PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - In a statement released on Thursday 23 April, Bitou Speaker Mavis Busakwe acknowledged the video circulating on social media showing her brandishing what looked like a firearm.
She said she had attended the private homecoming (umgidi) celebration of the deputy mayor's son on 21 December 2025 in a "personal capacity".
Busakwe "noted and concurred" with the statement issued earlier by Bitou's Acting Municipal Manager, which confirmed that the video only recently came to the municipality's attention through media inquiries.
About the process involving the deputy mayor, she said she reaffirmed her office's commitment to maintaining public trust and institutional integrity.
Transparency
She said her office takes public concerns seriously and the council has already initiated processes related to the deputy mayor, including the formation of a committee to review and provide recommendations.
"All matters arising will be addressed through appropriate channels," said Busakwe. "We request the public to exercise patience and allow the established processes to proceed without speculation or making premature judgements."
She said her office was also committed to transparency and will provide further updates "as appropriate".
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