DA Chief Whip Rita Aucamp’s refusal to apologise for her alleged assault on the ANC Chief Whip Jabu Mabona, once again underscored the confusion in the Tshwane metro’s ranks or lack of proper procedures.
Joan Muller of the ANC and chairperson of the council’s Rules and Ethics Committee, found Aucamp guilty of allegedly assaulting Mabona, citing that her (Aucamp’s) behaviour was unbecoming.
The alleged assault happened during the monthly council meeting in May during an adjournment. Mabona requested a list of ANC speakers. Aucamp allegedly threw the list in his face. An aggrieved Mabona told council that he was offended by her behaviour. This incident was apparently witnessed by Kosientso Ramokgopa, the city mayor, who indicated that if need be, he will be willing to testify to the matter.
The issue then was referred to the Rules and Ethics Committee. Their finding was “what we have is an unbecoming, disrespectful conduct and an assault on the dignity of the Chief Whip.’’ It ruled that Aucamp should apologise to Mabona in council.
‘’Not so,’’ Aucamp said. “I will not apologise. I was never asked to respond to the allegations and to give my recollection on the matter.’’ She denied assaulting her opposite number or that the alleged incident took place during the council meeting. In this, she was backed by her party.
Shane Maas said that the report was rejected with the contempt it deserves. He called on the audi alteram partem rule which states that a report should have been put in writing to her, which according to him, had not been done.
‘’She was not afforded the opportunity to respond to the report. The audi alteram partem rule is considered a principle for fundamental justice for equity in most systems worldwide. Simply put, to have a fair hearing, which was not the case in this incidence. The council cannot accept this report. It should be referred back to the 79 Standing Committee,’’ he said.
Lex Middelberg addressing Morakane Mosupyoe-Letsholo, Speaker of the council, said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result every time.
‘’In 2012 your office invoked disciplinary action against councillor Topham. The result of those decisions was a court application and a court order setting aside your actions at a cost to the city. In 2013 your office again invoked the same disciplinary actions against me. The result was the same. A court application and an order setting aside your actions at a cost to the city. It is now 2014 and you are now again invoking the same disciplinary actions against councillor Aucamp. Unbelievable as it seems, it would appear that your office expects a different result this time. The result will be the same again. It is time that you take the lead in your own office and stop this madness. Go and study the advice that you received in 2012 from your senior councillor in the case against councillor Topham of how to proceed with this type of investigations. It will save embarrassment and the city a lot of money.’’ he said.
Joan Muller was adamant that Aucamp will be required to apologise to Mabona during the September meeting.
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