Speculation about the reasons for Overstrand Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie’s sudden resignation as Mayor, one year before her five-year term was scheduled to end after the next local elections, has been rife.
DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers confirmed Rabie’s resignation early on Wednesday 19 March, stating she would officially step down as Mayor on 1 April, but remain as a councillor. In response to a question about whether Rabie’s resignation is the result of a rumoured motion of no confidence against her by the DA Overstrand caucus Simmers said: “There have been rumours and this should be treated as such.”
Regarding allegations on social media that Rabie had resigned following questioning by the Hawks, Simmers said: “There is nothing to substantiate this allegation.” He, however, added that the DA takes note of the statement on social media.
The Hawks would neither confirm or deny that Rabie had been questioned by detectives from this unit. Lieutenant-Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, a spokesperson for the Hawks, stated: “This matter is currently under investigation and we cannot share any further information.”
This relates to complaints regarding alleged tender irregularities reported to the Hawks by Alliance of Citizens for Change (ACC) president Masizole Mnqasela (a former leader of the DA Overstrand constituency).
While the ACC, ANC and GOOD parties welcomed the news of Rabie stepping down as Mayor, the Land Party expressed its dismay at the news.
In a post on X Land Party Chief leader Gcobani Ndzongana accused the DA of firing Rabie. “The DA wants to make Overstrand a racist haven again, and they are going to fail this time,” he wrote. “Rabie was the only person who listened to the black community…”
The Land Party also released a statement declaring that Rabie encountered opposition because she “respected the will of the people, especially those in the Zwelihle and Dubai informal settlements.”
Land Party councillor Kholiswa Ngqandana added: “The Land Party Council Committee believes Dr Rabie’s removal is a direct result of her dedication to equitable treatment for all communities, regardless of race, religion, creed or background… She is, in essence, a victim of her own integrity…”
By contrast, the ANC described Rabie’s resignation as “the best news ever”, while the ACC described it as “a victory for social justice”.
Councillor Masibongwe Sihlahla, spokesperson for the ANC caucus (Overstrand Municipality), accused the outgoing Mayor of being an autocratic ruler who interfered with administrative and tender processes. The party went on to accuse her of corrupt practices, lack of accountability and destruction of service delivery, among others.
Mnqasela urged the DA’s provincial leadership to come clean about the reasons for Rabie stepping down as Mayor. He said: “The real reason is and must be known; she was removed from office after her own colleagues in the DA lost confidence in her leadership. There was a compelling motion of no confidence passed against her by the overwhelming majority of members of her own caucus.”
Mnqasela went on to apologise for his support of Rabie as mayoral candidate before the 2021 local elections, despite concerns from several quarters about Rabie’s alleged misue of a credit card she was issued during her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the organisation Business Against Crime (BAC).
Election of new mayor
GOOD’s Overberg District Councillor, Bongani Sonqwenqwe, also referred to these allegations.
“GOOD believes members of the Executive need to be held to a higher standard and we’re shocked Rabie was elected the Overstrand Mayor. We urge the council to elect a new Mayor with integrity who will put the interests of the people first.”
Sources explained that the DA would request applications and nominations for the Mayor’s post, which will then be reviewed by a panel before a recommendation regarding the most suitable candidate/s will be made to the party’s leadership. “A council meeting will then be held to elect a Mayor,” one source stated.
The call for nominations to choose a new Mayor, said Simmers, would commence in due course. He added: “In the interim and beyond the momentum of excellent service delivery will continue to be provided to residents of the municipality. We thank Mayor Rabie’s unwavering dedication to serving the municipality and residents. We wish her well in her future endeavours.”
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill stated: “The municipality would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Rabie for her invaluable contributions to good governance and sound decision-making during her term. It has been a privilege to work with her in making Overstrand Municipality one of the most well-run municipalities in the country.”
