New mayor for Bitou Municipality?
concerns there are." A senior member of the new coalition also confirmed to KPH that Terblanche will be wearing the mayoral chain from tomorrow (Friday 2 February) – if votes of no confidence in Swart, Deputy Mayor Mavis Busakwe of the UAP, and Whip Annelise Olivier (DA) succeed.
The new alliance is made up of four ANC members, Terblanche's Plett Democratic Congress (PDC), Heinrigt Mitchell of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Nokuzola Kolwapi, of the Ikhwezi Political Movement (IPM). It leaves the DA-led coaliton with five DA councillors and one from the Active United Front (AUF), giving
the new alliance the majority.
Process to be followed
Terblanche told KPH, when asked about becoming Bitou’s new mayor, "It has come up in coalition talks and the process must still be followed through during the special council meeting on Friday. We will have to wait until it's implemented." He added that in the discussions, his work in the community had been recognised and revealed his commitment to the broader Plettenberg Bay community.
"At this moment we treat the motions as motions. Only after the motions are passed, can you conduct the election of mayors etc … So, my partners, the rest of the councillors that form the majority, are supporting me by indicating that they would like to see me be the mayor, if all goes well."
Mckenzie said in a statement, "Enough is enough in Bitou! The DA-led municipality ignored the real people of Bitou, pouring their money into their rich Ward 2, while our neighbourhoods suffer.
“I'm angry at the neglect we've faced, but full of hope for our future. Together, we'll fix Bitou and make it a town that cares for every single one of its people."
'Profoundly sad'
"Gayton McKenzie is basically taking over the PDC. He does that - goes from place to place fomenting racial discord and then claiming that he is the only person standing up for coloured people. He shamelessly alleges racism without any proof thereof, because it is the only argument he has. Facts don't feature," said Zille.
She said the developments were profoundly sad for Plett, which is a booming town. According to her, this has a lot to do with the fact that it was governed by a DA-led coalition. "This has created many jobs, from which the poor (in particular) have benefited. Tragically, some people seem to want to push Plett in the direction of the decaying Knysna in pursuit of their own advantage. I predict that Claude and his colleagues will regret this move within a year. People must learn through very bitter experiences when the race card is abused to stoke division within a community. Plett, sadly, will pay the price," Zille said.
Ratepayers Association
Steve Pattinson, chairperson of the Plett Ratepayers Association, said South Africans are no strangers to the power play within municipal coalitions.
"Although accusations have been levelled at the DA for breach of contract and their inability to maintain coalition harmony, in the absence of details, one can only consider this a clumsy attempt at diversion," he said.
"Of significant concern is the road ahead. The DA is far from perfect and our interactions and legal interventions over transparency of information regarding so many irregular expenditures are indicative of this fact. However, one cannot fault the significant financial recovery made since the financial chaos of the last ANC administration. Felix Lotter has proven to be a highly competent CFO and a straight shooter.
"It will be a huge red flag if he goes and it will send an unmistakeable signal as to intent.
“Additionally, our town is in great shape and the service delivery teams have been outstanding," said Pattinson.