by Christopher Phiri, Cllr – DA Caucus Leader, Sol Plaatje Municipality ![]() Date: 08 July 2020Release: Immediate Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English & Afrikaans from Christopher Phiri, Cllr. The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns the irresponsible behaviour of Sol Plaatje Mayor, Patrick Mabilo, who is believed to have attended an Ordinary Council Meeting whilst under suspicion of being infected with Covid-19.It is public knowledge that Mabilo went for a Coronavirus test on Thursday, 2nd July 2020, after not feeling well. He since took the decision to self-isolate.The DA, however, has it on good authority that while a very close contact of Mabilo received a positive Covid-19 diagnosis on Monday, 29 June 2020, Mabilo proceeded to attend a council meeting the very next day (Tuesday, 30 June 2020), knowing full well that there was a strong likelihood that he may also have been infected with the virus. In addition to this, the Speaker, who was well aware of the situation, tacitly approve Mabilo’s attendance at the council meeting, failing to inform fellow councillors of the added risk of attending the meeting, or alternatively instructing the mayor not to attend, or rather to attend virtually.A responsible leader would have immediately self-isolated and avoided contact with councillors and staff members, who he should be trying to protect, not infect.The DA considers the non-disclosure of possible Covid-19 infections in a very serious light and we have written to the Speaker, Ingrid Koopman, expressing our outrage at what transpired on the 30th June 2020.Given the ongoing risk that Coronavirus presents, coupled with the fact that Sol Plaatje leadership has again proven itself unable to lead in the best interests of its staff members and councillors, the DA has, for the time being, taken a decision not to attend any contact or face to face meetings of Sol Plaatje municipality. We are further requesting a certificate confirming decontamination of the City Hall, council chambers and any other area deemed to be a working area for councillors.We further wish to remind fellow councillors, officials and members of the public that, in terms of the President’s specific set of regulations that were enacted under the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 on 18 March 2020, a person can be held criminally liable if he she knew that he/she has contracted the Covid-19 virus and intentionally exposes someone else to the virus. Such person might be criminally charged for assault, attempted murder or even murder.We appeal to everyone, including individuals, managers and leaders, to act responsibly at all times. Everyone needs to change their behavior and strive to create safer working and living conditions., not aggravate the raging Covid-19 through recklessness. Media Enquiries Christopher Phiri, CllrDA Caucus Leader, Sol Plaatje Municipality078 740 9930 Shelley De WittResearcher082 847 1387 |
