GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Following Graaff-Reinet Advertiser's report about five applications to erect 25-meter-high telecommunication towers in Graaff-Reinet (Towering Concern, 13 July), the reverend of the Apostolic Faith Mission of SA, Phillip Jonker, explained the church's decision to approve the request for a tower on their premises. 

Jonker says there are no grounds for health fears and that the financial injection will aid the church's work in the community.

Board approval

Jonker says the church was approached by Billy Daniels from TDC Leasing in May 2022 with the request to build a cellphone tower on their property at 9 Cloete Street. This request was based on the growing demand for mobile phone network in Graaff-Reinet due to the expansion of the town, which, he says, "everyone should be grateful for". 

The congregation considered the request, and after investigating all the implications, it was approved by the governing board.

Concerns

Regarding concerns of members of the Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers Association relating to potential health hazards, Jonker states there has been enough research over the years by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the National Department of Health, who established guidelines and safety measures for radio frequency exposure, which includes a significant safety margin to protect against possible adverse effects. 

"According to scientific research, the radio frequency exposure from mobile phone towers is much lower than the safety limits. There is no convincing evidence linking these towers to negative health effects such as cancer or other serious diseases," he says. 

"My personal view is that those who believe the towers pose a health risk should throw their phones in the trash because the same waves that are emitted by the towers are also emitted by your phone," says Jonker. "I think we should always put things in perspective and consult all the sources before we form any opinion."

Financial benefit

Jonker says the agreement with TDC Leasing will bring about a considerable financial benefit to the church that will contribute to the expansion of the congregation and enable them to serve the community better. "Our congregation has a heart for the community, so every little bit helps," says Jonker. 

"We believe in progress, and this is one of the tools we need for the progress of this town."

Pending applications

Regarding the pending applications it was confirmed that five applications were received:

• Koolcon Communications on behalf of the owner Mahomed and American Tower Corporation for the property on the corner of 3 Vink and Springbok streets. The deadline for comment and objections was 24 June.
• Urban Scope Consulting CC on behalf of SBA Towers for a telecommunications mast and the relaxation of the building line and height restrictions at Club Libertas at 22 Bourke Street. The deadline for comments and objections was 30 June.
• Two applications for Urban Scope Consulting CC for Erf 5162 and Erf 3877 at Early Childhood Development Centre in Santaville and Graaff-Reinet Primary School in Asherville. The deadline for comment and objections for both was 7 July.
• TDC Leasing on behalf of AFM of SA and Eagle Towers of SA applied for a freestanding telecommunication base station at the Apostolic Faith Mission of SA at 9 Cloete Street and a relaxation of the street building lines on the corner of Way- and Mainier streets in Spandauville. The closing date for comments and objections is 5 August.

These should be submitted in writing to:

• The Applicant at 50 Cleonie Crescent, Charlo, 6070 or Billy Daniels on 083 724 0507, and/or billy@tdcl.co.za.
• A copy of the submission must also be sent to the Municipal Manager at PO Box 71, Graaff-Reinet, 6280 or emailed to matyaf@bnlm.gov.za and camngcan@bnlm.gov.za.

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