Cape Town – The EFF has reportedly said that it will not retract the R1.8 million Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV gifted to AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo in November 2021, despite his appearance at an ANC rally on Friday.
The party said that the car was a gift and not a bribe for political support.
According to The Citizen, King Dalindyebo, known for his allegiance to the EFF, surprised many by attending the ANC rally and celebrating his 60th birthday with ANC leaders.
Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo ✊️Kumkani yaba Thembu. pic.twitter.com/vqPBm6m8Nl
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) April 5, 2024
On November 13, 2021, Malema presented Dalindyebo with the luxury car at a lavish event held at his Nkululekweni palace, following Dalindyebo’s assistance in the EFF campaign leading up to the November 1, 2021 municipal elections.
“I’m feeling brand new … like a multi-millionaire, just like the car. I’m very happy. It’s way above what I had expected. This is something else. What a wonderful surprise. So grateful, I’ve been placed on top of the world,” Dalindyebo said after receiving the vehicle.
Malema at the time, dismissed claims that his party was bribing the king with gifts, saying the EFF had been with the king from the time he was in prison.
[IN PICTURES 📸]
CIC @Julius_S_Malema and DP @FloydShivambu unwrapping the EFF gift to His Majesty King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
DP handed the keys to the appreciative hands of His Majesty.#EFFWelcomesKingDalindyebo pic.twitter.com/GnuJGjuQjb
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 13, 2021
Dalindyebo, known for his strong support of the EFF, has actively participated in various party events, including the 10th anniversary celebrations at the FNB stadium.
Additionally, he has shown solidarity by attending Malema’s rifle trial in East London on multiple occasions.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
