The importance of MossRates

MossRates was founded out of a simple but urgent desire: to spread the truth to ratepayers and keep the community properly informed about where their money is going and how decisions are being made.

Too often, important issues are buried in complexity, vague communication, or behind closed doors—leaving residents to pay the price without clear answers. We exist to be truth-seeking and fact-driven, to ask the hard questions, follow the evidence, and share it in a way that everyday people can understand. By turning information into clarity, we help ratepayers hold leadership accountable, make informed choices, and protect the future of Mossel Bay.

meet the commitee

Powered by our people

Frikkie van Schalkwyk

Frikkie van Schalkwyk is a retired senior military, police and commercial pilot with almost four decades of aviation, operational and leadership experience. Born and educated in Kempton Park, he began his career as a Clerk of the Court in Johannesburg before completing national service at 6 South African Infantry Battalion. He joined the South African Air Force in 1981, progressing to the rank of Major. His service included helicopter and fixed-wing operations, pilot instruction at Central Flying School and appointment as Operations Coordinator. He was also seconded to the Venda Defence Force Air Wing from 1986 to 1990. Frikkie later served in the South African Police Air Wing, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He joined SA Airlink in 1996 and South African Airways in 2000, where he served as a Captain until 2020. His extensive flying experience includes Harvard, Alouette III, Puma, BK117 and CASA 212 aircraft, as well as multiple Boeing and Airbus types. He also undertook international contract flying for AirAsia while based in Kuala Lumpur. Frikkie brings extensive leadership, training, risk-management and operational experience to the MossRates Board, strengthening its capacity for disciplined oversight and responsible decision-making.

Chairman

Jody Klue

Jody, born in Uniondale on 2 March 1947, built a distinguished career in the mining industry, specialising in explosives, project management, training, and loss and risk management across the Free State and Rustenburg operations. Since moving to Mossel Bay in 2012, he has been actively involved in community matters and, through MossRates, is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and fair municipal practices that inform and empower residents and ratepayers.

Secretary

Lood De Klerk

Lood brings over four decades of experience in tourism, strategic planning, destination development and working with local authorities. During his distinguished career with SATOUR and later as co-owner of Southern Circle Tours & Safaris, he played a significant role in the development of South African tourism and has served on numerous industry and business organisations. His experience, integrity and commitment to the Mossel Bay community will be a valuable asset as MossRates continues to promote transparency, accountability and responsible municipal governance.

Theunis Coetzee

Theunis brings nearly 50 years of leadership and operational experience spanning auditing, the South African military, municipal policing, international security, risk management and business continuity. His career includes senior executive positions with G4S across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, where he managed complex operations and developed risk mitigation, security and emergency response strategies for governments, municipalities, international companies and large residential estates. Since returning to South Africa, he has continued consulting in risk management and was part of the team that developed the Master Security Plan and Disaster and Emergency Management Plan for the Overstrand Municipality. His expertise in governance, risk management, strategic planning and public safety will be a tremendous asset to MossRates as we continue working to promote transparency, accountability and responsible local government.

Jan Müller

Jan's career spans more than four decades in accounting, financial management, manufacturing, and transport. Beginning as a Cost Clerk in 1969, he steadily progressed through senior accounting and financial management positions with companies including GEC, Allen West GE, SA Scale, Transiton Transport, and MAC Engineering. Throughout his career, Jan earned a reputation for turning around accounting systems and strengthening financial departments, leading to regular promotions and transfers into key financial leadership roles. Even after suffering a serious industrial accident in 1975 that resulted in the loss of much of his right hand, he continued to build an exceptional career through determination and professionalism. After becoming a shareholder in MAC Engineering, Jan remained with the company until his retirement in 2012. Jan brings decades of practical financial, costing, governance, and business experience to MossRates. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue working to promote transparency, accountability, and sound financial management in the Mossel Bay Municipality.

Mario Nel

After completing postgraduate studies at the University of the Orange Free State, Mario served in the South African Air Force before establishing a successful automotive components business in Bloemfontein, later expanding into agriculture, game farming and conservation. Mario has also been actively involved in ratepayer affairs through the Mangaung Ratepayers Association. For many years he has advocated for residents on municipal rates, tariffs and fixed charges, and played an important role in securing AfriForum’s involvement in a High Court challenge concerning municipal sanitation and refuse charges. His focus remains on accountability, transparency and protecting residents against unfair municipal practices and excessive financial burdens.

The values we live by

We believe in building strong, supportive connections.

Our Roadmap

See where we’re going and how we’ll get there—clear priorities, practical steps, and measurable milestones to build real impact in Mossel Bay.

Code Of Conduct

Learn the standards we live by. Our Code of Conduct protects respectful engagement, truth-based discussion, and fair representation for everyone.

Constitution

Read the rules that keep MossRates transparent and member-driven. It sets out how decisions are made, how leadership is held accountable, and how we prevent political or private capture.