Die Hoorn het verlede week navrae aan die munisipaliteit en die provinsiale minister van plaaslike regering, Anton Bredell, gerig nadat ’n mediaverklaring deur Rdh Chris Macpherson uitgereik is oor kwessies wat vir die opposisie kommerwekkend is.
Five employees were suspended and subsequently discharged following an incident in Council Chambers where these employees disrupted Council proceedings. Shortly after the new Mayor, Speaker and Deputy Mayor were elected, the five employees were re-instated and charges dropped. It is the contention in the media statement that the re-appointment of the five was unlawful.
Answer from municipality: The officials accepted responsibility through a guilty plea. Consequently, they did not receive salaries for a period of 8 to 9 months, issued a written apology, a final written warning valid for twelve months, as well as a 10 days unpaid suspension. These steps were necessary because one of the six employees pleaded guilty to the charges and never dismissed. Once the others were also found guilty, they had to face similar consequences. With these measures implemented, the matter has been concluded.
Mr Ian Avontuur was appointed as acting Director of Community Services last year. According to the media statement, Minister Anton Bredell has informed the Municipality that Mr Avontuur is not qualified to serve in the position, yet Mr Avontuur continues to act in the post.
Answer from Municipality: A follow-up letter was sent to the minister to clarify that Mr. Avontuur’s experience had not been accurately stated. His five years of middle management experience were re-evaluated and presented before being sent back to the MEC. The municipality is still awaiting feedback. (This was confirmed by a reply received from the office of Minister Bredell – Ed)
We received information from a member of the public that he was contacted by Ms Pretorius, who is employed in the Mayor’s office regarding the persons membership of the Freedom Front+. She identified herself as the office manager of the FF+ and told the person that she was busy bringing the database of the FF+ up to date.
The person says he is aware of other people who were also contacted by Ms Pretorius in this regard.
The number from which she called was 044 203 3000, the number of the Muncipality. Are you aware of these allegations that the municipality’s resources are used to further the cause of a political party?
Answer from the Municipality: As previously mentioned, the Acting Municipal Manager is conducting an internal investigation into the allegations. Ms. Pretorius has been appointed as the Office Manager for the Executive Mayor in a temporary capacity and is based in the Mayor’s office as per the terms of her contract. By law, the municipality is not permitted to disclose personal or employment-related information regarding its officials.