Mailchimp - RERA Exco position on Distillery application

Dear RERA Members and Rooiels Residents,


I am pleased to summarize the situation of the distillery application case which was discussed on the Village People WhatsApp forum on 18 July.  I hope that this will clarify some questions, for new residents in particular .


Since 2021, various RERA Exco Committees have engaged in the distillery application matter. It started with a survey by the 2021 RERA Exco, which revealed that a majority of respondents objected to the development, with others being in favour. In 2022, RERA Exco and the Pringle Bay Ratepayers Association (PBRA) filed an appeal against the permit issued by Overstrand Municipality (OM), citing concerns that the distillery is an industrial development in an agricultural zone, which would create potential precedent for future developments.


The 2022 appeal was rejected by OM in early 2023. As no reasons were provided, RERA requested OM to provide reasons and relevant information, in order to be able to better assess the situation and potentially consult its members. The lack of information and reasoning provided by OM is the main subject of the court case filed recently by PBRA with others.  


The 2023 RERA Exco decided with an overwhelming majority, however, not to join this case, taking into account the divided opinions of Rooielsers on the matter. The decision not to join the case is consistent with the pledge made at the RERA Open Meeting on 1 April 2023, that RERA will consult its members and ratepayers before taking any major action, such as engaging in a court case.


On other points raised in the VP exchange, the 2023 RERA Exco will continue its approach to foster open communication and dialogue with Members and residents. Further to the First Open RERA Meeting on 1 April (for the report, please click here), a second Open RERA meeting is scheduled to take place in late October/early November 2023, to discuss important issues in more depth, such as the proposed revision of the RERA constitution, and important Ward 10 matters. We hope that these interactions will be constructive, respectful and based on facts, even if there may be different views on substantive matters. Further information on date and venue will follow shortly. In the meantime, we will continue to keep you informed via Mailchimp and RE Communications.


Concerning the relationship of RERA Exco and Friends of Rooiels (FoR), this topic was extensively discussed at the Open Meeting on 1 April 2023. It was clarified that RERA and its Exco is legally distinct, and has a different membership, from other associations and groups in Rooiels. While RERA Exco seeks to engage with all groups in the village, it respects the autonomy and privacy of each group and their respective approach to engage with RERA.  We can confirm that none of the present RERA Exco members are  members of Friends of Rooiels.


If you have any question or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].


On behalf of the 2023 RERA Executive Committee
Piet vans Rensburg, Chairperson