DOCRRA
A shocking investigation by DOCRRA has uncovered a pervasive culture of abuse of power among councillors in township wards, where public municipal resources and facilities are captured for their own political and personal gain.
We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Community Conversations AGM event two weeks ago at the Salt Rock Country Club. It was an amazing gathering of community stakeholders including some of our Councillors, representatives from the KwaDukuza Residents Forum, the Ilembe Community Action Network, neighbourhood watches, Community Policing Forum, iLembe Chamber of Commerce, small business owners and many Dolphin Coast residents.
Our recent Community Conversations event highlighted the pressing issue of taxi vigilantism and residents’ frustration with this issue. Despite media coverage and promises of investigation, there has been a concerning lack of progress and accountability. No taxi association has the right to police the mode of transportation being used by citizens. DOCRRA is committed to addressing this situation and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.
KwaDukuza Municipality CFO, Shamir Rajcoomar, was suspended in July 2023 due to R37,000 in banking fees accumulated over a change of bank accounts. While this is a costly oversight to the average citizen, it is undoubtedly small change when it comes to a municipal budget. While the mistake must be addressed, we’d like to put this event into perspective.
The election is over and the results have been announced, but South Africa (and KZN in particular) is far from breathing a sigh of relief. The voice of the electorate has been resoundingly clear, but exactly what that means both nationally and provincially has most of us still biting our nails in uncertainty.
Over the past several weeks, the DOCRRA finance subcommittee has been hard at work analysing and compiling written comments and questions on the 2024/2025 KDM budget, which were officially submitted at the end of last week.
DOCRRA has again played a leading role in evaluating and providing oversight at the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). The main purpose of the MPAC is to exercise oversight over the executive functionaries of council and to ensure good governance in the municipality.
The DOCRRA Finance Subcommittee have just completed their analysis of the KDM 2023 Annual Report in preparation for the upcoming Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) meetings, where DOCRRA will be attending as a registered stakeholder and raising our concerns.
We understand your frustration over the planned electricity interruption at the end of this week, as it affects everyone in a big way! However, for once, this interruption is actually for our good, in the long term.
The 2024 National and Provincial Election is fast approaching – are you ready to have your say?
Although the exact date has not been announced yet, the upcoming 2024 elections will be upon us before we know it – and time is running out to register if you haven’t done so already. Predicted to be set between May and August of 2024, once the election date is announced, registration will CLOSE which is why registering now is more important than ever.
As the year draws to a close, and the pace of work and life slow down, we take time to reflect on the growth and achievement that has occurred over the past twelve months.
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA), and the leadership from the civic structure in Ward 8, are delighted to announce that we are collaborating to address ongoing concerns from the residents.
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA), and the leadership from the civic structure in Ward 8, are delighted to announce that we are collaborating to address ongoing concerns from the residents.
International Food Week started on Monday the 16th October 2023 and prompted DOCCRA to take stock of its Dolphin Cost Outreach (DCO) program.
Although still primarily a nutritious home cooked soup program, the initiative has expanded substantially.
The KDM Council has approved a debt relief scheme for ratepayers who have accumulated arrears in their rates and services accounts. The scheme provides relief from administration and interest charges accumulating of the outstanding debt.
Following the record attendance of our AGM last month, DOCRRA wishes to thank the Dolphin Coast community for their interest and support of our mission. It was wonderful to see the Pavilion Room at Simbithi Country Club so packed that there was standing room only.
DOCRRA remains well led, DOCRRA is in excellent hands, DOCRRA goes from strength to strength.
Following a detailed study by various members of the DOCRRA committee, we have provided questions, suggestions and observations to KDM.
Following the surprise addition to some 600 households’ KDM bills this month, DOCRRA initiated research into why these households have been allocated a double, backdated charge for refuse removal.
Following the surprise addition to some 600 households’ KDM bills this month, DOCRRA initiated research into why these households have been allocated a double, backdated charge for refuse removal.
Following the surprise addition to some 600 households’ KDM bills this month, DOCRRA initiated research into why these households have been allocated a double, backdated charge for refuse removal.
The continuing effects of load shedding on traffic and congestion, particularly at the large intersections in Ballito, have been an ongoing concern and priority item for the DOCRRA team. The team has had numerous meetings with KDM Metro to discuss pointsmen solutions.
On Thursday, 23 February, DOCRRA Co-Chairman and Finance Subcommittee Chairman, Brian Botes, attended the second meeting of the KDM Council for 2023. At this meeting, the Mayor presented the adjusted budget for 2022/23 which contains updated projections on both income and expenditure for the current financial year.
As was done previously, DOCRRA will group their comments under the Good, Bad and Ugly categories. Read further.
On Thursday, 26 January, the mid-term financial report was tabled before the KwaDukuza Council and subsequently analysed by DOCRRA Vice Chairman and Finance Subcommittee Chairman, Brian Botes.
The Dolphin Coast has again proven itself one of the top coastal destinations in South Africa this festive season thanks to the hard work, planning and diligence of the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), SAPS, various private security companies and civil society organisations.
DOCRRA is pleased to be able to provide feedback to the community from our quarterly meeting with the executives at the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM). The meeting took place on 17 November 2022, as scheduled, and was attended by a delegation of DOCRRA executive committee members as well as the executive directors of nearly all business units, the Speaker, the Municipal Manager and other leadership members.
KwaDukuza Municipality has not responded to the legal letter submitted by DOCRRA, on the nonprocedural sale of Butterfly Park at Townsend Park. To make your voice heard.
Take action now – Save Townsend Park.
As the festive season approaches, and the Dolphin Coast sees an influx of tourists and visitors, there comes the risk of an uptick in criminal activity.
While we are extremely grateful for the extra spenders boosting our local economy, the festive season is challenging for us locals, right? It may be a good time to go and explore the many inland and less popular attractions we have. We are spoilt for choice.
Here are some tips.
As published on social media on 18 November, DOCRRA has met and consulted within our executive committee, as well as with Mr. Jonathan De Wet of De Wet, Leitch, Hands Inc, who has very generously provided his services to the community.
DOCRRA plans to challenge both the validity of the advertisement placed in the North Coast Courier on 11 November 2022 which proposed the sale of a portion of Townsend Park (ERF 517), as well as the resolutions taken by the KwaDukuza Council in February 2019, namely that a portion of the Park be sold to the Zululand Islamic Society and that it be sold for a market value of R3.6 million.
UPDATE, 21 November 2022:
Since the publication of this blog, DOCRRA have consulted with our legal team. Click here for more information..
We have good news to share this September and hope that it will set the tone for improved service delivery moving forward. The DOCRRA team have been out and about to monitor the status of road maintenance, verges and streetlights.
On Friday, 5 August DOCRRA, as a part of the KZN Alliance of Ratepayers Associations, attended an online webinar given by the National Treasury on municipal budgeting.
As part of our continued efforts in relationship-building with key players in our Dolphin Coast area, DOCRRA has been in communication with the senior manager of the Auditor General (AG) who is responsible for both the KwaDukuza and iLembe district municipality audits. The AG is obliged to investigate all matters reported to him/her and respond on such matters.
On 17 August 2022, a delegation of five DOCRRA executive committee members attended a site visit to the Hazelmere Dam; being one of the first organisations to be invited to do so. Representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation for KZN, Umgeni Water and Groupfive (the project engineers) were all present, as well as the ward councillor for Mahlabathini and the head of site management, Mr. Ernest Ndlovu.
As announced at our 2022 AGM, DOCRRA had secured a dedicated quarterly meeting with the KwaDukuza Municipality to discuss issues and concerns of Dolphin Coast residents and ratepayers.
The team of 5 DOCRRA executive committee members, who attended the KwaDukuza Council meeting on 28 July, were shocked and saddened to witness the chaos and eventual abandonment of the meeting.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FY 2021-2022
THURSDAY 21 JULY 2022 @ 18H00
TO BE HELD AT SIMBITHI COUNTRY CLUB: THE PAVILION ROOM
We can all agree that there are a multitude of things that need to improve here on the Dolphin Coast. Unfortunately, cynicism, negativity and conspiracy theories abound, and understandably, they always get a lot of traction. In the modern “keyboard warrior” world, a cacophony of voices cry out, each with their own specific grievance, and each looking for instant gratification on that particular issue. But now and then, one must balance the books with some good news and not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Below are the presentations for the KDM and Budget Roadshow to be held at Umhlali Prepararatory School at 18h00.
Herewith, DOCRRA’s submissions, questions, and recommendations that have been submitted on the Financial Year 2022-2023 Draft Budget, for the Kwadukuza Municipality.
On Tuesday, 10 May 2022 at 18:00 at Townsend Park, KDM will engage with all stakeholders, and the community at large, regarding the proposed IDP, and WE NEED YOU to attend and have your say.
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) has an oversight role on financial reporting within the KwaDukuza municipality, as well as several other important functions, such as investigation of ‘Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful’ expenditure. Oversight of the Annual Financial Report requires public participation.
After 16 months of continuous operation, we are pleased to announce that Dolphin Coast Outreach (DCO), the charitable arm of DOCRRA, has reached the incredible milestone of producing and distributing over 140,000 litres of soup which equates to approximately 160,000 meals with a cost value of ~R1,000,000.
This past Thursday the charitable division of DOCRRA, Dolphin Coast Outreach (DCO), redirected some of their donations to assist those in need in the KwaDukuza community.
The Executive Committee, on its meeting of 13th of April 2022, considered a detailed Mayoral Statement (posted by DOCRRA recently), which clearly gave the management clear marching orders to deal with the crisis.
DOCRRA Chairman, Deon Viljoen, has compiled and is sharing his comments on the Draft Annual Report of the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) for the 2020/2021 Financial Year.
DOCRRA has submitted the following comments to KDM regarding their 2021/22 Mid-Year Report, ending in December 2021.
There is no better time for you to get involved in active citizenship than NOW!
Ward Committees for Kwadukuza are in the process of being elected and we urge our Dolphin Coast community members to attend and participate in these meetings. This is your chance to have a say in how we are governed!
In just a few days, South Africa will begin its fourth post-democracy census and its first ever digital census, which was postponed from October 2021 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOCRRA would like to wish all our members, partners, and affiliates, a very happy 2022 and is looking forward to another year of working together.
Read about all this, and the DOCRRA activities so far this year, in our current newsletter
As reported in the media, our water service provider Siza Water eventually lost their protracted and multi-facetted court battle when the Constitutional Court considered the appeal on their earlier ruling. The issue is the unilateral increase of over 40% on the water tariff from Umgeni Water and the Ilembe Municipality to Siza a few years ago.
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA) and the Residents and Ratepayers Associations of Zinkwazi, Blythedale and Tinley Manor, are pleased to announce the formation of the KwaDukuza Organised Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (KORA).
DOCRRA met with the Finance Department at KDM on Monday 27th September.
On the 18th of August DOCRRA successfully hosted its 21st Annual General Meeting at Simbithi Country Club.
Testimonial received from Mr. Frans de Klerk from Salt Rock regarding his experience with the recent property revaluations. Mr. de Klerk is a DOCRRA member and has this to say about how DOCRRA was instrumental in helping him declare and resolve a dispute with regard to his valuation
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association’s (DOCRRA), Annual General Meeting, for Financial Year 2020/2021, is taking place on 18h00 on Wednesday 18 August 2021 at Simbithi. Registration will start at 17h15.
Unfortunately, the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) have largely failed to fulfill their obligations and follow prescribed protocol in managing objections to property re-valuations.
Two weeks ago our neighbourhood watches, security companies, and a small army of volunteers got organised and protected the Dolphin Coast community and businesses in an incredible show of unity and strength. But along with an “iron fist”, our community has an incredible heart of compassion for those in need.
The KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), iLembe District Municipality, KZN COGTA, Greater Ballito Operations Centre (GBOC), iLembe Chamber of Commerce and Ballito UIP held a meeting on Monday, 19 July 2021.
How did the Dolphin Coast successfully come through this week in history?
We are calling upon the community to continue in the spirit of cooperation as we face the challenges ahead. It is now our turn to contribute.
DOCRRA recently attended this series of MPAC meetings with KDM. MPAC considers the independent external audit report, and the Auditor General’s report, and then makes proposals to the KDM Council for decisions and actions.
Docrra chairman, Deon Viljoen, wants the KZN Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) department to investigate KDM’s lack of public participation on the budget for 2021/22 which takes effect on July 1.
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) was caught off guard when the DOCRRA finance committee arrived with 50 plus queries on their recent audit reports.
Interview between Dave Charles (88FM) and DOCRRA’s Deon Viljoen and Brian Botes, regarding the rejection of KDM’s Draft Budget for 2021/2022.
After analysing a mountain of financial information, and attending presentations and Council meetings, the DOCRRA Committee had no alternative but to take the unprecedented step
Interview held between Dave Charles (88FM) and DOCRRA committee members, Deon Viljoen (Chairman) and Don Forbes, regarding KDM Property Re-evaluations.
To all sponsors of the DCO (Dolphin Coast Outreach) and its supporters, a HUGE thank you! We are all connected within this community with the common goal of helping others.
A guide to some commonly asked questions regarding the property valuations and things you may wish to be aware of.
DOCRRA is currently engaged with a number of sources to provide more information to our members and the community on the valuations process. One of
Our new DOCRRA Benefits Card has arrived and is available for our members for our financial year 2021-2022! The major purpose of our Benefits
DOCRRA, as a stakeholder, will be reviewing the draft Ballito to Sheffield Strategic Transportation Master Plan and participating in the virtual meeting.
DOCRRA Chairman, Deon Viljoen, read and analyzed the feedback on the Draft Annual report for 2019/2020, presented by the Mayor on 28 January 2021.
The Mayoral Izimbizo, in the preparation for 2021/2022 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Review Process, was held on 10 November 2020 at the Salt Rock Library.
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association and the Dolphin Coast Outreach urges you to support this initiative. The Christmas Fair Fund (CFF), a registered
Please be advised that staff from BPG Mass Appraisals, appointed by Kwadukuza Municipality, are currently busy with data collection and inspections for the purposes of
Subsequent to the publication of information regarding the adjustment budget from KDM last week, the DOCRRA Finance Committee has analyzed the minor changes made to
We have pleasure in announcing that we launched a DOCRRA Benefits Card facility at our recent AGM, for our DOCRRA members. This provides potential ‘benefits’
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA) held a successful AGM at Simbithi Conference Centre on Tuesday the 22nd of September. Some 40 residents,
The KDM’s decision to purchase a building for office space has had the Dolphin Coast community in uproar over the last few weeks. DOCCRA has
DOLPHIN COAST RESIDENTS & RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association’s (DOCRRA), Annual General Meeting, for Financial Year 2019/2020, was due to be
The impending arrival of Spring and the shift to Level 2 Lockdown has brought with it several positive developments that we would like to share
Deon Viljoen of DOCRRA (Dolphin Coast Residents & Ratepayers Association) writes: Two initiatives were performed recently to address the proposed KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) budget for
Below is the link to the interview Dave Charles from 88FM held with Deon Viljoen, DOCRRA Chairman regarding the Alignment Workshop planned to be held
DOCRRA COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION MEETING : ALIGNMENT WORKSHOP DATE : Thursday
FOREWORD ON KDM BUDGET MEETING – BY DEON VILJOEN, DOCCRA CHAIRMAN Below is the complete presentation by the Acting Mayor Councillor Dolly Govender on the
Good morning Dolphin Coast Community, Please note that DOCRRA is finalizing a full report on the outcomes of their engagement with KDM, which will be
LETTER from the DOCRRA CHAIRMAN I wish to commend and thank those estates that are currently members of DOCRRA and provide great support and contribution
Stephanie Walker joins the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA) as their newly appointed executive officer. The enthusiastic retiree and willing volunteer, who likes
The Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA) is back! Left to Right – Penny Fourie, Deon Botha-Richards, Ken Lever, Tamsyn Curtis, Deon Viljoen, Flip