The Good Party says it will conduct a formal disciplinary hearing against its Western Cape representative, Peter De Villiers. De Villiers is accused of sexual misconduct.

The hearing, it says, follows an internal investigation conducted after De Villiers was suspended in February. At the time, the party noted that the complaint against him, was made by another member of the party.

“GOOD has summarily suspended Peter de Villiers from all party activities after receiving a complaint of sexual misconduct from a party member.” – Brett Herron, Good Secretary-General (2 February 2024).

In a statement released on Monday, the party noted that the complaint was lodged against De Villiers on 31 January. It also went on to provide more detail on the “misconduct” allegation, noting that the complaint related to “sexual assault and sexual harassment”. De Villiers was served a charged sheet on 23 February.

Good says that it decided that a hearing would be the appropriate next step in the matter – after concluding its internal investigation.

“The GOOD Constitution provides for a fair and just disciplinary process to adjudicate the matter… GOOD has appointed an independent Disciplinary Hearing Chairperson, Adv Lionel Esau, and an independent initiator (to fulfil the prosecutorial function), Adv Peter Cyster.”

The party’s Brett Herron added that De Villiers will have his own legal counsel at the hearing.

The upcoming hearing will span two days. The oral evidence will commence on 7 March 2024.

De Villiers’ and the Good Party

The former Springbok coach has been a member of the Good party since 2021 – primarily operating in the Drakenstein Local Municipality. In 2023, De Villiers moved on to represent the party in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature.