The DA in the Western Cape laments the actions by the FF+ Western Cape to once again partner with the ANC to remove a DA mayor. This time in Swellendam.
In a shocking, yet unsurprising, display of deceit, the FF+ voted with the ANC in a motion of no confidence (MONC) vote against Mayor Francois Du Rand this morning.
This pattern of the FF+ to side with the ANC continues to trend and mimics their betrayal in a number of DA-led municipalities, such as:
- In May last year, sided with the ANC to oust former Cape Agulhas Mayor Paul Swart.
- In August last year, joined the ANC’s MONC against former Mayor Chris Macpherson.
- In November last year, Lincoln de Bruyn was reinstated as Theewaterskloof Mayor after the Western Cape High Court ruled that his removal and the election of FF+ Mayor Tienie Zimmerman, backed by the ANC, PA, and EFF, were unconstitutional and invalid.
Clear and obvious patterns that show the FF+ cannot be trusted.
The FF+ again joined forces with the ANC to destablise the DA-led Swellendam by first targeting Municipal Manager (MM) Anneleen Vorster.
A FF+ Speaker and five ANC councillors voted to suspend the MM based on allegations of misconduct. The DA councillors opposed these resolutions.
Peter le Roux was appointed as Acting MM, followed by Roslyn Saptoe, who was pipped to take over the position. Vorster was placed on special leave for 30 days.
On 14 November 2024, the Council and Municipality received a summons to appear in the Western Cape High Court.
The Court ruled that the suspension of the MM and the appointments of Le Roux and Saptoe were unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid.
The respondents, including the Council, Speaker, Municipality, Acting MM and Saptoe were ordered to pay Vorster’s legal costs and of the application, jointly and severally.
Thereafter, the ANC later churned out baseless allegations of R40 million in tender fraud within the Swellendam Municipality. It was nothing more than a scheme to remove the DA Mayor.
It’s shameful that Swellendam residents are to bear the brunt of the FF+ and the ANC’s opportunism. The needs of residents will never be considered by these parties. Only the DA cares. Whether in opposition or in government, the DA will work and fight for all.