GOOD Statement by Jonathan Cupido ,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Whip
The GOOD Party Caucus will not support the Motion of No Confidence against Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis at tomorrow’s Council meeting. While we also have numerous concerns regarding Mayor Hill-Lewis and his administration, we believe that the matters raised in the motion should be addressed appropriately through a formal report to the Speaker. Any allegations must be supported by evidence and investigated via the proper Council processes.
After careful consideration of the NCC-sponsored motion, we have found no substantial evidence was provided indicating that the Mayor has violated his legal obligations as set out in the Municipal Structures Act, the Municipal Systems Act, or the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The City’s processes allow councillors to request information, and any person who believes that the Mayor has made unfounded allegations against them has the legal right to report the matter to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
We are reminded of a similar situation in 2018, when the Democratic Alliance brought spurious allegations against then-Mayor Patricia de Lille. Despite the seriousness of those accusations, they were clearly manufactured and no concrete evidence was presented to Council. As a result, legal action was taken, and the courts ruled in favour of Mayor De Lille.
As members of GOOD who experienced that situation first-hand, we are guided by the same principle now: allegations must be backed by evidence before action is taken.
As representatives of the GOOD Party, we will not support a motion based on personal grievances or subjective perceptions. Our responsibility is to act based on facts and what is formally presented to Council.
Media Enquiries:media@forgood.org.za