An ANC councillor in the Theewaterskloof Municipality reportedly faces a charge of assault after she allegedly ripped a party member’s wig off during an argument on Youth Day.
Mihle Mdwara confirmed on Monday she had laid a charge against the PR councillor and one of her friends after they allegedly attacked her after starting an argument with her.
“I told the one she is defending the councillor because the councillor is feeding them,” she said, “which is when she slapped me.
“I was standing with my back to the councillor when she pulled my wig – a wig that is glued – off and threw it to her friend.”
Mdwara said she never touched the ANC PR councillor as “she is pregnant.”
The alleged assault followed a meeting between the party’s branches in the region and its provincial executive.
Theewaterskloof DA constituency chairperson Alderman Martie Koegelenberg claims the meeting was called as a result of tensions within the ANC regarding the coalition between the ANC, Good and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), with the PA’s Kallie Papier as Mayor, Good’s John Michels as Deputy Mayor and Derick Appel of the ANC as Speaker. She said the DA caucus will write to the Speaker, calling for an investigation to determine whether the councillor had breached the council’s code of conduct.
Derick Appel, ANC Overberg regional coordinator, said last week’s meeting was held to finalise preparations for the ninth regional conference. “The meeting was in no way to discuss the Theewaterskloof coalition but to discuss branch disputes. There is no tension within the ANC regarding the Theewaterskloof coalition because it works for the communities,” he stated.
Sifiso Mtsweni, ANC head of communications, said the party’s Working Committee hosted the meeting with branches in the Overberg to discuss their readiness for the regional conference and any disputes within or among the branches.
“There was nothing unique about the meeting,” he said. “There was no fight at the meeting. We are awaiting a report on what happened beyond that. At this stage we are not aware whether a case has been laid and whether the person who allegedly assaulted the member has been approached by the police. Once the person is charged and appears in court we can assess the matter and put measures in place.”
Mtsweni added the TWK and all other coalitions in the province will be discussed at the regional conference to be held soon.
“We as the Working Committee will then assess and look at all the issues before we give directives as to the way forward.”
