Kheis Municipal Manager: Appointment flies in the face of 16 Days Activism campaign

Andrew Louw
DA Northern Cape Leader
082 383 6914

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes the Kheis Municipality’s appointment of a Municipal Manager, who reportedly has previously been convicted on a sexual related case, undermines the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Children awareness campaign.

The DA believes it is simply unacceptable that an individual, who has been convicted for charges of a sexual nature, can now be placed by the ANC-municipality into a position of such authority.

It is ironic that during the recently held special debate to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, the MEC of Social Development, Alvin Botes, and ANC MPLs, spoke out rousingly against violence and sexual abuse of women, yet in their municipality they had just appointed someone with a questionable record in this regard. Clearly the irony is lost on the ANC.

The DA has already attempted to have the appointment of the Municipal Manager suspended, as we still believe that not only is he unsuitable, but also his appointment was done without following due process. Although our recent urgent application to the Northern Cape High Court was dismissed, on the grounds that it was not urgent, we still maintain that the actual issue of the improper selection processes followed must be addressed.

I will be writing to Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements & Traditional Affairs MEC, Kenny Mmoiemang, requesting that he intervene in the Kheis Municipality. The DA believes that the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign deserves action and not lip-service from the ruling-party.