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GEORGE NEWS - A group of opposition councillors from different political parties, including the ANC, Good Party, PBI, EFF and PA, is currently occupying the second floor of George Municipality, demanding access to the council chambers.
“We need to caucus,” said Good Councillor Theresa Jeyi. “There is no good reason why we can’t have access to the chambers. End of last year we were allowed, and tomorrow another meeting by the social housing committee will take place here. We are just over twenty people. It is not fair.”
The first George council meeting started at 12:00 today, 26 January. The meetings are still being held on a virtual platform due to a lack of space and safety precautions.
Asked about the reason why parties may not caucus in the chambers, municipal spokesperson Chantel Edwards said, “Speaker Sean Snyman confirms that only two opposition parties requested venues for the ordinary council meeting of today, 26 January 2023 (ANC and Good).
Both parties were notified of the two venues made available to them on Wednesday afternoon by e-mail, and those venues have been prepared accordingly. The Speaker in fact also pre-emptively ensured that a third venue was available in the event it was required today.
“The use of the council chambers last year was irregular, by forced entry and included members of the public. The Speaker made a ruling to allow the occupation then in the interest of service delivery and noted at the time the proviso that it would not be permitted again.
“The current occupation of the second floor is in contradiction of this ruling made by the Speaker and displays conduct unbecoming of councillors.”
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