DA defends corruption-accused former Mayor's deployment to WC legislature

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has defended its decision to redeploy to the provincial legislature the ousted former mayor of the Drakenstein Municipality.

Conrad Poole had faced allegations of being involved in a pay-for-jobs scheme.

At the end of last month, he was removed through a vote of no confidence following a letter by opposition parties in the municipality to the Speaker saying they had lost 'respect and trust' in him.

However, Poole was then given the position previously held by former Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato in the Western Cape legislature.

Simmers says Poole will fill Plato's former seat until the election.

He adds that Poole was next in line on the list of those willing to take up the temporary position.

He also says Poole has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

"Two weeks ago, the Speaker at Drakenstein Municipality clearly issued a statement saying that as part of his investigation, nothing untoward was found against Conrad Poole."

Tertuis Simmers, Minister of Infrastructure - Western Cape Government

"Sadly a person's name was tarnished by the various opposition parties in Drakenstein."

Tertuis Simmers, Minister of Infrastructure - Western Cape Government

Simmers says the investigation was carried out by an independent investigation panel, unconnected to the municipality, other than having to present their findings to the Speaker.

"This was an independent investigation, submitting an independent report stating that there was no basis for the allegations which were levelled against Conrad Poole."

Tertuis Simmers, Minister of Infrastructure - Western Cape Government

Given the proximity to the forthcoming elections, counters Maytham, would it not have been better to have postponed filling the post?

Simmers is adamant, despite the Drakenstein Municipality being a member of the DA, that the investigation was impartial and independent.

"Look, we have seen consistently, wherever we govern, we have speakers who are active in the rule of law and they act impartial, even sometimes against our own members."

Tertuis Simmers, Minister of Infrastructure - Western Cape Government