KNYSNA NEWS - It's been a busy week in the local political trenches for Knysna's deputy mayor and Cope councillor Ricky van Aswegen after a social media storm in a teacup erupted in the wake of his vote in council to have a motion approved whereby councillor Peter Myers would be suspended for three months.
Some in the political arena believed Van Aswegen to be a strategic ally of mayor Mark Willemse and Myers after he sided with them in the vote to oust former mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies last year, which subsequently helped shift him into the position of deputy mayor.
'My position is clear'
In an informal but broad-ranging chat to Knysna-Plett Herald (KPH) last week, Van Aswegen expelled such myths and stated in no uncertain terms that he only represents and is answerable to his constituency, his ward and his voters – no one else. He said he refuses to be embroiled in factions and alliances, and that his position is clear on all matters before council. Van Aswegen distanced himself from being part of any coalition – be it pro or anti-Myers.
"I don't owe Peter Myers or mayor Mark Willemse anything. They did not vote for me to be appointed as deputy mayor after the previous mayor was ousted, there was never an alliance between us," he said, adding that he is aware of several rumours circulating regarding his perceived intentions, which he believes are spread by individuals seeking "a narrative" to serve their own ambitions.
Ricky van Aswegen.
'I stand for justice, consistency'
He explained that when the motion of no confidence against Bouw-Spies succeeded, he was taking on maladministration and interference, and that was the only common ground at the time between himself, Myers and Willemse.
"I am a Cope councillor and I stand for fairness and consistency. Yes, I voted for Myers to be suspended, but it's nothing personal. As council, we supported the disciplinary hearing findings against councillor Velile Waxa a few months ago – why then should we not accept the findings of a disciplinary committee in the case of Myers?"
This does not mean that he supports Waxa either, Van Aswegen said, adding, "It could have been any councillor."
'No need for secret meetings'
Van Aswegen also addressed posts on social media speculating on secretive meetings between himself and other councillors, in possible collusion to oust Willemse as mayor.
"There's no need for me to hold secret meetings or plan some perceived hidden agenda. I have an open door and any councillor is welcome to meet with me. As far as my own ambitions of becoming mayor are concerned, I only receive my mandate from my constituency and party structures. I have already made it clear to mayor Willemse that I will support a motion of no confidence in him if he interferes in my ward and supports developments in the area without consulting residents of Hornlee. I've told him myself how I feel. It's no secret."
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