Helen Zille jets in with legal eagles

GEORGE NEWS - Helen Zille, the chair of the DA's Federal Council, made a quick stop in George yesterday, Wednesday 25 January on her way to Johannesburg, to meet with local members of the DA and Freedom Front Plus.

She was accompanied by a legal team from the governance unit and was met by George Mayor Leon van Wyk at the entrance to George Municipality shortly after 13:00.

This comes after a special council meeting on 9 December last year when a contentious issue relating to the mayor's alleged reluctance to table accusations against the municipal manager, Dr Michele Gratz, was not finalised.

The matter had political ramifi-cations and even raised questions on the stability and health of the coalition. George Council is governed by a coalition between the majority party, the DA, and the Freedom Front Plus as well as the ACDP. It is believed that the FF Plus took a stand and that even in the DA caucus there is difference of opinion.

When George Herald asked about the purpose of her visit, she answered politely, "We are here to give legal advice to our caucus. They wanted legal advice, here is our legal adviser." She emphasised that the legal advisor is from the governance unit and not from the DA. She said it is not about tension in the coalition, but about the correct legal route to take.

Asked whether the coalition is still intact, she said "yes". "There are two legal opinions and there are questions about them." She said it relates to council matters.

"The legal opinions say the same thing, but there are questions," said Zille. She confirmed that she will be meeting with the Freedom Front Plus and DA Caucus. She added with a smile, "With everybody."

In a statement released by the PBI on Tuesday 24 January, the party said they were aware of her looming visit. "Very serious allegations are contained in reports submitted by individuals who quitted their jobs due to alleged pressure from senior officials," reads the statement.

"These allegations are serious of nature and cannot be left unattended to or derailed by corrupt and conflicted processes."

Mayor Leon van Wyk (right) steps it up to join Helen Zille (left) and her legal team.

Background

Allegations against Gratz found their way to the mayor through a letter by the municipal workers union Samwu at the end of October. The letter was never tabled before council.

One of the matters Samwu asked to be investigated, the reasons leading to the resignation of two labour relations officers, was also driven home by the PBI, who allegedly sent the mayor the sworn affidavits by these officers, containing allegations against Gratz. These too were never tabled before council.

Although Samwu's letter had been answered in full by the mayor, there is a general feeling in council that whatever the accusations might be, the mayor should, according to regulations, table any accusations against the MM, or for that matter, any director, before council within seven days of receipt.

Apparently there had been a disagreement about the interpretation of the law during the meeting on 9 December and the mayor was asked to obtain further information about the matter.

The PBI threatened with an urgent interdict should the case be handled procedurally incorrectly. At the time, Van Wyk said that the issue was before council and, because it was confidential, could not be discussed in the media.

On record: Helen Zille answers a few questions by George Herald journalist Eugene Gunning before her meeting at George Municipality. Photo: Michelle Pienaar