Axed DA members pens letter critics party
The case pertains to a bank account linked to De Freitas which he alleges among other things was used to finance John Steenhuisen’s Campaign in 2020.
Ex Democratic Alliance (DA) member and parliamentarian, Tsepo Mhlongo has hit back at the DA for flawed internal party policies with current leadership and underhanded tactics when dealing with black leaders within its structures.
In a media statement he hit back at the former party where he served for over two decades and cast his disapproval at the turnout and handling of the matter.
Mhlongo’s demise within the DA comes after the party decided to terminate his membership after he was charged in what the DA claimed activists in his constituency allegedly wrongfully captured information on the system.
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He rubbished claims of him cooking the books and said the party failed to consider fairness and pursuit for justice in taking its decision. He also slammed the inability to appeal the party’s decision.
“My membership termination leaves me unable to appeal the decision, which is a situation that seemingly contradicts the democratic principles I stood for, for the past 25 years as a member of the DA and so does the party. The truth, however, has a way of revealing itself in due time,” the statement read.
Mhlongo cited that his expulsion from the DA was a way to kick him to the curb for blowing the whistle on Manuel de Freitas in 2021, on allegations of corruption.
The case pertains to a bank account linked to De Freitas which he alleges among other things was used to finance John Steenhuisen’s Campaign in 2020.
Mhlongo further accused the party of sweeping the case he initiated against Manuel de Freitas under the carpet and citing that no proper investigation or process of disciplinary action was followed.
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In addition, he claims that when he raised concerns about this case, he was dismissed for having been ‘ interfering with FLC process’ by Helen Zille, who is the party’s federal Council Chairperson.
In addition, he believes that he was subjected to a “kangaroo court” by some of its leaders who had a problem with him raising the matter of corruption against De Freitas.
He said he believed that the particular case was at the core of his expulsion and alleged to be in possession of information that could prove this.
“In lieu of the decision taken against me, I believe that a crucial step towards transparency was not universally embraced which pages in light of the liberal principles that the DA ought to adhere to.
“It pains me to witness the protection of those in leadership, hindering justice,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Mhlongo has announced ActionSA as his new political home. In a social media post shared on Thursday last week he announced his move to ActionSA where he was welcomed by the party’s president Herman Mashaba.
