The Western Cape High Court has granted the DA’s urgent application to interdict salary payments to illegally appointed political cronies in Knysna.

The first business of the ANC/Patriotic Alliance/EFF/PBI Coalition of Corruption after they ousted the DA-led coalition government, was to illegally change the municipal organogram to accommodate eight cadres. They also did not follow any due process in appointing their cronies.

The DA immediately approached the Western Cape High Court to stop the illegal salary payments in the first instance (Part A) and to declare the changes to the organogram and subsequent appointments unconstitutional (Part B).

In his judgement on Part A, Judge Henny stated: “On the facts before me, given the flagrant conduct of the respondents, and in particular, the mentioned respondent, the Deputy Executive Mayor, who was prepared to commit the fraud on this court. Should this court not grant the relief sought by the applicant, irreparable harm is likely to result if the remedy is not granted. Where they blatantly tried to mislead this court, were furtive in their conduct prior to the institution of the proceedings and where they, after having been made aware of the fact the appointments were unlawful and would result in irregular spending, in a reckless and calculated manner went ahead to have the appointments made and effect payment to the appointees.”

He also ruled that: “They did not care whether their conduct would amount to fruitless, wasteful and irregular spending of public money, despite being made aware thereof.”

The DA will not stand by while the Coalition of Corruption captures and destroys our town, as the ANC has done across South Africa. The judgement is a victory for democracy and it is a victory in our fight against corruption and cadre deployment.

 

Issued by Dr Dion George MP - DA Constituency Head, Knysna