The DA in Overstrand notes with concern the misleading allegations made by Willem Petzer in a recent YouTube video regarding a Ward 7 Ward Committee meeting held on 12 February 2026.
This video is an obvious attempt by a rival political grouping to score cheap political points by distorting events and undermining a well-functioning DA-led ward. Similar tactics have been used in the past by members of the same right wing political party to discredit well-run DA wards in the province when they fail to gain support through legitimate democratic processes.
The presenter of the YouTube Video spent very little time to ensure he separates fact from fiction.
Ward Committee meetings are advisory structures established in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act. They are not public participation meetings. While members of the public may attend to observe, participation is subject to the discretion of the Chairperson.
In this instance, the Ward Councillor followed correct procedure. At the commencement of the meeting, the question of recording was put to the Ward Committee members, and the majority did not consent. That decision must be respected.
It is also important to state that the nomination and election of Ward Committee members are not managed by the Ward Councillor. These processes are governed by municipal policy and legislative frameworks. Any attempt to suggest manipulation by the Councillor is both misleading and irresponsible.
The current dispute regarding the validity of membership of certain Ward Committee members has already been escalated to Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The matter is currently under investigation at provincial level.
Reports submitted by both the Deputy Mayor and the Ward Councillor confirm that repeated disruptions occurred during the meeting and that Law Enforcement (not the SAPS) had to ensure proceedings could continue in an orderly manner. At no stage were unlawful threats made, nor was any equipment damaged.
The DA fully supports the Ward Councillor in acting in the public interest to ensure that ward committee meetings can proceed lawfully, safely, and without intimidation. We will not allow politically driven disruption to silence constructive community engagement or undermine local democracy.
We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the proper functioning of ward structures in the Overstrand, to the benefit of all residents, not just a select few with own political agendas.