Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
In the light of regular media reports about mayors of municipalities in the Western Cape who have been removed from office:
- (a) How many motions of no confidence in mayors have been passed between
1 November 2021 and 16 August 2024, (b) what are the names of the municipalities where mayors and deputy mayors have been removed, (c) how many of these mayors and deputy mayors have been removed due to financial impropriety or misconduct during this period and (d) how many of these former mayors and deputy mayors have been appointed in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament or other state institutions;
- whether any legal action was taken against these former mayors and deputy mayors by his Department; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
(1)(a) There were sixteen (16) motions of no confidence in mayors passed throughout the province during the period 1 November 2021 to 16 August 2024 (herein after named “the period”).
- The reply developed under this question is within the context of motions of no confidence and the names of municipalities where mayors and deputy mayors were removed during the period are:
- Cederberg;
(ii) Drakenstein;
(iii) Kannaland;
(iv) Cape Agulhas;
(v) Bitou;
(vi) Witzenberg;
(vii) Oudtshoorn;
(viii) Beaufort West;
(IX) Theewaterskloof; and
(viii) Knysna.
- Within the context of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, as contained in Schedule 7 of the Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998 (hereinafter referred to as the Code) no mayors nor deputy mayors were removed in terms of Item 16(7)(b) of the Code of Conduct.
- The response in relation to this question has been replied to within the context of former mayors and deputy mayors wherein motions of no confidence were passed and in this respect the following have been appointed in either the Western Cape Provincial Parliament or National Parliament:
- Mr Francois Kamfer to Provincial Legislature;
- Mr Conrad J Poole to National Parliament;
- Mr Paul Swart to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
- No legal action was taken by my Department against any of the mayors or deputy mayors. Having said the latter, it is necessary to inform that the latter response has been provided within the context of Court action, as the term “legal action” is ordinarily identified with litigation or legal proceedings.
