{ "dataset": "claims", "note": "route: how the site shows each claim (only finding = editor-accepted verified/corroborated). figure_stage: draft|adopted|adjusted|actual|unknown (missing = unknown).", "records": [ { "id": "CLM-1000", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A 2021 CBD parking study summarised in the CITP 2022-2026 counted 686 on-street and 1 087 off-street public parking spaces (1 773 in total) in the Stellenbosch CBD.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2021", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s3 (summary of 2021 parking study s4.3), agenda p.2678", "counterevidence": "Inventory date in the underlying study was 24 Aug 2020 (SMEC); no precinct-level breakdown has been published.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1001", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A September 2020 survey, during COVID-19 restrictions, found overall maximum CBD parking utilisation of 55%, with some on-street locations reaching full saturation.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2020-09", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 agenda p.2678 (citing 2021 study pp.105, 107)", "counterevidence": "Survey was during COVID-19 restrictions and is not representative of normal demand (the CITP itself flags the restriction period).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1002", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2021 parking study predicted a CBD shortage of 113 spaces by 2023 and a further 222 by 2028, and concluded the CBD could need 145 to 298 additional spaces between 2021 and 2028.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2021", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002", "SRC-1004" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 agenda pp.2678-2679 (citing study pp.137, 139); SAJIE 2025 s1.1", "counterevidence": "The SAJIE paper repeats the CITP figures; it is not an independent measurement.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1003", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2021 study's Techno Park survey (questionnaires to about 90 companies) found 1 857 parking bays against a demand of 2 577, a shortfall of 720 bays; it identified a 150-200 space at-grade facility at 'Location 5' in Techno Park and a 120-300 space multistorey facility at Eikestad Mall.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Techno Park; Eikestad Mall", "event_date": "2021", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 agenda p.2679 (citing study pp.147, 155, 170); summary at p.2695", "counterevidence": "Techno Park demand is questionnaire-based, not counted.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1004", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC records a Council s78(4) resolution, which it dates to 2019, that open single-level parking be provided through an internal mechanism and multistorey parking through an external mechanism, with a private company to build, own, operate and transfer the facility to Council after 20 years. The Council item of 23 Aug 2024 lists that decision as Council 26 Feb 2020, item 13.3, and records that on 23 Feb 2022 Council amended it so that open one-level off-street parking would also be provided through an external mechanism unless the internal one was clearly more viable.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2020-02-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1005", "SRC-1006", "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Executive Summary, 'Needs Analysis', printed p.iv (PDF p.5); Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, para 6.6 (35th Council 2020-02-26 item 13.3; Special Council 2022-02-23 item 8.11.2), PDF pp.6-8", "counterevidence": "The resolution itself is not among the records cited for this claim. The full feasibility report annexed to the 23 Aug 2024 Council item (executive summary PDF pp.25 and 27) also says the s78(4) resolution was taken in 2019, but the 23 Aug 2024 Council item that carries it lists the s78(4) decision as Council 26 Feb 2020, item 13.3. The report's legal due diligence (PDF p.445) and the council item describe a build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement in which the municipality keeps ownership, not the build-own-operate-transfer arrangement SMEC recommends.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1005", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC parking surveys (06:00-18:00) were done 15-19 Sep 2020, 22-24 Apr 2021, 18-20 May 2023 (peak) and 11-15 Jul 2023 (off-peak), with inventories on 24 Aug 2020 and 3 Oct 2023.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD study area", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1005", "SRC-1006" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Executive Summary 'Demand Analysis' pp.iii-iv; Summary Report s3.3.1", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1006", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At the Eikestad Mall off-street parking area, SMEC observed weekday peak parking accumulation rising 20% from 2020 to 2021 and a further 85% from 2021 to 2023, with usable capacity exceeded in 2023; Friday increases were 71% and 37%, and Saturday (area L7) 60% and 29%.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad Mall off-street parking (and area L7)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1006", "SRC-1005" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Summary Report s3.5.1, Figs 3-8 to 3-10 (around pp.40-41); Executive Summary p.iv", "counterevidence": "The 2020 baseline was during COVID-19 restrictions, which inflates percentage growth.", "official_response": "Municipal manager / municipality cited the 85% figure publicly in Nov 2024 (Eikestadnuus, 8 Nov 2024).", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1007", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In the SMEC focus area, overall maximum peak parking saturation was 92% in the peak period and 87% off-peak, and demand exceeded maximum usable capacity for about four hours on a peak-period weekday; SMEC expects traffic circulation as drivers search for on-street free parking.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD focus area (Eikestad vicinity)", "event_date": "2023", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1006" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Summary Report s3.4.2, Figs 3-2/3-3 (around p.37)", "counterevidence": "No measured search time is reported; circulating traffic is an expectation, not a measurement.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1008", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1009", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC sized a possible Eikestad facility (assuming use of the existing basement) at averages of 285, 319 and 399 bays for 2023 and 402, 502 and 483 bays for 2028 across three methods (2.57% annual growth). In its full report (Rev 2, 9 Jul 2024) the three methods gave additional-bay requirements of 7 to 292 (Method 1), 2 to 314 (Method 2, which SMEC itself calls flawed) and 92 to 300 (Method 3), which SMEC summarised as ranging 'from just 7 additional bays to 314' with an average 'around 148'. It sized the facility at 475-548 bays and proposed 498.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-01-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035", "SRC-1006", "SRC-1005" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) s3.7.3-3.7.4 and Tables 3-23/3-24, printed pp.119-124 (PDF pp.143-148); executive summary Table 3-3, PDF p.29. Also SMEC Summary Report s3.6.3, Tables 3-2/3-3, printed pp.43-44 (PDF pp.57-58)", "counterevidence": "Source inconsistencies: Table 3-23 (PDF p.148) contains negative values (-10 and -51 for Method 1, 2023 stages 3 and 4) although the text says the range starts at 7; the mean of all 19 values in Table 3-23 is 129.4 (calculated from the source figures), so the stated average of about 148 cannot be reproduced from the table. In the Summary Report, the Table 3-3 Method 1 2023 average (285) does not match its stage values (mean 274.7, calculated from the source figures). Clarification needed from SMEC/municipality. Stellenbosch University's mobility manager disputes a general shortage, citing SU's annual parking audits.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1010", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC assessed nine sites and found the existing Eikestad open parking behind Eikestad Mall the most suitable; it states CBD demand for parking services 'amounted to 300 bays'.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad site (between Andringa, Victoria, Van Ryneveld and Plein Streets)", "event_date": "2024-01-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1005" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Executive Summary 'Options Analysis' and 'Conclusion', pp.v-vi", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1011", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC's full feasibility report (Rev 2, Jul 2024) estimates construction at R99 439 000, a smart parking system at R1 999 141 and fibre at R5 000 (excluding VAT); with consultants' fees (12%) of R12 138 368.83 and services relocation of R1 714 073.56 the 2023 capital cost totals R115 295 583.39 at September 2023 prices, with construction assumed from June 2024 to Nov/Dec 2025. It puts operating cost at R1 246 000 a year (2023) and just over R1.52m in 2026, and maintenance at R469 003.50 a year (2023) and R542 930.18 (2026) in Table 8-4.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-01-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035", "SRC-1006" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) s2.2, printed pp.19-20 (PDF pp.43-44); s8.5.3.1 capital cost, printed pp.211-213 (PDF pp.235-237); Table 8-3, PDF p.238; Table 8-4 'Cost Estimate / Year', PDF pp.239-240. Summary Report printed pp.16 and 59", "counterevidence": "Estimates only. Exclusions include abnormal foundations, loose equipment, perimeter walls, generators, refuse yard, sprinklers, escalation, property cost and VAT. An apparent conflict in the maintenance figures is resolved by the full report: Table 8-4 items are headed 'Cost Estimate / Year' and sum to R469 003.50, so the text's 'total monthly maintenance cost' of R469 000 is a mislabel for an annual figure, and R542 930 escalated at 5% over 20 years gives about R17.95m (calculated from the source figures), matching SMEC's 20-year total. Remaining discrepancies: s2.2.3 gives R464 500 a year against R469 003.50 in Table 8-4; the text says '2024' where the table says 2026; and one sentence gives the capital investment as 'R124.1m (R126 270 691.87)', two different figures (the Summary Report gave about R126.4m).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1012", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC's site comparison table gave assumed capital budgets for other options, for example Stellenbosch/Die Braak sites R222 750 000, Pick n Pay R155 925 000, Eikestad Mall R111 000 000, Bloemhof and Stelkor R89 100 000, Checkers R44 550 000, and R304 entrance / Adam Tas R267 300 000.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Nine candidate CBD sites", "event_date": "2024-01-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1006" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Summary Report s4.2 options assessment table (around pp.46-48)", "counterevidence": "Assumed (desktop) figures; PDF table extraction may misalign rows.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1013", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC estimated annual revenue for the Eikestad facility at R11.7m to R18.3m in 2026 (first operating year) across seven scenarios, using existing Eikestad tariffs; its best scenario gave R16 710 286 (2023) and R18 309 998 (2026).", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-01-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1006" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Summary Report s6.1.6, Table 6.1 (around p.61)", "counterevidence": "Projected, not actual; assumes operation from 2026, which has not happened. The full feasibility report (23 Aug 2024 Council item, PDF pp.249-250) gives the preferred Scenario 6 revenue as R16.293m in 2026 and R17.838m in 2027.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1014", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC found a 25-year BOOT concession more favourable than 20 years, said tax and VAT would give the public sector an extra NPV of R66m over 20 years and R122m over 25 years, said private-sector risk management could cut risk cost to the public sector by almost 60%, and recommended Treasury Approval 1.", "institution": "SMEC for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking PPP", "event_date": "2024-01-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1005" ], "page_or_para": "SMEC Executive Summary 'Economic Analysis' and 'Financial Analysis', pp.v-vi", "counterevidence": "This is the consultant's finding in its own feasibility study. National Treasury's view is not among the documents cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1015", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2016-2020 budgeted R120.1m for two parking projects: TI042, 'Provision and Improvement of Parking Areas in Stellenbosch', R50m in each of 2017/18 and 2018/19 (R100m), and TI044, 'Construct a Parking Garage', R100 000 (2017/18) and R20m (2018/19) (R20.1m). The CITP 2022-2026 has no capital line for a large parking facility, although it states that the creation of the CBD and Techno Park parking facilities \"is included in the ten year Infrastructure Services budget\" (agenda p.2724); the only matching line in Appendix C is the R9m planning and development item. Appendix C lists parking area upgrades in Franschhoek (R711 442) and Stellenbosch (R800 000) in 2022/23 from developer charges, and 'Provision Bulk Parking Planning & Development' at R3m in each of 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 (R9m, own funds).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (CITP 2016-2020 and CITP 2022-2026)", "location": "Stellenbosch / Franschhoek", "event_date": "2023-03-13", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1001", "SRC-1002", "SRC-1006" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2016-20 project list, printed p.272 (PDF p.301); CITP 2022-26 s7.2, agenda p.2724 (PDF p.108), and Appendix C, agenda pp.2870, 2873; SMEC Summary Report s2.3.1, printed p.16", "counterevidence": "SMEC (p.16) gives the codes as TR042/TR044, describes the second project as an 'at-grade facility at the Techno Park', rounds Franschhoek to R700 000 and omits the R9m planning line; the CITPs themselves are followed here. The R9m year split (2023/24-2025/26) is read from the PDF column layout.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1016", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch University's mobility manager Roelof Loubser told Eikestadnuus (8 Nov 2024) that there is ample parking in town and on campus, mostly on the periphery, and that SU's annual parking audits show \"a large number of bays standing empty on our campus\".", "institution": "Stellenbosch University", "location": "Stellenbosch campus / town", "event_date": "2024-11-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1007" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 8 Nov 2024, para 21", "counterevidence": "Contradicts the municipality's and SMEC's shortage figures (SMEC's observed peak-parking increases, its bay-demand estimates for an Eikestad facility and its statement that CBD demand amounted to 300 bays); the two may measure different areas (CBD focus area vs campus periphery).", "official_response": "Municipality says it is in discussion with SU on its parking policy.", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1017", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Eikestadnuus reported (8 Nov 2024) that Council adopted the Eikestad PPP feasibility report in August 2024, and that this was not approval of the facility but a step needed to submit it to National Treasury under the MFMA before a Request for Proposals. The municipal manager told the paper another extensive public participation process would follow before any approval.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking PPP", "event_date": "2024-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1007" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 8 Nov 2024, paras 4-5", "counterevidence": "The Council resolution is not among the records cited for this claim, and no record cited here shows the outcome of the Treasury process or any request for proposals after November 2024.", "official_response": "MM Geraldine Mettler (quoted).", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1018", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Eikestadnuus reported (8 Nov 2024) that a TIA had already been done for the Eikestad facility and that the RFP would include a new, updated and more detailed TIA; that an environmental impact assessment had found no environmental triggers; and that the municipality had informed Heritage Western Cape, with final heritage approval to be sought at design stage. Separately, the project triggered section 38 of the National Heritage Resources Act, and at its 18 January 2024 meeting Heritage Western Cape required a Heritage Impact Assessment (archaeology, townscape and visual).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-11-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1007", "SRC-1009" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 8 Nov 2024, paras 7-8 (statements in the newspaper's own voice); Enviropart Notice 9/2024, 'Project proposal' (s38(1)(c)(i) NHRA; HWC 18 Jan 2024)", "counterevidence": "No TIA or environmental screening report is among the records cited for this claim. The 23 Aug 2024 Council item required a new TIA and HWC approval.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1019", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Municipal Notice 9/2024 invited comment (25 Jan-26 Feb 2024, open house 13 Feb 2024) on upgrading the Eikestad parking area (Erven 1962-RE, 1969-1976, 1954, 6402 and 6636); the site comprises 18 erven totalling 18 651,2 m2 in a historically significant landscape; at its 18 Jan 2024 meeting HWC required a Heritage Impact Assessment, to be done after the PPP is in place. The full feasibility report was 'available on request'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (via The Environmental Partnership); Heritage Western Cape", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1009" ], "page_or_para": "Enviropart notice, 'Project proposal' and 'Opportunity to participate'", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1020", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SU mobility manager Roelof Loubser told Eikestadnuus (8 Nov 2024): \"We need park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of town that everyone in Stellenbosch can use...\" SU's Dr Leslie van Rooi told the paper that staff and students \"many often park illegally\".", "institution": "Stellenbosch University", "location": "Stellenbosch town outskirts", "event_date": "2024-11-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1007" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 8 Nov 2024, paras 11-12", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1021", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality appointed Street Parking Solutions (SPS) to manage public parking in the CBD from 1 April 2019 with a cashless system (cards R30, loadable R15-R1 500); marshals had to be municipal residents and SPS staff were subject to SAPS background checks; officials were not to accept cash.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2019-04-01", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1011" ], "page_or_para": "Municipal news 1 Apr 2019, bullet list", "counterevidence": "The records cited for this claim do not include the contract, its fee basis or the revenue share.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1022", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipal spokesperson, Stuart Grobbelaar, told MatieMedia (Oct 2021) that the SPS contract was a \"normal fixed-term contract [...] that simply expired\" on 30 September 2021, and that the municipality was managing CBD parking itself \"for the time being\"; MatieMedia reported, citing Mayco minutes of 15 Sep 2021, that a R440 000 Cape Winelands District grant for CBD safety would kickstart the project.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality; Cape Winelands District Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2021-09-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1010" ], "page_or_para": "MatieMedia 26 Oct 2021, paras 2-3, 5", "counterevidence": "The Mayco minutes of 15 September 2021 are not among the records cited for this claim; the municipal website's notice for that collection reads 'Documents are being restored'.", "official_response": "Stuart Grobbelaar (spokesperson).", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1023", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SPS owner Zunade Loghdey told MatieMedia (Oct 2021) that SPS had enquired several times in July about extending its contract and that \"Stellenbosch municipality never responded\"; he claimed that the municipality's new system had shortened attendant hours from 08:00-17:00 to 08:00-15:30, which could result in a loss of municipal income, and that there had been no objections to keeping SPS when the public could comment after the July council meeting. The municipal spokesperson, Stuart Grobbelaar, told MatieMedia the contract was a \"normal fixed-term contract [...] that simply expired\"; he did not respond to MatieMedia's queries about Loghdey's claims, and the municipality declined to \"become involved in a public to and throw [sic] with a previous service provider\".", "institution": "Street Parking Solutions (allegation)", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2021-10-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1010" ], "page_or_para": "MatieMedia 26 Oct 2021, paras 4-5, 10-11, 22 and first photo caption", "counterevidence": "Allegations by an interested party (the former parking contractor); not independently verified. The municipality's response is included in the claim.", "official_response": "Spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar: the contract was a \"normal fixed-term contract [...] that simply expired\"; the municipality declined to \"become involved in a public to and throw [sic] with a previous service provider\".", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1024", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "After the SPS contract expired, the municipality ran a trial parking system managed by law enforcement officers and parking attendants appointed by the municipality, according to Council minutes of 24 Aug 2021 as cited by MatieMedia.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2021-08-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1010" ], "page_or_para": "MatieMedia 26 Oct 2021, photo caption citing Council minutes of 24 Aug 2021", "counterevidence": "The Council minutes are not among the records cited for this claim; the municipal website's notice for that collection reads 'Documents are being restored'.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1025", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In Oct 2021 the municipal spokesperson told MatieMedia that tariffs were 'exactly the same as before': off-street, the first 30 minutes free then R8 an hour; on-street, 'the first 30 minutes costs R4'. A resident complained publicly of an 'R8.00 parking fee for four minutes of parking' in Plein Street, saying the guard told him it was 'R8 [for] 0-1 hour'. The CITP 2022-2026 records that the on-street tariff was reduced 'from R8 per hour to R4 per hour due to political pressure exerted after the initial increase to R8'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD (Plein Street example)", "event_date": "2021-10-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1010", "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "MatieMedia 26 Oct 2021, 'Residential concerns' paras; CITP 2022-26 s3.2.14, agenda p.2666", "counterevidence": "The CITP note (undated) complicates 'exactly the same as before'. A resident's account conflicts with the stated R4 first-30-minute on-street tariff; the approved 2021/22 tariff schedule is not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "Spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar: 'The tariffs are exactly the same as before'; no response to residents' specific complaints was reported.", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1026", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1027", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1028", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Eikestadnuus reported that the municipality intends to provide alternatives to on-street parking, with freed-up street space apparently to be used for landscaping, wider sidewalks and cycling facilities; preparatory pedestrianisation works were under way in Nov 2024.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2024-11-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1007" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 8 Nov 2024, paras 9, 13-14", "counterevidence": "Reported intent; 'apparently' is the newspaper's word. No record cited here shows the scheme being delivered.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1029", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Eikestadnuus reported in March 2026 that neither new roads, the contentious multistorey parking garage, nor the municipality's own NMT policy had yet been fully implemented.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2026-03-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1008" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 23 Mar 2026, para beginning 'Die munisipaliteit het oor die jare' (Afrikaans; project translation)", "counterevidence": "No document cited here records a later step on the RFP, Treasury approvals or a contract award; the position is as at 29 October 2026.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1030", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2021 revised draft parking by-law report stated: 'The recent increase in demand for parking, and related increases in revenue, particularly for parking in the Central Business District (CBD) areas, has necessitated revisions'; it added that additional staff for operational management of parking or of a parking service provider may be required.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2020-10-22", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1320" ], "page_or_para": "Item 11.5.6 executive summary and para 6.5", "counterevidence": "Revenue amounts are not stated. The text is taken from a third-party copy of the agenda (fsmountain.org) because the municipal website's notice for that collection reads 'Documents are being restored'.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1031", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The SAJIE paper by Hughes & Visagie (Dec 2025) applied a 'house of quality' evaluation to the proposed Eikestad facility using fictitious ('dummy') data, and concluded further studies with real stakeholder data are needed.", "institution": "Stellenbosch University (academic authors)", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2025-12-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1004" ], "page_or_para": "SAJIE 36(3) pp.212-224, abstract and s5", "counterevidence": "Not empirical evidence of demand; cannot be used to support or rebut shortage figures.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1032", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In the National Household Travel Survey 2020, as reported in the CITP 2022-2026 (Table 3.20), congestion ranked third and parking ninth of 12 transport issues. SAJIE (2025) states, citing the CITP, that 93% of vehicles travelling in and around Stellenbosch are private light motor vehicles (including minibus taxis); this figure does not appear in the published CITP 2022-2026 or CITP 2016-2020.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2020", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002", "SRC-1004" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s3.2.14.1, Table 3.20, agenda p.2666; SAJIE 2025 s1.1 (ref [2])", "counterevidence": "The 93% figure is unsupported by the published CITP versions; SAJIE cites an AECOM CITP review dated 13 March 2023, which may differ from 'Final Draft 2'. Table 3.20 values are mean answers (1 = yes, 2 = no), so the ranking reflects how often households named each issue, not severity.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1033", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's audited revenue from 'Parking Fees' (sales of goods and rendering of services) was R5 028 539 in 2024/25, down from R5 722 596 in 2023/24.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2024/25 note 29 'Sales of goods and rendering of services', PDF p.109", "counterevidence": "Line covers tariff income only (meters/bays/permits not itemised); no split by area, by off-/on-street or by the electronic system.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1034", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Audited 'Parking Fees' revenue was R4 422 045 in 2022/23 (comparative in the 2023/24 AFS), so parking tariff income rose about 29% to 2023/24 and fell about 12% in 2024/25 (calculated from the audited figures).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0007", "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2023/24 note 29, PDF p.101; AFS 2024/25 note 29, PDF p.109", "counterevidence": "Percentages are calculated from the source figures, not stated in the AFS; reasons for the 2024/25 fall are not given.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1035", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Audited revenue from municipal traffic fines was R169 181 492 in 2024/25 and R143 096 788 in 2023/24; 'Law enforcement' fines were R95 036 and R22 720. Total fines, penalties and forfeits were R187 263 479 and R166 867 895.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2024/25 note 31 'Fines, penalties and forfeits' and 31.1, PDF p.111", "counterevidence": "AFS does not split parking fines from other municipal traffic fines. Revenue is recognised on issue (GRAP 23), not on payment; most traffic fine revenue is camera speeding fines (see the Annual Report 2023/24 traffic service data).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1036", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In 2022/23 audited municipal traffic fine revenue was R146 459 602 and 'Law enforcement' fines R126 077 (comparatives in the 2023/24 AFS).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0007" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2023/24 note 31.1, PDF p.103", "counterevidence": "AFS does not split parking fines from other municipal traffic fines.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1037", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Traffic fines written off as irrecoverable were R102 206 318 in 2024/25, R101 264 460 in 2023/24 and R82 979 503 in 2022/23; the municipality explains the write-offs by an NPA directive cancelling fines not converted to a summons within 18 months under the Criminal Procedure Act.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006", "SRC-0007" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2024/25 note 43, PDF p.120 and budget-comparison explanation, PDF p.14; AFS 2023/24 note 43, PDF p.112", "counterevidence": "AFS does not split parking fines from other municipal traffic fines. Write-offs relate to fines issued in earlier years, so they cannot be set directly against same-year revenue.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1038", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At 30 June 2025 gross traffic-fine receivables were R261 099 733 (R233 078 454 a year earlier) against an impairment allowance of R208 198 318 (R180 782 289), leaving R52 901 415 (R52 296 165) carried as recoverable; impairment is set from the ratio of receipts to the value of fines issued.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2024/25 note 6 ageing, PDF p.75; statutory receivables, PDF p.76; note 6.1.2 impairment reconciliation, PDF p.77; impairment basis ('value of fines issued in comparison to the receipts generated'), note 6 (statutory receivables), PDF p.79", "counterevidence": "The AFS does not publish a collection rate. Net/gross (about 20% in 2025, 22% in 2024) is the carried share, calculated from the source figures, not a measured payment rate; parking fines are not separated.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1039", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality outsources traffic-fine administration: 'Traffic Fines Management' contracted services cost R14 785 281 in 2024/25, R13 065 594 in 2023/24 and R9 646 176 in 2022/23, and agent TMT collects traffic fines and pays the money over to the municipality.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006", "SRC-0007" ], "page_or_para": "AFS 2024/25 note 41 contracted services, PDF p.120, and note on agents, PDF p.122; AFS 2023/24 note 41, PDF p.111", "counterevidence": "Contract value, term and fee rate for TMT not disclosed in the AFS.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1040", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Traffic Services issued 34 400, 43 504 and 55 506 section 56 notices and 28 062, 29 867 and 35 823 section 341 notices in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24, and 357 144, 372 420 and 353 279 camera speeding fines; the municipality says s341 notices are used, for example, for parking offences.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 Table 163 'Service Data for Traffic Services', PDF p.254; s341 explanation in Oversight Report MPAC answers, PDF p.35", "counterevidence": "s341 counts include all non-parking absent-driver offences; no parking-only count is published.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1041", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Law Enforcement fines issued (s56 and s341) fell from 5 196 in 2022/23 to 2 078 in 2023/24. The municipality told MPAC the 2022/23 fines were issued while it was 'supported by POCS in 22/23 with additional staff', that those contracts were not renewed in 2023/24, and that the staff reduction caused the drop.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 s3.17 Table 162, PDF p.252; Oversight Report MPAC question on Table 165, PDF p.35", "counterevidence": "Does not say whether these were parking fines or how many POCS-funded officers there were; link to the 61 temporary officers of 2021 is not stated.", "official_response": "Protection Services (Traffic and Law Enforcement) answer to MPAC.", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1042", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In its 2023/24 annual report the municipality said 'the temporary traffic parking project is continuing successfully within limits', benefiting the contract staff (job creation) and the municipality, 'which is managing parking within the municipal area internally'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2024-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 s3.17.1 Traffic Services highlights, PDF p.253", "counterevidence": "Self-assessment; no performance data given. Confirms the in-house model begun in Oct 2021 (reported by MatieMedia, Oct 2021) was still in place in 2023/24.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1043", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2023/24 annual report lists a municipally funded EPWP project 'Parking / Que Marshall and Scholar Safety' with 331 jobs created.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2024-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 EPWP table (municipal funded projects), PDF p.235", "counterevidence": "Jobs are EPWP work opportunities, not posts; no split between parking marshals, queue marshals and scholar safety; cost not shown.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1044", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Capital project 'Provision of Bulk Parking Planning and Development' had an adjustment budget of R7.239m and actual spending of R7.085m in 2023/24.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2024-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 Table 129 capital expenditure (Roads, Transport and Stormwater), PDF p.210", "counterevidence": "What was bought is not itemised (SMEC study fees, other works?).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1045", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The draft 2026/27 MTREF tabled at Mayco on 25 Mar 2026 allocates R500 000 in 2026/27 (nothing in 2027/28 or 2028/29) to 'Provision of Bulk Parking Planning & Development' and R1 000 000 in 2027/28 to 'Parking Area Upgrades - Stellenbosch'; no capital allocation for building a multistorey garage appears.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0003" ], "page_or_para": "Mayco 25 Mar 2026 item 6.3 (draft MTREF 2026/27) capital schedule, PDF pp.111-112", "counterevidence": "Draft budget; the budget Council finally adopted (May 2026) is not among the records cited for this claim. A PPP garage would be privately financed, so absence of capital is expected under BOOT.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1046", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Draft 2026/27 tariffs: CBD off-street Zone 1 (Eikestad, Checkers, Pick n Pay/Stelmark) stays free for 30 minutes, then R12.50 (31-59 min), R21 (1-2 h) up to R135 (12-24 h or lost ticket), up from R12, R20 and R128; on-street CBD parking (e.g. Kerk, Plein, Dorp, Andringa streets) rises from R10.00 to R10.50 an hour, charged from R5 per first half-hour.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0003" ], "page_or_para": "Mayco 25 Mar 2026 item 6.3, sundry tariffs (Traffic Services), PDF pp.155-156", "counterevidence": "Draft tariffs; the tariff book finally adopted is not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1047", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A Mayco agenda item of 25 Mar 2026 (7.3.2) asks Council to rescind 12 in-principle approvals to lease municipal property, including three parking leases, 'Technopark Parking' (portion of Erf 9190), 'Happy Folks Parking' (portion of Erf 8116) and 'Mercedes Benz parking' (Erf 52), because, the item says, National Treasury's comments (the annexed 27 June 2025 letter on the Stellenbosch Flying Club lease, one of the 12) mean that the property policy's deviation from a competitive process and the June 2022 delegation (EM85: leases under 10 years and under R5m to the Executive Mayor with Mayco) are not in line with the MFMA and Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations; the letter itself does not mention EM85 or the June 2022 delegation and does not call the policy or the delegation unlawful, though it notes that the property policy gives both Council and the Executive Mayor 'certain powers to decide on deviations from public competition' and advises the municipality to review it (PDF p.210). The item also says the public participation processes were not completed owing to 'a severe staff shortage' in Property Management.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Technopark; Erf 52 Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001" ], "page_or_para": "Mayco agenda 25 Mar 2026 item 7.3.2, paras 2-6.2.2, PDF pp.198-202; annexed National Treasury letter of 27 Jun 2025 (Stellenbosch Flying Club lease, Farm 502L), PDF pp.209-211", "counterevidence": "Agenda recommendation only; no record cited here shows whether Council rescinded it, and the municipal website's notice for the Council minutes reads 'Documents are being restored'. Lease values, lessees' terms and how long the parking areas were operated under the approvals are not stated. The Eikestad short-term lease advertised in Notice 96/2022 is not on the list. The item says the Treasury comments were received in May 2025; the annexed letter is dated 27 June 2025 and answers a municipal request received on 19 May 2025. The letter concerns the Flying Club lease only; it advises the municipality to review the property policy under which 'both the municipal council and the Executive Mayor have been given certain powers to decide on deviations from public competition' (PDF p.210) but does not refer to EM85 or the June 2022 delegation.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1048", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The draft 4th review of the IDP (Mayco 25 Mar 2026) records, against a Ward 9 priority to assess park-and-ride feasibility for the CBD, that 'the development of the Eikestad Parking Garage is currently underway as a Public-Private Partnership'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0002" ], "page_or_para": "Mayco 25 Mar 2026 item 6.1 draft IDP 4th review, Ward 9 priorities, printed p.415 (PDF p.439)", "counterevidence": "No RFP, Treasury view (TA:IIA/IIB) or contract award found; Eikestadnuus (23 Mar 2026) reported in the same week that the garage had not been implemented. 'Underway' describes the process, not construction.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1049", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "National Treasury data show Stellenbosch's audited 'fines, penalties and forfeits' rising from R90.7m (2017/18) to R118.2m (2018/19), R100.0m (2019/20), R108.9m (2020/21), R122.9m (2021/22), R146.7m (2022/23), R166.9m (2023/24) and R187.3m (2024/25); the 2025/26 budget is R173.4m.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3005" ], "page_or_para": "Municipal Money incexp_v2, item 2000 'Fines, penalties and forfeits', amount type AUDA (ORGB for 2025/26)", "counterevidence": "AFS does not split parking fines from other municipal traffic fines. Includes all fines (mostly camera traffic fines) and forfeits.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1050", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1051", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A council item of Aug 2024 quotes the earlier parking resolutions: 27 Sep 2017 (item 7.6.1) launched a Municipal Systems Act s78 process for parking in Stellenbosch, Klapmuts and Franschhoek; 28 Mar 2018 (item 7.6.2) moved to s78(3) to explore an external mechanism; and 26 Feb 2020 (35th meeting, item 13.3) decided under s78(4) that single-level parking be provided internally and multistorey parking externally, at Eikestad Mall (portion of Erf 1692 and erven 1969-1976, 6402, 6636) and Techno Park (portion of Erf 13171).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad Mall parking; Techno Park", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, para 6.6 'Previous / Relevant Council Resolutions', PDF pp.6-8", "counterevidence": "SMEC dates the s78(4) resolution to 2019 (Executive Summary) and, in the full report, says the s78(2) report went to Council on 28 March 2019 (PDF p.175), while the council item gives 28 Mar 2018 and 26 Feb 2020. The 30 Jul 2025 council item quotes the same resolutions with the same dates (PDF pp.609-610). The original minutes are not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1052", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At a special meeting on 23 Feb 2022 (item 8.11.2) Council amended the s78(4) decision so that single-level off-street parking would be provided through an external mechanism unless an internal one was clearly more viable, approved in principle Checkers Complex and Stelmark Centre parking management as interim pilots for up to three years, confirmed the Eikestad multi-level garage as a PPP, and resolved that parking be leased out short-term until the PPP is finalised.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Checkers Complex; Stelmark Centre; Eikestad", "event_date": "2022-02-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, para 6.6 (Special Council 2022-02-23 item 8.11.2), PDF p.8", "counterevidence": "The minutes of 23 February 2022 are not among the records cited for this claim; the resolution is quoted in the Aug 2024 item and again in the 30 Jul 2025 item, which records it as passed 'nem con' (PDF p.611). No record cited here shows who manages Checkers/Stelmark parking, on what terms and revenue split, or whether the 3-year pilots ended (by about Feb 2025). The short-term Eikestad lease was advertised in Notice 96/2022; no signed lease appears among the records cited.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1053", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "For the 23 Aug 2024 Council meeting, Mayco (14 Aug 2024, item 7.6.2) recommended that Council approve the Eikestad feasibility report and 'the multi-story parking as a Public Private Partnership (PPP)' so that phase 2 could start; after a councillor workshop on 20 Aug 2024 the municipal manager proposed replacement recommendations: in-principle approval of the feasibility study under MFMA s120(6), noting that this 'is not an approval for the development of a parking garage', that a Request for Proposals would come to Council only after National Treasury approval, with an updated TIA, final Heritage Western Cape approval at design stage and a further public participation process.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-08-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035", "SRC-0119", "SRC-0102" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Mayco recommendations and MM inputs 2024-08-20, PDF pp.9-10; 25th Council minutes 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2 (tabled as item 7.1 in the 26th Council agenda of 30 Oct 2024), PDF p.26 of both the original and updated agenda", "counterevidence": "The minutes of 23 Aug 2024 show that Council adopted the municipal manager's replacement wording (resolutions (a)-(n)), not Mayco's recommendation to approve the multi-storey parking as a PPP.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1054", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Aug 2024 item set an indicative PPP timeline: Request for Proposals by 31 Oct 2024, Treasury view TVR IIB by 29 Nov 2024, negotiations and PPP agreement by 28 Feb 2025, TVR III by 7 Mar 2025 and a final Council resolution by 31 Mar 2025, followed by contract signature, contract management and construction.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, para 6.2 timeline graphic, PDF p.3", "counterevidence": "The dates were not met. On 30 Jul 2025 Council approved an Expression of Interest phase before any RFP; the draft EOI gives a new indicative timeline (RFP November 2025, bids April 2026, preferred bidder July 2026), described as 'by no means exhaustive or final' (33rd Council agenda, PDF p.706). No RFP, TVR IIB/III or final Council resolution was found up to 4 Nov 2026; in Mar 2026 the garage was not built (Eikestadnuus, 23 Mar 2026).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1055", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In the Aug 2024 item the Infrastructure Services directorate stated that the CBD 'has a critical shortage of parking', that complaints are received daily, and that the shortage was 'created by historical planning dispensations where the parking requirements for developments in the CBD were relaxed'; it reported that National Treasury's final views (TVR1) were still awaited.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2024-08-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, paras 4 and 6.2 (Directorate's comments), PDF pp.1-4", "counterevidence": "Directorate's position, not an independent measurement; Stellenbosch University's mobility manager disputes a general shortage, citing SU's annual parking audits. The 30 Jul 2025 council item states that 'Provincial and National Treasury had provided approval for the Municipality to proceed to the Request for Proposal stage' (33rd Council agenda, PDF p.606); it gives no date or reference, and no Treasury letter or TVR document is in the pack.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1056", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The feasibility report annexed to the Aug 2024 item states that the municipality currently earns 'about R70 000 revenue per month' from the Eikestad parking area but must pay staff on site, making it 'a loss-making activity (staff costs are more than revenue)'; it adds that the municipality cannot fund the R115.2m (2023) facility, about 23% of its R505m 2023/24 capital budget, and 'does not favour managing parking areas directly'.", "institution": "SMEC South Africa for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-08-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) value-for-money table, PDF p.33 (printed p.9); s8.3.2 simplified value assessment, PDF p.222", "counterevidence": "Monthly revenue is a rounded consultant figure for one site; staff cost not quantified. Compare audited town-wide parking fees of R4.4m-R5.7m a year (2022/23 to 2024/25).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1057", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In a reply to Western Cape Provincial Parliament Question 8 dated 2 June 2023, answered by Hon Ricardo Mackenzie (Mobility), the province reported that Stellenbosch Municipality had an approved establishment of 50 traffic officers, of whom 20 posts were filled (30 vacancies), and said that where there are vacancies \"service delivery is negatively affected and not all areas are serviced\" and that this \"creates additional pressure on Provincial Traffic\".", "institution": "Western Cape Department of Mobility; Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2023-06-02", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1018" ], "page_or_para": "WCPP Q8, answer (ii) table and answer (b)", "counterevidence": "Figures were supplied by the municipality to the province; traffic officers are distinct from law enforcement officers and parking attendants. No published source gives current (2026) staffing.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1058", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Young Urbanists' petition update of 22 Aug 2024 said a 727-page report recommending approval of the Eikestad multistorey garage had been added to the agenda of the 23 Aug 2024 Council meeting, argued that a full Heritage Impact Assessment and independent review had not been done and that the garage contradicts the municipality's SDF 2019, CITP 2022-2026 and NMT Master Plan 2020, said the report \"dismisses the objections\" raised by the Stellenbosch Interest Group, Young Urbanists, Active Mobility Forum, Stellenbosch Fietsry, Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association and others, and said that \"over 3,000 signatures\" (the petitioners' own count) and \"countless objections\" had been ignored. The council item (23 Aug 2024) said comments from the public \"have been largely addressed\" and the Infrastructure directorate said the development \"aligns with the approved CITP\".", "institution": "Young Urbanists; Stellenbosch Interest Group; Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2024-08-22", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1019", "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Petition update text, paras 2-3 and points 1-3; Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2 (Infrastructure Services), PDF pp.1, 3 ('largely addressed') and 4 (Directorate's comment)", "counterevidence": "The petition update is the objectors' own account (an advocacy source); the signature count is theirs and was not independently checked. The council item contests it: public comments 'largely addressed' and alignment with the CITP. The page-count and heritage/TIA points are consistent with the 23 Aug 2024 Council item (753 pages; the municipal manager's recommendations require a new TIA, HWC approval and further public participation).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1059", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC's full Eikestad feasibility study (Revision 2, 9 Jul 2024, annexed to the Aug 2024 Council item) recommends a user-pays build-own-operate-transfer PPP for a facility of about 498 bays, with a 25-year concession preferred over 20 years; the private party would finance it through a non-recourse special-purpose-vehicle structure modelled at 15% equity and 85% debt (equity 16%, debt 12.75%, WACC 10.31%), with tariffs assumed to rise 8% every two years under Council's tariff policy, increases to be justified annually and approved by Council.", "institution": "SMEC South Africa for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-07-09", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) executive summary PDF pp.29-34 (printed 5-10); s8 financing assumptions PDF pp.244-249 (printed 220-225); document control PDF p.12", "counterevidence": "Consultant's recommendation and model assumptions, not a concluded agreement; no PPP agreement or RFP was found. The 30 Jul 2025 council item states that 'Provincial and National Treasury had provided approval for the Municipality to proceed to the Request for Proposal stage' (33rd Council agenda, PDF p.606); it gives no date or reference, and no Treasury letter or TVR document is in the pack. The council item and the legal due diligence describe it as build-operate-transfer; the July 2025 draft EOI states a 20- to 25-year concession and a first phase of 300 bays within 12 months of contract signing (PDF p.701).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1060", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC's reference model for the preferred Scenario 6 (1 923 parked vehicles a day, against 1 169 at the existing Eikestad lot) gives a net present value of R19 973 666 and an IRR of 12.64% over 20 years, or R30 363 253 and 14.62% over 25 years; its base scenario (existing demand) is negative (-R32 728 014 over 20 years), and only Scenarios 3 to 6 are positive. Projected revenue is R16.293m in 2026 and R17.838m in 2027, or R518.5m over 20 years.", "institution": "SMEC South Africa for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-07-09", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) s8.7, Table 8-11 PDF p.256 (printed 232); Table 8-12 PDF p.257 (printed 233); revenue PDF pp.249-250", "counterevidence": "Model outputs, not actual results. Scenario 6 assumes higher demand than today, built on illegal parking surveyed, Church Street pedestrianisation, overflow, night demand and monthly parking (Table 8-12); with tariff growth of 4% instead of 8% every second year the 20-year NPV becomes -R4 353 076 (Table 8-16, PDF p.260). SMEC says investors need an IRR above 12%.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1061", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC's value-for-money section says the municipality's direct outlays would be about R7.0m for feasibility and advisory services and R1.74m for relocating bulk services; it would gain a building worth R120m (2023 value, R275m if it appreciates with inflation) and parking revenue of about R35.92m a year from 2044 (20-year term) or R37.95m from 2049 (25-year term). A share of the private party's net return of 5% would yield R5.8m over 20 years or R11.3m over 25 years (15%: R17.3m / R33.7m), and SMEC expects a share 'in the vicinity of 5%'.", "institution": "SMEC South Africa for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-07-09", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) s8.8.1, PDF pp.261-262 (printed 237-238); executive summary PDF p.33", "counterevidence": "Projections; the revenue share is to be negotiated with the private party. Staff time on the project is not costed. Compare the municipality's current Eikestad income of about R70 000 a month, as stated in the feasibility report. The 30 Jul 2025 council item states 'There are no direct financial implications for the Municipality' (PDF p.608), without addressing the advisory and relocation costs listed here.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1062", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SMEC reports that peak parking accumulation at the surveyed CBD sites rose 20% from 2020 to 2021 and a further 85% from 2021 to 2023, based on surveys on 15-19 Sep 2020, 22-24 Apr 2021, 18-20 May 2023 (peak) and 11-15 Jul 2023 (off-peak); it says 7 temporary EPWP workers employed at the existing Eikestad lot 'will be absorbed fully by the Municipality'.", "institution": "SMEC South Africa for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch CBD", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) executive summary PDF pp.28 and 33 (printed 4 and 9); s8 PDF p.264", "counterevidence": "Growth percentages are SMEC's; the 2020 and 2021 surveys were taken during the Covid-19 period, and SMEC does not say whether it adjusted for this. Absorption of the 7 workers is a stated intention, not a decision.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1063", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In SMEC's risk allocation the heritage risk is allocated to the public sector, and usage (demand) risk 'remains with the private sector', but the public sector 'needs to ensure that the required projects to increase demand and that policing of the illegally parked vehicles is done, to provide the required demand'.", "institution": "SMEC South Africa for Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-07-09", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 (SMEC feasibility study) Tables 8-9/8-10, PDF pp.253-256 (printed 229-232)", "counterevidence": "Risk matrix in a feasibility study; final allocation depends on the PPP agreement, which does not exist yet. Ties the garage's viability to municipal enforcement of illegal parking (see INV-law-enforcement claims).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1064", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The draft legal due diligence annexed to the feasibility study (Mandatum CC, 8 Jul 2024) says that because the PPP contract is projected to run 20 years, the municipality must follow MFMA section 33. Section 33 applies when a contract will impose financial obligations on the municipality beyond the three years covered by its annual budget. At least 60 days before the council meeting that approves the contract, the municipal manager must publish the draft contract and an information statement for public comment and solicit the views and recommendations of National Treasury, the provincial treasury and the national department responsible for local government. Council must then consider these and adopt a resolution approving the entire contract exactly as it is to be executed. Treasury gives views and recommendations under s33; it does not approve the contract. Under s33(3) such contracts must be available in full to Council and may not be withheld from public scrutiny except as PAIA allows. The report's checklist marks the s120(6) Council decision \"In process\" and s120(7)/s33 compliance, procurement, tariff-policy and rates by-law changes as \"Will be done\".", "institution": "Mandatum CC (legal due diligence, Appendix E to SMEC report)", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-07-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035", "SRC-1020" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, Annexure 1 Appendix E project due diligence report, s17 and s18 checklist items 43-54, PDF pp.482-485; MFMA s33(1)(a)-(c) and s33(3) (Acts Online)", "counterevidence": "Draft legal opinion; no document cited here records an s33 process or a draft PPP agreement as at 29 October 2026. The 60-day, information-statement, national-department and entire-contract details come from the text of MFMA s33 itself, not from the due diligence, which summarises s33 more briefly and says it applies 'if applicable' (it could not find the threshold regulations) (PDF p.482).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1065", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Aug 2024 documents describe the Eikestad PPP inconsistently: SMEC recommends build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT); the council item calls it build-operate-transfer (BOT) with the facility transferred to the municipality after about 25 years; and the legal due diligence also calls it BOT but says the building accedes to the municipality's land once built and gives 'an estimated period of 20 years'. SMEC's staffing section also describes 1 185 filled posts of 1 996 as 'an effective vacancy rate of 59.3%', which is in fact roughly the fill rate (59.4%; vacancy about 40.6%, calculated from the source figures).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-08-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, paras 4 and 6.1, PDF pp.1-2; Appendix E s1 and s3.6, PDF pp.445-446 and 451; Annexure 1 executive summary PDF pp.27-34 and s2.3, PDF p.45", "counterevidence": "Drafting inconsistencies within one council pack; the PPP agreement would settle ownership and term. Percentages are calculated from the source figures.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1066", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Aug 2024 item reports that Provincial Treasury commented on value for money, risk transfer, affordability and public participation; that National Treasury's initial comments asked for more on need and options, due diligence, BBBEE, procurement, affordability, value for money and risk transfer; that three workshops were held and further National Treasury comments were awaited; that COGTA had not commented; and that National Treasury requires a Council decision in principle before it formally issues its views and recommendations (TVR1).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking site", "event_date": "2024-08-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2, paras 4 and 6.2, PDF pp.2-4", "counterevidence": "Treasury correspondence itself is not in the pack. The 30 Jul 2025 council item states that 'Provincial and National Treasury had provided approval for the Municipality to proceed to the Request for Proposal stage' (33rd Council agenda, PDF p.606); it gives no date or reference, and no Treasury letter or TVR document is in the pack.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1067", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Municipal Notice 96/2022 invited public comment by 19 Aug 2022 on a proposal to lease the Eikestad parking area to Eikestad Mall Management for management on a short-term basis, with an option of annual renewal until the PPP is finalised. It says the PPP project cycle 'may take more than 36 months', that internal parking mechanisms were found 'less favourable and not sustainable', that ending the short-term contracts of staff managing these areas was a benefit, and that rental 'can be set at an amount higher than the average rate of return'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area (Victoria and Ryneveld Streets)", "event_date": "2022-08-19", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0036" ], "page_or_para": "Municipal Notice 96/2022, paras 2, 3.2 and 3.4-3.5 (single page)", "counterevidence": "Proposal for comment only: no rental amount, term or outcome is stated, and no Council decision, signed lease or rental income appears among the records cited. In Jul 2024 SMEC still described the lot as municipally run with about R70 000 a month revenue and 7 EPWP staff, which suggests the lease may not have been concluded. The 30 Jul 2025 council item quotes the Feb 2022 decision that 'the parking be leased out a short-term base until the PPP process is finalised' (PDF p.611) but says nothing about a lease being concluded.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1068", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "For Council on 24 May 2023 (14th meeting, item 11.6.2) the administration reported 89 comments and a signed petition (555 signatures when comment closed; the item does not quote it, and says most signatories appeared to be occasional CBD visitors) on Franschhoek's Main Road, and recommended implementing parking management once the Dirkie Uys/La Rochelle parking area had been upgraded (construction estimated Oct-Dec 2023) as a free alternative.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Franschhoek Main Road", "event_date": "2023-05-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0038" ], "page_or_para": "14th Council agenda 24 May 2023 item 11.6.2, PDF pp.2124-2126", "counterevidence": "Agenda recommendation (also Mayco 17 May 2023 item 7.6.2); neither the minutes nor the resolution is among the records cited for this claim. The item says the notice was on the website on '1st February 2022' though it ran in the Feb 2023 Tattler and closed 1 Mar 2023 (apparent slip in the source).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1069", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Municipal Notice 108/2025 (13 Jun 2025) announced paid parking management on Franschhoek's Main Road from 1 Jul 2025 at R10.00 an hour, included in the 2025/26 tariffs, with free parking kept at the upgraded Dirkie Uys/La Rochelle area. It cites the authorising resolution as '14th Meeting of the Council (Item 11.6.2 held on 24th May 2024)'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Franschhoek Main Road", "event_date": "2025-07-01", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0037", "SRC-0038" ], "page_or_para": "Municipal Notice 108/2025, p.2 (p.1 is the signed route form); 14th Council agenda item 11.6.2, PDF p.2124", "counterevidence": "Date discrepancy: the 14th Council meeting with item 11.6.2 on Franschhoek Main Road parking was on 24 May 2023 (Council agenda of that meeting), not 2024; probably a clerical error in the notice. Operator, revenue and enforcement arrangements are not stated.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis", "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1070", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A Mayco item for 25 Mar 2026 (7.1.4) proposes leasing the municipal vehicle testing station at Stellenbosch Traffic Services (1 Joubert Street) to a private operator for 10 years by tender, because it runs at a loss: tariffs are set by the provincial MEC under Regulation 139(1)(b), the station dates from 1982 and most equipment is over 10 years old; it says the loss contributes to the Traffic Department's budget deficiencies.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Traffic Services, 1 Joubert Street", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001" ], "page_or_para": "Mayco agenda 25 Mar 2026 item 7.1.4, paras 2, 4-6.2, PDF pp.101-103", "counterevidence": "Agenda item only; loss amounts are not quantified and the outcome (Council decision, public consultation, tender) is not known. Directors and MM recorded 'No comments received'.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1071", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On 23 Aug 2024 Council resolved by 'majority vote with 1 abstention' to 'in principle approve the Feasibility Study Report' for the Eikestad parking PPP 'as required in terms of Section 120(6) of the MFMA', noting that this 'is not an approval for the development of a parking garage but merely the feasibility study' and that the approval 'has to be submitted to National Treasury in terms of Section 120 (6) of the MFMA in order to proceed to the next phase'; a Request for Proposals would follow only if National Treasury approved. Councillors GA Petersen and M van Stade asked that their votes of dissent be minuted.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2024-08-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0119", "SRC-0102" ], "page_or_para": "25th Council minutes 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2 (tabled as item 7.1 in the 26th Council agenda of 30 Oct 2024), PDF p.26 of both the original and updated agenda, resolutions (f)-(i)", "counterevidence": "Minutes as tabled for confirmation on 30 Oct 2024; the minutes do not say whether they were confirmed without amendment. They give no vote counts beyond the one abstention.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-1072", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On 30 Jul 2025, after an ANC caucus (12:35 to 12:40), Council resolved by 'majority vote with 1 abstention' on the Eikestad parking PPP: it noted the detailed Traffic Impact Assessment and approved 'the distribution and market engagement phase' of the Expression of Interest (EOI); the Request for Proposals is to come back to Council for further public participation and a final decision, and 'National and Provincial Treasury approval of the RFP and Public Private Partnership Agreement is required, prior to releasing the RFP to the market'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2025-07-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0167", "SRC-0134" ], "page_or_para": "33rd Council minutes 30 Jul 2025 item 10.6.2, resolutions (a)-(e), PDF p.31 (printed p.27); 33rd Council agenda 30 Jul 2025 item 10.6.2, recommendations, PDF pp.605, 613", "counterevidence": "The minutes do not record the voting numbers or who abstained. No record of the EOI's publication, responses or closing date is among the records cited here.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-1073", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 30 Jul 2025 council item states that 'Provincial and National Treasury had provided approval for the Municipality to proceed to the Request for Proposal stage', and that 'There are no direct financial implications for the Municipality. The ultimate awarded bidder will finance, construct and operate the facility.'", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2025-07-14", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0134", "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "33rd Council agenda 30 Jul 2025 item 10.6.2, para 6.1 (PDF p.606) and Financial Implications (PDF p.608); feasibility study s8.8.1 (Annexure 1 to Council agenda 23 Aug 2024 item 10.6.2), PDF p.261", "counterevidence": "The municipality's own statement: no Treasury letter, TVR number or date is given or attached. The resolution still requires Treasury approval of the RFP and PPP agreement before release. Under MFMA s120(6) the Treasury's role in a municipal PPP is to give views and recommendations; the item does not say which Treasury view it describes as an approval. The Jul 2025 resolution states that National and Provincial Treasury 'approval of the RFP and Public Private Partnership Agreement is required, prior to releasing the RFP to the market'. The Aug 2024 item said National Treasury's final views were still awaited. The feasibility study lists municipal outlays of about R7.0m for feasibility and advisory services and R1.74m for relocating bulk services.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-1074", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The draft Expression of Interest annexed to the 30 Jul 2025 item (EOI no. STMPPPEOI002) gives an indicative timeline of RFP issue in November 2025, bid submission in April 2026 and a preferred bidder in July 2026, with financial close six to eight months later and operation 12-24 months after that, 'by no means exhaustive or final'. It states a 20- to 25-year concession, construction within 24 months of contract signing with a first phase of 300 bays within 12 months, and that the current facility has 'about 250 parking spaces at at-grade level'. The EOI closing date was left blank ('Add Date').", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2025-07-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0134" ], "page_or_para": "33rd Council agenda 30 Jul 2025 item 10.6.2, Annexure B (EOI), s8 Key dates PDF p.701, s12-13 PDF p.706, s15 PDF p.707", "counterevidence": "Draft annexure, not a published notice; no RFP issued in November 2025 or later was found up to 4 Nov 2026.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-1300", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2016-2020 records that the 2011 Stellenbosch CITP proposed a western 'by-pass' road to relieve congestion and carry through traffic, and that the Stellenbosch Roads Masterplan (2012) found the R44 (Paradyskloof-Van Reede) and Adam Tas Road (R44-Merriman) operating above capacity.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch town / R44 / Adam Tas Road (R310)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1001" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2016-2020 s8.3.2, printed p.193", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1301", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2016-2020 capital programme listed 'Feasibility Study and EIA: Western Bypass' (TM008) at R500 000 in 2016/17 and R500 000 in 2017/18, responsible party 'WCG / SM', type Planning.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality / WCG", "location": "Western Bypass", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1001" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2016-2020 project list TM008, printed p.268", "counterevidence": "Budget line only; no published document records actual spend.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1302", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At the CITP workshop of 24 April 2015 stakeholders recorded that 'The WCG plans to build roads that do not align with the Municipality's density and mobility plans – in particular the Western Bypass is considered to be a conflicting plan.'", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Western Bypass", "event_date": "2015-04-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1001" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2016-2020 s5.3.1, printed pp.98-99", "counterevidence": "This is a recorded stakeholder comment, not a finding.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1303", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 states the 2019 Roads Master Plan (approved by Council in 2022) repeated the 2012 RMP's three western-bypass options: Option 1 Class 1 expressway Annandale-north of Welgevonden; Option 2 shorter Class 2 arterial from a grade-separated R44/Technopark intersection; Option 3 reduced link Technopark-Adam Tas Road (SRMP002). Option 1 requires expropriation and proclamation by the provincial government; Options 2 and 3 are 'considered more feasible'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (RMP); WCG (Option 1 road reserve)", "location": "Western Bypass alignments", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.1, agenda pp.2718-2719", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1304", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 reports that implementation of western-bypass Option 3 is 'currently underway, with the upgrading of the R44/Techno Park intersection complete and the planning of the link between Technopark and Adam Tas Road (R310) in progress'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "R44/Technopark; Technopark-Adam Tas link", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.1, agenda p.2719", "counterevidence": "The claim rests on a 2023 planning document. No source cited here records the link road's status in 2026.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1305", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 reports conflicting model estimates of the western bypass effect: the 2019 RMP macroscopic model predicts a reduction of 970 vehicles/hour/direction on the central R44 (around 50% of its capacity), whereas the RHDHV 'Gateway' study (2017) found only a slight (10%) reduction.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "R44 through Stellenbosch", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.1, agenda pp.2719-2720", "counterevidence": "Estimates disagree; road engineer Piet van Blerk, quoted by Eikestadnuus in March 2026, gives 20-25%. The effect itself is therefore disputed.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1306", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1307", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Appendix C of the CITP 2022-2026 (10-year Infrastructure Services budget, Jan 2023, CRR own funds) budgets the 'Adam Tas - Technopark Link Road' at R2 300 000 in 2022/23 and R88 000 000 over 2023-2033 (phased amounts of R3m, R5m, R20m, R30m and R30m).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Technopark-Adam Tas link (western bypass portion)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 Appendix C, agenda p.2872", "counterevidence": "Planned budget, not expenditure; per-year capital spend does not appear in the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1308", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 states the Eastern Link Road 'has a long history', was 'proposed many years ago' as a north/south link supplementing the R44, that its original route was compromised (Stellenbosch College/Denneoord; Coetzenburg sports grounds), and that 'it was opposed in the past by many, which in effect led to it being excluded from further considerations'; portions (Wilderbosch extension north to Trumali and south to Technopark) remain in the 10-year budget.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eastern Link Road", "event_date": "2023", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.1, agenda pp.2717-2718", "counterevidence": "No published document records the original proposal date or the objections.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1309", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Appendix C of the CITP 2022-2026 budgets 'Wilderbosch Extension to Trumali (Eastern link)' at R1 000 000 in 2022/23 and R20 000 000 over 2023-2033, and 'Wilderbosch Extension to Techno Park (Eastern link)' at R17 000 000 over 2023-2033 (R1.5m then R15.5m in the outer years), all CRR own funds.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eastern Link Road portions", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 Appendix C, agenda p.2870", "counterevidence": "Planned budget only.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1310", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Eikestadnuus (23 Mar 2026) reports that the Roads Master Plan, first drawn up in 2012 and updated in 2022, contains the eastern link road between Technopark and the town centre (extension of Van Reede Road, a link to Pastorie Road and a proposed new bridge over the Eerste River), and that neither new roads, the multistorey parking garage nor the municipality's NMT policy have been fully implemented.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eastern Link / CBD", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1008" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 23 Mar 2026, paras 3-8", "counterevidence": "The CITP 2022-26 describes a different original alignment (Marais St / Helshoogte); alignments have changed over time.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1311", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In September 2012 Western Cape Transport and Public Works Minister Robin Carlisle announced that a Kantey & Templer study identified R44 (Somerset West-Stellenbosch) improvements including closure of median openings, consolidation of accesses and grade-separated roundabouts at the Annandale and Winery Road intersections, and that CCA Environmental Consultants were appointed for the environmental process.", "institution": "Western Cape Government: Dept of Transport and Public Works / Mobility (provincial)", "location": "R44 Somerset West-Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2012-09-18", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1300" ], "page_or_para": "gov.za media statement 18 Sep 2012, paras 1-4", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1312", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to the CITP 2022-2026, the R44 upgrade (Steynsrust Road km 20.15 to Van Rheede St km 33.00) went through a Basic Assessment from 2012; the Final BAR is dated November 2017; Environmental Authorisation was granted by the provincial DEA&DP on 29 March 2018; appeals followed and the Minister amended the EA on 27 August 2019 to require the Annandale interchange below ground and to keep two of the 22 median openings open (the source does not say which two).", "institution": "Western Cape Government: Dept of Transport and Public Works / Mobility (provincial); WC DEA&DP", "location": "R44 Somerset West-Stellenbosch", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002", "SRC-1300" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.1, agenda p.2720", "counterevidence": "The original EA, the appeal decision and the appellants are not among the records cited for this claim. The CITP calls the R44 upgrade 'a provincial responsibility'.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1313", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1314", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1315", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 lists five major road projects needed in the medium term - portions of the Eastern Link Road, portions of the Western Bypass, the R44 upgrade ('mostly provincial responsibility'), the Jamestown links and the R304/Bird Street link - and describes the R304 as a 'provincial responsibility'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality / Western Cape Government: Dept of Transport and Public Works / Mobility (provincial)", "location": "Stellenbosch road network", "event_date": "2023", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.1 and 7.6.1, agenda pp.2717, 2721, 2725", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1316", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 reports that a new access road from the R304 and partial dualling of the R304 for the Newinbosch development (Adam Tas Corridor precinct 10) were 'almost completed', that the R304 would be doubled between Kayamandi and the R44, and that 'exactly how the current bottleneck of the R44/Bird intersection will be upgraded, is not known'. Appendix C budgets 'Bird Street Dualling - Adam Tas to Kayamandi' at R30.5m over 2023-2033 (R150 000 in 2022/23).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality / Western Cape Government: Dept of Transport and Public Works / Mobility (provincial)", "location": "R304 / Bird Street", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 agenda pp.2721, 2871", "counterevidence": "No published document records the developer-funded share of the R304 works.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1317", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Base-year (2018) modelling in the 2019 Roads Master Plan found demand exceeded capacity on, among others, the R304 (Bottelary-R44), the R44 (Paradyskloof-Van Reede), Bird Street, Merriman/Cluver, Dorp Street (R44-Piet Retief), Adam Tas Road (R44-Merriman), Piet Retief, Van Reede/Vrede, Alexander and George Blake Streets.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch network", "event_date": "2018", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s7.1.3.2, agenda p.2722", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1318", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Weekday AM-peak inbound counts on the R44 south of Technopark were 2 497 veh/h (2017), 3 167 (2019) and 3 216 (2022); the CITP estimates about 45 000 vehicles/day two-way there and notes R44 volumes north of Techno Park are capped by capacity (around 1 200 veh/h/lane).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "R44 south of Technopark", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 Tables 3.24-3.25, agenda pp.2673-2676", "counterevidence": "The CITP warns earlier count locations are not always comparable. Year attribution checked against column positions in the PDF layout (3 167 sits under 2019 'In').", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1319", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Appendix C of the CITP 2022-2026 budgets, over 2023-2033, 'Main Road Intersection Improvements: R44/Merriman Street' R65m (DC-Roads), 'Strand/Adam Tas/Alexander' R39m (DC-Roads) and 'Adam Tas Intersection Upgrades' R12m (CRR); Dorp Street West dualling shows R0.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas / R44 intersections; Dorp St", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 Appendix C, agenda pp.2870, 2872", "counterevidence": "Planned budget only.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1320", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Dualling of Lower Dorp Street between the R44 and Adam Tas Road was listed as high-priority planning in the 2019 Roads Master Plan update; in March 2026 the municipal spokesperson, Stuart Grobbelaar, told Eikestadnuus that the Bird Street dualling and Lower Dorp Street widening were in the design or planning phase (translated from Afrikaans); Eikestadnuus reported that work on Lower Dorp Street was expected to start later in 2026.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Lower Dorp Street; Bird Street", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002", "SRC-1008", "SRC-1021" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s4.5.3.2, agenda p.2688; Eikestadnuus 23 Mar 2026, final paras", "counterevidence": "In March 2026 the municipality said work was expected later in the year; Eikestadnuus reported on 17 September 2026 that construction on Lower Dorp Street and the new Van Rijn avenue was well under way, according to the municipality.", "official_response": "Spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar (Mar 2026): traffic data modules at six major intersections, plan to extend to 36 signals; upgrades at Adam Tas/Alexander, Dorp and Merriman identified.", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1321", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2016-2020 records that the 2011 CITP proposed a park-and-ride area for 1 200 vehicles next to the R310 (Helshoogte Road), a 1 000-vehicle garage at Coetzenburg and an 1 800-vehicle multi-level garage at the University (Hamanshand Street), 'some of which have subsequently not been implemented'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Park-and-ride / parking garages", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1001" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2016-2020 s8.6, printed p.201", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1322", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2016-2020 listed a 'Park and Ride Feasibility Study for Stellenbosch and Cape Town Int. Airports' (PT012) at R200 000 in 2018/19.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Park-and-ride", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1001" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2016-2020 project list PT012, printed p.275", "counterevidence": "Whether the study was done is unknown.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1323", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 concludes that while previously proposed park-and-ride facilities 'appear to be a good solution', 'there is no evidence to support the feasibility of the concept', 'but it should remain an option for future consideration'; it budgets 'Park and Ride (Transport Interchange)' at R100 000 in 2022/23 and R250 000 for 2023-2033, and targets park-and-ride assessment reports in 2024/25 and 2025/26.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Park-and-ride", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s5.2.3, agenda p.2695; Table 6.4, agenda p.2711; s7, agenda pp.2724-2726; Appendix C, agenda p.2873", "counterevidence": "Outcome of the planned assessment reports unknown.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1324", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "SU's Dr Leslie van Rooi told Eikestadnuus (8 Nov 2024) that SU runs park-and-ride from Coetzenburg and Lentelus sports grounds but staff and students prefer to drive around looking for parking; the municipal manager told the paper that a report on possible park-and-ride facilities would be included in a report back to Council.", "institution": "Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Park-and-ride", "event_date": "2024-11-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1007" ], "page_or_para": "Eikestadnuus 8 Nov 2024, paras 5-6, 11", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "MM Geraldine Mettler: further public participation before any approval; park-and-ride report to Council.", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1325", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 proposes a pilot of dedicated HOV/public-transport lanes on the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, with an IDP target of an assessment report to the Provincial Department of Transport in 2023/24.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (proposal) / Western Cape Government: Dept of Transport and Public Works / Mobility (provincial) (road authority)", "location": "R44", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s6.8 and Table 6.4, agenda pp.2709-2711", "counterevidence": "Whether the report was submitted is unknown.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1326", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 (citing the 2020 CITP update) records about 120 km of sidewalks and 30 km of cycle infrastructure, only around 30% of roads with sidewalks, cycle facilities mostly shared with pedestrians and 'not coherent', and stakeholder concern that the NMT Masterplan and Cycle Plan have not had the funding and implementation needed.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Municipality-wide NMT", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s3.2.x and s9.3-9.4, agenda pp.2661-2662, 2737-2738", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1327", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Appendix C of the CITP 2022-2026 budgets over 2023-2033: Non-Motorised Transport Implementation R31m; Cycle Plan design and implementation R4.5m; Bicycle Lockup Facilities R1.3m; Stellenbosch bicycle network R1m; Kayamandi pedestrian bridge (R304, river and railway) R26m (IUDG). The CITP 2016-2020 had listed a 'Detailed Cycle Plan & Implementation' (NMT004) at R10m in each of 2017/18 and 2018/19 (MIG/SM).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "NMT / cycling", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002", "SRC-1001" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 Appendix C, agenda pp.2872-2873; CITP 2016-20 printed p.277", "counterevidence": "Planned budgets only; no published document records actual NMT spend.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1328", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Trail Fund says it proposed a 'Bicycle Park and Walk' concept to the municipality in August 2023, received Council approval in October 2024 for a pilot, and launched the first site in Andringa Street on 26 March 2026; it receives no municipal funding for this work.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Trail Fund NPC; Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Andringa Street, Stellenbosch CBD", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1015" ], "page_or_para": "STF release 26 Mar 2026, paras 2-3, 'Community Support'", "counterevidence": "The Council resolution of Oct 2024 is not among the records cited for this claim. Success: a working NMT pilot delivered by an NGO.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1329", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1330", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to the CITP 2022-2026, there was no passenger rail service in Stellenbosch at the time (rail is run by PRASA/Metrorail, a national entity); at an 8 April 2022 meeting PRASA shared plans to restore services from Eerste Rivier to Muldersvlei from 1 September 2022.", "institution": "PRASA (national); Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch railway line", "event_date": "2022", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s3.2.2 and 3.2.7.2, agenda pp.2651, 2659", "counterevidence": "No published document records whether rail service returned or its 2026 status.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1331", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The CITP 2022-2026 states a total budget of R431m for 2023/24-2027/28 across Roads and Stormwater (R151m), Traffic Engineering (R118m) and Transport Planning (R162m); Appendix C's 10-year (2023-2033) grand total for the three departments is R843 129 950.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Municipality-wide", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 s12, agenda pp.2772-2773; Appendix C grand total, agenda p.2874", "counterevidence": "Planned budgets; the CITP's MTEF section separately cites R197m for 64 projects.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1332", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The draft CITP 2022-2026 was opened for 30 days of public comment until 12 May 2023 (Municipal Notice 45/2023); the version in the council agenda is 'Final Draft 2' dated 13 March 2023. No published record confirms final Council adoption or MEC approval of the CITP 2022-2026.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "CITP 2022-2026", "event_date": "2023", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1003", "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "Notice 45/2023; CITP cover, agenda p.2617", "counterevidence": "No adoption resolution is among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1333", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A Jamestown Development Roads Master Plan (B/SM 39/18) was completed in March 2020; the CITP says its proposed Jamestown-Stellenbosch links had not been workshopped with interested and affected parties and 'do not have any status at present'. Appendix C budgets a Jamestown Transport Network at R5m (2023-2033).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Jamestown", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002" ], "page_or_para": "CITP 2022-26 agenda pp.2720-2721, 2871", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1334", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1335", "route": "disputed", "shown_as": "Allegations and disputed matters", "status": "disputed", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Developer TIAs", "event_date": "2026-10-29", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1002", "SRC-0035", "SRC-1007" ], "investigations": [ "INV-transport-projects" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1340", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's Parking By-law then in force was promulgated on 5 July 2013, according to council item 11.5.6 (April 2021).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2013-07-05", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1320" ], "page_or_para": "Item 11.5.6 para 6.1, agenda p.952ff", "counterevidence": "The Provincial Gazette text of the 2013 by-law is not among the records cited for this claim; the municipal by-laws page carries the notice 'Documents are being restored'.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1341", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A revised 'Stellenbosch Municipality Parking By-law, 2018' was accepted in draft by Council on 24 Aug 2020 (item 11.5.1, nem con), advertised for comment from 14 Sep to 14 Oct 2020 (only Bolt SA commented; its proposals were declined), recommended by the Infrastructure Services Committee (4 Mar 2021) and Mayco (14 Apr 2021), and tabled to Council as item 11.5.6 on 14/28 April 2021 for approval.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1320" ], "page_or_para": "Item 11.5.6 paras 6.2.1, 6.6 and recommendations; Annexure A p.957", "counterevidence": "The copy is a third-party mirror copy. Neither the final Council resolution nor a Provincial Gazette publication of the revised by-law is among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1342", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The revised draft by-law defines 'authorised officer' to include traffic wardens and traffic officers appointed under NRTA s3A and also 'any person nominated by any organisation and authorised by the Municipality', and separately defines 'authorized official' (a uniformed municipal employee with a distinctive permit and appointment certificate), 'parking marshals' (employees of a parking management organisation) and 'parking attendants'. Its contents include payment for parking, clamping or removal of unlawfully parked vehicles, impoundment and sale, exemptions, appeal and presumptions.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1320" ], "page_or_para": "Annexure A s1 definitions and contents list, agenda pp.957-968", "counterevidence": "The agenda copy of the by-law's body (pp.969-993) carries no readable text, so its offence, penalty, grace-period and warning clauses are not summarised here.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1343", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2021 council report flagged as a risk that 'Delegations for the operational management of a parking service or the operational management of a parking service provider may need to be clarified', and said additional staff may be required.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "event_date": "2020-10-22", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1320" ], "page_or_para": "Item 11.5.6 paras 6.5, 6.7", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1344", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Part B of Schedule 5 to the Constitution lists traffic and parking as a local government matter; the draft parking by-law cites this and s156(2) and (5) of the Constitution as its basis.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality; Constitution (national)", "location": "South Africa", "event_date": "1996", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1320" ], "page_or_para": "Annexure A preamble, agenda p.957", "counterevidence": "This summary of the constitutional basis comes from the draft parking by-law's own text.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1345", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "CPA s334(2): a person declared a peace officer by Gazette notice may only exercise the powers while holding a certificate of appointment from the employer, to be produced on demand, and 'A power exercised contrary to the provisions of paragraph (a) shall have no legal force or effect.'", "institution": "National Government (Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977)", "location": "South Africa", "event_date": "1977", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1323" ], "page_or_para": "CPA s334(1)-(2)", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1346", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "CPA s341: a person who receives a written notification from a peace officer for a Schedule 3 offence may, within 30 days, pay the stated amount and will not be prosecuted; where the notice is issued by a peace officer of a local authority, payment may be made to the local authority and 'shall be deemed to be a fine'; the local authority must send the magistrate a copy within seven days and refund any amount exceeding what the magistrate determines under s341(5).", "institution": "National Government (CPA)", "location": "South Africa", "event_date": "1977", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1324" ], "page_or_para": "CPA s341(1), (2)(a)-(d)", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1347", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "GN 1114 (GG 41982, 19 Oct 2018) declares law enforcement officers appointed by a municipality to be peace officers within the municipality's area for listed offences, including municipal by-laws and 'applicable road traffic and road transportation legislation', with powers to issue CPA s56 and s341 notices, search arrested persons (s23), arrest without warrant under listed parts of s40(1), demand name and address (s41(1)) and execute warrants (s44).", "institution": "Minister of Justice (national)", "location": "All municipalities", "event_date": "2018-10-19", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1322" ], "page_or_para": "GN 1114 Schedule, Columns 1-4", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1348", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Under GN 1114 a certificate of appointment may only be issued to a municipal law enforcement officer if the employer holds a certificate of competency from the SAPS National Commissioner confirming the person is competent to exercise the Column 4 powers, after criteria including prior convictions, firearm fitness and training.", "institution": "Minister of Justice / SAPS (national)", "location": "All municipalities", "event_date": "2018-10-19", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1322" ], "page_or_para": "GN 1114 para (i)-(iii)", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1349", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Minister of Justice told Parliament (reply NW3041, PMG page dated 26 Oct 2023) that for GN 1114 'law enforcement officer' means a member of a municipal police service, or a traffic officer, reserve traffic officer, traffic warden or reserve traffic warden appointed by a municipality under the NRTA, and that a municipality cannot establish a criminal investigation unit that is not a municipal police service.", "institution": "Minister of Justice (national)", "location": "South Africa", "event_date": "2023-10-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1326" ], "page_or_para": "PMG NW3041 reply paras 1-3", "counterevidence": "This narrower reading of 'law enforcement officer' is the Minister's interpretation; its effect on by-law-only LEOs needs legal review.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1350", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "RTMC Notice GN 7935 (GG 55409, 18 Sep 2026) sets national powers of a traffic warden 'subject to' the NRTA, CPA, AARTO or other law, including: arrest without warrant for an offence committed in the warden's presence; demand names and addresses; 'Issue Section 56 and Section 341 notices and or AARTO 31 Notices in respect of parking infringements, licence disc, registration number plates (display) and tyre roadworthiness only to parked vehicles at roadside'; and 'Enforce parking by-laws (arranging for vehicles to be clamped or removed ...)'. Training must be an accredited qualification at an approved Traffic Training Centre.", "institution": "Road Traffic Management Corporation (national)", "location": "South Africa", "event_date": "2026-09-18", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1325" ], "page_or_para": "GN 7935 paras 1 and 2(f),(g),(h),(q),(v)", "counterevidence": "Postdates the 2021 deployment; does not show what powers 2021 temporary officers had.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1351", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "AARTO phase 2 began on 1 July 2026 in 62 municipalities, with phase 3 to cover the remaining municipalities and demerit points to follow, according to the Minister of Transport's parliamentary reply NW5257.", "institution": "Minister of Transport / RTIA (national)", "location": "South Africa", "event_date": "2026-07-01", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1327" ], "page_or_para": "PMG NW5257 reply", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1352", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Muneera Allie, spokesperson for the Western Cape Mobility Department, told The National (1 Sep 2026) that AARTO was not implemented in the Western Cape on 1 July and that the province continued to engage on outstanding operational, legislative, regulatory and systems-related concerns.", "institution": "Western Cape Mobility Department (provincial)", "location": "Western Cape", "event_date": "2026-09-01", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1328", "SRC-1327" ], "page_or_para": "The National 1 Sep 2026, paras quoting Allie", "counterevidence": "No official list cited here places Stellenbosch in or out of the 62-municipality group.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1353", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In May 2021 the municipality said it had approved, for 2021/22, an Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officer policy (R400 000 budget, up to 20 unpaid volunteers), a Rewards for Criminal Information policy, and an Externally Funded Law Enforcement and Traffic Officer policy from 1 July 2021 under which private parties can pay for officers; it also stated 'Although policing is not a municipal function...'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2021-05-31", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1012" ], "page_or_para": "Municipal news 31 May 2021, paras 2-6", "counterevidence": "The policies themselves are not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1354", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Western Cape Government said on 12 Dec 2025 that 19 new peace officers plus 6 existing Stellenbosch Municipality employees completed the provincial Law Enforcement Support programme, to be deployed to areas including Cloetesville and Kayamandi.", "institution": "Western Cape Government (provincial) / Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Cloetesville, Kayamandi", "event_date": "2025-12-12", "source_ids": [ "SRC-1329" ], "page_or_para": "WCG statement 12 Dec 2025, paras 1-3", "counterevidence": "Success claim from the province; outcomes not measured.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-law-enforcement" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-1355", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-1356", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-2000", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to the municipality's Draft 4th Review of the IDP 2022-2027 (tabled at MayCo 25 Mar 2026), the Council formally approved a Local Spatial Development Framework and development guidelines for the Adam Tas Corridor in October 2022, and an Adam Tas Corridor overlay zone was approved and gazetted in 2024 and included as a local area overlay zone in the Stellenbosch Municipality Zoning Scheme By-law, 2024 (04 October 2024); its stated purpose is to award the LASDF's envisaged zoning rights to individual land portions, with conditions per property, for landowners to take up.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas Corridor, Stellenbosch town", "event_date": "2022-10", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0002", "SRC-0030" ], "page_or_para": "Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) PDF p.124 (printed p.100), s4.7; Draft Annual Report 2024/25 Table 129 PDF p.201 (printed p.189): ATC LSDF 'adopted by the Council in 2022'; overlay 'Approved as part of the Stellenbosch Municipality Zoning Scheme By-law 2024'", "counterevidence": "The Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) is a draft (MayCo tabling), not the Council resolution or the Provincial Gazette itself; the October 2022 Council resolution and the 2024 gazette notice are not among the records cited for this claim, and the municipal document library carries the notice 'Documents are being restored'. The Draft Annual Report 2024/25 gives only the year (2022) for LSDF adoption.", "official_response": "Municipality states the overlay initiative won the WCG Service Excellence Awards 2024, 'Ease of Doing Business' category, 19 April 2024 (Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026), PDF p.124).", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2001", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Draft 4th Review IDP states that, according to a preliminary development conceptual framework, the Adam Tas Corridor is estimated to produce approximately 3 million square metres of bulk within a 293-hectare area, with 69% earmarked for residential use.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas Corridor, Stellenbosch town", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0002" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.123 (printed p.99), s4.7", "counterevidence": "These are municipal planning estimates from a preliminary conceptual framework, not approved rights or built floor area. Unit counts and the affordable share are not stated here.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2002", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality reports that the Adam Tas Corridor landowners' collective and the municipality entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on the ATC LASDF's spatial vision and implementation, approved by the Council in August 2022, and that a project facilitation unit (PFU) to coordinate implementation was 'earmarked to be set up by 30 June 2024, however, challenges arose, and the set-up of the PFU is still ongoing' (Draft 4th Review IDP, March 2026); the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP) was appointed by the Council to help set up the PFU and a Steering Committee.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas Corridor, Stellenbosch town", "event_date": "2022-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0002", "SRC-0030" ], "page_or_para": "Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) PDF p.124 (printed p.100); Draft Annual Report 2024/25 Table 129 'Adam Tas Governance Structure' PDF p.201 (printed p.189): 'The development of the institutional arrangements for the governance structures is still in progress.'", "counterevidence": "The nature of the 'challenges' is not stated in either document. Whether the PFU or Steering Committee had been established after March 2026 is unknown.", "official_response": "Municipality's own account, Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) p.100 and Draft Annual Report 2024/25 p.189 (quoted).", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2003", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality describes Adam Tas Corridor Precinct 10 (Northern Extension), north of Kayamandi and west of the R304, adjacent to Cloetesville and Welgevonden Estate, as a planned mixed-use housing development, but its stated yield has changed between documents: '±4 000 - 4 400 residential opportunities' (Annual Report 2023/24), '±3 500 - 4 000' (Draft Annual Report 2024/25) and '±3500 mixed-use housing opportunities' (Draft 4th Review IDP, March 2026).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas Corridor Precinct 10 (Northern Extension), north of Kayamandi, west of R304", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008", "SRC-0030", "SRC-0002" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 PDF p.178 (printed p.129) s(e); Draft Annual Report 2024/25 PDF p.139 (printed p.127) s(d); Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) PDF p.458 (printed p.434), ward priorities table comment", "counterevidence": "Reasons for the change in estimate are not given. Both annual reports also say part of the site is a possible relocation area for redevelopment of the Kayamandi Town Centre. The numbers are estimates, not approved rights.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2004", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "For Precinct 10 (Northern Extension), the Draft Annual Report 2024/25 records that the formal land use application was submitted on 1 December 2023, public comment closed on 25 February 2024, an amended development plan and subdivision layout (changed for the planning and construction of a reservoir) was submitted on 11 December 2024, and a Municipal Planning Tribunal decision was anticipated in the second quarter of 2025/26; the 2023/24 Annual Report had anticipated development rights during 2024/25, and the Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) said environmental consultants were finalising a Basic Assessment Report for submission to the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and that the application was anticipated to serve before the MPT in February 2026.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas Corridor Precinct 10 (Northern Extension)", "event_date": "2023-12-01", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0030", "SRC-0008", "SRC-0002" ], "page_or_para": "Draft Annual Report 2024/25 PDF p.140 (printed p.128); Annual Report 2023/24 PDF p.179 (printed p.130); Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) PDF p.458 (printed p.434), comment column", "counterevidence": "No MPT decision on Precinct 10 appears among the records cited for this claim. The Draft Annual Report 2024/25 also says servitude access over a neighbouring property was being negotiated with private developers. The Annual Report 2023/24 says Heritage Western Cape required an archaeological impact assessment and a visual impact assessment.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2005", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "draft", "claim": "The Draft 4th Review IDP's draft capital budget lists, under the Housing Development department, the project 'Adam Tas Corridor Precinct 10' with no allocation in 2026/27 ('-'), R8 695 652 in 2027/28 and R20 000 000 in 2028/29.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Adam Tas Corridor Precinct 10", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0002" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.528 (printed p.504), s10.8.2 Table 132 (Directorate: Planning and Economic Development), columns Draft budget 2026/27, 2027/28, 2028/29", "counterevidence": "Draft budget figures tabled at MayCo in March 2026; the final adopted 2026/27 MTREF is not among the records cited for this claim and may differ.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2006", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to Stellenbosch Municipality's Draft Annual Report 2024/25 and its Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026), the Council adopted an Inclusionary Zoning (Housing) Policy (called the Inclusionary Housing Policy in the IDP) on 27 June 2023; the municipality says it is 'the first intermediate city to adopt a policy of this nature'. The draft annual report also says the Council approved the final amended MSDF and Capital Expenditure Framework on 27 June 2023.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "WC024 (municipal-wide)", "event_date": "2023-06-27", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0030", "SRC-0002", "SRC-2016" ], "page_or_para": "Draft Annual Report 2024/25 Table 129 PDF p.201 (printed p.189); Draft 4th Review IDP (March 2026) PDF p.88 (printed p.64), KPI D3836 comment 'The Council adopted the Inclusionary Housing Policy on 27 June 2023'", "counterevidence": "The 'first intermediate city' claim is the municipality's own. No figures on affordable units required or delivered under the policy appear among the records cited for this claim. The minutes of the special Council meeting of 27 June 2023 (item 10.3) record the adoption by majority vote, with eleven councillors' dissent minuted, after a second 21-day comment period that closed on 22 June 2023.", "official_response": "Municipality's statement as quoted (Draft Annual Report 2024/25, p.189).", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2008", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to the High Court judgment of 30 June 2026, Stellenbosch Municipality's council approved, subject to conditions, at meetings on 24 and 30 July 2024, a land swap that Botmaskop's developers requested: portions of erf 3363 and the Remainder of Farm 333 Stellenbosch for a portion of land higher up the mountain on Portion 2 of Farm 490. Conditions included a restrictive title condition prohibiting further development on the swapped land and a requirement that the developer restore the natural fauna and flora. A valuation report recorded the extents as about 4.69 ha (portion of erf 490), 4.02 ha (erf 3363) and 0.67 ha (erf 333) and found them of equal value.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Botmaskop, Helshoogte, Stellenbosch: erf 3363, Remainder of Farm 333, Portion 2 of Farm 490", "event_date": "2024-07-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3525" ], "page_or_para": "Paras [187]-[190], [195], [197] (PDF pp.80-84; printed pp.80-84)", "counterevidence": "The applicant (Stellenbosch Interest Group) argued the land was not of equal value, given the steep slope of the land the municipality acquired against the ridgeline municipal land. The court found this unsupported by expert evidence (para [195]). Before the swap, Botmaskop used the municipal portion under an encroachment agreement dated 16 April 2018 (para [188]). The Council minutes are not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "Municipality opposed the review (judgment para [4], [200]).", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2009", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On 30 June 2026 the Western Cape High Court (Mangcu-Lockwood J) dismissed the Stellenbosch Interest Group's Part B relief over the Botmaskop development, which was a 77-unit gated residential estate allowed by a 2021 provincial amendment of a 2003 environmental authorisation. The dismissed relief included review of the municipality's 30 July 2024 land swap approval, and the court found 'no basis to conclude that it was unlawful, irrational or arbitrary'. The court also dismissed an application to amend the case to review the municipality's rezoning approval of 28 November 2022. It ordered the applicant to pay the costs of the developer, Botmaskop, in Parts A and B, and, in the amendment application, the costs of Botmaskop, the previous developer Reset and the plot purchasers on the attorney-client scale; no costs order was made in favour of the municipality or the province.", "institution": "Western Cape High Court; Stellenbosch Municipality (third respondent); WC DEA&DP", "location": "Botmaskop, Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3525" ], "page_or_para": "Order (a)-(d) PDF pp.4-5; para [3] PDF pp.5-6; para [6](i) PDF p.8; para [7] PDF p.8; para [214] PDF p.90", "counterevidence": "An interdict in Part A (16 Apr 2025) had halted construction pending the case (para [1]). No record cited here shows whether leave to appeal was sought. The environmental authorisations are provincial decisions; the land swap and rezoning are municipal.", "official_response": "Municipality and developer opposed; Heritage Western Cape did not oppose (para [4]).", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2010", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to its decision letter (application LU/10917), Stellenbosch Municipality's Municipal Planning Tribunal resolved on 21 January 2022 to approve the rezoning of Farm 81/33, Stellenbosch, from Agriculture Zone to Subdivisional Area. The rezoning permits multi-unit residential, local business, an education (school) erf, community uses, utility services and private open space. It is subject to a revised subdivision plan addressing density in line with the draft Adam Tas Corridor LSDF and Development Guidelines (2021) for Precinct 10, integration with surrounding areas, 'Provision of \"Inclusionary Housing\"', and integrated public transport and NMT infrastructure. The stated reasons include that the property is inside the urban edge and that the development supports 'Council's Northern Extension Project as well as the ATC initiative'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (Municipal Planning Tribunal)", "location": "Farm 81/33, Stellenbosch (Newinbosch site per the developer's 3rd environmental audit report)", "event_date": "2022-01-21", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2000" ], "page_or_para": "Para 2 (MPT resolution of 21 Jan 2022; rezoning and land uses (a)-(f)), para 3.1(a)-(e) (conditions), paras 4.1-4.2 (reasons: urban edge; Northern Extension and ATC)", "counterevidence": "The letter does not quantify the inclusionary housing required. No record cited here shows whether or how the revised subdivision plan met the density and inclusionary conditions. The application also covered subdivision, development name, site development plan and street names; the letter records a decision only on the rezoning. Appeal outcome unknown.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2011", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Western Cape DEA&DP granted environmental authorisation (ref. 16/3/3/1/B4/45/1011/21) on 16 August 2021 to Cloetesdal Developments (Pty) Ltd for the Newinbosch mixed-use development on the Remainder of Portion 33 of Farm No. 81, Cloetesdal, Stellenbosch. It authorised about 1 216 units (single residential, group housing and town houses), a school on about 6 ha, a church on about 2 ha and a retail area of about 14 000 m². The 2025 external audit report describes the EA as amended on 29 June 2023 (ref. 16/3/3/5/B4/45/1085/22): about 1 320 residential units (adding apartments), a school site of about 3.3 ha, a church on about 2 ha and a retail area of about 3 ha.", "institution": "WC Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (provincial)", "location": "Remainder of Portion 33 of Farm No. 81, Cloetesdal, Stellenbosch (Newinbosch)", "event_date": "2021-08-16", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2002", "SRC-2014" ], "page_or_para": "Appendix A EA, PDF pp.55-56 (date, decision), PDF p.58 (EA p.4, s.B project description; s.C site); amended-EA description quoted in audit s1, PDF p.5 (printed p.1); amended EA, 2nd audit report (October 2024) PDF pp.57-58, 61-62", "counterevidence": "The amended authorisation of 29 June 2023 confirms these figures. It says the layout was densified in response to the Municipal Planning Tribunal's comment that more residential opportunities should be provided, and records an objection from the Stellenbosch Interest Group to the reduced school site, with the response that the Department of Education had a new-school budget earmarked only for 2030 and that private operators sought no more than 3 ha. No record cited here says who will build and operate the school. The EA notes the no-go alternative was rejected partly because 'the opportunity to provide affordable housing opportunities and associated amenities will be lost' (PDF p.68). The number or price of affordable units is not stated.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2012", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In the third construction-phase external environmental audit of Newinbosch (site visit 23 September 2025; report dated 24 November 2025, which states that it has been submitted to DEA&DP), auditor Cornerstone Environmental Consultants stated that the development is undertaken in phases, 'with some phases that have been completed'. In its opinion the contractor 'is complying with the recommended mitigation and management measures that were relevant at the time of the external audit'. It found site management 'greatly improved since the previous audit' and said attention must still be given to housekeeping, waste management and cement and concrete handling.", "institution": "Cornerstone Environmental Consultants (independent auditor appointed under the EA); DEA&DP (competent authority)", "location": "Newinbosch, Remainder of Portion 33 of Farm 81, Cloetesdal", "event_date": "2025-09-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2002" ], "page_or_para": "Declaration PDF p.2 (report date); s1 PDF p.5 (printed p.1); Table 2 PDF p.8 (printed p.4) (submission); s7 Conclusion PDF p.53 (printed p.49)", "counterevidence": "The EA requires the holder to have the audit done by an independent person (EA Condition 14), and the report is published on the developer's website. No DEA&DP response to the audit is among the records cited here. The audit covers EA and EMPr compliance only, not municipal land-use conditions such as inclusionary housing.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2013", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "For Erf 7001, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch Municipality reports that it is making land available through the ATR process to a developer for medium- to upper-GAP housing, not BNG houses. The Municipal Planning Tribunal approved the land use application and development rights were obtained on 29 November 2024. The Appeal Authority then approved the project after the appeal period, and a call for proposals from private developers was planned for 2025/26. The 2024/25 housing capital budget lists 'Erf 7001 Cloetesville (380) FLISP' at R292 396 (CRR).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Erf 7001, Cloetesville", "event_date": "2024-11-29", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0030", "SRC-0008", "SRC-2001" ], "page_or_para": "Draft Annual Report 2024/25 PDF pp.137-138 (printed pp.125-126) s(b); Table 104 PDF p.134 (printed p.122); Annual Report 2023/24 PDF p.177 (printed p.128) s(c); Housing market study (August 2022) PDF p.46 (printed p.46), 'Government housing delivery'", "counterevidence": "Unit numbers differ between documents: '(380)' in the 2024/25 budget table against '360 GAP housing units' in the 2022 provincial housing market study. Who appealed, and on what grounds, is not stated. Developer partner not yet selected as of the 2024/25 report. A PDoI funding application was 'in progress'.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2014", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality reports that for social (rental) housing on Portions 2 and 9 of Farm No. 81, Stellenbosch (between Cloetesville and Kayamandi, bounded by the R304 and the railway line), the tender was awarded in March 2024. A draft Land Availability Agreement with the developer went to Council on 14 November 2024, and the land use application was advertised for public comment, which closed on 12 May 2025.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Portions 2 and 9 of Farm No. 81, Stellenbosch (Cloetesdal)", "event_date": "2024-11-14", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0030", "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "Draft Annual Report 2024/25 PDF p.137 (printed p.125); Annual Report 2023/24 PDF pp.176-177 (printed pp.127-128)", "counterevidence": "The same draft annual report's budget table (PDF p.134) labels the project 'Farms 81/2 and 82/9' (R270 942, CRR), which appears inconsistent with 'Farms 81/2 and 81/9' in the text. The developer and the unit count are not named in these pages. The geotechnical study found suitability 'ranging from favourable to poor'. No land-use decision found.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2016", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's Draft Annual Report 2024/25 says the Housing Development section secured grant and municipal funding for Human Settlements 'totalling R47 342 761'. It managed an adjusted capital budget of R17 376 606 in 2024/25 and spent 92% of it. The budget lines include Erf 64 Kylemore (R778 988), Erf 7001 Cloetesville FLISP (R292 396), social housing planning (R10 518 992), Klapmuts La Rochelle (R2 000 000), ISSP Kayamandi (R2 000 000) and Jamestown housing (R900 857 HSDG plus R318 100 CRR).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "WC024", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0030" ], "page_or_para": "S3.2.7, PDF p.133 (printed p.121); Table 104 PDF p.134 (printed p.122)", "counterevidence": "The 92% is the municipality's own figure, not a figure drawn from the audited AFS. The report does not explain how R47.3m relates to the R17.4m capital budget. Budget figures are for planning and early-stage work, not completed houses.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2017", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality reports 97 title deeds transferred and 151 handed over in 2023/24, and 219 transferred (173 in Kayamandi) and 127 handed over in 2024/25. It says the NGO Khaya Lam had assisted with 2 324 transfers to date by the 2023/24 report and 2 543 by the 2024/25 report. For the historic Kayamandi projects 4B, 5A and 8 (280 transferable properties), 167 deeds of sale had been finalised by 30 June 2025.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "WC024 (Kayamandi, Cloetesville, Klapmuts, Kylemore, Longlands and others)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008", "SRC-0030" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 Tables 119-120 PDF p.187 (printed p.138), PDF p.190 (printed p.141); Draft Annual Report 2024/25 Table 113 PDF p.150 (printed p.138), Table 114 and Khaya Lam/Kayamandi projects PDF p.151 (printed p.139), PDF p.155 (printed p.143)", "counterevidence": "These are the municipality's own figures. In 2024/25, 212 of 219 registrations were historical-project deeds (backlog), not new projects. The Draft Annual Report 2024/25 text gives figures (167 finalised, 163 registered, 116 outstanding) that do not reconcile simply to 280.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2018", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's eviction tables report, for 1 June 2023 to 30 July 2024: 71 site visits, 70 meaningful engagements, 30 departmental reports filed at court, 30 court orders, 8 settlement agreements, 20 evictions completed and 2 refusals of alternative accommodation. For 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 they report 74, 67, 45, 32, 7, 20 and 0. Separately, 8 public rental and 26 staff rental eviction cases were processed in 2024/25.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "WC024", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008", "SRC-0030" ], "page_or_para": "Annual Report 2023/24 Table 118 PDF p.186 (printed p.137); Draft Annual Report 2024/25 Table 110 PDF p.149 (printed p.137); Draft Annual Report 2024/25 PDF p.162 (printed p.150)", "counterevidence": "The tables do not say who the eviction applicants were (private owners or the municipality) or where the evictions took place. The two reporting periods overlap in June-July 2024. These are the municipality's own figures.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2019", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's Draft Annual Report 2024/25 reports these planning milestones: the 'Innovation Precinct' or 'Smart City District' next to Klapmuts South, now called Stellenbosch Bridge, 'was approved in 2024'; the Council adopted the review report of the MSDF and CEF on 30 October 2024; and an urban design study and precinct plan for the Rhenish Complex was adopted by Council on 29 November 2023.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Klapmuts South (Stellenbosch Bridge); Rhenish Complex, Stellenbosch; WC024 (MSDF)", "event_date": "2024-10-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0030" ], "page_or_para": "Table 129 PDF p.201 (printed p.189)", "counterevidence": "'Approved in 2024' does not say which approval, by whom, or on what date. Developer and erf details for Stellenbosch Bridge are not in this source.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2020", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's Annual Report 2023/24 lists the 'Construction of R304 / Newinbosch Intersection' as completed in 2023/24 under its Intersection Improvement Programme. The same section lists the Adam Tas/R44 intersections (Alexander, Merriman), the Techno-Park and Adam Tas link road, and Bird Street dualling as still in planning and design.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "R304 at Newinbosch", "event_date": "2024-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0008" ], "page_or_para": "S3.10.4 PDF p.203 (printed p.154)", "counterevidence": "The source does not say who funded the intersection (developer contribution or municipality), what it cost, or the completion date.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2021", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "According to the August 2022 Stellenbosch Town Housing Market Study commissioned by the Western Cape DEA&DP (prepared by CAHF), municipal data showed 17 945 people on the housing demand database as of November 2021, of whom 11 396 (64%) lived in Stellenbosch town. Of these town applicants, 86.7% reported monthly income of R0-R3 500. The study cautions that the database relies on people who come forward and on self-reported, unverified income.", "institution": "WC DEA&DP / CAHF (study); Stellenbosch Municipality (data)", "location": "Stellenbosch town", "event_date": "2021-11", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2001" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.12 (printed p.12), 'Housing demand' (text and income chart)", "counterevidence": "This is historical data (Nov 2021), not current conditions. The study also cites the 2019 SDF: 74% of applicants had waited more than 10 years.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2022", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2022 Stellenbosch Town Housing Market Study found, using Lightstone deeds data (2017-2021), that 62% of Stellenbosch town's 14 244 residential properties were valued over R1.2 million and only 28% (3 931) at R900 000 or less. It calculated that buying a property valued over R1.2 million with a mortgage needs a minimum monthly household income of R29 600 (7.75% interest, 10% deposit, 20 years, 30% of income, no FLISP), and that only 20.5% of town households could afford a home of about R1.2 million or more with a mortgage.", "institution": "WC DEA&DP / CAHF (study)", "location": "Stellenbosch town (inside urban edge)", "event_date": "2021-12-31", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2001" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.5 (data sources), PDF p.19 (ownership market: 14 244 properties, 62%, 28%/3 931, R29 600 and assumptions), PDF p.17 (summary of demand side assessment: 20.5%)", "counterevidence": "The deeds data covers the study area (Stellenbosch town), not the whole municipality. The figures are 2021 values, not current. The study also says only about 1 in 3 residential properties is under R1.2 million.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2023", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2022 Stellenbosch Town Housing Market Study reported TPN data for 2021 (municipality-wide): average monthly rent of R13 911 for a 3-bedroom and R8 655 for a 2-bedroom unit. It estimated that about 8 000 University of Stellenbosch students need private accommodation, against an NSFAS housing allowance of about R5 000 a month, and noted beds at the MySpace development priced at R8 500-R12 500 a month. For Stellenbosch town, it also found 'no private sector construction of new houses below R300 000 in 2021'.", "institution": "WC DEA&DP / CAHF (study)", "location": "Stellenbosch town / municipality", "event_date": "2021", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2001" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.28 (TPN rents, municipality-wide), PDF p.17 and p.30 (about 8 000 students; NSFAS allowance about R5 000 a month; MySpace R8 500-R12 500 per bed, p.30), PDF p.34 and p.49 (new build below R300 000, Stellenbosch town)", "counterevidence": "The study notes the TPN figures are for the municipality as a whole, not Stellenbosch town. These are 2021 figures; the records cited here give no later rents. The R8 500-R12 500 bed price refers to one development (MySpace).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2026", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's Municipal Planning Tribunal resolved on 29 November 2024 to approve application LU/16572 for Erf 7001, Hendrickse Street, Stellenbosch (Cloetesville): closure of part of a public place, rezoning from Public Open Space Zone to Subdivisional Area Overlay Zone, and subdivision into 208 erven, of which Erf 1 to Erf 201 are Conventional Residential erven of about 115-312 m² (about 3.32 ha in total). It also approved building-line departures and consent for a telecommunications mast. The stated reason is that the municipality needs the property for an integrated urban settlement development 'with a particular goal to deliver on their mandate to provide medium to upper market housing opportunities'. The decision letter is signed for the Director: Planning and Economic Development and dated 2 December 2024.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (Municipal Planning Tribunal)", "location": "Erf 7001, Hendrickse Street, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2024-11-29", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2004" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.1 (resolution 29 Nov 2024; items 1.1-1.3.1), PDF p.2 (items 1.3.2-1.5; 'BE APPROVED'), PDF p.4 (reason 3.1), PDF p.6 (signature date 2/12/2024)", "counterevidence": "The unit count differs between documents: 201 residential erven in the approval, 'Rezoning and subdivision for 204 residential erven' in the Infrastructure Services memo of 5 August 2024 annexed to the letter, '(380)' in the 2024/25 housing budget line and '360 GAP housing units' in the 2022 housing market study. The letter states that the decision is suspended until the appeal period has lapsed or any appeal is finalised; it does not record an appeal outcome. The municipality's Draft Annual Report 2024/25 says the Appeal Authority later approved the project.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2027", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In a memo of 5 August 2024 annexed to the Erf 7001 decision letter, Stellenbosch Municipality's Infrastructure Services set conditions to be met before transfer of the first property or approval of building plans: a new 7.0 ML Cloetesville Reservoir and pump upgrades, for which it says R22 million (excluding VAT) is on the 2024/25-2026/27 budget for 'Bulk water supply pipe: Cloetesville / Idas Valley'; a bulk sewer line from Kayamandi to Merriman Street, about which it says: 'Currently this project is not on the municipal budget. Budget should therefore be allocated to unlock this housing project.'; and an extended turning lane at the R44/Hendrickse intersection. It did not support the parking departure because 'Row housing is not supported by the Infrastructure Directorate, specifically for stormwater drainage reasons'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (Infrastructure Services)", "location": "Erf 7001, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2024-08-05", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2004" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.15 (printed p.793; memo header, parking departure), PDF p.16 (printed p.794; water, funding), PDF p.17 (printed p.795; sewer, funding; roads item 3.1.1)", "counterevidence": "This is the position as at August 2024. No later budget cited here records the bulk sewer being placed on the budget. The memo concerns 204 erven, while the MPT approval lists 201 residential erven.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2029", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A Stellenbosch Municipality decision letter on application LU/14643, dated 23 May 2023, approved a departure for Farm 81/33 (Newinbosch) to permit coverage of 60% and 65% in place of the 50% allowed. It also approved the estate's HOA constitution, architectural guidelines, typical site development plans for Phases F, H and R, the access control gates and landscaping plans, and the development and street names. Conditions require a Newinbosch Masters Association to be established.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (authorised decision maker)", "location": "Farm 81/33 (Newinbosch), Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2023-05-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2007" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.1 (items 2.1.1-2.1.2), PDF p.2 (conditions 3.3-3.7; reasons 4.1-4.2), PDF p.3 (item 5, street names), PDF p.6 (signature date)", "counterevidence": "The letter gives reasons in general terms; it does not quantify the effect of the higher coverage. The letter refers to conditions of approval dated 12/05/2023 and 13/04/2022.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2031", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A Stellenbosch Municipality decision letter on application LU/15801 (TP416/2023), dated 15 May 2024, approved an amended subdivision and phasing plan and the site development plans for Phases J and K of Newinbosch (Farm 81/33). It notes that 'This approval does not extend the validity period of the initial approval granted for the subdivision and rezoning of the subject property, dated 11/04/2022.'", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (authorised decision maker)", "location": "Farm 81/33 (Newinbosch), Phases J and K, Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2024-05-15", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2009" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.1 (items 2.1.1-2.1.2; condition 3.1), PDF p.2 (conditions 3.2-3.13), PDF p.3 (reasons 4.1-4.2; matter noted 5.1), PDF p.5 (signature date)", "counterevidence": "The date given for the initial approval (11/04/2022) differs from the MPT resolution date of 21 January 2022 and from the 13/04/2022 conditions date cited in the May 2023 letter; it may refer to the date of notification, which the letters do not state.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2032", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's Municipal Planning Tribunal resolved on 20 August 2021 (application LU/10313) to approve the subdivision of Farm Cloetesdal No. 81/29 into three portions and the rezoning of Portion 1 (about 2.24 ha) from Agriculture and Rural Zone to Subdivisional Area for multi-unit residential and private open space, with the road portions rezoned for public roads. A departure to raise density from 50 to 71 dwelling units per hectare was 'NOT BE CONSIDERED' at that stage. Condition 3.3 reads: 'Inclusionary housing be considered to expand housing opportunity for a broader range of income groups.' The reasons include that the land is within the urban edge and in line with 'the Northern Extension Project's vision', and that matters raised by the Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association 'were considered and addressed'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (Municipal Planning Tribunal)", "location": "Farm Cloetesdal No. 81/29, Stellenbosch Division (along the R304)", "event_date": "2021-08-20", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2010" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.1 (resolution 20 Aug 2021; items 2.1.1-2.1.3), PDF p.2 (conditions 3.1-3.6; reasons 4(a)-(d)), PDF p.3 (reason 4(f); item 5.1 density; item 6), PDF p.5 (signature date 27/8/2021)", "counterevidence": "Condition 3.3 asks only that inclusionary housing be 'considered'; it sets no share. The Ratepayers Association's submissions are not in the letter.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2033", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On 22 April 2022 Stellenbosch Municipality's Municipal Planning Tribunal approved, under application LU/13517, the subdivision of Farm 81/29 into 119 Multi-Unit Residential erven for group housing, one erf for 'a block of flats consisting of 60 units', private open space and a private road, and a departure to exceed the maximum density 'of 50 dwelling units per hectare to 60 dwelling units per hectare'. Condition 3.15 requires the developer and the municipality to agree, within 12 months of final notification and before building plans are submitted, on inclusionary housing of 'no less than 30% falling within the affordability thresholds for rental and/or ownership'. Condition 3.16 gives the developer the option 'but no obligation' to follow the Inclusionary Zoning Policy instead, if adopted. The reasons state the plan is in line with 'Precinct 10' of the Adam Tas Corridor on density.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (Municipal Planning Tribunal)", "location": "Farm No. 81/29, Stellenbosch Division (Redwood Estate)", "event_date": "2022-04-22", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2011" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.1 (resolution 22 Apr 2022; items 2.1-2.1.1(d)), PDF p.2 (item 2.2; 'BE APPROVED'), PDF p.4 (conditions 3.15-3.16; reasons 4.1-4.3), PDF p.7 (signature date 11/5/2022)", "counterevidence": "No record cited here shows whether the condition 3.15 agreement was concluded or how many affordable units resulted; the August 2024 decision on the same farm refers to the remaining conditions but does not report on it. The Inclusionary Zoning Policy (June 2023) sets 20% outside overlay zones and 30% inside them, and states it does not affect existing approved rights.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-2034", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A Stellenbosch Municipality decision letter on application LU/15776 (TP394/2023) for Redwood Estate, Farm No. 81/29, dated 7 August 2024, granted consent under title deed T52460/99 condition D(a)-(e) and approved an amended subdivisional and phasing plan, the Redwood Estate Master Home Owners' Association constitution, a site development plan and the street naming. It states that the amendment 'will allow for slightly larger and more practical erven' and that the site development plan 'will not result in any additional rights being granted'. It keeps 'The remaining conditions imposed by council in its approval letter dated 11 May 2022 and 28 August 2021'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality (authorised decision maker)", "location": "Redwood Estate, Farm No. 81/29, Stellenbosch Division", "event_date": "2024-08-07", "source_ids": [ "SRC-2012" ], "page_or_para": "PDF p.1 (items 2.1-2.2(b)), PDF p.2 (items 2.2(c)-2.4.4), PDF p.3 (conditions 2.4.5-2.4.9), PDF p.4 (reasons 2.5.1-2.5.4), PDF p.6 (signature date)", "counterevidence": "The letter does not report whether the inclusionary housing agreement required by condition 3.15 of the May 2022 approval has been concluded. It refers to an approval letter of 28 August 2021, while the August 2021 letter in the records cited here is signed 27/8/2021. The handwritten date is partly overlapped by the signature.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-development-congestion", "INV-housing-affordability" ], "last_checked": "2026-11-04" }, { "id": "CLM-3000", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On 22 June 2022 a Special Council meeting of Stellenbosch Municipality (item 9.2.3, resolved nem con) adopted an amended System of Delegations effective 1 July 2022.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2022-06-22", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001", "SRC-3200" ], "page_or_para": "agenda p.207, para 6.4", "counterevidence": "Based on the municipality's own mayoral committee item quoting the resolution; the 2022 resolution and its Appendix 1 are not in the public record.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3002", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "National Treasury (Chief Director: MFMA Implementation, Wayne McComans) wrote to Stellenbosch Municipality on 27 June 2025, responding to a municipal request received 19 May 2025 on a proposed long-term lease of Farm 502L to the Stellenbosch Flying Club. The letter said it was unclear whether alternative proposals were received, that the information statement was not provided, that the current lease agreement does not address all the minimum terms in MATR regulation 45, that the council item merely noted aircraft-noise objections, and advised the municipality to review its property policy, under which both Council and the Executive Mayor may decide on deviations from public competition, against SCM regulation 40 read with MFMA sections 115 and 117.", "institution": "National Treasury", "location": "Farm 502L, Stellenbosch (Stellenbosch Flying Club)", "event_date": "2025-06-27", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001" ], "page_or_para": "agenda pp.209-211 (Annexure 1 to item 7.3.2); p.198 (item's 'May 2025' dating)", "counterevidence": "The Mayco item (p.198) says the comments were received 'in May 2025'; the letter itself is dated 27 June 2025 and refers to the municipality's letter received 19 May 2025. The letter as reproduced does not itself use the words 'unlawful' or say EM85 must be removed; that characterisation is the administration's (see the corresponding claim on the administration's characterisation). Letter notes the existing lease was concluded in 2021 at R30 080 (inclusive of VAT; period not stated), 6% escalation from March 2022, and a 2017 valuation of R20.3m. The Mayco item (p.198) misdates the letter to 'May 2025'. Note: National Treasury gives views and recommendations (MATR reg 35(b)) which Council must consider (reg 36); it does not approve leases.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3003", "route": "disputed", "shown_as": "Allegations and disputed matters", "status": "disputed", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "institution": "National Treasury; Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001", "SRC-3200" ], "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3006", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality attributed the failure to finalise public participation or return items for these approvals to 'severe staff shortages in the Property Management Department over the last four years'.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001", "SRC-3200" ], "page_or_para": "agenda pp.198-199 para 4; p.201 para 6.2.1", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3007", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 25 March 2026 item recommended that the EM85 delegation be removed with immediate effect and that the Property Management Department immediately update the property management policy, bringing the 12 items back once the policy is finalised.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001", "SRC-3200" ], "page_or_para": "agenda pp.199-200, para 5(c),(d),(f)", "counterevidence": "No Council resolution in the records cited for this claim records the adoption or rejection of these recommendations.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3008", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality stated that because the leases will not be implemented, no income will be received for some of these properties; it did not quantify the amount.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0001", "SRC-3200" ], "page_or_para": "agenda p.206, para 6.3", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3009", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3011", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "MEC Bredell's spokesperson Wouter Kriel told Eikestadnuus (26 June 2026) that there was no conclusion yet on whether there was serious malpractice or maladministration and that the MEC was still awaiting Provincial Treasury's assessment and the Legal Services review. No outcome had been published by 29 October 2026.", "institution": "Western Cape Department of Local Government; Western Cape Provincial Treasury", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-06-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3208" ], "page_or_para": "article body (Kriel quotes)", "counterevidence": "Single outlet relaying a spokesperson's statement. The absence of a published outcome by 29 October 2026 is a limit of the public record, not proof that no outcome exists.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3013", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Eikestadnuus reported (31 March 2025) that objections lodged in the public participation process included the Van der Stel Sport Council, Friends of Stellenbosch Mountain, 13 individuals and a petition with 1 340 signatures.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2025-03-31", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3203" ], "page_or_para": "article body", "counterevidence": "Single outlet; the 1 340 figure is the outlet's own. SMF News reported 1 347 signatures (search snippet, not archived).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3014", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality tendered the Transvalia Complex (erven 825, 1123, 1133, 1128, 1134, 1142 and 1160, Dorp Street) under Tender B/SM 111/24 (closing 26 August 2024) for tourism-related redevelopment on a long-term lease of not more than 30 years subject to Council approval, retaining 143 public parking bays; the combined 2021 municipal valuation was approximately R23.27 million.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Dorp Street, Stellenbosch CBD", "event_date": "2024-06-21", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3205" ], "page_or_para": "bid notice; specifications printed pp.46-48 (PDF pp.48-50) (paras 1.2-1.4, 2.3-2.4, 3.1)", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3016", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At a Special Council meeting on 23 February 2022 (item 8.11.2, nem con) Stellenbosch Council confirmed that Eikestad multi-level parking would be done through a public-private partnership and resolved that, given the PPP project life cycle, the parking be leased out on a short-term basis until the PPP process is finalised, subject to public comment and a final Council decision.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD (Victoria St / Ryneveld St)", "event_date": "2022-02-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "item 10.6.2 agenda p.8, para 6.6 (Special Council 2022-02-23 item 8.11.2 (e)-(h))", "counterevidence": "Quoted as a previous resolution in a 2024 Council item; the 2022 minutes are not in the public record.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3017", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Municipal Notice 96/2022 invited public comment and alternative proposals, by 19 August 2022, on a proposal to lease the Eikestad Parking Area to Eikestad Mall Management on a short-term basis with an option of annual renewal until the PPP process is finalised.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD (Victoria St / Ryneveld St)", "event_date": "2022-08-19", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0036" ], "page_or_para": "Notice 96/2022 paras 2, 3.4, 3.5", "counterevidence": "No record cited here shows whether a lease was concluded, its rental and term, or the approving body.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3018", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Eikestad Parking PPP feasibility study tabled at Council on 23 August 2024 proposed a 498-bay multi-storey build-operate-transfer facility on the Eikestad open parking area, built and run by a private party for about 25 years, with an estimated construction cost of R99.4 million (excl. VAT) and an initial investment that 'may be more than R 124.1 million'; final National Treasury views were still awaited.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Eikestad parking area, Stellenbosch CBD (Victoria St / Ryneveld St)", "event_date": "2024-08-23", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0035" ], "page_or_para": "item pp.1-4 (BOT, ~25 years); feasibility study at agenda p.29 (498 bays), p.34 (R124.1m), p.43 (R99 439 000 excl. VAT); p.10 (final NT views awaited)", "counterevidence": "No copy of Council's resolution on the item is in the public record; MM's recommendation stresses approval of the study is not approval of the garage. Public objections on strategy alignment, traffic, heritage and transparency recorded in the item. National Treasury gives views and recommendations under MFMA s120 (TVR1); the item's phrase 'should National Treasury grant its approval' (p.10) is the item's own wording.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases", "INV-parking-crisis" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3100", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Auditor-General gave Stellenbosch Municipality an unqualified audit opinion with no findings (clean audit) for each financial year from 2019/20 to 2023/24.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3004", "SRC-3003", "SRC-3002" ], "page_or_para": "audit_opinions cube rows FYE2020-2024; AGSA FYE2024 report para 2", "counterevidence": "The Treasury cube carries no opinion for 2024/25; that year's opinion is taken from the Auditor-General's report for the year ended 30 June 2025.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3101", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's audited operating revenue (excluding capital transfers) was R2.10bn in 2022/23, R2.35bn in 2023/24 and R2.62bn in 2024/25 (nominal), per National Treasury municipal data.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3005" ], "page_or_para": "item 2900, amount type AUDA, FYE2023-2025", "counterevidence": "Treasury cube figures, which are prepared on a different basis from the AFS statements of financial performance.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3103", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Audited property rates revenue rose from R422.0m in 2021/22 to R530.6m in 2024/25 (nominal, +26%); the 2025/26 adjusted budget is R577.8m.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3005" ], "page_or_para": "item 1800, AUDA FYE2022-2025, ADJB FYE2026", "counterevidence": "Nominal only; not inflation-adjusted; growth reflects tariff changes and valuation roll as well as base.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3104", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Audited revenue from fines, penalties and forfeits rose from R122.9m in 2021/22 to R187.3m in 2024/25 (nominal).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3005" ], "page_or_para": "item 2000, AUDA FYE2022-2025", "counterevidence": "Line includes all fines/penalties/forfeits, not only traffic or parking fines; accrual figures (collection rates differ).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3105", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch spent 84% (2021/22), 85% (2022/23) and 87% (2023/24) of its adjusted capital budget (new, renewal and upgrading assets), and R473.2m in 2024/25 against an original capital budget of R599.3m (79%).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3006" ], "page_or_para": "National Treasury municipal capital dataset (capital_v2): capital types NEW, RENEWAL and UPGRADING; amount types ADJB (adjusted budget) and AUDA (audited actual); financial years ending 2022 to 2025. Percentages calculated from those amounts.", "counterevidence": "No 2024/25 adjusted budget in the cube; percentage for that year uses the original budget and is not comparable.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3106", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Irregular expenditure reported by Stellenbosch Municipality fell from R89.8m in 2020/21 to R45.1m (2021/22), R38.4m (2022/23) and R12.4m (2023/24); unauthorised expenditure was nil in each year and fruitless and wasteful expenditure was R4.3m in 2021/22 and nil in 2022/23 and 2023/24.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3011", "SRC-3000" ], "page_or_para": "uifwexp cube FYE2021-2024; AGSA FYE2021 para 10 (R89.8m, SCM non-compliance)", "counterevidence": "Irregular expenditure denotes non-compliance, not necessarily loss or fraud. 2024/25 figures not in the cube.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3107", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Audited rental income from municipal fixed assets was about R11-12m a year between 2021/22 and 2024/25 (R12.2m, R12.4m, R11.1m, R11.7m).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Local Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3005" ], "page_or_para": "item 1400, AUDA FYE2022-2025", "counterevidence": "Not broken down by property; income forgone through the 12 rescinded approvals is not quantified.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3108", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Auditor-General gave Stellenbosch Municipality an unqualified opinion on its 2024/25 financial statements with no material findings on the audited performance information or on compliance, and no significant internal control deficiencies, i.e. a clean audit.", "institution": "Auditor-General of South Africa", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2025-11-28", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0004" ], "page_or_para": "paras 2, 21, 28, 35", "counterevidence": "Emphasis of matter: 2023/24 figures restated (note 61); material impairments of receivables.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3109", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "In 2024/25 Stellenbosch Municipality recorded R9.92 million of current-year irregular expenditure (all of it, together with R0.26m identified from the prior period, attributed to breaches of the SCM procurement process), wrote off R19.40 million, and reported a closing irregular expenditure balance of R2.87 million; it reported no unauthorised or fruitless and wasteful expenditure in 2024/25 or 2023/24.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "note 54", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3110", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At 30 June 2025 Stellenbosch Municipality's property rental debtors stood at R33.1 million gross, of which R32.4 million (about 98%) was provided for as impaired, leaving R0.74 million net.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006", "SRC-0004" ], "page_or_para": "AFS note 5.2; AGSA para 8", "counterevidence": "Debtor-level detail (which leases) not disclosed.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending", "INV-public-land-leases" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3111", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "At 30 June 2025 gross consumer service receivables were R503.6 million with an impairment allowance of R263.2 million; non-exchange receivables were R338.3 million gross, including R261.1 million in traffic fines of which R208.2 million was impaired.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006", "SRC-0004" ], "page_or_para": "AFS notes 5.1, 6; AGSA paras 8-9", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3112", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality's borrowings fell from R584.3 million at 30 June 2024 to R514.7 million at 30 June 2025, while cash and cash equivalents fell from R150.7 million to R30.7 million and short-term investments rose from R455.7 million to R518.8 million.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "SFP p.7; note 19", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3113", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Unspent conditional grants at 30 June 2025 totalled R27.2 million (capital R9.2m, operational R18.1m), down from R37.2 million a year earlier.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2025-06-30", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0006" ], "page_or_para": "notes 18, 18.1, 18.2; SFP", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3114", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The 2025/26 MTREF tabled in May 2025 budgeted revenue excluding capital transfers of R2 869.3 million, expenditure of R2 741.1 million and capital expenditure of R642.5 million, of which R198.0 million was to be funded by borrowing.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0029" ], "page_or_para": "Table A1", "counterevidence": "The document text gives no exact Council approval date; the adjusted 2025/26 budget documents are not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3115", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The draft 2026/27 MTREF tabled at Mayco on 25 March 2026 proposed operating revenue of R3 232.3 million (+6.71%), operating expenditure of R3 073.2 million (+7.86%), a capital budget of R579.3 million (down 2.64%), a 6.00% property rates tariff increase with a new General Valuation Roll from 1 July 2026, and external loans of R437 million over the MTREF, R222 million in year one.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch Municipality (WC024)", "event_date": "2026-03-25", "source_ids": [ "SRC-0003" ], "page_or_para": "PDF pp.2 (loans, purpose para (b)), 34 (revenue), 36 (rates, GV roll), 39 (expenditure), 42 (capital budget)", "counterevidence": "DRAFT: the final Council-approved 2026/27 budget is not among the records cited for this claim and may differ.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-municipal-spending" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3503", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3504", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "not_submitted", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3505", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3507", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3509", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "not_submitted", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3510", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3511", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3515", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3520", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On 3 Sep 2025 Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser issued a statement. He said he had conducted a preliminary investigation into allegations of 'constructive dismissal, bullying or any other infringement on workplace rights' arising from a circulating video 'made in 2023'. He said he would convene a special council meeting to start an internal investigation and would review the Recruitment and Selection Policy.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2025-09-03", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3513" ], "page_or_para": "paras 1-2", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "This is the official municipal response.", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3522", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "not_submitted", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3524", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3528", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3530", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "not_submitted", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3531", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3532", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3540", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Judgment in Deon Garden and Construction CC v Stellenbosch Municipality (case 9140/2021), [2026] ZAWCHC 504, was delivered by Fortuin J in the Western Cape Division of the High Court on 4 Sep 2026. Hearings were held on 2 Sep 2025, 5 Nov 2025, 24-25 Feb 2026 and 24 Mar 2026, and the merits were separated from quantum under Rule 33(4).", "institution": "High Court, Western Cape Division", "location": "Cape Town", "event_date": "2026-09-04", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3512" ], "page_or_para": "cover; paras 1-2", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3541", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The plaintiff claimed R4 374 192.67 (R3 955 405.52 in lost earnings and R418 787.15 in establishment costs) arising from the municipality's cancellation, on 22 Sep 2020, of a contract concluded on 30 May 2019 under tender BSM 07/19. The contract was for invasive alien vegetation clearing in WC024, with a panel of 13 contractors, and ran to 30 June 2021.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2020-09-22", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3512" ], "page_or_para": "paras 1, 5, 15-16", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3542", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The court declared that the municipality's cancellation by letter of 22 Sep 2020 was not authorised by the contract, constituted a breach, and was a repudiation. It found the contract had no express or tacit term allowing cancellation on withdrawal of DEA funding, and that the municipality was 'the deciding party' in the withdrawal of funding.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-09-04", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3512" ], "page_or_para": "paras 69, 72, 100, 108(a)", "counterevidence": "The municipality argued it was the passive recipient of the funder's decision and that the cancellation was justified because of the specification discrepancy and the MOA (paras 6, 26, 69). The court rejected this.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3543", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The plaintiff's damages claim was dismissed because it did not prove patrimonial loss for either lost earnings or establishment costs. The court found the contract guaranteed no quantum of work.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-09-04", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3512" ], "page_or_para": "paras 57, 84, 92, 101, 108(b)", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3544", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality was ordered to pay 75% of the plaintiff's taxed party-and-party costs, including the costs of the separated merits trial, with counsel's fees on scale B. Each party otherwise bears its own costs.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-09-04", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3512" ], "page_or_para": "paras 106-108(c)-(d)", "counterevidence": "The rand amount of the costs is not known; no taxation of costs has been published.", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3545", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Under the heading 'Accountability', the court criticised the municipality on six grounds: (1) it advertised and awarded the tender before concluding the funding agreement; (2) its officials withdrew contractors from the field before the funder acted; (3) its own letter of 8 Oct 2019 instructed the DEA to 'cancel the NRM project with immediate effect'; (4) it told the funder, inaccurately, that the contractors would continue to be used; (5) it left 13 contractors without work for a further eleven months before telling them; (6) it re-procured the same work on a new tender advertised before the cancellation letter.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Stellenbosch", "event_date": "2026-09-04", "source_ids": [ "SRC-3512" ], "page_or_para": "paras 23, 95", "counterevidence": "These are judicial criticisms in a contract judgment, not findings of misconduct by any person (para 99).", "official_response": "", "investigations": [ "INV-governance-appointments" ], "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-3547", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-3548", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "pending", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-4006", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-4007", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5000", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Stellenbosch Municipality (Municipal Manager statement) states that a land-use application for a tourist facility 'presented and qualified as a wine emporium' was approved in August 2009 and implemented only in 2020.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2009-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5000", "SRC-5007", "SRC-5006" ], "page_or_para": "Stellenbosch Municipality, \"Root 44 Market - Here are the facts\", 28 Sep 2021, para 2", "counterevidence": "The developer's statement (29 Sep 2021, paras d-e) says the 2009 approval never used the word 'emporium' and was for 'tourist facilities for wine tasting/sales, cuisine, art, tourism and administration offices of approximately 2,800 m2'. Moneyweb (9 Jun 2021) dates the approval 23 June 2009; the developer cites a council letter dated 18 August 2009. The original 2009 resolution is not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "This is the municipality's own position (statement of 28 Sep 2021; repeated in July 2026 as reported by CapeTownEtc, 1 Jul 2026, and Cape Argus, 2 Jul 2026).", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5001", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5002", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality states that in August 2012 a temporary land-use departure for a tourist facility qualified as a farmers' market (Root44 market) was granted for five years.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2012-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5000", "SRC-5003", "SRC-5007" ], "page_or_para": "Stellenbosch Municipality, \"Root 44 Market - Here are the facts\", 28 Sep 2021, para 3; Moneyweb, \"Community rebellion halts 'illegal' Stellenbosch development\", 9 Jun 2021, section \"Development started\"", "counterevidence": "The decision record is not among the records cited for this claim; Moneyweb describes a 'five-year concession' without exact date.", "official_response": "", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5003", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Per the municipality, in 2017 the Municipal Planning Tribunal approved permanent land-use rights for the market subject to the condition that the 2009 approval be withdrawn and cancelled, citing anticipated traffic impact and risk of an 'undesirable urban node' in a rural area.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2017", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5000", "SRC-5006", "SRC-5009" ], "page_or_para": "Stellenbosch Municipality, \"Root 44 Market - Here are the facts\", 28 Sep 2021, para 4", "counterevidence": "The developer says the application was lodged in 2018 as an 'Interim Approval' for the farmers' market (developer's statement, 29 Sep 2021, para f). The MPT decision record is not among the records cited for this claim, and no record cited here gives the date of the MPT decision.", "official_response": "Municipal position (statement of 28 Sep 2021, repeated 2026).", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5004", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5005", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5006", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Moneyweb reported that Western Cape High Court Judge Pat Gamble granted an interdict on 4 December 2020 to stop construction work on the Root44 site, postponing the matter to May 2021.", "institution": "Western Cape High Court", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2020-12-04", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5003", "SRC-5004" ], "page_or_para": "Moneyweb, \"Community rebellion halts 'illegal' Stellenbosch development\", 9 Jun 2021, section \"New development\"; Sunday Times, \"Court to decide fate of 'rowdy' Stellenbosch wine emporium\", 23 Feb 2025 (\"previously obtained a court order to stop illegal building\")", "counterevidence": "The court order is not among the documents cited for this claim; no case number is given, and no judgment appears on SAFLII.", "official_response": "", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5007", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Moneyweb reported that the municipality approved new building plans in February 2021 (developer cites 21 February 2021), conditional on adherence to the 2009 land-use conditions.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2021-02", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5003" ], "page_or_para": "Moneyweb, \"Community rebellion halts 'illegal' Stellenbosch development\", 9 Jun 2021, section \"Construction resumed\"", "counterevidence": "The building plan approval is not among the records cited for this claim; the developer separately cites a 23 Oct 2020 refusal letter (developer's statement, 29 Sep 2021, para k).", "official_response": "Spokesperson Grobbelaar quoted by Moneyweb (9 Jun 2021).", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5008", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality refused an occupation certificate for the Root44 building in 2021. Municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar told Moneyweb (June 2021) that there were \"technical aspects which were not addressed satisfactorily, including deviations from the original building plan\", and that the building \"will not be used in terms of the land use rights and the associated building plan as agreed upon, including the space to be used for trading\". Developer Dax Hunt told Moneyweb that the refusal, \"insofar as the refusal is based on 'non-compliance with conditions of approval', is unlawful\". In a statement on 29 September 2021 the Daxcon Development Trust said a municipal letter of 23 September 2021 had again refused the certificate, and that it had \"real concerns as to the basis upon which the occupation certificate is being refused\".", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2021", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5001", "SRC-5003" ], "page_or_para": "Moneyweb, \"Community rebellion halts 'illegal' Stellenbosch development\", 9 Jun 2021, section \"Hidden layer\"; Daxcon Development Trust statement, \"ROOT 44 - THE TRUTH\", 29 Sep 2021, para 1 (letter of 23 Sep 2021)", "counterevidence": "The developer says the refusal is unlawful and the reasons inadequate (developer's statement, 29 Sep 2021, paras m-o; Hunt to Moneyweb, 9 Jun 2021). The refusal letters are not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "Quoted by Moneyweb (9 Jun 2021).", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5009", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "On or about 9 December 2021 the municipality granted a partial Temporary Occupancy Certificate (s14 National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977) for the ground floor of the Root44 Wine Emporium for 6 months ending 30 June 2022, after a Memorandum of Agreement on permitted uses; permitted uses were wine-tasting, wine sales and made-to-order cuisine for on-site consumption.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2021-12-09", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5002" ], "page_or_para": "Stellenbosch Municipality, \"Root 44 developers get temporary occupation\", 9 Dec 2021, paras 1-3", "counterevidence": "Neither the MOA nor the TOC is among the records cited for this claim, and no record cited here shows a later final occupation certificate.", "official_response": "Municipal statement of 9 Dec 2021.", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5010", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5011", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5013", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5014", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "corroborated", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The Daxcon Development Trust put the Root44 property up for sale through a sealed-bid process run by Galetti Corporate Real Estate (registration to 31 July 2025, final offers end of August 2025); SMF News reported on 3 Sep 2026 that the property was still for sale.", "institution": "Daxcon Development Trust", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2025-07-31", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5005", "SRC-5012", "SRC-5010" ], "page_or_para": "SMF News, \"Prominent Stellenbosch market up for sale\", 23 Jul 2025, para 1; SMF News, \"Root44 still for sale after a year on the market\", 3 Sep 2026, paras 1-2", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5017", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5019", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "A temporary departure for a parkrun on Farm No. 537, Remainder Farm No. 1537, Farm No. 1537/1 and Farm No. 1537/2 was approved on 20 July 2015 and lapsed on 20 July 2020, the municipal spokesperson told District Mail (May 2022).", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2015-07-20", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5017" ], "page_or_para": "DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, \"Some movement on run's restart\", 26 May 2022, Grobbelaar quote", "counterevidence": "Single secondary source quoting the municipality; the decision record is not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "Quoted by District Mail (26 May 2022).", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5020", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Root44 parkrun's event team posted that the event had the \"highest attendance in the world\" two weeks running, with 1135 finishers on Saturday 24 October 2015; event director Wallace du Plessis told SMF News (Aug 2023) that 900–1 500 people attended weekly before the pandemic.", "institution": "parkrun SA / Root44 event team", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2015-10-24", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5016", "SRC-5018" ], "page_or_para": "parkrun South Africa (Root44 event team), \"Highest parkrun attendance in the world.... again!\", 30 Oct 2015, para 1; SMF News, \"Root 44 parkrun nears reopening after lengthy approval process\", 2 Aug 2023", "counterevidence": "Figures are organiser-reported. The 900–1 500 range is an estimate by the event director.", "official_response": "", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5021", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "parkrun's event team posted that Root44 parkrun stopped in March 2020 because of Covid-19. The municipal spokesperson told District Mail (May 2022) that its temporary land-use permission lapsed on 20 July 2020, that a consent-use application with public participation was required (Agriculture and Rural zoning permits consent use), and that one had been submitted for Farm 537 and Rem. Farm 1537.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2022-05-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5017", "SRC-5019", "SRC-5015" ], "page_or_para": "DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, \"Some movement on run's restart\", 26 May 2022; DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, \"Silver lining for enthusiastic parkrunners\", 3 Apr 2024, para 2", "counterevidence": "", "official_response": "Municipal spokesperson quoted by District Mail (26 May 2022 and 3 Apr 2024).", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5023", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5024", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "Root44 parkrun resumed on Saturday 8 March 2025 as event #357, with 286 participants per the event team's post (parkrun blog: 'just over 300 runners, joggers, walkers and volunteers').", "institution": "parkrun SA", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2025-03-08", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5015", "SRC-5020" ], "page_or_para": "parkrun South Africa (Root44 event team), news post \"Root44 reborn\", 24 Mar 2025; parkrun ZA Blog, \"Sometimes people cry when they're happy - the return of Root 44 parkrun\", 12 Mar 2025, para 2", "counterevidence": "Minor figure difference explained by inclusion of volunteers in blog count.", "official_response": "", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5026", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "District Mail reported that Root44 parkrun's last event was on 26 July 2025. parkrun's own post said the event was suspended because its temporary event permit lapsed \"as a result of insurance issues and other local regulations\"; the event page now says it \"no longer takes place\" (375 events recorded; page retrieved 29 Oct 2026). District Mail attributed the suspension to a pending permit renewal; no source records a municipal refusal.", "institution": "parkrun SA / Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2025-07-26", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5022", "SRC-5015", "SRC-5013" ], "page_or_para": "DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, \"Popular Root44 parkrun suspended over permit delays\", 6 Aug 2025, paras 1-2; parkrun South Africa (Root44 event team), news post \"Root44 on hold\", 7 Aug 2025; parkrun South Africa, Root 44 parkrun event page, statistics block", "counterevidence": "Which permit (event permit vs land-use consent) lapsed, its expiry date, and any municipal decision on renewal are unknown. SMF News (23 Jul 2025) cites existing consent-use rights for 'a park run'.", "official_response": "No municipal statement on the 2025 suspension found.", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5027", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "parkrun's page reports cumulative Root 44 statistics of 375 events, 38,871 finishers, 284,130 finishes and 1,341 volunteers.", "institution": "parkrun SA", "location": "Audacia farm, cnr R44 & Annandale Road, Stellenbosch (Farm 537 / Rem. Farm 1537, per District Mail, 26 May 2022)", "event_date": "2026-10-29", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5013" ], "page_or_para": "parkrun South Africa, Root 44 parkrun event page, statistics block", "counterevidence": "Organisation's own data; not independently audited.", "official_response": "", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5030", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" }, { "id": "CLM-5033", "route": "finding", "shown_as": "Key findings", "status": "verified", "editorial_status": "approved", "figure_stage": "unknown", "claim": "The municipality said in a statement on 29 October 2024 that the application to continue on Dorp Street was not approved because the area \"is not designated for informal trading or market activities\", citing pedestrian safety, access for elderly/disabled people, liability, property-owner objections, and that access to municipal property had not been through an open/competitive process. Organiser Leani Breedt told Cape Argus (1 Nov 2024) that they were appealing, that they had \"followed all the procedures they asked about\", that no notice had been given before the market was shut down in June, and that the municipality could not provide concrete evidence of the complaints.", "institution": "Stellenbosch Municipality", "location": "Dorp Street, Stellenbosch town centre", "event_date": "2024-10-29", "source_ids": [ "SRC-5024", "SRC-5025" ], "page_or_para": "Stellenbosch Municipality, \"Finding a new, more suitable venue for the Dorp Street Sunday Market\", 29 Oct 2024, paras 2-7", "counterevidence": "Organisers' response (Cape Argus, 1 Nov 2024): appeal pledged; 'we followed all the procedures they asked about'; no notice; no concrete evidence of complaints. The refusal letter, the decision-maker and the by-law section relied on are not among the records cited for this claim.", "official_response": "Municipal statement of 29 Oct 2024.", "last_checked": "2026-10-29" }, { "id": "CLM-5035", "route": "review", "shown_as": "Claims logged, awaiting editorial review", "editorial_status": "held", "figure_stage": "unknown" } ] }