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Date
: 06/03/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Cobus: Congratulations to Cape Town City for pledge to act
against councillors
STATEMENT BY COBUS DOWRY, MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN WESTERN
CAPE: CITY OF CAPE TOWN MUST BE CONGRATULATED FOR THE PROMISE OF
STERN ACTION AGAINST COUNCILLORS
The Speaker of the City of Cape Town, Councillor Gavin Paulse, must
be praised for his viewpoint that action will be taken against
councillors who stay away from meetings and city activities. It is
clear that the City of Cape Town is now displaying the necessary
political will to act against councillors.
The Code of Conduct for councillors is effective as long as it is
correctly applied. It is a requirement of the Municipal Systems Act
that the Speaker must see to it that each councillor must receive a
copy of the Code of Conduct when they take up office. It must
furthermore be available in every room or venue where the council
meets. Perhaps it has become necessary to once again impress the
Code of Conduct upon councillors in the Western Cape.
There are ample mechanisms within the Code of Conduct, which make
it possible for a Speaker to act against councillors. Without the
necessary political will the Code of Conduct is worthless. The
legislation has been drafted in such a way that the local sphere of
government must investigate alleged breaches of the Code of
Conduct. When alleged breaches come to my attention, I will not
hesitate to refer it to the relevant Speaker. My experience in this
regard, however, is that the political will is sometimes lacking,
or that there is a hesitancy to act.
The proper application of the Code of Conduct is in the hands of
the Speaker who is responsible for the order and discipline in the
council. It is clear that the City of Cape Town is now serious
about the conduct of councillors and it is welcomed.
In terms of Section 13 of the Code of Conduct it is the legal duty
of the Speaker to authorise an investigation when there is a breach
of the Code of Conduct because discipline, which is conducive for
good governance, revolve around the Speakers.
Enquiries: Jan Bosman on 083-7755-312
Issued by Western Cape Department of Local Government
6 March 2003
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