I wish to express my concern regarding the handling of a recent complaint submitted to the Speaker of the Stellenbosch Municipal Council concerning the conduct of a councillor.

On Monday 2 March, I submitted a formal complaint requesting an investigation in terms of the Code of Conduct for Councillors relating to a social media video in which Councillor Stephanie Heneke publicly addressed a sensitive matter involving allegations of sexual misconduct at a local school.

My concern was that the statements made in the video appeared to take a public stance in support of the accused individual before any investigative or legal processes had been concluded.

In a society struggling with high levels of gender-based violence, public commentary that may be perceived as dismissive of a complainant carries serious implications.

The purpose of the complaint was therefore not political, but rather to request that the matter be assessed through the proper mechanisms provided for in the Code of Conduct.

However, the response from the Speaker of the Stellenbosch Municipality indicated that the office had assessed the matter and decided not to refer it to the municipal council or a committee for further investigation, effectively closing the matter.

While the Speaker is entitled to make such a determination, the lack of a transparent process raises concerns about accountability and public confidence in the oversight mechanisms intended to regulate councillor conduct.

Local government plays a critical role in promoting ethical leadership and protecting the dignity of all members of our local community.

Matters involving allegations of sexual misconduct and the treatment of complainants deserve careful and open consideration, particularly when public representatives are involved in the discourse.

For these reasons, I believe that a more transparent approach would have better served the interests of the community and strengthened trust in local governance.

The residents of Stellenbosch expect their elected representatives to exercise both responsibility and sensitivity when speaking about matters as serious as gender-based violence.

CHRIS, STELLENBOSCH

Councillor Quintin Smit, Speaker of the Stellenbosch Municipal Council, responds: In accordance with all applicable provisions of the Code of Conduct for Councillors and following due consideration and investigation, the matter has been concluded, and it was determined that they do not warrant any further investigation.