Council Investigations Into Councillors Mrqhuli and Lento

GOOD Statement by Rosa Louw, GOOD George Municipality Councillor:

The GOOD Party in George expresses its concern over the misuse of disciplinary processes to target councillors for fulfilling their duties to the communities they were elected to serve.

Councillor Vulindlela Mrqhuli (ANC): Alleged Obstruction of Law Enforcement

The investigation into Councillor Mrqhuli, purportedly for obstructing law enforcement, is based on questionable grounds and insufficient evidence. It is deeply troubling that on the day in question, the council chamber’s security cameras were mysteriously not operational, conveniently removing any potential objective evidence.

This lack of transparency and credible proof undermines the legitimacy of the investigation. Strong language has been used to justify what ultimately amounts to political theatre. GOOD firmly believes councillors should not be intimidated or obstructed from representing their communities, and disciplinary procedures must be applied fairly and without bias.

Councillor Thembinkosi Lento (ANC): Alleged Interference in Administration

Similarly, the investigation into Councillor Lento stems from his efforts to ensure that the community in his ward was fairly represented in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget processes, a fundamental responsibility of any ward councillor.

For far too long, public participation has been treated as a tick-box exercise. When communities are excluded from these processes, councillors become scapegoats for the frustration of residents whose voices are ignored. Councillor Lento’s intervention was in line with his mandate as an elected representative.

The GOOD Party does not support the recommendations arising from these one-sided and politically charged investigations led by the Democratic Alliance. These matters set a dangerous precedent where councillors can be punished for doing the work they were elected to do – representing the people.

We call for fair, transparent, and substantiated processes that uphold the integrity of public office, rather than weaponising procedures for political ends.

GOOD Youth Focus: The party places a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and engagement.

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