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After an extensive investigation ActionSA’s Senate has terminated the membership of its Caucus Leader, Mr Faizel Cassim, in the Newcastle Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal for inter alia failing to address a conflict of interest with the municipal council and abusing his position to pursue his personal interests. 

The charges relate to ongoing litigation between Mr Cassim’s company and the Newcastle Local Municipality arising from the actions of the previous ANC-led administration shutting down his place of business for approximately 18 months because of what was believed to be politically motivated actions. In the wake of these events, Mr Cassim pursued legal action against the municipality which ActionSA acknowledges is his right in a constitutional democracy. 

The disciplinary consideration against Mr Cassim related to, firstly, his failure to declare the profound conflict of interest as a litigant against the financially distressed municipality in which he serves as a member of the Executive Committee as well as the ActionSA Caucus Leader holding the balance of power in this municipality. In the second instance, Mr Cassim appears to have used his positions of authority to advance the settlement of his own legal matter in a manner that was against the best interests of the residents of Newcastle Local Municipality and, allegedly, in a manner inconsistent with municipal legislation, the ActionSA Constitution and principles of good governance. 

ActionSA’s investigations have already revealed, separate from the legal action for loss of revenue, the municipality voluntarily agreed to settle R1.2 million rands in legal fees with Mr Cassim in March 2023 which was made an order of court. The fact that this was paid without any evidence presented of a resolution or record in council, which is required by law, and without any measures to disclose or mitigate an obvious conflict of interest, is of serious concern to ActionSA. 

It is for this reason that ActionSA, in addition to dismissing Mr Cassim, will lay complaints with the Public Protector and Auditor-General to ensure that these matters are investigated thoroughly and with the unconditional co-operation of the Party. 

ActionSA regrets the manner in which the name of our Party has been used to advance personal interests in a manner which conflicts with principles of good governance as well as ActionSA’s commitment to ethical service. It is equally of concern the manner in which this matter has been handled by politicians and in political settings contrary to the advice and apparent objections of municipal officials.

ActionSA extends our sincere apologies to the residents of Newcastle Local Municipality while offering the important assurance that ActionSA’s commitment to ethical leadership should be measured by how decisively and openly we address breaches of the public trust – a standard we venture we continue to set the standard across political parties. 

Issued by ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont