07/04/2024
Dear Safe Waterkloof Residents
We hope this newsletter finds you well.
The SafeWaterkloof initiative has been operating for almost 18 months and the following provides an update on important information regarding the operations of SafeWaterkloof and our community.
SafeWaterkloof membership and member levies:
Our SafeWaterkloof Community comprises approximately 1,540 residential and business units on 1455 stands. Approximately 120 residences are situated inside previously closed areas, most of which have not contributed to the SafeWaterkloof initiative.
A total of 1044 Consents supported the 2022 re-application submitted to the Tshwane Metro, a similar number to that obtained for the original application. Tshwane has not yet responded to the re-application so our original approval still stands. At a recent meeting of Ward 42 residents the Executive Mayor of Tshwane expressed support for the SafeWaterkloof Monitored Closure initiative and we do not anticipate resistance to our re-application.
Before commencing with the initiative, approximately 960 residents signed agreements agreeing to support the closure via agreed financial levies for construction and operations. A further 40 to 50 provided conditional support, without committing to financial support.
Capital levies:
Up until 25 March 2023 approximately 920 residents have contributed R11,000 deposits and a further 420 contributed voluntary R5,000 deposits towards construction costs. Thank you to those who responded and support the SafeWaterkloof initiative.
Monthly levies and operating costs:
Approximately 650 residents are currently contributing monthly to the initiative via our administrators Pro Admin via monthly levies of R650 per residence. Since commencement of operations approximately R9.9 million has been raised, of which R7 million comprises monthly levies. Only one third of the monthly levies are paid via debit orders and the balance by EFT. This often leads to cash flow difficulties as a proportion of payments are made in arrears.
Monthly operating costs approximate R500,000, which means that a deficit is accumulating and currently being set off against the capital account. This situation is unsustainable over even the medium term as we are struggling to build up a cash reserve to deal with emergencies and non-routine maintenance. The SafeWaterkloof business plan and budget assumed that a minimum of 1,000 residents of 1455 stands would contribute monthly levies, but only half of that is received. We had expected that the number of contributing residents would increase over time, considering the SafeWaterkloof scheme is in operation and the safety success thereof, however this has unfortunately not been the case.
In the middle of last year a debt collection agency was contracted to assist with collections. This has brought in R700,000 to date.
This situation needs to be urgently addressed and the Board of SafeWaterkloof will convene a meeting with residents in the near future to discuss the way forward. Annual financial statements for the first 18 months of operations will be presented at that meeting together with a budget for the full second year of operations.
Monthly Contribution:
All residents please check and ensure that your monthly payments are up-to-date and are paid to the approved administrator, namely Pro-Admin. If you have made any monthly payments to the previous administrator, Paxton-Cerva, please contact them and request your money back as it is not being used for the intended purpose.
Please visit https://safewaterkloof.co.za/payment-refs/ and complete your debit order form to make payment.
Reach out to [email protected] if you need any assistance with resolving inaccurate allocations of previous payments made.
Crime in the SafeWaterkloof area:
Official SAPS statistics from 2019 to 2023 report the following for the area covered by the Brooklyn Police Station within which the Safe Waterkloof Closure is situated. (Ref: https://www.saps.gov.za/services/crimestats.php)
6312 community reported serious crimes annually (26th highest in SA for quarter ending 31 Dec 2023)
865 motor vehicles stolen annually (highest in SA for quarter ending 31 Dec 2023)
110 residential robberies, including armed robberies, annually (estimate)
The current trend shows a very pleasing and significant decrease in reported crime in the Safe Waterkloof closure area since the implementation of our initiative.
Comparison of incidents reported in the SafeWaterkloof area for 2019 to 2024 are detailed below:
The only incidents to date in Q1 2024 are vehicle thefts
Crime related incidents in 2023 down by 30% compared to 2022
Armed and attempted armed robberies are reduced by 50% (last one reported in September 2023)
Daytime common robberies, opportunistic break-ins and petty theft remained a problem in 2023 (e.g. cell phones and gate batteries) but are trending downwards
Night-time vagrancy and opportunistic burglaries have pretty well been eliminated
Motor vehicle theft and associated crime incidents remain a problem:
Hot spots are the Dorado dog park, Julius Jeppe Sportsgrounds, corner of Long and Milner, churches
Car guards are an insufficient deterrent
More than 80% of vehicles stolen in the last two years are Hilux LDV’s, Fortuners, RAV’s, Golfs and Polos
Number plates of stolen vehicles are changed before leaving the area.
Cable theft, mainly in Stella and Olivier, hasn’t been a problem since mid-2023 after implementing night time gate closures.
Data sources: SafeWaterkloof minutes of meetings with security companies, Telegram and WhatsApp group messages, including CPF
Remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via the 911 SafeWaterkloof Telegram group
https://t.me/SafeWaterkloofBot
Legal matters and costs
Since 2022 it has been necessary for SafeWaterkloof to defend itself against various court applications from an aggrieved resident outside our area. In spite of losing every application, this person has unsuccessfully appealed to the Supreme Court of Appeal and has also recently applied to the Constitutional Court for leave to hear the matter. SafeWaterkloof has also opposed the latter and we are awaiting the outcome. It was essential for SafeWaterkloof to oppose these applications otherwise the initiative would have been stopped 2 years ago.
Paxton-Cerva matter: As residents are aware, the Paxton service agreement was terminated in September 2022 due to failure to remedy a breach in the agreement. The matter was referred to arbitration in November 2022 for payment of the amounts of R331,393.13 and R920,813.22 plus interest. The matter was counter-claimed by Paxton but due to delays caused by Paxton will only be hopefully finalized in the months ahead.
Unfortunately, these actions have resulted in significant unplanned legal costs being incurred. We are grateful to some of our team and residents that have either assisted pro-bono or at reduced cost.
Pedestrian Gate Access:
Pedestrian Gate Access Registration: https://bit.ly/sw-pedestrian-gates
Friendly Reminder:
Ensure that the pedestrian gate is securely closed after use. The Dorado dog park gate is currently being abused by keeping it open with stones by users of the park. This activity circumvents the security measures and should not be encouraged or be participated in. This gate might need to be locked permanently if this behaviour continues.
Number Plate Whitelisting:
Boom Numberplate Whitelisting: https://bit.ly/sw-booms-whitelist
Security Measures: Our number plate whitelisting system plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of our community. Please make sure that your payments are up to date when registering your vehicle’s number plates
Boom Whitelisting Problems: https://bit.ly/sw-booms-whitelist-problems
The system is currently imperfect but improvements are planned. Please report problems using the form above.
We appreciate your cooperation in making our community a secure and welcoming place for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns or wish to contribute in any way, please feel free to reach out to our community management team at [email protected]
Best regards
SafeWaterkloof team
April 2024
