The Democratic Alliance (DA) faces accusations of attempting to bribe an ANC councillor in Swellendam Municipal Council to induce his resignation and trigger a by-election, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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According to Khalid Sayed, the Western Cape ANC spokesperson, DA members allegedly offered R1.5 million in cash and an additional R500 000 for his studies to Ward Councillor Donovan Julius if he agreed to step down.
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The DA has vehemently denied these claims, dismissing them as baseless.
‘We reject it with the contempt it deserves,’ stated DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers.
The Swellendam Municipality, currently governed by a DA and FF Plus coalition, has seen recent tensions between the two parties. The FF Plus has been aligning more closely with the ANC, which has been preparing to potentially take control of the municipality. The ANC plans to introduce a motion of no confidence in the current leadership, aiming to form a new coalition with the FF Plus.
Julius reported the alleged bribery attempt to the ANC’s provincial executive committee, though he declined further comment. Sayed confirmed the bribery allegations and stated that the ANC was ready to co-govern Swellendam with the FF Plus. He criticised the DA’s alleged actions as a desperate measure to retain power and undermining the spirit of unity.
Julius’s resignation would disrupt the balance of power, potentially preventing the motion of no confidence from succeeding and keeping the DA-FF Plus coalition in control. The DA believes they could win a by-election if Julius resigned.
Simmers, responding to the allegations, dismissed them and suggested that if the ANC truly believes in their claims, they should follow legal processes. He also mentioned awareness of discussions about a possible ANC/FF Plus takeover in Swellendam and noted a recent joint statement by DA and FF Plus leaders about coalition agreements.
The DA and FF Plus have experienced falling out in several Western Cape councils, leading to the collapse of coalitions in Oudtshoorn and Langeberg. FF Plus provincial leader Corne Mulder declined to comment on the rumours.
Helen Zille, DA federal chairperson, claimed she was unaware of the bribery allegations. The Swellendam municipality has been in turmoil since last year’s service delivery protests, which included the burning of municipal offices and looting of businesses.
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