PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The sole Patriotic Alliance councillor in the Bitou municipality, Heinright Mitchell, has had his membership of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) terminated by party leader Gayton McKenzie, who is also Minister of Sport and Culture.
The decision follows postings on a PA WhatsApp group by Mitchell in which he alleged members of the NEC of the party were "plotting" to oust him as a councillor.
McKenzie made the call for Mitchell's removal in a PA group post last week, saying allegations of "sabotage" against Mitchell were "nonsense" and that he should be "expelled immediately".
McKenzie confirmed the decision to terminate Mitchell's membership on Thursday 26 September.
New party
Mitchell has not commented on his expulsion but sent information to the Knysna-Plett Herald saying he is in the process of establishing a new political party, the People's Decision Movement, which will operate in Kranshoek, The Crags, New Horizons, Covie, Kwanokuthula, Green Valley and Knysna.
Mitchell said the core values of the new party would be a "community first" approach, transparency, inclusivity, sustainability and accountability.
Mitchell, 32, became a councillor on 16 March 2023 and, when the ANC-led coalition took over from the DA in February 2024, he was made the mayoral committee member for finance and corporate services. Mitchell was born in Bitou and resides there.
'Unfounded'
McKenzie said in a letter to Mitchell: "Following your recent communication in the Patriotic Alliance WhatsApp group, and after careful consideration by the party's leadership and the National Executive Committee (NEC), I am writing to formally notify you of the party's decision regarding your conduct."
McKenzie said the accusations were "unfounded", undermined the integrity of the NEC, and brought the leadership of the Patriotic Alliance into disrepute.
"Your statements have caused significant harm to the reputation of the party, and we view this as a material breach of the trust placed in you as a representative of the Patriotic Alliance.
'No further appeal process'
"Given the seriousness of your actions, (that seriously compromises the unity, stability, or public image of the organisation) it has been decided that your membership in the Patriotic Alliance is hereby terminated, with immediate effect.
"Your expulsion from the party is final, and this decision has been made in accordance with the provisions of the party's constitution," said McKenzie.
Mitchell has been told to cease all activities on behalf of the Patriotic Alliance and to return any party property.
"…you are expected to refrain from making any further public statements that could harm the party's reputation.
"This decision is effective immediately, and no further appeal process will be entertained," added McKenzie.
People's Decision Movement founders, from left, Elrich Juries; Heinright Mitchell, former Bitou PA councillor; and Theresa Samm. Photo: Supplied
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