Deputy takes one for the (DA) team

Amammoth task, real challenges and an uphill journey. Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke chose these words to describe the road ahead for George Municipality during her address to Council last Thursday after Mayor Melvin Naik was suspended by the DA.

As acting mayor, Clarke had the daunting task to address the George Council the very next day. Although Naik still holds the office of mayor (read more about this elsewhere on this page), he was on annual leave last week and Clarke had to face the music. With Municipal Manager Trevor Botha on sick leave, Director of Corporate Services Siphiwe

James acted as Municipal Manager. Both Botha and Naik returned to office on Monday.

“Given the fact that we appear to be in turmoil, we need to refrain from becoming emotional and concentrate on the task at hand,” said Clarke in her speech to Council.

She reminded councillors that their first and foremost responsibility is to their communities, and that the municipality needs to focus on service delivery and put personal politics aside. She mentioned the constant pressure of the influx of people migrating to the Garden Route, putting pressure on the economy and resources.

Heated emotions

The opposition accused her of only skimming the surface of Council’s troubles. It was unbearably hot in Council due to a faulty air conditioning system, and the stuffy conditions intensified the already heated exchanges.

PBI’s Virgill Gericke said the DA is still in denial and asked them to take responsibility “for this mess’’. He urged the DA to apologise to the city and be more transparent about the unfolding events.

Icosa’s Wilbur Harris said the municipality has failed the working class with poor service delivery.

“Fire your whole cabinet, Mr Bredell,’’ he said.

Good party’s Mercia Draghoender said it is indeed an uphill battle, and referred to the state of Maraiskamp. She said Clarke was not saying enough. ‘’We are waiting for the motion, we are waiting to hear if he (Naik) is in jail. We are waiting for the case number.’’

The ruling party had the final say in Council, and DA Chief Whip Marlene Barnardt stressed that the DA takes corruption very seriously. The ANC and other opposition parties then had a good laugh at the DA’s expense.

Barnardt said the DA is standing up for the city of George and that service delivery problems are receiving attention.

Photos: Michelle Pienaar ANC Councillor Langa Langa (right) is amused by DA Chief Whip Marlene Barnardt’s statement that her party believes in “open and transparent action”. On the left is Liza Stroebel of the DA.

Acting Mayor Charlotte Clarke takes on the daunting task of delivering a mayoral address the day after Mayor Melvin Naik’s suspension from the DA.