Stoffels v van Wyk High Court case retained due to congested court roll

OUDTSHOORN - The Deputy Judge President, Madam Justice Jeanette Traverso of the Western Cape High Court retained the file of the Stoffels vs. van Wyk case today, stating that the rolls are currently congested, and that she would in the course of her duties allocate the matter to an available Judge.

Meanwhile, the Oudtshoorn Municipality received media enquiries stating that the DA caucus issued a media statement this morning, to the effect, inter alia, that Cape High Court Deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso dismissed the application by Speaker Johannes Stoffels to void the meeting of 17 councillors after the Council Meeting of May 31 was closed.

This is not true.

Traverso this afternoon confirmed to the Speaker's legal team that she is still attempting to find an available Judge. There can be no doubt whatsoever: the matter had not been dismissed.

The ANC/NPP/Icosa Alliance during the Council Meeting of May 31, urged the DA, Cope, and the five ANC councillors siding with the DA/Cope Alliance, to act in accordance with democratic principles to avoid expensive legal proceedings. The continued strong-arm tactics and political grandstanding of the DA/Cope alliance and its ANC supporters at the time, created a level of chaos which left the Speaker no choice but to close the meeting. The subsequent meeting of 17 councillors further left the Speaker no choice but to seek relief in the High Court for the account of the rogue councillors.

The Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Ron Lottering, this morning received a request for a Special Council Meeting on June 19, signed by 12 councillors - the 11 DA members and the Cope member.

This matter will be dealt with expeditiously and in accordance with Oudtshoorn's Rules of Order and relevant legislation.

However, the Speaker is calling a Special Council Meeting for Friday, June 7, to consider the Budget; the IDP; and the appointment of a Municipal Manager, well in advance of the requested June 19 Special Council Meeting.

Statement issued on behalf of Oudtshoorn Municipality the by the Executive Mayor: Aldm Gordon April, June 5 2013

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