Who We Are
Formally established during October 2024, OCAN is an apolitical data-driven civil society community coalition that provides a virtual platform which allows for community oversight of municipal affairs.
OCAN’s primary aim is to promote, advance, and protect the common interests of residents and organised civil society structures within the Overstrand, with a special focus on sound financial management, good governance, local economic growth and sustainable development.
OCAN uses data to paint pictures that tell stories. These ‘stories’ are instrumental in helping residents to interpret information about the performance of the Overstrand Municipality and matters that impact them directly.
OCAN’s formation is rooted in strategic conversations held during 2023 regarding the impact of in-migration on finite resources, the future development of the region and the Overstrand Municipality’s longer term financial sustainability.
The main trigger for OCAN’s establishment was the disturbing findings of an unsolicited review of the Overstrand Municipality’s financial sustainability. This review was completed by an independent multi-disciplinary project team during the third quarter of 2023.
The Overstrand Municipality leadership rejected the project team’s fact-based findings and recommendations.
Vision
To be a catalyst for longer-term transformative change – by defending the collective interests and rights of citizens across the Overstrand.
Purpose
Representing ratepayers, residents and associated interest groups, OCAN’s purpose is to exercise oversight and coordinate efforts to drive meaningful change, transparency and accountability within the Overstrand Municipality through a collective and legitimate citizen voice.
Main Objectives
- Represent the collective interests of ratepayers, residents and associated interest groups across the Overstrand (in respect of key issues)
- Exercise oversight of the OM’s fiduciary responsibilities and ensuring transparency
- Strategic campaigning on high-impact issues (unlawful decisions, wasteful expenditure, irrational rates and tariff increases, poor service delivery, lack of accountability, transparency)
- Engage the OM to gain a perspective on development, financial management and related affairs
- Perform IDP and budget reviews, address areas of concern and make constructive contributions
- Challenge the mismanagement of resources and report maladministration and corruption to the appropriate investigative authorities
- Provide strategic support and advice in areas where the OM may require input from civil society
- Collectively influence decision-making and policy setting
- Conduct benchmark research
- Facilitate educational sessions (webinars or in-person) relating to Local Government for OCAN-stakeholders
- Perform an annual electronic stakeholder satisfaction survey of the OM’s performance (against key metrics)
Advisory Board
The management and control of OCAN is vested in an Advisory Board, which has full power to take whatever steps it considers necessary in pursuance of OCAN’s main objectives. The Advisory Board will be guided by the input of SME-teams (subject matter expert), ratepayer associations, community forums and action groups. The founding Board has three directors. This interim Board will remain in place until OCAN’s inaugural Annual General Meeting during August 2025.
Errol van Staden
OCAN Director & Chair
Business Psychologist
University of Stellenbosch Graduate
Former Chair of Hermanus Public Protection
Anton Hartman
Ocan Director
Surveyor turned Business Owner
UNISA and GIBBS Graduate
Former Sales Director at Hollard Life
Simon koch
OCAN Director
Chartered Accountant (CA SA)
UCT Graduate
Former CEO of a JSE-listed Company
Jon Kark
Board Member
Dentist turned Property Developer
Chief Development Officer (CPAG)
Wits and UCT Graduate
Interface with Ratepayer Associations and Community Forums
Whereas ratepayer associations and community forums usually focus on Ward-specific matters relating to integrated development planning (IDP) and the OM’s operational performance, OCAN is an umbrella organisation that focuses on strategic issues that may have a longer term impact on residents across several or all fourteen wards within the boundaries of the Overstrand Municipality.
OCAN will not replace ratepayer associations or community forums. Rather, the approach will be to collaborate.
Key Relationships
OCAN will establish and maintain relationships with:
- The Overstrand Municipality
- Ratepayer Associations and Community Forums (across the Overstrand)
- Office of the Auditor-General
- Chambers of Business (within the Overstrand)
- Associated Interest Groups
- OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse)
- Research Institutions, and
- Ratepayer Associations in Other Municipalities.