GEORGE NEWS - The opposition parties in the George Council welcome the forensic investigation into several local issues, as requested by the Western Cape MEC of Local Government, Anton Bredell.
Bredell announced this action at a press conference in December last year, together with the intention to appoint and elect new politicians into the top council positions.
These changes will be announced at a council meeting next week Wednesday, 24 January.
In a combined press release by the AIC, PBI, SAC, ACDP, Freedom Front + and Icosa, the opposition parties said they welcome the investigation, but believe that it should be extended to include the overtime bill, procurement and kickbacks allegedly paid to politicians for securing tenders and contracts, and GO GEORGE where there are allegations of serious financial irregularities.
"What is of serious concern is the appointment of personnel that are allegedly politically connected and key positions in the municipality that are being occupied by political cronies," reads the press release.
"The morale of the personnel is at an all-time low.
"Therefore, as opposition, we request that the investigation into the Department of Human Resources by MPAC should be prioritised and expedited.
"It is clear that George has been placed under political supervision and control by the DA from Cape Town, effectively taking away decision making powers from Council.
"It is further apparent that the internal politics and chaos in the DA interferes with the governance of George. Service delivery is seriously compromised.
"In their effort to sort out the infighting in the DA caucus, they have deepened the divides and distrust amongst themselves.
"No reasons are provided why these politicians were demoted or removed and what the extent of this investigation entails. Georgians deserve to know.
"We are quite aware that this action is an attempt to downplay the chaos and division and to save the DA embarrassment.
"Questions also arise whether this not an action to remove, embarrass and isolate good officials who did not toe the line to the DA bosses.
"They had been governing this city since 2000.
"These reshuffles and the quick fix approach by the DA only creates more distrust and uncertainty amongst their councillors.
"We as opposition parties are motivated to ensure that good governance, a clean administration and service delivery are restored to George and all of its communities.
"We will continue to blow the whistle on corruption where it manifests itself and fearlessly expose practices that undermine the principles of good governance, in the best interest of our people.
"We will not be silenced or fooled by political grandstanding. We seriously call on the DA to sort this mess out and bring stability to George City Council. The citizens of George deserve stable government."
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