GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - In another twist to the questions raised on the legality of the new budget, a Special Council Meeting was called at short notice yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

At this meeting, attended by 14 ANC councillors but boycotted by the DA councillors, the budget was passed.

“Legally, 48 hours’ notice must be given before a Special Council Meeting,” said DA caucus leader Danie Bezuidenhout in explanation of the party’s boycott. 

“Some of our councillors had not even received their notification of the meeting before it was supposed to start. I informed the municipal manager, the speaker and the mayor that the notification was contrary to council's rules of order via email as I got no answer when I tried to phone,” he continued. Bezuidenhout said that he eventually got hold of the mayor and drew his attention to the rules of order, but the meeting continued.

In his media release on Monday afternoon, Mayor Deon de Vos clearly states that “Council has today adopted the budget”, but this was challenged at the time by the DA as only 13 of the ANC councillors were present to vote in favour, one short of the required majority of councillors.

“We now have another unlawful and invalid adoption of the budget,” said MP Samantha Graham-Mare.

Meanwhile, the Graaff-Reinet Residents and Ratepayers’ Association is not at all satisfied with the budget.

“The BNLM 2020/2021 budget, IDP and Annual Performance Report were approved without proper consultation,” said Liz Buisman. 

“Concerned community groups are calling the municipality to account, with the intention to petition the municipality to revise the 2020/21 budget, and we invite all other groups in BNLM to join and support the effort.” 

Petition forms are available from Buisman by contacting her on 060 318 4492.

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