GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,
GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
28 October 2023
The Drakenstein Municipal Council today unanimously voted to refer evidence of suspected misconduct by Mayor Conrad Poole to an external independent disciplinary panel.
This comes after GOOD wrote to the Speaker in August to inform him of allegations circulating in the media about a pay-for-jobs scheme that allegedly exists on the Mayco.
The Speaker, in terms of his powers, preliminary investigated the matter and found that reasonable suspicion of a breach of the councillor’s Code of Conduct exists, and the matter was subsequently referred to an external independent investigator.
As a result of this investigation by the law firm, the Speaker was furnished with a report that indicated a possible contravention of section 2(a) and (b), which focuses on the general conduct of councillors as it relates to representing the elected office in good faith, as well as sections 7 and 12 of the Code, respectively referring to personal gain and interfering in the administration.
Council has therefore decided that establishing a disciplinary committee would be the best route to test the prima facie findings against Mayor Poole.
We note that establishing a disciplinary committee is not a finding of guilt, but that it allows for evidence to be tested. Should the Mayor indeed be found guilty of allegations against him, action must be taken.
GOOD welcomes this decision in support of justice, accountability and a zero tolerance for corruption.
Media Enquiries:
Keagen Gertse, GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
Cell: 081 063 7749
Email: keagengertse@gmail.com
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za