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- A special council meeting in Nelson Mandela Bay erupted in chaos.
- This was after an item was withdrawn from the agenda.
- It dealt with the mayor's alleged involvement in fraudulent activity, which could lead to his possible suspension.
Following a delay of more than six hours, a Nelson Mandela Bay council meeting erupted in chaos on Wednesday when an item on the agenda, which could lead to the possible suspension of Mayor Gary van Niekerk was withdrawn.
With loud chants from the opposition of "Gary must go", Van Niekerk tried in vain to deliver his mayoral report on the possible suspension of the City manager, Noxolo Nqwazi, which was tabled as the second item on the day's agenda.
The first item on the agenda, which dealt with Van Niekerk's alleged involvement in fraudulent activity, was withdrawn by Speaker Eugene Johnson, much to the discontent of the opposition.
Johnson said the item would be discussed at the next council meeting.
She did not provide any reason why she withdrew the item.
READ | Nelson Mandela Bay mayor says fraud claims 'devoid of any truth' as leaked email does the rounds
The special council meeting was called last week initially to discuss the fate of fraud-accused Nqwazi.
She is currently on trial for her alleged involvement in a toilet tender contract of more than R24 million, which was allegedly fraudulently awarded by the municipality three years ago.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana highlighted Nqwazi's removal as one of the conditions to disburse more than R700 million in Equitable Share Grant funding owed to the municipality since July.
When the meeting commenced, another item had been added to the agenda: Van Niekerk's alleged misconduct in appointing Boqwana Burns Incorporated to render services to the municipality in 2022.
It is alleged that, although Van Niekerk was not the Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Bay council for several months in 2022, he used the official letterhead and signatory of the office to appoint the law firm and rack up legal bills to the tune of R551 586.
Charges of fraud were subsequently laid against Van Niekerk by the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
The investigation was then taken over by the Hawks.
During the meeting, councillors were ready to discuss the Van Niekerk item, which was they were furious when it was withdrawn.
The ACDP's Lance Grootboom raised his objection and insisted the matter was too serious not to discuss.
Grootboom, who continuously referred to Van Niekerk as "the criminal", angrily told Johnson that he would pray for her because she needed the Lord's help.
Grootboom said:
Furthermore, the GOOD party's Lawrence Troon insisted that Van Niekerk and fellow National Alliance member, Stag Mitchell, leave the meeting in order for the matter to proceed, but this was thwarted by Johnson.
In the meantime, Van Niekerk compiled a detailed report on Nqwazi's possible suspension and recommended that she be placed on special leave, with full pay, pending an investigation by the disciplinary board.
Nqwazi will be given seven days to respond to the recommendations.
