GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRPA) held their Annual General Meeting last week where several important issues were discussed.
Profcon hosted the successful AGM of the GRRPA and the attendees applauded the guest speaker, Dawid de Wet, who spoke about climbing Compassberg barefoot to raise funds for soccer togs for needy children.
The aim of this organisation is to keep the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality (DBNLM) accountable for services in Graaff-Reinet. At the meeting, which was well attended, the present five-member committee was ratified for the rest of their three-year term. They are Michelle Erasmus, chairperson, Liz Buisman, secretary, Garth Hitge, treasurer, Jean Rosslee, membership secretary and Judy Caryer, tree committee organizer.
Three more committee members were welcomed; John Luscombe, Abel Bok and Jonathan van de Rheeder. All their work is done voluntarily. Members pay R100 per annum and the association's activities depend on that.
Van Wyk Theron does the accounting and manages the bank account and for that service GRRPA is grateful.
In her report, the chairperson, Michelle Erasmus said that it's not easy to stay positive when dealing with our municipality. "We have, without success, been appealing to DBNLM to ratify the Tree Committee for more than a year. PAIA requests have been ignored, most letters and responses from GRRPA to the Municipal Manager and the Mayor are not reacted to and promises are not kept," she said.
"The GRRPA does believe, however, that its efforts, make a difference in the town.
"We attend council meetings, budget discussions, ward forum meetings, and other events organized by the DBNLM. It informs the residents and supports other Graaff-Reinet organizations."
The GRRPA Committee remains committed to making a positive impact. Continued support from the community is vital to their success.
Graaff-Reinet Advertiser requested comment from DBNLM but nothing was received by the time going to the press.
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