HERMANUS – The Overstrand Council has given the go-ahead for a new tender to be issued for the lease of the Fisherhaven Yacht Club.
The previous tender, along with the 40-year lease of the De Mond Caravan Park, has been a hotbed of controversy since it emerged in June 2024 that both had been awarded to business associates of the DA’s mayoral candidate, Clinton Lerm. At the time, Lerm served as chairperson of the municipality’s Infrastructure Portfolio Committee.
Lerm has consistently maintained that all parties declared their interests and that a Hawks investigation cleared them of any wrongdoing, though many remain skeptical.
While the municipality previously decided to proceed with the De Mond tender despite legal challenges, the Fisherhaven tender took a different turn. At one stage, the municipality alleged that Point Caravan Resorts (Pty) Ltd had breached the terms of their agreement. The dispute was ultimately settled by granting Point Caravan a short-term lease.
The tender for the Yacht Club will now be re-advertised, Fisherhaven ward councillor Arnie Afrika confirmed to Whalecoastreport this morning. The property is to be leased for 25 years and developed into a holiday resort.
Council granted in-principle approval this morning for the competitive bidding process to begin. Once awarded, the public will have a 21-day window to submit objections.
The successful developer will then be required to submit a site development plan. According to Councillor Afrika, residents will have another opportunity to voice objections once that plan is made available.
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