GEORGE NEWS - DA leaders of George are dismayed with the outcome of the council meeting last week.
It took George Council hours to appoint an acting speaker to chair the first meeting of the year.
A long-awaited item - the appointment of the speaker, chief whip of council and four members of the mayoral committee (mayco) - was postponed for the third time.
If all goes according to plan, the new candidates for these positions will be appointed during a Special Council Meeting on Monday 12 February.
According to information, the list of names provided by Mayor Melvin Naik for the various positions was shuffled by the DA's Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
It is believed that the mayor was unhappy with their suggestions. Naik was approached for comment but hadn't responded by the time of going to press.
DA Regional Chairperson Jaco Londt said the negative publicity of the past two weeks is unfortunate and could have been prevented.
"The brand damage to the municipality and the party is not acceptable," said Londt.
"There were clear guidelines as to what must be done and this advice was not followed.
"I've referred this to an independent internal body that must determine whether this was sound advice and if there were valid reasons not to follow it."
George and Eden Constituency Head Tertuis Simmers said he does not only take note of what transpired at the council meeting last week, but will be writing a letter on behalf of the DA structures to the provincial chairperson, Anton Bredell.
James Selfe, chairperson of the DA's Federal Executive Committee, confirmed receipt of communication in this regard.
It is believed that Mayor Melvin Naik was not happy with the PEC's recommendations for mayco appointments. Photos: Michelle Pienaar
He said he is not aware of any steps that will be taken against Naik.
On a question why there were so many delays in the appointment of suitable candidates for the positions, Selfe said, " The Federal Executive must confirm such appointments and they have not had a meeting since we received the names of the candidates."
ARTICLE: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
