ANC calls on UCT to act against DASO breaches
The ANC Western Cape notes with concern the flagrant flouting of SRC election rules and University of Cape Town by-laws by DASO (DA student organisation) in the recent SRC elections held on from 17 to 21 September 2012 (see report).
Accordingly, and in view of the fact that the Election Committee took an exceedingly grim view of DASO's unacceptable conduct, the ANC calls for an immediate investigation into this matter by the University authorities as well as firm sanction against the guilty parties, says ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman (Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation).
The allegations is noted with serious concern that the DA has bought votes by using almost double the amount of money permitted in their student election campaign by handing out hundreds of hot chocolates and candyfloss (with money they were not allowed to use in the campaign) attempting to unduly influence the elections results.
It is also a matter of serious concern when nearly one third of the total votes (2 312 votes) had to be discarded (and nullified as per Election Committee decision) because of a specific political party's student group having intimidated voters by forcing them to vote in front of their DA campaigners.
Far from being the custodians of good and clean governance, DASO demonstrates the same arrogance and duplicity as its parent body - talking right but acting wrong; advocating for good citizenry but breaking the rules and pretending good governance but contravening the law.
The failure of UCT authorities to take decisive action against DASO is tantamount to encouraging their negative conduct and will lead to misdemeanours in other areas of university life. It will also signal that UCT authorities are soft on dealing with issues of governance and / or biased towards DASO and by omission condoning their unlawful and prejudicial actions.
The ANC challenge the DA to take action against the hooligans in their youth ranks at UCT by severely censuring them. In fact, in view of the serious view that the Elections Committee took of their crass actions, it is probably more appropriate to act against them by penalising them with expulsion or at least disqualification.
We note that despite the shenanigans of DASO, the SASCO and Independents were able to secure the majority of the vote and the top four positions.
Statement issued by Western Cape ANC leader Marius Fransman, October 10 2012
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