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The GOOD Party has submitted a motion of no confidence in the Deputy Mayor of George Municipality Raybin Figland

Our motion has been seconded by councillor Darryl Coeries from the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners.

Figland has been accused of forcing a schoolgirl to send him naked photographs of herself.

It is with disappointment that GOOD has noted the conclusion of the DA internal disciplinary process of Figland which has lifted his internal party suspension.

The DA said they were unable to proceed with the investigation because the alleged victim was not willing to participate in the giving of evidence.

However an initial investigation done by the DA’s Federal Legal Commission, Glynnis Breytenbach had interviewed the victim, her father and Figland.

Their initial findings defined Figland as someone who ‘lies without hesitation’.

And found Figland to have engaged in grossly inappropriate conduct.

The DA has the right to handle their internal matters as they see fit.

But Figland is not an ordinary member of the DA, he is a public figure who has been deployed in a Senior position of power.

If the DA is unable to hold their member accountable for his actions, the council has a duty to the Residents of George to step in.

The motion of no confidence is based on:

i)          The non-compliance of the Deputy Mayor to fulfil his duties, obligations and responsibilities in terms of Chapter 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa

ii)         The Deputy Mayor abusing his office for personal pleasure

iii)        The Deputy Mayor contravening the Code of Conduct of Councillors

We have requested a secret ballot to ensure that Councillors are not intimidated or victimised for voting according to their conscience.

Aside to our motion in council, the Public Protector’s office has assigned an investigator to our complaint against the Deputy Mayor and the George Municipality.

We are anticipating a progress update before the 29th of November 2024.

GOOD believes we need a zero-tolerance approach. Extorting explicit images from a schoolgirl is improper conduct and unbecoming of a public office bearer.

Issued by Chantelle Kyd, GOOD George Councillor