Phone tower making waves in Wavecrest

RESIDENTS of Wavecrest are in a froth after learning of plans to erect a massive telecommunications structure in the middle of their “unspoilt” piece of town.

They are concerned the structure will ruin their stunning ocean views, and be an eyesore for people in the area, writes Yolandé Stander, WEEKEND POST reporter.

Some residents have also expressed health concerns over the 37.5-metre mast which Telkom is planning to build in Wavecrest’s Noorsekloof Road.

According to correspondence from Telkom, the project involves the construction of a “four-legged” lattice mast on an 8m² cement foundation. The mast will house a receiver or transmitter antenna to improve information communication technology and cellphone communication services.

Although residents have been asked to submit comments or objections regarding the project, some fear the structure will go ahead without their concerns being taken into account.


Hannie Ridder, who lives only a few metres from the proposed site, said she and her husband had bought their property in 1996 because of its beautiful view and serene surroundings.

The mast would spoil all that, she said. “It’s definitely going to be an eyesore. This is a residential area and no place for something like that,” she said.

Ridder had initial concerns about the possible health implications of radio waves emitted by such a structure, but a neurologist in the town had since put her fears to rest.

Ridder has lodged an official objection to the structure through the Jeffreys Bay Ratepayers Association.

Resident Alison Sakko was most concerned by the noise and the discomfort the construction process could cause, but Janus Kotze, whose property will directly overlook the proposed structure, said she had heard the mast would not be as “intrusive” as initially believed.

However, not all were convinced that the tower would be without its dangers.

A resident who did not want to be named said he had heard from a former Telkom technician there were indeed potential health risks involved when living in close proximity to such telecommunication towers.

Currently there is division in medical research circles about the health effects of these towers.

While some say it is nothing more than scare-mongering, others say those living near such structures are prone to everything from headaches to reduction in testicle size and weight, and even sperm count.

The resident added the structure could negatively impact on residents’ property values.

He feared attempts to involve the community in a consultation process were little more than “a formality” and that the plan would continue despite objections.

Project applicant Sipho Sithole could not be reached for comment, but Weekend Post confirmed with the local Telkom branch that the project was still in its beginning stages.

The environmental impact assessment (EIA) had not been completed, and it could not be confirmed how many objections had been received.

Kouga municipal spokesman Laura-Leigh Randall confirmed Telkom’s plans, but said they could only start building the tower once building plans for the structure were submitted to the municipality, which had not yet happened.

“Usually, they first complete the EIA before submitting these plans,” Randall said this week..

She added that the land – which belonged to Telkom – was correctly zoned for such a structure.