Councillor resigns amid swirl of political intrigue

EMBATTLED Kannaland local municipality councillor Phillip Antonie tendered his resignation to the council yesterday following an outcry because he was in the post “despite having been expelled from the ANC”.

His resignation came as the municipality's acting municipal manager, Roland Butler, has been accused of “failing” to declare a vacancy to the council despite various letters informing him to do so.

However, Butler refuted the claims as false, saying a municipal manager was obliged to adhere to statutory requirements and should not be driven by opportunists.

Antonie's resignation follows allegations that he was found guilty at a disciplinary hearing conducted by the regional disciplinary committee and expelled from the ANC for five years. It is understood that Antonie was accused of working in coalition with the DA against a directive from the ANC national executive committee.

A letter informing Antonie of his expulsion was never responded to and no appeal was lodged with the national disciplinary committee of appeals.

He denied the allegations yesterday, saying he had never received any letter informing him that he had been expelled from the ANC.

“I resigned just for the sake of resigning.

“In my opinion, I am a member of the ANC until 2026. I can send you proof of that.

“I never received a letter that I was expelled for misconduct or that my membership was terminated,” he said.

Butler confirmed the resignation, saying Antonie had submitted his letter of resignation to his office.

“He resigned and thanked the ANC for the opportunity and trust in him. He resigned in good faith and spirit. A vacancy will be declared, due to the resignation of the councillor.

“The comment that I have refused to declare a vacancy is false. A municipal manager is obliged to adhere to statutory requirements and should not be driven by opportunists. The provincial structures of the ANC are up to date with the status of the process,” said Butler.

Provincial ANC head of communications Sifiso Mtsweni said they had received his resignation and, once the vacancy had been declared, the ANC would fill it. “There have been internal processes that have unfolded which culminated in his resignation from the council and we can confirm his resignation,” said Mtsweni.

Local government MEC Anton Bredell's office said they would respond to questions in due course.