GEORGE NEWS - The ANC George Caucus was called to a meeting by the Regional Executive Committee (REC) on Monday 24 February. 

Regional secretary Phumela Nosana issued a statement the following day, saying several critical matters were addressed. 

These include the performance of councillors, disciplinary issues within the caucus, service delivery challenges, and a review of the special council meeting held on 7 February.

Worried about suspension

According to one of the attendees who wishes to stay anonymous, the meeting had ANC councillors worried about their future and some expected suspension from their duties.

According to the source, the meeting with the REC centred around the "review of the special council meeting" - the meeting where the DA's Browen Johnson was elected as the new deputy mayor of George.

In addition to Johnson (DA), three other candidates were nominated for the position, namely the ANC's Clr Simphiwe Toto, PBI's Clr Morton Gericke and Good's Clr Chantelle Kyd. Toto and Gericke declined their nominations and the vote was between Johnson and Kyd.

According to the source, the the REC is now bullying the ANC councillors for their decision to decline the nomination and is accusing them of voting with the DA. The source maintains that the REC's allegations are "frivolous and unfounded", saying it is a witch hunt of George councillors: "We are not in their camp and we were not their favourites from the beginning."

Raised allegations

In Nosana's statement on Tuesday, she said the chief whip presented a comprehensive report, which highlighted serious concerns. 

"The report indicated a lack of discipline among certain councillors and raised allegations that some members conspired with the DA. Specifically, it was alleged that these councillors voted alongside the DA on the appointment of a deputy mayor, following the declination of the ANC's nominated candidate, Councillor Toto."

Nosana said the REC will refer the matter to the disciplinary committee for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the implicated councillors. "Additionally, the REC will engage with the provincial leadership to seek further guidance on this issue."

In his comment to George Herald, regional spokesperson Moyisi Magalela says they never discussed councillors being suspended or being charged.

"We are also concerned about the leakage of information in a closed ANC meeting to media houses. This too equals to a high level of ill-discipline. We call on members of the ANC to desist from this temptation of discussing internal issues with the media or any external person who was not part of the meeting."

ANC councillors, including Clr Simphiwe Toto (back, middle), during the REC meeting on Monday 25 February. Photo: Facebook, ANC Victor Molosi Region
Facebook

After the release of the REC's statement online, some comments followed, saying the statement is a direct attack on the George councillors. "This move is indicative of a deeper issue - a lack of leadership and inconsistent decision-making within this regional office," reads one comment.

"It appears that the regional leadership, in Victor Molosi, is driven by vindictiveness and a desire to prove a point rather than serving the best interests of the organisation and the entire community."

Another comment asked for more sensitivity regarding George councillors: "You discussing service delivery issues but you are discussing councillors?? Please be professional and know what to put in the public domain. This is totally unacceptable. Like you were silent on the CX issue, why can't the George councillor issue not also be treated with sensitivity??????"

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’