Cape Town – The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) leader, Bathabile Dlamini has come under scrutiny following her lavish 60th birthday celebration.
The former social development minister celebrated her 60th birthday over the weekend with an opulent party that, according to Times Live, was attended by politicians and prominent figures.
The birthday party was held at The Zunguness venue in Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, as per social media reports.
Former health minister Zweli Mkhize, suspended former ANC military veterans movement president Carl Niehaus, suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, former Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane and former communications minister Faith Muthambi were some of the guests in attendance.
Bathabile Dlamini 60th Birthday celebration. Dr. Zweli Mkhize is everywhere, parties, churches, alles! pic.twitter.com/k9rYWvPJ69
— Thohoyandou ?? ?? (@AlbaMokopane) November 27, 2022
Dlamini’s lavish birthday celebration came months after she asked the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court to be lenient on her, as she was a single mother and only earned R110 ooo per month.
Dlamini was found guilty of perjury by Magistrate Betty Khumalo for lying under oath and sentenced to four years in prison or a R200 000 fine for perjury.
However, the court was told Dlamini survived on a R40 000 pension from parliament as a former MP and R70 000 from the ANC Women’s League which she used to maintain herself, household and extended family.
When snaps of her lavish party appeared on social media, many questioned how the opulent party was funded given the financial struggles presented in court.
Here are some reactions on Twitter
Not so long ago she was crying poverty… Wow! Did she win the lottery since then?
— zediputse (@estupidez8) November 28, 2022
Is this the same Bathabile Dlamini who told the court she had no money for her fine in the perjury case. Wow, and she throwing 60th birthday party , as rotten as they come @sbahlesonke0 pic.twitter.com/UFn1HAlk9s
— SA Taxpayer (@SAtaxpayer007) November 28, 2022
She said she doesn’t have money for perjury case but not for her birthday party, these are two separate matters
— Lucky Mbatha (@Mthiya_Nhla) November 28, 2022
Courts must take their finger out and attach assets of those claimimg they have no money
— pamela (@PamelaSalalah) November 28, 2022
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Picture: Twitter/ @_AfricanSoil
Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
