GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,
GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
25 March 2025
The GOOD Party in Drakenstein Municipality has laid a formal complaint with the Department of Public Safety after DA ward councillor, Ruth Arnolds, was photographed violating sections of the Public Amenities By-law No. 8, 2007.
On the morning of Saturday 15 March 2025, councillor Arnolds, with other DA members in attendance, took to the public park in Dr. Abduraghman Avenue, Van Wyksvlei, and prepared several pots of potjiekos for the community.
And although their intentions were well-meaning, GOOD believes it is important that public representatives should uphold the municipality’s bylaws at all times.
Not only did the team cause unnecessary damage to the facilities by digging large holes in the ground, to serve as makeshift fire pits for cooking but open flames in a public park are a serious safety risk.
The by-law prohibits excavation, damaging or disfiguring anything at such facilities, and it prohibits people from bringing food or alcoholic beverages into a public amenity. The municipality has other facilities on offer that have braai areas available. We believe councillor Arnolds should have utilised one of these for her event.
In terms of section 15 of the by-law any person who contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of the by-law shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a fine or imprisonment, or both.
Councillor Arnolds is a seasoned politician having been a councillor for almost 20 years, she should know that her actions set the tone for the community. If councillors are willing to break the municipal rules, how can Drakenstein expect residents to uphold them?
Media enquiries: media@forgood.org.za