BAG Fund Raising Initiative

Fund raising initiative

AMENDMENT OF THE URBAN STRUCTURE PLAN, REZONING, SUBDIVISION AND DEPARTURE: REMAINDER OF THE FARM BRANDWACHT NO 1049: STELLENBOSCH DIVISION

Rapid, commercially driven urban development is posing an increasing threat to the rural and historical character of Stellenbosch, and the preservation of our winelands and natural environment. At present the Stellenbosch municipality is considering applications for i.a. the development of Boschendal, Anura, Longlands, a further extension of Kleine Zalze golf estate, development of the property on which the current Waldorf school is at the entrance to Technopark and the development of public land in Stellenbosch (tender 34). Further development of Brandwacht farm, established in 1679 and a productive wine farm for 320 years, is being opposed by the Brandwacht Action Group (BAG) as well as the Stellenbosch Interest Group (SIG) and the Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association (SRA) for the following reasons:

• further erosion of the heritage and rural character of Stellenbosch;
• destruction of viable vineyards;
• urban sprawl;
• this development providing a precedent for the development of Paradyskloof Golf estate, hotel and residential units;
• lack of bulk infrastructure, water and sewage capacity;
• Traffic impact.

Despite 87 letters of objection, no provision in the Stellenbosch Urban Structure Plan for this development, which is situated beyond the urban edge, and a previous decision against the development by the Provincial authorities, the current ANC minister, Mr. P Uys, has approved the the application by the farm owner, Mr Du Toit, for the rezoning and subdivision of the farm to develop a country hotel on 2,5ha, a 120 housing development on a 13ha portion of the site and an office park of 3ha.

We are of the opinion that the remaining 30ha high quality agricultural soil will not be a viable agricultural unit, and that the present owners will, once the rezoning of 18.5ha has been approved, apply for rezoning of the remaining portion as well.

For the reasons stated above, and legal lopinion that there were procedural irregulaties, we are resolved to file for a High Court proceedings to review and set aside the decision of the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs & Development Planning.

At this juncture we need to raise R100 000.00 to R200 000.00 to secure legal representation and need your help. We have opened a bank account for financial contributions to defray legal costs. The account number at ABSA is: SBV (BAG) 9222700710. Money may be deposited directly into this account. Donations are administered by the Stellenbosch Ratepayers association, which is currently in the process of registering as a Public Benefit Organisation, thus enabling the offset of donations against tax.

Infrastructure

Stellenbosch can no longer support developments of this magnitude due to a serious water shortage, inadequate sewerage infrastructure and traffic impact. It is anticipated that the Brandwacht development will contribute to an increased and unacceptable burden on the rate payers of Stellenbosch. In our view further expansion of the urban environment in Stellenbosch should not be allowed prior to the maintanance and upgrading of the existing infrastructure in Stellebosch.

Traffic congestion along the R44 is reaching unmanageable proportions, and alternatives such as the proposed access roads though the suburbs of Brandwacht and Dalsig present a real threat to the rural character of these prime neighbourhoods, and will also negatively impact on property prices in our area and region.

Conclusion

Brandwacht is a pivotal issue, along with the other developments mentioned earlier, because it concerns proper procedure and the preservartion of Stellenbosch’s character and identity. It is vital that concerned citizens, interest groups and the ratepayers’ association guard against urban development and exploitation of the Cape Winelands. At the same time government at all levels must get its house in order to ensure that special conservation strategies with definite plans are in place and being adhered to. Only a few greedy developers benefit from the current “laissez-faire” attitude of the Environmental Affairs and Planning department.

Wine export from South Africa increased exponentially over the past few years, and the economic benefit for this region is indisputable. Viticulture and oenology is the main agricultural activity of this world-renowned wine production area, and is worthy of protection!

Yours faithfully

Brandwacht Action Group