The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) calls for an independent investigation into how the Hessequa Municipality handled the process of alienating a portion of Erf 657 in Stilbaai West for development.
The 3,29-hectare portion of Erf 657, situated on the corner of Main Road West/MR332 and the Jongensfontein Road/MR331, was sold on a public auction to Ziphon Trading and Investment (Pty) Ltd on 23 December 2025.
An environmental impact study has since identified a high concentration of protected tree species and sensitive vegetation on the site. It was proposed that the development area should be “moved”, which raises questions about the validity of the original decision and the nature of the property sold at the auction.
A biodiversity and ethnobotanical survey conducted in 2019 recorded 184 plant species on Erf 657, of which 176 are indigenous and 55% are endemic to the Greater Cape Floristic Region. Eight species of national conservation interest were identified, including threatened and locally endemic plants. The site fulfils an important ecological function by connecting inland natural areas, the Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserve and the Goukou River.
The report also warned that the strandveld vegetation on ancient dunes had been insufficiently characterised.
Mention was made of a proposed 32,9 ha biodiversity offset area, but the public notice provides no clarity on its location, ownership, value or legal protection.
The Freedom Front Plus insists that all relevant biodiversity and environmental reports, maps, valuations, auction conditions and council resolutions be made available for public inspection before residents are required to submit their comments and objections before or on 4 September 2026.
No transfer, final subdivision or material amendment of the purchase agreement should take place until public participation has been concluded and independent legal, environmental and compliance investigations have been completed.
The independent investigation should, among other things, determine whether the 2019 report was thoroughly considered, what information was available when the development area was selected, and whether the relevant information was comprehensively presented to the Council and the public.
Hessequa residents deserve transparency and the assurance that municipal assets, public funds and the region’s biodiversity are properly protected.
CZR
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