GOOD: Nyuka drawing salary behind bars

Update

OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Sonia Bentley, Good-councillor seated within the Oudtshoorn Municipality Council, recently stated in a strongly worded press release that the Oudtshoorn Council must urgently assemble a disciplinary committee to deal with the former deputy mayor, Mlandeli Nyuka (Suid-Kaap Saamstaan), who is currently sitting in jail awaiting trial.

According to Bentley, although Nyuka may be innocent until found guilty by a court of law, the criminal charges he is facing are serious and Good maintains that it is inappropriate for him to remain in his position in the council.

Nyuka was charged in early October last year and was refused bail.

"While in custody, Nyuka has been unable to perform any of his functions as councillor nor has he been able to attend meetings. Yet, he continues to receive a monthly salary. While he resigned from that position in November last year, it appears the council has avoided taking further action, as it may have an impact on their fragile power in the town," Bentley stated.

Nyuka was appointed as deputy mayor in June 2022 after a DA-led coalition took over the council.

Bentley states further in the press release that the Code of Conduct for Councilors, per the local government: Municipal Structures Act, provides the following guidelines:

5(b) a Councilor "must at all times act in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the municipality are not compromised."

Following, Good's enquiry into his current role in the municipality, the speaker claimed that disciplinary steps cannot be taken because he has not yet pleaded in court.

According to Bentley, not only is this argument irrelevant, but it's an insult to residents.

"Nothing prevents the council from proceeding with an investigation into his conduct before he has pleaded. He simply should not, and cannot, serve his community from behind bars."

Sonia Bentley Photos: Wyndham Ewerts