KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municiaplity Ward 10 councillor Peter Myers has been suspended from his duties as councillor following findings against him in an investigation by Western Cape Minister for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
Myers was under investigation after a complaint was laid against him which alleged that Myers disclosed confidential information relating to municipal job applications in 2017.
Knysna Municipality’s Council Disciplinary Committee had previously found Myers guilty of the charges and proposed a three-month sanction.
However, after months of deliberation, MEC Bredell has made the decision to suspend Myers for one month. “Based on an assessment of the case, done by officials from the department of local government, the MEC reduced the sanction requested by the Municipal Council of Knysna Municipality from 3 months to one month without pay,” said James-Brent Styan, spokesperson to the Minister for Local Government, Environmental affairs and development planning.
Knysna Municipality acknowledged that they have received the notification of Myers’ suspension and that steps are being taken to take care of his ward in the interim. “The Office of the Speaker confirmed receiving a letter with regards to Ward 10 councillor, Peter Myers from the Provincial Minister for Local Government, Anton Bredell,” said municipal communications manager Christopher Bezuidenhout. “Given reasons for his decision on the sanction, the MEC acknowledged the needs of the constituents of Ward 10 which must be represented in Council.”
Bezuidenhout confirmed that the suspension is “With immediate effect unless the Councillor decides to take the matter on review,”
Myers has acknowledged his receipt of the suspension, but stated also that he will possibly be pursuing legal avenues regarding the matter. “I will formally be requesting that MEC Bredell give me the reasons for his decision. I will also be requesting access to all the legal and other advice and documentation that he received from his officials and any other relevant parties in coming to his decision. Once I have received this information to which I am entitled I will take legal advice on all the options open to me.”
Brent-Styan was able to confirm that Myers may request the findings. “Councillor Myers may request the reasons in writing to the MEC in accordance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 3 of 2000.”
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