Council keeps Botha in post

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Against all odds and after much deliberation, Council decided to keep Municipal Manager Trevor Botha in his post and not to suspend him as a precautionary measure while an investigation into alleged irregularities at the municipality is undertaken.

Botha's possible suspension, as well as Portfolio Councillor Cecil Noble's electricity debt in excess of R38 000, were discussed during a special council meeting yesterday, 2 October, at the George Council Chambers.

Both items were listed as confidential. According to a reliable source, the DA based their decision to keep Botha in office on legal advice. "Regulation 6 states that there must be some reasonable grounds for suspension. The DA's reasonable grounds are not sufficient," said the source.

Various allegations including financial misconduct led to an urgent motion by the DA in September, demanding Botha's "precautionary suspension".

Botha was given seven days to make a written representation as to why he should not be suspended, as provided for in the disciplinary regulations for senior managers. The seven days expired yesterday.

Electricity debt

A newly formed council committee has been appointed to investigate Councillor Cecil Noble's electricity debt of R38 000.

Noble, a member of the Mayoral Committee, had to pay a hefty fine for tampering with his electricity meter in June last year. Apparently he did pay the fine, but has accumulated substantial electricity debt over a lengthy period.

In terms of the code of conduct for councillors, the municipal accounts of councillors may not be more than three months in arrears. Council previously obtained a legal opinion on the matter. The opposition in Council has referred to this situation on more than one occasion.

Cecil Noble, portfolio councillor for Protection Services.