DA debates Naik's suspension

Update

GEORGE NEWS - George Mayor Melvin Naik's possible suspension was one of the items debated during the DA's Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting on Monday 21 May.

Enquiries in this regard had the George Herald running to and fro between the Federal Executive Committee (Fedex) and the PEC. Feedback was still awaited at the time of going to press. If the PEC decided to suspend the mayor, their recommendation will be sent to the Fedex, who will formalise the process and suspend Naik from all party and party-related activities.

Following receipt of a letter from Fedex about 10 days ago, which gave Naik 24 hours to explain why he should not be suspended, Naik reasoned in response that he has not been formally charged with any crime. It has been reported that both Naik and Municipal Manager Trevor Botha are among the individuals investigated by the Hawks, following their raid on 23 April.

There has been pressure from the top DA structures on the George Council to place Botha under suspension, while the investigation is ongoing. A late item on Botha's possible suspension was withdrawn at the council meeting on 9 May.

According to information, the George Council refuses to suspend Botha before the Hawks conclude their investigation. George Speaker Gerrit Pretorius responded last week by saying they are not investigating allegations against Botha and therefore suspension is not being considered.

The DA caucus is expecting a visit from its provincial leaders on Monday 28 May, a day before a special council meeting (Tuesday 29 May) is scheduled for the tabling of the 2018/2019 budget, and four days before a general council meeting on Thursday 31 May.

ANC Chief Whip Nomawethu Jantjies confirmed last week that the ANC has called for a motion of no confidence in Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Speaker Gerrit Pretorius, which will serve during the next council meeting.

Read more about the politics in Myron Rabinowitz's column, Second Voice, on the letters page (p 33) of today's George Herald.

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