FREEDOM Front Plus councillor Juan van Schalkwyk in Swellendam thwarted plans to elect a DA mayor when he resigned ahead of a council meeting on Monday.
The DA had put forward Francois du Rand, who was recently ousted though an ANC-sponsored motion of no confidence, backed by Van Schalkwyk. This decision landed him in hot water with his party for siding with the ANC, and prompted an investigation.
Ahead of Monday’s council meeting, DA Western Cape leader Tertius Simmers welcomed the FF+ Federal Executive’s decision to ensure that Van Schalkwyk will support Du Rand in the mayoral vote in council, saying: “This support is conditional on an investigation into allegations made by Councillor van Schalkwyk against Alderman Du Rand.”
However, Van Schalkwyk dropped a bombshell when he resigned as council Speaker and member of the FF Plus, saying his values and principles were not up for negotiation.
A statement attributed to him read: “My dignity is worth more than political maneuvering, and my integrity is not for sale. I will not compromise on what is right. That is why today, I refuse to cast my vote for Francois du Rand as Mayor.
“The facts before me are undeniable. They paint a clear picture - one that reveals he has not acted in the best interests of the people of Swellendam. These concerns are not minor; they are grave enough to not only disqualify him from leading but to demand that he step aside while a full and transparent investigation unfolds.”
FF Plus provincial leader Corné Mulder noted the resignation and said it was “counter to the decision taken by the FF Plus's executive structures in the interest of justice, transparency and credibility”.
“The FF Plus hopes that his resignation will not unduly influence the investigation into the allegations against the former DA Mayor. The FF Plus is committed to being a reliable coalition partner and will continue to fulfil this role for the people of the Western Cape,” said Mulder.
Cape Times