Update
KNYSNA NEWS - The disciplinary hearing against councillor Velile Waxa was concluded on 16 May, confirmed Knysna Municipality in a statement, adding that “an item on the findings and recommendations of the disciplinary committee is being prepared for council’s consideration. Until council has made a decision we cannot make any further comment.”
According to the agenda of the special council meeting held on 30 March 2017, it is alleged that:
• Waxa breached the code of conduct for councillors and Section 118 of the MFMA when around 6 December 2016, he interfered in the procurement processes of the municipality by appointing a contractor to effect certain building and clearing works, following a fire in the area known as Love Corner, White Location. It is alleged that out of his own accord and without any consultation or assistance of the administration, he entered into an agreement with the contractor appointed by him with regards to price and scope of work.
• Waxa interfered in the management or administration of the integrated human settlements (IHS) department, without being mandated by council to do so, when he allegedly instructed IHS officials in relation to the building of emergency housing following the Love Corner fire, without being authorised to do so by council, and participated in conduct that could result in maladministration in council.
• A separate complaint was levelled against Waxa wherein the complainant alleged that he breached Section 2 of the code of conduct for councillors. It is alleged that around 10 December 2016, at Templeman Square, he threatened a member of the public and made racist remarks. It is also alleged that he incited violence by encouraging other stall owners at Templeman Square to threaten the member of the public. Through his actions, he intimidated the member of the public to such an extent that she feared that herself and her minor children would be physically harmed.
It is unclear what repercussions would be taken against Waxa was found guilty on the charges, including if this would affect his coalition with the DA ruling party in council. The outcome of the hearing was not yet made available to the media at the time of going to print.
Read a previous article: Knysna Councillor Waxa 'to join DA'
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