Update

GEORGE NEWS - The DA caucus passed a motion of no confidence in Mayor Melvin Naik yesterday (27 January), during a caucus meeting. This motion was passed with 22 votes out of 25, and one abstention.

According to the George DA Constituency Head, Geordin Hill-Lewis, the outcome will be sent to the Federal Executive (FedEx) who will decide whether Naik will be given three days to provide reasons why he should not resign as Mayor. 

This is the procedure in terms of the DA’s Federal Constitution.

Naik’s response will again be sent to the caucus for consideration where after Naik will be informed of their final decision. An informed source said the whole internal DA procedure could stretch over a two week period, but it is still the quickest way to oust a mayor. 

Should the matter be dealt with in Council (the next meeting is on Thursday 31 January) the DA will need the support of the opposition parties for a majority vote, which is something they cannot count on.

On a question for clarity regarding Naik’s options, Hill-Lewis said should Naik resign as mayor, he will remain a normal councillor. “If he does not resign, he will lose his membership and so will have no elected office.”

In a statement released this morning (28 January) Hill-Lewis said the party recognise that this is a difficult time for George. “It is in times of difficulty that true values are shown. We will move swiftly now to restore the integrity of the Mayoralty, and of the George municipality.”

“I applaud the George DA caucus for acting swiftly on these serious and substantiated allegations of corruption, and for handling this matter with such resolve. This shows the DA’s commitment to root out corruption wherever it occurs.”

The motion of no confidence follows an investigation instigated by the DA at the George Municipality that allegedly unearthed evidence of corruption and interference in administrative processes by Naik. “These findings are substantiated by a number of admissions by individuals involved, as well as compelling circumstantial evidence. There is also evidence that certain relevant documents were withheld from the investigators,” according to Hill-Lewis. Naik has denied all the allegations against him.