Cape Town — The Democratic Alliance (DA) announced its intention to take legal action against two of its former members for their defamatory social media posts against the party.
Former members, Mbali Ntuli and Tsepo Mhlongo, will both face legal action from their former party for comments made towards the party.
According to a DA statement, the party’s National spokesperson, Werner Horn, addressed the comments made by both members and wanted to set the record straight.
“The DA takes all complaints of possible misconduct seriously and handles them in accordance with our Federal Constitution. In the case of Mr Tsepo Mhlongo, he was given a fair opportunity to address the serious allegations against him during a formal hearing, where he was found guilty of misconduct based on dishonesty in the performance of his duties,” Horn said.
❌ In response to recent defamatory statements from individuals like Mbali Ntuli and Tsepo Mhlongo, legal action will be pursued by the DA.
It is time to hold accountable those who spread fake news and make wild claims without evidence. https://t.co/XTbTXzDDEH
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) December 5, 2023
Mhlongo announced his expulsion from the DA on Tuesday, saying it was expected in some quarters, after he accused the DA leaders of underhanded applications of principles of fairness and justice, The Citizen reported.
“I must say without any doubt that I saw the termination of membership coming,” he said.
Mhlongo felt that there was too much inequality within the DA and compared the structures to that of Animal Farm, and saying black leaders suffered more.
“Not all animals are equal in the DA, reminiscent of the dynamics in Animal Farm. Especially for the black leaders within its structures.”
Mhlongo responded to the DA by saying he is waiting for them to take action against him, because he believes in fairness and justice.
“I’m waiting for them to take legal action – I believe in fairness and justice and I don’t tolerate corruption,” Mhlongo said on X in response to the allegations.
❌ I’m waiting for them to take legal action- I believe in fairness and justice and I dont tolerate corruption https://t.co/lUP8UVTIBS
— People’s servant (@tsepomhlongo) December 6, 2023
Ntuli, who quit the party in 2022, said she was made aware of the money from various quarters that was used to fund DA leader, John Steenhuisen’s campaign, which she believed was a violation of party rules.
“During that campaign every move I made was countered with new rules and rules being amended to hinder my campaign. In some instances to test the party I would do the same breaking of the rules as my opponent only for neither of us to be sanctioned but rather for a blanket ruling to be made.” she said.
“I had knowledge of many other instances over the years of the type of opponent I was running against and the lows they were willing to stoop,” she added in a lengthy X post.
When I ran for DA leader in 2020 I was made aware from various quarters that party money was being used to Fund John Steenhuisen’s campaign. This was in direct violation of party rules.
During that campaign every move I made was countered with new rules and rules being amended… pic.twitter.com/MOxkGZvKMK
— Mbali Ntuli (@mbalimcdust) December 5, 2023
In response, Horn said that, despite Ntuli not being with the party for over 20 months, she continues to comment on the party’s affairs.
“This seems to reflect more on her unresolved sentiments regarding her unsuccessful bid for the Federal Leader position than on the internal processes of the Party or the conduct of Federal Leader John Steenhuisen.
While the DA and Mr Steenhuisen acknowledge the scrutiny that comes with leadership roles, the recent unsubstantiated allegations made by Ms Ntuli are false, defamatory, and will lead to legal consequences,” Horn added.
“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the principles that guide our party. The DA will continue to focus on serving the interests of the South African people and promoting a fair and just political landscape,” Horn concluded.
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Picture: X/@KmoRamamba
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
