The Good Party has launched a scathing attack on the Democratic Alliance (DA)-run City of Cape Town for its decision to allocate R600,000 towards sponsoring the upcoming Cape Town Funny Festival, a significant entertainment event partnered with the city and organised by entertainment entity Jive. The festival, which will celebrate its 26th edition on June 5, features prominent comedians like Marc Lottering and Ryad Moosa, with tickets priced between R180 and R250.
The Good Party’s leaders are raising alarm over the potential misuse of public funds, accusing the DA of political patronage and demanding answers from Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Formal questions have been sent to Hill-Lewis demanding clarity on the spending and several staff appointments within the mayor’s office, which they argue lack transparency.
According to a statement from the Good Party, “We are demanding full transparency on whether due process was followed, and whether these appointments comply with the City’s governance and HR frameworks.” The party’s concerns echo broader apprehensions about governance and accountability in the city administration.
This sponsorship and the apparent ties to former opposition councillors in positions within the mayor’s office have led to increased scrutiny. The Good Party, founded by Patricia De Lille—a former DA member—insists that their inquiries are not merely a “political witch-hunt,” but rather a necessary step to safeguard the integrity of Cape Town’s democratic institutions.
“This is not a matter of political point-scoring but rather about defending the integrity of our democratic institutions and ensuring that public funds are used to serve the residents of Cape Town,” the party stated. They stressed that the people of Cape Town deserve clarity on whether their city is functioning in their best interests or merely benefiting a select few well-connected individuals.
In their correspondence to Mayor Hill-Lewis, the Good Party articulated a comprehensive list of questions seeking details about the staffing and recruitment policies in the Executive Mayor’s office. Key inquiries include the current staffing establishment, justification for the employment of certain former opposition councillors, and the process followed during their recruitment.
- What is the staff establishment and organogram for the Executive Mayor’s office?
- When were these staff establishments approved?
- What is the recruitment policy and process that applies to staff in the Executive Mayor’s office?
- Who are the incumbent staff members?
The questions also delve into specifics regarding former opposition councillors employed or previously employed within the mayor’s office, highlighting a demand for clarity on their positions, qualifications, salaries, and whether the proper recruitment processes were adhered to during their appointments.
The Good Party has stated they await a comprehensive response from Mayor Hill-Lewis and will continue their pursuit for accountability to ensure public funds are managed appropriately and transparently.