Peter de Villiers kicked out of Good Party amid sexual misconduct charges

In a statement released on Monday, the Good Party confirmed the rugby guru turned politician was dismissed based on the outcome of a disciplinary process relating to sexual harassment allegations.

On 31 January, the party received a formal complaint of sexual misconduct against De Villiers. It was alleged that he sexually assaulted a member of the party.

The outspoken former Springbok coach was served with a charge sheet on the 23 February and was suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation.

On Monday, it announced that an independent investigation had found De Villiers guilty of breaching the GOOD Constitution and Code of Conduct, leading to the termination of De Villiers membership of the party and his removal as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature.

THE GOOD PARTY’S STATEMENT P DIVVY’S DISMISSAL

“The nature of the allegations warranted his immediate suspension from party activities pending an investigation and formal disciplinary hearing.

“GOOD is a women-led party, with a Constitution containing a set of values to which all members subscribe and account, irrespective of their positions.

“The GOOD Constitution deals comprehensively and unequivocally with gender rights and sexual misconduct. The party is proud of its record of advocacy for the equal rights of women and girls, and against the plague of gender-based violence in South Africa.

“GOOD appointed an independent Disciplinary Hearing Chairperson, Advocate Lionel Esau, to preside at De Villiers’ hearing, and an independent initiator (fulfilling the prosecutorial function), Advocate Peter Cyster.

“De Villiers was represented by Mr David Van der Merwe, of attorneys Leon Frank & Partners, and Advocate Mias Schreuder SC.

“Earlier today, GOOD Deputy Secretary-General, Suzette Little, an experienced former Cape Town Councillor, was sworn in by the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature to complete this term which ends with the 29 May 2024 election.”

CAREER OF THE FORMER SPRINGBOK COACH POLITICIAN

De Villiers joined the GOOD party as a mayoral candidate in the Drakenstein Local Municipality in November 2021.

“Now I have the opportunity to serve the wider Western Cape community. I will use the same tools that have served me for many years: Listening to others, considering what they say, and being constructive in response,” de Villiers said when he was sworn in.

De Villiers resigned from his position in the council to spend time with his family following his wife’s death in April 2022. He still remained a member of the party and was nominated to return to the council in January 2023.