KNYSNA NEWS - Former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa (ANC), who resigned as councillor for Ward 8 with immediate effect on Monday 31 March, appears to have gone to ground in the face of possible sanctions from Western Cape Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell. 

This follows an investigation Bredell ordered last year.

Bredell held off implementing the recommendations of the committee investigation into the conduct of councillors at Knysna Municipality, completed in September last year, postponing requests for comment from the councillors until 31 March.

The investigation followed the appointment of political appointees by Knysna Council, which was found to be illegal in two Western Cape High Court judgments.

Neither Tsengwa nor former deputy mayor Alberto Marbi, who also faced recommended sanctions in the investigation and resigned from Knysna Council on 17 March, responded to a number of WhatsApp messages and telephone calls, which immediately reverted to voicemail. 

Tsengwa's departure leaves a vacancy in Ward 8, which will now be contested in a by-election.

Imminent decision

Speculation is that the timing of their resignations coincided with the imminent decision on actions recommended in the final report of Bredell's committee.

Bredell's spokesperson, Wouter Kriel, said in a message on Tuesday that Bredell has not yet made any determination as to the report findings and recommended sanctions.

"The minister has given the implicated councillors time to respond to the content of the report, which was due for said response on 31 March. 

"Yes, it has come to the attention of the minister that Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, the former mayor, resigned from Knysna Council with immediate effect," said Kriel.

Kriel confirmed that the committee "made findings on Councillor Marbi and Councillor Tsengwa, respectively, together with recommended sanctions".

In its final report the committee recommended the removal of Tsengwa, Marbi and Speaker Mnecedisi Skosana from office. 

It also recommended they face a 25% "fine" of their allowances for three months. 

DA reacts

DA Ward 9 Councillor Sharon Sabbagh said Tsengwa's resignation was aimed at negating Bredell's findings and sanctions to prevent his removal from office.

She said if Bredell had sanctioned him as part of the investigation recommendations, it would be highly likely that he would be removed as a councillor.

"That would have meant he cannot contest government elections from the date of his removal from office for a period of two years. The same applies to Alberto Marbi. Our town fell apart thanks to him [Tsengwa], and his coalition of corruption."

She said Tsengwa and Marbi's actions showed a complete disrespect for the rule of law, that they did not have the best interests of the town and its residents at heart, and that they were self-serving councillors.

"They weren't prepared to stand up and be held accountable," said Sabbagh.

She said the problems that were "exacerbated" under Tsengwa's leadership as mayor were sewerage issues, lack of water to certain areas, refuse collection problems and the implosion of the waste transfer station.

'Unlawful letters' 

Another major issue was that the debtor's book of the municipality doubled in value under his leadership, said Sabbagh.

"We now sit with a controversial office lease [the Knysna Mall] and R85m debtor [Grey Elephant Investments] because of the unlawful letters he wrote. These issues fall squarely in his lap." 

ANC comments

In a statement, the ANC spokesperson for the Victor Molosi Region, Moyisi Magalela, confirmed that the party is aware of Tsengwa's resignation. 

According to him the ANC still has to meet with Tsengwa and discuss his resignation "and the reasons therefore". 

"The ANC thanks Mr Tsengwa for his contribution to Knysna Council and to his Ward 8 community," said Magalela.

"Mr Tsengwa did his utmost best under difficult conditions to serve the community as both a Ward 8 councillor and his tenure as the executive mayor. 

"He provided leadership and was a resilient leader. We wish him well on his future; we know that he will still continue serving his community and will continue with his good deeds."

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