Ward 10 committee resigns

KNYSNA NEWS - Not long after Ward 10 councillor Peter Myers claimed victory when local government MEC Anton Bredell dismissed a complaint into allegations made against him by a committee in his own ward, the very same committee resigned.

A rift had formed between the Ward 10 committee and the municipal planning tribunal following the former's decision to approach Knysna Municipality in August last year, requesting an investigation into members of the tribunal.

The request reached Bredell's office, who last week announced there was no sufficient reason to continue with the investigation.

The resignation letter by the Ward 10 committee is addressed to Myers, mayor Mark Willemse and Speaker Georlene Wolmarans, and was also handed in at the offices of Knysna-Plett Herald on 19 February.

The resignation letter which was signed by members of the Ward 10 Committee.

Myers' accusations 'unfounded'
It bears the signatures of the committee members and states there was a strained relationship that continued between this committee and Myers, and that all members have no option but to resign.

"This stems from councillor Myers' unhelpful approach when suggestions have been put forward by this committee. It also stems from his personal accusations that we are all corrupt, dysfunctional, self-serving (and much more), all of which is untrue and unfounded," states the letter. "Dissemi-nation by him through social media in a harmful and destructive way, which destroys participatory democracy rather than enhancing it, has led to our decision.

"We have therefore decided that our continued involvement will not serve to achieve the objectives as stated in the constitution and notify you of our decision to resign."

When asked to comment, Myers said he suggested weeks ago that they should do the decent thing and resign, "and they've done exactly that".