By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Western Cape DA leader and former provincial community safety MEC Albert Fritz has resigned in the wake of a sexual misconduct scandal.
Fritz resigned hours after DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille gave him 24 hours to give reasons why he should not be suspended from the caucus and party activities.
This was after Western Cape Premier Alan Winde earlier fired him from the provincial government’s executive council following the release of the independent report into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The party’s provincial chairperson Jaco Londt confirmed Fritz’s resignation.
“The DA in the Western Cape notes the resignation of Albert Fritz as provincial leader and as a member of the party. This means that the provincial leader position is vacant and will be filled at the next provincial council meeting, scheduled for May 2022,” Londt said.
He also said deputy provincial leader Tertius Simmers would continue as acting leader until the election.
“Further information on the election will be communicated once a presiding officer has been appointed,” Londt said.
Fritz’s troubles started when allegations of sexual harassment against staffers in his department when he was the MEC for social development surfaced.
This prompted Winde to institute an investigation and advocate Jennifer Williams undertook her independent investigation to test the veracity of several allegations that were made against him.