28/10/2026
Swellendam Municipality affirms accountability in investigative processes and cautions against inaccurate reporting in the run-up to the election
Swellendam, 28 October 2026 – Swellendam Municipality takes note of the article published by News 62 on 28 October under the headline Swellendam se raad neem afskeid – maar wie aanvaar verantwoordelikheid? (“Swellendam’s council bids farewell – but who accepts responsibility?”). The Municipality confirms that all forensic investigations into allegations of maladministration and tender fraud have been thoroughly considered by Council and the relevant oversight structures, including the independent Financial Misconduct Committee, the Auditor-General and even the Special Investigating Unit.
Status of investigations and disciplinary processes
Traffic matters: After the relevant external oversight structures considered the report on alleged irregularities relating to traffic matters, it was found that there are no grounds for disciplinary action against the Municipal Manager. A prosecutor has been appointed to formulate a charge sheet against two traffic officers.
Alleged misconduct in Barrydale: An investigation was conducted by the Municipal Manager of Cape Agulhas Municipality, Mr Wessel Rabbetz, into alleged misconduct by a traffic officer in Barrydale, as well as community conflict. The report is currently being finalised for consideration by the Municipal Manager.
Complaint against a councillor: An independent investigator has been appointed to investigate the allegations contained in a complaint against a councillor. A disciplinary process in this regard is currently under way.
The Municipality and Council cannot pre-empt the outcome of any disciplinary process, and may not speculate or make statements in the media about processes that have not yet been concluded. Council has a responsibility to protect the integrity of these processes and will not allow them to be used for cheap political point-scoring or sensationalism.
To ensure full accountability, all forensic investigations and allegations of maladministration are submitted to the external Financial Misconduct Committee, the Audit Committee, the Auditor-General, SAPS, Provincial Treasury and, in some instances, the Special Investigating Unit. In one case, the relevant reports were also provided to the Public Protector. These measures affirm the accountability of Swellendam Municipality’s Council and Administration.
Forensic and external investigations are by their nature costly, but this is the price that must be paid for accountability and transparency – and, unfortunately, also for unfounded allegations. Unfounded allegations cost the ratepayers of Swellendam thousands of rands, and the Municipality will in future act firmly against malicious and unfounded allegations.
With the Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, only a week away, Swellendam Municipality calls on all media houses, political role-players and members of the public to report responsibly and accurately. Inaccurate, incomplete or speculative reporting on ongoing investigations and disciplinary processes can undermine public trust in local government, unfairly damage the reputations and rights of the persons involved, and mislead voters at a time when they need to make informed decisions.
The Municipality points out that South African electoral legislation expressly prohibits the dissemination of intentionally false information in the context of an election. Section 69(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act, 2000 (Act 27 of 2000), and item 9(1)(b) of the Electoral Code of Conduct prohibit the publication of false information with the intention of disrupting an election, creating fear or hostility, or influencing the conduct or outcome of an election. Section 89 of the Electoral Act, 1998 (Act 73 of 1998), contains a similar prohibition on intentionally false statements.
Swellendam Municipality remains committed to good governance, transparency and accountability towards all its residents.
