DA tells councillor ‘to shut up’

Cape Town:20/11/15: Councillor Sheval Arendse for Ward 82 denies that he has been taking money from water metre project workers. Pictures by:Brendan Magaar

Cape Town:20/11/15: Councillor Sheval Arendse for Ward 82 denies that he has been taking money from water metre project workers. Pictures by:Brendan Magaar

Published Feb 9, 2016

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Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance has told councillor Sheval Arendse to stop giving his two cents on Facebook after he attacked the Daily Voiceonline.

He’s being investigated for maladministration of a water meter project in Tafelsig where he is the ward councillor.

Following a Daily Voiceexpose, Arendse admitted that he accepted the wages of staff, employed by a subcontractor, and that the money was paid directly into his account and that he paid staff in cash.

This is against City Council policy but Arendse was not bothered about the seriousness of the allegations against him and this weekend took a brag on Facebook, saying: “The Daily Voice really made me famous, receiving blessings and spoiled with the amazing seafood dish for lunch.”

Arendse was enjoying a nice holiday in Lamberts Bay and posted a picture of his fancy Land Rover and boat on Facebook.

When he was called out for bragging, he replied: “Yes I have a R400k car, R350k boat and two houses in West Coast. Wela Kapela.”

Referring to a recorded interview with the Daily Voice, Arendse added: “None of you who read the Daily Voice could read between the lines and you have no backbone. Asked to listen to the recording that was made, wait until February 15 and then stone me to death.”

Arendse is supposed to appear before City Council speaker Alderman Dirk Smith on February 15 regarding the water meter project allegations.

DA Metro Chairperson Shaun August said Arendse has been lightly rapped over the knuckles for his unsavoury comments.

“I have asked him to refrain from posting inappropriate comments and status updates,” August told the Daily Voice.

This is in light of the fact that people from all walks of life interacted with ward councillors on Facebook and they need to be mindful of this.

Asked for comment, Arendse said: “I have no comments, let’s just wait until the 15th of February.”

Leader of the ANC in Cape Town Council Tony Ehrenreich said Arendse should have been suspended a long time ago.

“I don’t know any of the details of this case but it does appear unusual that he wasn’t suspended while the investigation is happening,” said Ehrenreich.

“I understand the practice is that when you do an investigation, the parties involved would be suspended.

“It’s a sign that the DA’s claims of good governance is just a gimmick.”

August saidthey will await the outcome of the council investigation before the DA takes any action against Arendse.

Daily Voice

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