OCA elections annulled - developing story
The Observatory Civic Association (OCA) has declared the committee elections held at their recent annual general meeting (AGM) null and void after discovering that a number of people who voted were not eligible to do so.
Carolyn Neville, Obs resident and out-going OCA chair, said that the association was overwhelmed with new people wanting to sign up at the AGM, leaving them unprepared to properly assess the member applications received.
She said they were unable to capture all the information they required.
But upon further investigation, it was discovered many of those who had signed up were not eligible to be members of the OCA.
According to the OCA constitution, membership is open to all residential property owners, tenants of property and business owners in Observatory, and who are over the age of 18.
The OCA also restricts membership to the boundaries of Rochester Road and Malta Road, Settlers Way, Devil＊s Peak and Alexandra Road.
There is also an annual cost for membership of R50 per resident and R250 per business.
Subsequent to the AGM, Carolyn found that some people who signed up resides in or owns a business outside of the boundary. She added that some business owners who signed up paid as an individual membership and not a business.
The AGM has stirred speculation about a group of people who have some animosity toward the OCA because of the association's stance on development. Carolyn said that there is a perception that the OCA is against development and reluctant to change.
Himmy Abader, owner of Excite taxis in Lower Main Road, was elected as secretary at the AGM. He shares the view that the OCA's objections to developments do not allow for a mixed community.
He said development in Observatory is necessary to promote mixed income and affordable housing. "The OCA should rethink its policies on developments. Blocking each and every proposed development is not good for us or the community."
He said the community should strive to build an inclusive society that accommodates all income groups, races and ages.
And while representatives of the OCA and the business community may have conflicting views on development, the input of all residents is needed to find a consensus on one of Obs' most contentious topics.
Carolyn said all residents and businesses in Obs have to actively taking part in the affairs of the neighbourhood so that a larger percentage of the community is represented.
A re-election will take place on Tuesday 28th November 2017 at 18h00 at the Observatory Community Centre.
People are urged to sign up prior to the meeting.