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Displaying the 5 latest comments.
Submitted | first-name | support | concern | top-concern | message |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-04-09 22:25:49 +02:00 | Wanda | No I do not | All of the above | Property Rights & 'Unbankable' Leases | |
2026-04-09 22:14:01 +02:00 | Sandy | No I do not | Restriction of Public Access & Criminalisation of Recreation | ||
2026-04-09 21:52:51 +02:00 | Michael | No I do not | All of the above | Restriction of Public Access & Criminalisation of Recreation | |
2026-04-09 21:45:49 +02:00 | Richard | No I do not | All of the above | Administrative Overreach (Shifting state duties to the public) | Die damme werk al vir hoeveel jare soos dit nou werk. Hoekom iets wil verander wat werk ! ! ! Om dalk meer geld in iemand se sak te kry ? |
2026-04-09 21:30:06 +02:00 | Willemina | No I do not | Restriction of Public Access & Criminalisation of Recreation | We have property in Vaal Marina, and we use the Vaaldam for recreational purposes. The dam is visited and enjoyed by many, of all, colors and cultures. Taking away that privilege or making us pay to use it is criminal in the present economical state of the country. |
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- Supporters of the regulations argue that the 1964 laws are outdated and that the new regulations will improve safety, protect the environment from invasive species, and ensure that dams are accessible to all South Africans, not just those with private shoreline access.
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- Safety and Security: Standardised rules for boating, safety equipment, and incident reporting will make our dams safer for everyone.
- Environmental Protection: Mandatory “wash bays” and stricter controls will help prevent the spread of invasive plants and water pollution.
- Equity and Transformation: The policy aims to open up state-owned land for public picnic areas and community access, ensuring broader benefit.
- Formalisation: Replacing informal “handshake” agreements with formal leases ensures transparency and revenue for the state to maintain infrastructure.
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- Supporters of the regulations argue that the 1964 laws are outdated and that the new regulations will improve safety, protect the environment from invasive species, and ensure that dams are accessible to all South Africans, not just those with private shoreline access.
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- Opponents of the regulations argue that the policy is a form of “regulatory overreach” that threatens local economies. They are concerned that short-term leases will make properties “unbankable,” and that the state is attempting to criminalise traditional recreational activities that are currently protected under the National Water Act.
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- Economic Risk: Capping leases at ~10 years with no automatic renewal prevents owners from securing 20-year bonds, potentially collapsing property values and tourism.
- Infringement of Rights: The regulations seek to treat recreational use as a “privilege” to be paid for, rather than a “right” as established in the National Water Act.
- De Facto Expropriation: Claiming control of private land below the flood line without compensation undermines the security of title deeds.
- Administrative Burden: Shifting the state’s job of monitoring and enforcement onto private clubs and citizens is an unfair and impractical burden.
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- Opponents of the regulations argue that the policy is a form of “regulatory overreach” that threatens local economies. They are concerned that short-term leases will make properties “unbankable,” and that the state is attempting to criminalise traditional recreational activities that are currently protected under the National Water Act.