphoek.

Overstrand Municipality and representatives of Zwelihle Renewal as well as the Department of Human Settlements signed an agreement of intent on 17 May with the view to continue as matter of urgency with the process with regards to the housing intervention for the community of Zwelihle on available land in and around Zwelihle, including Schulphoek.

The meeting took place in good spirit and with mutual respect and trust. The representatives committed themselves to perform afore-mentioned action within their mandates and delegated authority(ies).

The first meeting will take place on Saturday, 19 May, under the auspices of the Housing Task Team, established by the Department of Human Settlements.

In working together on the way forward, the task team will also concentrate on relevant action steps  with target dates.

Employees recognised for over 800 years of service to Overstrand Municipality
Municipal employees celebrate over 800 years of service

It was all smiles and happiness as 54 staff members of Overstrand Municipality received their long service certificates from Executive Mayor Ald Dudley Coetzee at a recent council meeting held in Hermanus on Wednesday, 25 April 2018.

Addressing the long serving employees, Mayor Coetzee said it is an honour to award certificates in recognition of no less than 820 years’ combined service! He went on to say that this shows dedication and commitment to the Municipality and thanked the staff for their valued contribution.