I have taken note of the allegations against the Mayor of Swellendam, Councillor Nathan Newman and Councillor Handry de Silva. I will refer these allegations for the attention of the Speaker of the Swellendam Municipality.

In terms of Section 13 of the Code of Conduct it is the legal duty of the Speaker to authorise an investigation when there is reasonable suspicion that the Code of Conduct has been breached. There are ample mechanisms within the Code of Conduct which make it possible for a Speaker to act against any councillor when there is a possible breach of the Code of Conduct.

The proper application of the Code of Conduct is now in the hands of the Speaker who is responsible for the order and discipline in the council.