Reporter:- George April
VREDENBURG:- A new controversy has erupted in the Saldanha Bay Municipality following the unexpected removal of National Coloured Congress (NCC) councillor Yumnah Jackson as chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, (MPAC) a move that has raised serious questions about the independence of financial oversight in local governance.
The decision, announced without prior consultation during a council meeting on Wednesday, 30 April, was confirmed by DA Chief Whip, Councillor Sinah Mamabolo, who stated that Councillor Sharon Scholtz, ward councillor for Ward 11 (which includes Paternoster and St Helena Bay), would take over the MPAC chair.
Shock and Concern Over Sudden Dismissal
The move stunned opposition parties. Councillor Theresa Rossouw, Chief Whip of the African National Congress (ANC), voiced her shock and disapproval at the way Jackson was removed, stating:
“This goes against a 2021 council resolution, which aimed to ensure transparency by appointing an opposition councillor as MPAC chairperson.”
Rossouw’s concern was echoed by several other opposition members, who warned that undermining the MPAC’s independence could erode public trust in municipal financial processes.
Background of the Dispute
Councillor Jackson has been vocal in recent council meetings, refusing to approve certain financial reports, including one that involved R2.5 million in disputed expenditure. Her insistence on clarity before approval reportedly placed her at odds with the DA-led coalition, who appear to have moved swiftly to replace her.
While the DA does not hold a full majority in the council, it governs through a coalition with the Freedom Front Plus (VF+), whose councillor chairs the Finance Committee – a role central to the ongoing budget debates.
Concerns About Oversight Integrity
The MPAC is meant to serve as a non-partisan oversight body, tasked with holding the executive to account and ensuring clean governance. The sudden removal of its chair – especially one from the opposition – has been widely viewed as a blow to that principle.
An external auditor contacted by Saldanhabaai Nuus commented:
“If oversight committee chairs are removed for doing their job, it sends the message that accountability is being sacrificed for political convenience.”
Apology and Correction
Cape Coast News previously published an article that incorrectly named Councillor Theresa Rossouw as the newly appointed MPAC chairperson and wrongly affiliated her with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
This was incorrect. Councillor Rossouw is a senior ANC member and not the new MPAC chair. We sincerely apologise for the error and any confusion or reputational harm it may have caused. The new MPAC chair, as correctly confirmed, is Councillor Sharon Scholtz.
Cape Coast News is committed to correcting inaccuracies and upholding transparency in our own reporting, as we expect from our public institutions.
To summarize
The unfolding developments in Saldanha Bay reflect growing tension between coalition governance and the role of independent oversight. Whether Councillor Jackson’s removal was justified or politically motivated remains a topic of public debate – but the message it sends has already drawn widespread reaction from across the political spectrum.
Cape Coast News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they develop.
