This report was filed by Linda Jaquet,
Editor of the Prince Albert Friend
newspaper:
At Friday’s meeting in Cape Town, MEC Anton Bredell*
committed his Department to supporting the Prince Albert Municipality. This was
as a result of its lack of capacity particularly following the suspension of
the Municipal Manager, Juanita Fortuin earlier this month and the Chief
Financial Officer, Jacob van der Westhuizen, in September last year. (Both of
whom are receiving full pay pending investigation.)
Bredell indicated that his Department would
facilitate the appointment of an official from the Central Karoo District
Municipality (CKDM) as Municipal Manager for a period of three months. This
official would have to be suitably qualified and have strong financial skills.
The PA Council unanimously approved a
motion. They instructed the current Acting Municipal Manager, Pedro Oliphant,
to ask the CKDM in writing to suggest two officials for selection by the
Council, to serve as Acting MM.
Cllr Benjamin did not attend the meeting
and indicated in writing that she would not attend Council meetings until
further notice.
At this point, and in spite of a ‘packed
house’ Speaker, Stoffel Botes, asked the public to leave as they had matters to
discuss to which the public could not be privy.
* Mr Anton Bredell
is the Member of Executive Council (MEC) for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development
Planning
