Dr John Hayes, a senior medical practitioner and then Speaker of the Cederberg Municipal Council, reposted a video on Facebook depicting a group of monkeys and baboons looting items from a vehicle.
The video was captioned: “Be careful. EFF strike started” and “Looting trend in SA.”
The content of the post drew serious concern due to its clear racial connotations.
Hayes maintained that he does not regard the video as racist and has testified that he still finds it humorous.
He was Speaker of Council at the time.
After three years, including investigations and disciplinary proceedings, Anton Bredell, the MEC for Local Government, confirmed the findings of the Cederberg Municipal Council.
Hayes was found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct in the following respects: Engaging in grossly inappropriate conduct with racist connotations; failing to act in the best interests of the Municipality; and acting in a manner that compromised the credibility and integrity of the Municipality.
Picture: Supplied