In a recent development, a trip undertaken by two senior officials from Theewaterskloof Municipality to watch the Rugby World Cup final has stirred up a funding dispute and ignited debate over its true purpose. Deputy Mayor John Michels and Speaker Derick Appel embarked on a journey to France and the UK, which the municipality has labeled an “official state visit.” Their itinerary included attending the Rugby World Cup final in Paris and meetings with embassy officials.
A letter dated 17 October, addressed to Zane Dangor, the director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), from Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, the municipal manager of Theewaterskloof Municipality, outlined the travel plans of Michels and Appel from 23 to 31 October, with the highlight being their presence in Paris for the Rugby World Cup final. The letter also mentioned a partnership engagement with the Leicester Tigers Rugby in the UK and meetings with embassy officials to discuss trade and investment.
Theewaterskloof Municipality, located in the Western Cape’s Overberg region, is governed by a coalition of the ANC, Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the Good Party. Notably, Appel, who also serves as the treasurer for the Western Cape ANC, faces charges related to an alleged assault on three law enforcement officers during centenary celebrations in September. Michels had previously faced internal investigation charges within the Good party, stemming from sexual harassment allegations earlier this year.
Questions have arisen regarding who is financing this trip, prompting the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Theewaterskloof to seek answers from the PA, ANC, and Good coalition. The DA expressed concern that the official visit might merely serve as a pretext for attending rugby matches and meeting with a rugby club while essential municipal services suffer due to perceived corruption and ineffective leadership.
Isaac Sileku, the DA’s constituency head in Theewaterskloof, called on the PA-led coalition to clarify the purpose of the trip and identify its financial sponsor, if not the municipality.
In response to inquiries from the media, Theewaterskloof Municipality’s spokesperson, Hugo Geldenhuys, stated that the trip was not funded by the municipality, nor was it organized by the municipality. However, he did not confirm the source of funding, directing inquiries about payment to Michels and Appel themselves. Both officials claimed to be personally covering the expenses of their “official state visit.”
Appel initially referred media inquiries to Geldenhuys but later stated that he was personally financing his trip. Michels, on the other hand, confirmed his participation in the trip but did not disclose who was funding it. He emphasized that the municipality was not contributing financially to his journey, contradicting the reason given in the official letter.
Geldenhuys explained that the letter was drafted to request diplomatic support for Michels and Appel during their overseas visit, enabling them to act on behalf of Theewaterskloof Municipality. He suggested that the officials aimed to explore opportunities for the municipality, including potential partnerships with foreign municipalities and sports organizations.
The controversy deepens as it remains unclear why an official letter was sent to Dirco if the municipality was not funding the trip and if Michels and Appel were traveling independently. Geldenhuys stated that the officials intended to approach local municipalities abroad and seek support in forging partnerships, even though the municipality was not covering any expenses. He emphasized that no council decision had been made regarding the trip.
Regarding Appel’s participation, despite facing legal charges, Geldenhuys pointed out that the charges had not been formally presented, and the case was postponed for further investigation.
In response to the unfolding situation, the president of the PA, Gayton McKenzie, vehemently refuted the DA’s claims. He stated on X (formerly known as Twitter), “There is no PA mayor that will or intend to attend the Rugby World Cup Final at taxpayers’ expense. The Democratic Alliance’s lies are actually embarrassing, what is wrong with the DA, stop with your lies about the PA. We know you fear us but this is bordering on obsession.”