DA full time Mayco member still in private practice?

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=30 BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" width="100%" style=" border-left: 1px solid #3366CC;" BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <B>Tulbagh Info Information</B></div> <div> DA full time Mayco member still in private practice?</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="120" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#0099CC HEIGHT= 15 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="local_news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tulbagh News Page 2"><U>Back to Local News</U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>Councillor John Veschini of the VIP - Voice of Independents Party is not happy about an apparent supurflous DA Portfolio Committee of Rural and Economic Development and Planning, the manner in which that portfolio committee is being managed and the fact that the Portfolio Chairperson appears to be running his own law practice whilst he is supposed to be a full time Councillor and a member of the Mayoral Executive Committee. </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" >That means the Ratepayer is paying his salary as a full time Councillor and he is possibly running his business in Council time? Is this not against the code of Conduct of Councillors and if so, why is the DA condoning this situation?</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Correspondence follows below - last one first.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP [mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Friday, November 18, 2011 1:19 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> 'Barnito Klaasen'</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> 'Dirk Swart'; 'Elizabeth Sidego'; 'Hendrik Smith'; 'Jacques Klazen'; 'Jakobus Du Plessis'; 'Johnnerey Mouton'; 'Joyce Phungula'; 'Kariem Adams'; 'Lea Salmon'; 'Marina du Toit'; 'Monwabisi Saula'; 'Petrus Herandien'; 'Piet Waterboer'; 'Reginald Badela'; 'Richard Simpson'; 'Ronald Visagie'; 'Stanley Ndwanya'; 'Stefan Louw'; 'Theodore Godden'; 'Wouda Hanekom'; 'Mzwandile Jacobs'; 'Monwabisi Mpeluza'; 'David Nasson'; 'Raymond Esau'</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Councillors requesting permission to continue his practice Annexure of the minutes of the Council meeting of 28 September, 2011</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor, The Speaker and other Councillors and Directors.</div> <bR> <div> Three Matters</div> <bR> <div> <B>1. Your Practice and full time employment at Council</B></div> <bR> <div> I will be happy for you to discuss this matter with the speaker.</div> <bR> <div> The matter is no longer `in committee' and it was accepted as a resolution of Council. Only the discussion was in Committee at that stage.</div> <bR> <div> The VIP supported the motion on the understanding that you would continue with your practice but not to expect that you would expect to continue to physically manage your practice as well as to be expected to be paid as a full time Councillor at the expense of the public. I made that point in the discussions.</div> <bR> <div> The VIP considers this arrangement impractical and a conflict of interests. The question is how can you possible be in attendance to the pubic and do justice to your portfolio as a full time Councillor when you are not there full time?</div> <bR> <div> With respect, from my perspective, your portfolio and the manner in which you are managing it may well be indicative that you are not spending enough time or concentration on your job at Council as a result?</div> <bR> <div> Unless you make suitable arrangements for someone to manage your practice to allow you to concentrate on your full time position, the VIP will put in a motion for Council requesting that this whole matter be discussed and re-determined satisfactorily.</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Crèche </B></div> <bR> <div> You seem to have misinterpreted all my correspondence? Perhaps due to a lack of concentration and diligence on your part?</div> <bR> <div> I am not against having a crèche and in fact was instrumental in assisting the Crèche committee in drafting a letter to Council years ago. There were requesting a piece of land in the middle of the Chris Hani for same. </div> <bR> <div> You have ignored an email of mine of 29 August, 2011 wherein I suggested a possible site to be earmarked for a final position for the crèche in future. The site will be more central and accessible to the broader community with the emphasis on the Coloured community who are not making use of the current crèche in sufficient numbers for obvious reasons</div> <div> I shall forward that mail to you one again to follow.</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Youth Centre </B></div> <bR> <div> The Youth Centre is underutilized and I would like to see that complex developed into a fully fledged SMME development for Youth as well as unemployed adults - a sort of Hive of Industries. There is plenty space there for such development. If you and Councillor Hanakom would have taken the trouble to visit and let me explain my thoughts, you would not have needed to indulge me with a flood on irrelevant (to Planning) emails? </div> <bR> <div> In my last conversation with you a day or two ago, you undertook to make that visit. I trust it will occur?</div> <bR> <div> I have other PLANNING matters which I will like to have discussed, not only in Tulbagh but if I cannot get anything past you, how can I get them tabled for discussion?</div> <bR> <div> I cannot understand why you are so obstructive? My other DA Councillors and erstwhile colleagues do not treat me this way?</div> <bR> <div> Work with me for the benefit of the community or work against me. It is entirely up to you.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Clr John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" <U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________</div> <div> <B>From:</B> Barnito Klaasen [mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Thursday, November 17, 2011 10:24 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> VIP</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Dirk Swart; Elizabeth Sidego; Hendrik Smith; Jacques Klazen; Jakobus Du Plessis; Johnnerey Mouton; Joyce Phungula; Kariem Adams; Lea Salmon; Marina du Toit; Monwabisi Saula; Petrus Herandien; Piet Waterboer; Reginald Badela; Richard Simpson; Ronald Visagie; Stanley Ndwanya; Stefan Louw; Theodore Godden; Wouda Hanekom; Mzwandile Jacobs; Monwabisi Mpeluza; David Nasson; Raymond Esau</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor</div> <bR> <div> I know a smokescreen once I see it.  Like I indicated I will ask the speaker to investigate the matter thereby giving you an opportunity to respond in full. I am putting it to you that I applied and my application was granted unanimously by council of which you are a member. Please proceed with whatever you intend to. The two of us went through this process in the past and it seems to me history is repeating itself.</div> <bR> <div> However, I am putting this matter of the youth and crèche before the speaker and would in future revert to him since I would not want to be accused of biasness. </div> <bR> <div> The only reason I am not responding to your accusations in full at this stage is because council was in committee when it was discussed and I am not authorized to respond  at this forum. I  reserve my rights fully in that regard.   </div> <bR> <div> Regards</div> <bR> <div> <I>Rdl. B.C.Klaasen</I></div> <div> <I>Voortrekkerstraat 60</I></div> <div> <I>Ceres</I></div> <div> <I>6835</I></div> <div> <I>Tel    : 023-312 3905</I></div> <div> <I>Faks: 023-312 3904 </I></div> <div> <I>Sel  :  082 3099 433 </I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________</div> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP [mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> 15 November 2011 10:51 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> Barnito Klaasen</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> <B>bject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> I don't know what you are talking about but may I repeat my precious mail contents? Let us focus? Are you in fact running your own business whilst employed as a full time public representative of the Witzenberg? Just answer the question as I asked it? Can the Court records prove otherwise? Are you being paid by the Ratepayer as well as your own practice?</div> <bR> <div> Who are the so called' affected parties? </div> <bR> <div> Take the liberty to discuss what you like with whom you like. You appear to be running your practice in conflict with your Code of Conduct. Possibly this is a matter for a disciplinary action against you? Let us see?</div> <bR> <div> I shall gather evidence from the Court records of Tulbagh and Ceres? Will that be OK with you?</div> <bR> <div> You appear to be playing political games with me and using Ratepayers money whilst you are doing this. Can you now refute this, or should we ask the Public Protector to decide on the matter?</div> <bR> <div> Please don't blow smoke where it does possibly not belong?</div> <bR> <div> You don't intimidate me in any way.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : <A HREF="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.z"><U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></A></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________</div> <div> <B>From:</B> Barnito Klaasen [mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, November 15, 2011 10:14 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> VIP</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Dirk Swart; Elizabeth Sidego; Hendrik Smith; Jacques Klazen; Jakobus Du Plessis; Johannes Thomas; Johnnerey Mouton; Joyce Phungula; Kariem Adams; Lea Salmon; Marina du Toit; Monwabisi Saula; Petrus Herandien; Piet Waterboer; Reginald Badela; Richard Simpson; Ronald Visagie; Stanley Ndwanya; Stefan Louw; Theodore Godden; Wouda Hanekom; Mzwandile Jacobs; Monwabisi Mpeluza; David Nasson; Raymond Esau</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor</div> <bR> <div> I serve the community of Witzenberg in accordance with my constitutional obligations. Please forget about power plays since this is not the issue here. The community will be affected by any decision taken. I always work on the basis that I afford an affected party an opportunity to respond to allegations made. It is called fairness. It happens in this instance and will happen in future. You made certain allegations and I requested a response to it from the persons concerned.</div> <bR> <div> I believe that you would want to be provided the same opportunity should an issue affect you so why took it away from somebody else.</div> <bR> <div> Indeed I am prepared to defend my stance at any public meeting and maybe we should arrange a meeting with the affected parties where we can debate this issues that you raised and discuss your viewpoints. The meeting could indicate the feeling of the community.</div> <bR> <div> I would take the liberty and discuss the issue with the ward councilor and request her to arrange the meeting since she was duly elected to represent the ward by the community. This is the reality and not politics as you would believe. </div> <bR> <div> <I>Rdl. B.C.Klaasen</I></div> <div> <I>Voortrekkerstraat 60</I></div> <div> <I>Ceres</I></div> <div> <I>6835</I></div> <div> <I>Tel    : 023-312 3905</I></div> <div> <I>Faks: 023-312 3904 </I></div> <div> <I>Sel  :  082 3099 433 </I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP [mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Friday, November 11, 2011 11:27 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> 'Barnito Klaasen'</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Dirk Swart; Elizabeth Sidego; Clr H Smit (henniesmit@witzenberg.gov.za)" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>henniesmit@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Jacques Klazen; Jakobus Du Plessis; Johannes Thomas; Johnnerey Mouton; Joyce Phungula; Kariem Adams; Lea Salmon; Marina du Toit; Monwabisi Saula; Petrus Herandien; Piet Waterboer; Reginald Badela; Richard Simpson; Ronald Visagie; Stanley Ndwanya; Stefan Louw; Theodore Godden; Wouda Hanekom; Mzwandile Jacobs (mzwandile@witzenberg.gov.za)" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>mzwandile@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Monwabisi Mpeluza; David Nasson (david@witzenberg.gov.za)" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>david@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Raymond Esau</div> <bR> <div> <B>Subject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> I accept your bona-fides as long as you are not suggesting that my information to you was intended to mislead you. It all depends on what `allegations you are referring to? </div> <bR> <div> Now please understand me. I live in Tulbagh and you don't. I believe I know what my community needs and if you are mislead, then I cannot assist you. If you visited the locations, why could you not have taken the trouble to meet with me since I am here - all the time? Was this another political thing? </div> <bR> <div> Are you aware that I was a DA member for nine years so I have learned a few tricks about power games? </div> <bR> <div> Have you forgotten that I have been a community leader of sorts (TRIF and everything else) for near on 10 years? You and your other Portfolio committee Chairpersons have obviously missed a few of my communications - some of which were direct requests for you to have the matters placed on your agenda, where I could at least have explained my reasoning behind all this. You did not, or would not oblige me - or even humor me?</div> <bR> <div> Let it put it plan and simple. You cannot intimidate me. I am not awed by the power of the DA on Council - if that is your intention or that of the DA.?</div> <bR> <div> We started off well and we achieved a semblance of collective and participatory administration for the benefit of the broader public and I was reasonably content and accepted my positioning in the general scheme of things politically speaking. </div> <bR> <div> We now seem to be drifting apart? If you or the DA wish to work with me in harmony, good sense, prompt and deliberate decisions, I would welcome that. If you, or the DA wish to take me on and play political games with me on a local level, be my guest? </div> <bR> <div> Let us either come together or be political enemies and let the public determine who is right?</div> <bR> <div> Let me place this on the record, I am not here on Council to make friends or to play political games at the expense of the Ratepayer or Consumer.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards, </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Clr. John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" <U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>From:</B> Barnito Klaasen [mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Friday, November 11, 2011 6:59 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> VIP</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Dirk Swart; Elizabeth Sidego; Hendrik Smith; Jacques Klazen; Jakobus Du Plessis; Johannes Thomas; Johnnerey Mouton; Joyce Phungula; Kariem Adams; Lea Salmon; Marina du Toit; Monwabisi Saula; Petrus Herandien; Piet Waterboer; Reginald Badela; Richard Simpson; Ronald Visagie; Stanley Ndwanya; Stefan Louw; Theodore Godden; Wouda Hanekom; Mzwandile Jacobs; Monwabisi Mpeluza; David Nasson; Raymond Esau</div> <bR> <div> <B>Subject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor</div> <bR> <div> My visit to the locations in question unearthed information that I will forward to the speaker with a formal request for an investigation since I, as portfolio chairperson, was clearly misled by the information provided to me. I acted upon it and it seems as if most of the allegations was false and intended to misled.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Rdl. B.C.Klaasen</I></div> <div> <I>Voortrekkerstraat 60</I></div> <div> <I>Ceres</I></div> <div> <I>6835</I></div> <div> <I>Tel    : 023-312 3905</I></div> <div> <I>Faks: 023-312 3904 </I></div> <div> <I>Sel  :  082 3099 433 </I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP [mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Friday, November 11, 2011 11:06 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> 'Barnito Klaasen'</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Wouda Hanekom; Dirk Swart; Elizabeth Sidego; Clr H Smit (henniesmit@witzenberg.gov.za)" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>henniesmit@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Jacques Klazen; Jakobus Du Plessis; Johannes Thomas; Johnnerey Mouton; Joyce Phungula; Kariem Adams; Lea Salmon; Marina du Toit; Monwabisi Saula; Petrus Herandien; Piet Waterboer; Reginald Badela; Richard Simpson; Ronald Visagie; Stanley Ndwanya; Stefan Louw; Theodore Godden; David Nasson (david@witzenberg.gov.za)" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>david@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Hennie Taljaard (htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Buddy Chabaan (badih@telkomsa.net)</div> <div> <B>Subject</B>" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>badih@telkomsa.net)</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><B><U>Subject</U></B></A><B>:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> Please look at your last SDFP and then tell me who made the wrong decision?</div> <bR> <div> So who approved the funding in conflict with the provisions of the SFDP that went through a thorough community consultative process with but perhaps with only one segment of the community?</div> <bR> <div> You know as I know - hopefully, that both complexes were placed in the wrong locations for their purpose for what they were intended. So what are you going to do about rectifying the situation? Just accept the fait-accompli or do something that is right and proper and make the projects work for the whole community? Or should the Ratepayers now carry the can?</div> <bR> <div> So you now accept that this is a planning matter gone wrong? So you are now the Portfolio Committee Chairperson? You were not then so maybe now you do to make it work? Placing it on your agenda may help so it can be debated? I mean, How many more emails and requests from me do you need to show your interest? Or, is this a political thing?</div> <bR> <div> We need a Crèche' Don't get me wrong. Read previous correspondence. We don't need a Youth Centre that is a white elephant, produces no sustainable jobs and is a play thing for your Belgium partners? It could have been but one module in a more beneficial and productive development. I hate seeing money wasted - no matter where it comes from.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Clr. John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" <U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>From:</B> Barnito Klaasen [mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]" <A HREF="mailto:" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>[mailto:barnito@witzenberg.gov.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Friday, November 11, 2011 6:44 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> VIP</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> David Nasson; Wouda Hanekom</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor</div> <bR> <div> The centres to which you are referring form part of an international agreement and was funded by donor monies for that purpose and not to create a business node.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Rdl. B.C.Klaasen</I></div> <div> <I>Voortrekkerstraat 60</I></div> <div> <I>Ceres</I></div> <div> <I>6835</I></div> <div> <I>Tel    : 023-312 3905</I></div> <div> <I>Faks: 023-312 3904 </I></div> <div> <I>Sel  :  082 3099 433 </I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Sent:</B> 03 November 2011 12:15 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> Barnito Klaasen</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> David Nasson; Wouda Hanekom</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> RE: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> If your portfolio is Rural Development and Planning, then surely this is your portfolio if we are talking creating a business node out of the Youth centre and possibly the crèche also??</div> <bR> <div> The relocation of the crèche may well be Councillor Hanekom's portfolio but still is a matter of planning?</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Clr. John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : <A HREF="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.z"><U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></A></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> 7 November, 2011</div> <bR> <div> The Portfolio committee Chairperson</div> <div> Rural and economic development and planning, Clr Barnito Klaasen.</div> <bR> <div> Copies to all Councillors, the Municipal Manager and Directors.</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> As far as I am aware, as long as this is Council business, I am immune from prosecution. Correct me if I am wrong? In fact I can make this public should I deem it necessary to do so. I just may do so?</div> <bR> <div> This is am email from a duly elected Councilor to you. I could and will say the same in a Council meeting - which I intend to do.</div> <bR> <div> Your responses to this matter of planning and rural development have been most satisfactory to say the least.</div> <bR> <div> In you last email response on 3 November was as follows;</div> <bR> <div> "My apologies for responding now but I had technical difficulties with my laptop.</div> <bR> <div> Please be advised both the youth centre and crèche do not form part of my portfolio and I am not in a position to give an opinion at this stage because I am not aware of the facts. I would advise you contact the relevant chairperson."</div> <bR> <div> Firstly, your apparent tardiness (in the delay to your responses) are unacceptable - for whatever technical reason! Do you have a political appointee who can assist you? </div> <bR> <div> You, as a practicing attorney by profession must surely know and understand what is a matter that requires planning input? If you don't know the facts, I suggest that you get to the facts or read my correspondence?</div> <bR> <div> Yes, of course, it may eventually require discussion on other relevant portfolio committees but I am not getting much joy out of the relevant committee chairperson for Community Services Clr Hanekom, who has promised me a meeting for weeks and it has never materialized - you promised the same verbally and that never materialized. I had to meet with the Director of Technical Services to explain what was of concern to me but he is not a politician.</div> <bR> <div> Now, I am getting sick and tired of the manner in which the political business of the Municipality is being conducted.</div> <bR> <div> Your DA component decided on an extra portfolio to presumably accommodate you? I and on behalf of my Party have voiced my concerns about this and I reiterate that your portfolio is superfluous to the scheme of things. Your portfolio could well have been split between Technical Services, Housing and or Community Services. </div> <bR> <div> It has come to my attention only in the last week, that you are running your Chairperson's portfolio from the offices of you Attorney's practice (you do not have an office at the Council premises)? Do you have a qualified attorney managing your business while you are supposedly busy with Council matters?</div> <bR> <div> When you made a request to Council to keep your practice whilst you are in the full time employment of Council, I was one who supported your request on the understanding that you would observe the Code of Conduct for Councillors and furthermore on the understanding that you would have someone managing your practice whilst you took up your position as a full time Councillor and a member of Mayco. This is apparently not the case? It may well be that you are continuing to run your practice whilst in the full time employment of Council? Correct me if I am wrong? Should I check the Court records to establish whether you are representing any clients in Council time or would you care to - to put my mind at rest? I note for the record that you were a full time Councillor for at least two months before your request was ratified by Council?</div> <bR> <div> Now I suggest that you either run your portfolio with diligence, or have the courage to resign as a full time employee of Council and run your practice. You decide? I further suggest that the Mayor or your DA principals consider adjusting the portfolios for the best effect and result for the Ratepayer. Five portfolios are a waste of taxpayers money!</div> <div>  </div> <div> I am most concerned about numerous matters but more especially the apparent waste of ratepayers money and the apparent inability or lack of diligence to make decisions and deal with obvious problems which need decisions on the part of some (not all) Councillors.</div> <bR> <div> Whether you or some others like it or not, I am a Councillor and I was elected to serve my constituency - the VIP. I aim to do so and to do everything that I can to ensure that decisions are made (unlike the Klip Rivier Park debacle - now about ten years hence). I note and make this the record…. You, at a workshop, said that the DA must Caucus my proposals at a workshop. I note for the record that your Ward Councillor Ms Sidego expressed the opinion that the matter of the Alienation of the Klip Rivier Park should be determined by her new Ward Committee? This, after near on ten tears of Public consultations? The MM was correct to explain to the esteemed Councillor that this has all been done before - DA administration, as well as ANC administrations. No more!</div> <bR> <div> Now don't get me wrong. I have some erstwhile colleagues and friends in the DA who I admire for their dedication to the ideals of a new South Africa - a South Africa where Local Government WILL deliver. Procrastination and political games are not my style but I can be a fast learner?</div> <bR> <div> There will be further communications including some motions to Council.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Clr. John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : <A HREF="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.z"><U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></A></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________</div> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP <A HREF="mailto:[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsp"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Monday, October 24, 2011 12:16 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> Barnito Klaasen</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> FW: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> I note there has been no response from you in regards to this matter.</div> <bR> <div> I would be please to have such a response or have the matter discussed as requested.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> Clr. John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : <A HREF="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.z"><U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></A></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________</div> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP <A HREF="mailto:[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsp"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Monday, October 17, 2011 7:03 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> Barnito Klaasen</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Stefan Louw; David Nasson (<A HREF="mailto:david@witzenberg.gov.za)" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:david@witzenberg.gov.za)"><U>david@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Jo-Ann Krieger (<A HREF="mailto:jo-ann@witzenberg.gov.za)" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:jo-ann@witzenberg.gov.za)"><U>jo-ann@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Hennie Taljaard (<A HREF="mailto:htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)"><U>htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Johan Swanepoel</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> FW: Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> Dear Councillor,</div> <bR> <div> I would be pleased if you could place this item on your Portfolio Committee Agenda for discussion.</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <div> John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : <A HREF="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.z"><U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></A></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________________________________</div> <div> <B>From:</B> VIP <A HREF="mailto:[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsp"><U>[mailto:info@voiceofindependentsparty.co.za]</U></A> </div> <div> <B>Sent:</B> Friday, September 23, 2011 7:28 PM</div> <div> <B>To:</B> Barnito Klaasen</div> <div> <B>Cc:</B> Dirk Swart; Elizabeth Sidego; Hendrik Smith; Jacques Klazen; Jakobus Du Plessis; Johannes Thomas; Johnnerey Mouton; Joyce Phungula; Kariem Adams; Lea Salmon; Marina du Toit; Monwabisi Saula; Petrus Herandien; Piet Waterboer; Reginald Badela; Richard Simpson; Ronald Visagie; Stanley Ndwanya; Stefan Louw; Theodore Godden; Wouda Hanekom; Jo-Ann Krieger (<A HREF="mailto:jo-ann@witzenberg.gov.za)" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:jo-ann@witzenberg.gov.za)"><U>jo-ann@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Mzwandile Jacobs (<A HREF="mailto:mzwandile@witzenberg.gov.za)" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:mzwandile@witzenberg.gov.za)"><U>mzwandile@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Hennie Taljaard (<A HREF="mailto:htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)"><U>htaljaard@witzenberg.gov.za)</U></A>; Johan Swanepoel</div> <div> <B>Subject:</B> Tulbagh Crèche and Youth centre</div> <bR> <div> The Portfolio Chairperson of Rural and Economic Development and all.</div> <bR> <div> The Crèche and the Youth Centre in Chris Hani.</div> <bR> <div>  I don't want to remind you that I am on record in suggesting that both of these developments done together with Essen were done with not enough planning and consultation and will be a failure but that's not the point. Let us admit when we make mistakes and not throw good money after bad?.</div> <bR> <div> <B>The Crèche;</B></div> <bR> <div> The numbers of children at the Crèche has dropped from about 80 (according to my reliable sources to about 35. It is a shambles. The teachers are not even being paid timorously and there is no food for the children. The current Chairperson is behaving as though this complex is her private fiefdom. When she got objections from the committee about her autocratically inclined  behavior, she simply set up another committee in place of the one which was in existence. The local Brown people have mostly (if not all) taken their children out of the Crèche and private Crèche's are springing up all over. The entrepreneurs are simply hiring residential premises and doing it all on their own (Zoning implications for our Town Planner?). This is an indictment on the whole idea of assisting the community by both Essen and the Municipality. The latter development should be considered as real entrepreneurship and the way we should be going. It is not the core function of the Municipality to run Crèche's? Furthermore, the NGO who is supposed to be managing this process is not doing so adequately? On my last visit, all the waste water and perhaps sewerage was flowing all over the lawns. The vegetable garden which the predecessors of the current committee set up together with the children with some dedication is a mere weed patch!</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>The Youth Centre;</B></div> <bR> <div> This Youth Centre is a disaster! I have been on site twice and these premises are a waste! The `youth' component could have been one module. The evening learning classes for literacy, or whatever could have been arranged with one of the schools? One classroom has been locked for some time as someone went off with the key. I have already reported on the state of the computers in previous email. Only one is working and the printer wasn't. The Internet module was not working and in respect of the other computer, the USB connection between the PC and the printer has gone missing. </div> <bR> <div> On two visits I saw three youngsters. They told me that their last `project (something to do with learner licenses) was in March!</div> <bR> <div> Once again, I remind all of you that it is not the core function of the municipality to provide anything but services? </div> <bR> <div> <B>BusyBee (next to the police station) Another white elephant? I shall investigate further and report.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I have a few ideas?</B></div> <bR> <div> Both the youth Centre and the Crèche should be turned into a Small Business development centre. Let us plan how we can get the youth (and unemployed adults) into a sustainable job opportunity situation, with all the skills training, `soft loans for equipment, linkages to Tourism and the market place? A point of manufacture and possibly a point of sale? The Busy Bee `project must be totally reconsidered and maybe incorporated into the above and the premises either leased or sold?</div> <bR> <div> All we need from you Mr. Chairperson, is to place these `projects on the agenda' and refer them to THE planning workshop?</div> <bR> <div> Kind regards,</div> <bR> <bR> <div> John Veschini</div> <div> VIP - Voice of Independents Party</div> <div> Mobile : 082 653 8229 (all hours</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302172 (Office)</div> <div> Tel. 023 2302696 (John Veschini at home)</div> <div> Web : <A HREF="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.z"><U>http://www.voiceofindependentsparty.co.za/</U></A></div> <div> email : <A HREF="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.z"><U>info@voiceofinependentsparty.co.za</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" width=28 style=" border-top: 1px solid #0066CC; border-left: 1px solid #0066CC;border-right: 1px solid #0066CC; border-bottom: 1px solid #0066CC;" BGCOLOR="#0066CC" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>