Betrayal in Theewaterskloof allows looting to continue

2 September 2024

Just two weeks after setting up a new DA-led coalition in Theewaterskloof as a last-ditch attempt to rescue the failing municipality from years of ANC-led looting, a group of small opposition parties has once more aligned with the ANC to oust the DA mayor, Lincoln de Bruyn.

This follows the steps Mayor de Bruyn has taken to stop the abuse of the funds earmarked for Disaster Management in the municipality. Shortly after assuming office, Mayor de Bruyn exposed major irregularities in the disbursement of the fund.

The Speaker, John Michels, from the GOOD party, publicly berated the Mayor and the DA for the fact that he was unable to draw R150 000 for travel expenses for students to travel abroad on a rugby tour.

It is quite clear that the removal of De Bruyn is designed to enable the looting to continue.

In another surprising move, the Freedom Front Plus supported the ANC, PA and GOOD in voting the DA Mayor out of office.

Subsequently the Freedom Front Plus's Tienie Zimmerman was nominated as the mayor by the ANC and voted into office with the support of other small parties.  The DA lost the motion by a single vote.

Tertuis Simmers, DA leader in the Western Cape, said the move was clearly designed to enable looting to continue. He described the Freedom Front Plus's support for the motion as a direct contradiction of the agreement reached between Dr Pieter Groenewald, Freedom Front Plus leader, and DA leader John Steenhuisen last month.

Simmers also called on the GOOD party to act with determination against Cllr Michels for violating due process in bringing the motion to the Council behind the backs of the DA and other coalition partners. "This was a serious violation of due process, and we will do what is necessary to make the municipality abide by the proper rules of order," he said.

Issued by Tertuis Simmers, DA Provincial Leader, 2 September 2024