Stellenbosch Municipality

Mandela Day is not just a day of remembrance but a call to action. It is a reminder that each of us has the power to change the world, even if only in small ways. Happy #MandelaDay 🇿🇦

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝟳𝟱𝟳𝟱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟳𝟱𝟳𝟲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁

Over the years the unauthorised and unattended excavations on the properties in Bird Street (Erven 7575 and 7576) have been in the news constantly due to its unsightly nature and the risks associated with environmental health and safety conditions, and which claimed the lives of two young adults in 2022.

Over the years the Municipality has continuously attempted to engage with the owner to pursue the development of the subject property, and consequently the excavations were never rehabilitated in anticipation that the property would eventually be developed.

As no formal commitment could be obtained to develop the property, the Municipality proceeded to serve notices and demand that the property be rehabilitated to its former state. The owner did not comply with these notices and all avenues were exhausted to address the matter amicably.

With no apparent progress to facilitate the development of the property, and no conceivable probability that the owner will address the unauthorised excavations and/ or proceed with plans to develop the property, the Municipality instituted formal legal proceedings to address and resolve the unauthorised excavations.

The matter was placed on the court roll and was set down to be heard on 9 July 2024. The property owners elected to oppose the application of the Municipality at the very last minute, after which the court postponed the hearing to 17 October 2024 in order to permit all parties to submit responding papers to the court.

Thank you for being here! 🙏🏽🙏🏻🙏🏿