ANC covering up for Modise

8 July 2014

The ANC today released a statement regarding NCOP Chairperson Thandi Modise's farm in North West in an attempt to deflect attention from the fact that she treated her animals with criminal cruelty. 

Modise allowed her animals to die of hunger and thirst, subjecting them to unnecessary suffering and driving the surviving animals to cannibalism. 

This is a clear contravention of the Animal Protection Act. Modise should face the consequences for breaking the law, just like any other person. 

The assertion that the DA is somehow undermining land reform for holding Modise to account for breaking the law is ridiculous. She should be investigated by the relevant authorities and the law should run its course.

The ANC is covering for Modise. It shows how the party has no respect for the rule of law. Instead of covering for Modise by making false accusations against others, it should be holding Modise to account for breaking the law. 

The DA is proudly in favour of transformation in agriculture. Where we govern in the Western Cape, we have had huge success in transforming ownership of land through share equity schemes. We support land reform that works for everyone involved. 

This issue has nothing to do with land reform. This is about criminal negligence on the part of Modise and the ANC's willingness to do whatever it takes to cover for her. 

There are also a number of unanswered questions as to why Modise's farm workers left her farm unattended in the first place.  

We await the outcome of the police investigation into what happened at Modise's farm. Those responsible should face the consequences as set out in the Animal Protection Act.

Statement issued by Marius Redelinghuys MP, DA National Spokesperson, July 8 2014

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