ActionSA axes Newcastle caucus leader
Councillor Faizel Cassim has been axed by ActionSA.
This follows an investigation revealing that Cassim allegedly used municipal funds to settle a personal lawsuit against the municipality.
Michael Beaumont, National Chairperson of ActionSA, confirmed the decision, citing violations of the party’s ethics, governance principles, and the party’s constitution.
Beaumont said that ‘after an extensive investigation by ActionSA’s Senate, the party decided to terminate the membership of its Caucus Leader in the Newcastle Municipality for, inter alia, failing to address a conflict of interest with the municipal council and for ‘abusing’ his position to pursue his personal interests.’
Beaumont added that the charges related to an on-going legal battle between Cassim’s company and the municipality.
This stemmed from the actions of the previous ANC-led administration which closed Cassim’s business, Newcastle Industrial Laundry, for around 18 months and was believed to have been politically motivated.
The laundry was accused of polluting the Amcor Dam which Cassim later disproved in court.
While a court order forced the municipality to settle his legal costs, there is still an ongoing legal battle after Cassim filed for damages caused by the closure of his business.
In his reaction, Cassim said he was shocked by the accusations levelled against him by his party, ActionSA.
In a lengthy statement, Cassim defended his activities over legal action he brought against the Newcastle Municipality which led to his company receiving a huge payout in legal fees.
Asked about his future, Cassim said he preferred not to comment on his political career but was focused on proving his innocence ‘against these damaging allegations and focus on my health and family.’
The full detailed statement, including Faizel Cassim’s response and that of the Newcastle Municipality will be published in this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.
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