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Statement by James Selfe MP, Chairperson of the Federal Executive of the Democratic Alliance

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Following media reports that appeared in Die Son, the Daily Dispatch, the Weekend Post and the Herald newspapers, I was asked by the Federal Leader of the Party, Mmusi Maimane MP, to investigate claims that:

  1. The list process in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) had been manipulated in any way, so as to benefit certain candidates over others; and
  2. Mr Trollip had attempted to bribe Ms Nontuthuzelo Jack on Sunday 20 March, to “find dirt” on Ms Mvenya, and to be a witness in a disciplinary case against Councillor Bahle, without which testimony, the DA would lose.

I am very pleased to be able to announce that both these allegations are false, baseless and in the second instance, egregiously damaging to the dignity and reputation of the Provincial Leader, Mr Athol Trollip. The investigation revealed that at the time that Ms Jack deposed that Athol Trollip had tried to bribe her, he was in fact in Port Alfred. I have been shown documentary proof to this effect which shows conclusively that he could not possibly have been in Port Elizabeth at the time this incident allegedly occurred. Accordingly charges of crimen injuria and perjury have been laid against Ms Jack at the Motherwell SAPS.

We have also laid a complaint with the Press Ombudsman against the Daily Dispatch for publishing these untruths without properly verifying their accuracy.

As far as alleged manipulation of the lists is concerned, I was able to track and verify every stage of the candidates’ selection process, and could find absolutely no irregularity at all. Each of the various allegations was examined and found to be misplaced. Accordingly, I have recommended that, if any person, subsequent to the delivery of this report, alleges that the process was not correctly administered, he or she be charged with misconduct in terms of the Party’s constitution.

We all know that the DA can and will mount a serious challenge to win the NMBM. Our figures show that the ANC is in a lot of trouble in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole and the DA is set to win. Accordingly, it would appear that the ANC is rolling out a version of “Operation Reclaim”, in a (vain) attempt to destabilise our campaign and distract our voters. We see this behind these allegations.

We will continue to mobilise the voters with our message of real change, in which the voters of Nelson Mandela Bay can look forward to corruption-free administration dedicated to delivering excellent services to all the people, and to job-creating economic growth.

Regards

James Selfe

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