AfriForum calls for urgent action from Premier Zille

23 September 2015

AfriForum directed a request to Premier Helen Zille to grant full executive powers to the administrator of Oudtshoorn, Kam Chetty.

The request comes after chaos again erupted during a special council meeting during which the ANC allegedly illegally took back control of the municipal council. Office locks were apparently replaced by the ANC and officials could not enter their offices. Fighting then reportedly broke out as people attempted to enter the municipal offices, and members of both sides later laid charges of assault against each other at the police office.

Allegations are made that this is an attempt by the ANC to use a decision by council to offer certain senior officials a severance package and indemnity from prosecution on charges of misappropriation of funds and corruption.

 “We now expect the provincial government to show that they govern in the best interests of the Oudtshoorn community. In terms of section 139b of the constitution, the provincial government has the power to stop this politicking by stripping the council and the municipal manager from all executive powers and by transferring it to the administrator,” said Pieter Rautenbach, General Advisor for Community Structures.

“If Premier Zille does not heed this request, we will consult further with our legal team about additional actions we must take to resolve the situation,” said Thomas van Dalen, Provincial Coordinator for the Western Cape.

Statement issued by Thomas van Dalen, AfriForum provincial co-ordinator: Western Cape, 23 September 2015