Update
GEORGE NEWS - George Mayor Melvin Naik has been suspended from the DA and all party activities.
The news broke last night when a copy of Naik's suspension letter, signed by Federal Executive Committee (Fedex) Chair Helen Zille, was circulated on Whatsapp.
The authenticity of the letter has been confirmed by the DA George constituency head, Geordin Hill-Lewis, earlier this morning: "Yes, I can confirm that the Fedex has suspended Melvin Naik from all party activities, with immediate effect, and that the letter is genuine.
The practical implications is that Naik will not be able to partake in any DA related activities including the caucus, with immediate effect. However, he does remain in the mayoral seat for the time being until such time as either the party requires him to resign or he decides to resign. The Fedex is considering that matter over the next few days."
Asked why Naik remains in the position of mayor although he is suspended from the DA, Hill-Lewis explained: "Even though Naik is appointed as mayor by the DA, he was elected as mayor by Council in the first council meeting after the election in 2016. The same goes for every mayor in the country. So, simply suspending him from the party does not suspend him from the office of mayor. That can only be done when he is either asked to resign from the office of the mayor by the party, or his membership from the party is terminated, not just suspended."
Hill-Lewis said Naik's suspension is procedural while the disciplinary charges - the motion of no confidence passed by the caucus - is under consideration by the Fedex.
Should Naik's DA membership be cancelled following the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, he would immediately lose his seat as mayor. The disciplinary hearing date has not been set.
Read previous articles:
- 'Prepare for a bombshell'
- DA caucus votes Naik must go
- DA accused of selective action after gunning for Mayor
- 'Dirty' money in war on waste
- DA lays criminal charges against Mayor, senior officials
- DA wants to suspend mayor following damning report
- Municipal investigations: Game of thrones
- MEC and MM lock horns
- Minister responds to statement by Municipal Manager
- Municipal Manager responds to investigation report
- Mayor welcomes investigation, Municipal Manager questions motives
- Bredell orders investigation into George Municipality
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