Update

GEORGE NEWS - The Good party is not ready to let Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland off the hook, although the DA and George Council claim they’ve tied all the loose ends in Figland’s alleged sexting matter with a 19-year-old matriculant.

Shortly after a special council meeting on Tuesday 19 November, Good submitted a motion of no confidence in Figland to the office of Speaker Sean Snyman. This was confirmed by Snyman, who said the motion will serve during an ordinary council meeting in due course. 

Councillor Darryl Coeries from the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) seconded the motion.

Responding to a request for comment, Figland said it is the right of any political party to submit a motion of no confidence against a political office holder. “The process must take its course. Good acts within their right, and this must be handled in terms of the Rules of Order for Council.”

Figland’s suspension from party activities was lifted by the DA on Monday 11 November after he was suspended from all DA party activities in March this year. During this time the DA and George Council conducted separate investigations into Figland’s alleged sexting with a matric learner in 2021.

The DA's national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, last week said it was established that the young woman involved was over the age of 18 at the time the alleged incident occurred, ruling out allegations of criminal liability. 

Aucamp said it was impossible for the (disciplinary) panel to convict Figland in the matter as the key witness (the woman in question) refused to testify.

Council also believes the matter has been dealt with. An earlier report by Schröter Attorneys indicated that there is no reliable evidence to proceed to act on the matter.

In their statement earlier today, Good Councillor Chantelle Kyd said the DA has the right to handle their internal matters as they see fit, but that Council has a duty to step in if the DA is unable to hold their member accountable. 

“Figland is not an ordinary member of the DA, he is a public figure who has been deployed in a senior position of power,” said Kyd. “We have requested a secret ballot to ensure that Councillors are not intimidated or victimised for voting according to their conscience.”

Chantelle Kyd

The motion of no confidence is based on: 

• The non-compliance of the Deputy Mayor to fulfil his duties, obligations and responsibilities in terms of Chapter 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa;
• The Deputy Mayor abusing his office for personal pleasure; and
• the Deputy Mayor contravening the Code of Conduct of Councillors.

Aside to their motion in council, Good also lodged a complaint at the office of the Public Protector. 

They are hoping for a progress update before 29 November.

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