LB; 3 February 2025
Swellendam – Juan van Schalkwyk, former Cllr from the VF+ and Speaker of Council resigned with the following parting words:
“My dignity is worth more than political manoeuvring, and my integrity is not for sale. I will not compromise on what is right. That is why today, I refuse to cast my vote for Francois du Rand as Mayor.
The facts before me are undeniable. They paint a clear picture—one that reveals he has not acted in the best interests of the people of Swellendam. These concerns are not minor; they are grave enough to not only disqualify him from leading but to demand that he step aside while a full and transparent investigation unfolds.
Therefore, with unwavering conviction, I, Juan van Schalkwyk, resign with immediate effect from my role as Speaker, Councillor, and member of the Freedom Front Plus.
I make this decision with a clear conscience, knowing that my loyalty lies with the people of Swellendam—not with political agendas.’
In a final act of defiance against party lines, van Schalkwyk voted with the ANC in favour of the immediate release of the preliminary Vermaak report, and in spite of direct order from his leadership, he abstained from voting for the DA nomination for Executive Mayor, leaving Swellendam with a hung Council, and a re-vote on 10 February 2025.
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