KIMBERLEY – WhatsApp messages posted by Ockert Fourie, a Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor for Ward 25 of the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley, have sparked controversy. The messages include the councillor explicitly calling for unregistered residents to remove themselves from a service delivery group and denying them access to essential services, based on their voter registration status.
The implications are deeply troubling, suggesting a potential misuse of the councillor’s position to promote a political agenda rather than serving all constituents equally. Residents are outraged by the councillor’s actions, with some directly challenging him within the WhatsApp group. The screenshots reveal demands for accountability and calls to restore equal access to services for all Ward 25 residents.
In one conversation, a concerned resident expressed her concern that unregistered residents would be denied access to the group and have their complaints ignored.
While another resident pointed out that the group was created to address ward-related issues, not to discuss voter registration. He cited a legal provision that prohibits voter intimidation and urged the councillor to focus on addressing the needs of all residents, regardless of their voter registration status.
In response to the criticism, Councillor Fourie doubled down, suggesting that those who haven’t registered to vote should take their complaints to “the ruling ELECTED PARTY” instead, bluntly stating, “YOU have made YOUR CHOICE!!!!”
These exchanges highlight the deeply concerning implications of Councillor Fourie’s actions. His attempt to deny essential services to residents based on their voter registration status appears to be a clear violation of their rights and actions that potentially undermine his responsibility as a public servant.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of elected officials in serving all constituents, regardless of their political affiliation. Councillor Fourie’s actions seem to have fallen far short of this standard.
The WhatsApp Messages
The following screenshots have been redacted to protect resident privacy and comply with the POPI Act.
Councillor’s Party Remains Silent
The Kimberley Prospector reached out to the DA Director of Communications, Richard Newton, for comment on the allegations against Councillor Fourie. Despite our longstanding challenges in communicating with the Democratic Alliance Northern Cape (DANC) and our email being read, we received no response in time for publication.
We will continue to update the community as more information becomes available.