Opposition parties in the Overstrand Municipality have given a mixed response to the resignation of Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie. While some see this as an opportunity for change, others have raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her departure.
On Wednesday, Democratic Alliance (DA) Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers acknowledged Rabie’s decision to step down after serving as Overstrand mayor since November 2021.
“Under the stewardship of Mayor Rabie and the collective efforts of the municipal team, the Overstrand Municipality has continued to lead the way in demonstrating that service delivery and ethical governance go hand in hand.
“Just last year, Overstrand Municipality achieved a clean audit for the 2024 financial year – the 12th consecutive clean audit for the DA-run municipality,” Simmers said.
Rabie reflected on her tenure, saying: “In the beginning, it was a steep learning curve with several challenges due to outstanding business we inherited from the previous term.
“I am, however, proud to say that this chapter can be closed with the rollover matters all being concluded at the end of January this year.”
Rabie will officially step down on April 1. Simmers confirmed that the process of nominating a new mayor would commence in due course.
“In the interim and beyond, the momentum of excellent service delivery will continue to be provided to residents of the municipality.
“We thank Mayor Rabie for her unwavering dedication to serving the municipality and residents. We wish her well in her future endeavours,” he added.
The Land Party’s councillor, Kholiswa Ngqandana, described Rabie’s tenure as a significant improvement over that of her predecessor, Dudley Coetzee, whose actions in 2018 which she claimed had caused substantial damage to the town.
“We believe that Dr Rabie's removal is a direct result of her dedication to equitable treatment for all communities, regardless of race, religion, creed, or background.
“She encountered opposition because she refused to allow the Zwelihle taxi rank to be used to incite violence against community leaders, prevented AfriForum's intrusive drone surveillance of black communities, and consistently respected the will of the people, especially those in the Zwelihle and Dubai informal settlements.
“She is, in essence, a victim of her own integrity, having stopped tenders that were funding illicit activities, including the hiring of assassins to target community leaders,” Ngqandana claimed.
The Land Party assured Overstrand residents, particularly those in marginalised communities, that they would remain steadfast in their fight against corruption and racial discrimination within the municipality.
“We are dedicated to making Overstrand Municipality a model for other municipalities by fighting corruption, dismantling gang-style leadership, and eliminating white supremacy and racism.
“We enjoyed a positive working relationship with Dr Annelie Rabie, characterised by mutual respect, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours,” the party stated.
GOOD Party Overberg District Councillor Bongani Sonqwenqwe welcomed Rabie’s resignation, citing allegations against her administration.
“Although the municipality has received numerous clean audits under Mayor Rabie, her administration has faced multiple allegations during her tenure.
“Most recently, a media outlet reported claims by the community that the Lake Marina Yacht Club was sold without following proper procedure to a friend of one of Rabie’s Mayco members. The matter is still under investigation. There is also a fraud case dating back to 2022 relating to the alleged misuse of municipal fuel and maintenance cards amounting to R47 million.
“Rabie was appointed to her position in the DA despite being fired from Business Against Crime (BAC), allegedly for inflating her salary and misusing the company’s credit card. GOOD believes that members of the executive need to be held to a higher standard, and we are shocked that Rabie was ever elected as the Overstrand mayor.”
Sonqwenqwe urged the council to elect a new mayor with integrity, who will prioritise the interests of the people.
Meanwhile, the municipality issued a statement thanking Rabie for her contributions.
“The municipality would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Rabie for her invaluable contributions to good governance and sound decision-making during her term. It has been a privilege to work with her in making Overstrand Municipality one of the best-run municipalities in the country.”