GOOD Statement by Sonia Bentley,
GOOD Oudtshoorn Councillor
1 March 2023
The Oudtshoorn Council must urgently assemble a disciplinary committee to deal with Councillor (and former Deputy Mayor) Mlandeli Nyuka who is currently sitting in jail awaiting trial on sex offences.
Although Cllr Nyuka may be innocent until found guilty by a court of law, the criminal charges he is facing are serious and GOOD maintains that it is inappropriate for him to remain in his position in Council.
Cllr Nyuka was charged in early October with sexually assaulting an employee in his office and was refused bail. While in custody, he has been unable to perform any of his functions as Councillor nor has he been able to attend meetings. Yet, he continues to receive a monthly salary.
Cllr Nyuka, of the Suid-Kaap Saamstaan Party, was appointed as Deputy Mayor in June 2022 after a DA-led coalition took over Council. While he resigned from that position in November last year, it appears they have avoided taking further action, as it may have an impact on their fragile power in the town.
Residents deserve better than to have Councillors serving them who are charged with serious sexual, and gender based, violent crimes.
The Code of Conduct for Councilors, per the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, provides the following:
5(b) a Councilor “must at all times act in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the municipality are not compromised.”
Following, GOOD’s enquiry into his current role in the Municipality, the Speaker claimed that disciplinary steps cannot be taken because he has not yet pleaded in court.
Not only is this argument irrelevant, but it’s an insult to residents. Nothing prevents Council from proceeding with an investigation into his conduct before he has pleaded.
He simply should not, and cannot, serve his community from behind bars.
Media Enquiries:
Sonia Bentley, GOOD Oudtshoorn Councillor
Cell: 0786100741
Email: soniabentley2@gmail.com
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za