Motion of no confidence in mayor fails

Update

KNYSNA NEWS AND VIDEOS - The motion of no confidence in Knysna mayor Mark Willemse by his own DA caucus members failed today.

The local ANC members also led a simultaneous motion of no confidence in speaker Georlene Wolmarans which succeeded.

Willemse labeled the victory as hollow.

"For me this is a hollow victory but democracy has prevailed. It is unfortunate that I do not have the support of my caucus or the DA and I would have hoped that the DA leadership would take the concerns of the people of Knysna seriously before taking a heavy handed approach. I also would have hoped to resolve this matter internally but unfortunately that has not happened," Willemse said after proceedings.

He added that during the council meeting he received an image of an ANC logo from a senior DA member. "I find the image of me on an ANC logo insulting, as to date I have been nothing but loyal to the party," Willemse added.

Although it is believed that the DA is set to take disciplinary action against Willemse, the mayor said that he was not aware of any disciplinary action against him but expected “it to come sooner rather than later”.

DA Western Cape Provincial leader Bonginkosi Madikizela has vowed that the DA will pursue all avenues within the party’s constitution to hold both Councillor Peter Myers and Mayor Mark Willemse to account as they were elected on the DA’s ticket.