The controversial East Head lease between Knysna Municipality and Senza Restaurant is alleged to have lost R7-million of public funds (arrears and legal fees).

Of that, R1-million is in rates and services. Why then, after a council resolution to cut off services, and a court order to put them back on, would the Municipality, during the holiday season when most were on vacation, install a pre-paid electricity meter, thus losing leverage over the occupant of a property whose lease has expired?

What was the process, particularly the chain of command, that signed off on that?

QUESTION: The controversial East Head lease between Knysna Municipality and Senza Restaurant is alleged to have lost R7-million of public funds (arrears and legal fees).

Of that, R1-million is in rates and services. Why then, after a council resolution to cut off services, and a court order to put them back on, would the Municipality, during the holiday season when most were on vacation, install a pre-paid electricity meter, thus losing leverage over the occupant of a property whose lease has expired?

What was the process, particularly the chain of command, that signed off on that?

Update 3.49pm: Bevan Ellman was the Acting Municipal Manager during the holidays. He did not make this deal. Neither did any senior staff of the Finance Department such as Louis Fourie. That kills the two main rumours floating about. The decision is claimed to have been made by junior staff in the Customer Care Building. Was it a grand error or is there an explanation? Hopefully we discover such at th Special Council Meeting on Tuesday.