The Overstrand Accountability Collective (OVAC) welcomes the indication by the Freedom Front Plus (VF+) that its councillors and candidates are willing to sign a pledge to the Ratepayers and Residents of the Overstrand.
The idea of the pledge was originally coined by Mr Alexander Panzek of Plettenberg Bay and further refined by OVAC as a documentary commitment from councillors to uphold transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and responsible governance in the interests of the communities they serve. The pledge can be viewed at: Councillors’ Pledge.pdf
OVAC believes that elected representatives should be directly accountable to the people who elect them, and that public trust is strengthened when councillors voluntarily commit themselves to clear ethical and good governance principles.
The pledge has already been presented to Councillor Lerm, the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate; however, to date, he has made no formal commitment in this regard.
The willingness of VF+ to support and sign the pledge is an encouraging step toward greater administrative accountability within the Overstrand Municipality.
OVAC invites all political parties in the Overstrand, as well as independent councillors, to consider doing so, and undertakes to inform voters prior to the upcoming election on which candidates have signed the pledge and which have not. A brief, independent assessment of key candidates will also be provided if and when possible.
The pledge focuses on key governing principles, including:
- prioritising the interests of the Overstrand community above party-political considerations;
- responsible management of public funds;
- meaningful public participation;
- municipal decision-making that is transparent and guided by the interests of the ratepayers of the Overstrand;
- opposition to corruption and maladministration; and
- regular engagement with residents and ratepayers.
OVAC remains committed to constructive engagement with all political parties, councillors, civil society organisations, and residents who share the goal of accountable, responsive, and effective local government in the Overstrand.
For further information regarding the Councillor’s Pledge, interested parties may contact OVAC directly at: antonsurfer@gmail.com.
Issued by:
Overstrand Accountability Collective (OVAC)
Date: 14 May 2026
