CANNON ROCKS RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT

CANNON ROCKS COMMUNITY HALL

ON 3 MARCH 2026 AT 10H00

WELCOME

  1. The Chairperson opened the meeting and welcomed everybody present.

ATTENDANCE

  1. Present.

Mr. Bert Venter                         Chairperson

Mr. Willem Zietsman                 Vice Chairperson

Ms. Michelle Hayes

Mr. Paul Strutt

Ms. Adéle du Plessis

Mr. Braam Gouws

Mr. Herman Bakkes

Ms. Wilma Nel                          Secretary

  1. Apologies. Rendo Nell
  2. Absent without apology. None

ADDITIONAL ITEMS (Discussed under Items for Discussion)

  1. Resignation of Paul Strutt.
  2. Movement of sand.
  3. Municipal water delivery

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  1. Approval of the minutes of the committee meeting of 3 February 2026 proposed by Mr. Paul Strutt and seconded by Ms. Adéle du Plessis. Minutes to be made available on the Website and distributed to members.

MATTERS ARISING NOT ADDRESSED UNDER PORTFOLIOS

  1. Ndlambe Coastal Maintenance Management Plan (MMP). During a meeting with the Director and Deputy Community Protection Services on 18 February 2026, amongst other, the eastern parking area at Cannon Rocks was discussed.
    • It was confirmed that the eastern parking area at Cannon Rocks, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Coastal Maintenance Plan authorised by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), is currently at the top of the Project Prioritisation List. It was further confirmed that the availability of funds is a prerequisite for submitting the final Method Statement for approval by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT).  In order to determine the cost of the project, based on the existing condition of the sand dunes, an on-site inspection is required.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to arrange an on-site meeting with potential service providers to discuss the scope of work required to remove sand from the parking area during October/November 2025.
    • It was noted that Ndlambe Municipality has no funds available in the 2025/2026 budget. Possible funding may be available in the 2026/2027 municipal budget.
    • Agreement. During the discussions, the following were agreed upon and can be initiated simultaneously.
      • The Director: Community Protection Services will ensure that an updated draft Method Statement is forwarded to the Cannon Rocks Ratepayers Association (CRRA) committee for comment.
      • The CRRA committee will obtain comments from residents and forward a summary of the comments to the Municipal Consultant, Mr Warren Lange.
      • The Municipality did not wish to participate officially in a preliminary projected cost analysis process, as it is required to follow the prescribed municipal procurement procedures.
      • The CRRA committee will therefore arrange an on-site meeting with potential service providers (contractors), in conjunction with the Municipal Consultant, to obtain a projected cost analysis of the envisaged project.
      • Upon completion of the above actions, a meeting will be arranged to discuss the way forward.
      • Decision.
        • Take note of paragraphs 9.3.1, 9.3.2, .3.3 and 9.3.5.
        • Paragraph 9.3.4 – A workgroup by Ms Adéle du Plessis (convener) and Mr Braam Gouws will initiat an onsite meeting with the potential service providers (contractors), in conjunction with Mr. Warren Lange, the Municipal Consultant, to obtain a projected cost analysis of the envisaged project.
        • Upon completion of the above actions, CRRA will arange a meeting with the Director Community Protection Services to discuss the way forward.
  1. Ndlambe Ratepayers Association (NRF). The Ndlambe Ratepayers Association (NRF) met on 19 February 2026 and the following were discussed.
    • Section 139 Application.
      • The application by the Kenton-on-Sea Ratepayers Association to place the Ndlambe Municipality under administration in terms of Section 139 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa no. 108 of 1996 was tabled for discussion. For a Section 139 application to succeed, the Municipality must be totally dysfunctional, unable to pay its debts, and unable to deliver services.  Although the NRF agrees that there are issues with the Ndlambe Municipality, the Municipality is not dysfunctional, the best way to deal with the Municipality is through constructive engagement.
      • In the majority of municipalities where Section 139 has been implemented, the municipality has not benefited, for a variety of reasons, and has often been left in a worse state than before. It should be noted that the implementation of Section 139 would come at a cost to residents and ratepayers, as they would ultimately foot the bill for the administrators.
      • The NRF decided not to support the application by the Kenton-on-Sea Ratepayers Association to place the Ndlambe Municipality under administration in terms of Section 139.
      • Decision. For Information.
    • Rates Clearance Certificates. The Ndlambe Municipality has amended the Rates Clearance Certificate (RCC) regulations to now include the Planning Department.  This new regulation is problematic, as there are numerous issues within the Planning Department.  Various court cases have addressed related matters, culminating in the Constitutional Court delivering its final judgment on 19 November 2024, including:
      • Constitutional Court (November 2024) – FINAL decision – dismissed the municipalities’ appeal.
      • High Court (January 2021) – Found the SPLUMA certificate requirements invalid.
      • Supreme Court of Appeal (June 2022) – Upheld the High Court’s decision.
      • Constitutional Court (November 2024) – FINAL decision – dismissed the municipalities’ appeal.
    • The NRF is opposing the implementation of additional planning-related requirements for issuing an RCC.
      • Decision. For Information.
    • Budget 2025/2026. The NRF will participate actively in the municipal budget process for 2025/2026 once the draft budget becomes available.
  2. Projects. After discussion the following project wer propsed.
    • Community Hall – A support beam to be fitted in the roof of the braai area – Portfolio Holder.
    • Revamp of Entrance to the Community Hall area -Ms. Adel du Plessis.
    • Replacement of Street names – Mr. Willem Zietsman.
    • Paving of the entrance to the braai area from the northern side, – Mr. Herman Bakkes.
    • Painting of the Community Hall roof – Ms. Michele Hayes.
    • Decision. A cost analysis of each of the proposed projects to be formulated by the respective committee member for presentation at the next meeting.
  3. Upgrading of Street Project. A Project Steering Committee (PSC) was scheduled for the 4th of March 2026.  However, it was rescheduled for the 13th March 2026 at 10h00.  Projects information regarding Galjoen Street will be provided at the PSC.

PORTFOLIOS

  1. Maintenance and Infrastructure. The Portfolio Holder reported on various items in terms of the Cannon Rocks Infrastructure Maintenance Plan and emphasised the following.
    • The repair of potholes and the installation of water pressure relief valves in the water supply system were addressed as part of the ongoing infrastructure maintenance programme. Subsequent to the meeting, a major water leak occurred which required the main water supply line to be closed off.  This created an opportunity to install two pressure relief valves at pre-selected locations in the main water system.  During the phased reopening of the water shut-off valves to restore the water supply to households, the operation and performance of these two valves will be monitored.
    • Decision. The Chairperson will arange a meeting with the Deputy Director Infrastructural Development to discus the Cannon Rocks Infrastructure Maintenance Plan.
  2. Community Hall.
    • The Chairman reported that the painting of the roof trusses and eaves remains outstanding. Some of the locks on the entrance doors and security gates at the Community Hall need to be replaced.
    • The keys to the Community Hall, together with the administration of the keys and the management of the hall, have been handed over to the new Portfolio Holder.
    • The Chairman of the Pool Club proposed that the application for the existing use of the Community Hall for pool activities be amended to include Wednesdays from 14h00, and that the tariff be increased from R800.00 per annum to R1,200.00 per annum.
    • Decision. The amendment to the existing application for the use of the Community Hall for pool activities be amended to include Wednesdays from 14h00, and that the tariff be increased from R800.00 per annum to R1,200.00 per annum, is approved.
  3. Fire Fighting and Precaution.
    • The Portfolio Holder reported that he is awaiting feedback from the Municipal Fire Chief regarding a meeting.
    • The initiation of a centralised fire prevention and firefighting capability within the municipality, as reported in the minutes of 3 February 2026, has lost momentum as the majority of interested parties have withdrawn.
    • Decision. For Information.
  4. Communication and Community Support. Sound and effective communication were once again tabled for discussion.  Following discussions and a review of the current mediums used and the procedures for communicating with members, it was reconfirmed that the existing mediums and processes for communication with members remain valid.
    • Decision. For Information.
  5. Security and Safety.
    • National Vehicle Intelligence Cloud (NAVIC) system. (Minutes 5 November 2025 par 16.1).  Stand over until October 2026.
    • The Portfolio Holder reported that additional traffic signage, as well as brackets to attach the signage to the poles, are required.
      • Decision.
        • The purchase of brackets to attach the traffic signage to the poles was approved.
        • The Chairman will request traffic signage in writing from the Municipal Traffic Chief.
  1. Ward 1 Liaison. The Portfolio Holder reported that the follow-up Ward 1 meeting, which had been scheduled after the cancellation of the Ward 1 meeting on 3 February 2026, was once again postponed.
    • Decision. For Information.
  2. Local Government and Development. Nothing to report.
  3. Environment.
    • Entrance to Conservancy Tanks: Cannon Rocks Cabins. During the meeting with the Director and Deputy Community Protection Services on 18 February 2026, the Director Community Protection Services advised the meeting that vehicle access to the conservancy tanks on the eastern side of the Cannon Rocks Cabins, as well as their routine emptying, falls under the responsibility of the Director Infrastructural Development in particular Deputy Director Infrastructural Development, Mr.T Maluleke whose office is in Kenton-on-Sea admin unit.  The abovemention information was forwarded to the Manager of the Cannon Rocks Cabins.
    • Domestic Refuse Removal. During the meeting with the Director and Deputy Community Protection Services on 18 February 2026, domestic refuse was discussed.
      • As the closure of the domestic refuse transfer site at Boknes is currently under investigation, skips are being provided temporarily at the garden refuse transfer site in Boknes for this purpose. However, these skips are being misused for general dumping.  It was also mentioned that, due to uncontrolled access to the garden refuse transfer site, the site is increasingly being used for the dumping of building rubble.
      • It was noted that both residents and holidaymakers leaving Cannon Rocks and Boknes on days other than the scheduled refuse collection days are leaving their domestic refuse in various municipal areas. As no alternative arrangements exist for refuse removal outside the scheduled collection days, residents and visitors are required to make the necessary arrangements to dispose of their domestic refuse when departing Cannon Rocks or Boknes, in line with practices in other towns and cities.
      • Agreement. Ratepayer Associations are requested to promote the practice that residents and visitors make the necessary arrangements to dispose of their domestic refuse should they depart on days other than the scheduled domestic refuse collection days.
    • Fire Break. The Portfolio Holder reported that the firebreak between Cannon Rocks and Addo National Park was cleared during February 2026 in accordance with the agreement that Addo National Park management is responsible for the maintenance thereof.
      • Desicion. For Information.
  1. Advertising. The Portfolio Holder reported that he is in the process of engaging with existing advertisers in person to establish and maintain good working relationships.
    • Decision. For Information.

FINANCES

  1. Statement of Account. The bank balance as at the end of February was noted with approval.
  2. Membership. The Treasurer reported that reminder letters will be sent out for the remaining outstanding member fees.
  3. Expenditure. An amount of R826.00 was approved for the purchase of padlocks and keys for the Community Hall.

CONDOLENCES

  1. Olie Olivier passed away.

CORRESPONDENCE

  1. Correspondence Received.
    • Letter of dated 3 March 2026 – Resignation Paul Strutt.
  2. Correspondence Sent.
    • Letter out dated 23 February 2026 – Eskom Kiosk Maintenance.
    • Letter out dated 27 February 2026 – Road Damage.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

  1. Portfolio Holders. No proposals were received as potential portfolio holders.  Stand over until the next meeting
  2. Resignation. A letter dated 3 March 2026 was received from Mr Paul Strutt tendering his resignation as a committee member.  His property has recently been sold, and he will vacate the property by the end of March 2026 as he relocates to Cape Town.
  3. Gas Braai. A mobile gas braai was donated to the Community Hall by a property owner in Cannon Rocks.  Although no specific regulations, other than standard safety practices, regarding the indoor use of a mobile gas braai could be found, the maintenance and cleaning of the braai remain a concern.
    • Decision. Approval was granted for the sale of the gas braai.
  4. Mobile Generator. A mobile generator was accepted as a donation during the 2024/2025 financial year.  Although a substantial amount was spent on repairs and maintenance, the generator has never been used in the hall to supply electricity.  A generator that stands unused for long periods requires regular maintenance and needs to be started periodically and allowed to run for a certain time.  Therefore, the necessity of retaining a generator is being questioned.  It should be noted that an official connection cable to the main switchboard was installed for this purpose.  Any person who hires the hall and experiences power interruptions can easily connect their own generator to the main electrical distribution board of the hall.
    • Decision. Approval was granted for the sale of the mobile generator.
  5. Church Collection. The Treasurer reported that R4,731.00 was collected at the community church service in December 2025. Potential organisation(s) are to be identified as recipients for possible donations.
    • Decision. The treasurer is authorised to pay the amount of R4,731.00 to ACVV Huis Diaz at Alexandria.
  6. Eskom Smart Meter Project. – The following information is provided by Cannon Rocks Ratepayers Association-with the consent of Eskom.
    • In addition to the smart meters already installed, Eskom has initiated a project to roll out smart meters to all remaining customers by the end of 2029. A smart meter is an electricity meter with a type of technology that allows customers to see consumption, enables consumers to budget their energy cost, and allows Eskom to remotely monitor and adjust the electricity supply, based on the needs of the utility at the time.The installation of Smart Meters will be at no cost to the customer for the placement or replacement of the Smart Meter or the Customer Interface Unit(CIU).
    • Eskom will communicate the smart meter programme through a comprehensive education campaign to customers soon.
    • Benefits of smart meters for customers.
  • Instant control over their energy use
  • No more waiting for physical meter reading
  • Accurate billing:Eliminates estimated bills by providing exact usage data.
    • Benefits of smart meters for Eskom. Improved load management:  Helps manage demand more efficiently and avoid loadshedding during peak times.
  • Remote monitoring and troubleshooting: Enables quick detection of outages and faults in the grid.
  • Reduced operational costs: Reduces Eskom’s costs as no need for meter reading contracts and service calls.
  • Better forecasting and planning: Detailed usage data supports better infrastructure planning and energy distribution.
    • Excising Pre-paid Customers. The existing meter situated in the kiosk near your property and the digital meter, plugged into an electrical socket, will be replaced by a Smart Meter (located in the kiosk) and a Customer Interface Unit (CIU), plugged into an electrical socket in your house which is always on, respectively.
    • Non- Pre-paid Customers. A Smart Meter will be fitted in the kiosk near to your property and a Customer Interface Unit (CIU), which is to be plugged into an electrical socket in your house which is always on, will be issued to the property owner.

Please note that a PowerPoint presentation issued by Eskom is available on CRRA website – www.cannonrocks.com Cannon Rocks, Eastern Cape, South Africa, under the “NEWS” tab.

  • Decision. The information regarding the Eskom Smart Meter Project to be included in March Newsletter.
  1. Movement of Sand. It was reported that a large volume of sea sand was moved to Potgieter Street 66 (Erf 133) in Cannon Rocks during February 2026, and it was requested that the municipality conduct an investigation.
    • Desicion. The Chairperson will report the transfer of abnormal volumes of sea sand to Potgieter Street 66 (Erf 133) in Cannon Rocks during February 2026, requesting that an environmental investigation be conducted.
  2. Water Delivery. It was reported that numerous water deliveries were made to Sandra Street 5 (Erf421) during February 2026.  Although a water supply is connected to the property, no visible water meter could be observed.
    • Decision. The Chairman will write a letter to the Municipal Chief Financial Officer enquiring about the capturing of consumption figures, as well as the payment for water delivered to the premises.

 

 

NEWSLETTER

  1. Eskom Smart Meter Project.
  2. Cannon Rocks Trail maintenance.
  3. Removal of domestic refuse.
  4. Portfolio vacant positions.

NEXT MEETING

  1. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 7 April 2026 at 10am.

CLOSURE

  1. The Chairperson closed the meeting at 13h15.