GOOD statement by Lawrence Troon,
GOOD Nelson Mandela Bay Councillor
09 May 2025
The GOOD Party is deeply concerned by the continued inaction regarding Councillor Gary van Niekerk, despite clear findings against him and the legal processes that have unfolded.
Councillor van Niekerk was given seven days to respond to a letter from Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, dated 20 February 2025. The letter demanded that he explain why he should not be suspended or removed from office. To our knowledge, Councillor van Niekerk has failed to make any submissions in response.
The letter followed the conclusion of a multi-party committee investigation which unanimously found Councillor van Niekerk guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct for councillors. This should have been the final straw. It is unacceptable that no decisive action has yet been taken. As GOOD, we strongly believe that Gary van Niekerk has long forfeited the trust of the public and any claim to ethical leadership.
van Niekerk is under investigation by the Hawks for cyber fraud and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act, charges stemming from his conduct in 2022.
After failing to attend Council for nearly six months due to internal conflicts within his party, the Northern Alliance. He illegally procured a legal opinion at municipal expense for party-political purposes, against the instructions of the Acting Municipal Manager.
The committee’s findings and his refusal to properly respond to the MEC’s letter, reinforce a pattern of disregard for governance, accountability, and ethical standards.
The so-called “suspension” previously imposed by the ANC-led coalition in Nelson Mandela Bay was not only unlawful, as there is no legal provision for the suspension of an elected political office bearer, but also a transparent attempt to shield van Niekerk from proper consequence.
Van Niekerk has become a symbol of the rot and political protectionism that undermines our municipality and erodes public trust. It is time for the MEC to act decisively, and for Council to stop enabling impunity. We repeat our call for Gary van Niekerk to be permanently removed from office. Fraud and corruption cannot be allowed to flourish unchecked in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Media enquiries:media@forgood.org.za