The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Norman Mokoena has noted the ruling of the North Gauteng high court in terms of interdicting him from calling or setting a date for by elections in ward seven of the Mkhondo local municipality, until such time as the application for the review of the decision to remove the Andries Jacobus Vorster as a councillor of ward seven has been finalised by the court.
MEC Mokoena would like to state that the attorneys representing him and Mr Vorster reached an agreement on the matter a week before it went to court.
In terms of the agreement, it was agreed that the MEC would not proceed with setting a date for by elections in ward seven until the review had been heard and finalised. It is common cause within our legal system that such agreements should be noted and made an order of court on the date of the hearing, which was 20 July 2010.
"We already had an agreement on the matter and therefore it is mischievous and cheap politicking on the Democratic Alliance to portray this as a victory on their part. It also misleading for the Democratic alliance to say that a committee of inquiry found Mr Vorster not guilty on allegations brought against him in relation to all business dealings between him and the municipality. These matters have not been finalised," said Mokoena.
MEC Mokoena further added that the department has followed all the due processes and is confident that the decision to remove Mr Vorster from office is well informed and believes it will be vindicated by the court.
MEC Mokoena would also like to state that Andries Jacobus Vorster remains removed from office as a councillor of ward seven, until the court pronounces itself on the review application.
Contact person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
MEC Norman Mokoena notes court ruling on ward seven of Mkhondo local municipality
Province
