DA EC leader Trollip's suspension overturned
DA Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip's suspension, for allegedly implying premier Phumulo Masualle was a "liar and a cheat", was overturned on Tuesday (14/10/2014).
"My reinstatement today [Tuesday] and the payment of my salary effectively overturn my suspension of two weeks and a fine of one month's salary," he said in a statement.
"I did not and could not apologise for calling the premier a liar, a cheat and a thief, because I never ever said that nor implied that."
The overturning of Trollip's suspension was part of an out-of-court settlement. The DA leader was also instructed to read out a statement in the legislature.
Trollip said he read out a statement on Tuesday.
The statement read: "I Roland Athol Price Trollip, as leader of the opposition, state that I have never said or implied that the premier had anything to do with changing or sanitisation of the opposition's question that was submitted for his attention and response. I apologise for any misunderstanding or embarrassment that might have been caused in this regard..."
Earlier this month, the legislature's ethics committee found Trollip guilty of bringing the institution into disrepute because it reportedly said he failed to apologise for implying that Masualle was a "liar and cheat".
The sanction handed down was a 15-day suspension and a fine of one month's salary.
Trollip at the time said he would oppose the sanction and approach the court for an urgent interdict.
The Democratic Alliance said in an earlier statement that an agreement had been reached but did not provide details.
According to the settlement, provided by Trollip on Tuesday, it was agreed that his salary would be paid to him "in the normal course and by no later than seven days from the date" of the order.
"In the event of compliance with the above and upliftment of the suspension, the aforesaid is in full and final settlement of all issues between the parties...
"Should the suspension not be uplifted then the applicant shall be entitled to re-enroll the application for hearing." - Sapa
