Western Cape Government Welcomes Oudtshoorn Judgement

Statement by Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

The Western Cape Government welcomes the Judgment made by Honourable Judge Schippers. I approached the Western Cape High Court as I was of the view that the Speaker of Oudtshoorn Municipality was conducting himself unlawfully and in his own personal interest.

The Court confirmed on Friday, 15 November, that the actions of the Speaker were indeed unlawful and mala fide. The Court also handed down two cost orders against the Speaker in his personal capacity.

The Court has thereby reinforced the principle that all Speakers must perform their responsibilities impartially and in good faith or face the consequences.

The majority of Councillors will now have the opportunity in terms of the Rules of Order Regulating the Conduct of Meetings of Council of the Municipality of Oudsthoorn to call for a Council meeting to be convened to consider and put to vote a motion of no confidence in the Speaker, Executive Mayor and Deputy Executive Mayor of the Oudsthoorn Municipality.

I regard the ruling as a positive outcome for democracy in the Oudtshoorn Municipality.