GEORGE NEWS - George Mayor Melvin Naik started his address in Council today by informing councillors about his suspension from the DA. 

"I have been suspended from my party, for 60 days of glory, but I remain the mayor of George," said Naik. 

He talked about the purpose of Council and posed the following question: "Are we still within the mandate to deliver services to our city?" 

His address was met in good spirit by many opposition councillors who felt he still has a purpose to fill. 

Following the reply to the mayoral address, Council dealt with the two motions of no confidence in the Speaker Gerrit Pretorius and Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke. 

The motions were submitted by the ANC. After more than two hours of debate on whether Council can vote for the motions in secrecy (or not), it was established by Acting Speaker Vincentius Muller that Council has to vote on a motion by a show of hands. 

Chief Whip of the ANC, Nomawethu Jantjies, subsequently withdrew both motions. Council started with the main agenda of the day at 12:30. One item on the confidential minutes includes an allegation of misconduct by the Municipal Manager Trevor Botha. 

Botha is not attending the meeting. Director of Community Services, Walter Hendricks, is acting on his behalf.

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