GOOD Press statement by Jonathan Cupido,
GOOD Cape Town Councillor & IEC Provincial Party Liaison Committee Representative
22 March 2023
The GOOD Party is appalled by the conduct of the DA during the recent Barrydale by-election campaign where a Councillor coerced a voter to remove and destroy his GOOD t-shirt.
In a video circulating online, Cllr Sammy Fredericks, from the Theewaterskloof Municipality, can be seen instructing a member of the public to remove and rip apart his GOOD t-shirt, in exchange for a DA one.
While we acknowledge that all voters have the right to determine by themselves who they wish to support during elections, exploitive actions such as these are extremely concerning.
This behaviour is also in complete violation of the The Electoral Act 73 of 1998 Schedule 2, Election Code of Conduct (section 99) which makes provision for how elections must be contested:
- Purpose of the Code 1.0 (a) tolerance of democratic political activity
- Prohibited Conduct
9.1 (a) (ii) the intimidation of candidates, members of parties, representatives or supporters or candidates;
9.2 (d) deface or unlawfully remove or destroy the billboards, placards, posters or any other election materials of a party or candidate.
This community deserves a party that is guided by leaders who are dedicated to their upliftment – and not their exploitation. They should have a democratic right to freely choose a political party based on the party’s values.
GOOD has submitted a complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the matter to be investigated, where-after, a public apology must be submitted to the GOOD party by Cllr Frederick, and for the commission to determine the appropriate action that would need to be follow.
Media Enquiries:
Jonathan Cupido, GOOD Cape Town Councillor & IEC Provincial Party Liaison Committee Representative
Cell: 068 541 4888
Email: jonathanc@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za