GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,
GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
13 May 2025
The GOOD Party in Drakenstein Municipality has formally resubmitted a proposal to Speaker Koos le Roux, calling for the livestreaming of all council sittings during the 2025/2026 financial year. This follows a similar motion first introduced by the GOOD Party in 2024, which recommended that all Drakenstein Municipal Council sittings be broadcast live across major social media platforms and displayed in all municipal buildings hosting administrative offices and public libraries. Across South Africa, municipalities are increasingly embracing digital platforms to ensure residents have real-time access to council proceedings that directly impact their lives. Yet, in Drakenstein, the opposite remains the norm.
A legal opinion obtained from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) confirms that Drakenstein’s Rules of Order (2014) are outdated and urgently require revision. These rules must be brought in line with Act No. 3 of 2021: Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Act, particularly Sections 29, 29A, 30, 37, 41, 56, 63, 79, and 81. SALGA further confirms that new regulations now support the facilitation of virtual and hybrid council meetings, promoting greater inclusivity and transparency.
In a time when citizens are demanding greater accountability from their elected officials, Drakenstein’s continued resistance to public access equates to shielding councillors from scrutiny, hiding behind concrete walls and closed doors. This is unacceptable. Transparency, accessibility, and accountability are not buzzwords, they are principles of good governance. These values must be consistently demonstrated through meaningful action, not selectively invoked for political gain.
Drakenstein has the financial capacity to implement livestreaming. Ironically, the Mayor’s annual budget speech is streamed live to communities, proving both the technical feasibility and public appetite for greater access. Why then, are general and special council sittings, along with Section 80 committee meetings, excluded?
The GOOD Party remains committed to achieving full access to council proceedings for the residents of Drakenstein. Should this proposal be denied again, it will be a clear signal that Speaker Koos le Roux and the current council leadership are more concerned with maintaining control over perception than enabling true transparency.
Media enquiries:media@forgood.org.za