DA exits coalition with FF Plus in George

GEORGE NEWS - The coalition between the DA and FF Plus in George has come to an end.

DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said the party’s decision to exit the coalition with the FF Plus in George was communicated to their leader Dr Pieter Groenewald last Thursday, 20 June, a day before the inauguration of the new mayor, Jacqulique von Brandis.

Simmers said the DA’s Federal Chair Helen Zille notified Groenewald in writing. “It is important to note, elsewhere in the country our coalition with the FF Plus is still intact.”

He said out of respect for the FF Plus he does not want to divulge the reason for this decision, but said there are 13 items of concern on the list sent to Dr Groenewald. “There is a clear, irreconcilable breach of trust with the FF Plus in George,” said Simmers. “We have enough evidence, including voice recordings, to support our decision.”

FF Plus deputy leader in the Western Cape Gert van Niekerk said this news came as a shock to him and the rest of the FF Plus in George. He questions the validity of the termination, saying the decision still needs to be discussed by the coalition oversight committee. He was told DA leader John Steenhuisen, Groenewald and others will meet about the matter soon.

Simmers maintains that the letter from Zille is the last step of the procedure, and that the decision is final.

Van Niekerk, who is still recovering at home after a major back operation, said the FF Plus fully supports new Mayor Jacqulique von Brandis. He also refutes rumours of lobbying with the ANC. Van Niekerk could not attend Von Brandis’ inauguration, but his name was submitted by the ANC as their choice of a mayoral candidate.

According to Van Niekerk, this decision did not carry his approval. He said he rejected an earlier request by the ANC to make himself available as their mayoral candidate.

FF Plus deputy leader in the Western Cape Gert van Niekerk

“There was no friction between the FF Plus and the DA. We waited in vain for a meeting date to discuss their choice of mayor, before the council meeting last week,” said Van Niekerk. “That meeting never took place. It was only when I received calls from my FF Plus colleagues asking me why on earth they have to sit in the opposition benches in council, that we realised there is trouble. I find it quite unacceptable that we are being treated this way, especially after all the support the DA enjoyed over the years.”

The DA in George is one seat short for an outright majority in council. Since the forming of a coalition in December 2021, the DA could rely on the FF Plus and ACDP for support.

George Herald was told by a trusted source that a new agreement was concluded by the ACDP, who holds one seat in council.

Johan du Toit of the ACDP confirmed that he is aware of discussions with the ACDP party leaders, and said he will only be able to comment once he heard back from them.

ACDP Councillor Johan du Toit

Mayor Von Brandis last week announced new representatives for the Garden Route District Municipality, which implies that the three George councillors who served in the district municipality, including Van Niekerk, have in fact been recalled. Simmers said that although this announcement was made a bit premature, it is understandable, with all the excitement of the inauguration. The council process to appoint the new representatives will take place tomorrow, Friday 28 June.