By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
GOOD party has fired former springbok coach turned politician Peter de Villiers from the political party after its internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
The party’s National Management Committee (NMC) terminated De Villiers’ membership of the party and removed him as a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature.
This decision to dismiss de Villiers comes after a disciplinary process concluded De Villiers breached the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
Allegations surfaced on 31 January, leading to his immediate suspension pending investigation.
GOOD national chairperson Matthew Cook, said the NMC decision was based on the outcome of a party disciplinary process which found De Villiers guilty of breaching the GOOD Constitution and Code of Conduct.
On January 31, 2024, GOOD received a formal complaint of sexual misconduct against De Villiers. The nature of the allegations warranted his immediate suspension from party activities pending an investigation and formal disciplinary hearing.
“GOOD is a women-led party, with a Constitution containing a set of values to which all members subscribe and account, irrespective of their positions.
“The GOOD Constitution deals comprehensively and unequivocally with gender rights and sexual misconduct. The party is proud of its record of advocacy for the equal rights of women and girls, and against the plague of gender-based violece in South Africa”.
Cook, said Deputy secretary-general Suzette Little has been sworn in to complete De Villiers’ term.
Earlier on Monday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape confirmed De Villiers has been criminally charged in the Malmesbury Regional Court.
He has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and crimen injuria and the matter has been postponed until May 15.