GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,
GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
25 August 2023
The GOOD party is shocked that the DA Caucus in Drakenstein continues to protect Mayor Conrad Poole over the residents who voted them into power.
Poole and members of his executive are allegedly facing an internal DA investigation for allegations of a pay-for-jobs scheme.
In today’s General Council sitting, the Speaker, Koos Le Roux refused to consider questions by opposition parties regarding the allegations.
He once again claimed the issue is under investigation by his office and is sub judice.
This was previously the Speaker’s reason for rejecting GOOD’s request for a special council meeting in response to the corruption allegations.
I rose on rule 39, a Motion of Exigency, which allows members to direct the attention of the council to any matter which does not appear on the agenda and of which no previous notice has been given.
As the council, it is our primary duty to the residents to perform oversight of council members.
We need to know if the DA caucus knew that the mayor was being investigated by the party.
I requested the Mayor and his executive be excluded from the vote as it directly relates to them.
However, the Speaker proceeded by putting the question to the council to determine if the mayor and Mayco should be excused.
When I rose and sought clarity, stating that it was unethical and frankly not right. The speaker asked that I leave the council.
It remains the Democratic Alliance’s responsibility to inform the people if they are investigating the mayor.
It has been over a week since the allegations came to light and the GOOD party requested an investigation into Mayor Conrad Poole and his team but the DA has failed to confirm or deny the allegations.
The speaker and the DA caucus should have allowed opposition parties to field their questions. This would have shown true leadership and given the residents transparency and the answers they deserve.
It is becoming evident the DA will cast aside its own values, just to protect an individual.
Media Enquiries:
Keagen Gertse, GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
Cell: 081 063 7749
Email: keagengertse@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 550 9875
Email: media@forgood.org.za