Oudtshoorn: Opposition boycott Council Meeting

Opposition Political parties have seemingly boycotted a scheduled meeting of the newly convened Oudtshoorn town council this morning.

Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, has expressed his extreme disappointment at the opposition’s continued lack of co-operation in Oudtshoorn.

“The opposition parties, led by the ANC seem to be determined to block progress in Oudtshoorn, despite the hard work being done by the administration team. The administration is backed by the national government as well as the provincial government and if not for the attitudes of the opposition in the council, Oudtshoorn can be turned around much quicker.”

Bredell says the opposition had placed a motion of no confidence in the current mayor and speaker of Oudtshoorn on the agenda for today’s meeting but then seemingly decided not to attend the meeting when it became clear the motion would not pass.

“One member of a smaller opposition party sent an apology. No other apology was received and not one reason was given for the lack of attendance. Accordingly there was no quorum and the meeting could not continue with its business of the day. This is extremely disappointing and frustrating.”

Bredell says the intervention will continue regardless and the meeting will be rescheduled.

“I call on the opposition and the leadership of the opposition parties in the Western Cape and in particular the ANC, to help us fix Oudtshoorn. Ultimately politicians serve at the will of the people and must endeavor to improve people’s lives at all times. Playing petty political games is not in the best interest of the people of Oudtshoorn.”