FF+ Councillor Sparks Controversy By Backing ANC Motion Against DA Mayor

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

A Freedom Front Plus councillor is under scrutiny for supporting an ANC motion of no confidence in a Democratic Alliance mayor.
Juan van Schalkwyk, the speaker of the Swellendam Local Municipality, played a pivotal role in the motion against Francois du Rand.
This decision has sparked heated debates among South Africans, with opinions ranging from freedom of choice to betrayal of party loyalty.

Freedom Front Plus councillor Juan van Schalkwyk has caused a stir by siding with the ANC against the DA. Image: News62 (X)/ The Good Brigade Source: Getty Images

Let me tell you a story from the Western Cape, where things just got a little bit spicy. A councillor from the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) found himself in some hot water after supporting a motion to remove a Democratic Alliance mayor. Talk about drama!

Enter Juan van Schalkwyk, the speaker of the Swellendam Local Municipality. He cast his vote alongside the African National Congress to oust Francois du Rand as mayor. Now, let’s be clear—this isn’t just any vote. This is a vote of no confidence, and it happened on January 27, 2025. The council is now set to elect a new mayor on February 3, 2025, so the clock is ticking.

FF+ Takes a Closer Look at van Schalkwyk’s Actions

The FF+ isn’t exactly thrilled with van Schalkwyk’s move. Their leader, Pieter Groenewald, made it crystal clear that the party didn’t approve of supporting the ANC in motions like this one. As a result, they’re launching an investigation into his conduct. It’s like when your buddy does something wild, and you’re left scratching your head, wondering what just happened.

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“The Swellendam incident will be referred to the relevant structures in the party for thorough investigation and appropriate action,” Groenewald emphasized.

DA mayor Francois du Rand was ousted in a vote of no confidence. Image: @mbuso_siera Source: Twitter

Social Media Weighs In: A House Divided

When news of van Schalkwyk’s decision broke, it sent shockwaves through social media. Some folks were utterly amused, while others were deeply divided. Picture this: you’ve got a room full of people, and everyone’s got an opinion. Some argued that van Schalkwyk had every right to vote however he pleased, exercising his freedom of choice. Others, though, felt he betrayed his party’s mandate.

Solly Mothabela chimed in, saying:

“If he went against the party line then he must be fired.”

Obakeng Fizzy Motshwarakgole had a different take:

“Why should he be dictated to? You see they even want to do it to their people. Hot water for what? It's his democratic right. Surely, he saw something wrong and stood up and said no😂.”

Gift Mpofu couldn’t help but laugh: