LPM members doubt party after Keetmans mayor booted

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) supporters are questioning their party loyalty following the sudden, unexplained removal of Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position.

Staunch supporters are saying withdrawing a councillor without disclosing a reason is an “administrative illegality”.

LPM withdrew Swartbooi from her position and revoked her representation on the town council with immediate effect over the weekend.

She was elected as mayor in December last year, following the regional council and local authority elections.

Former LPM ||Kharas Regional Council chairperson Josef Isaaks says Section 13(1)(g) of the Local Authorities Act must be read to completion as it further speaks of the rights and dignity of members withdrawn from public office.

“There are hand clappers of Swartbooi that are downplaying the recall, but there are concerned members in the party and community who voted and are disgusted by the action. A principle of legality says you must disclose the reason for sacking,” he says.