Allegations politically motivated, says Memani

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani says allegations against him of fraud and contempt of court by opposition parties in the Bitou council are "baseless, politically motivated, and factually incorrect".

Reacting to a joint statement released by the ANC, PBC and PA on 25 July, Memani called the statement "highly misleading and defamatory".

The ANC, PDC and PA laid charges against Memani at the Plettenberg Bay Police Station on Thursday 24 July.

The parties had jointly opened two criminal cases against Memani, one for contempt of court and the other for fraud and corruption, citing his "defiance of a high court order and alleged misuse of public funds for personal and political gain". This refers to the R4.2m mutual severance agreement Memani received after he was suspended in 2024, which he was later ordered to repay by the high court.

Serious attention
Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam (DA) assured the public that Memani's matter is being handled within the bounds of the legislative framework and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

"It must be stated clearly that the root cause of the matter currently being addressed stems from the actions and decisions of the ANC and its coalition partners during their term in office between February and August 2024.

"The current administration remains focused on restoring institutional stability and correcting these failures."

Kamkam said the matter was receiving serious attention following the writ of execution she ordered on 17 June.

"In a calculated move, they [ANC] are now attempting to deflect from their role in authorising and processing the unlawful and unconstitutional settlement payout to Mr Memani, as determined by the Cape High Court," said Kamkam.

Unfounded
Memani said the statement issued "should have been released in their personal capacity, because nothing in it reflects the principles, discipline, or values expected from leaders of the African National Congress".

He said the content lacks factual basis, maturity, and a basic understanding of governance and constitutional processes, and rejected the "unfounded claims" with contempt.

He said the Western Cape High Court ruling of 18 October 2024 "was never defied".

"In full respect of the legal process, I submitted a request to the executive mayor - guided by legal advice - to consider a revised repayment structure. That was an administrative step, not a council decision, and certainly not an act of misconduct."

Claiming ethical governance, fiscal discipline, and institutional integrity, he challenged "those hiding behind ANC regalia" to present facts before a court, not in tabloids, WhatsApp groups, or inflammatory press statements.

Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam.