Update
GEORGE NEWS - George Council again tried to meet this morning, but to no avail. The majority of the opposition did not pitch for the meeting.
This was the third time within a week that an attempt was made to hold a council meeting.
With only 26 councillors at the meeting they weren’t able to reach the necessary quorum of 27 councillors. Those who attended the meeting include all 24 DA councillors and two members of the opposition, the ACDP and FF Plus.
Some of the opposition councillors made excuses through a phone call to officials within the administration, as well as to the Municipal Manager Trevor Botha.
However, according to Speaker Gerrit Pretorius, as per the code of conduct, the correct way for councillors to make an apology is by lodging a reason for absence through the Chief Whip, who will then pass it on to the Speaker to decide whether the apology is accepted or not.
Pretorius said he will be taking “immediate steps” regarding the absence of the opposition councillors in question. “After missing three meetings the rules of order make provision for steps being taken, which I will do straight after the meeting,” said Pretorius.
George Herald is awaiting feedback on these matters. Comment from the opposition will also be sought.
Mayor Leon van Wyk said action needs to be taken swiftly. “We are talking money here. And the service delivery of the municipality is being affected by the councillors’ dereliction of their duty.” Gert van Niekerk of the Freedom Front Plus said, “We are wasting time while these cowboys sit at home.”
Related article: Gebrek aan kworum steek stok in raadsvergadering se wiele
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
