In the heart of Drakenstein Municipality, Mayor Conrad Poole is facing allegations of accepting monthly kickbacks from members of his executive. The stench of corruption is lingering in the air, and the municipality’s speaker, Koos le Roux, has sanctioned an independent investigation into these claims.
The Complaint and Investigation
The story began when a written complaint landed on Le Roux’s desk. Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, Le Roux initiated the prescribed process, as outlined in the code of conduct for councillors. He requested the administration to provide names of qualified investigators, the scope of the forensic investigation, including the alleged contravention of the councillors’ code of conduct. The investigator is expected to submit a report within 30 days.
Good Party Involvement
The explosive allegations caught the attention of the Good party, which had requested a council investigation into claims of corruption against Mayor Poole and members of the mayoral committee. Keagen Gertse, a councillor from the Good Drakenstein party, initially wrote to Le Roux last month, seeking the investigation. Gertse expressed concerns about the silence surrounding the issue and urged the Democratic Alliance (DA) to suspend Mayor Poole until the investigation’s completion.
Importance of the Office of the Speaker
Le Roux emphasized the importance of the Office of the Speaker, an independent structure responsible for administering the application of the code of conduct for councillors. The Office is entrusted with tackling alleged contraventions, investigations, and possible disciplinary processes.
Mayor Poole’s Response
Mayor Poole, however, maintains his innocence. He expresses his willingness to participate in any due process undertaken by either the DA or Drakenstein Municipality. Poole believes the allegations are baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation and tenure as mayor. He accuses his opponents of instigating a smear campaign against him to gain a strategic political advantage. Poole remains confident that the investigation’s outcome will ultimately vindicate him, asserting that he hasn’t committed any acts of misconduct.
Provincial Minister Weighs In
Tertius Simmers, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, weighs in on the issue, stating that the party believes in the separation of party and state. He affirms that the matter lies within Drakenstein Council’s jurisdiction, and the DA Western Cape will await the conclusion of their process, along with the council-approved report and recommendations. Simmers also cautions against local opposition parties attempting to politicize the issue, urging them to maintain the integrity of the governance process.
As the investigation unfolds, the truth will eventually come to light. Drakenstein Municipality remains under scrutiny, its leaders carefully watched as the events play out. Only time will tell whether Mayor Poole will be vindicated, as he so firmly believes, or whether the accusations against him prove true.
