So, Demetri Qually does not like us, but he wants us to work together for the common good. WE should show goodwill, as a matter of choice.

Councillor Qually, would this matter not have, at least to some extent, been settled if you had implemented the decision made by your sub-council? We realise the decision made was not the one that would have happened had you chaired the meeting, but the decision was made nonetheless. Why does goodwill only go one way or do you think that wishing us a joyous festive season is enough?

We voted for you because we wanted more than merry wishes. We wanted a resident councillor who was going to listen to us and look out for the best interests of the entire Marina Da Gama, but I cannot see that you feel that Marina Da Gama is worth listening to.

Why can’t we have a referendum? Why are you all so scared of public participation? The chairman can, to some extent, still be excused. He does not have the training to be the leader of such a large community, but you should know better. In politics, public participation is vital, and you know it.

Just a reminder: A ratepayers’ or a civic association is not a homeowners’ association - if this association is a ratepayers association, please let us know. At the AGM, you told us that this association is like every other ratepayer’s or civic association.

Quite frankly, Marina Da Gama Association is unique. Nowhere in Cape Town, no, in South Africa, have I ever heard of a homeowners’ association which has NO common property. It is an entire suburb, not a little complex.

You want us to show goodwill. Well, why don’t you lead by example! Show the residents of Marina Da Gama that you care by asking us what WE want. We deserve that much and it is not a lot to ask for. I believe that, should either side be able to prove that they have the majority support, there will be no further problems. One way or the other, many people will probably sell their homes and leave, but at least those remaining will have a solid basis to build on.

Now we sit with a very wishy-washy situation where no-one knows where they really stand, we have no security and a very, very dangerous constitution.

I guess you expect us to trust in the goodwill of ExCom. I am sorry; they have shown NO goodwill to the objectors in the last year and a half. We have been insulted, ignored and humiliated at each turn. Just read the list of quotable quotes from ExCom. Even so, we are more than willing to discuss and to try to settle this odious matter.

After the AGM I was pulled aside by Mr. Hepple and asked whether I would mind giving my telephone number to Mr. Craske of the Archcom Committee in order to discuss the matter. Of course I said yes, but I am still waiting for anyone to contact me. Goodwill goes both ways. In my opinion, you have shown very little and the association has shown none.

Written by Anita