GOOD Press Statement by Suzette Little,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor & Caucus Chairperson
28 September 2022
The GOOD party takes note of the decision by Councillor Zahid Badroodien to step down from his position as a Mayoral Committee Member while he faces a disciplinary hearing on allegations of tampering with an electricity meter.
This is an unfortunate incident for which the MMC for Water and Sanitation must now face the consequences, just like any other resident in the City of Cape Town.
Electricity Meter Tampering constitutes an offence in terms of the City’s own Electricity Supply By-Law. The penalty can be a fine of R10 000 or imprisonment, or imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The City does not hesitate to take action against unelected residents who find themselves in a similar positions, often enforcing heavy punitive measures. In many cases residents claim to also have a valid explanation, yet the City refuses to even look into the matter.
While we appreciate that Cllr Badroodien’s matter is being investigated and that the matter is now before the Council Disciplinary Committee, GOOD calls on the City to ensure that he is not, at any point, given special treatment.
Badroodien must be disciplined for breaching the Councillor Code of Conduct, but he must also face the criminal charges, as provided for in the by-law, like any other resident accused of tampering with electricity meters and stealing electricity.
Such behaviour by any resident, no matter their position or status, cannot be condoned and should not simply be dealt with through an internal disciplinary process.
Media Enquiries:
Suzette Little, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 073 321 5036
Email: suzettel@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za