Councillor Zahid Badroodien, has stepped down as Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation.
He explained, in a statement, that his decision came in the wake of a disciplinary investigation brought against him due to alleged tampering on the electricity meter on the property of a family member.
“On 28 September 2022 I was informed by the Speaker of the City of Cape Town, Ald Felicity Purchase, that I will be subject to a disciplinary process, to be undertaken according to Section 79 Disciplinary Committee.
“I was asked by my parents to assist in the procurement of a property they wanted to buy for my younger sibling.
“In addition, it is within my cultural upbringing to respect any reasonable request made by my parents as I have done since a young age.
“Their request for assistance was not given a second thought. I will always support my parents in the same way that they have been my biggest supporters throughout my entire life. The construction of a new residence was completed in 2019 but remained vacant until November 2021.”
Badroodien added he had temporarily moved to the property, which was in close proximity to the ward he served.
“Two days after moving in I was made aware of an alleged tampering on the electricity meter of the property. This triggered an investigation and the subsequent disciplinary process, as determined by the Speaker of Council.
“I had no knowledge of such alleged impropriety until that point. Having all the facts at hand my parents undertook immediate corrective measures.”
The councillor said he is working with the City in the investigation and says he will pay any monies owned to the City. “I have requested the Executive Mayor to allow me to step down from my role as the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Water and Sanitation for the duration of the disciplinary process and allow me to clear my name.
“I can only ask for a speedy resolution of this process. I will continue to serve ward 48 as their elected councillor.”
