DA to submit new Tlokwe buy-election evidence to Public Protector 

The DA can reveal that the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini is not only using state resources for the purpose of buy-electioneering in Tlokwe, but also state employees.

According to a reply to a DA parliamentary question, since July 2013 the Department of Social Development has enlisted 63 state-employed social workers, 61 social auxiliary workers, 16 community development practitioners and 10 community development workers to conduct the ‘door-to-door' profiling in Tlokwe. 

The DA took control of the Tlokwe municipality for the second time on 2 July 2013. 

Given the proximity of the ‘door-to-door' profiling to crucial by-elections in the area, the implication is that the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini is using state employees for party political electioneering. 

The DA has already received confirmation that the Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, is investigating Minister Dlamini and her use of state resources regarding the Tlokwe food parcel distribution.

I will forward this new information to her and request that she include it in her current investigation.

These revelations are more than a mere coincidence given their timing and Minister Dlamini's evasive responses when previously questioned on her and her Department's recent interventions and intentions in Tlokwe.

The DA will continue to hold her and others like her who manipulate state resources to score political points to account.

Statement issued by Mike Waters MP, DA Shadow Minister of Social Development, November 5 2013

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