Theewaterskloof municipality convened a special council meeting on Friday, 8 September 2023, to elect a new Executive Mayor in terms of Section 55 of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act, following the passing of Alderman Karel Papier.
In terms of the coalition’s cooperation agreement, the Patriotic Alliance has the Mayoral Seat, GOOD has the Deputy Mayoral seat and the ANC serves as Speaker.
There was a universal plight on social media from residents that the mayor of the municipality resides in Theewaterskloof. Gayton McKenzie, president of the PA, nominated a candidate residing in Paarl as their candidate. This candidate does not and has never resided within the Theewaterskloof municipal boundaries.
In stark contrast to the coalition’s disconnect with the people of Theewaterskloof, the DA listened to residents and nominated Councillor Carol de Bruyn Benjamin as candidate. This speaks to all the explicit needs expressed by our voters.
However, the coalition showed on Friday that their needs and wants take precedence over the interests of our residents, and that they will do anything to hold on to the luxury of power without taking ownership of the responsibility that goes with it.
It is sad to see how unwilling this coalition of corruption is to build a stable local government that serves the people of Theewaterskloof. The DA will, however, continue to fight for all residents and we commit to hold this executive to account.