At the time, the Executive Mayor stated that Chabaan had approached several councillors in the DA to cross the floor in September to the National People’s Party. Councillor Chabaan has since stated that he has secured significant numbers of councillors and has made clear his intention to unseat the government of Cape Town.

The administration subsequently stated that they had secured sworn evidence that “Chabaan is allegedly paying councillors between R5 000 and R10 000 per month until the September floor crossing period”.

Media reports late last week indicated that the City Speaker had handed this evidence over to the authorities.

Today the ID is in a position to reveal that the latest alleged tactic from Mr Chabaan and his financial backers is the distribution of fake agreements they claim to have with councillors ahead of the walk-over period.

The ID is in possession of one of these naming our Athlone sub-council chairperson, Cllr Jameelah Daniels, as someone who has signed with the new National People’s Party. The Speaker is also in possession of another such document with ID councillor Ernest Sonnenberg’s name on it. Both are without a signature from either of these two councillors. Chabaan is a witness to both these alleged agreements.

The ID believes this is a tactic to influence other councillors to walk-over by showing them these fake documents. Given Chabaan’s comments relating to the DA, in which he claims to have secured 50 councillors, the ID may not be the only victims in this deceitful game. It is clear that Chabaan is trying to destabilise and sow mistrust among caucuses ahead of September 1.

The two councillors in question have had lengthy discussions with the party and have assured the ID that:

·        They have not signed an agreement with Chabaan or the National People’s Party;

·        They have not received any money from him;

·        They are not joining any other party during the walk-over period which opens of September 1; and

·        That they are loyal and committed members of the ID.

The ID Cape Town leadership wishes to state that we have the fullest confidence and trust in our Councillors. We condemn completely the underhand and damaging tactics currently been used. These actions are having an intolerable affect on those concerned.

Chabaan has stated his intention to try to get enough councillors to hold the balance of power in municipalities so as to enter into a local government agreement with the ANC leadership in the Western Cape.

Given the allegations being investigated against Chabaan, this represents the single biggest threat to our young democracy. As a democracy, we could not accept a situation where we are potentially faced with the buying and selling of elected representatives.

The ID calls on the leaders of the ANC in the Western Cape, including James Ngculu and Ebrahim Rasool, to publicly distance themselves from going into any alliance with Badih Chabaan and his allies anywhere in the Western Cape.

It is within the power of the major political parties in the Western Cape to ensure that the mutated political entity which Chabaan wants to cobble together is stillborn: we call on the DA and ANC to state publicly that they will not govern anywhere with him or his allies.

The ID also urges the authorities to move swiftly on the investigation publicised by Zille.

Issued by Simon Grindrod - 084 200 6060
ID Caucus Leader in Cape Town

ENDS –

 
Press Release
Cllr Jameelah Daniels

On Monday, 13 August 2007, I was called to a meeting by the ID caucus Leader, Cllr Simon Grindrod, as a matter of urgency.

I met with Cllr Grindrod and the CEO of the party, Mr F Christians. They informed me as follows:

The ID and speaker received a fax copy of a letter which implicates me as having been made an offer by the National Peoples Party offering me two terms to serve as the Helderberg sub-council Chairperson after September 2007 walk – over period. (the copy of the said letter is available)

I hereby wish to state categorically that I never received such a letter or proposal directly from the National Peoples Party.

When I was shown the letter by Cllr Grindrod, it was the first time I became aware of the supposed offer by the National Peoples Party.

Over the past four months I have had to deal with numerous allegations against me based on vicious rumours and malicious mischief making by my political opponents.

I have a message for these spineless, nameless and faceless individuals who tried their utmost to destroy my character and good standing in the community.

I appeal to them that should they have personal problems with me, to be man or women enough to openly confront or approach me. Don’t be cowards as it is difficult to defend yourself against ghosts who have their own personal aspirations and agendas.

To the scumbag who has neither principals or morals who sent this letter to the ID and the Speaker’s office, my message is this “If you feel insecure and you lack morality, please do yourself a favour and seek an urgent appointment with a psychiatrist as you obviously have some serious mental issues to deal with.

My appeal to the media is to please establish all your facts before you report stories in the media which have no substance, as it is not about stories just to sell your newspapers without giving thought to the effect it has on people’s lives.

I hereby state that I remain a loyal and supportive Independent Democrats member and leader.

I thank you

Cllr Jameelah Daniels
Chairperson
Athlone and District  Sub-Council