Update
GEORGE NEWS - Both George Municipality and Council are keenly awaiting the outcome of an application to the Cape Town High Court, to have the election of George Mayor Leon van Wyk reviewed and declared null and void. The matter was heard in court on Friday 7 August. At the time of going to print neither applicants nor respondents have received any news from their advocates.
The PBI, ANC, EFF and AIC believe that Van Wyk's election was procedurally flawed. Their refusal to accept Van Wyk as mayor has caused friction in Council since his election on 22 May.
The mayoral candidate of the opposition, Virgill Gericke of the PBI, said they believe their legal team has presented a solid case. Speaker Pretorius said it was a surprise to him that, after the opposition's full participation, they wanted to declare the election of the mayor invalid.
Walk-outs
Meanwhile a number of opposition councillors were summoned to individual hearings of the Attendance Committee at George Municipality commencing on 19 August, following their failure to attend three consecutive council meetings.
The Code of Conduct for Councillors and case law confirms the legal obligation on a councillor to attend council meetings and remain in attendance.
According to Speaker Gerrit Pretorius it also determines that a process must be followed when a councillor does not attend three consecutive council meetings. "In terms of Standing Procedures, that process has started at George Municipality," said Pretorius.
Related article: Court's decision on Mayor imminent
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