The FF Plus will fulfil its coalition obligations in the Swellendam Local Municipality, but remains committed to clean governance, regardless of who governs where.
The Federal Management Committee (FMC) of the Freedom Front Plus just held a series of meetings to discuss the recent events that transpired in this Municipality, where the FF Plus has been governing in coalition with the DA since 2021.
This follows the decision by the FF Plus councillor Juan van Schalkwyk to vote in support of a motion of no confidence in the former DA Mayor, Mr Francois du Randt.
The FF Plus appointed a panel tasked with thoroughly investigating this matter as well as the relationship between the FF Plus and the DA in several coalitions.
The FMC also decided that the FF Plus would vote for a DA candidate, in accordance with the coalition agreement, in the upcoming council meeting during which a new mayor will be elected.
The FF Plus will under no circumstances allow the ANC to come into power in Swellendam.
The FF Plus is, furthermore, committed to eradicating all forms of corruption and mismanagement, and ensuring accountability and transparency.
The FF Plus demands that all allegations of irregularities levelled against Mr Du Randt be thoroughly investigated. The FF Plus will, therefore, table a motion launching such an investigation to the Council soon.
A comprehensive list of fourteen serious allegations warranting investigation, include:
- That the Mayor unlawfully amended an independent investigation report; and
- that the Mayor attempted to bribe a councillor.
It is in the interest of every resident and the stability of the current coalition to handle allegations of this nature with as much transparency as possible.
The FF Plus is calling on the DA to support its motion in the spirit of transparency and accountability. It is also important for the DA to take the implications of such an investigation into account when nominating a suitable candidate for the office of mayor.
FF Plus remains committed to maintaining stability in all the coalition governments of which it is part, and where sound governance, accountability and transparency prevail.