Waxa's future to be decided in October

KNYSNA NEWS - The fate of Velile Waxa in the Knysna council is to be decided during October, according to the office of local government MEC Anton Bredell.

Waxa was found guilty on charges of breaching the code of conduct for councillors almost three months ago, and during a council meeting on 2 July the disciplinary committee recommended that council request the local government minister to remove the councillor from office.

The three charges, which are all said to be a violation of the code of conduct, are as follows:

On or about 6 December 2016 at Love Corner informal settlement, Waxa allegedly interfered with the administration of Knysna Municipality in that he was apparently material in the appointment of one or more contractors, among others, to clear a site following a fire that destroyed informal settlements and to erect new houses.

In doing so, the councillor allegedly disregarded the supply chain management process that had to be followed by officials and from which process councillors are barred.

During the period 6 to 16 December 2016, Waxa allegedly interfered with the municipal administration by apparently giving direct instructions to housing officials and interfering with the standard prices paid by the municipality per shack, which allegedly resulted in the acting municipal manager having to negotiate with the contractor to reach a settlement.

On 10 December 2016 at Templeman Square, Main Road, Waxa allegedly verbally attacked a member of the public pertaining to the legitimate use of an informal trading stall.

"After receiving all the additional documentation, minister Bredell provided councillor Waxa with an opportunity to submit any comments within 21 days of receipt of a letter dated 14 September 2018, on the recommendation of council that he should be removed from office. Such comments will be taken into consideration when minister Bredell makes his decision on the matter," reads a statement from Bredell's office in response to an enquiry from the Knysna-Plett Herald.

Bredell is expected to make a decision during the week of 5 October.

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