Update
GEORGE NEWS - By Thursday this week, Melvin Naik will no longer be the mayor of George.
In a press statement released at about 18:40 tonight, DA George Constituency Head Geordin Hill-Lewis said his party gave Naik until the end of business on Wednesday 12 February to resign as mayor.
''Should Naik refuse to do so, his membership of the DA will cease and he will no longer be a municipal councillor in George,'' said Hill-Lewis.
Read the full statement below:
"The Democratic Alliance has written to George Mayor, Melvin Naik, requiring him to resign the office of the Mayoralty within 48 hours. Should Mr Naik refuse to do so by close of business on 12 February 2020, his membership of the Democratic Alliance will cease, and he will no longer be a municipal councillor in George.
"The allegations against Mr Naik are of such a serious and substantiated nature that it is only proper that he vacate the Mayoralty now, rather than wait for the outcome of any criminal justice processes.
"This firm and swift action follows the findings of a forensic investigation into allegations of fraud, corruption, maladministration and serious malpractice within the George Municipality. This investigation was initiated by the Minister for Local Government in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell.
"Corruption is the cancer that is destroying South Africa, mainly because despite many commitments to fight corruption, there is no culture of accountability. No senior politicians found to be involved in corruption are ever held accountable. Not one ANC leadership figure implicated in "state capture" has gone to prison, and Jacob Zuma has still not faced trial, more than 20 years after the arms deal.
"The DA must be, and will be, different. The DA has taken this difficult action to reinforce our commitment to offering the cleanest governance in South Africa. We want the public to trust that when they vote DA, they will get clean and accountable government. This does not mean we are immune from instances of corruption. No party is. But it does mean that when we have firm evidence of impropriety, we will take very firm action. That is what we have done in this case, culminating in this action today.
"The message is clear: No person who is any way involved in corruption will have any place in a DA government. That is the "DA difference”.
"We call on all parties in the George Council to support our efforts to root out corruption in George.
Read related articles:
- Naik sits tight in storm
- DA suspends George mayor
- 'Prepare for a bombshell'
- DA caucus votes Naik must go
- DA accused of selective action after gunning for Mayor
- 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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