‘In committee’ warning on secret council business

PLETTENBERG BAY - Bitou Mayor Claude Terblanche has "reminded" councillors of the Code of Conduct for Councillors about releasing information about in-committee, or secret, items that serve in front of the council.

Terblanche’s warning, although not specifically linked to any individual, highlighted a social media post by former Bitou mayor Dave Swart about dispelling rumours of Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani's "resignation" from the municipality.

According to Swart, Memani has not resigned, but has been placed on suspension for various allegations based on a report from Terblanche, the new mayor. Swart said in an urgent special in-committee council meeting on Wednesday 21 February, the ruling coalition of ANC-PDC-PA-IPM councillors voted by a majority of seven votes to six to place Memani on suspension.

Seven days

Swart, the Ward 2 Councillor in Bitou, said Memani had seven days to respond with reasons why he should not be placed on suspension. “Should the MM be suspended, the ANC-led coalition in council has authorised the mayor (Terblanche) to appoint an investigator to investigate the allegations," he said.

"On 21 February the ANC-led coalition reconsidered the suspension of the CFO, preferring to first allow him to conclude the 2024/5 budget process to avoid possible financial collapse if this is not done properly,” said Swart.

Terblanche asked Speaker Sandiso Gcabayi to remind councillors that in-committee matters may not be disclosed on social media, "even if they are trying to impress their few supporters”.

“We all took an oath to always act in the best interests of the municipality and perhaps the time has come for you, Speaker, to remind certain councillors of that oath as they seem to have forgotten,” said Terblanche.

Media conference

At a media conference after the council meeting, Terblanche elaborated on his 100-day plan that was officially introduced at the meeting, saying the “Plett culture” needs to be brought back. “We will do that by reviewing the responsiveness of the festive season programme such as lifting of unnecessary restriction on venues and the review of tariffs. The days will be gone where our people do not feel welcome at our beautiful beaches during festive seasons,” said Terblanche. Other aspects of the plan include the establishment of environmental advisory committee and receipt of its first introductory report.

Terblanche said the municipality will be organising an investment conference in April and the marketing of the conference should start immediately. The council will also meet with the business chamber. In addition, the business process will be reviewed for the infrastructure, planning and environmental service departments. He will also launch a mayoral sports festival at Easter and said that he has mandated his office to form a new interim sports council following the disbandment of the previous sports council. The land audit will be reviewed or completed, to enable Bitou to understand what is earmarked for particular land and also what zoning applies. The municipality will also be pursuing partnerships with international stakeholders in respect of food security.