By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield has rejected former party leader Nqaba Bhanga’s accusations against federal council chairperson Helen Zille.
Bhanga posted on his Facebook Page that: “Helen Zille is the most racist person. She [has] got a file of all back people.
In a statement, Whitfield said Bhanga further claimed that Zille had conducted an investigation into his property, which he said was false.
“The only body tasked with investigation in the DA is the federal legal commission (FLC), a politically independent body within the party, and can only be commenced with after a formal complaint has been lodged and tagged. The FLC conducts its work without fear and favour,” Whitfield said.
On Monday, Bhanga was given 48 hours to explain why he must not be suspended from the party.
Whitfield said it was difficult to speculate on what led Bhanga to post the “obviously and verifiably” false claims instead of raising them within the structures of the party.
“Sadly, this latest incident is part of a deeply unfortunate pattern of destructive personal behaviour. The DA leadership have on several occasions made interventions and have attempted to support him to deal with the underlying issues. Bhanga has, however, reneged on his commitments to these interventions.
Bhanga went on to say, “I learnt how Zille got information to try to destroy the ANC. I’m hurt to know that you were working with the ANC against me (sic).”
African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson in the province, Loyiso Magqashela rubbished Bhanga’s allegations involving the ANC.
“It’s just rubbish and we can’t be involved in their petty things.
“We can’t plot with the DA against Bhanga, he is a nobody.
“Why would we do that? We have our fair share of internal matters so we don’t have time to be plotting against him with the DA, which is also an opposition.