Henties mayor defends governance amid calls for his removal
Mayor condemns leaking of confidential documents
Henties Bay mayor Lewies Vermaak and the town council last week refuted several allegations in response to a petition demanding the reinstatement of suspended municipal officials and the mayor's removal.
Henties Bay mayor Lewies Vermaak and the town council on Wednesday responded to public pressure following a petition demanding the reinstatement of suspended municipal officials and the removal of the mayor.
Vermaak emphasised that all decisions made by the council adhere to legal and governance frameworks.
He reaffirmed that the decision not to reinstate suspended CEO Elizabeth Coetzee and strategic executive Eliphas Munyela remains under review and follows due process.
“We are committed to ensuring that any decision made is fair, transparent and respects both the rights of the individuals involved and the principles of good governance,” he said.
Moreover, he condemned the public circulation of confidential documents related to the suspensions.
“These documents were not authorised for public distribution. Their release undermines the integrity of our processes and does not reflect the official stance of the administration,” Vermaak stressed.
He urged residents to allow the appropriate legal procedures to unfold rather than engaging in public speculation.
Approximately 200 residents signed a petition delivered to the urban and rural development ministry last week.
Addressing calls for his removal, Vermaak dismissed the allegations made by residents as politically motivated and stressed that governance matters should be handled through official channels.
“Council remains committed to transparency, but sensitive disciplinary issues should not be debated in the public domain,” he said.
Harmful allegations
Vermaak also refuted claims that he acts unilaterally.
“Decisions regarding municipal governance are made collectively, not by a single individual. The petition calling for my removal misrepresents how council decisions are reached,” he said.
The council also addressed concerns over the alleged appointment of a junior staff member to act as CEO. Vermaak clarified that no junior official had been appointed in that capacity.
“The individual in question holds a senior executive position, and the position has never been classified as junior,” he explained.
Additionally, the mayor responded to questions about his residency, affirming that he remains a Henties Bay property owner and resident.
“My role as mayor is not a full-time position, but that does not disqualify me from serving this community,” he added.
The mayor also criticised the disclosure of a confidential investigation report to the media and the urban and rural development ministry.
According to him, this has caused significant harm to the reputation of the former staff member involved.
Vermaak further strongly denied allegations of racism, calling them defamatory and unfounded.
“I have always upheld non-racial leadership, fairness and inclusivity. These claims are baseless and designed to damage my reputation,” he asserted.
“We urge all stakeholders to ensure that due process is followed and to verify information before making public accusations against council leadership,” he concluded.
Vermaak emphasised that all decisions made by the council adhere to legal and governance frameworks.
He reaffirmed that the decision not to reinstate suspended CEO Elizabeth Coetzee and strategic executive Eliphas Munyela remains under review and follows due process.
“We are committed to ensuring that any decision made is fair, transparent and respects both the rights of the individuals involved and the principles of good governance,” he said.
Moreover, he condemned the public circulation of confidential documents related to the suspensions.
“These documents were not authorised for public distribution. Their release undermines the integrity of our processes and does not reflect the official stance of the administration,” Vermaak stressed.
He urged residents to allow the appropriate legal procedures to unfold rather than engaging in public speculation.
Approximately 200 residents signed a petition delivered to the urban and rural development ministry last week.
Addressing calls for his removal, Vermaak dismissed the allegations made by residents as politically motivated and stressed that governance matters should be handled through official channels.
“Council remains committed to transparency, but sensitive disciplinary issues should not be debated in the public domain,” he said.
Harmful allegations
Vermaak also refuted claims that he acts unilaterally.
“Decisions regarding municipal governance are made collectively, not by a single individual. The petition calling for my removal misrepresents how council decisions are reached,” he said.
The council also addressed concerns over the alleged appointment of a junior staff member to act as CEO. Vermaak clarified that no junior official had been appointed in that capacity.
“The individual in question holds a senior executive position, and the position has never been classified as junior,” he explained.
Additionally, the mayor responded to questions about his residency, affirming that he remains a Henties Bay property owner and resident.
“My role as mayor is not a full-time position, but that does not disqualify me from serving this community,” he added.
The mayor also criticised the disclosure of a confidential investigation report to the media and the urban and rural development ministry.
According to him, this has caused significant harm to the reputation of the former staff member involved.
Vermaak further strongly denied allegations of racism, calling them defamatory and unfounded.
“I have always upheld non-racial leadership, fairness and inclusivity. These claims are baseless and designed to damage my reputation,” he asserted.
“We urge all stakeholders to ensure that due process is followed and to verify information before making public accusations against council leadership,” he concluded.
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