In February this year the Democratic Alliance suspended the Mayor of George, Charles Standers from all party activities, after Standers wife filed charges of domestic violence against him.
Standers wife has decided not to continue with the charges against her husband and the DA has lifted the Mayor's suspension.
The question is how long you can sustain a suspension when you have no evidence to justify a successful disciplinary case.
— James Selfe, Democratic Alliance's Federal Executive Chairman
Selfe reiterates the DA's concern about issues of domestic abuse in South Africa and acknowledges that many women do withdraw charges in fear. However without evidence the party cannot take the matter further at this stage.
We can't keep a suspension indefinitely if there is no evidence to proceed. If future evidence comes to light we will revisit the matter.
— James Selfe, Democratic Alliance's Federal Executive Chairman
Selfe says a member of the DA in George did everything she could to contact Mrs Standers and find out what had happened, but to no avail.
The person concerned simply indicated she did not want to take the matter further.
— James Selfe, Democratic Alliance's Federal Executive Chairman
Listen to what James Selfe has to say about the upcoming Municipal Elections and if this would effect Mayor Standers as a candidate in any way.