GOOD Statement by Chantelle Kyd ,
GOOD George Councillor
5 December 2024
The GOOD Party welcomes the resignation of Deputy Mayor of George Municipality Raybin Figland.
Moments before a motion of no confidence, brought to council by GOOD, the Deputy Mayor resigned.
And although today’s outcome is a victory for residents of George, it is shocking that it has taken Figland and the DA this long to do the right thing.
Figland has been accused of forcing a schoolgirl to send him naked photographs of herself.
The DA said they were unable to proceed with their internal investigation because the alleged victim was not willing to participate in the giving of evidence.
Despite a damning initial investigation done by the DA’s own Federal Legal Commission, the DA’s internal disciplinary process lifted his internal party suspension.
During the DA’s Federal Legal Commission, Glynnis Breytenbach interviewed the victim, her father and Figland.
The findings defined Figland as someone who ‘lies without hesitation’.
And found Figland to have engaged in grossly inappropriate conduct.
GOOD remains steadfast in our belief that councillors should be held to higher standard.
Figland may be leaving the council, effective 31 January 2025, but as GOOD we will continue with the Public Protector process we initiated.
The office of the Public Protector confirms they are investigating our complaint.
Extorting explicit images from a schoolgirl is improper conduct and unbecoming of a public office bearer.
Media Enquiries:media@forgood.org.za