Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has announced that Liam Jacobs will be the new proportional representative councillor, succeeding the suspended Kenny Kunene.
The 24-year-old Jacobs, who joined the PA in June after a brief stint with the Democratic Alliance (DA), is also expected to take on the crucial role of Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the city.
This change comes on the heels of Kunene's resignation after he was placed on suspension pending an investigation into his alleged connections with a murder suspect.
The former MMC for Transport stepped down from his dual roles as a councillor and MMC after a wave of public scrutiny following his presence at the residence of a suspect arrested for the murder of popular musician Oupa John “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.
McKenzie took to social media to introduce Jacobs to the role, stating, “The DP has resigned as a councillor, has also resigned as the MMC. We have decided to appoint a new councillor. The mayor will appoint the MMC; I’ll give the mayor a call.”
"Congratulations, Liam. This is your opportunity to show that you do not just complain and point out mistakes; this is your chance to show people you can lead,” McKenzie added.
In a resignation letter addressed to Margaret Arnolds, the city’s speaker, Kunene maintained his innocence, stating that he is not complicit in any criminal activity but has chosen to step back to facilitate a full investigation.
He divulged that he was at the suspect’s residence to assist with a meeting for a journalist from his online publication, Africa Global News, but felt it was in the public interest to pause his political career until his name could be cleared.
“I regret to inform you that l am tendering my resignation as a Proportional Representation Councillor for the Patriotic Alliance, effective immediately. During my time as a Councillor and the MMC for Transport, I believe I have made a significant contribution to building and rebuilding our beautiful city, and I would like to thank you and all our colleagues in council and government who have worked professionally and diligently alongside me. I am stepping aside from public life, for a period, while my party satisfies itself as to certain allegations that have been raised against me, which are unfounded, but I have nevertheless agreed it would be in the public interest for me to await the clearing of my name before considering a return to public service and duty.”
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star