GEORGE NEWS - An exploratory meeting held on Tuesday morning, attended by several political parties represented in the George Council - except the DA - unfolded differently than planned.
Initially, the FF Plus was also expected to attend, but just before the meeting began, the party's Cllr Gert van Niekerk received a call from his leadership.
"The meeting was meant to discuss the possibility of a local government of unity that would represent all communities," said Van Niekerk. "Our national leader, Corné Mulder, called and asked me not to participate in the meeting, nor to comment further."
Van Niekerk explained that the reason was straightforward - the FF Plus leadership is currently deliberating at national level on how best to help resolve the situation in George.
This comes after two DA ward councillors, both members of the mayoral committee, had resigned last week and joined the Patriotic Alliance (PA) - Brendon Adams and Marchell Kleynhans. Besides the two by-elections that now need to take place within the next two months, the DA has also lost its majority in council. The DA now holds 25 seats, and with its partnership with the ACDP, it can count on 26 votes. It needs 28 votes for a majority vote.
Marchell Kleynhans, the former DA Ward Councillor of Ward 27 (portion of Pacaltsdorp) and Portfolio Councillor for Civil Services.
Former DA Ward Councillor (Ward 17: portion of Rosemoor, Conville) and Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety Brendon Adams, and the president of the PA, Gayton McKenzie, during a Facebook Live interview earlier this week.
In her comment on recent developments, the DA's East Regional Chairperson, Venolea Fortuin, said the East Regional Executive Committee wishes the two former DA councillors well on their new journey. "The DA remains committed to serving the residents of George."
Should opposition parties unite, there is a real possibility that the current mayor could be removed through a motion of no confidence.Speculation that Van Niekerk might become the next mayor has surfaced on social media, but he dismissed this. "That is completely untrue," he said.
He added that the group was taken aback when he announced that he would not attend Tuesday's meeting. He stressed that the FF Plus holds no animosity toward the DA, only disappointment in its premature processes - referring to the DA's decision last year to end its coalition agreement with the FF Plus.
"One must look at the bigger picture and at the people of George. Whether you move left or right, you'll face criticism," said Van Niekerk. "I am waiting for a call from Corné."
• The FF Plus holds four seats in the George Council.
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