The Democratic Alliance (DA) is accused of bribing an ANC councillor on Swellendam City Council to force his resignation and trigger a by-election. Cape Town etc. defeated.

Also read: Spotlight on a small town: Laingsburg

According to Khalid Sayed, spokesperson for the ANC in the Western Cape, DA members are said to have offered ward councillor Donovan Julius R1.5 million in cash and a further R500,000 for his studies if he agreed to step down.

Find your perfect set of wheels with these incredible deals on cars under 100k. Find car classifieds here.

The Public Prosecution Service has strongly denied these allegations and dismissed them as unfounded.

“We reject it with the contempt it deserves,” said DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers.

The municipality of Swellendam, currently governed by a DA and FF Plus coalition, has recently seen tensions between the two parties. The FF Plus has become more closely aligned with the ANC, which is preparing to potentially take control of the municipality. The ANC is planning to table a motion of no confidence in the current leadership, with the aim of forming a new coalition with the FF Plus.

Julius reported the alleged bribery attempt to the ANC provincial executive committee, although he declined to comment further. Sayed confirmed the bribery allegations and stated that the ANC was ready to co-govern Swellendam with the FF Plus. He criticized the DA’s alleged actions as a desperate measure to retain power and undermine the spirit of unity.

Julius’ resignation would upset the balance of power, potentially preventing the no-confidence motion from passing and keeping the DA-FF Plus coalition in check. The DA believes they could win a by-election if Julius were to resign.

Simmers, responding to the allegations, dismissed them and suggested that if the ANC really believes their claims, they should follow legal procedures. He also mentioned the notoriety of discussions about a possible ANC/FF Plus takeover in Swellendam and noted a recent joint statement by DA and FF Plus leaders on coalition agreements.

The DA and FF Plus have been at loggerheads in several Western Cape councils, leading to the collapse of coalitions in Oudtshoorn and Langeberg. FF Plus provincial leader Corne Mulder declined to comment on the rumours.

Helen Zille, DA federal chair, claimed she was unaware of the bribery allegations. The Swellendam municipality has been in turmoil since protests against service delivery last year, which saw municipal offices set on fire and businesses looted.

Cape Town {city} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city for half the price? Get exclusive offers here.

Also read:

Shooting on Jakes Gerwel Drive causes traffic delays

Image: Darren Stewart / Gallo Images