Case After Discovering His Name on IEC
Media Statement
BERGRIVIER:- Dr Chadrick Fortuin, a member of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has opened a criminal case after discovering that his name appears on the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) candidate lists as a candidate in seven wards in the Bergrivier Municipality, despite his stated position that he did not consent to being nominated.
Dr Fortuin says he only became aware of the matter on 16 September 2026, when he discovered that his name appeared on the IEC candidate lists. According to Dr Fortuin, he did not consent to his nomination, did not authorise his name to be submitted as a candidate and did not sign off on the candidacy.
The circumstances surrounding the inclusion of his name are now the subject of complaints and investigations involving the relevant political party structures, the IEC and the South African Police Service.
FORMAL COMPLAINTS AND CRIMINAL CASE
Dr Fortuin has formally raised the matter with the Independent Electoral Commission and has also communicated with the leadership of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, including its President, Floyd Shivambu, as well as the Provincial Chairperson and Provincial Secretary.
The Provincial Chairperson has indicated that the matter is being investigated.
Dr Fortuin has subsequently opened a criminal case at Durbanville Police Station on 17 September 2026.
The case notification provided by Dr Fortuin records the matter under the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 and refers to section 89(2). Dr Fortuin says the criminal complaint is intended to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the alleged unauthorised use of his name and candidacy are properly investigated.
“I discovered on 16 September that my name appeared on the IEC candidate lists and that I was apparently standing in seven wards in Bergrivier Municipality. I did not consent to this candidacy, and I did not authorise anyone to submit my name.”
“I WANT TO KNOW HOW MY NAME GOT THERE”
Dr Fortuin says he is seeking clear answers from both the electoral authorities and the political structures involved. “I have approached the IEC and the relevant political leadership because I want to know exactly how my name came to appear on these candidate lists. If there is documentation showing that I consented to this candidacy, I want to see it.”
He says the matter is particularly serious because his name is being presented to voters as an election candidate in multiple wards.
“This is not simply a political disagreement. It concerns my name and my right to decide whether I participate in an election as a candidate. I cannot accept my name being used as a candidate without my knowledge or consent.”
HIGH COURT ACTION CONTEMPLATED
Dr Fortuin says that if the matter is not resolved, he intends approaching the High Court for appropriate relief. This may include seeking an order requiring the relevant party and/or electoral authorities to remove his name from the candidate list, subject to the determination of the court.
“I have exhausted the initial channels available to me, and I have opened a criminal case. If necessary, I will approach the High Court to protect my rights and to ensure that my name is removed from the candidacy if it is established that I was placed on the list without my consent.”
QUESTIONS THAT REQUIRE ANSWERS
Dr Fortuin is calling for transparency regarding:
Who submitted his name as a candidate;
On whose authority his name was submitted;
What nomination documentation was submitted to the IEC;
Whether an acceptance or consent form was submitted in his name;
How his name came to appear as a candidate in seven wards in Bergrivier Municipality; and what corrective action will be taken if it is established that his candidacy was submitted without his authorisation.
Dr Fortuin says he will cooperate with any investigation by the SAPS, IEC and relevant political structures.
“I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for transparency and accountability.
Every candidate has the right to decide whether they wish to stand for election.
My position is clear: I did not consent to being placed on these candidate lists, and I want the matter properly investigated.”
Media Enquiries:
Dr Chadrick Fortuin
Cell: +27 62 308 7202
Email: Chadrick@Worker.com
