COVID-19

Issued on 20 August 2021

Using the delegated powers of being the Acting Executive Mayor, I placed the Municipal Manager and Director Community Services on special leave effective from last Thursday the 12 August 2021. This was due to the serious allegations of misconduct in the Qolweni Housing Project.

This action I took with full knowledge that it is only a full Council that can resolve to initiate a full investigation and possible disciplinary measures. Therefore, I approached the Speaker of Council, Alderman Euan Wildeman to call a Special Council meeting to engage and resolve this matter. The Speaker obliged and called a Special Council meeting for today the 20 August 2021.

The Councillors of the Democratic Alliance, who were all duly invited, did not attend the meeting. Therefore, the meeting did not quorate. The DA Councillors did not consider the seriousness of the matter at hand.

This has forced me to recall the two officials back to resume their duties with full authority since I don't possess the power to suspend them or initiate an investigation against them. It is a council that has such powers; it is unfortunate that the DA Councilors continuously refuse to act in the best interest of Bitou Municipality and Bitou Community.

Circulated by the Bitou Communications on Behalf of the Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor Sandiso Gcabayi

Enquiries: BITOU COMMUNICATIONS AND CUSTOMER CARE SECTION. Tel: 044 501 3006, Mobile: 0767 348 483, E-mail: anamntu@plett.gov.za / communications@plett.gov.za; Communications, Department: Corporate Services, BITOU MUNICIPALITY