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On 31 January 2024 the leadership of GOOD received a complaint of sexual assault and sexual harassment against GOOD member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, Peter De Villiers.

GOOD is a women-led party, with a Constitution containing a set of real values to which all members subscribe and account irrespective of their positions.

GOOD’s Constitution deals comprehensively and unequivocally with gender rights and sexual misconduct. The party is proud of its record of advocacy for the equal rights of women and girls, and against the plague of gender-based violence in South Africa.

The nature of the allegations against De Villiers were sufficiently serious to demand his immediate suspension from GOOD pending an internal investigation followed, if warranted, by the convening of a formal disciplinary hearing.

The party has concluded an internal investigation, and resolved to institute a formal hearing in accordance with its Constitution.

The allegations and prima facie evidence against De Villiers do not create an assumption of guilt. The GOOD Constitution provides for a fair and just disciplinary process to adjudicate the matter.

De Villiers was served with a Charge Sheet on 23 February 2024, and oral evidence will commence on 7 March 2024.

The hearing is set down for two days. The party will communicate the finding of the hearing once it is delivered to us.

GOOD has appointed an independent Disciplinary Hearing Chairperson, Adv Lionel Esau, and an independent initiator (to fulfil the prosecutorial function), Adv Peter Cyster. 

GOOD is advised that Mr David Van der Merwe, of attorneys Leon Frank & Partners, is De Villiers’ attorney of record, and that Adv Mias Schreuder SC has been briefed to represent him at the hearing.

Issued by Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament