Oudtshoorn: Why Mayor Sylvester has been suspended by the DA

Oudtshoorn Mayor Colan Sylvester has been served notice that his membership to the Democratic Alliance has been suspended.

Sylvester is facing a slew of charges that relate to his alleged mismanagement of the Oudtshoorn Municipality.

The mayor in the DA-led Western Cape town had indicated his intention to resign triggering a Letter of Cessation that was served on Sylvester.

According to the party’s constitution “a person ceases to be a member of the Party when he or she publicly declares an intention to resign and/or publicly declares resignation from the party.”

Why is the Oudtshoorn mayor resigning?

Sylvester’s proposed resignation comes after multiple members of the municipal council levelled charges against the mayor. He declared his intent to resign on Tuesday 9 June 2020. 

The mayor is facing a total of 11 charges including but not limited to divisive conduct and obstructing the Municipal Manager.

Sylvester was served notice of cessation on Wednesday 10 June and has until 11 June to substantiate why his membership should be reinstated.

“Following the indication yesterday by Oudtshoorn Mayor Colan Sylvester of his intention to resign, the Democratic Alliance (DA) today served a Letter of Cessation on Mr Sylvester,” said DA Constituency Head for Oudtshoorn, Eleanore Bouw-Spies MP.

“The Mayor’s indication to resign follows several charges being laid against him. The eleven charges include divisive conduct, excluding DA council members from private caucus meetings and obstructing the Municipal Manager to exercise certain financial constraints.

“In terms of the provisions in the party’s constitution, a person ceases to be a member of the party when he or she publicly declares an intention to resign and/or publicly declares resignation from the party.

“Following the above, the DA served a Letter of Cessation on Mr Sylvester this morning at 08:50, giving him 24 hours to provide a reason why his membership should be reinstated.

“The Federal Executive shall consider any application for re-admission should such submissions be received.”

A party press release indicated that the DA leadership were aware of the issues in the Oudtshoorn Municipal Council.

Bouw-Spies said that it is indeed a difficult time for Oudtshoorn, but there should be no deterrent for doing the right thing and holding officials accountable.

“The DA has been trying to conclude this matter for several months, however Mr Sylvester, on various occasions, tried to postpone the matter,” Bouw-Spies added.

“We look forward to renewal and change, and the opportunity to return to an environment of accountability and effective leadership in Oudtshoorn.”