The circus that is the Swellendam political arena continued in ernst over the weekend with the Democratic Alliance set to make a comeback of note.
Over the weekend the Freedom Front Plus confirmed its loyalty to the coalition and vowed that Swellendam Speaker Juan van Schalwyk would never again vote against coalition lines.
This means that Francois du Rand, who was removed as Executive Mayor of the municipality a week before, is likely reclaim his seat later today (February 3).
In the meantime “new'” group known as Elephant in the Room (EITR) emerged and they sent the following information to various local news outlets.
*Important note: This information was copied from the Langeberg Bulletin’s Facebook Page.
**EITR (Elephant in the room)**Chapter 1** – see screenshot below
‘Although we welcome any investigation, we prefer it to be credible and without any agendas. All information was reported to the Federal government of all parties for action and comment, provincial government, national press so they can follow up, and a senior provincial SAPS member as part of their investigation. Furthermore, we will be posting things we pick from both sides.
Chapter 1:
• Ettienne Vermaak, representing the Speaker during his dismissal on racism charges in March 2016, the same Etienne Vermaak appointed by the Speaker to conduct the investigation and being used in the current situation with the vote against Francois du Rand, based on the findings.
Chapter 2 will include the evidence that Leigh Johnson was paid by Vermaak to write sections of the report, we are unable to establish if he wrote everything.
We have our legal team at the ready, we are aware of our actions, and we are ready for any consequences.’

This leaked email confirming that the issues between Du Rand and Van Schalwyk date back much further than this latests tiff, should be of great concern to ratepayers.
No comment from Du Rand as another “elephant enters the room”
Having tried his best to claim the moral high ground in this mudslinging match, Du Rand yesterday (Sunday) finally let one rip by sending out a scathing press release.
While the EITH group pointed out that they were in possession proving the long standing feud, News62 probed Du Rand about the Van Schalkwyk’s inclusion of council.
“In 2016, he (Van Schalkwyk) threatened municipal officials with a firearm when the Municipality attempted to disconnect his electricity due to non-payment,” Du Rand’s statement reads.
If this statement is correct and proven in court, the DA had knowingly introduced a “loaded gun” into council.
Du Rand opted not to answer the following question: In consideration of your press release, who made the decision to appoint Van Schalwyk as Speaker?
Below is a list of Responsibilities that were gifted to the man who had allegedly pulled a firearm at a municipal worker.
- Presiding over meetings: The Speaker chairs council meetings and ensures they are conducted in accordance with the council’s rules and orders
- Maintaining order: The Speaker ensures order during council meetings
- Enforcing the code of conduct: The Speaker ensures that council members and committees comply with the code of conduct
- Ensuring fair and impartial discussions: The Speaker ensures that discussions and debates are fair and impartial
- Encouraging community participation: The Speaker encourages community participation in the decision-making process
- Ensuring council resolutions are implemented: The Speaker ensures that council resolutions are implemented
- Reviewing the rules and orders policy: The Speaker reviews the rules and orders policy
Please see Du Rand’s full statement Bellow:
“In 2016, he threatened municipal officials with a firearm when the Municipality attempted to disconnect his electricity due to non-payment.
Van Schalkwyk was dismissed by the Swellendam Tourism Organisation (STO) board, of which I was the chairperson.
Advocate Etienne Vermaak, who represented Van Schalkwyk in that case, continues to provide him with legal advice.
Vermaak, a specialist in labour law and not in procurement processes, was irregularly appointed by the Council as an “independent investigator” to probe allegations of tender fraud against senior officials. Van Schalkwyk failed to declare his conflicting interests in this matter.
Vermaak did not interview any of the implicated municipal officials and disregarded the legal principles of natural justice, including the audi alteram partem principle (the right to a fair hearing).
Evidence has surfaced indicating that Leigh Johnson from TESS Engineering, the so-called “whistleblower,” was contracted by Vermaak to write parts of his report.
Johnson is currently selectively sharing confidential documents from the investigation with the public to create a specific narrative.
There is evidence that Johnson threatened and attempted to intimidate municipal officials during the investigation.
Van Schalkwyk has failed to take action against ANC councillors for violations despite the existence of concrete evidence.
There is clear evidence that Van Schalkwyk himself has violated the councillors’ code of conduct, and his disciplinary process is already underway, as outlined in Swellendam Council’s Standing Rules.
Van Schalkwyk regularly votes with the ANC in Council, violating the coalition agreement, without any consequences.
There is no evidence of misconduct against me, Francois du Rand—only unfounded allegations.
The so-called “offer” mentioned in the media and in the motion of no confidence against me, which is being used to push a false bribery narrative, is untrue. While an offer was made to an ANC councillor, no bribery occurred. I have evidence to support my position.
Corne Mulder’s agenda to replace DA mayors in the Western Cape is well known. He and the VF+ Western Cape executive, including Van Schalkwyk, are not honest with the Swellendam Municipality and South African residents. During a supposed joint caucus, they falsely claimed that the DA refused to proceed with the tender fraud investigation. No such caucus ever took place.
The DA caucus in Swellendam is committed to fair and just processes and rejects vindictive personal and political agendas.
I am fighting to ensure that processes are followed fairly and honestly. I am not protecting individuals but rather the integrity of due process and, in doing so, the reputation of the Swellendam Council and Municipality.
The disciplinary processes against certain officials have already been initiated to give them a fair opportunity to present their cases.
It is important to note that the allegations of tender fraud have not yet been tested or proven.
Last Wednesday, Van Schalkwyk was invited to a caucus to discuss the motion of no confidence, but he did not attend.
There is documented evidence dating back over 12 months, as well as witnesses, confirming that he had already planned to remove me as mayor and Anneleen Vorster as municipal manager with the assistance of the ANC.
Under DA leadership and thanks to the expertise of our senior management, Swellendam Municipality was ranked the third most financially sustainable Municipality in South Africa in 2024, as determined by Ratings Afrika. Financial sustainability is measured based on six critical components:
• Operational performance
• Liquidity management
• Debt control
• Budget position
• Affordability
• Infrastructure development
Swellendam Municipality recently received its seventh clean audit from the Auditor-General in nine years, which is evidence of responsible and efficient governance.
While we are not perfect and continue to face daily challenges, we achieve remarkable results despite capacity constraints. I trust that the VF+, under the leadership of Dr Pieter Groenewald, will carefully consider the impact of their decisions and directives regarding Van Schalkwyk, as they carry far-reaching consequences for the future of Swellendam Municipality and its residents.”