Kouga Municipality rejects claims made by DA

Kouga Municipality vehemently rejects the claim that the municipality’s new directors are deployed “cadres” .

In a statement released at lunch time today the municipality says none of the appointees are members of the ANC.

The municipal statement follows the filing of papers at the PE High Court by the opposition political party, the DA, today against the appointment of the municipality’s new directors 

The municipality says it also “vehemently rejects the claim that we blame the MEC for any alleged wrongdoing.”

“Kouga does not, and has never had, any reason to blame the MEC for anything. We have always been very satisfied with the manner in which he deals with conflicts and challenges at local government level. We are confident that we will also not be disappointed with his handling of this matter.”

These denials are part of comments from Kouga Municipal Manager, Sidney Fadi, in response to the media statement released by the DA Eastern Cape this morning  

“We can confirm that the DA is taking the municipality to court regarding the appointment of our new directors (section 56 managers). The municipality will oppose their claims. The basis of our defence has already been lodged in our founding affidavit.

“Since the matter is now before the court, we believe it to be inappropriate for stakeholders to try and score political points by making media statements intended to provoke the municipality into responding to unfounded allegations. If the DA has faith in the judicial system and the merits of their case, they would not need to use the media to fish for information.

“As legal proceedings are underway, we consider all further information relating to the case to be sub judice and will respond further when asked to do so by the court, which would be the appropriate platform at this stage.”

In the court papers filed in the  High Court against Kouga Municipality it is alleged the appointment of five new directors was  unlawful and procedurally incorrect. The DA has called for these appointments to be set aside and for the entire process to start again.

(edited)

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