George Coalition: Chantelle Will Not Be Silenced

I have formally tendered my resignation as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Planning and Development in the George Municipality.

This decision did not come easily. I have served with dedication and integrity, motivated by a commitment to public service and the urgent need for transparency and accountability, especially in the wake of the tragic building collapse that claimed 34 lives. But I can no longer, in good conscience, remain in an executive role where truth is suppressed, accountability is avoided, and coalition partners are treated with contempt rather than respect.

The DA-led coalition in George has increasingly demonstrated a deep disregard for the principles of co-governance. There has been a consistent and deliberate pattern of sidelining, marginalising, and censoring coalition partners. This pattern extends to matters of national importance, such as the investigation into the building collapse, an issue I have been centrally involved in. Despite being the MMC responsible for Planning, I was effectively gagged from speaking on the very matter I was mandated to lead on.

It is unacceptable that the DA would choose to table critical reports behind closed doors, bar the media, and deny coalition partners the opportunity to address the public truthfully. This behaviour is authoritarian, and it erodes the foundation of partnership and accountability upon which coalitions should be built.

Over time, it has become increasingly clear that the DA expects its coalition partners to simply fall in line, regardless of principle, process, or public interest. When concerns are raised, they are dismissed without engagement. The ethos of consensus is replaced with majoritarian arrogance. This is not coalition governance. It is control masquerading as cooperation.