The Democratic Alliance (DA) is pleased that Rolf Christie has been reinstated as the Mayor of !Kheis municipality following a court battle by the DA, Cope and independents against the unlawful removal of Christie and the Cope Speaker, Koos Esau.
The Kimberley High Court yesterday ruled that the Municipal Manager of !Kheis and the nine other respondents, are interdicted from taking any decisions or undertaking any actions pursuant to the decisions of the Council, on 14 September 20232. The ruling therefore invalidates the removal of Christie through a motion of no confidence (MONC) by the ANC and EFF doomsday coalition and the subsequent election of an ANC Mayor, who was also not on the Exco. The ruling also invalidates the removal of the Cope Speaker, Esau, and the subsequent election of an EFF Speaker.
Yesterday’s judgment is another victory for democracy, the rule of law and for the people, not only of !Kheis but from across the Northern Cape and the country, who deserve stable local governments that are not hounded by unlawful and self-seeking power grabs.
The DA Mayor, together with his multi-party team, have had a positive impact in the financially embattled !Kheis municipality since their election in 2021. His contributions include the purchase of sewerage and garbage trucks, which saw services reinstated in areas where they had not existed for years.
Christie has not wasted any time getting back to work. He is also investigating allegations relating to the abuse of travel and subsistence claims and of municipal funds believed to have been utilized to fight the court case.
The DA appeals to the disruptive political parties in !Kheis to allow the prioritization of services to be the victor in this battle, by leaving the municipality in the capable hands of Christie, as opposed to simply trying to get their hands on municipal resources.