LB;  4 February 2025 

Swellendam – Against Council resolution that called for an immediate release of the preliminary Vermaak Report into alleged tender irregularities, a defiant Municipal Manager (MM), Annaleen Vorster, refused to make the report public. 

Said Vorster: “As Accounting Officer, in an endeavor to protect the rights of all – including the Municipality, Council and Ratepayers – I have instructed our attorneys as a matter of urgency to obtain a legal opinion on the releasing of the Vermaak report – unredacted. The attorney informed me that this is a complex matter and that an opinion can only be availed close of business on 5 February. 

On receipt of this opinion I will share it with all councillors.” 

I understand that this course of action is against the council resolution that calls for an immediate release, but as Accounting Officer, I also have a duty to protect all involved in these processes. I also, re-iterate what I have shared numerous times with Council – this Administration is not afraid of facing the Vermaak report in disciplinary proceedings, but when they do, it must be done with fairness to all. 

Based on the very real damage to municipal staff, and private companies, the risk to Council in terms of libel and reputational damage is a reality that cannot be ignored”. 

She warned that the decision to release the Vermaak report, unredacted, will result in legal cost to the Municipality, which Vorster believes will be to the detriment of Council and its ratepayers.