GOOD statement by Bongani Sonqwenqwe ,
GOOD Overberg District Councillor
27 January 2025
The GOOD Party welcomes the ousting of Swellendam mayor Francois du Rand.We are optimistic that this vote will signal a change of leadership and bring an end to the political battles that have plunged the municipality into chaos.
In a special council meeting, the newly formed ANC and FF+ partnership voted to oust the DA mayor.du Rand has previously faced two motions of no confidence in his term, one of which was brought by his own party in 2022
The municipality in Swellendam has long been plagued by political battles since the DA, FF Plus coalition soured.
The DA’s controversial Municipal Manager, Anneleen Vorster Vorster, was suspended by FF+ Speaker, Juan van Schalkwyk pending an investigation into alleged misconduct within the supply chain process.
Swellendam then had three acting Municipal Managers in a month.Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Anton Bredell intervened and confirmed that the suspension of Vorster did not follow due process. And the subsequent acting appointments were also flawed.
This pattern of continued power struggles and self-interest has resulted in a dysfunctional municipality that is no longer serving the people.
Du Rand and Vorster have proven unashamedly anti-transformation and divisive, running Swellendam like an apartheid-era separate development relic.
A new Mayor will be elected next week Monday.
We urge the council to elect a new Mayor who will put the interest of the people first.
Media enquiries:
Bongani Sonqwenqwe, Overberg District Councillor
Cell: 083 6911173
Email: sonqwenqwe@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za